Team Associated Monster GT

[DUMMIECHASER]

guyz does it really go through water with no prob??

[TPhalen]

MGT info.

As someone stated earlier, the delay is to make sure we get a truck that is good enough to have our name on it out. We WON'T release a POS that puts a blemish on our name. We will release it in the best form we can. If that takes a little longer, so be it.

Same thing happened with the TC3. Took longer than we expected but now it's out, and it's STILL an awesome car!

As for the MGT being a TT truck. This has been hashed and rehashed and over again. TT wanted to build a truck. TA gave them guidelines as to what we wanted and then let them have at it. While their truck was good, it needed some improvements before WE would release it. That is the process it is going through right now.

The truck is pretty fast for something it's size. I agree that a larger motor would be cool, but it will keep up with the T-Maxx and just plain RUN IT OVER!!!! The size of this thing is pretty impressive. Trust me. In this case, size matters!!!! :)

[Ron74]

I've got two B/O'ed, hope it's ready soon.

[drader]

I can't believe my excellent T3 is about 6 years old already. This is the reason AE has such an amazing reputation; anyone doubting the quality of the BFT is going to be pleasantly surprised. I think AE and TT's partnership is brilliant - they are going to completely flank the market. AE has the US; TT has Asia... this truck will be everywhere. Think of all the aftermarket parts we're going to see! If I may make a suggestion AE: we need more motor options, ASAP. The .247 is too small, the .70 is too big (and hard to find.) I'd like to see a ported .50 with a lawnmower sized pull start.

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,

Thanks for the info. about the Monster GT.

[DCLXVI]

I have confidence in both TTR and AE (TTR because I own a DT-10 and I Like it, AE because the seem to make good cars/trucks, but I have never seen one though)...

The MGT/MT-A are probably going to be great but unless there is a .50 on there I sticking with my plan to get a TTR EK-4 Unlimited with the .90, and I hope that the promise of a kit verion is going to be true...

/DCLXVI

[Lordkett]

I am really looking forword to getting a Monster GT, it looks to be a great truck. I think that I would prefer it if the Monster GT had a custom .21 instead of a bigger motor. A .21 should plenty of power to get the truck going. I already have a way over powered vehicle , the XTR3e and that thing is a beast to control on dirt. I have to admit though that the EK4 "Unlimited", does interest me also.

[Techspert]

quote: "A .21 should plenty of power to get the truck going. I already have a way over powered vehicle..."

Whatever! A .21 is old news, besides, who wants just enough power to just get a truck going. I want an engine that'll blow divits in dirt and burough a hole in the ground (ie. .50 or TTR's .70/.90 engine). I hope Associated comes out with a .50 with the same enhancements Traxxas applied to their .15 engine. That would be a mOnSteR!!!

[Lordkett]

I used to think that way until I tried it. An over powered vehicle can be just as bad as an under powered one.

[cbr74]

I wonder how that new Orion .26 would do in a BFT?

[drader]

Originally posted by cbr74
I wonder how that new Orion .26 would do in a BFT?


WHAT Orion .26? Do tell!

[Techspert]

http://www.team-orion.ch/global/global_news.asp?id=1581

That Orion .26. It's called the Wasp (I think).

[fezzy]

I really like the BFT, But don't expect too much in terms of performance... I have owned a Fusion with TTR 21R PRO, And it is the best engine I have owned, dead reliable and very easy to tune. BUT, It doesn't have a great deal of power, Its not got as much as a Hyper21 but it does rev a little more, In a 12lb truck I am not expecting a great deal of power/speed. Lets just hope that AE Do a good job on the drivetrain so that a better more torquier motor can be a drop in job.

[TPhalen]

fezzy: Might be hard to believe, but this 12lb truck can can keep up with a t-maxx on the top end, and goes through ROUGH terrain likes it's silky smooth!!!! The suspension on this think is absolutely amazing.... I wish we could have taken some video of the messed up terrain we were going FULL SPEED through. Suspension-wise, it's like a full-blown Baja 1000 Desert truck against a standard F150....FLYING though a leg of the Baja 1000.

I love big trucks....and this thing impresses me....

[cbr74]

OK, great... but WHEN?????

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,

Can you tell us what specifically is still being refined on the Monster GT. Thanks for the infomation that you have provided by the way, the truck sounds awesome and I will be getting one as soon as it is released. A new video would be great by the way. ;) :D

[fezzy]

So the MGT can do 42mph?? At Chicago hobby show didn't a rep for AE say it was only capable of 33?

[rcrebel]

TPhalen, are U the representative I asked the company for about two or three months ago?!! I told the guys here I would try to get us one.....ERRR.....my mistake, its been longer than 2 months, about half a year ago

[samvan]

It sure would be nice to get a date of release. Some of us can not afford to buy more than one of these trucks but would like to buy one that is what we want. About 2 months ago I narrowed my list to the BFT/MonsterGT and the HPI Savage. All I own right now are Associated products but the HPI is out and is quite the nice truck probably the best on the market but still no date on the Associated. I am looking to buy next month and I was really hoping to at least have a price and date of release by then. Who knows when "early Spring" is for Associated though. All I know for sure is the Savage is out and tearing it up and as of right now that is my choice.

And the wait continues....

[fezzy]

Here, In the UK where I live the AE Distributor CML Distribution has confirmed a March release.

[TPhalen]

fezzy. I don't know which AE rep said that....

See, the problem is that we do testing all the time. Every day we are out running the B4 at the track, and then the next day we are doing speed runs out back with the BFT. The next day we are working on something else. Fact is, only 4 people know what each car is doing, or is actually capable of. When information is told to others (info that we CAN release), it might be a few weeks behind. So, when a change is made to a vehicle, say, the Monster GT, we are already working on making it bigger or faster or tougher. Hope that made sense!!!! :)

Lordkett: Unfortunately I can't. I can say this 12lb (or so) truck has gone on a pretty good diet....and getting slimmer all the time. And you know what less weight means....

rcrebel: Ummm, no. I just like to frequent the boards and see how people are accepting or degrading our car. It's useful info to take back and discuss for future projects. And, from what I'm seeing, it's good PR to get the 'REAL' info out to you, the consumers.

samvan: I know. I know 'Spring' is a crappy and generic date. Fact is, it's easier to design, manufacture and release a car when you do it all yourself. Since we are teaming up with TT and they are overseas, communication is a day behind. It's takes more time to do it this way, especially when we want to put OUR name on it. AE will do it's best NOT to release crap. We have a reputation for releasing a quality car....something that (hopefully) you will keep and tell others about.

Oh...heh heh fezzy. Not gonna happen by March. Trust me. Not gonna happen. :)

It's funny you should say that.....a US hobby shop has an advertisement in a VERY popular R/C magazine stating he 'HAS THEM IN STOCK....CALL FOR PRICING'. Ummm, sure you do, buddy!

[Lordkett]

Thanks again for the information TPhalen. I am eagerly awaiting the Monster GT, I hope more information is released soon. Do you happen to know if the "Old Glory" paint scheme is going to be a limited edition release or will it be a readily availible body color choice.

[Nitroaddict]

The Monster GT looks cool, and more than likely I will end up owning one..I have always like AE, thier products have a quality that all RC companies should try to emulate. I also appreciate the fact that you guys are trying to make the truck the best, but I think alot of people are getting tired of waiting. I think you guys are probably going to miss out on some cash, some people just can't afford to buy more than one truck and don't want to wait. I can't wait to see what the MGT is like when it comes out and will probably buy one though..just a few opinions of mine anyway.

Nitroaddict:p

[TPhalen]

Lordkett: I've heard we might do a limited run on the American flag paint scheme but we're not sure yet.

Nitroaddict: Ya, unfortunately money is not our top priority, quality is. And I'm SO glad it is. I'd hate to think we put out a POS truck just to make some extra money NOW!!!! There are other companies on the market that do that....AE is not one of them.

[rcrebel]

*raises hand and assumes Mr. TPhalen calls me out*

Yes, I have a good question, since you guys knew the truck would take a while to get in production, why did AE tell us R/Cers it would be coming out? I rather not know about it than be waiting like I am now.

[Coconut]

Seems evrybody is getting a little worked-up. If they had not announced it when they did and it came out in Jam-Feb;alot would be screaming because they bought another truck;not knowing. It took a equal amount of time to release the NTC3. It's alot harder to complete a project not doing everything in-house but then Associated may not have been able to release this truck otherwise. As far as customer service is concerned their reputation speaks for itself. I have owned many Associated vehicles. Two times I have had to call associated on a part. It was what part do you need;we will send it right-out. Several days later I got the part. besides why jump this guy he does not control the company. I doubt he is getting paid for his time on this forum. I personally like his pride in their products and apparent company attitude that they want to get it right. I have not seen to many MT"s that many people are immediately screaming;did thewy test this truck;are we the beta testers? MHO

[TPhalen]

gweecho: Not sure what 'response' you were reading, but I have no hostility towards anyone about anything here. I'm here on MY OWN FREE WILL, just to relay info that alot of people have been asking about. I do this because I figure you'd like to know as much as you can about our products, and not 'hear various rumors' as they trickle through here like water. Only hostility I would have it to YOUR response about me....I do take a little offense to that.

rcrebel: A new vehicle usually takes a 'set' amount of time. From conception to production, it's all about the same time frame, as long as it's within ONE company. With the MGT, you have to remember we are working hand in hand with Thunder Tiger, an overseas company. It's not only hard to communicate (due to the time difference), but also because of the language barrier. This is our first experience with something like this.....us working with another company to create ONE vehicle. It's alot of back and forth info....and unfortunately, it just takes time. So, sorry about that, but when the truck was demo'ed, we really thought it would be quicker than this. It's not.

As for money is not a priority....if that were the case, this truck would have been released a LONG time ago, problems and all. When we DO get it right, we can then reap the rewards, "chiiii chiiing":)! But, if we release a crappy product, how much "chiiii chiiing" do you think will be coming our way???? Probably a lot less. Thus, we build a great truck first. Please the consumers first. Then the money comes a rollin'. Hopefully! :)

Coconut: Thanks for the words. We do our best to make this company one of the best ones out there....

[Lordkett]

Personally I am very glad that Associated is taking thier time to make sure that the Monster GT is a good as possible. I am more than willing to wait for a great product. I also believe that the fact that Associted didn't just rush the truck to the market, shows that they do care about the quality of their products. I also appreciate TPhalen answering our question for us.

That being said I have a quetion for TPhalen. :D Does the Monster GT use a standard Thunder Tiger .21 or does it use a custom designed .21?

[bignitropower]

Originally posted by TPhalen
With the MGT, you have to remember we are working hand in hand with Thunder Tiger, an overseas company. It's not only hard to communicate (due to the time difference), but also because of the language barrier. ....and unfortunately, it just takes time.

I usually read posts in "lurker" mode just to see what's going on on the forums. I just wanted to say that having TPHalen coming on this forum and sharing information is a very cool thing. You guys should be really thankful to get a TA guy taking his time to share info and field your questions!

