RC10T Chassis Build and Issues With The Instructions

[@RCRetro]

Hey Adam, thank for the clarity on all the things wrong/confusion with the manual. I will be referencing your video when I eventually getting around to building mine. Thanks for the insight and the truck looks awesome.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Not a problem at all Ari! Most of it you can figure out as you are going but there are some serious flubs in the there and for someone that has never built an RC10 it would have been a serious struggle for them. It is great they are cranking out kits (perhaps a little too fast for everyone's wallets) but they really need to vet their instructions better! Have fun building yours, I really need to get mine painted!

[@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC]

Great video buddy. I really enjoyed watching the montage of it all going together.... It's a great way of taking us through the process,great backing track as well. Those instructions sounded like an absolute ball ache,vague is an understatement! I've only ever built one associated vehicle,and I really did not enjoy it at all. I do love this truck,and do hope that the supply issues will improve enough over the coming months to enable a decent amount to penetrate the UK market! True legends never die! 😁 👍 👍 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

I m glad you enjoyed it James. There are no deal breaker moments in the instructions but there are enough small things that it does take the fun out of building it some and that is the part I generally enjoy the most. In the end you are left with a really cool truck that with a couple quick adjustments feels like it is going to drive super nice! I do hope they sort themselves out and slow their roll. It would be much better to release a lot of one kit before turning right around and short selling another. It is cool they have plans for releasing re-re kits but not every month or two and short selling the whole community. That seem far more detrimental to the brand than not re-releasing them at all. Take care and have a great rest of your week my friend!

[@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC]

@@AddamsPlayground Well said matey.....I couldn't have put it better myself! 👌 👍 👍 👍

[@daysofnick]

Hi a much respected chassis here in UK we really liked the Video US have never been the greatest at instructions like Tamiya but maybe you learn more in the process. Nice one I raced TC3 herer for years I needed imperial tools not metric.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a great kit and it feels like it is going to drive very nice. The instructions I am not sure if that is the American side of it or the Thunder Tiger side of it that failed (possibly both). I just don't understand why they did things the way they did in there and it would be super easy for them to add a few clarifying words in some steps, like mounting the nose section to the main chassis " Use the longer wheelbase screw holes" to make life a lot easier! I dislike the imperial tools but I get why they do it. I would personally prefer them to just switch to metric but it would probably enrage the purists! LOL!

[@powersmodelgarage]

Great build. Looks the way I remember it back in the day.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a really cool truck and it feels like it is going to drive very nice. The instructions were fairly awful but it got the job done with some guessing. I need to sit down and get the body painted, I have been procrastinating with that!

[@sparetimerc]

Hey Addam, I know that there are a lot of people who will appreciate you putting this video out. Especially those who are not that experienced in these types of builds. If you were a little confused on certain parts of the build, they were lost and more frustrated than you. You are a great asset to the RC community. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this particular build.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Al! I really love building kits but when the instruction leave you guessing and assuming things it really put s damper on the fun and enjoyment of putting them together. I hope it does help out some others and it makes their build a lot smoother. In the end I did a great truck that feels like it is going to run really well! I just need to figure out the paint scheme for it and get that done. I am going to have to paint in the garage I think as it is way to humid out for painting outside! Take care and sending you an email right after this!

[@MrSneakyGunz]

@@AddamsPlayground I would love to see the box art on this build. Whatever you do will be great.

[@madsrcbuggy]

Nice one, Addam! I haven't been very keen on these, especially the white plastic doesn't turn me on, but I have to admit it looks kind of cool, yours! Yeah, I just built a "modern" Asso kit, and I had same issues with screws and guides and guesswork and what's provided and what isn't... At least we get our regular reminders why we love building Tamiyas! The thing with the pinions is really getting to me. I understand that we have a number of sizes and we have a Dp and a Mod method of naming them... But why the Hell does every manufacturer have to basically keep it secret to us hobbyists what size is intended for their kit? Are they so afraid we buy an aftermarket part, or what? Ha ha, rant over, was nice to see this truck built, and I'm looking forward to see it finished and out on the track. 😄

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is really cool all put together and it feels like it is going to drive super nice. It just has the real smooth and plush feel to it. I have never been a fan of the modern TA instructions and this lacks info like all of them do. I am a bit spoiled by the nice and relaxing manuals Tamiya makes and I don't understand why these others cannot see why Tamiya sells so many more assembly kits than they do! I get it more on the high end race kits where there are tons of adjustment points and you are supposed to set it up to suite your style and needs but this is a much simpler kit and the instructions would have been easy to add some clarification into them and make the build process a lot more fun than guessing an assuming things! The pinon thing is stupid as well, give a baseline tooth count or a gear ratio chart to at least point me in the general direction of a pinion to use! Nope, figure it out with trial and error I guess! I enjoy building more than I enjoy driving them and they kind of rain on my build with them not taking the time to do their job well. It will make me think twice about forking over so much money in the future. Take care Mads and have a great week!

[@SidcupRC]

Really informative watch. Thank you.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thank you, I hope it helps other when building their kit! In the end you still get a really great truck and from the feel of it on the bench it is going to drive really well!

[@RCBirds]

They should have let this build by a beginner, corrected the manual and then put the kit on sale. Great xou managed it and shared the tips with us

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes, any product should go through blind testing and if the instructions are not clear or correct then it they should fix it before releasing it to the public. I know I am not perfect by any means but I am not selling $400 RCs to people! Hopefully this does help out some folks in their builds.

[@stefankosar1235]

Thank You for sharing these information. Should help when starting the build!!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

You are very welcome. I wanted to put it all out to both help everyone else out and to hopefully let them know they need to do a lot better with the instructions! Pretty much all of it you can figure out but that is not really the point behind an instruction manual! LOL! Have fun building it and you get a great truck in the end. I have been dragging my feet getting it painted. I starting masking the roll bars and that got frustrating so I set it aside! I will get it done soon though.

