Exclusive Interview With TRICKBITS Owner, Alby Smith

[@alistairmunro]

Had the very great pleasure of bumping into Alby at Tiverton today. A lovely man, and a true enthusiast. He showed me some of the parts and a kit ready to go. It's difficult to explain just how high the quality of materials and manufacture is. Utterly outstanding, it's a very special piece of kit.

[@peterhootonrc1498]

Very inspiring gentleman. No slowing down for him in retirement. Great video 👍

[@josephmorelli3191]

Fun video! Alby was very, very interesting. One of the most enjoyable RC videos I have ever watched. OUTSTANDING! Couldn’t get enough!

[@Paul__FC]

This is your best episode ever. I'm at work risking getting yelled at but worth it. This guy is living my dream. I want to do the same with 1 of my favorite kits. To date I only got the body repo'd Futuba FXT, your welcome world. :)

[@scaleworksRC]

GET BACK TO WORK 😁

[@Paul__FC]

@scaleworksRC Yes Sir!!!! Sorry sir!!! 😁

[@scaleworksRC]

@@Paul__FC lol

[@wadeskelton7585]

One of the best videos you’ve ever made Gavin - everyone in the hobby needs to watch this to understand why things that are well and/or hand made cost a lot of money - this is great investigative journalism here brother nice 👍👍👍

[@RCKickschannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@SEAN-fx5dm]

Absolutely outstanding video Gav, an incredible interview, I hope he gets more customers and I sincerely hope you get the views you deserve 👍.

[@SuperAngryWalrus]

Great episode, cool car and Alby seems like an awesome guy!

[@philmoffett366]

What a clever brilliant man! We need more people like him 👍

[@paullewis7480]

we got cecil

[@andycrute7350]

Great video and insight, looking forward to the next one

[@mitsuman5555]

Fascinating, and I love his enthusiasm.

[@lo2713]

Great to hear more about this awsome piece of kit, Alby is a great a guy and i remember watching him build the 1st one at MB as he was on the table opposite me. Seeing it got me very interested in one

[@DavidBernstein-jk3ml]

Great interview - I loved the insights into the car and the process.

[@RCKickschannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@madvente]

Another great episode - thank you, Gavin!

[@Pablo668]

Great interview/conversation. Enjoyed that a lot. If you could do more of this type of thing it would be pretty cool. You know, only if possible. I enjoyed the engineering insights into this car that, I really don't know much about.

[@RCKickschannel]

Love to interview more RC designers and manufacturers on the show.

[@MHRacing65]

Brilliant video! Well done Gav and Trickbits

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks 👍

[@kentb3175]

Thanks Gav that was a really interesting interview.

[@Sqishmallow1]

Mega interesting that issue with the 3D printing. So valuable!

[@scaleworksRC]

Thanks! This is the perfect video for people who say "why don't they just make a 1/10 scale version?"

[@RCKickschannel]

Thank you for watching and for your support. Every £/$ goes back into making content.

[@scaleworksRC]

@@RCKickschannel I just feel bad for the shipping cost to get that Datsun over here 🫡 glad to give!

[@publicprofilename4273]

So, I am very much a newbie, total novice RC enjoyer, who just has a single 1:10 basher, and 0 knowledge or experience with buggy racing at any level. I did get a Hornet for Christmas of 1985 or so, but I'd say that doesn't really count. That said, I was absolutely GLUED to this very entertaining, and enjoyable interview. This man oozes passion, and the perfect blend of pride and humility. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thanks for giving us this. I look forward to the build!

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks for watching, unboxing video of this kit coming soon

[@publicprofilename4273]

@@RCKickschannel can't wait man!

[@traxxasfans]

Great video I never realised how much goes into manufacturing an RC car kit

[@lcb1978]

Really enjoyed this, very interesting hearing some of the thought process behind the cars, would love to see more interviews / pair ups with Producers, racers, collectors?

[@Paul__FC]

That's a mint kit! "Not for the self". I love this guy! 1 sentence just made him a hero in my book. I writing as I watch and I'm totally geeking out!

