Losi LMT Son Uva Digger Project

I've said many times that I'm not big on RTRs, and I already have a lot of monster trucks.  When this Losi LMT came out though, it was hard to resist.  Unlike my Tamiya monster trucks, this thing is meant for bashing with its massive axles and roll cage.  Coupled with a 3s capable brushless motor, I knew it would be a blast.  It was available in several liveries.  I've always been a fan of the Grave Digger body, but I also felt that it was a bit too common in the RC world for my taste.  When I saw the related but distinct blue Son Uva Digger livery I knew my resistance was fading.  The I actually saw one sitting on the shelf at my local hobby store and that was the last straw.  I bought it on the spot.

This thing has lived up to all my expectations.  Power and speed are massive which means the wheelie bar gets used all the time.  The durability has been excellent.  I flipped and rolled it immediately and it suffered no ill effects apart from a few scratches on the roof.  The fact that it comes with Spektrum electronics is a bonus.  That means I didn't have to buy a receiver to use my existing radio and I was able to take advantage of the new SMART features of the ESC.  I can see motor current, rpm, speed, battery voltage (including individual cells), and ESC temp all real time on the screen of my radio.  Practically speaking, you really can't afford to look down at your radio when your heavy monster truck is speeding by at 40mph (the top speed), but it is nice to have the option.  I love it.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.

The LMT comes in a truly massive box and looks amazing the moment you set it on the table.  This is a gorgeous and imposing truck with a great livery.  The blue headlights make it stand out even more.

Here is the shiny new truck showing off on my desk only shortly before flipping it on its lid and covering it in road rash.  It was bound to happen.  Battery access is very easy by flipping open the body which is hinged in the back.  The cage is actually part of the body which means it does little to actually stiffen the truck but does provide good protection in a rollover.  The pigtail for the power to the lights pops off when you open the body.

   

This is a TVP (Twin Vertical Plate) chassis which means it is almost infinitely rigid.  The side plates are aluminum.  Flex is not going to be a problem.  Note the massive number of alternate holes on the chassis plates for adjustability.  The gearbox and electronics are centrally located.   The shocks have aluminum bodies, long travel, and are oil filled.

   

These are the most massive solid axles I have ever seen.  Besides being scale accurate, I shouldn't have to worry about breaking them.    The differentials are not locked; all are open.  The steering servo is axle mounted.  I was worried that the servo saver would limit turning, but it actually steers very well.

I was surprised to see such a heavy truck use a high kV (3150) motor which is why it can run on 3s but not 4s (I tried anyway).   The 130A ESC is screwed to the chassis and the motor is mounted transversely.  The right hand photo shows the gearbox with the cover removed.  The lower gear includes a cushioned clutch to prevent dynamic loading from snapping an axle or drive shaft.  It seems to work very well because I've had no trouble with the power.

Suspension is 4-link all around with metal links.  Drive shafts are plastic which concerned me but I've had no issues.  The skid plate is nice and flat although with this much clearance it never hits anything anyway.

The massive Clodbuster sized tires fit over short course style wheels with a small diameter for that big sidewall look while still allowing plenty of room on the inner side for the hubs.

The cage is integrated into the body which is not really intended to be removed except for maintenance.  I took it off anyway for a good look at how everything goes together.