[@dewey7330]

One thing about the transmission housings. Back in the day when I ran the rc10 buggy and the truck. Over time you should tighten the transmission housings as they wear in.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Good to know, thanks for the tip! I got to get the silly painted still but once I get it running I will keep an eye on it!

[@frestkd]

I do remember building my first RC10T, and the instructions were a little vague, after that I added RPM 0 degree rear arm mounts, 5 degree front spindles, composite craft oval chassis, bearings, RPM 1.96 transmission, direct steering conversion, motor plate with heatsink, Jaco Foams, quicker steering servo, and lots of other stuff I can't remember at the moment. Raced Oval Gearbox 1/10 Truck in a parking lot near a Hobbytown back in the mid to late 1990s early 2000s.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Jeez, you definitely went all out on yours back then. Hop ups back then were a lot more expensive as less companies making them. I am sure it was a ripper and I am sure it was a lot of fun too!!!

[@RR-ho5ek]

From experience, here's what I can tell you. Use 3 degrees rear toe in per side, for best traction, this is kind of the norm. For the pinion, try 17, 18, for hot winds, and 20, 21, for milder winds. As for camber, and front toe, forget what the instructions say, if you can find a camber gauge, I have an old rpm version, start with 2 degrees negative camber all around. For front toe, start by eyeballing the wheels with slight toe in, for more aggressive steering, make them straight ahead.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for all the tips. I stuck in a 23 t pinion to start with, I have a vintage Reedy Mach II motor in it and it seems about right on the bench but driving will tell. I adjusted the rear camber link and the front steering links both to 52.75mm vs the 51mm and that both flattened out the rear tires to use all the tread and the front toe out is much less than before but still retains a bit of toe out. I will run the 1.5 rear toe blocks to start with and change them to the 3's afterwards to see the change. I am sure the 3s may be better and they are pretty easy to swap out. I appreciate the help and may crank the steering in a bit more.

[@nomusicrc]

Don't you love it when you're watching a video and you leave a comment about something in the video and then later in the video they explain why so you delete your comment lol

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL! I am glad I did not leave you hanging!

[@nealstarling5422]

I thought I was the only one to premature comment 🤣

[@MauzyrockRC]

Make good instructions dangit! Like poorboys RC said, Tamiya instructions for the win! Great overview and explanation! Cheers

[@AddamsPlayground]

You would think by now other manufacturers would realize Tamiya kits still sell because they are enjoyable to assemble and that is due to their instructions as well as the uncomplicated designs but even the complicated ones (semi trucks and race kits) still have the same great instructions. In the end I got a cool truck that should drive like a champ.

[@Iamfirebird360]

Really appreciate this rundown. Itll save us all lots of headaches and frustration later.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I hope it does help out others. I love building but the small issues every few steps got old quickly and took a lot of the fun out of it. If you set the servo horn length to around 18.5mm from center to pivot ball for a standard sized servo that worked for me and the setting the front steering links and rear camber links to 52.75mm instead of the 51mm in the manual took a lot of the toe out of the front and flattened out the rear tires to use all of the tread.

[@graymatter45]

In the early 90s I built a lot of Rc10s for other people, I really enjoyed it .

[@AddamsPlayground]

After building one you know the things to do so I am sure it was fun building bunch of them! This a a really cool truck and I can tell from the feel of it on the bench it is going to drive really nice!

[@GFisico89]

I had all the same issues with the build, I had no idea what the axle springs were for till I found your channel. very helpful thank you.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@GFisico89 I am glad it helped out. It is kind of pathetic that they put out instructions of such poor quality. In the end you are left with a really nice truck that feels like it is going to drive super nice!

[@HaydadRC]

A lot of nice tips there to help folks out Addam! It’s unfortunate the manual isn’t more detailed. It would be really nice if TA would not do such limited runs on these rc10’s so everyone that wanted one could get one!😂 Excellent video Addam!👍😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

I wanted to get this out in order to help others that may be building or planning on building their kits as a heads up. I am not perfect for sure but the assembly guide (can't call them instructions) are lacking and not very helpful in places. Some simple things like a gear ratio chart and a reasonable length (mounting hole to ball stud) servo setup would be helpful. It may be "race kit" but that does not mean things should be left to guess or assume things. Many of us grew up really wanting one of these but could not even dream of affording one and now that we can folks will be building one for the first time and may have a real tough time with it! I am hoping this one will be a bit more mass produced as they are shooting themselves in the foot with the limited releases of them! Take care and have a great week Jeremey!

[@silverrick90]

Nice! Love the look of the RC10T! It’s sooo frustrating doing a build and finding issues with the instructions. Makes you second guess yourself every time!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes, this is more of an assembly guide and not instructions! I may be spoiled with the Tamiya instructions but they are far superior to these any day of the week. Plus not suggestions for things leaves you completely in the dark to where to start with a few things and have to do it through trial and error. It is a great kit but the Ikea photo guide needs some help! LOL!

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

G'day Addam👩🤠. That is such a helpful video mate!👌, This is definitely a must watch for anyone building the kit👍. Great looking buggy and the tyres look grippy too. Thanks for making and sharing your video to help others Addam🍻🏁. We both wish you a fantastic week mate😁👧🦘🇦🇺

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks guys! I do hope it helps out some and I wish they had done a little more with the instructions. I guess I am just spoiled with the Tamiya instructions and find others much more tedious and unhelpful! In the end I did end up with a great truck and it feels like it is going to run very well. I got the electronics in it and guessed on a pinion size last night. It seems ok on the bench but will have to see what it does outside once it is all done. Both of you take care and have a great week!

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

@@AddamsPlayground Funny that, Ingrid and I said during your video how spoilt we are with Tamiya instructions lol. Your video is now the go to for your kit, well done mate👍. Glad you feel the pinions right!. Keen to see how it handles your track. Thanks Addam, Take care mate!.

