Exclusive! - Nitro TC3 spy shots!!

[SteveP]

Exclusive! Senior RC Nitro editor George M. Gonzalez recently made a timely visit to Team Associated and heard the lowdown on the year's most eagerly anticipated nitro touring car—Associated's Nitro TC3. Check out our spy shots of the preproduction prototype of this soon-to-be-released beast.

Click Here (http://www.rcnitro.com/articles/tc3.asp) for the complete story and many detailed chassis shots. Please, if you're going to gank the photos and post them elsewhere, please let them know where you got them!

http://www.rcnitro.com/articles/images/A_tc3/chassis_lge.jpg

[ 08-22-2001: Message edited by: SteveP ]

[krayzie]

OMG that pipe is UGLY!!!!! :eek:
Whoa it uses piviot balls..cool
all in all looks pretty good

Steve- I didnt say it wouldnt work, i just said it was ugly, :p

Kryazie http://www.plauder-smilies.de/tales/grim.gif

[ 08-22-2001: Message edited by: krayzie ]

[SteveP]

Dude - that pipe should be the bomb! Ugly or not, some big guns in the motocross industry contributed to the design of that pipe, and I hear the thing makes the engine scream!

[ 08-22-2001: Message edited by: SteveP ]

[RC10GTMark]

That looks exactly like a pipe on a motorcross bike, looks like an fmf gold series actually. Motorcross uses 2 stroke engines, so does rc, I think it will run sweet, despite it's looks. It actually looks normal to me, im used to motorcross. Normal rc pipes look kinda wierd to me.

[SteveP]

Actually, I think one of the guys who contributed to the design works with FMF. That's why it might look familiar.

[RC10GTMark]

Would not suprise me.

[JP]

There goes the mini BB review i was gonna do after the Chicago Hobby Show :( I'll have to do it on something else :/

Swweeeett. Too bad my local track decided to close on me otherwise this would be my next car come Christmas...

[B3Tyler]

Steve, this looks pretty dern sweet! Could you drop in a OS thumper?

[nitroracer911]

WOW... LOOK AT THAT PIPE!!!! :D

[bullfrog]

lol steve of COURSE u delete my post like i said .....what a news flash eh?????? :rolleyes:

[Turboduck01]

heh that looks cool

[mavrick0611]

Ya whats up with that? Bullfrog told us that the nitro tc3 was revieled. And Steve gave him a smart allice remark like: duh!

And Steve goes and makes this post like its something new? Com'on! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[ 08-23-2001: Message edited by: mavrick0611 ]

[SteveP]

Tell me where else you've seen detailed photos of the car. I'm not suggesting it's any big news that Associated is making the car, only that we have the only current detailed photos of the car - so there! :p Of course that will probably change in the next few days... :rolleyes:

[ 08-23-2001: Message edited by: SteveP ]

[atm92484]

I think I'm in love. :eek: That thing is awesome! Well I guess AE solved the dilema of how to install a rear exhaust engine in the Nitro TC3.

I just got done looking at the other pics. Man this thing is sweet and adjustable. I think AE may have done it again. If I just had a track to run at, I'd have one on order right now. :( :eek:

[ 08-23-2001: Message edited by: atm92484 ]

[MaximumST'er]

Are those the finialized design photos? Is it really going to come with an O'Donnell head and engine? The pipe is pretty trick, kinda looks like the pipes on the 1/5 FG and Bergonzoni cars.
Nick

[SteveP]

Nick - It's not going to come with an engine, so I doubt it's going to have the O'Donnell head. A far as I know, that's a final prototype, so the production version should be almost exactly the same.

[mavrick0611]

there are decent quality photos here (http://www.cmldistribution.co.uk/ass_tc3nitro.htm). Not finalized but basically the same thing but in graphite as pictured above.
aj

[Andrew the RC man]

whats the price tag??? i was thinking about getting into Nitro TC racing...this looks like a worthful investment.

oohh motocross...thanx whoever brought that up....ive been wanting to get a truck when i get my license and all so i could get into trail blazing with a motocross bike...but i had forgotten about it until now

[atm92484]

Judging from other cars on the market and what AEs usually go for I'm going to guess that a Team version will cost around $230 and the Factory Team will be about $320. These are just my guesses but it looks like this car will be worth each and every penny.

[bullfrog]

STEVE! all i had to do is go on associateds website and look!!!!! and know what the funny thing is??? I SAW THE PICS BEFORE U EVEN MADE THIS TOPIC!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: bullfrog ]

[B3Tyler]

Could i drop in a thumper????!! Hey, if the carb/ air filter is in the back, isnt that gonna restrict the air flow towards the carb??

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: B3Tyler ]

[SteveP]

Frog - just give it up please - it's getting old... :rolleyes:

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: SteveP ]

[timberwolf211]

O no I might actually break down and buy a product from AE. I think I am actually starting to loose it.That is of the cleanest layouts I have seen in a while.This car might actually get me into touring cars instead of off-road.

