TEAM ASSOCIATED "B44"

[MarkWesterfield]

Here is the press release:

New Product. For Immediate Release: 7/10/07
The Factory Team B44 project came
to life in 2003 as a cooperative effort
between Team Associated and
J Concepts’ Jason Ruona and Brad
Reelfs. After Team Associated’s Ryan
Cavalieri won the 2005 IFMAR World
Championships in Collegno, Italy with the
BJ4 Worlds Edition, Area 51 shifted into
overdrive to produce a true ‘Associated’
inspired 4WD buggy that would continue to
dominate the 4WD off road racing class.
The B44 is the result of this two-year
development effort.
During the design and development stages Associated used their
extensive and well-proven skills to make a 4WD competition buggy that
is better suited to production. The results of this optimization are
realized by you, the customer, in a more cost-effective vehicle with
more readily available spare parts.
The B44 is built on a 2.5mm woven carbon fiber main chassis and top plate. What’s new is the
composite front bulkhead and rear chassis plate. These new features greatly improve overall
durability and increase the ground clearance, further enhancing the B44's performance.
Area 51 designers also improved the BJ4’s slipper clutch. The result is the B44’s new externally
adjustable, dual pad slipper clutch, which transfers power to the ground more efficiently and
effectively.
The B44 employs a hardened steel CVA drivetrain with lightened ball differentials for unparalleled
acceleration. The B44 soaks up the bumps using Factory Team hard anodized aluminum threaded
shocks with gold shock shafts. The shocks mount to durable 3mm woven carbon fiber shock towers,
making the B44 more responsive and giving quicker handling.
The B44 gets the full Factory Team treatment with blue titanium turnbuckles, blue aluminum shock
bushings and blue aluminum servo mounts for a car that looks as good as it is fast!
Many Team Associated fans from all over the world have asked us when we are going to build a
4WD buggy. Team Associated is proud to say that day has come with the B44, the only 4WD electric
race buggy that comes from a racing heritage with 20 IFMAR World Championships behind it.
#9060
Factory Team B44
Suggested Retail: $549.99
UPC# 84695 09060
Available: September 2007
2 of 2
Features of the Factory Team B44:
• Composite front bulkhead and rear chassis plate for improved durability and more ground clearance
• Externally adjustable, dual pad slipper clutch
• 3mm woven carbon fiber shock towers
• 2.5mm woven carbon fiber main chassis
and top plate
• Rear hubs use large .187 x .500 bearing
for more durability
• Lightened ball differentials front and rear
• Shaft drive for unparalleled acceleration
• Slotted motor mount for quick and easy
installation
• Blue aluminum center bulkhead cap with
molded bearing inserts
• Ball bearing steering with adjustable servo
save
• Hardened steel CVAs with cross pin retaining clips for ultimate reliability
• Front wheels and hexes are optimized to prevent hex stripping
• Hard anodized aluminum threaded shock bodies with Factory Team gold shock shafts
• Blue Factory Team titanium turnbuckles
• Blue Factory Team aluminum shock bushings
• Blue Factory Team aluminum servo mounts
• Blue Factory Team thumb screws and molded battery straps

[ayk07]

WoW now thats what i am buying, i was going to get the hpi d4 but this looks awsome, will match well with my rc18t and rc18b mamba lol

[losixxx]

very interesting, but at $549.99 rrp whats it going to be over here!:wtf:

[tc2k]

Doubt Bj4 owners will change really, looks nice though

[jimmy]

very interesting, but at $549.99 rrp whats it going to be over here!:wtf:


in the USA they use the 'mind tricks' approach to get customers to part with their money. They make up a stupid number and double it - then the actual shop price is about half that, and customers think they are getting a super awesome deal (which, fair enough, they probably are).

[jimmy]

looks awesome though - and as a lucky coincidence guys like barton and cree have UK setups that AE guys can use straight away, how lucky is that :)

[MarkWesterfield]

Kdub works at AE and is giving out some info....

http://www.rc10b4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=138732&posted=1#post138732

[jimmy]

Thanks for the info Mark - the car looks great like I said. It's also good to hear the AE team will run the car. What that means for the AE guys tho currently run other cars than the JC I'm not sure as Kdub seems to suggest all the factory drivers will switch (or did he mean all those that run JC now)

I'd like to see inside that shell at the mods

[MarkWesterfield]

I hope they at least make a cheaper rtr version to help the class like the Kyosho 4wd rtr. Even better if they could put the budget LRP brushless in it.

I have a feeling the Jconcepts employee's will be running an AE car in the future. As far as I know, Jconcepts only sponsored AE factory drivers.

[Chris Doughty]

they are in a good position to produce a 'maintenance free' RTR 4WD.

LRP's 'sport' brushless stuff, radio gear out of the B4 RTR, a few more low grade plastic parts and it should be a great entry 4x4 in the same way the B4 RS is.

[craigosh]

should be a surge of bj4's on ebay then :D

[Elliott Hopkins]

The bodyshell looks a bit 'RTR' to me. A bit too boxy and bulky.

Elliott.

