Radio Controlled Trucks vs. Touring CarsIf there were ever two incredibly influential advances in the Radio Control arena it would be without a doubt the Tamiya ClodBuster monster truck and the HPI RS4 Rally touring car. After looking over the outline you probably don’t see very many similarities, there are however many more than one would expect. TC’s came into production when people wanted to go from being back yard bashers to the driveway with an asphalt burner. There was a huge demand for MT’s in the eighties yet it seemed to move towards tarmac terrors in the nineties. Monster Trucks are some of the most realistic vehicles out there, their enormous 6.5x4.2” tires are completely scale as are the bodies. Monster Trucks are kept shiny side up by the help of very sophisticated suspensions, many being patterned by full size trucks. Some suspension types include, independent, trailing arm, and the venerable four link setup. I have one of each and while each has it’s pro’s and con’s I believe, in my own opinion the straight axle four link setup has the best mix of versatility and reliability. Several configurations of truck chassis are offered, some include dual motor four wheel drive, mid motor shaft four wheel drive and the most popular, rear mounted two wheel drive. Some of the pricier trucks have four wheel steering as well; this assists in the chore of cranking those giant meats around. MT’s have loads of ground clearance and when combined with a supple suspension, up to 13 inches of individual wheel travel, these beasts are capable of scaling just about any and everything, what it can’t go over it will normally go through. “When in doubt, gas it out.” I love that quote from multiple desert racer champion, “Iron Man” Ivan Stewart.Touring Cars are a much different story, while they have their roots in off road racing; they are a much more refined, highly ...
