Associated RC10

Early model RC10 buggy.
An RC10T3 with non-standard electrical components.

The Associated Electrics RC10 is an electric powered, 1:10 scale off-road dune buggy first manufactured in 1984.

History

The Associated Electrics RC10 2WD off-road buggy was first introduced in 1984 as an electric, 1:10 scale off-road dune buggy. Associated had previous success with its 1:12 scale RC12 on-road electric R/C car. The RC10, a ruggedly designed off-road race machine, was their major breakthrough and was largely responsible for creating the off-road R/C racing industry.

Innovative ideas such as the anodized aluminum tub chassis, coil-over oil-filled shocks, a limited slip ball-differential, and fully independent A-arm suspension allowed the RC10 to easily out-perform all other competitors' offerings. The RC10 can be regarded as the first electric off-road car that was designed with the amateur and professional radio-controlled car racer in mind. As a result, it soon dominated the electric off-road racing scene.

Since that time, the RC10 and its companion truck series, the RC10T, have each gone through several major design revisions, denoted by their model ("B" for buggy and "T" for truck), as well as a revision number. For example, the latest model from each series are the RC10B5, or RC10B5m (mid motor) and the RC10T4.2. They also have a shaft-drive AWD buggy called RC10 B44. The RC10T was later released as a nitro-powered model version, the RC10GT, which was later updated to the RC10GT2. Almost all models of RC10s are available in kit or "Ready to Run" form.

The RC10 aluminum chassis has several different designations stamped into the rear bottom of the chassis:

Stamp RC10 version
No stamp First generation
A First generation (light gold chassis)
A 2nd generation (gold chassis)
AB 2nd gen with Stealth holes added (gold chassis)
B 3rd gen with Stealth holes added (black or gold)
C Worlds light weight (milled black chassis)
C Championship Edition Chassis (gold)
Year Model Details Kit #
1984 Original RC10
  • Heat treated, gold anodized aircraft aluminum chassis tub.
  • Replaceable gold anodized nose (skid) plate.
  • Adjustable wheelbase.
  • Two spring sets, low and high rate.
  • High volume hydraulic shocks, double O-ring sealed, gold anodized.
  • Adjustable limited-slip ball dif (can be locked for production class)
  • Servo saver, linkage and universal servo mounts fit most radios.
  • Prefabricated oilite bushings throughout (except ball bearing kits).
  • Quick-change battery and body mounting hardware.
  • High traction pneumatic tires, knobby rears, grooved fronts.
  • High-impact nylon rear rims fit Associated and Tamiya "Holiday" tires.
  • Quick-change knock-off rear hubs are key-locked to the axle.
  • High-impact nylon front rims. Adapters are included for Tamiya front tires.
  • Quality screws throughout. Allen cap, button, flat heat, and aluminum flat head.
  • Step-by-step assembly instructions, with photos of every step.

In addition, some kits include all or part of the following:

