RC10 40th Anni!

[toyolien]

4 hours ago, donfilippo said:

This makes me overthink my RC plans... The RC10 looks ubercool and I always wanted one. But would I build and drive a limited edition like this? Not so sure... But the itch to get one is certainly there. Tamico has announced it for June, but does not take pre-orders yet. 

Tamico have ended their pre-orders. They posted this on Instagram:

 

[donfilippo]

7 minutes ago, toyolien said:

Tamico have ended their pre-orders. They posted this on Instagram:

 

Oh... Too late for the party.

[toyolien]

4 minutes ago, donfilippo said:

Oh... Too late for the party.

Looks like it. Seems Associated has done this as a really limited release for shelf queeners...

[scoobybooster]

Or maybe they found out that many potentional customers are moaning about the somewhat exaggerated pricing, and now they try clever marketing by emphasizing the rarity of the kit to attract the greedy profiteers.

[markbt73]

Ugh. This reminds me of the "Anniversary Edition" Mustangs that Ford trots out every ten years. "Look, it's got special stickers! And a serial number!"

The only difference is that Ford has the good sense to still sell regular Mustangs alongside it. Associated could mass-produce these things, offer them for $250-300 a pop, and sell every one they could make for the next ten years. And that would be more in line with the RC10's original mission. It's not a shelf queen, and its best attribute is that it can be modified/converted to anything you want. The whole idea of a limited-edition RC10 with a display box (!) is just wrong.

Glad I have my scruffy old originals.

 

[donfilippo]

44 minutes ago, toyolien said:

Looks like it. Seems Associated has done this as a really limited release for shelf queeners...

Yes. But at least I no longer have to wonder if I should buy one or not. 

[toyolien]

1 hour ago, markbt73 said:

The whole idea of a limited-edition RC10 with a display box (!) is just wrong.

Agreed. I had decided that I would get one to use if they ever released them again. But not now. It's too expensive and with little to no spares back up it would end up as a gold paperweight....

[bRIBEGuy]

On 4/16/2024 at 4:51 AM, Saito2 said:

I know Associated had to remake the molds yet again so there's expenditure up front to recoup, but they had to do that with the Classic too. This tactic is probably to minimize risk through the max-profit capitalism approach. AE could probably sell consistent numbers of these (much like Tamiya does with their mainstay rereleases that have been in production now longer than the originals were) every year at reasonable prices. Instead they went for the FOMO limited numbers max-profit approach right away and will sell every one made (which we'll likely see, still sealed in boxes, selling for $800+ on Fleabay in 2 years). But that's capitalism, and in the short term, the safer (and some would say smarter) move so we can't blame them. They're here to make money just like all the other manufacturers. 

Maybe we'll get lucky and we might see a more affordable non "Limited Edition" variant come out after the hoopla of this one has died down, but that's probably dreaming. More likely, there will be other RC10 variants brought out in limited numbers at high prices in the following years if this current pricing scheme works out for them. Of course the second a future rerelease crashes (like the Worlds car did), AE could quickly pull the plug too as we've seen in the past. You know, I've got 8 old RC10s that I've had for many years and could have made a killing selling as prices on them have shot up but I think I'll just tinker with them. I've also got something totally new,  yet deliciously retro, called the BBX to put together and run without any guilt.

I feel like a non-limited edition rere is a very realistic possibility if the 40th Edition sells well.  AE did get burned pretty bad the last time they churned out a ton of these, so it seems quite logical to do staged releases to test the waters and maximize ROI.

 

On 4/16/2024 at 7:01 AM, GTodd said:

It is a little pricey, BUT it's been ten years (holy cow) since the last one and the economy is a disaster compared to 10 years ago, price is in line with inflation. 

Is it a little lazy, maybe. Tons of people have wanted this and AE/Tiger listened. 

Price is in line for what a garbage vintage would cost and a NIB RC10 Classic from 10 years ago will cost you double. It's a win!

I agree with this fully.

Would it be nice if it was a $250 kit?  Heck ya!  But it isn't, and the price really isn't bad if you look at it objectively.

 

1 hour ago, toyolien said:

Looks like it. Seems Associated has done this as a really limited release for shelf queeners...

I don't think AE particularly cares what people use the cars for, and I doubt it was targeting specifically at "shelf queeners".