I also wanted to confirm what TPHalen is saying about working with a company overseas. Language and cultural barriers can be HUGE! I just came out of a job working as a Mechanical Engineer in the R&D department of a small company. I (along with others) recently got laid off due to financial difficulties in the company. After getting laid off, I decided to pursue a "get poor quick" scheme and started a small RC business called Extreme RC Motorsports. Anyway, that's a whole different story.

When I worked on the design team of that small company, I had first hand experience trying to design a product here in the States and then farming out the manufacturing overseas in order to keep costs down. In our case, we selected a company in Malaysia to manufacture our new line of products.

The communication barriers were HUGE!! As we were designing the new products, we were thinking about how certain part features would be manufactured. We'd ask our Malaysia supplier something like "Do you know how to roll threads?" We'd almost always get a YES response to our questions. Then, later we'd ask for a sample and we'd be shocked to find out that they didn't really have the equipment or capability to roll threads (compared to just cutting them). We'd then dump a certain direction we were going, back track, and start over with a new understanding of what our supplier was really capable of doing. There were MANY times when we said one thing, they heard another, and the result was WEEKS and MONTHS of delays! The language and cultural barriers are HUGE.

TA and TT are just going through the same sort of pains, and the delays are normal and to be expected. Unless a bunch of guys on the TA design team also speaks Mandarin or something, there will always be some challenges in communicating with TT. It's amazing how much can get lost in the translation... especially when your dealing with technical/engineering concepts!

Good things come to those that wait! :)

It sure is hard to wait for something like the MGT! The only thing worse than a consumer having to wait a long time to buy a long anticipated product like the MGT... is to be a dealer eagerly waiting to get them. You know that people REALLY want the product... you know that 101 customers are ready to buy one from you right now... but then when it's finally released you only get like 3 from your distributor the first month because that's all he can give you! Now that's frustrating!! :mad:

Edward

[TPhalen]

Edward: You know EXACTLY how it is then!!!! Frustrating at times. The biggest thing is they DO understand English, but REAL English, not American slang. 'Screw the nut on the shaft until it's tightened, then back it off 3 turns'. Sounds good, right??? Well, it's not English. It's SLANG! 'Screw the nut'. Screw means one thing (no, not that you dirty minded people!!!). It's an item. A bolt. A screw. It's doesn't mean (to them) to 'tighten it down'.

So, you'd be surprised at how much slang we use every day. It's really tricky.

[gweecho]

tphalen: after rereading the reply i retracted the hostility
statement. however i do have a few questions. you stated
that overseas comunication is somewhat problematic. although
never stated by ae i was under the assumption that someone
from ae's r&d dept. would be working side by side with tt
to asure ae's seal of integrity. so my question is at the rate
of the current communication probs and the lack a of a definate
release date is a posibility that ae will abbandon the tta bft
project? and as a ae rep do you feel its apropiate to have
to mention the t maxx in comparison? (you have on at lease two
separate post) the thing tmaxx owners want to hear is that
theres yet another 1/8 scale truck that feel the need to take
shots at the tmaxx. .....43mph......will do.

[bignitropower]

Originally posted by TPhalen
Edward: You know EXACTLY how it is then!!!! Frustrating at times. The biggest thing is they DO understand English, but REAL English, not American slang. 'Screw the nut on the shaft until it's tightened, then back it off 3 turns'. Sounds good, right??? Well, it's not English. It's SLANG! 'Screw the nut'. Screw means one thing (no, not that you dirty minded people!!!). It's an item. A bolt. A screw. It's doesn't mean (to them) to 'tighten it down'.

So, you'd be surprised at how much slang we use every day. It's really tricky.

Yes! It can be very frustrating! Some people at our Malaysian supplier could speak/read/write English... just enough to be dangerous!! Plenty of misunderstandings occurred!

Another interesting factor are cultural differences...

We learned that in Malaysian culture saying "No" is a very bad thing. When we'd ask them a question if they could do a certain task or meet a certain deadline, they'd pretty much always say "YES".

Sounds great at first to always hear "Yes"! But then later, you discover that there are different degrees of "Yes" which mean: "maybe", "probably not", "no", "impossible!". Problem is that they wouldn't usually outright say "No" because it was bring shame upon them because of their cultural upbringing. Once you know that, you know to look for other subtle clues in their response to see if their Yes is really a yes, a maybe, or a no way! There are a lot of cultural things that we as Americans just don't understand. Most Americans think that everyone should think the way we do.

All that to say, having products manufactured overseas is no small task. People that have never been involved in the process can not really understand... "Just tell them to hurry up or else!" It's not that simple. That's sort of the purpose of what I'm writing.... to let you guys know what sort of things the BFT project might be facing. The good thing is that once the barriers are overcome, a good overseas supplier will often produce extremely high quality products for a very good price. The end result is that the consumer get's an incredible "bang for the buck" product - that would otherwise cost 2X - 3X more if it were manufactured in the States.

Personally, I'm a BIG supporter of US business and manufacturing. Keep it in the US if at all possible. Even so, I also like a good deal, and I wouldn't want to spend $1000 on a MGT or a Savage or a T-MAXX, so I also like the cost benefits of overseas manufacturing.

[Lordkett]

I have seen the delays involved in working with a company overseas at the place where I work. Eventually everyone involved in R&D was moved to a single area where the process could be sped up.

As soon as the Monster GT is released I am ready to buy one. I can't wait to chase down and run over all of those little T-Maxx trucks that the people in my neighboorhood have. :D

TPhalen: If you guys need someone to helpout in the testing process of the Monster GT, I would be more than happy to volunteer my services. :D

[slaf]

Hi all !

I'm a Team Associated fan but I have few questions about Monster GT....

1) Why AE did make a so heavy truck ? :mad: :mad:

2) Why AE use this "narrow" tires ? They look like more like full scale loader tire than a monster truck !

3) Is this true that Thunder Tiger is building them for AE ?

4) Do you think that the overweight will compromize driving fun ?

[drader]

1) Why AE did make a so heavy truck ?

===You want a truck that's much bigger than a Tmaxx and weighs the same? I think most people would prefer their Tmaxx's to be a little more heavy [duty].

2) Why AE use this "narrow" tires ? They look like more like full scale loader tire than a monster truck !

===They look exactly like Monster truck tires to me. I'm sure they are enormous in person.

3) Is this true that Thunder Tiger is building them for AE ?

===TT is manufacturing, yes.

4) Do you think that the overweight will compromize driving fun ?

=== I doubt they are trying to make a truck that nobody likes.

[cbr74]

Overweight? Bah Phooee... The single most durable and enjoyable vehicle in my R/C stable is a 14 pound, .21 powered Tamiya Terra Crusher.

Think the T-Maxx is better because it's lighter? Play a game of chicken with my behemoth of a Terra Crusher and see which one is better.

Oh you wanna race? I've got a Dominator that'll spank Maxxes all day long.

And lest you think I'm anti-Maxx... don't, because my hobby room is home to two of those as well.

[TPhalen]

Whew. Busy. Sorry guys.

Ok, the truck is really only heavy for one reason....it's FRIGGIN' BIG!!!! With size comes weight, but we are doing a great job at reducing some of that weight without compromising durability.

Narrow tires??? Well, if you see the truck in person, you'll agree that it is one of the only trucks out there that is pretty much to scale. The tires are big (but I don't think too wide), the body is nice and fat (more of a real truck look) and the bumpers and skids are in perfect proportion.

gweecho: The main reason the T-Maxx is in 'comparison' is that the Traxxas truck is the first truck to 'hit the scene'. It basically set the standard for everything else to follow. ANYONE that produces a Monster Truck will compare it (in some form) to the T-Maxx. I could compare it to some other Monster Trucks out there, but everyone is familiar with the Traxxas. That's basically it.

[BlutoSigPi]

TPhalen - I think your doing a good deed by coming on these boards and providing some real information. Or at least a damper for all these guesses about what's going on with the BFT project. I am glad AE is doing their homework and getting it right. But if it's possible, do us a favor and drop some of these good ideas in the suggestion box. I think the best idea so far is for more power...or at least a stock drivetrain that is strong enough to withstand a larger or more powerful engine. Also, any thought on doing a "pro" version of the kit yet? I realize it is probably too early but thought I'd ask anywayzzzz. :D

[Techspert]

I second that opinion, MAKE MORE POWER!

DOWN with the .21's in tank-heavy Monster Trucks!! AT LEAST use a .26!!! And tell your marketing department to stop shortchanging us just to stay in the sub-$500 retail T-Maxx/Savage range. I'd pay the extra change to have a high-power capable truck WITH a high-powered engine included (ie. .50 engine).

:D

[NitroSafari]

Sorry guys if this Qs been asked to many times but have AE given a definate release date yet i got sick of wateing n got a EB4 S2 PRO but the MGT is still tempting me :D

JIM

[Lordkett]

TPhalen: Is the Monster GT stll on track for a spring 2003 release, or is it possible that the release date may be pushed back?

[Lordkett]

Hmm, I guess that answers my question. Oh well hopefully it will be early summer.

[cbr74]

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Feb/20032272121518058547446.jpg

:D

[TPhalen]

LordKett: Sorry. Been busy with some other stuff....

The date is still for the Spring. But, of course, ANYTHING can happen between now and then!!!! Let's hope not, though....

[VWVR6]

More bad news guys was just logged on at AE website and the realease date is pushed back once again. Looks like possibily summer now. Bummer :( :( :(

[Lordkett]

TPhalen, is there any chance that there will be a new Monster GT video released to give us something to hold us over until the truck comes out. :cool: :D

[MikeWz]

Yeah, there's gotta be something. The summer is a long time away. AE has this really bad tendancy to push dates back. That's a real good way to lose customers

[drader]

Originally posted by MikeWz
AE has this really bad tendancy to push dates back. That's a real good way to lose customers


AE has an enormous following because they don't release junk; look at the T3 - it's 6 years old and it still rips, and is still state of the art! I first heard about the BFT a year ago... in that time HPI designed, manufactered, and released a monster, but who cares. Guess which truck will still be around in 5 years? Or who's truck will still have parts available. I couldn't get RS4 part a year after buying it, yet I can still buy RC10 parts, 15 years later. It'll be worth the wait. I'll bet Ebay will be full of Savages, Pirates and Tmaxxs come summer.

[I_Like_F150s]

Perhaps AE missed the market slightly. Perhaps they were going after the people who were waiting for a race-ready monster truck, and looking to AE to deliver. Here comes the BFT... looking a little *too* big to be a serious racer.

I just don't see it competing on the same level as the hybrid T-Maxxes and the like, but I hope to be proven wrong. I was looking to race something different yet still be competitive. The .21 Terra Crusher is close to being that truck, but who wants to put over $700 in a truck that will still have "issues". The BFT looks great on paper...let's see how it performs on the track! Com on AE, let's see something!!

[rcnutt]

Hpi took well over 2 years to design , build, and get to market, the savage.bigger is not always better.I hope Assoc. puts out the same caliber product they always have, but with all the hype on the BFT they have set the expectaions very high.

