TRUCK STOP RACING                         Page 2 (of 2)                         back to page 1
NITRO HAULER by Bob Hastings



PERFORMANCE —The Team Associated Pro .21 powerplant is one of the most user-friendly big blocks we’ve come to know. The engine fires up easily using either the built-in recoil or shaft-start receptacle. Adjustments are easy, even for a nitro first-timer, and our engine idled reliably right from its first firing. After a few tanks for break-in, we clipped on the body and sweet aluminum front bumper and set out for some parking lot runs. The engine is somewhat shielded by cooling air flow, so it’s wise to keep an eye on the engine temperature while you’re running around (good advice no matter what you’re driving). Although the Nitro Hauler is heavier than the stock MGT, it has no problem accelerating with ease. The truck moves out rapidly, and the 2nd gear helps the truck hit the 30mph mark in short fashion. We all got a big chuckle watching the big rig’s scale-like lean in response to steering commands. It’s not an abnormal amount of chassis roll; it’s just that the look is exaggerated by the 18-inch height of the cab.

After coupling the trailer to the cab, we had a lot of fun wheeling around the yard with the 5-foot rig in full dress. Despite the lack of suspension on the trailer, the foam-filled tires on the trailer absorb bounces overall except for the most abrupt moon craters. The engine definitely feels the additional weight of the trailer, particularly when first rolling out, but things move smoothly once momentum is on your side. Running the trailer without the enclosed box definitely lightens the load on the engine, but I don’t think it looks as mean that way. Reverse operation definitely takes some practice to get used to. While Greg had no problems getting himself backed up to the curb, my skills seemed better suited to jack-knifing the trailer at first.

The trailer hitch is machined aluminum; looks real doesn't it? The complete package tucks away nicely inside the trailer for easy storage and transport. Chunky aluminum suspension arms narrow up the truck to fit under the truck body. Associated oil shocks are used to damp the suspension.

CONCLUSION

Truck Stop Racing has engineered something unique out of Associated’s MGT. The gargantuan Nitro Hauler is a riot and immediately shocks those who see it for the first time. Watching the big truck run around is cool, but driving it is where it’s at. As clichéd as “bigger is better” has become, it certainly applies here. Despite the fact that this thing is already fun and relatively agile, the gang at TSR continues to refine its present design. And they plan to incorporate molded components and lightened aluminum to reduce the weight and cost of the truck.

WHAT WE LIKED

Huuuuge Size  Truck Mate large enough to hold      everything in one box

WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED

Include body masking and decals

Links

Byron Originals
www.byronfuels.com
(712) 364-3165

Pactra Inc., distributed by Testor Corp.
(815) 962-6654

Spaz-Stix, distributed by HRP Distributing
www.spazstix.com
(800) 706-0690

Tamiya America Inc.
www.tamiyausa.com
(800) 826-4922

Team Associated
www.teamassociated.com
www.rc10.com
(714) 850-9342

Truck Stop Racing
www.truckstopracing.com
(208) 589-7187)

For more information, please see the source guide in the magazine.

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