Throttle Out RC's SMT10

[kstowe]

I've never really had a thing for monster trucks. That changed when I saw the demo video for the SMT. I was dead set for a SCX2 kit, but this is a little more up my alley being a little more basher/speed oriented. I scooped one up on the 1st batch to roll through my local hobby shop; Hobbytown St. Charles, IL.





Out of the box

Let me be clear, I this is possibly the most fun and usable RC I've ever come across. I ran the SMT stock for the first 2 weeks or so. I got a good baseline for the truck and started upgrading thereafter.

Here are my thoughts on the RTR out of the box; Speed is low, which is a good thing. I know what it costs to build a bulletproof wraith, so it's nice to know the power system in this wont grenade the diffs a month from now. It allows the truck to handle very realistically, whether on rough terrain, grass, rocks, pavement. It's big tires are key, they allow it to jump well and land softly, all while looking scale. Steering is a weak point, as you can trim an rtr to rub the tire on the leading arms. I pretty much look past that, as this truck wasn't designed for tight/high speed turning. In my opinion just about anyone can buy this truck and drive it without issue. I know everyone I had drive it loved it just as much as myself.

The Build

I had to start with power. I bought a HH Torquemaster Expert at Hobbytown, wanted to try 4S differently. So I grabbed the BLE Pro out of my project truck and installed them together.



Then I bought, and waterproofed a few of the best $16 servos money can buy. Specs: Torque(4.8V): 229.1 oz/in(16.5 kg-cm)/Torque(6.6V): 277.7 oz/in(20.0 kg-cm)/Speed: 0.18 sec (4.8V) │ 0.16 sec (6.6V)








I then did my method of a LSD in both of the axles.



Moved on to shocks, 30wt all the way around. It improved the suspension drastically. Also threw on some STRC caps.





On 4S with 16/56 gearing is was great, it would lift the front but not quite what I was looking for. I drilled out a spare motor plate I had laying around. Now the 22t fits.



22/56


This is a video I grabbed on 16/56 gearing, 4S at a local bash spot.



This is on 22/56 gearing, 4S jumping and wheelies! This one is better imo.

[bretkissick]

Where are you buying the servo's A link would be great!

[kstowe]

Originally Posted by bretkissick

Where are you buying the servo's A link would be great!

I get them at ValueHobby.com I bought these and did the waterproofing myself. I have had very good luck with these; PowerHD LF-20MG Metal Gear Digital High Torque Servo | Value Hobby


They just released these, its the same servo but waterproofed from the factory and only $4 more. Power HD LW-20MG Digital Servo for RC Cawlers | Value Hobby

[scott037]

I bought one of the brushless ones off ebay. Hope it's tough.

Bls-2509h is the part number

[kstowe]

I've got some big changes in the works...

[USA1]

Ford......?

[CM9000]

looks like early 90's f-150

[kstowe]

Originally Posted by CM9000

looks like early 90's f-150

Close! It's the new Jconcepts '89 Ford F-250 Body. I've got to plan the colors now.

Link: JConcepts New Release – 1989 Ford F-250 Body – JConcepts Blog