[trekkerkk]

the new slipper should be an improvement,
cant wait to change it over,

trekkker

[jimmy]

The BJ4 is the most maintenance free car I've run - I ran it most of last year and never did anything to it. The only time I had a 'problem' was the Euros last year when I was lent a fast brushless and team cells, which hammered the slipper and loosened it. With a better slipper the AE car should be pretty much bullet proof.

It would be nice to see a 'sport' version with moulded chassis maybe in the future

[mark christopher]

The BJ4 is the most maintenance free car I've run - I ran it most of last year and never did anything to it. The only time I had a 'problem' was the Euros last year when I was lent a fast brushless and team cells, which hammered the slipper and loosened it. With a better slipper the AE car should be pretty much bullet proof.

It would be nice to see a 'sport' version with moulded chassis maybe in the future

thunder tiger wersion :D

[MarkWesterfield]

Jason Rouna said they will still be producing and selling their BJ4.

[Lee]

Great news!!!

[Chris Doughty]

looks like the front caster blocks don't have verticle ball-stud. at a guess they might have a shorter option as an alternative?

[MHeadling]

Its intersting news about the B44, have associated bought the rights to the design? It seems strange to me that they will be going to head to head selling a very similar product.
Or is there a new J concepts 4wd coming?!

[bigred5765]

and yet no mention from team ae website that i can see or cml ???

[jimmy]

They bought the design yes, and apparently JConcepts helped with the improvements on the B44. It seems JC will still sell the BJ4 and BJ4we - but it would certainly be cool to see them design a new car :)

[Lee]

I hope JConcepts keep up the good work, they have worked so hard over the years and designed the "best" car in the world.

I hope they can take things to the next level so they can say to AE, your design is old now but thanks for the cash:D

[mark christopher]

cml have no release date, my source thought end of year as there still waiting for the 8th car

[jimmy]

Statement from JConcepts:
On July 10, TTR/Associated announced the upcoming release of the new B44. This new vehicle is based on the BJ4 Worlds Edition and was a collaborative effort between TTR/Associated and JConcepts. The B44 was a collaborative project only. JConcepts remains an independent company, and our business will not change as a result of this collaboration. Both Jason and Brad have ties with Associated going back 15+ years. This has led to a close working relationship between Associated and JConcepts on the B44. JConcepts will continue to sell the BJ4 kits, parts and accessories to support new and existing customers. Look for more new and exciting products from JConcepts to fit the B44 and all Team Associated vehicles.

[W3lshy40]

I think its great how all the companies are still copying the ZXR design and moving the motor slightly forward and using shafts

You cant beat a winning design:eh?:

[Gayo]

I think its great how all the companies are still copying the ZXR design and moving the motor slightly forward and using shafts

You cant beat a winning design:eh?:

Sure, they both have 4 wheels and 4 shocks ! Oh, and electric power too !:p

[stefke]

I think its great how all the companies are still copying the ZXR design and moving the motor slightly forward and using shafts

You cant beat a winning design:eh?:

Please eloborate on this statment, because I can't see it.

[notlawnomis]

Statement from JConcepts:
On July 10, TTR/Associated announced the upcoming release of the new B44. This new vehicle is based on the BJ4 Worlds Edition and was a collaborative effort between TTR/Associated and JConcepts. The B44 was a collaborative project only. JConcepts remains an independent company, and our business will not change as a result of this collaboration. Both Jason and Brad have ties with Associated going back 15+ years. This has led to a close working relationship between Associated and JConcepts on the B44. JConcepts will continue to sell the BJ4 kits, parts and accessories to support new and existing customers. Look for more new and exciting products from JConcepts to fit the B44 and all Team Associated vehicles.

I hope this doesn't mean development of the BJ4 slows down in favor of supporting and developing the B44!! Especially after forking out for 2 new BJ4's recently!!

[Richard Lowe]

Especially after forking out for 2 new BJ4's recently!!
They will still be ace no-matter what anyone else releases ;)

[notlawnomis]

Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy with mine, including the current support for the car, and I'm sure I'll get good use out of it!! I just hope the BJ4 doesn't eventually get pushed out the market by Associated releasing such a very similar car. Only time will tell.

[Funkymojo]

I think its great how all the companies are still copying the ZXR design and moving the motor slightly forward and using shafts

You cant beat a winning design:eh?:

I see that the FAKE Welshy strikes again!! :o

[W3lshy40]

REAL :rolleyes:

[Welshy40]

REAL :rolleyes:


He he very funny. Well someone has a mental age of 5 but at least your having fun.

Nice that youve copied my picture and Yuasa comments. Kids will play

[jimmy]

Fear not - funny as the pretend welshy was he is now sent to the sin bin and banned. Whoever it was is naughty.:mad:

[Ray]

in the USA they use the 'mind tricks' approach to get customers to part with their money. They make up a stupid number and double it - then the actual shop price is about half that, and customers think they are getting a super awesome deal (which, fair enough, they probably are).

It's called retail pricing, it's been around for awhile:cool:. And we all know what the price will be when we hit the streets. And the price for the B44 will be 350.00 US

[millzy]

finaly

[VintageRacer]

Am I right in thinking this will be the first 1/10th 4wd off road buggy from Associated?