[@douglasferguson3609]

As the world seems to expand and get more “connected” I believe this is far from the truth, Alby investing in local businesses he has not only invested in the local economy, but people of his community and by reducing his global footprint with shaking hands with his manufacturing industries local to him it is clear he will have a far superior product. I applaud his passion and get it done attitude with attention to detail and knowledge of the RC history based on data. I hope people can see past the price tag and invest in the larger picture. A person with passion for making a local quality RC that has a vintage flare but at its roots is a race ready RC to be used and to compete take down modern RCs.

[@lukewestwood5778]

Excellent video, need more interview style videos on the channel!

[@Dabber422]

Loved this episode

[@Losi5t20]

Truly appreciate the time you put in. The interview was awesome and being in the hobby since 1986 seeing this KIT IS A EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RC WORLD FUTURAMA. When will you Pitch a tv series. YOU could be the first in this business that has a weekly show on all of this content. Thank you. Looking forward to the next

[@kenblockx2010]

Awesome video Gavin, i understand now why it's so pricy, what an awesome car👌👌

[@Hamish1968]

Excellent episode - thank you!

[@paulrobinson9355]

Ok best RC Kicks show ever! 🎉❤

[@RCKickschannel]

Most kind, now if you could just tell everyone else on the Internet, that would be great ;)

[@bleedinghandshughes]

enjoyed that, nice interview

[@steveblackbird]

Pretty amazing bringing this out. It's gorgeous, well thought out and hopefully an absolute winner. The passion behind Alby's creation is strong. Can't wait to see this beast on the track!

[@vintage_racing_1983]

Great Technical break down on a new platform of the legendary Yokomo YZ10.

[@pacoelru]

liking those MIP tools on the stand!

[@nigelmacey3584]

Fantastic interview, a real passion project. Very inspiring. Love the engineering and re-engineering, I feel people often forget the artistic aspect of engineering. Alby’s knowledge about the product he loves is awesome. How many manufacturers will be exotic 3D printing their belt drive pulleys in the future, to benefit from the slack belt advantages….. Really enjoyed this, cheers to you both!

[@nicholasgoodall82]

Well done on a brilliant video, i really hope this helps go a little way towards people understanding more about it and the incredible dedication and non stop hard work it has taken Alby to get this out. I have absolutely loved running the car and it is just beautiful!

[@RCKickschannel]

Hope so!

[@opctje666]

Nice vid mate , i think this is a good thing for the chanel to do this now and again. And the car is awesome. Take care and have a good one

[@robinfrost6240]

Great video need very interesting more videos like this how much is it?

[@MalcolmCraigHistorian]

Really fascinating interview. Great to hear about the process of design, manufacturing, etc. I wouldn't by one, because it would simply be wasted on me! I'm delighted something like this exists and is being raced. More power to you, Alby. And very much agreed on Paul Lomas - his stuff is great! Funnily enough, I was thinking about blue being the "international colour of hopups" the other day. I couldn't agree more.

[@tetrapanax1]

Fascinating. Great to hear mention of Richmond and EPR too. I’m an occasional racer there myself (though mostly towards the back of the field!)

[@calvin1mac]

Really great episode, It would be great to see more like this if possible. Maybe interviews with some of the manufacturers if they are willing to participate. Great work Gavin.

[@RCKickschannel]

Would be cool for sure.

[@zosozoso2]

Epic.

[@prophetate]

Great episode Gav 😊👍❤️

[@Farney-gy1qo]

Great Video! Great RC Racing car! I've have an RC Crawler concept, I've had it in my head for years. I would like to build a Crawler based on the chassis and suspension of a Citroen 2CV.

[@ivormcmanus3468]

A brilliant video ,maybe you could do more videos like this in the future .week done ..

[@plbplb9764]

Aweaome educational episode.

[@shannonnufer]

Great video really enjoyed it! Seems like an absolutely amazing car !!! Sadly, for the average racer, it’s never gonna be anything attainable. I fully understand the value and justification of the price for something of this nature . It’s kind of like when you’re a kid, and had the Lamborghini poster on your wall of your room 

[@barrycheesemore2928]

That was really interesting, Alby was awesome! I suppose this kit is like a Bugatti or Koenigsegg, it's still a car, but by god what a car!! Not really sure I want to know how much the kit was.....😆😆

[@stuartstevens2746]

Very interesting video, I really enjoyed this one

[@flyingkiwi5780]

Top stuff!