[@rc-dom-uk]

the results seem worth it mate for sure . the manual sounds like a pain . id imagine thry planned to leave thst front flappy page open as you move through the pages . still not great compared to a tamiya manual . look forward to the final painted finished . hopefully be worth the frustration . good tips here mate . 😊👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

In the end yes, I got a really great truck that feel like it is going to drive super well! I enjoy the build part more than the drive and this had some frustrating moment s that would have easily been avoided with a few clarifying words in the steps. I am probably spoiled by the terrific Tamiya manuals but they have been the gold standard for so many years, why have these other companies not realized their shortcoming yet? I just hope it helps out other not have to sit there and guess and assume things like I did in there builds!

[@michaeldorich4485]

I think this will be a big help to those who bought one of these and for people like myself who have an old one to rehab some day. In my old brain I kind of remember the original manuals had actual photographs or may be that was another company.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I know the old gold pan rc10 instructions were photos and paragraphs of instructions. I am sure by the time these came out they had moved away from that but I am not sure. These look like the modern Associated instructions manuals so I assume these were re-written for this release. They needed to proof them better and have a blind tester assemble on with them to find the issues. I am probably spoiled a bit from all the great Tamiya instructions but they could learn a lot from them! Tamiya has been cranking out kits for decades and is still going strong where most everyone else has shut down or gone to RTRs. It seems like they know what they are doing!

[@michaeldorich4485]

@@AddamsPlayground They dud follow Tamiya in one way, no bearings.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@michaeldorich4485 LOL true... bad example there!

[@fc3sboy1]

I remember this kit when it was new. It came with both the wide an narrow front rib tires also bearings for most and for some reason I thought the shocks where black and Grey and the front towner was shaped different.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am not sure about the old ones, I just drooled over the ads in the magazines, never saw one in person! That and that has been long enough things are getting fuzzy from then LOL!! For the $400 price tag and uncommon bearing sizes they really should have included them in the kit. I will get them swapped out eventually but for now the bushings will have to work.

[@aviano72]

Awesome video and info on this buggy. I hate it when there's no pinion recommendation or pinion chart

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! Yeah if they could give you a ball park range or a chart with the ratios it would have been better than pulling a random number out of a hat. I will try my best guess for the motor I am still not sure I am going to use and see how that goes LOL!!!

[@poorboysrc]

That's a lot of good info there, Addam. Thanks for taking the time to put this all together for us. I'm starting my build today and this was tremendously helpful. And as for those instructions... Wow! Yeah, they could use a little polishing, hey? I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Tamiya instruction manuals are just THE BEST and they really make building up a kit a very enjoyable experience. All the other RC manufacturers could take notes from how they do it.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Fil and have fun with the build! Hopefully this helps out some! Tamiya has spoiled me I guess and I am sure I will catch heat from some folks about it but as long as it helps out one or two folks with their build then it is worth dealing with the professional builders that don't even need instructions LOL! If they put a bit more time and effort into adding two more pages into that little guide with a bit more details and info in there it would have been a perfect experience! Oh well, on to figuring out the paint scheme!

[@markconnor269]

Hey Addam great video and well done for telling everyone about the floors/crappy information in the instructions 🙏 that's gunna help a lot of people out 👌

[@AddamsPlayground]

I hope it does, not everything is going to be perfect but they are lacking throughout the whole thing. I am sure I will catch grief for complaining but in the end if it helps someone else out then it is worth it! In the end I ended up with a cool new truck and it should be a blast to drive. Some hurdles along the way but it is all good.

[@d_n_r_rc_racing2449]

Hey man. Thank you for the tips about building this kit. As far as the pinion goes id start with an 18 tooth and go from there.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks, I hope it helps a few folks out with their build! I did get the electronics installed and stuck a 23t in there and it seems ok if not a bit slow. The gears are 48p so 23 is still on the smaller side. I will run it with that and see what happens. Thanks for the tip, it was a shot in the dark with the 23t! LOL!

[@d_n_r_rc_racing2449]

@@AddamsPlayground Did you go brushless or brushed?

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@d_n_r_rc_racing2449 brushed, I am old school! I had a nice vintage Reedy Mach II motor I got from a friend a while ago and it seemed like the one to use!

[@kashmurray1199]

My first RC was a RC10T. But Associated had started using the black plastics. And I don't remember having that much trouble with the manual. And then Associated included a stock motor and pinion. I believe it was a 16. I may be wrong. I did like the truck. Iconic I think. Hope to see it run.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a great truck from the bench feel of it, nice and smooth and well engineered. The servo horn is a stupid thing to leave out, there are two extremely common sizes and it would have cost next to nothing to include a pair of them to avoid the guess work. The pinon is fine to leave out, silly but fine... but at least give me a gear ratio chart or something to get an idea where to start and avoid some trial and error! Not including bearing is a kick in the wallet too, being a $400 kit the bearing should have been included. I don't hate it, I will enjoy the rest of the build but the assembly guide (not instructions) need some help! It will get out for a track run once it is all done!

[@rcuintheshed6981]

Nice build mate turned out awesome you must go through some panadol with all the headaches you get from some of these kits I honestly thought a car with that reputation would be a lot better to build this is why rtr is so attractive now day's keen to see this one get a run see if it's as good as they say and keen to see what you come up with on the paint too take care mate have a great week 👊

[@AddamsPlayground]

Part of it is I am spoiled by the great instructions from Tamiya kits but the rest was them not doing their job and getting the instructions done well in the first place. Not everyone building these is a full time racer, in actuality most people that are building them are just like me and wanted one when they were younger and just could not afford one! So leaving so many things up to guessing and assumptions is poor quality on their end and it would have been easy to find these issues in testing if they did it right. Nothing in there was a deal breaker or terribly hard to figure out but I enjoy the build process more than driving and when I have to stop and investigate or study online pictures or other pics in the manual to figure out a step then they are not doing their job. For $400 I expect more. In the end the truck turned out great and it feels like it is going to drive amazing. I just have to figure out what I am going to do with the paint scheme! I am still stumped! Take care mate and have a wonderful week as well!