[millzy]

there was the mip belt drive thing based on and rc10 wasnt there?

[VintageRacer]

there was the mip belt drive thing based on and rc10 wasnt there?

Was that an official Associated product? My point is, back in the 80's when I was racing, there was speculation and dreams about a 4wd rc10, but I don't remember it ever appearing...

[millzy]

i dont know mate i remeber the pics but i think you might be right this is AEs frist 1/10th 4wd car

[burgie]

The MIP conversion to the gold tub rc10 was NOT an official Associated release...it was a conversion for the Rc10 to make it 4wd.

When the car was reviewed in Model Car magazine, the bloke who reviewed it was well impressed with the quality of the conversion, but not as impressed as he might have been because he had to cut his lovely new gold chassis.

Apparently, when people asked him what car it was, he simply referred to it as "an MIP 4wd" prototype.

Up until this time, as most of us know, Associated have always said they will never release a 4wd buggy, so this B44 car is their first 4wd car. I do think it's a little lame of them to call it "theirs" when they have previously worked hard to ensure everybody knew that they not only had nothing to do with Jconcepts but were not even interested in the BJ4.

It doesn't put associated in a good light to my mind.

[MarkWesterfield]

here is the body off picture stolen straight from the RC Driver Magazine site...

[NeilD]

Another BJ4 clone.

[andy05]

If you look closely just to the right of the slipper you can see a spring and blue nut. The top deck is also wider to get a spaner in. I wondered how they would work the slipper. Same as first BJ4;)

[Doomanic]

And the price for the B44 will be 350.00 US

So that will put UK retail around the £300-350 for what is essentially a cut-price BJ4. Why bother? :wtf:

[OldTimer]

As AE bought the BJ4WE design off Brad and Jason i was not expecting it to be that much different to a BJ4WE ;) the bulk of the aluminium parts have changed to plastic to reduce costs. I think the only aluminium looks to around the slipper / motor mount area.

I am guessing there will be a plastic rear end to the car, so there is no need for the aluminium suspension mounts and rear shock mount down that end.

It will be interesting to see one close up.

[jimmy]

I guess you have to proper 'kiss arse' to get exclusive photos like these. :eh?:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t212/GT-R_2007/image.jpg

[Elliott Hopkins]

Can someone tell me the part number for the blue grommets that hold the battery straps on. I've seen people use them on the B4 and would like to do the same.

Thanks.

Elliott.

[OldTimer]

The blue thumb screws are part number 1787

[Elliott Hopkins]

Thankyou.

[Nick Goodall]

The rear wheels look like they've come straight from a Cat, are they not going to be the same as a B4? Surely they are??

[jimmy]

Might be losi wheels? or some new wheels from AE. AE already had wheels like these I think from the RTR B4 though?

[Southwell]

I would guess their new wheels, i like them.

[Nick Goodall]

Yeah they look fine, but are more like the old Dish style wheels so just wondered if the B4 wheels will still fit, obviously a bit early to tell but i can't imagine them making it with a different offset / wheel fitment to the B4?

[bigred5765]

ill guess there just test wheels and it will come with b4 rims

[millzy]

ill guess there just test wheels and it will come with b4 rims

but didnt you say soem time ago that you had it from the hourse mouth that there is no 4wd comnig from AE!!

[bigred5765]

but isnt it a bj4 not a ae disigned car

[millzy]

hahaha i dunno area 51 have had it, so dosnt that count?

long as they have a pink option im in :)

[Spencer Mulcahy]

That will be fast it has a 4.5 in it :cool:

[bigred5765]

it also depends on how you ask the question
are ae designing a new 4wd car answer no
or
are ae releasing a 4wd car answer yeah
so i guess a should have asked the second question
but then i might have also been told cant say lol

[millzy]

bloody ask the question right next time :)

[bigred5765]

lol sorry ma bad lol
i would have probably been told to shut the f+++ up about it any ways even if i had

[millzy]

you didnt ask the right people thats all im saying

[jimmy]

There are a few of us who knew about this car for ages and where it was coming from - so I don't think it's been a big secret? :eh?:

[millzy]

how longs a while?

[_sleigh_]

Didn't you know about it Millzy???

[jimmy]

I thought it was fairly common knowlege - :eh?:

[Southwell]

Ive known for months.

[bigred5765]

depends on what you call common knowledge
and how long for

[millzy]

how would i know

[bigred5765]

Because you are the man






in pink lol

[millzy]

Damm right lol

shame the cars comnig out after i pull the plug but there we go

[_sleigh_]

H told me you were getting a different 4WD for Southport... that's hardly quitting!!!

[jimmy]

Sounds like a load of fibs to me!

[millzy]

yeah but so far ive had g,K,L and what ever i had a bruy .. think 2nd from last so K again so its gotta go if im to make and A at the f2s both days

[Southwell]

yeah but so far ive had g,K,L and what ever i had a bruy .. think 2nd from last so K again so its gotta go if im to make and A at the f2s both days

My special motor will do that for u m8 ;)

[millzy]

your understeer motor !!

[PaulRotheram]

It's a shame they havn't tweaked the layout slightly.

