FATHER-SON SMT10 BUILD
ETHAN STEHR « KALISPELL, MT
Inspired by RCCA and by going to Monster Jam events, Ethan used this inspiration to build his own truck. He tells us, “My name is Ethan Stehr and I’m 17 years old! This project began over four years ago in 2020, when I got this SMT10 Raw Builders Kit for Christmas. My interest in solid-axle monster trucks began with the June 2019 issue of RCCA, which contained Kevin Hetmanski’s King of Crushers monster truck, as well as many fond memories of watching Monster Jam in the old Metrodome and US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. My father and I built the kit, which was my first ever, over a couple of weeks. The electronics were recommended by my local hobby shop, and everything else was stock when we first built it. I was super excited to drive it for the first time, but when I did, I ended up snapping the stock steering links. I replaced them with some SSD titanium ones. Most of the other upgrade parts on the truck came in the same way, when I broke a part and had to replace it… mostly because I don’t have quite enough money to spend at one time to do everything I want to it! Now that it works well (for the time being) it is super fun to drive! I plan to replace the front axle shafts with ones that match the rear, as well as aluminum OCP axle housings from Vanquish. Throughout this whole process I learned so much, such as the fact that the L-wrenches included with the kit are not ideal for tinkering (so I bought some MIP wrenches), and have had so much fun figuring out how this kit works and enjoying the hobby.” It looks great, you did a great job Ethan! We’re thrilled that you’re enjoying the RC hobby and glad that you and your father can have fun with it.
BUILD HIGHLIGHTS
- Chassis: Axial SMT10
- Body: Pro-line 2008 Ford F-250
- Motor: Castle Creations 3800kv brushless motor
- Speed Control: Castle Creations
Sidewinder ESC
- Battery: Spektrum 3S Hardcase Lipo - Wheels & Tires: Jconcepts Tribute wheels with Jconcepts Renegades tires
- Shocks: Pro-line Powerstrokes XT (5”) - Axles: Stock Axial housings, Vanquish VXD rear axle shaft, Vanquish Incision 38/13 ring/pinion gears front and rear, Vanquish aluminum lower trailing arms and Incision upper links
- Paint: Tamiya Color Brilliant Blue and Tamiya Color Black rattle can paints - Graphics: Various decals and lettering - Lighting: Pro-line 4” Super Bright light bar - Radio System: Spektrum DX5 Rugged and SR515 receiver
- Other Options: SSD titanium steering links, Vanquish 25-tooth servo horn, Reefs RC servo, Fast Eddy bearings, Rcscrewz stainless steel screw set