I think the sad part here (IMO) is that AE has found themselves in a "damned if they do/damned if they don't" situation.  The re released the RC10... and it flopped.  Then after they were all blown out on clearance, people started wanted them again.  For a decade people have been clamouring for another RC10 release... and they finally got it.... as the CC Edition.  That sold really well, and yet "fans" still whined that AE was doing it wrong. 

Now there is a 40th Edition, which again seems to be pre-selling well...and again, "fans" are whining that AE did it wrong.

There is no wrong way to enjoy the hobby, IMO.  Collecting, building, running... you do you... it's all fine by me.

For a manufacture, they also need to "do them", and part of that is making money to keep afloat.  If limited edition cars are the way to do that, then I for one am all for it.  I'd way rather have AE releasing and selling out of cool vehicles that upset some people, than to have them go out of business and be one more cool manufacture that we wish was still around.

Just my 2 cents...

[toyolien]

30 minutes ago, bRIBEGuy said:

I don't think AE particularly cares what people use the cars for, and I doubt it was targeting specifically at "shelf queeners".
 

Wasn't a dig a those who like to have shelf queens. I just find it odd from a company that has it's history in race only vehicles that they wouldn't just release it as a competition retro race buggy, with full spares back up and option parts (Like Kyosho's JJ Ultima). As you've said, maybe they will, but I would have thought they'd have done that first. Also, maybe the tooling is so expensive that limited runs are the only option.

[bRIBEGuy]

3 minutes ago, toyolien said:

Wasn't a dig a those who like to have shelf queens. I just find it odd from a company that has it's history in race only vehicles that they wouldn't just release it as a competition retro race buggy, with full spares back up and option parts (Like Kyosho's JJ Ultima). As you've said, maybe they will, but I would have thought they'd have done that first. Also, maybe the tooling is so expensive that limited runs are the only option.

The tooling cost aspect of it is actually one of the more interesting parts to me, as it makes more sense to produce as much as possible in most injection molding situations.  That being said, there is a chance that they opted to just make cheap "One and done" molds... but I feel like that is unlikely.  I do believe we will see a  "normal" RC10 release in the next year, and hopefully with that brings back more spare parts.  I feel like with the body kits being available separate, and now the steal transmission case, it's a good indicator that they may be looking to bring back support for these cars.

Typically injection molding is done in batches, and it is very well possible that a "parts run" is just something that will be in manufacturing cue at some point down the road.  Fingers crossed, right?

[toyolien]

55 minutes ago, bRIBEGuy said:

I feel like with the body kits being available separate, and now the steal transmission case, it's a good indicator that they may be looking to bring back support for these cars.

I didn't know that. Sounds promising. I only mentioned tooling etc because I read somewhere that reinforced plastics are much hard on the moulds and wear them out quicker.

[bRIBEGuy]

22 minutes ago, toyolien said:

I only mentioned tooling etc because I read somewhere that reinforced plastics are much hard on the moulds and wear them out quicker.

That is true, but "wearing out tools" isn't something that typically happens quickly (plus, it can often be mitigated in tool material/coating/design).

The challenge with injection mold tooling is that it can be setup/designed for a lifespan of a hundred parts... or for millions of parts.  Unless you're the shop doing the tooling or molding... or unless your the guy at AE that pulled the trigger on the mold, it's unlikely any of us would be able to ascertain what level of tooling they went with.

The mold is the biggest expense in the process though, so you don't want to do it twice.  My guess is they have a setup that'll run 250k-500k cycles easy.

I'll stop rambling now...

[IXLR8]

I'm stating the obvious but sales depend upon desirability and an item like this reaches the peak of desirability if consumers believe its supply is limited. 

If AE were to re-established the RC10 as a regular production item and purchased parts to fill their shelves, consumers will think that they could always buy it now or maybe later, sales numbers would diminish quickly and AE could be left with dead inventory to carry or fire-sale at or below cost  AE learned this lesson the hard way last time with the Worlds car re-re and I don't think they will repeat that mistake.

I could be wrong and I hope that I am, but this could be your only opportunity to buy a NIB RC10 for very a long while - maybe forever.  For my part, I'm lucky to have been collecting RC10's for many years and I really don't want another car to set on the shelf.  I'll just stand by and watch what happens. 