From my running of the BJ4WE, i've been finding the need for less weight on the rear, and more central, or even just abit more up front.

Optional cell adjustment would of been cool.

[DCM]

I thought it was fairly common knowlege - :eh?:

I have known for a while.... little ole me...

[jimmy]

http://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9992.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9978_1.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9979.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9981.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9982.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9983.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9985.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9986.jpg

[jimmy]

http://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9992.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9987.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9994.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9988.jpghttp://www.rccaraction.com/Media/CorePages/DSCN9991.jpg

[Lee]

It looks very RTR.

Possibly a BJ4 Sport

[jimmy]

You don't get too many machined alloy / titanium and carbon fibre RTR cars - but ok! :)
It's certainly a cheaper-to-produce version of the BJ4, but that doesn't mean worse. Maybe JConcepts would have chosen to mould some of these parts like hubs and steering if they had the money to do it in the first place.

Some stuff like the rear hinge pin blocks, if they are plastic then I don't like that, but most of the changes are OK to be honest. I don't mind about CF battery straps or alloy hubs. the new slipper looks neat and I'm told it has a great range of adjustment too.

[Lee]

I know what your saying jim and it is a high spec car, but i think its the bling factor that is missing for me. (Sadly im not like welshy and its not all about design:D )

But on a serious note, Jconcepts, Atomic Carbon, tamiya and the aero all look nice pieces of kit, i just think these have raised the bar slightly and we have got used to having a bit of colour on the cars we race.

[ashleyb4]

This is proberly just the team version and there will proberly be a fully blinged factory team version.

A

[millzy]

its say thats the ft, shock bottoms, turnbuckles, itas all whats on the ft b4

aslo the ft b4 isnt that blinged up, there is no style for styles sake on the cars, they do what there ment to and thats win...i hope

[jimmy]

yeah I know what you mean Lee, the bling will come later I'm sure in the form of 'hop ups' - or maybe like ash says a beast-version, who knows.

To be honest though, I like plastic cars like the ZX5 - and I'd like to see a plastic version of this. :)

[_sleigh_]

Come on Jimmy, sort them pictures out. Not everyone has a 24" widescreen to view this thread :D :D :D

[k£v!n]

Its been said before, but hey im going to say it again :), it looks just like the bj4!


However I do like it, the shock towers look to be a little thicker?

[Richard Lowe]

This is proberly just the team version and there will proberly be a fully blinged factory team version

I'm pretty sure it will be the FT version, because it says it on the picture of the box ;)

[NeilD]

Detective Lowe solves another mystery.:)

[Lee]

Did you ever hear the joke about sherlock holmes and the lemon curd?

[NeilD]

Lee, don't do it.:D

[Lee]

I might get banned like the real welshy:D

[NeilD]

I wondered why he had a jar in his JC hauler.:eh?:

[Lee]

He told me it was vaseline "for the diffs":D

[NeilD]

You did say "diff" didn't you?:p

[Lee]

Yeah but i did tell him i was running a 1 way:D

[NeilD]

Running away more like.:D :D :D

[Richard Lowe]

Oh dear.....

:D

[NeilD]

I told you not to read it!:D :D :D

[Lee]

It was neils fault, he should of just let me tell the joke:D

[Edwinhpi]

Not any info on the towerhobbies site but the important thing is there, the price and i like it :-)

324.99 dollar
or
235.81 euro
or
158.86 pound

i hope that they are right with the price

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSLD1&P=7

[NeilD]

It was neils fault, he should of just let me tell the joke:D

Cheers mate.:D

It will cost more than £158 when it gets here.

[Lee]

Yeah shipping + Vat:D

[MarkWesterfield]

http://www.rc10.com/ae/b44/b44_home.htm

[KnightRyder2G]

Not any info on the towerhobbies site but the important thing is there, the price and i like it :-)

324.99 dollar
or
235.81 euro
or
158.86 pound

i hope that they are right with the price

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSLD1&P=7

...And if you pre-orer it now, you can take advantage of the $30.00 "5 ways to save" discount they're offering. Not a bad deal for $294.99 USD

http://www.towerhobbies.com/index.html

[Chris Doughty]

I was right about the front caster blocks.... no verticle but 2 options

[jimmy]

I wonder why they aren't showing an underneath shot with the new chassis? it looks great though - I see they aren't using MIP for the CVD's any more

[bigred5765]

but it does say
Photos may include items not included in kit.

[jimmy]

I assumed that might be the brushless - but you never know.. I guess TTR are making the drive shafts now

[mattym0310]

TTR ??? :o

[Lee]

Thunder tiger Racing?

[jimmy]

sorry yeah :)

[mattym0310]

thanks :)

[Allan]

Has anyone else bought an ae kit since the take over by ttr and noticed slight quality issues with their parts, I bought a 18b it's the first car ive had to spend time filing, triming, spacing bits of the drive train and suspension for it to be free, Which was dissappointing as i really like AE,

[Doomanic]

It's not a new development, TTR have been moulding parts for AE since the TC3.