  • Yokomo stock class 05 motor.
  • Heavy-duty throttle resistor, wiper, bypass, and mounting bracket.
  • 16 gauge silicon wiring harness, with dropping diodes for radio.
  • Durable clear Lexan body shell, with driver and adjustable wing.
  • 6-cell Ni-Cd pack and Fast-charge Cord.
  • Precision ball bearing set, 16 bearings total.
  • 6000 Basic kit, less all electrical, less bearings $188.00
  • 6010 Full kit, less battery, less bearings $225.00
  • 6012 Full kit, less battery, body, wing, bearings $215.00
  • 6016 Full kit, ball bearings, less battery $290.00
  • 6020 Full kit, with battery pack, less bearings $265.00
1989 RC10 Graphite
  • Graphite chassis
  • Universal swingshafts
  • Wide front arms
  • New front shock tower
  • New steering blocks
  • New idler gears
  • Turnbuckles
  • 6025 bushings
  • 6030 bearings
1990 RC10 Championship Edition (CE)
  • Original aluminum chassis
  • Original 6-gear transmission
  • 3 piece wheels
  • Bushings
  • 6011
1990 RC10 Team Car
  • Stealth transmission
  • Hard anodized shocks
  • Universal swingshafts
  • 1 piece wheels
  • Bearings
  • 6035 black aluminum chassis
  • 6036 graphite chassis
1991 RC10 T
  • Original truck
  • Bushings
  • Dogbones
  • MSC and motor included
  • 7011
1992 RC10 Championship Edition (CE) Updated
  • Updated to include Stealth transmission
  • Aluminum chassis (black?)
  • Bushings
  • 6011
1993 RC10 T Team Truck
  • Hard anodized shocks
  • Bearings
  • Universal swingshafts
  • 7035
1993 RC10 GT
  • Nitro truck
  • Borrows many parts from RC10 T
  • New transmission w/ 2.60 ratio
  • 7050 Basic Sport Truck, bushings, requires *
  • 7055 Basic Sport Truck, bushings, pull start engines
  • 7060 Team Truck, bearings, requires *
  • 7065 Team Truck, bearings, for pull start engines
  • 7066 Team Truck, bearings, for non pull start engines
  • 7680 Engine Installation Pack, bushing clutch, pull start*
  • 7681 Engine Installation Pack, for pull start engines*
  • 7683 Engine Installation Pack, for non pull start engines*
1994 RC10 Worlds Car
  • 2.25 Stealth transmission
  • Milled black chassis
  • Primarily made w/ new black parts
  • Yellow wheels
  • New F & R shock towers
  • New rear hub carriers
  • New bellcranks w/ bushings
  • 6037
1995 RC10B2
  • 2.40 stealth transmission
  • Composite chassis
  • Bearings
  • 9000
1995 RC10T2
  • 2.60 Stealth transmission
  • Hard anodized aluminum chassis
  • Bearings
  • 7036
1996 RC10 DS (Dual Sport)
  • AE's first sedan
  • Short arms, shock towers, shocks
  • Original, black aluminum chassis
  • 8080 Sport kit, Mustang body, bushings, motor, MSC
  • 8081 Sport kit, Mercedes body, bushings, motor, MSC
  • 8085 Racer kit, no body, w/ bearings,
  • 8089 Conversion kit, no body, req Worlds Car or older
1997 RC10B3
  • The major difference between the B2 and the B3 is the suspension. The B3 has longer suspension arms, new caster blocks, steering blocks, hub carriers, and front shock tower. The chassis comes equipped for the optional use of front and rear sway bars. With all these parts the car has increased stability, which results in faster, more consistent driving.
  • 9003 Basic version, bushings, no electrics
  • 9013 Sport version, bushings, motor, MSC
  • 9032 Team version, bearings, no electrics
  • 9033 Team version, bearings, no electrics
  • 9022 Convert B2 to B3, standard composite parts
  • 9023 Convert B2 to B3, carbon fiber composite parts
1997 RC10T3
  • Composite chassis
  • New steering & castor blocks
  • 7003 Basic version, bushings, no electrics
  • 7013 Sport version, bushings, motor, MSC
  • 7038 Team version, bearings, no electrics
1997 RC10 Nitro DS
  • Nitro version of Dual Sport
  • 8075
1999 RC10 Nitro DS Qualifier
  • Updated, higher performance version
  • 8077 Camaro body
  • 8078 Ford NAS truck body
1999 RC10 DS Qualifier
  • Updated, higher performance version
  • 8082 Ford NAS truck body
  • 8083 Camaro body
2000 RC10B3 Factory Team
  • New aluminum parts
  • Carbon composite parts
  • 9043
  • 9021 B3 upgrade kit
2000 RC10T3
  • 7009 "Team Built", bearings, not RTR
  • 7010 Factory pre-assembled, radio, electronics, bushings
  • 7048 Factory Team version
2000 RC10GT
  • Updated version
  • New flat chassis
  • 7050 "Team Built", for pull start engine
  • 7051 "Team Built", for non pull start engines
  • 7060 Factory Team, non pull start
  • 7061 Factory Team, pull start
  • 7067 Team Kit, for pull start engines
  • 7068 Team Kit, for non pull start engines
  • 7090 Ready To Run (RTR)
  • 7091 Ready To Run (RTR)
2003 RC10B4 Complete redesign of the RC10
  • 2.6 transmission ratio
  • Longer rear CVD
  • All four of the B4's suspension arms are the same length
  • Hinge pins are "captured," eliminating E-clips
  • Angled bell-crank steering minimizes bump steer and maintains correct buggy Ackermann angles throughout the full range of suspension travel
  • Accepts trailing and inline front axles for more tuning options
  • Front tires are wider
  • Wheels are stiffer and more responsive

Factory Team includes:

