Team Losi Mini-T
Encyclopedia
The Team Losi Mini-T is the first-ever 1/18th scale electric radio-controlled
stadium truck
made by Team Losi
of Ontario, California
.
The basic Mini-T is sold as a complete, ready-to-run package, complete with painted and trimmed Lexan
body. The design of the Mini-T is based on Losi's XXX-T 1/18-scale truck; despite the Mini-T's diminutive size, handling characteristics and overall vehicle dynamics are remarkably similar to the larger truck. Power comes from a Mabuchi RS-280 motor operated via a miniature electronic speed control
. Four "AA" alkaline batteries are required to power the truck; eight are required for the transmitter. Six-cell nickel metal hydride and 3S lithium polymer batteries are available for longer and faster runtimes and more economical long-term operation.
The long-arm suspension allows for exceptional suspension travel over rough terrain. However, the basic Mini-T uses friction dampers in lieu of oil-filled shock absorbers. These are suitable for the type of recreational operation that most Mini-T's will likely be used for. Oil-filled shocks are available as an upgrade.
Like the vehicles which followed, the Associated RC18T and RC18MT
and Venom Fireball, the Mini-T is suitable for use indoors. A stock Mini-T will achieve speeds of 10-15 mph (16–24 km/h). Use of a so-called "modified motor" and a NiMH battery pack will double the speed. The "Mamba" brushless motor system from Castle Creations can increase top speed to over 60 mph (100 km/h) with suitable torque to allow for taller gearing and even greater top speeds.
While never intended for such purposes, the Mini-T is a common car at indoor carpet races and holds its own well against newer trucks. Another popular use of the Mini-T is conversion to a mini dirt oval racer. Team Losi also offers the Micro T, a 1/36 scale stadium truck.
Radio-controlled car
Radio-controlled cars are self-powered model cars or trucks that can be controlled from a distance using a specialized transmitter...
stadium truck
Stadium truck
A stadium truck is a small, off-road radio-controlled car, either rear wheel drive or four wheel drive and primarily intended for racing.The construction of most manufacturers' stadium trucks, are similar to those of buggies. Most feature wheels and tires that are both larger in diameter and wider...
made by Team Losi
Team Losi
Team Losi is a USA based radio-controlled car manufacturer founded by Gil Losi in the late-1980s and is owned by Horizon Hobby.- History of Team Losi :...
of Ontario, California
Ontario, California
Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States, 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the western part of the Inland Empire region, it lies just east of the Los Angeles county line and is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area...
.
The basic Mini-T is sold as a complete, ready-to-run package, complete with painted and trimmed Lexan
Lexan
Lexan is a registered trademark for SABIC Innovative Plastics' brand of polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. Polycarbonate polymer is produced by reacting bisphenol A with carbonyl dichloride, also known as phosgene. Lexan is the brand name for polycarbonate sheet and resin in a wide range of grades...
body. The design of the Mini-T is based on Losi's XXX-T 1/18-scale truck; despite the Mini-T's diminutive size, handling characteristics and overall vehicle dynamics are remarkably similar to the larger truck. Power comes from a Mabuchi RS-280 motor operated via a miniature electronic speed control
Electronic speed control
An electronic speed control or ESC is an electronic circuit with the purpose to vary an electric motor's speed, its direction and possibly also to act as a dynamic brake...
. Four "AA" alkaline batteries are required to power the truck; eight are required for the transmitter. Six-cell nickel metal hydride and 3S lithium polymer batteries are available for longer and faster runtimes and more economical long-term operation.
The long-arm suspension allows for exceptional suspension travel over rough terrain. However, the basic Mini-T uses friction dampers in lieu of oil-filled shock absorbers. These are suitable for the type of recreational operation that most Mini-T's will likely be used for. Oil-filled shocks are available as an upgrade.
Like the vehicles which followed, the Associated RC18T and RC18MT
Associated RC18T
The Associated RC18T is a 1:18 scale, ready-to-run electric stadium truck made by Associated Electrics of Lake Forest, California. A mechanically similar monster truck version with slightly different bodywork similar to the 1:8 scale, nitromethane-powered Associated "Monster GT" and all-terrain...
and Venom Fireball, the Mini-T is suitable for use indoors. A stock Mini-T will achieve speeds of 10-15 mph (16–24 km/h). Use of a so-called "modified motor" and a NiMH battery pack will double the speed. The "Mamba" brushless motor system from Castle Creations can increase top speed to over 60 mph (100 km/h) with suitable torque to allow for taller gearing and even greater top speeds.
While never intended for such purposes, the Mini-T is a common car at indoor carpet races and holds its own well against newer trucks. Another popular use of the Mini-T is conversion to a mini dirt oval racer. Team Losi also offers the Micro T, a 1/36 scale stadium truck.