[stefke]

Indeed the parts quality is different (lower) on the RC18.
I'm guessing the B4 is the last "real" Associated kit, that is : manufactured in Ca. , USA before the TTR takeover.
The RC18 and the new TC5 use different materials compared to previous AE kits and the biggest tell-tale of all : they're metric !

BTW, there's nothing wrong with parts quality of the TC5 kit : it's suberb ! And it's metric !!!

I was affraid for us racers when TTR took over AE, but as it is now : AE seems to be doing just fine. It's Losi that is going to sh*t since the Horizon takeover. Losi kits used to be excellent quality, but ask anyone who has an LST how parts quality is now.

[bald eagle]

BTW, there's nothing wrong with parts quality of the TC5 kit : it's suberb ! And it's metric !!!


I totally agree with this statement, I have one. It goes extremely well. The only thing I dont like is the plastic diff outdrives....they melt! :o :wtf:

Is the B44 much different to the BJ4? :confused:

[Doomanic]

CML have just released the price for the B44.......

















....£249.99!:cool:

Nice one CML!

[Southwell]

Is that with my 90% discount? ;)

[Doomanic]

That's RRP, check out my website (http://dcracing.co.uk/dcrshop/product_info.php?products_id=1411) for the street price.:cool:

[ryan]

They in stock?

[Doomanic]

No, they haven't even been released yet!:p

If you order one online you will be mailed when they become available and you won't be charged until your kit is ready to ship.

[ryan]

Southwell told me to say it lol

[Southwell]

I said they wernt out u fool.

[Kopite]

it may or may not have already been posted in this thread somewhere, but i can't be arsed sifting through it....

is there an official (or even a rough estimate) Uk release date?

[JCJC]

September.......... ish ?

[josh_smaxx]

*Sigh* my christmas list just got longer :(

[vader]

That's RRP, check out my website (http://dcracing.co.uk/dcrshop/product_info.php?products_id=1411) for the street price.:cool:
Dom... cheaper... than... RRP...

wow

[LEGEND]

I have recently heard that the B44 slipper may fit in the BJ4 WE and i was wanting to know if this is true or not. As i have also heard that it can make a hell of a difference aswell. I would like to know as i wouldn't mind trying one out if it will fit in my BJ4 WE. Just to see the difference, e.g. if it easyer to use, or if it is just the same as the other one, performance wise.:)

[Chris Doughty]

I have recently heard that the B44 slipper may fit in the BJ4 WE and i was wanting to know if this is true or not. As i have also heard that it can make a hell of a difference aswell. I would like to know as i wouldn't mind trying one out if it will fit in my BJ4 WE. Just to see the difference, e.g. if it easyer to use, or if it is just the same as the other one, performance wise.:)


the information I have is that it 'will' fit the BJ4, but you might need to use some bearing caddys or something like that.

you will proberbly have to use the B44 front and rear main drive shafts too.

its easier to adjust and less prone to backing off from what I hear.

[Chequered Flag Racing]

B44 Slipper in a BJ4

the information I have is that it 'will' fit the BJ4, but you might need to use some bearing caddys or something like that. You will proberbly have to use the B44 front and rear main drive shafts too.


probably be cheaper to by the B44 then :p

[Chris Doughty]

get Jimmy to snap a few pics, I think they are running them in their BJ4's out there.

[Chequered Flag Racing]

from Jimmy's report

A bit more news:
The JConcepts guys like Cree, Barton, Pinisch and Drescher are running the new B44 slipper - or actually a hand made prototype of the slipper. Comments back were that it's genius and makes a huge difference to the car. Richard Cree was certainly eploiting the new slipper and getting some very good times.

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/euros2007/4/b44slipper.jpg

above pic by oople

[_sleigh_]

Not sure if this view has been seen before, but here a picture of the underneath of a B44, showing the new composite rear end.

http://aedownloads.com/downloads/item_photos/9787.jpg

[Kopite]

is the release date still going to be the end of September? Or has anyone heard of some kind of 'delay'?

[Wraggy]

is the release date still going to be the end of September? Or has anyone heard of some kind of 'delay'?
you getting one then stan ???

[losixxx]

cml are taking pre orders from shop's so release shouldnt be that far away. would have thought just after the worlds so 3rd or 4th week of sept is my bet.

[xx4-nutter]

from Jimmy's report



http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/euros2007/4/b44slipper.jpg

above pic by oople


makes me laff how much a little peice or part like that can give faster times ? ....

baffles me :wtf: , its just anouther layout or way of a slipper clutch .... :D

[jimmy]

I think if you look at the slipper on the ZX5 KMRC conversion (which has a similar layout) it's a similar slipper to that from what I can see.. it just has more room for adjustment and can be tuned whilst the car is together, or even on the start line.

[Chris Doughty]

makes me laff how much a little peice or part like that can give faster times ? ....

baffles me :wtf: , its just anouther layout or way of a slipper clutch .... :D

the benefit of this slipper is that it actually IS a slipper as oposed to the BJ4 'slipper' unit which is just a means to save the gears.

[Lee Martin]

the benefit of this slipper is that it actually IS a slipper as oposed to the BJ4 'slipper' unit which is just a means to save the gears.

spot on!