[gweecho]

i dont think ae missed the market. the market always has room for another product. their market is the die hard ae fans. let be honest besides a transverse set up what is it that everyone can expect from this truck that you dont already have in the maxx savage, and crusher? the size alone would make it less than ready to race any of the above mention truck. unless thunder tiger has an extraordinary engine waiting in the wings for it. as far as size goes it main comp. would be the titan and the new hotbodies truck. but all of these manufacturers seem to not realize that by making the trucks that big makes the power to weight ratio hard to acheive with the current rtr or sport engines
on the market. i personally dont think ae is thinking race out the box on this one. at lease not until losi announces that they too are going monster truck.

[Lordkett]

I don't think that the Monster GT is meant to be a full on racing vehicle, I am pretty sure that AE wanted to make a vehicle that was big, fast, tough and fun. Besides if you were to race it at a track, it would be in a class of similar vehicles. I am not a die hard AE fan, actually I don't even own an AE vehicle, and I plan to buy a Monster GT as soon as they are available. It is simply because it is the only one that interests me. I am not putting down any other monster truck from what I can see they are all great, my brother has a T- Maxx 2.5 and a friend has an X-Factor and I like them both. For me though the Monster GT is the only one that gets my attention, even though I could buy a one of each if I wanted to :D.

I would like to believe that the engineers and designers are quite aware of power to weigt ratios when designing a r/c vehicle.

Actually back in December I wrote to Losi and asked it they were plannning on making a monster truck and the response was "Good question , No answer at this time."

[Lordkett]

:D

[fezzy]

Anyone seen this yet?? She can fiddle with my mixtures anytime :eek: :D

(Notice I didn't say needles :o)

http://www.steel-dragon.co.uk/ash/Jen11.jpg

It was on W1ldhobbies Website

[rc man37689]

why is there a pull start on it in the pic lol i have seen 2 pics like that lol pic

[Lordkett]

It has dual hybrid starting system pullstart/e-start.

[TPhalen]

Ya. The Monster GT has a dual pull start/'rachet' start system. You can either pull or use a hand drill (or possibly another means) to start the truck. More of a possible convenience than anything else.

This truck was designed for both the casual monster-trucker and the racer. For the casual driver, it will have everything you need to have fun. For the racer, it will work really good out of the box, but as everyone knows, SOMEONE will try to make it better. That means aftermarket. And I'm sure there will be plenty for this truck!

We've been testing the last couple days and I have to say, it has been a LOT of fun. It's fast, it jumps REALLY good, it's pretty durable, and it soaks up HUGE ruts like it's running on glass. It's a good all around performer.

[rc man37689]

oh yeah i forgot hehe

[Lordkett]

Thanks for the info. TPhalen. So does it look like the Monster GT will be ready soon or is there still a lot of testing to do? By the way how fast is the Monster GT when compared to the other monster trucks like the Savage, Terra Crusher, Titan, and the 2.5 T-Maxx? I don't mean actual mph, but is it about the same speed, or a little quicker, or a little slower?

[TPhalen]

Our end of the Monster GT is close to being complete. We might do alot more testing this upcoming week. Being our first co-project, I'm really not sure how long after that it will take TT to finalize the truck. So, I'm guessing the release date is still the same as it is on the website.

Speed. It's comparable to one, but faster than the others!!!! :) That's about the best I can say. The one it is comparable to, I can say it out handles it like nobody's business. No comparsion there!

[r.c.dealer]

So your saying its as fast as the Maxxx but not as slow as the Savage , Terra Crusher, Titan, and whatever else? :D

Is the price going to be competetive with the Maxx and the Savage?

[Lordkett]

Thanks again for the info. TPhalen, it is greatly appreciated. I am really looking forward to getting this truck.

[Nitroaddict]

How about a video or two to tide us over till this thing comes out, maybe some new pictures or something..


I understand that it is taking a little longer due to working with a two different companies, but we want more info.

Thanks Tphalen for the info you have been giving us


Nitroaddict

[drader]

Originally posted by TPhalen
Speed. It's comparable to one, but faster than the others!!!! :) That's about the best I can say. The one it is comparable to, I can say it out handles it like nobody's business. No comparsion there!

He must be talking about a Dominator. I don't care what the magazines say - a brand new Dominator will out-drag a brand new Tmaxx. The magazine that posted 38 mph must've used a 4 port with MP gearing, because the 8 port is ballistic. And it's one car the BFT will definately out-handle. Anyone know how wide the suspension arms are?

[Coconut]

By looking at the MGT and it's high ground clearance and 12lb weight ;it's obvius that it's designed to be a basher like the Titan;not a race truck. The Dominator has the low CG,moderate weight and with mods to the suspension hamdles great. Put a OSV01b or WS7?s7 and you have a race truck with lowend and great power curve for racing. Put a C5 and you have a highend truck that comes on like gangbusters after mid throttle. I think that the MGT with Associated's experience is going to be a great truck for the basher. The Dominator and the hybrids based on the Dominator will probaly continue to dominate big block racing.

[aluminumcrusher]

HELLO YOU RC MONSTER TRUCKS FANS THE SNOW HAS MELTED AWAY, AND I'M AWAKE TODAY, GONNA GO TO THE HOBBY STORE TO PICK UP MY MGT TO DAY. IS IT OUT; OR SHALL I POUT;OR GO BACK TO SLEEP, AND WAIT 12 MORE WEEKS, LET ME KNOW, BY FOR NOW I HAVE TO GO, YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD ALUMINUM CRUSHER.

[fezzy]

Its not out for a while yet

[Lordkett]

TPhalen, does the Monster GT still use the dual muffler exhaust or will the final version of the truck use a tuned pipe instead? How about dual tuned pipes. :D

I hate to ask again but will there be any new videos of the Monster GT in action released before the actual vehicle hits the market?

[slaf]

Anyone seen this yet?? She can fiddle with my mixtures anytime

Seeing a 15-16 years old girl trying to start a monster truck doesn't really turn me on....I prefer the truck...:):) This should be a question of age !

By the way....She forgot to turn the radio on and add fuel :D :D :D

[cbr74]

Not that it much matters... but she is 19.

[TPhalen]

It will come with a tuned exhaust.

No videos at the moment....sorry.

[Lordkett]

Cool, thanks again for the information TPhalen. So I guess the Monster GT is considered to be a large 1/10 scale truck and not a 1/8 scale after all.

So how far away does it look like you guys are from having the final version of the Monster GT?

[drader]

Originally posted by Lordkett
So I guess the Monster GT is considered to be a large 1/10 scale truck and not a 1/8 scale after all.


Where do you get this from? Everything we know about it is it's big, it's huge, it's gargantuan. It's almost 2 feet long and a foot-and-a-half wide. The tires are 7" tall. Weren't you paying attention?

[Lordkett]

I got it from the Associated Insider newsletter.

+++ Questions about the Monster GT.
1. "Are the MGT's wheels & tires going to be compatible with the T-Maxx?"
The tires and wheels of the T-Maxx will fit the MonsterGT. (The MGT is not 1:8 scale. It is merely BIG.)

2. "Will the bodies be compatible with the T-Maxx?"
The T-Maxx bodies will not fit. The MGT is much bigger than a T-Maxx, and requires a larger body.

3. "In RTR form, how fast is this truck?"
We haven't done a speed test on the final production version, so we can't say conclusively. Trust the R/C magazines to do a shoot-out among the trucks available.

4. "Will you come out with an electric version?"
We have no plans for an electric MGT version.

It is from the first question, if you can't find it.

[samvan]

If you look at question 2 it states it is bigger than a Tmaxx. Which would then make it bigger than 1/8 scale. I am not sure what the real scale would be but I am sure it is not 1/5th maybe like 1/6.

[Lordkett]

The tires and wheels from a T-Maxx will fit on it, and as far as I know it still only has a .21 motor in it, so I imagine that it is 1/10 scale, it is just bigger than other 1/10 scale monster trucks.

[samvan]

My savage has a .21 and uses Tmaxx wheels but it is 1/8 scale. as long as the wheel hexes are the same size you could put any wheels on it. the Tmaxx is actually roughly 1/9th scale. Just by looking at pictures I believe it will be bigger then 1/10 scale because it looks bigger than my savage

Maybe Tphalen can settle this?

[Lordkett]

TPhalen is most likely laughing at us for arging over something that is silly. When I first made reference to the newsletter, I was hoping that he would repley and set the record straight. I personally don't care what scale it is as long as it comes out soon. Associated could call the thing a 1/3 Pi scale and it would be fine by me.

The Savage is bigger than a T-Maxx.

Not all vehicles that are the same scale are the exact same size. The Savage, Terra Crusher, and the EK4 are all different sizes but they are all 1/8 scale.

[TPhalen]

Well, in actuality, ALL monster trucks are really not a true 'scale'. If you think about it, a REAL monster truck is ALOT bigger than a normal stadium truck....is the T-Maxx THAT much bigger than, say, a RC10GT??? Not really. The scales are off. You could say the T-Maxx is 1/10 scale, but thats merely a number for the box top. I'd say it's more like 1/9'ish. The Savage is slightly larger than the T-Maxx. The Monster GT is bigger than the Savage. So, I guess you could say ours might be closer to 1/8 or 1/7, but it's really hard to say.

Sorry....not the answer I know you wanted.... :)

[Lordkett]

Thanks for the response, TPhalen. It was actually close to the response that I was looking for without having a direct answer.

So how is the testing of the Monster GT going?

[R6905]

i answered my own question... sorry

[DeekOrtiz00]

well speed wise (top speed) is slower than the savage one thing i want to know though is if it wheelies even though i am gettin a savage this truck still intrest me and if i really like my savage me next monster will probaly be the gt after christmas the gt is comin

[Lordkett]

TPhalen, I have heard a rumor that the target release date for the Monster GT is this June. Is this accurate or is the release date still tentative?

Also, is there any new information about the Monster GT that you can give us. :D

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

Im guessing they may make it to the RCX EXPO show at Anaheim Center MAY 2-3-4. Wouldnt this make a great place to offer it first. All those people "impulse buy"
At this show you are able to buy stuff unlike the Chicago Hobby Show. This makes cents to me:)

[cbr74]

That'd be awesome if we could buy an MGT at RCX, but I'll be happy just to see one in person. Maybe get to drive one on the "try Me" track?

[Grant Tokumi]

Is there gonna be a MGT at the RC Expo that I can look at? I'm already planning on going. It'll be great to know that a MGT will be there, maybe even running around to see it firsthand.

[TPhalen]

MGT testing is good. Working out some small details right now. Getting close....

Anyway, as an FYI, I have a new forum up off my site. I will be frequenting that one ALOT more than I will all the other forum sites....sorry. If ya want, you can head over, register, and start posting, and we'll keep all the good AE stuff going over there. It's just easier for me to keep all my 'searching' to one site...just happens to be mine!!!

CompetitionX Forum (http://www11.brinkster.com/tphalen/forum/)

Thanks.

[Coconut]

That what John chang w/TTR says;that lett is working on the final details. He also verified that it is being made to Associated specs and that the engine is also being modified to associated specs. If it's to lett's usual standard ;I would think it will be very good.

