MyRCBox.com

Team Associated RC18T
Words: Sylvain Lafrance
Photos: Sylvain Lafrance, Team Associated

 

 

Introduction

Introduced in 2004, the RC18T known an instant success. Few months later, the RC18MT was the second 1/18 truck from Team Associated to hit the market. The latest version is the RC18B, technically, this is the first 4wd buggy ever made by Team Associated.

Because the RC18T, MT and B share all the same components (except for bodies, tires and gear ratio), it’s easy to convert a RC18T into a RC18MT, RC18B or even a 1/18 truggy. All you need is a new front shock tower and a new body. Click here for more information on how to convert your RC18.

In this review, a RC18T is used but what applies to the RC18T also applies to the RC18B and RC18MT.

 

 

 

Suspension
 

Four plastic oil filled shocks with coil over springs are used on each corner. Ride height can be quickly adjusted by adding or removing preload spacers. The front and rear shock tower has different mounting holes to fine tune the suspension.

 

All four a-arms can be installed in the front or rear or left or right. All suspension components are made of durable moulded plastic with captured suspension hinge pins-no E-clips. Upper links are fixed so you can’t adjust camber but Team Associated offers a steel and a titanium turnbuckles kit.

Front wheels have a small bump steer effect. Don’t worry, just add one or two small washers under the ball stud and the bump steer will be reduced to zero. See RC18T/How to section for more information.

 

 

Steering

A C1016 steering servo provides enough torque and speed to keep wheels pointed where you want in any circumstance.

Some racers complained about the little loose in the steering and the softness of the servo saver. Here’s the explanations. The RC18T has been designed with a little loose in the direction to protect the steering linkages and servo from the new comers or bashers tortures. Once you get experience and your driving skills are better, you can easily improve the steering. See the “???Tighter servo saver” section.

 

 

 

 

Electronics

The RC18T includes very good electronics. The ESC is a Team Associated XPS 8023 Micro ESC with forward and reverse/brake. If you race, you can disable the reverse. A C1016 micro steering servo steers the wheels left/right with ease and a Super 370 motor will make them spin, also with ease. The stock motor is pretty fast with a lot of torque. The RC18T has been clocked at 20MPH, this is the fastest 1/18 truck/buggy out of the box.

 

A 7.2v 1100 NiMH battery pack and an overnight wall charger are included. The “legendary” XP-2 transmitter with dual rate, trims and end points adjustments is also included. This radio has a little “plastic” look but don’t be fooled by his look. It offers good features and is perfect for any RTR vehicles.

I have absolutely nothing to complaint here, it’s all good stuff.

 

  

 

A long blue aluminum drive shaft, delivery all the motor’s power to the adjustable ball diffs. Team Associated now includes metal sleeve on the diff hubs to prevent the plastic dog bones from popping of. With metal shielded ball bearings everywhere, the drive train spins really freely.