[BradR]

the benefit of this slipper is that it actually IS a slipper as oposed to the BJ4 'slipper' unit which is just a means to save the gears.
The new slipper is an improvement for ease of adjustment. It can be adjusted while in the car, and the larger spring makes the adjustment less sensitive.

However, there is no difference in how the two slippers function. Both assemblies use the same spur gear and slipper pads, which are compressed between two hard anodized aluminum plates. If both slippers are set correctly, they will perform the same.

[Chequered Flag Racing]

http://www.oople.com/rc/photos/euros2007/4/b44slipper.jpg

above pic by oople

B44 slipper doesn't look much different to the above prototype

http://aedownloads.com/kit_photos/b44/ftb4414.500.jpg

[andy05]

The new slipper is an improvement for ease of adjustment. It can be adjusted while in the car, and the larger spring makes the adjustment less sensitive.

However, there is no difference in how the two slippers function. Both assemblies use the same spur gear and slipper pads, which are compressed between two hard anodized aluminum plates. If both slippers are set correctly, they will perform the same.


How much shorter is the front drive shaft please brad. Are the motor mounts the same size bearings will it fit straight in the bj we besides the drive shaft?

[xx4-nutter]

the benefit of this slipper is that it actually IS a slipper as oposed to the BJ4 'slipper' unit which is just a means to save the gears.


;) cheers chris

[CDS MODELS]

New updated delivery date is late october now:(

[Chris Doughty]

to help you with the wait, you can look at the exploded diagrams at the CML website...

http://www.cmldistribution.co.uk/product_car.php?productId=0000002808

it might answer some questions that you have

[rcracer]

New updated delivery date is late october now:(


:(:(:(:(

[AndyM]

so wot actually are the changes that will make the car faster/easier to drive than a BJ4 WE?? (apart from the slipper)

thanks

[ryan]

Rear kick up

[matdodd]

Doesn’t the BJ4 have kick up?

[Richard Lowe]

The chassis isn't angled up at the back like the B44, you can achieve the same effect on the suspention on the BJ4 by spacing the blocks up a bit. Granted you dont get the extra groung clearence at the back though.
I've tried it before, it worked really well at Tiverton a couple of years ago when it was really broken up, but everywhere else I've prefered the blocks flat onto the chassis.

[Lee]

This will alter the rear roll centre as well though?

[Richard Lowe]

Yeah it has a similar effect to increasing the angle of the toplink but more so, as you are also altering the angle of the wishbone for the same ride height as well as the relative distance between the upper and lower pivot's.
It also changes driveshaft scrub/plunge as it changes the angle of the wishbone relative to the driveshaft which is probably why it changes how the car goes over bumps on power.

[WHITTLER555]

Rich, you lost me at YEAH! LOL!

I like a bit of plunge angle!

[Richard Lowe]

I like a bit of plunge angle!
Haha :D

Whittle translation :- higher blocks = more better over bumps and more worserer round corners :p

[rcracer]

So who has pre-orderd a B44 :confused:

[KyoshoK]

can anyone tell me if the B4 rims / wheels fit the b44??

[jimmy]

the rears will, sure!

[lazerboy]

i'm pretty sure that the rear's do, but the front's wont ever.

[ashleyb4]

Wheels that will fit the b44 are

b4/proline rears.
Losi 4wd wheels
Aero wheels (when they come out)
And of course the b44 wheels.
And i think proline, jc wheels, j concepts and ballisitic buggy all make wheels that will fit.

A

[KyoshoK]

so the b4 rears will fit, are there any BUT's??:D

they will fit BUT they will give different offset?

they will fit BUT ....?

if not then thats great :o

[lazerboy]

i do believe that the wheels that come with it are from the b4.

[AndyM]

i do believe that the wheels that come with it are from the b4.


you believe wrong, lookin at the pics the wheels are of a brand new design.

[ashleyb4]

Well i supose they would be the same offset as losi and proline look the same offset they both fitted in the box.

A

[Northy]

Is the B44 fully metric also? :confused:

G

[Lee Martin]

the B44is as close to a B4 as they can get...

same rear wheels, parts....you can even use the same wing...as the holes are in the same place.....

same screws as B4....

Wheel nuts....

dadadad

[Northy]

So it uses 4-40 screws Pidge? Not metric like everyone was suggesting?

G

[Lee Martin]

as far as i know...i will check it out for you..........

but its liek a B4

[Chris Doughty]

it is 4-40 and some 2-56 (or whatever they are)

this car is not metric.

the rear wheels are a brand new design, but they are the same off-set as the kit B4 wheels.

front wheels are a new design with a deeper hex to stop stripping wheels.

you can use Losi wheels on the front but it would be fractionally wider, should not be a problem with 'UK' style tires, but with America rubber it might be too wide. you can use the Losi hex and Losi wheels and then its the same width.

[ashleyb4]

whats 2-56 are they the really think screws that hold the rear T plate to the chassis on the b4???

A

[Chris Doughty]

I think they are the 'small' screws, 98% of the screws in the B44 are 'normal' america 4-40.

all your tools working on previous Losi or AE cars will work, don't worry about that.

[ashleyb4]

Oh them things are tiny. I always loose them.