[@eco8gator]

Holy shit balls...that car cost ~$2k USD but I am glad this exists. And after looking at the images on the FB Page I can tell that a lot of love went into modernizing and design to work for today. I have a 94YZ10 with a bunch of Suzuki blue parts on it. The thing that really helped improve performance under braking was locking the fwd drive pulley so it was fixed to its shaft. The drive train is also limited and isn't really built to withstand modern mod motors (well mine isn't). I may need to snag the slipper, drive shaftd and diffs from Trick Bits for my vintage car. Would be cool to see what Bruno Q can do with it...

[@dustyw]

Now that's a buggy !

[@turboboostHoonicow]

So cool! The car an the man "behind"! 👍👍👍 Where can I buy one?

[@RCKickschannel]

Message Trickbits directly. facebook.com/rctrickbits

[@paulus842000]

Really enjoyable video ❤

[@smellurfingerrcdejesus9176]

Gavin boy 💗 so lovely

[@jonthomas8487]

Really cool video. It would be interesting if he designed a car that was not inspired by the Yokomo, but rather one that’s all him (even though this one actually is an improvement on everything the YZ10 was). The nice thing is that it’s tough to tell one brand from the other these days anyways. A Schumacher LD3 vs Associated B7 unless you are really clever it’s tough

[@vigilante351]

The old addage - You get what you paid for. Quality product for a premium price. Can you imagine if he chose to gamble with Chinese end product and keep the profits? You would end up paying double, by realizing the error of your ways. Its about $1600 AUD to get that car delivered here. Its too pricey for me, but I can see where the money goes into.

[@clives681]

No reference to yokomo on the box? Well, except for the stickers all over the body and shock tower!

[@chrisgiles5389]

Good interview but no mention on cost, what did yours cost please Gavin?

[@RCKickschannel]

The reason is the video will be live for years so prices change over time as well as it depends on options you pick and add. I think the range is currently around £1700 - £2000 but best to talk with Trickbits directly

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

The YZ10R kit is £1650. We also have a 'race' pack that that consists of Front and rear roll bar sets - 0°, 2° & 4° castor blocks, 1°, 2° & 3° Anti-squat rear pivots - 0°, 1°, 2° & 3° toe in rear hubs. The full race kit is £250

[@ocelee7794]

Blue is nice but i prefer red!

[@eco8gator]

Did they lock the pulley to the front diff so it doesn't freewheel? The car is easier to control under braking if the front wheels are locked to the back.

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

Yes.

[@IIIxwaveIII]

Great vid. Still not clear on yokomo stance on this. Don’t they own the IP on the car and name? Are they allowing this? This car is so cool I just want yokomo to rere

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

IP is considered to be safe for a manufacturer for 10 years. I seriously doubt that Yokomo bothered with trademarks. You must remember that these cars had a shelf life of two years, each running of the world championship spawned a new car. Who would have imagined Vintage collectors and racers around the world being a thing, 30 + years ago.

[@IIIxwaveIII]

Thanks. I would love to be in a position to buy such a kit. But my best hope is a yokomo rere 😂 Again. The vid was awesome and the kit looks insane.... Personally I would choose the black one :)

[@pongosp]

How much is one kit ? Or are they all sold out?

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

Hi, They are not sold out. The YZ10R kit is £1650. We also have a 'race' pack that that consists of Front and rear roll bar sets - 0°, 2° & 4° castor blocks, 1°, 2° & 3° Anti-squat rear pivots - 0°, 1°, 2° & 3° toe in rear hubs. The full race kit is £250

[@pongosp]

@@AlbySmith-q6r sorry how much is it in US dollars thanks

[@RCKickschannel]

$2000 ish, maybe a little more for a rubbish exchange rate transaction like Paypal.

[@neontetra1000]

How much did these cost? I’m gonna buy one if I see one.