[AE Webmaster]

This is to let you know that I've just added 24 pictures of the MGT to the Team Associated web site. Just click on the MGT picture, then on the link to the photos. You'll see several categories, overall views, body shots (new painted body designs), front, rear, mid, and undercarriage shots.

http://www.teamassociated.com/

______________
Steve Husting
webmaster,
Team Associated

[I_Like_F150s]

Looking good! Thanks, Steve!

[dragracer28]

The truck has lots of phillips screws and the parts have a different look to them so I don't think they(AE) disigned the MGT. Also their are only two body mounts on the truck.

[TPhalen]

dragracer28. We are helping with the re-design of areas of the truck that we feel need work. And, the last thing we're worried about is the phillips screws. :) Someone will come out with a kit that will replace all those screws with socket head ones....

[rc man37689]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (PULLS HAIR OUT)
AGRG GRUNT SNORT
Tentative release date is Fall 2003.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (PULLS MORE HAIR OUT)

[I_Like_F150s]

WHAT!?!!? I wonder why...

[I_Like_F150s]

You know, this situation kind of reminds me of the way Microsoft slipped ship dates to create FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) in the marketplace. Those tactics were in part responsible for the decline of NetWare and the death OS/2. I admit that I was holding out for the BFT, but no longer...I'm getting a Savage.

[Techspert]

Originally posted by I_Like_F150s
You know, this situation kind of reminds me of the way Microsoft slipped ship dates to create FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) in the marketplace. Those tactics were in part responsible for the decline of NetWare and the death OS/2. I admit that I was holding out for the BFT, but no longer...I'm getting a Savage.

Same here... From a design standpoint, I can't see this truck being much better, if at ALL BETTER than a Savage. :(

[Lordkett]

Lol, yeah I can see how delaying a r/c vehicle can cause some people to be afraid. It must be some evil master plan by Team Associated.
:rolleyes:

[hpimonster]

https://www.ssl-stormerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/seekpart.pl?pn=ASC20500

Doesnt that price seem just a little too high

[Lordkett]

Yeah, they are $529 at Tower.

[MORTER MAN]

ok this sounds stupid but when is it comeing out? and how much? I know its posted some were but I aint reading through 30 pages! LOL

[I_Like_F150s]

Per the AE website the date is "Fall 2003". Only time will tell...

[TPhalen]

$599 does seem a bit high.

Anyway, update. The past couple weeks have been VERY successful in our R&D work. We've been really bashing this thing and making sure everything on this truck is as durable as we can make it. So far, so good. Bodies are getting beat to h*ll, though! We know how to test our trucks!!!! :)

[Techspert]

It seems from the lack of recent posts that interest in this truck is waining. Associated took too long to release it. It has lost steam :(

They might as well target Xmas for a release date.

[hyper-7 44]

I think they will be $400 because the 2003 Buyers Guide says their $500 and their prices always over the actual price.

[drader]

Originally posted by Techspert
It seems from the lack of recent posts that interest in this truck is waining. Associated took too long to release it. It has lost steam :(


Bah. When it hits - the ground will shake. I've got 10 friends waiting, clutching their piggy banks, and none of us care how much longer it takes. The BFT will be THE truck to own for the rest of this decade.

[TPhalen]

And this is EXACTLY why we make sure it's right. People want the best truck they can get for the $XXXX of dollars. If we put out crap, we won't get the respect we deserve for future kits.

Sorry it's taking so long. BUT, you'll be happy you waited....

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,
I noticed that Tower Hobbies has a listed release date of late July for the MGT. Do you think that this is an accurate release date?

[TPhalen]

Nah. More like late Aug/early Sept.

[Ninja Viper]

Just wondering how long it taked to go from a fully R&D'd truck to full production?

[slaf]

Hi all !


First I have to say that I'm a big AE fan. But I think that AE is going in the wrong direction with the Monster GT. Why does AE always promised a release that is never respected ???? :confused: :confused:

Is AE loosing his place on RC market ?


Anyway, I'm planning to buy a monster truck and for the first time of my life, I'll buy a non AE product...Monster GT look fragile with all the plastic parts, in fact, it looks more like thunder tiger than any other AE product.

[TPhalen]

slaf: It IS a TT product....with AE development! And fragile is one thing it's not....unless you're jumping it off a building....well, maybe not even then!!!! :)

We are product testing this beast DAILY!!! If something fails, we are making it stronger. It just takes time.

As you can see, we just release the B4. Then the T4, and now the B4 RTR! So, that stuff takes up ALOT of our time! There are only 4 of us in R&D...well, 5 as of a couple weeks ago, but before that the 4 of us were pounding away at the B4/T4 projects. That's MOST of the delay for the MGT. Now that that's over, the MGT is a main priority.

[GTX]

I don't know if this has been discussed with the other R & D guys yet (probably, but WTH) - with the HPI Savage SS release, do you think you guys will make the engine a little more powerful to push this truck past 40 MPH?

I have a Ofna MP right now with a WS7 in it and it just plain flies. I have almost bulletproof it. I want a really good reason to make the MGT my bash-proof basher! :D

[slaf]

Originally posted by TPhalen
slaf: It IS a TT product....with AE development! And fragile is one thing it's not....unless you're jumping it off a building....well, maybe not even then!!!! :)

We are product testing this beast DAILY!!! If something fails, we are making it stronger. It just takes time.

As you can see, we just release the B4. Then the T4, and now the B4 RTR! So, that stuff takes up ALOT of our time! There are only 4 of us in R&D...well, 5 as of a couple weeks ago, but before that the 4 of us were pounding away at the B4/T4 projects. That's MOST of the delay for the MGT. Now that that's over, the MGT is a main priority.

Can you explain what you mean by "It is a TT product" ??? I'm a little bit scared about TT. I'm in Canada and there is only few (not to say only one) TT distributor in the country :( On the other, I can find AE parts everywhere, and soone or later at WalMart !

To accelerate product testing, you can send me a Monster GT, I'll test it for free !!!! :D :D :D :D :D

Your are talking about B4 RTR and T4, do you know what's next for the 10GT (I have 3 of them !!!) ?

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,
How is the development of the MGT going, have all of the refinements and testing been completed? Does it look like it will be ready by late September? Now with the soon to be released Savage SS, there will be another monster truck with a 40+ mph top speed. Will the MGT be able to achieve the same level of performance as the T-Maxx, Savage SS, and the Mad Force/Mad Armor?

It is strange there are still posts that question the durability and suspension of the MGT, even though Associated has already said that these were 2 areas of focus when they were refining it.

[BigBadTahoe]

From the looks of this truck unlike AE's other RC's this truck doesn't seem to look like a good racer or for an on the track truck. It looks more like a basher or for getting big air with it. So far from the looks of it, it probably won't be able to keep up with the Savage SS, 2.5 maxx, or maybe even the .21bb savage at that on the track. I wish they would of thought up a better design for the tires instead of throwing some old nitro quake tires, what is that all about? So far this truck still doesn't seem like a truck I would want to pay that much for. The only thing I heard about which seems nice is that when the truck flips over they made a tank that won't starve the engine for fuel, so it will keep running until you flip it over. Maybe this tank will fit in our other trucks too!

[Lordkett]

Wow, you got a lot of information by looking at a few pictures. It must be a talent.

[TPhalen]

slaf: "It IS a TT product"....Thunder Tiger = TT. I think in Canada it will still be sold as under the Team Associated banner. You should be able to find parts for this truck wherever AE parts are already available.

And yes....your Monster GT is on it's way!!!! :) Would you be needing spare parts, too???

Lordkett: If we stopped what we were doing to try to 'catch up' with whatever new MT's are arriving on the market, this thing would NEVER get produced. Instead, we are going to ship it as it is right now (with whatever small refinements we still need to make). As for the suspension and durability....those WERE 2 of the areas we focused on. Sure, SOMEONE will break it....maybe EVERYONE will break it. RC vehicles are not indestructible. But there is a point at which it should sustain some punishment. We think we've pretty much attained that level to where we are happy enough to put our name on it....

DubDucedDurango: This truck was designed as a basher....plain and simple. While it may not keep up with a SS Savage that some guy throws some sick .26 motor into, it will (or should!!!) out handle it. You have to remember something....we didn't design this truck. We merely made it the best we could with the platform we were given.

Please note. The tires are NOT Nitro Quake tires. They are MUCH softer, with custom inserts to help the truck get major traction. You COULD race with these tires....they're pretty good!

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,
Thanks for the information. I was not suggesting that the MGT be refined even more to make it faster, I was just curious about how it compared to the others.

Believe me I preordered the MGT from Tower Hobbies the second it was made availible.

[Ninja Viper]

TPhalen I would just like to say that I repect your conduct with all this negativity surrounding the MGT, keep it up.
Personally I feel this truck is going to kick azz, and all these nay sayers will be eating their words when it hits the track.
I will be selling whatever I have to to get one when it is released, I have raced Associated in the past and know your reputation for a quality product. Yes I have been frustrated haveing the release date pushed back, but I take confidence in knowing that my waiting will not be in vain. In the end I will have a truck that I will not have to throw a million hop ups into just so it is strong enough to bash at the track.
I do (like many others I am sure) plan to put a decent power plant into it (don't think the TT will even get a pull) and radio.

Anxiously and patiently waiting,
Joe

[TPhalen]

Ninja Viper: Thanks. Getting pissed and venting here is some people's thing, but not mine. I want everyone to know what's up with our product, and hope that I can get them to try it and be satisfied.

I too hope the nay sayers will eat their words!!! We've busted our butts trying to get this bad boy released! We made MANY changes and updates and revisions to make this truck MUCH better than it was in the first prototyping stages!

It'll be good....

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,
I just saw the Body Comparison picture on your website that shows the difference between an E-Maxx body and the MGT body. All I can say is WOW!!!!:D The MGT body is huge, it really is a BFT. :cool: :D

[TPhalen]

Ya, pretty crazy, eh??? I'm going to get it mounted on a MGT soon and set it next to my E-Maxx for better pix comparisions....

[BigBadTahoe]

Do you think the truck should be pretty good in its first shippment unlike the Savage which had some problems that had to be fixed for its newest shippment of trucks? I just hate to spend that much money on the truck right away if there is a possibilty of any problems in the near future after owning it. I'm sure this is hard to answer but I am just asking anyway. This may be my next truck if everything keeps looking better like it has so far. Thanks for the response.;)

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,
How powerful of a drill will be needed to start the MGT, when using the drillstart?

[TPhalen]

DubDucedDurango: We see no further problems with the truck at the moment....it should come out of the box perfect!! :) SHOULD! heh heh.

Lordkett: We are testing some different systems to see what is needed to make that starting system work. So far, it almost seems like a standard Makita style drill is a bit overkill. It's SO much easier to use this setup, though. I'm not saying that the pullstart sucks, I'm just saying that just plugging in a drill start and cranking away is a god-send....

[BigBadTahoe]

Is there going to be a test in next months RCCA? Since they sometimes get to test the prototypes or just the actual truck before it is released? I'd love to read about what they think about it!:)

[TPhalen]

I'm not sure when the mags will get one. Pretty soon, I'm guessing.

