Yeah, that makes sense. I hope Mike will not give his back to the RC community like Robin is about to do. Mike's buisness is growing bigger now, and I think I might get a Mugen MBX-5T PROSPEC and convert it to brushless while keeping the SM as shelf queen.

I think someone like Mike or Jamie should buy the rights to the Supermaxx designs. I'd consider it myself but I have no way of producing the products even with the designs. I'd have to contract it all out. I don't have enough time or cashflow to undertake a project of that magnitude at this time in my life. I like to, but I can't.

wow, that would be a big investment - i'm sure robin wouldn't let them go cheap, if at all.

al - do you have shots of your SM? and were you finally able to view the ones in my thread? i'd like to see yours! :great:

Yes of course. Here you go with plastic rims:

With the aluminum( got bent in one of my speed run...130 dollars away in an instant):

Nice looking truck Al!

Thanks for sharing the pics!

No problem, Pro!=)

wow - nice truck al! :surprised:

sorry to hear about the wheels - i'd be bummed! i'm keeping my SMRW for show only, and the pro-line's for running.

Why would it frost him to see a company like FLM to thrive? It makes no sense. There parts aren't really similar, aside from the VBS/FLM Hybrid thing, which even then, its not really that similar. Now Integy, theres no denying that, but I'd figure they paid him for the Racer X rip off...

The last time I spoke with Robin he said the legal cost to fight the Integy knock offs of his products was too costly. Add in the "international" factor and you can see he'd probably invest $15,000- $20,000 on a legal retainer just to get started.

F'ing Chinese!

the FLM hybrids......the FLM multi-point adjustable shock towers...the FLM chassis is very, very similar to the Lightning...etc.

not as *direct* of a copy as the Integy crap, but FLM makes everything much cheaper b/c they cut corners. yet they sell a lot more than UE b/c people who don't know any better (or might, who knows) don't want to pay UE prices.

plus, FLM is about as direct a competitor as it gets. although most parts may be fairly different in design, it's the same replacement parts, same materials, for the same vehicles.

The 4 point chassis brace design as an idea belongs to UE, nobody had thought of that before UE. ClodMaxx has mentioned some other items already. Everything UE has done has been to look at each of teh critical components of the platform and engineer them thoroughly so you get breakage free top performance, Super 6, CVDs, 6 & 8 spyder diffs, 4 point braces and so on. That takes time in development and that costs money. Those costs go into parts pricing otherwise you go out of business or revert to parts that don't perform as well.

UE could shut them down legally if he had spent big bucks and the time to get his stuff patented, but he saw it as a no-win deal and since business has been declining (RC parts side) looks like he made the right call. Besides, as pointed out there is spotty to non-existent patent enforcement if you're making the stuff outside the US.

Another that really has caused a serious rant from Robin was ACNCM - they started their business with a gov't loan that Robin couldn't qualify for since he's native born citizen. They are Indian IIRC, and started knocking off UE stuff immediately. ALl these knockoffs use 6061-T6 and not teh 7075-T6 like UE uses. I don't know if its because its cheaper (it is cheaper and its weaker too) or to try and avoid too much direct infringement. I guess thats one of the corners they all tend to cut.

I worked in retail early on in college, and one thing you learn is the public has no end to their gaul. There is nothing somebody won't ask to do or ask to have and usually expects for free! I've seen someone post a quest on UE forum about why UE stuff wouldn't fit right with FLM pieces (early on when flm was having bugs in their hybrid diffs). He seems to have finally learned to just ignore it, but come on, that's pretty low class. Like its his fault someone who is copying his designs in the first place aren't getting the holes in the right places!!