A

[Chris Doughty]

maybe you missed it, but CML have the full exploded view on their website

http://www.cmldistribution.co.uk/product_car.php?productId=0000002808

all you need to know about the car!

[CDS MODELS]

the exploded diagram on cml site show the current b4 rear wheels as included yet the pictures show a more losi type wheel. at least we know either/or will fit.

[Chris Doughty]

the exploded view shows a more 'dish' type wheel, different to the proline B4 rear wheel (same offset as confirmed by Kurt Wenger)

more like the B4 RTR/RS?

[Northy]

Cheers Pidge and Chris. The 2-56 screws are the ones that hold the pivot pins in on the bones.

G

[CDS MODELS]

the exploded view shows a more 'dish' type wheel, different to the proline B4 rear wheel (same offset as confirmed by Kurt Wenger)

more like the B4 RTR/RS?

but the part number is for the standard b4 rear wheel??

[Chris Doughty]

really? strange... I didn't check the part number...

I like the Proline B4 rear wheel the best either way :D love the flat surface

[rcracer]

Wheels that will fit the b44 are

b4/proline rears.
Losi 4wd wheels
Aero wheels (when they come out)
And of course the b44 wheels.
And i think proline, jc wheels, j concepts and ballisitic buggy all make wheels that will fit.

A

and the tamiya trf 501x rears ;)

[Richard Lowe]

the exploded diagram on cml site show the current b4 rear wheels as included yet the pictures show a more losi type wheel. at least we know either/or will fit.
I wonder if it's a running change to the wheels?

[ashleyb4]

and the tamiya trf 501x rears ;)

And fronts ;)

Forgot about them tamiya has gone quiet resently. And yokomo bx fronts.

A

[mattym0310]

is apparantly now being shipped!! http://www.rc10b4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9170

http://www.teamassociated.com/images/homepage/2007/new.b44_650.jpg

[rcracer]

any of you model shop guys have any news on this :confused:

[losixxx]

nope nothing as yet, will be contacting cml first thing monday and post an update

[CDS MODELS]

spoke to cml this morning, as yet they have no info from associated but estimate middle to end of november

[Scoobster]

Can't be long now :D Tower have them in stock so they must be on the way to the UK now

[Bigwrenn]

All the major online suppliers here in the US have them in stock now. I should get mine by this weekend ;).

[Scoobster]

Well looks like they have just about sold out in the US and are now on back order again so we might need to wait a while longer :(

[Oliv996]

Mine is on the way home.... I expect to open the box this week !

[rcracer]

Well looks like they have just about sold out in the US and are now on back order again so we might need to wait a while longer :(

OMG how long we looking at now guys :confused:

[IceMike]

mine is in the post 2. cant wait. its been so long

[rcracer]

mine is in the post 2. cant wait. its been so long

were did you order from :confused:

[Southwell]

were did you order from :confused:

There were a few on that auction site last week.

[ryan]

There were a few on that auction site last week.

Thats where mine is coming from, £190 inc P&P

[ryan]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Team-Associated-B44-Factory-Team-Edition-Buggy-Kit-NIB_W0QQitemZ330184485838QQihZ014QQcategoryZ44017Q QrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

[losixxx]

ryan thought you were getting a different car that what you told CDS!
still with import duty you might have it sooner but you will be paying more

[ryan]

I have changed my mind so many times Chris, I had a D4 last week and sold yesterday. I was then bidding on your xx4 which was removed for some reason?? Then the B44 came up so i decided to go with that. I will buy my spares and tyres from your shop;)

[losixxx]

I have changed my mind so many times Chris, I had a D4 last week and sold yesterday. I was then bidding on your xx4 which was removed for some reason?? Then the B44 came up so i decided to go with that. I will buy my spares and tyres from your shop;)


:Dno probs m8, xx4 was taken off due to my listing saying b44/bj4:rolleyes: miserable bugger marks got your bits sorted just got to post them

[ryan]

Cool, will the B44 spares come in the same time as the car does?

[ttboyy2k]

Does anybody know the size and part number for the new oversized bearings that fit into the rear B44 hub carriers?

[sly]

last one on flee bay post quote was $41.95 to uk 120178876924
Ill wait for CDS`s
Sly

[CCristo]

Does anybody know the size and part number for the new oversized bearings that fit into the rear B44 hub carriers?

3/16x1/2 Part #7935

[c0sie]

Long live the UK LHS eh lads :eh?:

[RogerM]

Long live the UK LHS eh lads :eh?:

Quite mate ... trying not to rant!!!!

[Bigwrenn]

:cool:
http://www.lsarc.com/w00tb44.jpg

[Deception]

its a great car and you all wont be disappointed :)

[redaV]

I am very disappointed at the fact AE said they worked closely with JConcepts, when in fact, they didnt so its just another D4:mad:

[rcracer]

I am very disappointed at the fact AE said they worked closely with JConcepts, when in fact, they didnt so its just another D4:mad:

the B44 is hardly a D4 :wtf:

[Lee]

I think he means its a BJ4 in disguise:D

[Northy]

Did they even work together :rolleyes:

G

[Lee]

Only a few "special" people know:o

[Bigwrenn]

:D
http://www.lsarc.com/B44build.jpg

[rcracer]

Bigwrenn go away :D:D:D

[Northy]

That needs some more bling :D

G

[Lee]

Why is there a BJ4 in the AE thread:D:wtf:

[paulc]

lol :D

[bigred5765]

hey mick looks at whats here http://www.hobbytec.co.uk/mkportal/modules/gallery/album/a_115.jpg

[ashleyb4]

Oh mike will be pleased and i get to come out for a drive to come and get it ive got special permission to get let out of the home.

