Team Associated RC10 B5M Factory Lite - 90000

   Introduced by Team Associated in 2015, the 2WD RC10B5M Factory Lite - # 90000 - was designed and developed by Area 51 as a lightweight "Mid-Motor" narrow chassis model, for top level racing. Based on the B5M Team, the B5M Factory Lite is 75 grams lighter and came with a new 3 gear transmission system. No electrical, wheels or tires were included in the kit.

   In this series of articles I will endeavour to provide information to help identify any of the 1/10 Scale RC10 2WD series and where it sits along its evolutionary trail. With this knowledge, any RC10 owner should be able to decide if their model is just one of the many thousands that were produced, or is potentially a collectors "holy grail".

2015 RC10B5M Factory Lite Kit

   The B5M FL is based on a hard anodised alloy chassis, with a ball differential, coil spring over oil filled V2 "Big Bore" dampers, CVA drive shafts, slipper clutch, titanium turnbuckles and a full set of ball bearings.

Model Version:

• #90000 RC10B5M Factory Lite Kit

Features:

• Lightweight, hard-anodized aluminum chassis with centralized mass and mid-motor position for improved handling on high-grip offroad tracks
• Chassis fits R.O.A.R.-approved 2S saddle packs and 2S short packs using optional foam insert
• V2 12mm "Big Bore" threaded aluminum shocks with 3mm shafts and updated O-rings for improved smoothness
• Aluminum rear ball stud mount for added strength
• New 3-gear transmission for lower rotating mass and extra acceleration, with lightweight V2 aluminum top shaft included
• Heavy-duty rear axle for added strength
• Lightweight aluminum front axle/hex adapter and larger front wheel bearing for added durability
• Factory Team upgraded ball bearing kit and titanium turnbuckles included
• Aluminum rear clamping hex with laser etching
• Heavy-duty ball cups and ball studs allow for maximum suspension travel while reducing binding and friction
• Rear hubs feature larger bearings and the easy-insert system to adjust camber link position and rear toe-in
• Team Associated B5M clear body and wing included

2015 RC10B5M Factory Lite:

   RC10 B5M Factory Lite Box Art - # 90000.

2015 RC10B5M Factory Lite Chassis:

   RC10 B5M Factory Lite Hard Anodised Alloy Plate Chassis.







   B5M Factory Lite Front Shock Mount and V2 Dampers.



   B5M Factory Lite Rear Shock Mount and Gear Cover.



   LiPo Battery Strap.



   Mid positioned Brushless Motor.



   V2 12mm Big Bore threaded dampers.



   B5M FL full bearing steering system.



   B5M FL front steering.



   B5M FL Rear upright insert system, for easy caster adjustment.



   B5M Factory Lite milled motor plate and Gearbox.

   At present, the RC Model Manufacturers, Brands and Distributors covered by us are: ABC Hobby, Academy, Acme Racing, Agama Racing, Amewi, Ansmann Racing, ARRMA, Team Associated, Atomic RC, Axial, AYK, Bolink, BSD Racing, Capricorn, Carisma, Carson, Caster Racing, Cen, Corally, Custom Works, Durango, Duratrax, ECX - Electrix, Exceed RC, FG Modellsport, FS-Racing, FTX, Fujimi, Gmade, GS-Racing, Harm, HBX, Helion, Heng Long, Himoto Racing, Hirobo, Hitari, Hobao, Hong-Nor, Hot Bodies, HPI, HSP, Intech, Integy, Jamara, JQ Products, Kawada, Kyosho, Losi, LRP, Maisto, Mardave, Marui, Maverick, MCD Racing, Megatech, Mugen, New Bright, Nichimo, Nikko, Nkok, Ofna, Pro-Pulse, Protech, PTI, RC4WD, Redcat Racing, RJ-Speed, Robitronic, Schumacher, Seben, Serpent, Smartech, Sportwerks, Step-Up, Tamiya, Team-C Racing, Team Magic, Thunder Tiger, Tomy, Top Racing, Traxxas, Trinity, Tyco, Vaterra RC, Venom, VRX Racing, WLToys, X-Factory, Xmods, Xpress, Xray, XTM, Yankee RC, Yokomo, ZD Racing and Zipzaps.

   This is an ongoing project, with new and "lost in time" RC Models and Brands being added as they are found and although most of those listed above have been covered in relative detail, some are still being researched and will be completed in the near future.

Getting into RC

   When I first got into racing RC, all I had was a three year old clapped out Tamiya Boomerang, a silver can stock motor, three step mechanical speed controller, two 1400Mah stick batteries and basic Acoms stick transmitter.

   I was the newbie and most of the guys I was racing against had all the latest models, modified motors, matched batteries and top spec radio equipment, but I was still beating them easily. Why? The answer is simple:

Tires for Off-Road RC Models

   If you only ever intend to race your Buggy, Truggy or Truck at your local track each week end, you will soon learn the best tire - insert combination for your particular model on that specific track surface type. But if you ever visit other tracks in your area, or move on to the national or international race meetings, at other tracks throughout the country, you will soon discover that your trusty setup will not work as well, and you will be forced to invest in many more sets of wheels and tires.

   The choice of Off-Road tires available is mind boggling, and the combinations of Mini-Pin, Micro-Pin, Block, Stud and Ribbed Tires, with all the various types of foam inserts available is a mine field, even for the more experienced.