Associated TC4 RTR

StevePond · #1 03-01-2005, 10:30 PM

Associated is preparing to announce the release of their new TC4 RTR touring car, based on the competitive TC4 kit version. The new RTR will include the LRP "AI" (Artificial Intelligence) digital speed control, installed. This speed control intuitively establishes the neutral point, and distinguishes forward and reverse without the need to push a single programming button.

A powerful 15 turn electric motor is also installed. The Reedy-based motor puts out a lot more power than the standard motor in most RTR kits, which should make this one of the fastest machines on the street.

One of the coolest features is that the TC4 RTR comes with painted body in one of two color schemes, which can be customized with the included street-tuner decal sheet!

"AE by Airtronics" AM receiver, already installed. The Airtronics-made radio system offers a good combination of reliability and value, making it one of the most popular choices in RTR radios.

The unique treaded tires are mounted on chrome 8-spoke wheels. The rubber compound is soft enough to provide good grip on most road surfaces. The tread helps to keep traction even when running on surfaces with a lot of dirt and debris.

Lightweight composite CVDs are included, along with ball diffs and VCS (Volume-Compensating Shocks) oil-filled composite shocks.

Other Features:
•Double-decked impact-resistant plastic and lightweight foam bumper system.
•Shock towers with four upper shock mounting hole options.
•6061 T6 blue anodized aluminum drive shaft fits in strong composite drive cups.
•Machined aluminum motor mount for greater motor stability and functions as an integral heat sink to draw heat away from today’s hotter modified motors.
•Floating hinge pin system allowed us to develop an anti-dive, anti-squat suspension adjustment shim system front and rear.
•Optimized steering system features a dual-bellcrank/ rack configuration.
•Front and rear suspension links feature vertical ballstud adjustment for making precise changes in your chassis’ roll-center.

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TMaxxBenny25 · #2 03-01-2005, 10:32 PM

Man that looks good!!!

Prelude14WRX · #3 03-01-2005, 10:44 PM

That looks really nice. Bet that costs a whole bunch though!

Silent Scope · #4 03-01-2005, 11:08 PM

Man AE is at the top of game! With the RC18T and now this! Dayymn!

I like that street tuner package.. looks awesome!

RCMadMatt · #5 03-01-2005, 11:22 PM

Looks very nice!!

Matt

Greg_Hager · #6 03-01-2005, 11:33 PM

Looks good. I've been thinking about picking a TC4 up for a while now....this might be the ticket.

AudiTT-Quattro · #7 03-02-2005, 02:22 AM

I'm glad that AE is starting to appeal to the newer generation in the hobby with features you usually find in a Radio Shack car but MUCH more competitive. It should be a great kit for anyone just starting out, or everyone for that matter.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the motor. IMO, they should've used a ROAR legal stock motor just so anyone can use it as a racer straight out of the box.

Alun · #8 03-02-2005, 03:18 AM

Personally I dont like the TC4. I had a TC3 that I ran for almost a year and loved it, so figured a TC4 would be an ideal replacement. I ran it for a month.
I now run XXX-s G+.

I do like the bodyshell!

cheerwhiner · #9 03-02-2005, 11:43 AM

Good move. We knew it was coming. I agree about the ROAR motor BUT they are not that expensive. Besides you aren't going to race it with those tires it comes with either. I could see my local track selling a bunch of these as soon as they are out.

Racer Rob · #10 03-02-2005, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiTT-Quattro

The only thing I'm concerned about is the motor. IMO, they should've used a ROAR legal stock motor just so anyone can use it as a racer straight out of the box.

Yep, lets give newbs a 15 turn...

b16crxturbo · #11 03-02-2005, 12:34 PM

One thing to keep in mind is that a very SMALL percentage of people that buy R/C cars ever end up racing them. For most people that are just bashers, they like the extra speed that a 15 turn will give them. Also, a good competition Stock motor needs a lot of maintenence which isn't really something a newb is prone to do. I would guess that this 15 turn is more geared towards durability than all out speed, but who knows, I may be wrong.

What's the word on price and availability?

Is there a FT TC4 to follow soon?

2Fast2Fury · #12 03-02-2005, 01:58 PM

I already have the TC4, but I wanted that Silver body! Sweeet.

Farwar · #13 03-02-2005, 03:59 PM

The car looks good and it will be good for a beginner but the body? It doesn't look great but I guess if your into the import thing than you may like it.

tadium54 · #14 03-02-2005, 05:15 PM

Very nice AE. Hopefully it will sell well

Pro3/nmt105 · #15 03-02-2005, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b16crxturbo

Is there a FT TC4 to follow soon?

Give it a year or so. AE's strategy is to wait until everyone who wants one buys the team version, and spends money on FT parts, then they release the FT version and alot of people that already have one buy a new car, and people that would'nt buy it before are attracted to it.

ElectricThunder · #16 03-02-2005, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer Rob

Yep, lets give newbs a 15 turn...

A tweaked/tuned stocker can easily out perform that 15 turn probably. So it's probably not that powerful of a motor. I mean, c'mon...it's comin from the factory...lol!

TMaxxBenny25 · #17 03-02-2005, 06:42 PM

RCCA sed that the 15 turn was a about as fast as a competitin stock motor

microrcdude · #18 03-02-2005, 06:45 PM

Ya, but its not stock-class legal.

ElectricThunder · #19 03-02-2005, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMaxxBenny25

RCCA sed that the 15 turn was a about as fast as a competitin stock motor

Apples to oranges IMO, but thanks for the heads up. Still think a nicely tuned stocker could whoop the poo outta it if ya know how to tune....

JugawaH · #20 03-02-2005, 07:29 PM

how much are these things going to go for?

Legend_Car · #21 03-03-2005, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JugawaH

how much are these things going to go for?

At towerhobbies.com there going for 354.99 my kit with mx-3 radio costed about the same lol. But then if your gonna race it you have another 30+ in the stock motor. wish associated woulda put a 19t or 27t in it

BrushlessHawaii · #22 03-03-2005, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer Rob

Yep, lets give newbs a 15 turn...

It's Machine wound - not like it's a race quality mod motor

Legend_Car · #23 03-03-2005, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrushlessHawaii

It's Machine wound - not like it's a race quality mod motor

yah i know it is but you if your gonna race it you have to take the 15t out spend 30+ dollars on a stocker motor and the solder it back up. associated must know that people race these rite? so why a 15t

elcid4300 · #24 03-03-2005, 01:14 PM

This package is not designed for the racer but more for the basher "fun" crowd. Associated knows that the person that buys this RTR is going to want something peppy and fairly quick so they spec'd a 15T motor. I am sure if they spec'd a silver can "stock" motor people would say it was slow and why didn't they use something faster? Also, if they used a "racing" stock motor, who's to say that the person buying it wouldn't want a "racing" 19T? Let's not forget the maintenace involved with a highly tuned stock or 19T motor. Associated did the right thing in appealing to its targeted audience with this car. Besides, motors are fairly cheap

ITurnLeft · #25 03-03-2005, 02:40 PM

Any idea when a factory team edition is going to come out?