A

[vader]

Carl that picture's too small, we can barely see it :eh?:

[bigred5765]

hmm it is rather small isnt it
sorry peeps resized it now

[bigred5765]

Oh mike will be pleased and i get to come out for a drive to come and get it ive got special permission to get let out of the home.

A
lol dont forget u got all are losi bits here to pick up to

[IceMike]

thanks carl

[Doomanic]

Grey importing still I see.:rolleyes:

That's the right way to show you support your UK Shop sponsors Carl.

[ashleyb4]

You tried ordering from a uk shop recently dom:D:p

A

[bigred5765]

You tried ordering from a uk shop recently dom:D:p

A

hehehe didnt take six weeks ether
Grey importing still I see.:rolleyes:

That's the right way to show you support your UK Shop sponsors Carl.
nothing grey about it ether, i paid vat and import duty just like all good importers do and have the reciepts to show it
it was ordered for matty way before we got offerd a drive

[IceMike]

wot is wrong wit importing? no one complains when they are gettin a good deal. if uk shops had the car now i wouldnt mind gettin it from them, but they dont so import it.

[losixxx]

:psure dom and i can arrange for you to get tyres and spares imported when you want them trackside!!

[losixxx]

hehehe didnt take six weeks ether

nothing grey about it ether, i paid vat and import duty just like all good importers do and have the reciepts to show it
it was ordered for matty way before we got offerd a drive


so you paid over the odds then carl!!

[bigred5765]

so you paid over the odds then carl!!

no mate still cheaper than any uk shop
but doesnt matter, because we aint running it

[bigred5765]

:psure dom and i can arrange for you to get tyres and spares imported when you want them trackside!!

lol yeh

[losixxx]

no mate still cheaper than any uk shop
but doesnt matter, because we aint running it
so when you put it for sale in the big red store you will obviously price it accordingly cheaper than any uk shop...(just like the xx4 towers!);)

[RogerM]

What's that coming over the hill ....... is it a monster? Is it a monster??

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

nope just customs and excise ..... :)

[ashleyb4]

so when you put it for sale in the big red store you will obviously price it accordingly cheaper than any uk shop...(just like the xx4 towers!);)


Tonight i collected my cvd's and they worked out 14.99 cheaper than if i got them in the uk and he cut some off the total price as well. So worked out a bt cheaper to.

A

[losixxx]

Tonight i collected my cvd's and they worked out 14.99 cheaper than if i got them in the uk and he cut some off the total price as well. So worked out a bt cheaper to.

A
shame you didnt ask your local suppliers ash, could have saved you some money!;)

[bigred5765]

so when you put it for sale in the big red store you will obviously price it accordingly cheaper than any uk shop...(just like the xx4 towers!);)

didnt put it up for sale,
but then i didnt offer to get ashley a car ether,:o

[ashleyb4]

How much can you get me a set for chris? aluminium front sthat is

A

[losixxx]

didnt put it up for sale,
but then i didnt offer to get ashley a car ether,:o
I didn't ! :p

[losixxx]

How much can you get me a set for chris? aluminium front sthat is

A
just shafts or complete cvd's, and if there for your xx4 i wouldnt use alu one's just the shiney steel

[bigred5765]

What's that coming over the hill ....... is it a monster? Is it a monster??

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

nope just customs and excise ..... :)
and god do they know how to charge

[ashleyb4]

just shafts or complete cvd's, and if there for your xx4 i wouldnt use alu one's just the shiney steel

I got the alloy ones full set of front cvd's chris sleigh said he an alloy ones wiht no problems so i got them as i have aloy rears.

A

[jimmy]

haha, chill out everyone! lets get this back on to the B44!

When is it out here? I assume CML get them via some sort of boat scenario rather than airmail?

I have to say, the price over here is great.

[ashleyb4]

Sorry sir i wont do it again sir! :(:(

A:p:D

[bigred5765]

they have made a little metal oring thing, that goes over the cvd pin to stop them popping out, couldnt see it propperly but it looked a good idea

[rcracer]

haha, chill out everyone! lets get this back on to the B44!

When is it out here? I assume CML get them via some sort of boat scenario rather than airmail?

I have to say, the price over here is great.

God i wish they would use a faster boat :D

[Northy]

Just looking at the steering rack, it doesn't seem to be angled at all, it looks parallel to the chassis.

G

[elvo]

Just looking at the steering rack, it doesn't seem to be angled at all, it looks parallel to the chassis.

G

Indeed. So is the BJ's rack.

[ryan]

Maybe a boat that doesnt go on water and has wings? lol
God i wish they would use a faster boat :D