[@rcuintheshed6981]

@@AddamsPlayground I keep seeing it metallic blue in my head .... totally agree what your asking is not high cost to do better we pay a lot of money for these we should get that little bit better quality .... they must think it weights a ton when cornering that rear end camber is savage lol

[@KaiCityRC]

Hi Addam. Thanks for the detailed video. I have no plans to pick up an RC10 (too expensive and too difficult to get a hold of over here). But it is nice to know that Kyosho aren't the only ones guilty of confusing/less than helpful manuals! 😅 Poor manual aside, the finished product does look fantastic. Look forward to seeing the completed build. 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I totally understand. They are not making these easy to get around the world. I was bummed to here that Kyosho did not improve their manual for the new buggy, that is kind of downer. I will probably still get one as it is different than anything I have so the curiosity is going to kill me! You are right though, in the end I got a really cool truck that should drive extremely well and it is one I could never have afforded as kid when it came out! I am still trying to figure out the paint scheme. I got tired of looking through pictures so I am going to have to leave it for a day or two and come back to it with a fresh set of eyes and open mind! Take care David and have a great week!

[@Triggered-RC]

@@KaiCityRC Kyosho manuals are a lot better than this… a lot better.

[@shawnh1890]

I feel like you just saved me about three hours! Thanks Adam!

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is the reason I made it! I hope it helps out and others have a better time with it! Building a kit should be as enjoyable as driving the kit and this was not. There are no deal breaker moments just a lot of little things that could have been explained much better with a sentence in there or even just a few words instead of me having t guess and make assumptions! In the end you get a really nice truck that feels like it is going to drive super well!

[@TonyGardnerRC]

Great video Addam, it will certainly be handy as and when I get round to building my 10T. They should definitely think about hiring one of the Tamiya manual designers, that's for sure! I also find it annoying that for the price you are paying, you don't get things like bearings as standard and even a pinion. I'm starting to wonder whether I should just keep my retro TA cars as new in box, I'm far too comfortable building Tamiyas 😂

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! I hope it does help folks with their builds. I am not perfect by far but this assembly guide (I can't call them instructions) are lacking and should have been reviewed better before release. I still got a cool new truck out of it but for the $400 i spent on it I should not get frustrated getting it built. I may be a little spoiled by the Tamiya instructions and still hold them as the gold standard for instruction manuals!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

You’d think that in the modern world we live in that the instructions would be better. Great video buddy. Very informative. I wish I could afford to get one of these and a gold pan too.. hopefully this job situation turns around soon and I can start spending some on RC again 🤷‍♂️

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes with decades of kits being produced and the technology now they should almost write themselves! They needed blind testing on these to find the issues in it and apparently they did not, they just turned a blind eye to it and shoved it out the door. I hope things work out for you as well my friend and very soon!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

@@AddamsPlayground thanks buddy fingers crossed 🤞

[@JF-RC]

Hey Addam, sounds like the RC10 had you challenged a little with this kit! Sound also like the Team Associated manual certainly needs more proofing quality control,to prior to releasing 😊😊 still, your instructions and guidance should prove valuable to potential kit builders, thank you for great explanations, you’re a legend. 😊😊best wishes to you and the family 😊😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks John, it was confusing at times which is never fun as you start second guessing things and/or get frustrated. In the end I got a really nice truck that I think is going to drive super nice! Getting there had some speed bumps but nothing that is a deal breaker. I do wish for the price of the kits it had bearings in it and that they sat down and built a kit from the directions and fix them before sending it out the door. I guess I am a bit spoiled by the Tamiya instructions that are the gold standard Associated could learn from!!

[@EMPTYPOCKETSRC]

Awesome, I gotta go "Man Crank" something.....

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL, not on these plastics! You have to set the old elbow to inch ounces and not foot pounds on the torque!!

[@jason.bochniak]

Great video mate. I’ve never built anything other than Tamiya before and I have an RC10CC, RC10 gold pan limited and now an RC10T to build. I’m already put off by the dodgy instructions, never mind the fact i have no understanding of imperial sizes coming from metric land. I have bought a set of imperial hex wrenches and a couple of taps for the clear plastics on the CC. Somebody should do an amended version of the instructions with amendment notes, that would be awesome 😉

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! I have rebuilt one RC10 and built the CC and this ne still gave me troubles at times! Nothing that was a showstopper but made have to stop and figure something out and occasionally guess if things were right or not. That does hamper the fun in a build but in the end you do end up with a great kit and it feels like it is going to drive super well! Don't feel bad o the imperial sizes, I grew up with them and got frustrated with them in here! All my RC tools are metric except for one set of hex drivers. I was using all sorts of assorted tools to get it done! Associated should have had a couple people do a blind build with these instructions and they could have found some of these issues along the way and fixed them before sending it out. I don't understand it, I guess building Tamiya kits has gotten me spoiled with their great manuals.

[@jonthomas8487]

During my 40th kit the whole white plastic spacers vs the hard silicone ones were really tough to figure out. I have no idea if I built mine correctly but they aren’t leaking. Also on the servo mount I used the angled mount and by doing that you get a lot more clearance. If you look at some of the old photos there’s a lot of examples using an angled mount

[@AddamsPlayground]

A lot of stuff could use clarification in the instructions to make it a lot easier and fun to build. The shock build was not terrible to figure out as there were 8 of the plastic spacers and only 4 of the clear one so math worked that out but I just hate having to stop what I am doing and figure out steps when adding one sentence to the instructions or sometimes a few words would simplify and clarify things and I can tootle along my happy little way and enjoy the build process a lot more! I have seen various ways to mount the servo, once I got a proper length arm in it there is no issues.