[RDucky02]

I put mine on order the day it hit tower hobbies and I cannot wait for it to come to my door. The realease date from tower has actually gone up form late sept to mid sept. i have a 2.5 maxx, a tc3 and a kyosho mp 7.5. i have never strayed from AE, previous owner of a rc10t and a rc10t3. i have never gone astray because the qulaity i get is so unsurpassed. i bought a super nitro rally and the instructions and kit quality i thought was only average. anyway i cant wait till throw my 7.5, my 2.5 maxx and the mgt down for a showdown at the forest preserve, should be amazing.

so in short the release date that i have at tower is mid sept and i paid or am paying 529.99

[NitroBoy24]

Dont get mad if this has been asked since im not in to monster trucks too much (14=wont get hired for an ACTUAL job in my state which=me not forkin over all that cash for a mt) and didnt read all the posts but does this monster truck come w/the shocks that have piggyback resovoirs I saw in the picks of it?? I've seen shox w/resovoirs on lifted trucks, sand rails, quads, etc and was wondering how much of a difference theyd make on an rc car if you compared one w/o resovoirs and one w/em. Im sure theyd make a fairly good difference but want answers from someone who KNOWS about them.
Thanx

(looks like a sweet mt to me)

[Coconut]

No. From waht I heard the ones shown were fake anyway. I did hear they would be a option. To me they are just somewhere else to have a leak;harder to rebuild anyway.

[Lordkett]

TPhalen,
According to the Tower hobbies website the MGT will be released in mid September. Does it look like the MGT will be ready to go in time, or is it still in the refnement process?

[RDucky02]

This is more of an update than anything else. I got the super savers catalog from Tower and the price is 489.99. anyway i called and switched everything around. so new price is 489, alot better than 529. and i think the price is gonna be 499 if ur not a member soon. later

[Coconut]

Yea,tower often post retail before the truck is released;maybe they have to wait until the get their actual cost. They listed the 2.5 Maxx because I was told they got so many request to pre-order from customers. They to 2 thousand pre-orders quickly;probably same here.

[BlutoSigPi]

Originally posted by TPhalen
If we stopped what we were doing to try to 'catch up' with whatever new MT's are arriving on the market, this thing would NEVER get produced. Instead, we are going to ship it as it is right now (with whatever small refinements we still need to make). As for the suspension and durability....those WERE 2 of the areas we focused on.

This truck was designed as a basher....plain and simple. While it may not keep up with a SS Savage that some guy throws some sick .26 motor into, it will (or should!!!) out handle it.

WERE 2 of the areas...hopefully the other area your looking into now is a bit more power...since it looks like your getting the B-bigger and T-tougher parts of the equation finished up. The bigger and tougher this thing is the slower it will be unless you do something about that mild mill your including with it.

About the outhandling comment...just make sure there is enough suspension adjustment so we can lower the ride height to the point that this thing isn't going to traction roll constantly. Hated that about the pre-2.5 t-maxxes...were't wide enough.

Just my $0.02. My RC hobby is kinda on hold almost as I'm waiting for this truck. :p

[TPhalen]

We've tested EXTENSIVELY at the height at which the truck is at now...stock height. We've run the thing at full speed in our back lot and cranked the wheel to do some high speed turning and it just leans and goes....very rarely did it show signs of flipping. You will be able to lower it, but only slightly. It's great at stock configuration now....

[Ninja Viper]

Please give us some updates TPhalen, this waiting is agony, but hearing you talk about the progress helps. Release date still on tap for fall? Any major mods that will happed before it hits the market? Anything will help.

[BCat125]

Anyone else notice that the website was updated.

http://rc10.com/shusting/CatalogHub/kitspecs_mgt/mgt_kits.htm

Does anyone know if this one shown is the final production model.

[TPhalen]

Well, good news!!!!!

Today we received our finalized trucks!!!! We have a couple that we need to check everything to make sure they are in proper condition, and do a little running on them also. So, everything is on schedule for the current release date!!!!

[Lordkett]

:D :D :D :D :D :D

[BCat125]

Why is it that only the first few will have the american flag paint job?

Are the other bodies that it comes with have the mini flag on the back or are they only for the flag scheme. It looks to me that the flag will snap off if the truck rolls over.

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

Originally posted by TPhalen
MGT testing is good. Working out some small details right now. Getting close....

Anyway, as an FYI, I have a new forum up off my site. I will be frequenting that one ALOT more than I will all the other forum sites....sorry. If ya want, you can head over, register, and start posting, and we'll keep all the good AE stuff going over there. It's just easier for me to keep all my 'searching' to one site...just happens to be mine!!!

CompetitionX Forum (http://www11.brinkster.com/tphalen/forum/)

Thanks.


What happened to the forum? I go there now and there is no MGT forum now. I posted there before but its changed.

[TPhalen]

BCat125: The first 2000 kits will have the American Flag body. This is a limited edition body and will have appropriate stickers on the body and box art. There are two other options you will then have....a red and blue body painted with some cool tribal flames. There should be samples of it on AE's site!!! I hope, anyway.

As for the flag, it will come on ALL bodies, American Flag design or not. And it's alot more durable than you might think. Out of all the bodies (with flags) we've tested, not ONE flag has broken off. It has, however, bent pretty good, but that's just the way the plastic 'stem' is.

QUAKE&SHAKE: I ran into some bandwidth problems and, instead of transferring the forum over to a new host and re-doing the entire thing, I just shut it down temporarily until I get more time to do it right. It sucks because I really wanted to have one but it just takes up too much time....more time that I really have right now.

[BCat125]

BCat125: The first 2000 kits will have the American Flag body. This is a limited edition body and will have appropriate stickers on the body and box art. There are two other options you will then have....a red and blue body painted with some cool tribal flames. There should be samples of it on AE's site!!! I hope, anyway.
As for the flag, it will come on ALL bodies, American Flag design or not. And it's alot more durable than you might think. Out of all the bodies (with flags) we've tested, not ONE flag has broken off. It has, however, bent pretty good, but that's just the way the plastic 'stem' is.

Ok thanks

[Lordkett]

TPhalen ,
It is great to hear that the MGT has been finalized :D. Will the dual starting unit be available to purchase separately to use on a different engine?

[Coconut]

Thta's great news. Tower has them listed in their current flyer.

[TPhalen]

The dual starting system is designed for the .21 motor. Ummm, not sure if it'll work but it will be available separately if you want to give it a try!!!! :)

[Lordkett]

Thanks for the info. TPhalen. So how did the checks on the finalized trucks go?.

[RDucky02]

okay so someone tell me what the heck is going on now...!!!! i havent seen a new post in like a week and im getting edgy to get behind the wheel of one of the trucks. any word on anything?! i cant wait someone tell me whats happening!:eek:

[TPhalen]

I could say, but then I'd have to kill ALL of you!!! :)

Testing went REALLY well. Thinks look good and the ball is still rolling smoothly!!!!!

[Lordkett]

Very cool, I am glad to hear that testing went well.:D So will the MGT be shown in all of it's glory at the Chicago Model Show, along with a new video?:D

[TPhalen]

Actually, yes. A full production truck will be there along with new video of the Monster GT, the B4, T4 and GT. You might see some familiar 'vehicle colors' running around in the video!!! :) Had a blast doing it, too!

[Lordkett]

Thanks for the info. TPhalen, I can't wait to see the new video. :D Hopefully my very own MGT will be arriving at my door soon.:D

[BlutoSigPi]

And the wait is finally almost over. Did they come out with that .30 engine yet...I think I might need that..

[drader]

Still getting pushed: I just read that instead of "mid-September", the BFT will be "in stores October 31st".

[Coconut]

Wre did you read that? I just read Steve Pond say that he had heard that they had started shipping from the factory. I take it that he heard at Chicago show that he was covering for RCCA. I did read somene say he hear "a rumor" of mid Oct but had nothing to base it on.

[theShark]

tower should have them in stock end of september...can't wait :)

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDAX8&P=7

[BCat125]

Its coming out November 15 according to the site

[BlutoSigPi]

The first time I went to the Tower page (a few days ago) it said Mid September...now it says Late September...and now AE is saying Mid November...

Are there any snow tires I can pick up for this thing for when it finally ships?:mad:

[fuzzy2133]

BCat125 is right here is the link to AE:

http://www.teamassociated.com/shusting/CatalogHub/kitspecs_mgt/mgt_kits.htm

[I_Like_F150s]

Here we go again...

[Lordkett]

The Team Associated website says that the release date is October 15, 2003.

[BCat125]

Sorry i must have accidentally wrote the wrong thing.

[Coconut]

The Nov 15 was posted by mistake according to Associated but has been corrected.

[BCat125]

This is why i wrote that
http://rc10.com/misc/0updates.htm

[MORTER MAN]

MAN I AM SELLING EVERY R/C THING i HAVE SO I CAN GET ONE OF THESE THING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEED ONE NOW!!!! LOL:eek:

[Lordkett]

I see, I bet they had a few confused and upset people with that one. Well I am just glad that it will be released in a couple of weeks instead of a couple of months. :D.

TPhalen,
Can you guys please post the new video of the MGT on the Associated webpage so that those of us who could not make it to the Chicago show can have a chance to see it.

[fuzzy2133]

Originally posted by Lordkett

TPhalen,
Can you guys please post the new video of the MGT on the Associated webpage so that those of us who could not make it to the Chicago show can have a chance to see it.

I agree.

[RDucky02]

TPhalen,

May I inquire as to why it was pushed back? I mean you know you had the Mid Sept from tower, and why didnt you realize, like, whoa, shoot, were not gonna be able to get the stuff there on time cause we dont even got the trucks in the boxs yet... In all fairness you said Fall 2003 on your release date before so I am very happy you have kept that true. Anyway, dont mean to be a jerk, but just wondering why you waited to the bitter end to tell us it wasnt going to be mid or late sept. Anyway, to recap, why did it get pushed back and what phase are you in of shipping? Like starting to pack em up in huge pallets to send em out come october or redesigning a few last things? maybe a .25 engine.... one can hope. later, take care

dave

[BigBadTahoe]

It must be a really good truck for horizon to list it in there torq catalog for around $730! That is like the most expensive Nitro MT ever! It must be a pretty good truck I'd say!

[Lordkett]

Tower Hobbies has the MGT listed for $499, and Ultimate Hobbies has it listed for $479.95.

[Coconut]

But you can get 25.00 off with the ad code.

[BigBadTahoe]

Just a simple question. What is better about the MGT than the new Savage .25 RTR? This has a possible affect on a future purchase thats why I am asking. :confused:

[Coconut]

Better;is often times a matter of opinion. In stead: i will list some of the things I see on the truck that look good to me. The chassis is a channel machined chass that should be way strong even without braces. The Arm mounts are aluminum;all the driveshafts are eithe CVA or universals; I like a two speed for bashing; I like the placement of the exhaust for bashing; I like that they that they got the high ground height using big tires and standard length shocks with a longer ;wider truck that should be more stable with this set-up. Like all channel or flat chassis truck it should be easy to access and there appears to be lots of room to change engines later when this one wears out. Those are just from looking;so take my opinion based on that.

