Trucks! Trucks! Trucks!

Radio Control Car Action, Sep 2003 by Vieira, Peter

It's a great time to be a truck guy. There's already a huge selection of powerful picksups on the market with incredible diversity in their technology and style. The Kyosho Mad Force and the XTM X-Factor featured in this issue's "Head to Head" comparison test are a good example. Both buck the independent-suspension trend by using solid axles, yet each has a very different take on how to suspend those big beams. The Mad Force uses torsion links to simplify the suspension, while the X-Factor has a complex 4-bar linkage and cantilevered shocks. Both work well, but differently, and one is going to be the better match for your driving style.

And what if your style is all about horsepower? Neither the Mad Force nor the X-Factor are short on horses, thanks to their big-block powerplants, but OFNA's new dual-engine Titan will shame them (and just about any other truck) in the pure-power department (check out the "First Drive," page 144). There's no arguing with a pair of .25 engines and a combined displacement of .5oci. Or is there? Horsepower isn't just about what the engine can do; real power is measured at the wheels, and that's where power-to-weight ratios come in. And that's my cue to talk about the Schumacher Menace 21! We have a "First Look" at the latest big-block truck, and with its lightweight stadium-truck chassis, a 3-speed transmission and .21 power on board, it just might be the fastest flatbed you can buy.

That's a whole lotta nitro, but the electric truck scene is heating up, too. You can thank one truck in particular for that: the Team Associated T4. We've been waiting patiently for a new T-machine ever since Associated launched the B4, and it's almost here. The Associated guys are putting the finishing touches on the truck now, but you don't have to wait to see what the T4 will look like; you can hustle over to page 136 for a "Sneak Peek" right now! Yep, it's a great time to be a truck guy.

IN THIS ISSUE

Truck of the Year

Is this the ultimate truck issue, or what? Our pick for "Truck of the Year" is a no-brainer-after all, it's only the most popular truck ever! Turn to page 160, and see if you agree.

Talkin' 'bout shaft!

After setting the dual-belt standard nearly 10 years ago, Yokomo has switched to shaft drive for its newest top-of-the-line tourer. Steve Pond wrings out the SD Special to see if this shaft car carries a big stick.

Ballistic buggy

A new Mugen will always get gas guys goin', especially when it's the M-squad's newest 1/8-scale off-roader. The MX-5 is Mugen's best shot yet at a world-championship off-road ride, and we have the goods on this new race machine.

Clutch player

Is your nitro car or truck's performance slip-sliding away, even though the engine rips? Time to check out that clutch. We'll show you how to rebuild it right with a new set of shoes for more rip off the line and locked-in horsepower at the wheels.

Peter Vieira

Executive Editor

peterv@airage.com