[@jonthomas8487]

@@AddamsPlayground I do however enjoy the bag per step build process Kyosho uses for all of their kits vs Tamiya’s open up multiple bags method. Sure Tamiya’s pictures and descriptions are better but I like the process of Kyosho better. A couple other issues I found with the 40th kit are the anodizing on the shocks is super thin. I accidentally rubbed one wrong and scratched it. The thrust bearing assembly as well as the whole diff input shaft assembly is tough to understand in the manual. One nice thing on the 6 gear though are that the idlers are better it seems than on the last Re-Re. I’m interested in getting a LWB Kyosho Optima Mid next or building one with a 2022 base Optima mid and the EXO Design conversion

[@Fortes_RC_Adv]

Nice project 👌 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a really nice truck and it feels like it is going to drive super well! I just wish the instructions had more Instruction to them LOL!

[@JUMBOs-RC]

Funny I thought the manuals back in the early 90s looked like some guy in his garage taking pictures of the assembly steps in black and white, but looking back I shoulda kept those original AE manuals

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@JUMBOs-RC LoL, you are not too far off with that description! They did explain all the steps a lot better than these new ones. It is bad that they send stuff out without ever testing the instructions with someone that has not assembled the kit. They did well with the truck, they did poorly with the instructions. Especially since there are similar mistakes in the previous releases they failed to learn from. All of them give you the incorrect lengths to build the suspension links to resulting in terrible angles on everything! The truck is cool though 😂

[@ShenRC]

It looks sweet Addam! HA hA hA associated looks like they wanted you to experience it all like back in the day when you most likely was a teen going nuts trying to build it! I remember all that stuff still! LOL!!! That rear usually is 3 deg it's not incorrect racing on a track that will make the car drive much better.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, it was not instructions really but more of a guide... It is frustrating to have to guess your way through things hoping it turns out right! It is a great truck but the guide could use some help! I picked the 1.5 degree ones as a middle ground starting point. They are actually pretty easy to swap out if I want to go up to the 3 degree pivot blocks to be a bit more aggressive.

[@ShenRC]

@@AddamsPlayground yeah now if you were a teen building the kit you would never forget the build! It's etched in my mind for ever!

[@BSslotcars]

Nice Addam the manual sure will make you feel like a kid again! LOL!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I may have cussed at it more than once! LOL

[@canuckchuck8836]

I had this brilliant idea to try using floor marking tape to protect the bottom of an RC chassis. You know, the industrial stuff they use for marking lanes or cells in a warehouse/manufacturing. Have you tried this? I have not tried it myself because I bought a roll but have subsequently lost it. If it worked, I was thinking for the cost of a roll, you'd be buying a few hundred dollars worth of chassis protectors.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I have only put a chassis protector on on car and it broke before I could get a scratch on it (Cougar Classic) so not much experience with them. LOL! I am sure there are more things out there that would serve the purpose but I would be slightly concerned about removing it. The adhesive on these are mean to hold strong but be removable/replaceable. The stuff you are talking about sounds rather forever! But then again I have not used these yet and they may prove to be a pain to remove too!

[@eekrc]

We are spoiled by the Tamiya manuals. You would think AE would have it down by now right? I'm working on a few vintage Losi kits, and the manuals aren't much different than that...and they are from the late 80s 😂 I actually like the RC10T a lot. If you put that or the original RC10 in front of me, I would go with the T every time.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes I am sure you are about being spoiled with the Tamiya manuals but after all this time of Tamiya selling kits all day everyday you would think the other manufacturers would catch on and try and imitate them a bit more. Nope, generic Ikea instructions... In the end I di a great truck that feels like it is going to run very well. I got a motor and pinion in there yesterday, 23 tooth pinion, seems ok but maybe a little slow but I will see when it goes out for a run. I am still debating on and procrastinating on the body! It has been so humid here lately I don't want to try and paint in it anyways but I still have not figured out what I want to do for a paint scheme! Take care Erick!

[@alexwenzel6932]

Thanks Addam. I got mine in this week also. I do hope they issue some replacement parts or atleast tires. Can't wait to see what you do with the body.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I heard rumors of parts support coming from them but I have not seen anything official yet. It would be nice to see new parts being released but I will not hold my breath for it! LOL! Hope you have fun with your build and some of this helps out!

[@craigpimlott204]

try 2-3 degrees of camber on the rear and slight toe in on the front

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for the tips! it definitely need some adjustments before going out for a run!

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Awesome video, cool that you're able to have a variety of RC10 cars and now a T... someday ill habe an RC10...komda have my eyes on the Fan RC kits, and maybe put that all onto an old used tub chassis instead of rinning the carbon chassis.... whatever I end up with will be a runner though. I do think AE manuals have gotten less quality lately. Used to habe more tuning info, kit setup sheet and a blank one, and stuff like a gearing chart... the last 2 modern kits i built i was sad to see the manuals were not as great as a while back... I didnt have too.mucb trou le building my Kyosho rere kits, even though theu werent the best manuals either... So far I think the best manuals I have ever looked at have been Tekno , the one Xray manual i have is decent, and i haven't really looked at a manual from TLR, Aarma, etc... A servo horn should be included, or at least a dimension as you mentioned... and most definitely a gearing chart with suggested gearing for 17.5, 13.6 10.5, 8.5 motors, etc... Bushings are a disappointment amd part of the reason i am not even close to buying this kit at this price... in 2024, theres no reason for bushings even if they think most kits will end up as shelf queens... come on AE, they USED to be better than Tamiya... a few more steps backwards for AE and a couple more steps forward for Tamiya and they'll be on par with each other... Can't wait to race my Ignite 2wd Nitro truck and Ultima rere this weekend... the Adam Drake Gas Truck Nationals is happening at HRCR just up the road from me... Cheers

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I do expect more from a company that has been making kits for so long to have decent instructions but I guess it is not the same company it was before Thunder Tiger bought them. It was a bit of bummer to figure things out and have to build it with bushings but in the end I got a great truck that feels great. I expect it to drive really well!