Things I would have like to have seen;aluminum 1/8th size shocoks with 3.5mm shafts or larger;a bigger engine but I have seen engine this is based on and it was reliable and had good power for a mid level engine.

I have to say that Associated is a great company with great support. Whe you have owned alot of Associated vehicles and never been disapointed in any of them then you have a tendency to buy there if you want that type. This is just MHO and others may differ.

[BigBadTahoe]

I see what you mean it is a hard question to answer. I just like to race on a track and do jumping a lot so I need the MT best suited for those things. Both look very capable but I have only owned a TC3 and thats it for AE. I have a Savage .21 now and it works great once the little problems where taken care of. I would still like to hear others opinions on this. Thanks! :D

[Coconut]

For a race truck I would either get a T Maxx and make it a Lite race maxx for small block class or a Dominator or other truggy for big block class. Neither the MGT or Savage .25 are goign to do well in big block class ;driver being equal in MHO.

[MORTER MAN]

Well theres no going back now.I just put my eletric pan car on e-bay so I can get money for a monster GT
WHAT HAVE I DONE! SOME ONE HOLD ME PLEASE................:eek: :( :( THIS MONSTER GT BETTER BE WORTH IT!!:mad: :(

[Coconut]

I didn't know who worked with Lett on devoleping the MGT as Baker did with the NTC# but apparent Billy Easton did as I quote: We really took alot of time refining the Monster GT and it really paid off".

[Lordkett]

I heard that Associated was going to post a new MGT video this week. Has anyone else heard anything about it?

[Bansheeman]

I hope your right about that!

[Coconut]

For those interested the associated site has a list of parts including some of the drawing. Diffs drawing look go. Thak god four screws holding the spur gear to the diff case. looks good from what I see. Also a list of factory team parts(retial price listed). Pretty good list . I am especially interested in the optional steering set-up. From what I can tell it will be a cam type saver. Titanium turnbuckles;even a forwadr only kit. Loks like they didn't just waste time while they were testing. From looking the list over I will add some and not others. Nice list tho and should be reasonable when discounted.

[fuzzy2133]

I was hopping they would have a cam style servo saver and not be stuck with the servo mounted type. Thank You AE

[GA Maxx]

any naked pics? sorry if theyve been popsted i got to the 6th page and got bored, bah a .21 in a big truck, what they thinking, a .25 is needed as a minimum now imo

[MORTER MAN]

yeah I know I \was goign to get one of these but now I am ggetting a savage 25 RTR it looks really sweet and by the looks of it, it will kill the MGT

[Bansheeman]

From the looks of it! Looks don't mean any thing. The monster gt probaly will have no plob. running with the HPI. I don't think you know what your talking about (or at least I don't). Please explain!

BTW-If your talking about how fast hpi SAYS the savage can go, I heard from a LOT of people that the .25 savage has such a hard time getin' to its top speed that theres no way a nomal person can get it to 40 (to little land in North America)!

[fezzy]

I can confirm that the AE MGT is on its way, A few units have been sent to shops throughout the UK and my LHS has indeed got one in, I've wanted to go check it out myself but I know I will end up wanting one!.

Shouldn't be too long now. :cool:

[Coconut]

I talked to AE about a week ago and the truck for Eourope had just been shipped and they were preparing to ship U.S orders. There is a test on the .25 Savage in Extreme Mag. I personally hope you enjoy the Savage. Guys lets stop the "mines best" and let just let everybody get waht they want.

[RDucky02]

Indeed Coconut is correct in what he said. As much as we all like to bash another vehicle we feel is inferior to our own we have to think of whats best... this is all about having fun and hanging out with friends... otherwise it turns into a pro sports fiasco. we all have our personal views of whats best. i am a loyal buyer of AE and opted to wait for the MGT. I had a super nitro rally and i didnt feel it was up to what i wanted out of a vehicle i shelled out 260 for... im not bashing HPI, they revolutioned car with the RS4 series and have made great contributions to our sport/hobby. all in all its about what we think we need to suit our needs. so anyway, we have our views and we should be happy and keep bashing our trucks with each otehr, not our mouths. jeese, i sound like a whiney little kid or a prissy dad... anyway, i cnat wait to get my hands on one...

dave

[Ninja Viper]

There is one on Ebay already (from the UK that is), here. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3147787191&category=1200)

[Coconut]

I am not sure anyone here will pay that price;about double U.S. price. They will pay more in Europe tho as usual.

[TPhalen]

It's gone off EBay....

[Bansheeman]

When is the new video going to be on the web site?!?!:confused:

[RDucky02]

I know this has already been answered but i have to ask... more or less because i startd going through the 18 pages of replyies in this thread and it was just taking to long, but it was fun to read. anyway, will t-maxx rims, tires and bodies work on the mgt or not? thanks

dave

[fuzzy2133]

the rims and tire will and the body will not be big enough to fit. AKA it can with creative trimming in my mind at least.

can't wait 9 days left.

[Coconut]

Did anyone see the the posting on the Startign Grid conference about the MGT winning the A Main at RC Madness. One of the buggy guys advised that the guy apparently just changed the wheels/tires. Second place was a JT Hovac with a RB WS7II, He said the truck had good power. I didn't recognize the drivers name but think he's from one of the mags;poss. RCCA since they test there alot. I did think this would be a good race truck;but now that I think about it the chassis is almost a pan type but should be stronger for the weight. Put some maxx size tires ;remove the bumpers and change the gear ratio ;it might just be good. That would lose alot of weight. No problem with the gears as Associated is releasing optional bells and spurs as listed by Tower and there site. From looking at the team option list Associated has certainly covered the bases. Good job Associated.

[Lordkett]

I saw that posted on the Startng Grid also. Very cool, I thought that the MGT would be mainly a basher, but I guess it is a racer also. I can't wait until mine finally gets here. :D

[Coconut]

Originally posted by RDucky02
I know this has already been answered but i have to ask... more or less because i startd going through the 18 pages of replyies in this thread and it was just taking to long, but it was fun to read. anyway, will t-maxx rims, tires and bodies work on the mgt or not? thanks

dave

I wouldn't really worry about bodies as I am sure pro-line will do there usual job of support bodies for the Associated and Losi vehciles. For those that want smaller wheels/tires the pro-line 40 series with stiffer sidewalls almost seem made for the MGt/Savage.

[RDucky02]

Originally posted by Coconut
...For those that want smaller wheels/tires the pro-line 40 series with stiffer sidewalls almost seem made for the MGt/Savage.


Thats good to here because I just bought a set of the big joes from pro-line for my maxx 2.5 i havent put em on yet, waiting for the new mambo wheels from proline to get to my door from tower. anyway, awaiting the day also for the MGT... these last few days (again) are killing me.

dave

[Ninja Viper]

Originally posted by Coconut
I wouldn't really worry about bodies as I am sure pro-line will do there usual job of support bodies for the Associated and Losi vehciles. For those that want smaller wheels/tires the pro-line 40 series with stiffer sidewalls almost seem made for the MGt/Savage.

Looks like Proline once again is on the leading edge MGT Hummer H2 (http://www.prolineracing.com/proline/bodies/3165/3165.html) .

[Lordkett]

:D :D :D :D


Monster GTs are NOW SHIPPING!


http://www.teamassociated.com/shusting/CatalogHub/kitspecs_mgt/mgt_kits.htm

[fuzzy2133]

the guys at my LHS claim they get their shipment tomarrow I'll find out at 12:00pm PST when they open.

[datamike]

Originally posted by fuzzy2133
the guys at my LHS claim they get their shipment tomarrow I'll find out at 12:00pm PST when they open.

Well, according to AE, they're were supposed to ship on the 15th....no sign of them yet.

Michael

[tripplefatty]

so the hobbie shops should have them by the weekend....
would love to get one but ..mite just sit back & see what peeps say about them..(will most likly put one of the first ones on hold ..just to get the flag body...but not sure)...let us no if your lhs got them in
thanks
jamie....

[SrGremlin1]

If you take a trip to Towerhobbies.com the site has the price and it shows everything and i think it might already be selling.

Brandon Daniels

[SrGremlin1]

Has anyone heard about the new super-charger for the t-maxx,savage and etc. it's supposed to be sweet. Later!!!


Brandon Daniels:)

[fuzzy2133]

I called and got to talk to the owner and he said he has shipping confirmation and it looks like for him not more than a week. :( never trust the help more than you can throw em' and that aint far. the east coast could have it tomarrow if shipped from factory by air.

[mugenman1]

Just ordered mine form Ultimate Hobbies. In stock and free shipping!! :D :D

[cbr74]

Received shipping confirmation today. Our two will be here Tuesday.

[TPhalen]

As of yesterday, Friday the 17th, Ultimate Hobbies and Hobby People have both received their Monster GT's. I'm assuming since they have, other LHS' should start getting theirs early next week, if they haven't already received them....

[Ninja Viper]

Any of you lucky jerks who get one right away had better get back here real quick and write us up a review!

[jnegrx]

I will recieve mine on tuesday too. At least thats what the local dist. said to me today. :D

[JEDKAR]

I am completely satisfied with this truck, the easy to follow directions, easy to start and tune engine, and soft suspension. The truck is a nice size and pretty fast, and it is very durable; I have 6 tanks through it since i bought it today at ultimate hobbies.For what i want it for it is perfect, i don't need 60 mphs to be satisfied because i dont race. T omorrow i will take it to the track and i will let you guys know how well it perform. THANKS TEAM ASSOCIATED it was well worth the wait!!!:) :)

[PhishPhan]

The Truck looks and sounds awesome. I have been really trying hard not to buy this truck and wait for some more reviews. Please let us know everything you can about it. Also, does anyone know whats up with the flag body for this truck? I really wanted it but now it is dicontinued on towers page. Is it ever going to be availabe? Or are they all sold out of the limited number ? maybe it will be released later with a special edition team chassis! Any info would be greatly appreciated. This is my first post. First is always the best!

[GreatModels]

This is easily the best built and best engineered truck out there Period!

My guess is they will be hard to get all the way through christmas time. All the distributers I deal with have only received a few hundred which covers about 5% of the total back orders. Get on a list somewhere is my advice. And watch ebay get more flooded with used stuff.

My waiting list is fairly short with a good chance of filling all orders this week. Check out my profile for link. The best price on the net!+free shipping too!

[RDucky02]

Ive posted a few times here and am a loyal AE customer/racer. I currently own a t maxx with a 2.5, another t maxx with the sirio (which kicks the 2.5's ass), and a 7.5 I have an MGT shipping to me and Im nervous now. Anyone out there seen an MGT and a savage run with each other or just have thoughts on whats up. I was thinking now about the savage 25 but from what i read about hte MGT my worries are at ease. Hows the motor in the MGT? thats what everyones been worried about....

Dave

[Ninja Viper]

I had somebody on another board say this:

I don't think anything will be better than the Savage...first of all.
Second, yes, the Losi truck will probably be really cool. As for the BFT....I talked to some Hobby Clown USA guys that have had some extensive time with the truck and they all said the same thing. WEAK!!!!! All four of them could not say one very possitive thing about the BFT! I believe the whole delay in getting the BFT out to the market was to create hype. And it worked. Everyone is excited to get the truck because we all had to wait so long. I doubt the durability and the performance of the BFT. I will have to drive one myself to come to a conclusion though.