[@RCKickschannel]

You can only get one directly from Trickbits. Message them directly on Facebook

[@AntsRC]

You going to raffle this one off!!! Lol

[@RCKickschannel]

I really want to try and hold this one in the collection but the bottom line is when all filming is said and done and it has no value for the channel anymore, well then it will come down to channel income and if I have a really tight spot financially. I have decided to let the Team Associated RC10CC go and the RC10 40th Gold Pan, so I can have the best shot of keeping the YZ10R. If I ever have to let this go, I would rather RAFFALL it vs sell it directly as it would be fantastic for it to go to someone who would never be able to own such a car. It's too early for me to say and how much I will fall in love with it when building and racing it. The Yokomo 870C was a great build and shelf queen but it's not a nice race in stock form and for me fell short. I am still working on that one in the background for another video but your feelings do change on cars. My PR SB401 Type R is amazing and I like it more now than I could have ever expected.

[@IIIxwaveIII]

BTW what’s the price on the kit.seem like it’s kept secret so not sure what the deal is. A ball park price would suffice…

[@RCKickschannel]

See comments, addressed multiple times 👍🏻

[@MrSneakyGunz]

How much? That's what I need to know.

[@RCKickschannel]

The reason is the video will be live for years so prices change over time as well as it depends on options you pick and add. I think the range is currently around £1700 - £2000 but best to talk with Trickbits directly

[@MrSneakyGunz]

@@RCKickschannel I don't FaceBook so it's difficult to contact him(I think). That price, in 2024, sounds reasonable though. Thank you for your time Gav.

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

The YZ10R kit is £1650. We also have a 'race' pack that that consists of Front and rear roll bar sets - 0°, 2° & 4° castor blocks, 1°, 2° & 3° Anti-squat rear pivots - 0°, 1°, 2° & 3° toe in rear hubs. The full race kit is £250

[@michaelvtx1]

I am in the US where can I purchase one?

[@RCKickschannel]

Contact Alby directly on the Trickbits facebook page

[@michaelvtx1]

@@RCKickschannel what do they cost roughly?

[@Patricio711]

Love the content, but the way the video is recorded/edited it feels like you were not in the same room at the same time.

[@RCKickschannel]

CGI you got me.

[@AntsRC]

I don’t want to inundate trickbits with” how much “, questions so I’ll ask here. How much??

[@paulwalker3246]

Around £2000 for the kit and race tuning parts

[@RCKickschannel]

It depends on what options you add like the race tuning parts so £1,700 - £2,000 but prices will change over time, so if you're reading this two years down the road, it's best to contact TRICKBITS directly for an updated price.

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

The YZ10R kit is £1650. We also have a 'race' pack that that consists of Front and rear roll bar sets - 0°, 2° & 4° castor blocks, 1°, 2° & 3° Anti-squat rear pivots - 0°, 1°, 2° & 3° toe in rear hubs. The full race kit is £250

[@AntsRC]

@@RCKickschanneldo you know if he accepts children as part payment??

[@drwedders]

I'm confused by this car, is it a replica of a car Yokomo never released or an evolution of an old production model?

[@RCKickschannel]

I would say it's an evolution of the YZ10 vintage design when every single part is looked at, refined and improved with the goal of performance and quality. A replica I would say is more like the just released 870C by Yokomo.

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

My normal reply would be that it is a reimagined 95 YZ10. However, I like the term ‘evolution’. What is sometimes missed, manufacturers scrap perfectly good RC cars every two years. I.E. the world championship year. I made it clear in the interview that I genuinely believe that the 95 YZ10 is the best ‘rear motor’ 1/10 buggy Yokomo produced, furthermore, I believe it could have won the 97 worlds. However, installing a new top deck with a damper to generate more front-end grip to suit the Ranch Pit Stop Track in Pomona; that would not have sold many new cars for them. So, Yokomo produced the MX4 to generate $$$$. Was it a better car, I do not think so. I have set out to extract the full performance of the 95 YZ10 whilst staying within the vintage rules.

[@nickkalister6291]

mmmmm now this yokomo could tempt me away from my kyosho optima mid ways ;)

[@AlbySmith-q6r]

Go on, spoil yourself😂