[@Toystheyrenot]

Nice build of a very desirable truck. Have to agree with you on the not so clear instruction manual.. Experienced similar issues with my cc and 40th build.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I feel like I had a better time with the CC build. The 40th I have not even opened to see what number I got yet! LOL! This instruction manual was more of a Ikea picture guide book than instructions! I got it built and it should be a fun one to run so all is good, I just hope it helps someone else out building theirs!

[@Fonzierc]

😂 sounds like you had a whale of a time 😅😅 I get your frustration 😂 I have done a patio door kit for the company I work for very recently it was the first one being done by the company and let me tell you I found bad instructions totally wrong Also really bad engineering it really boils my piss 😂 when a customer is spending the best part of 5k and I find things wrong with it !! Great video 👍 and now take a break 😁

[@AddamsPlayground]

I have had issues similar, I hung a sliding door in our house and it was a joke. I ended up just laying it all out and figuring it out myself! LOL! But you point is valid, spending your hard earned money on something and then struggle with the assembly kind of sours the experience. I love building but I guess Tamiya has spoiled me but it also proves why they are one of the few remaining selling kits over and over again, they do it right!! I am trying to figure out the paint scheme now!

[@rcinhand9671]

I thought the RC10 kits came with bearings! Color me surprised. All I hear is people make it like only Tamiyas come with bushings. I'm glad to see they're not the only cheap companies out there!

[@AddamsPlayground]

I knew the RC10 kits came with bushing but I was sure when this released it came with bearing but looking back it did not so they released it with bushings. If they were to copy one thing Tamiya does I wish it was the instruction manual and not the bushings! LOL!

[@stevewilcox9659]

The instructions look to be reprint of the original manual with a couple updates on parts. The thrust bearing that you build is how the original was. The captured thrust bearing is something that came about in later models.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Not even close to the originals. In the original RC10 manuals it was all still pictures and paragraphs of explanations of how each step went. These are possibly easier to follow visually but have lots of errors and missing info. you can see the original instructions here - oldrc.com/AssociatedFiles/rc10t_manual.pdf I get that the thrust bearing had to be built in early models, but the instructions should show the modern process of using the pre-built bearing. That was the least of the issue. More of assembling it and all and finding all the suspension links are the wrong length. Not surprising as the CC and the 40th were both wrong as well. They failed and creating instructions, they need someone to build the actual car with the instructions and correct the issues before releasing them to the public. Every other big company does, that it why you'll find addendum pages in random kits from Tamiya or Kyosho to correct what is in the manual.

[@stevewilcox9659]

@@AddamsPlayground yeah, after I posted that I realized I was wrong...I just for some reason couldn't find the video to correct my incorrect comment until the notification you responded got to me lol..... the new Chinese manuals do suck ( I sure am happy I have original hard copy manuals) and the rod length issue is ridiculous ( as is the bushings instead of bearings)

[@jasont.6300]

How about running one of the new Holmes Hobbies retro motors? I’m leaning towards that for my RC10T build and would appreciate your thoughts on how it performed.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I do have some here I may use but I also have a few vintage motors that are possibilities. The HH motors are nice, I have them in a few thins now and they work well. They are not the fastest spinning ones out there but have good punch, look good and are cheap. I may stick a 19T in there and see how that runs!

[@NANNIRC]

Fantastic! It has the special super small transmission! surprised about problems this is not at ASSO standard... any how great model. Ciao

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a really cool truck Nanni! I know it is going to drive super nice as well! They did very well with recreating the kit but they sure could use an expert like you to revise their instruction manual!

[@NANNIRC]

@@AddamsPlayground Thanks, the fact is that you are right part of my job is writing assembling instruction also for rc models... May be they wanted to try something new and made mistakes.. It happens!

[@NANNIRC]

@@AddamsPlayground Hi Addam, thanks for confidence in my abilities, in fact part of my job is to provide assembly instructions also for radio-controlled models. Maybe Associated wanted to try something new that didn't give the desired result but.... check before putting it up for sale. We have an expression the is MAH! spelling impossible A like I but short (a sort of "who knows!")

[@n22pdf]

Great info Addam.. man that manual sounds terrible think they need to look at a Tamiya one lol Pete😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes, if they followed in their footsteps it would be so much better! They don't have to copy them exactly but just look at the small details that make them the gold standard for RC manuals! There was nothing in there that was a deal breaker but there were enough issues that it was not anywhere near as enjoyable as a Tamiya build!

[@kitchentable_rc]

Man, I want one of those yoga block thingies you use as a stand. Did you make that?

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I buy the foam yoga blocks and cut them in half with my bandsaw. Some are cut straight across for the tracks and for the buggies I cut them on an angle to lean them forward to see more of the body on the shelf. I buy them in two packs and end up with 4 stand out of them for about $15 so it works out well!

[@MrSneakyGunz]

👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for checking and I am glad you liked it!

[@lo2713]

I dont whats going at AE, its like there just rushing through everything to get a rere out every month, in limited numbers and no idea if spares will ever make it to tje shelves ? But im still keeping my fingers crossed i get one 😁

[@AddamsPlayground]

It seems like that is the plan this year for them to crank on out every month or two. My wallet can't keep up! Thankfully I am not overly interested in the YZ10 they just announced so I get a break for a moment! The RC10T is a super cool truck and it feel great sitting on the bench so I know it is going to drive well! I hope you can score one!

[@Dat_Sun]

I wonder if a gt re-release is on the way?