There seem to be a lot of nay-sayers out there, I think it is mostly due to the whole Thunder Tiger thing and the huge delays in production. In some ways I think they have some right to be sour, I have been on hold for at least 8-10 months waiting for it to come out. I am still holding onto the the hope that it will be worth the wait.

[JEDKAR]

The monster gt is faster than the savage 21, i don't know about the savage 25.The gt is very durable with great shocks and as i said earlier its easy to tune, and it handle jumps pretty good.I have the flag body which they are going to be limited and oh the tires handle great on road and off, even on grass with its soft compound rubber. I have owned the savage 21,madforce,terra crusher,3 t-maxxes,nitro quake,thunder quake,maximum mt pro,x-factor,e-maxx,and now the monster gt.I did like the savage, it was the most durable vehicle that i owned but it was too slow and now that they have the savage ss kit i will buy that to. Again in my opinion the GT is well built but the brakes could use some improving it still take a little longer to stop the big truck none the less it was still well worth the wait.:) :p :D

[SVTMaxx]

The Stars & Stripes body is on the limited 1st Edition trucks (first shipment of trucks, or whatever). After that, they will all have either the red or the blue body with the flames. The boxes have a flag sticker on the side of the box next to the channel that says, "Limited 1st Edition" on them.

[cbr74]

Yep, looks like this:
http://groups.msn.com/cbr74spictures/mgt.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=155

[SnakeEyesRacing]

Where can I get the flag mount. What part # is it?

Never mind. I found it at tower.

[need4speed4]

Is it just me.. or are the shocks on the mgt really short for a monster truck?! Im trying to decide on either a mgt or savage ss. I just want something that I can REALLY bash around, climb up curbs, and handle rough terrain with. Im leaning towards the ss, it has 7 inches of oscilation!!... with those extremely long shocks. But, i dont like how everything is all crammed close together in between the vertical side chassis. I really like the layout and design of the mgt....except for the pipe and fake resevoirs on the shock bodies...lol... and i love associated (i had a nitro tc3), but sold it for a monster truck. I want something that will really soak up terrain, and the savavge with the huge shocks, looks like it will do a pretty good job at that. Ahhh... I cant decide!! Can u guys persuade me to get the mgt..? Thanks in advance...

-Tom

[cbr74]

True the Savage has lots of articulation and a whole bunch of body roll to go with it. And even though it has all that suspension movement, the MGT still has more ground clearance.

MGT has full CV's
Savage has dogbones

MGT has 4mm turnbuckles with a hex and cross hole for adjusting
Savage turnbuckles aren't adjustable.

MGT has adjustable camber via the pivot balls.
Savage camber isn't adjustable.

MGT has aluminum tuned pipe
Savage is composite

MGT has reverse standard
Savage has an optional reverse module (sold separately)

MGT includes a hefty 2 stage 1/8 air filter
Savage includes a dinky, replace it before you even run it air filter

MGT has an easily accessed radio tray with seperate compartments for receiver and receiver battery.
Accessing Savage radio gear requires a degree in mechanical engineering and a shoehorn.

MGT drive hexes are steel with nice sharp corners
Savage drive hexes are cast aluminum with rounded corners.

Is that enough convincing or should I go on?

[TPhalen]

Glad to see everyone is enjoying their trucks....so far! Alot of time and effort has gone into them to make them the best we could with the platform we started with.

JEDKAR: Thanks. Great to hear!!!

[datamike]

Originally posted by cbr74
True the Savage has lots of articulation and a whole bunch of body roll to go with it. And even though it has all that suspension movement, the MGT still has more ground clearance.

MGT has full CV's
Savage has dogbones

MGT has 4mm turnbuckles with a hex and cross hole for adjusting
Savage turnbuckles aren't adjustable.

MGT has adjustable camber via the pivot balls.
Savage camber isn't adjustable.

MGT has aluminum tuned pipe
Savage is composite

MGT has reverse standard
Savage has an optional reverse module (sold separately)

MGT includes a hefty 2 stage 1/8 air filter
Savage includes a dinky, replace it before you even run it air filter

MGT has an easily accessed radio tray with seperate compartments for receiver and receiver battery.
Accessing Savage radio gear requires a degree in mechanical engineering and a shoehorn.

MGT drive hexes are steel with nice sharp corners
Savage drive hexes are cast aluminum with rounded corners.

Is that enough convincing or should I go on?

You should go do some actual research is what you should do....

First, need4speed said he was leaning towards an SS, most of your comparisons (the ones that are close to correct) seem to compare the gt to the rtr.

Both the SS and RTR have firmer springs than the 21. Body roll is greatly reduced and not a problem.

SS has adjustable upper arms for camber adjustment.

SS has aluminum tuned pipe; RTR has composite.

I've had no problems with the air filter, and its extremely easy to clean it as you don't need to remove carb boot.

Both rtr and SS have improved drive hexes; no problems so far.

I will agree with you that the savage's radio box is a pain. Use a hump pack and get switch harness with a charging jack and you'll rarely need to go in there.

You didn't mention:

Ton of available hop ups for savage.

All tmaxx bodies fit.

GT is $70 more which is more than the cost of adding reverse to a savage.


Now I don't have experience with the GT yet. Checked it out at the LHS. Looks ok. I'd be surprised if it's as durable as the savage...it's a thunder tiger for god's sake. Anyone who has owned one knows what I am talking about here.

Speed and acceleration is NOT going to be as good as the savage 25 period. It's got less motor AND it's heavier than the savgage by almost two pounds.

I am not saying one is better than the other. That's really a personal decision, but it certainly is not as one-sided as cbr74 seems to indicate.

Michael

[cbr74]

Yeah, I figured someone would jump to HPI's defense. Keep in mind my comparisons are made based on the first generation Savage that I own. So if some of my comparisons are outdated, I do apologize.

Ton of available hop ups for savage.
All tmaxx bodies fit.


OK, both those points I'll give you.

GT is $70 more which is more than the cost of adding reverse to a savage.

OK... but how much would it cost to add full CV's, aluminum pipe, vented flywheel, and 3 shoe clutch to a Savage?

Speed and acceleration is NOT going to be as good as the savage 25 period. It's got less motor AND it's heavier than the savgage by almost two pounds.

At face value you're correct. But to assume that the Savage's Force .25 is better than the MGT's TT .21 simply because its larger displacement is ignorant.
The weight issue I can't dispute, the MGT is certainly heavy.


Keep in mind it is not my intention to start a flame war... I OWN a Savage that's far from stock and a lot of fun. However... in this situation the request was: (and again I quote) Can u guys persuade me to get the mgt..?
I took up the challenge.

If it had been the other way around... I'd have relished extolling the Savage's virtues of massive articulation, tons of available hop-ups, easy parts availability, light weight, etc, etc, etc.

So, Michael... while I've obviously ruffled your feathers, it was NOT my intention to do so. Know that I do not have a grudge against HPI, I've owned many an HPI vehicle and currently own a Savage.

On sheer features per dollar and in my own personal and humble opinion, the MGT is the better of the two rigs. HOWEVER... without any long term real world testing of the MGT's performance and durability I can not for certain say that my opinion won't change.

[RCSavage]

I received my Monster Gt yesterday (flag body 1st edition) and as you can tell by my screen name I am also a very avid Savage fan. I will try to be as unbiased as I can be. I own a Savage SS

The MGT is Huge!! it doesn't really look like it's in the same class as the Savage.

The Savage has londer shocks yes, but my MGT has more articulation than the Savage (probably because the shocks on the Savage reach way out by the tires)

The Savage SS has stiffer springs to reduce body roll but they are waaaay to stiff. (makes the Savage plush suspension into a pogo stick) Go with the green optional med. springs from HPI.

Here is where I was really surprised. I think the MGT is very close in accel and speed to the Savage SS. I know it's hard to believe, and I really can't believe it but the MGT can move!! I think they are very very close with maybe the SS edging it out on top end. The MGT is just geared better than the Savage. The Savage 1st and 2nd gears are too close and doesn't allow the truck to perform as good as it could. Don't get me wrong the SS is still fast and very impressive but you have to wonder when you see the larger and heavier MGT with a .21 and it's about the same in speed. HPI never changed the internal ratio's for the more powerful engine. The 1st to 2nd difference is very small to help that cheesy old motor move it.

Overall I would still keep my Savage SS and I prefer it over the MGT although the MGT is really growing on me. I think the MGT is waaaaaay easier to work on and seems pretty durable also. I think they are close, too close to pick a winner.

When Losi's truck comes out however, it looks like it WILL dominate!!

Hope all this helps.

[JEDKAR]

This message is for Tom, if you can afford to buy them both then do so you won't be disapointed with either one because they are both durable and can take some real bashing. I have owned the savage 21 and i was verry pleased with the vehicle over the t-maxx because once you tuned the savage right it stayed that way and now they have the ss 25 with more speed. To me speed is not everything it have to fun to drive, durable, reliable, and it have to look good. I have taken the MGT out and jumped it raced it with my terra crusher hyper 21 and banged it around and it keep screeming for more. For those of you who make the comments "but its a thunder tiger and you know how they are" well if this is how the are i love it. One last thing i love doing this with my truck, i pull up to the parking lot divider at a low speed and when i get close to it i gun it and MGT just take off. Thats why i love those soft shocks. I hope that helps.

[RDucky02]

You gusy are also looking over the best part of the MGT for bashing.... The chassis. The channel chassis makes the truck unbelievable. No bulkheads to break such as in the tmaxx, and let me tell u, i own 2 of them and i hate the bulkheads... wish RPM would make some for the trucks... anyway witht eh chassis and the arms mounting kinda directly to the chassis the truck is very strong, and as they said in rc car action they overshot a turn on a high speed run and hit a chain link fence. with a rutty track they were running on as they said, it took alot of abuse. and i never really like the fixed links on some of the HPI models... anyway, have fun with whatever truck you decide.

dave

[datamike]

Originally posted by cbr74
[B]

OK... but how much would it cost to add full CV's, aluminum pipe, vented flywheel, and 3 shoe clutch to a Savage?



At face value you're correct. But to assume that the Savage's Force .25 is better than the MGT's TT .21 simply because its larger displacement is ignorant.
The weight issue I can't dispute, the MGT is certainly heavy.


[B]

That's fine. I am not looking for a flame war either. I just wish you would get your facts straight. While you NOW mention your comparisons are against the original savage 21 you didn't mention in your first note. And as I stated, need4speed specifically mentions the savage SS. Whats the point of comparing it to a savage that is no longer available?

And again, the Savage SS has hd dog bones and an aluminum tuned pipe. The 25 RTR has a 3shoe clutch.

I am not assuming that the hpi .25 is more powerful simply because it's larger...please direct me to where I wrote that. I believe it's more powerful because it's an HPI versus a Thunder Tiger. Also, I was simply alluding to the superior power/weight ratio of the savage.

