The build...

[mini-z_ov]

Well here we go, the kit comes in a massive box as it has 8 wheels (4 with tyres on) and that huge body shell to encompass. Quality of parts is just top notch and nothing has been skimped on. XTM has obviously listened to it's customers as the manual distinctly refers to problems that the old ST had that really made the truck difficult to get along with, and that they wouldn't have known about if they hadn't asked. The core of the PRO kit is the chassis, upgraded in both thickness and material it cures the excessive flex the old chassis had, along with a new bracing system which is... comprehensive. The kit comes with loads of setup options, three different 7075 suspension holders of different toe angles, different springs, various diff oils etc. Anyway, on with the pictures!













Next step is to fit up the Axial...

[Laughing Potato]

Blimey, you could hold up a house with those center diff mounts and chassis braces. That going to be one serious Truggy once built. I must admit to not knowing anything about the XTM range of RC I'm interested now though

[mini-z_ov]

Hehe, XTM is definitely worth a look if you don't want to spend too much money but want to go quick. This kit i picked up for £275, not too bad considering it is a very trick bit of kit, and a pro truggy kit from one of the more recognised manufacturers will set you back £400+. They really poured their heart and soul into this kit, looking at it on the stand is almost making me have second thoughts about running it and getting it dirty.















You may call it... 'The Daddy'. Seriously, this thing is over 2 feet long and 19+ inches wide with it's wheels and tires. The steering is so smooth and free the ACE servo can flick the slightly-larger-than-40-series-sized tires left and right on carpet like a touring car. All that's left now is to set up the throttle and brake linkage, mount the wing and spray the body really. I'm doing a jet black body then stickering it up with the axial, spektrum and mammoth decals, should look hot. 

[Big_Mr_V]

Looks fantastic, a real quality bit of kit.
How much does it weigh? Just shy of 2 tonnes by the look of it!

[mini-z_ov]

As of this moment, with all the radio and battery in and without rims, 3.4 kilos. the rims and tyres weigh about 280g each, so add another 1120 you get 4.5 kilos near as dammit, or 9.9lbs, that's right, it'll be lighter than 10lbs hehe. That's T-maxx weight. 

[mini-z_ov]

Finished! Well, apart from the lack of a decent suspension setup (yes, I know the wheels are all wonky and the preloads are threaded down loads cos I used the softest springs) it's all on there. Shocks look plastic but are actually anodised black alloy, filled with the 40wt that came with the truck for now, may need stiffer springs and thicker oil, we'll see. It's rather swauve, and has masses of ground clearence at full extension yet will slap the chassis if you want it to.









With the 1/2 inch offset Pro line wabash 40 series rims and bow ties I used last year...







This should eat the buggies at our track for breakfast, the steering lock is unbelievable. God damn I can't wait to run it. 

[Stumungous]

How are the "cheese" diffs holding up?

I owned an XTM Nitro X-Cellerator (stadium truck, nothing like that though! ) when the original mammoth was about and on the XTM forum I heard some real nightmare stories about them being weak or eating themselves due to things failing.

[mini-z_ov]

Never had an Issue with my old ST RTR. These are really tough all metal diffs so I don't really forsee any issues, especially not with the center diff.

The really early Mammoths were crap, you can build a good one today using the old style with modern parts but at the time they were terrible unless you could make some parts yourself. 

[jimbob]

tht does look like a really impressive piece of kit
and the size of everything  dont see you breaking that very easily 

[mini-z_ov]

More and bigger pics at this address, scroll down for direct linked images at 1024x768:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7053052/tm.htm

They're worth a look!