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is a possibility but with the overall lack of interest in nitro outside of the 1/8th scale world I am not sure. At one point Nitro kits were THE thing and everyone was scrambling to stuff and nitro engine in their lineup but with the modern age of lipo and brushless power it has faded. I didn't think they would end up doing this much this whole year but it seems like every month or two they are dropping new things so who knows what is coming up next! LOL!

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

I hope AE makes an RC10 kit, that isnt limited edition, made to be raced... with some modermizations maybe such as modern slipper setup amd diff, kinda how Kyosho added some minor changes.... Kyosho mailed it for the Legendary series of kits.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah Kyosho did very well when they modernized their legendary series. It makes them a better version of what they were and sets them apart but also remains pretty true to the originals. A nice mix!

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hey that looks like a great RC but it must have been very annoying with the rubbish instructions. You've built hundreds of kits so if you are finding it tricky then imagine someone having it as a first build. Makes you realise how good the Tamiya instructions are. Great info mate. Best wishes to you 😁👍👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I guess that is a huge reason Tamiya still sells so many kits compared to the others, you can actually follow and understand the instructions in them! I get that this is a "race kit" but that doesn't mean you cannot proof read and give people actual instructions in the guide to help them get through it without having to make guesses and assumptions! I know I will get heat from the fan boys but this video is to try and help out others to avoid the same frustrations as I went through. It should be a really great running truck, I just have to figure out a paint job for it! Take care Mark!!

[@rc-dom-uk]

the pinion 🤔 looking at the tamiya stadium trucks they usually have a lower pinion then the buggies due to the larger wheels . but it would have been helpful if they had given a recommendation 😂

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I am guessin lower would be a better starting point but adding a simple gear ratio chart in the manual would have really helped me figure out what to run. even on sentence of "pinon sizes usually range from 16t to 28t depending on track condition and motor used" then I could at least take a stab at something in the middle and have a starting point! I guess I have zero racer DNA in me... LOL!

[@gigglehurtz3167]

you know, Associated QC leaves something to be desired. I had an unthreaded turnbuckle in a kit, i aint kiddin ya.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Wow that is pretty bad. Everything is by weight in this kit so I doubt eye are even laid on the parts. They got into automated sorting machines and as long as the bag weighs the correct amount the contents are not inspected I am sure. You would think with "efficiency" like that they could afford to add in bearings LOL!

[@Triggered-RC]

I can’t complete my build. So disappointed. The upper shaft in the transmission doesn’t fit the bushings/bearings… Trying to get a new upper shaft now.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I heard from someone else previously that was having similar issues. I am not sure what is going on over there but it does seem they really need to step up the QC game over there. From the recent news of a bunch of folks leaving from there it sounds like Thunder Tiger is really running amuck and changing all sorts of things. We will have to see what happens.

[@Triggered-RC]

@@AddamsPlayground I guess I am going to have to put it in a drill and try to sand it down. Also, the manual I have says to use the wrong size bushings anyway. 😂

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@Triggered-RC the instructions are full of issues. It seems to be their thing now!

[@Triggered-RC]

@@AddamsPlayground Alright. Used a bushing on the long shaft side. Sanded the shaft and filed the inside of the bushing. Lightly hammered bearing onto the short side. So that’s sorted… but I can’t imagine a beginner building this kit. Would turn people off to building kits I am sure. It seems like it’d be pretty easy to rage quit this build. 😂

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@Triggered-RC yes, you are right. I am sure there have been a ton of folks wondering what the small springs are for since they are not shown in the axle shafts at all in the manual. I hope they do better in future releases.

[@brandonhowdyshell4814]

I had the original missed the addendum so my axles kept popping out.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I just don't understand how they missed so much and failed to correct so much before releasing it. It was like nobody built one per the instructions before the shipped them out. In the end you are left with a really nice truck!

[@alphawlff]

IKEA!!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL, pretty much!

[@theoagrc]

Well done getting this one out for people Addam. Looks great but not good about the instructions dude. You know what your doing too 😁

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks Craig, I am not perfect by far but there was a lot in there that would have been easily caught if someone had used them to build the car before shipping them out. Maybe I am spoiled with the Tamiya instructions but it is not difficult to make the build experience a nicer one. Label the screws for each step, make two views of things instead of trying to save one or two extra pages of the manual, put in a gear ratio chart to at least give me an idea of the starting point for a pinon... lots of thing could have helped but they choose not to. In the end I got a cool truck that should run great. Sadly I have to pull it back apart partially to put in bearing since the $400 kit has bushings... that was a bummer! At least give me the transmission bearings!

[@gempursuharto]

We didn’t have youtube in 1993 and we did just fine assembling the RC10T

[@AddamsPlayground]

True but that was when filing parts to fit things and cutting down screws to length were in the manuals. At least they explained what you needed to do properly in those old ones!

[@gempursuharto]

@@AddamsPlayground yes, one fatal mistake i made was i over tightened the diff thrust screw and snapped it. I had to wait a couple of weeks to order from tower hobbies for the part. didn't pre squeeze the spring before assembling the ball diff as well. There was no hobby shop support in Ithaca upstate New York at that time.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@gempursuharto I understand the no local hobby shop. The only thing I had here was a small back corner of a local pet shop where the owner sold the very basics and a few kits out of it!

[@gempursuharto]

@@AddamsPlayground ours were an autoshop with a rack of traxxas parts and no kits

[@bradkalman2353]

Why don't you have ball bearings in it?

[@AddamsPlayground]

As I mentioned in the video, I assumed they were the same sizes as the RC10 kits and I have all the bearings here for those but they do not have the same sizes and styles in this kit as the RC10 buggies. So it was either not build it and wait for bearings or build it with the bushings. I chose to build it and will replace them later.