[GTodd]

In regards to support JConcepts is a HUGE OG RC10 supporter, I bet they will release their RC10 parts again. Ie turnbuckles, wheels, shock towers, bell crank steering etc.  Some of which you can still buy from them .

[GTodd]

What's period correct body options are still available for the RC10? Just the current Jconcepts ones?!I like them, and I have one for the Team Car I'm building. Just wondering there are other options. 

[Kowalski86]

The way that I see it, the limited release gimmick is in line with Thunder Tigers "race-grade" stuff. Build something nice, offer weak parts support ,and discontinue it rapidly so they can sell you the next maguffin, and everyone can gobble up the old parts.

This both ensures that Thunder Tiger won't have spare inventory sitting around, and it keeps people buying their new products, either because they need to be competitive or because they missed out. It's the smartphone system, and afaik it began under Thunder Tigers ownership.

This is also one of the few ways for Team Associated to build hype for their brand outside of the racing-realm. I can only assume that their "bashers" aren't selling too well.

[Saito2]

3 hours ago, GTodd said:

What's period correct body options are still available for the RC10?

You should check out RC10Talk. They really seem to be into RC10s over there .

Seriously though, its a bottomless resource for all things RC10. To answer your question, Sabula Tech has a couple vintage options including the Jammin' Jumper body I've been contemplating for my Graphite Team Car.

[GTodd]

5 hours ago, Kowalski86 said:

The way that I see it, the limited release gimmick is in line with Thunder Tigers "race-grade" stuff. Build something nice, offer weak parts support ,and discontinue it rapidly so they can sell you the next maguffin, and everyone can gobble up the old parts.

This both ensures that Thunder Tiger won't have spare inventory sitting around, and it keeps people buying their new products, either because they need to be competitive or because they missed out. It's the smartphone system, and afaik it began under Thunder Tigers ownership.

This is also one of the few ways for Team Associated to build hype for their brand outside of the racing-realm. I can only assume that their "bashers" aren't selling too well.

Look, I love Tamiya that said AE does not need the spare support that Tamiya does.  You aren't going to brake anything.  It's a vintage rere you can get ANYTHING online. 

[DaveBuildsRC]

The price is not bad really as well the clear is 319 and this one which looks nicer is only 60 more. 

[GTodd]

1 hour ago, DaveBuildsRC said:

The price is not bad really as well the clear is 319 and this one which looks nicer is only 60 more. 

Its right in line with other quality rere. Its a good price for 2024. 

[GTodd]

Pretty cool video from AE.

 

 

[Kowalski86]

 

On 4/17/2024 at 11:41 AM, toyolien said:

Wasn't a dig a those who like to have shelf queens. I just find it odd from a company that has it's history in race only vehicles that they wouldn't just release it as a competition retro race buggy, with full spares back up and option parts (Like Kyosho's JJ Ultima).

That's how I feel, the official video plays up the racing angle and shows old RC10s jumping around tracks, but there's no footage of the rere in action.

If you watch Kyoshos videos for the JJ Ultima rere, there's some modern footage of them jumping around tracks.

 

[GTodd]

20 minutes ago, Kowalski86 said:

 

That's how I feel, the official video plays up the racing angle and shows old RC10s jumping around tracks, but there's no footage of the rere in action.

If you watch Kyoshos videos for the JJ Ultima rere, there's some modern footage of them jumping around tracks.

 

The RC10 followed 1:1 racing car philosophy, keep it simple. It's almost impossible to break. The turnbuckles are the only thing you need to replace, they bend very easily due to their thin diameter.

I've restored 2 old vintage RC10s.  One team car and one worlds car. They take modern abuse well, no mods needed to run brushless or lipos.  

There's a company making perfect replica parts for the OG RC10s called Fan RC. If you actually brake something they got your back. 

I'll be driving and racing the 4oth, although with a different chassis!

[Kowalski86]

20 minutes ago, GTodd said:

I've restored 2 old vintage RC10s.  One team car and one worlds car. They take modern abuse well, no mods needed to run brushless or lipos.

So I can take one to the skate park and launch it 50ft into the air?

[GTodd]

8 minutes ago, Kowalski86 said:

So I can take one to the skate park and launch it 50ft into the air?

No modern 1/10 can take that either. That isn't the context of the discussion. Try better to be a better more contributive member of the forum.