Again, I am sure the GT is a decent truck (though I am somewhat skeptical due to my TT experience), I'd just like you to get the facts right.

Michael

[toddzilla]

actually the TT engine is fairly powerful for a low end RTR engine. certainly more powerful than the sad savage engine. the savage is a good truck, but the powerplant is a joke.. they really need to just switch to a better engine altogether rather than trying to make the BB engine work.

[PhishPhan]

I am new to nitro RC and have been looking at the savage and monster gt very to see which one is better. What I gather is that the Savage is built very good and has the more powerful/faster engine. And the Gt is built well and has a better chassis design and is a little easier to work on. Both have alot of add ons but the savage has more options due to its longer production run. I am so indecisive about this that Losi may have their truck out before I can decide. Since tower hobbies pushed back the in stock date to november for the Monster GT, I may go for the Savage. I called the two local shops and one didnt know anything about the Monster GT but had a few savage .25's and the other told me that the Monster GT isnt out yet. Thats another reason for me to go with the savage since i will have local support for parts. Anyway how do these things run in the snow? I would like to be able to drive them in the winter but do not know if that is even possible or good for the life of the engine. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[cbr74]

And again, the Savage SS has hd dog bones and an aluminum tuned pipe. The 25 RTR has a 3shoe clutch.
OK... if I'm to get the facts straight... which version of the Savage are we going to compare? You seem to want to mix the strong points of both.

What I wonder is... will all of it be mute point next week when HPI announces it's new and improved Savage RTR SS .27 loaded with even more features that they hadn't gotten right on the previous 3 versions.

And, as a consumer, how much more money do I need to spend to keep my Savage "up to date"? New tank, new pipe, new clutch, new springs, etc, etc, etc.

OK, my rant about HPI is over. Let me jump on the other side of the debate...

How can we make serious comparisons to the MGT when it just came out and only a few of us have them? Well ,really, we can't.
There's simply no long term, real world experience to draw from.

But on paper.... the MGT simply has more desirable features and they're all in one package, not a few good things on THIS version and a few good things on THAT version.

Now onto the Thunder Tiger debate... yes it's BUILT by TT, but it's DESIGNED by AE.
Why do you think it took so long to get to production? Because AE wouldn't put their name to it until it was worthy. If HPI had done as much RnD and real world testing, would they be on their third version of the Savage? I doubt it. Because they'd have gotten it right the first time.

[RCSavage]

To be skeptical about the thunder tiger engine is fine, but I will tell you that it is a great little engine and certainly has plenty of power. However to have comfort about owning an HPI engine is a joke since HPI doesn't even make engines. The .25 HPI engine is made for HPI by Force. It is the same engine as the force .25 except HPI added a different head and carb. Overall it is the same. Thunder tiger has years as an experienced engine builder in the Heli business where Force has a long reputation as junk. I personally have had no problems with my 25 in my Savage but many have had them with this same force engine. I would definatly feel more secure with the TT reputation.

Everyone picks on thunder tiger because of one bad truck, but the EB-4 buggy has been raced and won at major pro events. Thunder Tiger also makes world champion helicopters. I would say that overall they are a good quality company. After all Team Associated has been including TT engines in all their RTR vehicles for years now whithout problems.

[cbr74]

To answer PhishPhan's question... with some precautions to protect the radio gear from moisture, yes you can safely operate R/C's in the snow.

[datamike]

Originally posted by cbr74
Now onto the Thunder Tiger debate... yes it's BUILT by TT, but it's DESIGNED by AE.
Why do you think it took so long to get to production? Because AE wouldn't put their name to it until it was worthy. If HPI had done as much RnD and real world testing, would they be on their third version of the Savage? I doubt it. Because they'd have gotten it right the first time.


LOL, that's like saying "it's built by Yugo, but designed by Mercedes".

I've had no problems with my savage....

Michael

[RDucky02]

first off, datamike, i think that going to other companies to get the work done is okay. its cheaper to do it that way than have it done by themselves, and that money saved in their pocked is money that gets saved in my pocket.

as for the choices, you can get the MGT even now still. on ebay theyre selling them for 479-489 with buy it now, and i called two shops that have them in stock. my LHS doesnt have one but i know a few that do, such as R&L in michigan and another one in Florida. its easy to get one even now. as for tower i got mine from them. i preodrded it back in very very early june and they called me to see if i still wanted it. i said hell ya and theyre sending me one. anyway, the stock status just shows u how long the list is to get one with the anticipated receiving of them. but look on ebay and its easy to get one.

i like that AE took the extra time to get everything right than me have it like 3 months ago and spending money out the gassooo trying to stay up to date such as HPI did. sure i spend more to get the MGT but im happy i dont have to go out and buy the hop ups and spend even more. i ve had an HPI and i wasnt satisfied with it... i have a super nitro rally and my anitcipations were not met, so i sold it for something that was adjustable and durable, i gota tc3 and ive put money into it and i race it, i couldnt be happier. iv never gone wrong with AE in my 9 years of this hobby. as for the engine, just drop in a new one, but for those new to .21 power its a good engine to start out with.



I receive mine 2marra via FedEx, ill let you know what i think but i think that AE picked the much better path in doing it right than trying to get it out first. its like the space race... food for thought

[1 Bad STi]

Hey GT fellas, Is the engine in this truck pretty decent? I can get a smoking deal to put one in my buddy temparily. Please comment. Thanks

[SVTMaxx]

My experience with the Thunder Tiger .21 is that it's a fairly decent engine for the price and it holds a tune very well. It's a very reliable engine. A friend of mine had one in a Kyosho Nitro USA-1 for what seemed like forever and to this day, he'll swear that Thunder Tiger .21 was an awesome engine. And he's now running Sirio .27s, S7s, C4s, etc., so it's not like he's comparing it to a Hyper 4-port with 30 gallons through it or something.

[1 Bad STi]

The engine is to basically hold it down for the BMX tracks and around my yard, until I can save up for something nice.

[Bansheeman]

Originally posted by RCSavage

When Losi's truck comes out however, it looks like it WILL dominate!!

Hope all this helps.

WOW, you could tell just by the crapy pics RCCA showed us? You have got to be a special person to know that!:p (:o not a flame, just wondering :o)

As for HPI; I would buy a Thunder Tiger over an HPI any day! (In fact I did,EB-4, and I HAPPY) The day I bought that micro peice I was dispointed! And that the TRUTH

If you buy the MGT the Savage guy at your track will envy you! :cool: (the ones that aren't in denile)

Have fun:D

[RDucky02]

wow....... thats all i could say when i opened up the fex ex box today from tower and to my amazment saw the MGT box inside that. When i opened the box there was a mamoth inside.... i own a 2.5 and a sirio maxx, as well as a 7.5 and a tc3 and i have to gasp at the size of this thing. and the chassis is like a stell girder as rcca said. i havent been able to start it yet because rain sucks!

anyway, wow. i cant wait to get this thing ripping... arrived just in time for my trip to starved rock state park in illinois for the weekend. and the body i love but i had to order one of the red ones also because i dont wanna damage teh nice flag body. then it only got better when i put the tires on and saw just how bg this thing is... for those of you that dont know its incredible. for a visual besides numbers, sit down and put your leg on the ground, then extend your toes to be straight with your shin. from my knee to the tip of my toes is the length of this truck, wow.... and im 6 feet tall so its frickin big. the width is a wider than a maxx and im lovig every inch i gain in track and wheelbase. i cant wait to school a savage.... especially with the engie problems theyve had. and the brake on this thing is huge... anyway, im very happy with the money i spend and the aluminum bonus's i get... like the tuned pipe, and CVA's... ill take that over the savage counterparts anyday, such as there plastic turnbuckles... cant wait to get it up and running, after break in i got a set of big joes to throw onthe truck!... pics soon to come.... maybe later rtonight, but kudos to associateed!

dave

[mugenman1]

Just got mine today! :D :D WOW is all I can say. I've owned both a T-Maxx and Savage. Neither made such a good first impression as the Monster GT. This thing looks SOLID. Will break in tomorrow and order a new body. Don't want to ruin the stars and stripes!! Well worth the wait. Way to go AE!!

[fuzzy2133]

Quit it! you people are driving me nuts since I won't get mine till monday. This could be a long weekend.:(

[SVTMaxx]

Don't worry, mine is sitting in CA waiting on my final payment to get there (which is enroute), so it can hop on a big brown truck and make the trip from Cali to Ohio.... :(

[PhishPhan]

I am new to Nitro and I am hoping to snag up an MGT next week. Hopefully they are still available. Couple of questions though. The optional steering kit. Is it titanium? Exactly how much weight savings does the Factory team chassis offer? Does the Blue Factory Team Cylinder Head add any to the performance of the engine? Also What fuel is perferred and are there any things i will need in order to tune it properly?(tools and temp guages) Look at this I dont even have it and i am already thinking of upgrades. lol. So I guess I want to know what upgrades you all think are worth getting. Thanks!

[TPhalen]

PhishPhan: The optional steering kit is aluminum, not titanium. It actually give the truck MUCH quicker steering response....I love it! The FT Chassis. I don't know exactly how much weight it saves. I can check monday and get back to you. The FT Head is a little bigger than the stock unit, and we were actually able to lean the engine out a tad, so I'm assuming it's gonna help performance a bit! Fuel preferred is in the Startup Guide. 20% O'Donnel is what we used, and would recommend 20% to start with.

[RDucky02]

ive been running trinity monster horspower 20% in all my cars.

TPhalen or someone that knows.... does the side mount exhaust add any kind of performace advantage, like a litle more squeeze of HP, or no? could it be purely cosmetic. i would like to have the exhaust onthe side, free up the back of the chassis and move the weight dist. a little.

you guys shoulda sent out 2 bodies with the first edition models, i dont wanna trash the stars and stripes so im awaiting a clear one still. woulda been cool. gotta love the body clip system in the rear, i have to think about it for awhile, i could figure out how to get off the body! i was like hmmmmmmmm, how does this thing work, so after awihle i figured it out.

anyone broken a part yet? kinda like a firs broken part of the MGT ever.... curious because i want to know what you think of how hard it is to work on. still in aww of its super size, it cant be 1/10th in my opinion.

dave

[rickster]

ive ran my mgt for the 1st hr and lost the front cva. i sent team associated an email asking them if its under warantee. i still love it. its the mother of all mt's!

[Jamie]

Originally posted by rickster
ive ran my mgt for the 1st hr and lost the front cva. i sent team associated an email asking them if its under warantee. i still love it. its the mother of all mt's!

What happened to your CVD? Did the pin fall out? I just picked up my new MGT and am wondering if I should be checking them for tightness before I run it.

[JEDKAR]

Make sure you thread lock your pins because i lost the front one and had to run rear wheel drive only until i found it and put it back in with the thread lock

[Jamie]

Originally posted by JEDKAR
Make sure you thread lock your pins because i lost the front one and had to run rear wheel drive only until i found it and put it back in with the thread lock

Was it a front wheel CVD or the front center CVD? My LHS has zero for parts so I don't want to loose any. Anything else to check while we're at it. :)

Thanks, Jamie