[@AdventureTimeRC]

That looked like a frustrating build the screw chart would be really annoying they should have done a better job on instructions even off brands have decent instructions anymore

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I may be a bit spoiled by the Tamiya instructions but they are basically the gold standard for instruction manuals. It cannot be too difficult to mimic the worlds best selling kit manufacturers in the world. But then again I guess they are flying off the shelves with what they have so is there any incentive for them to change. All it would take would be one or two people to build it with this manual before release to point out areas that need more clarity or just changes to the incorrect things. I would even volunteer for that job! I am ranting again so I digress! LOL!

[@AdventureTimeRC]

@AddamsPlayground I would volunteer for that job to sounds fun lol

[@andyknuckles2903]

You said ass. Just kidding, nice video!

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL! It happens! It happened a lot more trying to figure out the instructions at times!

[@ericjames6827]

Great beard, poor dye work

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL Thanks, that mess is all natural. The only dye I use is Rit for wheels!

[@mwf7072]

got some rpm ones fuck those stock ones

[@AddamsPlayground]

Probably a wise move! Both for building and for future tuning/maintenance as well.

[@mwf7072]

how did you get them ball cups on what the fuck?

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, the plastic they used on them is really hard to get the rods threaded in. I used to small adjustable wrenches to hold and turn them. Too much for finger meat to hold! LOL!!

[@jecoboost1440]

The ball cups are pain in a** They are all tight.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, not the easiest to thread one. They start ok but after 3 or 4 turns they do get real tight! I used too small adjustable wrenches to tighten mine to save the fingers!

[@J0NB81]

I’m going to give a double comment here. Initial thought when reading the title. Another KZbinr complaining to complain for content purposes. This isn’t a kit that a beginner would build so whatever “issues” were had an experienced builder can handle. Post video thought. Tamiya has spoiled you Adam. All of your complaints are kinda silly from my standpoint. I built my first RC10 in 97 and it didn’t come with a servo horn. If you’re not building a kit without calipers come on fella. And with a pinion yea… If you have a motor and the gearing doesn’t work then what ? Also, the camber links in the rear are in the wrong roll center holes. And you absolutely bashed AE. I enjoy your videos as a collector who actually races but this one shows more inexperience from the builder than issues with the kit.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Tamiya has probably spoiled me but giving a length for a servo horn ball placement is simple and should not be guesswork. The pinon, fine if they don't include on but give me a gear ratio cart to make an educated guess at a starting point. I don't want to have to fart around swapping pinions to figure out what is reasonable. Sure I can give a guess of around 18-23t gut a simple gear ratio chart would be very helpful. I just double checked the manual and the ball studs are in the correct spot according to the instructions, I assumed it would go in the group of 9 holes to the outer edge but in all the images in the manual it shows them in that inboard location. For a $400 kit they deserved every bit of grief I gave them for their lackluster "instruction" guide. I am also pointing out all of this for others that are not assembly gods and may face the same frustrations an confusion as I did.

[@J0NB81]

So with the gearing. It’s specific to track and motor choice. The rear camber even is wrong even if the manual said to put it there you have built enough to know that is not right. What I suspect is they used the RC10 diagram that does not account for the truck arms or they did and used the wrong links. Back to the servo, the height and length will determine throw so it’s dealers choice on what you prefer. I appreciate your video but I wonder if maybe using your platform for ways to fix issues that arise during builds instead of just seemingly complain. It would separate your channel from the others which wouldn’t be a bad thing.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@J0NB81 I do know it is not right but I wanted to show it was not right per the instructions. I said it was not right and the turnbuckles needed to be adjusted. to flatten the rear end out. It pivots properly as the camber does not change throughout the stroke. As far as the last statement... I am not trying to change the way I do things. I am not trying to draw in viewers with click bait thumbnails and drama for no reason. You are free to express your opinions as well and in the end if it help one person get through their build without getting frustrated then it is all worth it to me.

[@thegarageluthier]

Not silly at all simple suggestions and better attention to detail is something that a manufacturer should be constantly improving, the fact that they don't improve even after so many decades just shows a lack of care and attention with little regard for the end user.

[@J0NB81]

@@thegarageluthier Now now, remember I spoke from my position not yours or anyone else’s. So you can have your thoughts and I will have my thoughts.

[@JefUitdebroek-m6o]

custums opened my outer box 😡 luckely not the rc box itself and they ad a 110 dollar tax to Europe /Belgium

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am glad they did not hack into like they have done a few of my items in the past. The additional tax really sucks, that is way too much money, $10-20 I could see but $110 is ridiculous!

[@jmaclaren4147]

I believe all AE model kits are manufactured in China, hence the deplorable build instructions...

[@AddamsPlayground]

They really need to have better QC and feedback on their instructions as they are lacking in many ways. In the end I did get a cool kit that should run great, just not a joy to build at times.

[@SuppleBun]

what kind of underpaid intern made these manuals at team associated? 😂

[@AddamsPlayground]

They really need to give these to someone to use to build the kit and find the issues before releasing them. Some of the stuff is minor stuff and other things are just wrong. In the end you get a nice truck that should be a fun one to run.

[@graymatter45]

A friend gave me an Rc10 gt . The body hasn’t been painted. I don’t think the engine was ran much. It’s been sitting in a garage for years so I’ll have to completely tear it down and rebuild it.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@graymatter45 those were super killer kits back in the day! Much faster than the electric kits and you were not limited to a couple battery packs either. Nice score! Hopefully the motor is still good but may have a good bit of varnish in it depending on how it was left off but it sounds like it saw little action so it should be in good shape! Have fun with the resto!!

[@rc-dom-uk]

the results seem worth it mate for sure . the manual sounds like a pain . id imagine thry planned to leave thst front flappy page open as you move through the pages . still not great compared to a tamiya manual . look forward to the final painted finished . hopefully be worth the frustration . good tips here mate . 😊👍