[timberwolf211]

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: timberwolf211 ]

[mavrick0611]

hee hee hee, steve edited his messages to edit out the sentances that "this message was edited by blalala" hee hee hee

[Andrew the RC man]

LOL!!! the short bus eh??

steve are you having school time memories you never told us about???(j/k) :rolleyes:

[SteveP]

Mav - If I'm grouping you and Frog in with the handicapped, then I guess I am insulting them. My appologies to any handicapped people for comparing you to Frog and Mav! :D :p j/k

[B3Tyler]

Again, wont the air filter position affect something? And, could your drop in a thumper!

[CrazyHorse]

the backwards engine is not going to effect anything. If you believe that could happen then you would have to also assume that an engine mounted facing forward would overheat because the air filter is blocking airflow. No idea if a four stroke would fit.

All I can say is that car looks like it is going to rock! sign me up!

[Andrew the RC man]

LOL! steve...i think that last one was a bit low...they are a little annoying but thats below the belt....good to see the admins have a sense of humor in insulting people :D :rolleyes:

[bullfrog]

STEVE DONT talk about handicapped people like that please my bro is handicapped.he has had JRA ever since he was 2 and hes 15 now he has it in his ankel, wrist ,shoulder ,elbow ,and knee. :(

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: bullfrog ]

[SteveP]

Our little discussion is over. If it escaped you, this is a thread about the NTC3. Don't pull the holier-than-thou, stop making fun of handcapped people stuff. I'm having fun with YOU and not picking on handicapped people. I'm beginning to lose my sense of humor...

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: SteveP ]

[Andrew the RC man]

steve- any word on when this will be out?? this thing could help me win some on-road events at ROCKS

[bullfrog]

ok well i didnt know u were screwing around sorry.

[SteveP]

Andrew - I would think it's fairly close, but I would hate to guess at a time frame because ANYTHING can happen in the final production stages that could delay its release. I've got my fingers crossed it will come out before Christmas time.

[bullfrog]

that looks like a car thats fast as he11 if it aint tooo expensive ill get it.

[mavrick0611]

hee hee that was a nice cut down a few messages up steve :D

any ways, that nitro tc3 looks like greased lightning!!!

[racer123]

i think steve likes to make of fun of ppl :D

[bullfrog]

gee ya think lol

[racer123]

i think i think
im not sure if i can think
i think i think i can think
but im not sure if i can think or what i think
do u think i can think what i think i think

[atm92484]

Dear Santa,

I'd like a Nitro TC3 :D

[racer123]

to bad santa dosent send it by fedex anytime of the year

:D

[SteveP]

My god! Do you and frog take the short bus to school or what?!

[ammoace]

You guys are silly, everyone knows that Santa only delivers toys that are built in his workshop by little elves. :D
:p
Jerry

[draggerman11]

Wow, I didnt know Santa's little elves manufacture Stampedes for Traxxas.... :p

[mavrick0611]

:cool: :p :D

Are you making fun of the handicapped now steve????

[ 08-24-2001: Message edited by: mavrick0611 ]

[WillJ]

Looks good, but I'd like to see an extra wide plastic bumper up front. That foam is great for supporting the body, but not much else.

If that car can take a few shots into the boards, Team Associated looks to have a winner on their hands. I'm not waiting for HPI, I'm getting a Nitro TC3!

[DirtRacinFool]

Looks Good, if I ever decide to get a TC this would be the one. To bad more companies don't use shaft drive, all these belt drive cars are what has turned me off from the TC racing. I've seen to many people have problems with those belts due to debrie and or breakage. Nice Job Associated!!! Shaft Drive Rules!!! :D
Love That Pipe!! Someone should get Toomey involved in developing a Pipe, in the 2 stroke ATV world, Toomey Pipes Rule!

[jeepinator]

I am here to proclaim that AE has the best engineering team on the planet !

ALL of their stuff is ultra clean, efficient, easy to work on, etc, etc, etc
I look at my TC3 and well, just look at it, in awe. It is WAY more than a good design, it is art. I cannot imagine a simpler design that meets all the criteria of the class. Amazing. Seriously. Go look at your newer AE kit and really check it out. The stuff is just (for the lack of a better word) TIGHT.

I know that Cliff Lett does a lot of the design/prototyping/testing (maybe even in charge ?) ... who else is on the AE design team ?

[atm92484]

Ya whoever does this should get credit. Its amazing because every car AE makes is a success. Many of their cars were used as the basic design in other company's cars. Heck if it wasn't for the RC10 I don't think todays cars would be like they are.

Plus AE has an extremely good rep for quality, performance, not to mention their prices. Most of the time they cost as much as the competitors' cars but you get soooo much more stuff.

While we are on the subject, does anyone know who was responsible for the GT? Cliff?

[ 08-25-2001: Message edited by: atm92484 ]

[draggerman11]

I'm pretty sure Cliff's in charge. It would make sense, that guys a genius!! The TC3 is the simplest design for a tourer I have ever seen. And as we know, simple is usually more efficent. As Jeep said, the TC3 is just a work of art. Look for that design to be used in more tourers in the future.