  • Heavy Duty Servo Saver Spring
  • Steering Rack Bearings
  • Center Drilled Trailing Front Axle
  • Titanium Turnbuckles
  • Lightweight Outdrive Set
  • Threaded Hard-anodized Shock Bodies, .89" and 1.18" stroke
  • Gold Shock Shafts, .71" and 1.02" stroke
  • Blue titanium turnbuckles
  • Aluminum servo Saver Bolt
  • Aluminum Front Hinge Pin Brace
  • Aluminum Milled Motor Plate
  • Aluminum Rear Axle Wheel Spacers
  • Aluminum Shock Pivot Balls
  • Aluminum Servo Mounts
  • Aluminum Servo Mount Screws
  • Aluminum 8-32 Locknuts
  • Aluminum Body Clips
  • Graphite/Carbon Top Plate
  • Graphite/Carbon Chassis
  • Graphite/Carbon Front & Rear A-Arms
  • Graphite/Carbon Front & Rear Shock Towers
  • Graphite/Carbon Rear Chassis Brace
  • Graphite/Carbon Battery Strap, woven graphite
  • 9034
  • 9035 Factory Team B4
2003 RC10B4 RTR
2003 RC10T4
2003 RC10T4 RTR
2005 RC10B4 RTR SE
  • Shares 95% of the Parts as the Factory team Kit
  • Fully assembled
  • 9036
2005 RC10T4 RTR SE
  • 12/18/2009 (Brushless)
  • 01/22/2010 (Brushed)
RC10B4.1 (RTR) Brushless:
  • XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3-channel radio system with SHV1504 MG metal gear servo
  • XP SC450-BL Brushless electronic speed control with LiPo cutoff, forward and reverse with reverse lock out
  • Reedy 3300kV brushless motor
  • 2.6:1 ratio gearbox with sealed gear differential, dual-sided adjustable slipper clutch, and rubber sealed ball bearings
  • Molded composite low-CG chassis with set-screw antenna tube lock
  • Blue aluminum shock bodies with molded pre-load clips
  • Battery strap with twist-lock thumb knobs
  • Rugged steel turnbuckles for adjustable camber and front toe-in
  • Angled bellcrank “co-planar” steering with built-in servo saver
  • Vertical ball ends for roll center adjustments, front and rear
  • Factory finished Interceptor 2.0 polycarbonate body
  • Pre-mounted tires on white dish wheels

Brushed:

  • XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3-channel radio system with SHV1504 MG metal gear servo
  • XP SC200 electronic speed control with LiPo cutoff, forward and reverse with reverse lock out
  • Reedy 17-turn motor
  • 2.6:1 ratio gearbox with sealed gear differential, dual-sided adjustable slipper clutch, and rubber sealed ball bearings
  • Molded composite low-CG chassis with set-screw antenna tube lock
  • Blue aluminum shock bodies with molded pre-load clips
  • Battery strap with twist-lock thumb knobs
  • Rugged steel turnbuckles for adjustable camber and front toe-in
  • Angled bellcrank "co-planar" steering with built-in servo saver
  • Vertical ball ends for roll center adjustments, front and rear
  • Factory finished Interceptor 2.0 polycarbonate body
  • Pre-mounted tires on white dish wheels
  • ASC9038 (brushed)
  • ASC9039 (brushless)
07/06/2010 RC10B4.1 (Factory Team)
  • Factory Team 0.5° aluminum rear hubs with oversized outer bearing
  • Ball differential with lightweight outdrives
  • Factory Team V2 hard-anodized threaded shock bodies with bleed-screw caps
  • V2 slipper assembly with high-rate spring for more consistent slipper clutch adjustments
  • Pro-Line Vortex body and wing
  • Pro-Line M3 Holeshot 2.0 rear and M3 4-rib front tires
  • CVD drive shafts with pin retainer clips
  • Durable steel center-drilled front axles
  • Carbon-fiber battery strap with blue aluminum thumb screws
  • Optimized suspension setup for use with LiPo batteries
  • Suspension mounts for 4°, 3.5°, 3°, and 2.5° rear toe included
  • Blue titanium turnbuckles
  • Complete set of precision ball bearings
  • Factory Team blue aluminum hinge pin brace, milled motor plate, servo mounts
ASC9036
12/17/2009 RC10T4.1 (RTR) Brushed:
  • XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3-channel radio system with SHV1504 MG metal gear servo
  • XP SC200 electronic speed control with LiPo cutoff, forward and reverse with reverse lock out
  • Reedy 17-turn motor
  • 2.6:1 ratio gearbox with sealed gear differential, dual-sided adjustable slipper clutch, and rubber sealed ball bearings
  • Molded composite low-CG chassis with set-screw antenna tube lock
  • Blue aluminum shock bodies with molded pre-load clips
  • Battery strap with twist-lock thumb knobs
  • Rugged steel turnbuckles for adjustable camber and front toe-in
  • Angled bellcrank "co-planar" steering with built-in servo saver
  • Vertical ball ends for roll center adjustments, front and rear
  • Pre-mounted tires on white dish wheels
  • Factory finished Interceptor-T polycarbonate body