[morfeeis]

ib like the pipe it's new

still loks like to much on the drivers side. they should have put the gas tank on the other side

[R_C_MAN]

racer123 said:
i think i think
im not sure if i can think
i think i think i can think
but im not sure if i can think or what i think
do u think i can think what i think i think
LOL!!

As for the car it looks like a great design. Big ups to the A for making shaft driven TC's

[racer123]

yes thats what i said

[TSR6]

.

[ 08-28-2001: Message edited by: TSR6 ]

[Andrew the RC man]

Steve- that pipe comes included right??? because as i ifugre the average nitro AE car without an engine is like 230 or so. and on my Bday or Xmas i would be able to get that car and a high preformance engine and nothing more

[Andrew the RC man]

i smell a losi car with belt problems ;)

[atm92484]

lmao

For those people saying that everything is too far to one side...don't you think Associated would have noticed this already in their year of testing prototypes?

[Car_Head12]

dont know anyhting bout it but it looks purty. steve, i dont wish to continue the joke but what do you the u mean by "short bus" i dont get it.(?)

[maxxxracer]

OMG that is tight. I am now an avid nitro hater but that is one of the coolest cars ive ever seen, right up there with the serpent veteq.

[Big Wig]

3 observations:

#1 great looking car!!!

#2 that pipe RULES!

#3 there sure are some sensitive people here,... get a sense of humor, would ya? LOL

[ 08-28-2001: Message edited by: Big Wig ]

[SteveP]

ATM - amen to that! Armchair engineers are at it again. Like Cliff was sitting there, "lets put more weight on one side of the car so it turns better for all the nitro TC oval racers!" :rolleyes:

[TSR6]

You know how easy it would be to make it 4 wheel steering... ;) :rolleyes: lol

[RC10T3]

i give it like 2 weeks before we see one in RCCA with 4ws :-)

[ProjectTwin]

Cool.

Looks like you can use slide or rotary carb engines fairly easily.

I can't tell from the pics, but is that brake disc riding on the center shaft? If so, sweet! Now to double the discs, and add another pad. ;)

Jason

[TRXboy]

Now if only the guys at associated would get there butts in gear on there off roaders....

[Bishop]

I have to say that I was all pumped up to buy something like a thunder tiger in december, but now I have a serious urge to buy a Nitro TC3...

Actually, if I had known streight off that AE made a nitro car, I would have never even considered buying anything else.
Have AE ever made a bad car?

Design wise I was blown away first time I saw the pics, it shows an amazing level of well thought out design, and has to be the most well laid out car I've ever seen.
I think it's going to be a bit of a leap of faith though, I mean a wide chasse, shaft drive, and diffrent rear end design?
Who knows how well it will hold up against the tryed and tested designs of the mugen, serpent etc...

[Bishop]

Looks like someone did'nt want to wait till the Nitro TC3 came out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1634228977

It looks prity nicely done.

[FTGT Racer]

I did a nitro conversion a long time ago.....

[TC3Racer]

i think that pipe would make the car give an echo type noise. just from the way it looks. i'm sure you could put a different pipe on it. it looks like you have some room to put a longer one on. that thing looks so sweet. i'm already saving!

[Bishop]

FTGT racer, how well did it go?

TC3 Racer, looking at the pipe, I'd have to say it's tuned for top end, meaning it would probaly be a bit of a high pitch screamer, where as most pipes around are more midrange, giving them a more muted and deeper sound.

Well, that's the theory on motorbikes anyway...

[FTGT Racer]

works great, it was the trinity conversion but I didnt like a few things about how trinity did it so I played with it, and played, and played, for a few weeks and I came out with something a bit like the one you see here with some differences. I still race it too.

[Bishop]

Cool, got any pics?

Whats the shaft drive like in a nitro?
Make any diffrence to the handling compared to a belt drive?

[twism86]

OOOOOHHHHHHHH. wow. hey stevie boy but between you and me those AINT ''spy'' shots. team associated's web page had the info on this a long time before you did(with better pics and more explanation) so your alittle late pal, sorry, didnt cut it this time. hah.
-twism :cool:

[maxxxracer]

well the question on most peeps minds now is how much? so does anybody have a guess.

[atm92484]

My guess is about $220 for Team and around $320 for Factory Team.

[maxxxracer]

220, dang thats a good price. not 375 like those beautiful serpent impulse's.

[atm92484]

Now that I think about it, $220 for Team is probably a little low. $250-$275 is more reasonable for the Team and up to $350 or so is probably what the FT will cost.

[Bishop]

I'm hoping the team version won't be anymore than about $500 or so Australian, which would price it near the V one S and R.
If they price it any higher it will be up there with the serpents and mugens, and I've allways thought they are way over priced.

I supose the good thing is that AE have allways been fair with their pricing in the past...

hmm, now to decide what motor I want to put in it...