Brushless:

  • XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3-channel radio system with SHV1504MG metal gear servo
  • XP SC450-BL Brushless electronic speed control with LiPo cutoff, forward and reverse with reverse lock out
  • Reedy 3300kV brushless motor
  • 2.6:1 ratio gearbox with sealed gear differential, dual-sided adjustable slipper clutch, and rubber sealed ball bearings
  • Molded composite low-CG chassis with set-screw antenna tube lock
  • Blue aluminum shock bodies with molded pre-load clips
  • Battery strap with twist-lock thumb knobs
  • Rugged steel turnbuckles for adjustable camber and front toe-in
  • Angled bellcrank "co-planar" steering with built-in servo saver
  • Vertical ball ends for roll center adjustments, front and rear
  • Pre-mounted tires on white dish wheels
  • Factory finished Interceptor-T polycarbonate body
  • ASC7037 (Brushless)
  • ASC7036 (Brushed)
07/02/2010 RC10T4.1 (Factory Team)
  • Factory Team 0.5° aluminum rear hubs with oversized outer bearing
  • Ball differential with lightweight outdrives
  • Factory Team V2 hard-anodized threaded shock bodies with bleed-screw caps
  • V2 slipper assembly with high-rate spring for more consistent slipper clutch adjustments
  • JConcepts Hi-Flow T4 body
  • JConcepts Double-Dees rear tires in green compound and Carvers front tires in blue compound
  • CVD joints with pin retainer clips
  • Carbon fiber battery strap with blue aluminum thumb screws
  • Blue titanium turnbuckles
  • Optimized suspension setup for use with LiPo batteries
  • Suspension mounts for 4.0°, 3.5°, 3.0°, and 2.5° rear toe included
  • Complete set of precision ball bearings
  • Factory Team blue aluminum hinge pin brace, milled motor plate, servo mounts
ASC7023
01/29/2013 RC10T4.2 (Factory Team)
  • Factory Team 12mm Big Bore hard-anodized aluminum threaded shocks with TiN "Gold" 3mm shock shafts
  • VTS slipper (variable torque, multi-plate slipper with three drive surfaces) assembly featuring a high-resolution spring
  • Factory Team 12mm blue aluminum front and rear clamping hexes with hex wheels
  • Pro-Line Bulldog body
  • Factory Team 7075-T6 blue aluminum 0° rear hubs with oversized outer bearing
  • Factory Team blue aluminum bellcrank set
  • Updated shock towers optimized for the 12mm Big Bore shocks
  • Ball differential with light-weight outdrives
  • Factory Team blue titanium turnbuckles
  • Factory Team carbon-fiber battery strap and blue aluminum thumb screws
  • CVA joints with pin retainer clips
  • Factory Team rear ballast weight
  • Complete set of precision ball bearings
ASC7025
2013 RC10 classic

A re-release of the original Associated RC10 from 1984 with reinforced transmission to withhold the modern brushless motors and Li-Po's.

  • Gold anodized 6061-T6 aluminum monocoque tub chassis
  • Fully adjustable four-wheel independent suspension
  • Long travel, fluid-filled gold-anodized aluminum coil-over shocks
  • Low-profile, sealed, six-gear transmission
  • VariLok adjustable ball differential
  • Exceptional ground clearance with low center of gravity
  • Pro-Line front and rear tires with modular racing wheels
  • Clear ProTech body with driver figure and wing
  • Fiberglass shock towers
  • Oilite bushings throughout
  • Accepts 6-cell NiMh and 2S LiPo battery packs
ASC6001

External links