I watched UE store stock deplete down to near nothing also like a dolt. Like Jim Mora used say "woulda, coulda, shoulda done something!!" Doh!!

one question for you captain. i have the ue shock setup(4) on my maxx and mine is a bit heaver than yours (probably more than a bit, FLM chassis 2 6 cell side by side, single speed, ect...). how do you like those springs are they a bit soft are they just right how are they for jumping. I am using blue in front and black in back and it is a tad stiff but it can take a good 5ft drop to concrete with out bottoming out. is this sound to stiff. what are your opinions. thanks

I understand what ya'll are saying, but I wouldn't really say FLM is ripping off UE designs. Yea, they came out with the Hybrids, but they don't do anything except increase strength and allow 1/8th diffs. The VBS changes so much its not even funny. Personally, I don't think they really ripped UE off on that one. I mean hell, 5 years ago, long before I even knew of UE I was sitting there wondering why nobody thought of making the diffs/bulks one piece like alot of 1/8ths and like the Dominator (I think its the Dom). Besides, the shock towers, I don't really think you can say that was ripping off UE either. Its not like there the first company to come out with a shock tower that has more than a couple holes...The G1 shock towers had like 12 and that was several years ago. Granted, the 4 point chassis design is more of less a UE design, so it appears, but does the Dace Predator chassis have the same design as well?? Just my 2 cents...

Nice debate, really( so long as we are not going to get hotheaded).
I myself do not consider FLM is spoiling UE's work. The FLM chassis, suspension, bulks and so forth are a direct replications( well, somewhat). The Hybrids are merely the Maxx's normal gear cases and bulkheads fused together, but slightly bigger to hold the 1/8 diffs.

The UE parts are simply incredible and sometimes I just think they're too much to be used in racing with all the overline workmanship and precision.
I'm only sorry that I got it and figuered out it's a HUGE waste of money to drive away all the shininess of the UE parts in a few runs. They're tougher than anything out there, but it's even tougher to scratch them and make them grimmy......no wonder Serum sold his RacerX, no wonder Papa sold his SuperMaxx, and no wonder if I'm going to sell mine as well.
Too cute to beat them..=(

GM360,
I use red springs for the rear and white for the front. I do not make jumps with my truck, so I have no worries.
I think you should use four shocks for each end with reds and whites and some slightly heavy weight oil.

thanks
i will consider the four shocks for my ride. but for now i want to get it running so my funds are shifting twards my last 5 items (high temp pads, strobe, spur gears, pinions, and neu motor) but after it is running i will consider this.

Your best guess...what would it cost? Where could the parts be produced?

Since the UE parts are essentially "Intellectual Property" IE: Engineering Designs, R&D, CNC Machine Programs and not something with an established market value (or something tangible like actual product or 7075 bar stock) it's pretty hard to say. My wife values businesses for a living so I could ask her for her professional "guesstimate" on this but without her researching into the value of proprietary designs or info from Robin it might be pretty tough to get a good answer to that question.

As far as reproducing them goes, that would be less of an issue. Locating a contract machine shop with appropriate machining & production capabilities would be no big deal (I have connections with Rousch Racing for example. They have massive high performance 5-Axis machining centers). Having the finances to contract them for building the product, or investing in a great enough number of parts to make the cost-per-unit value acceptable is another story.

It seems that aside from a small group of hardcore enthusiasts, (myself included) the maxx trucks are becoming less popular. I know that general sales are down, trucks like the Revo and the move to truggies cut into the sales of the Maxx series. Traxxas have tried to keep it going, by updating the Maxx (nitro, at least). I guess UE had more demand, and sales when the Maxx dominated the nitro market, lets face it, more people run nitro than electric. It is a shame, cause UE made the best of the best, sure you had to pay for it, but at least it was available.

Its a shame to let this product line "die." Seems like there are enough folks here to keep it going...

you would think. try checking out the UE forums - guys there are practically screaming for a new production run of high impact arms, racerX suspension, CVDs... just about everything that is out of stock. apparently it's all falling on deaf ears. :grrrrrr:

I'm surprised someone hasn't approached him to buy the designs...I'd do it if I thought I could just break even...but in all honesty it's outside my area of specialization.

some may have approached him... who knows. i've never spoken to robin or know what he's like, but it seems he has a lot of pride in his products - who wouldn't. if money isn't an issue, which it most likely isn't, i would put money on the fact that he'll plan to be buried with the plans to his designs... lol.

but even if you could get your hands on designs for a few of the more popular parts that are more rare... high impact arms for sure, VBS, and racerX...maybe even the lightning or razerback... you'd most likely have a lot of orders. you could do a prototype of each to sell pre-orders. then again, the expense of buying designs and contracting a very high quality machine shop to execute those designs won't guarantee the pre-orders. and if there weren't enough orders to sustain the additional cost, you'd be out a lot of money.

from a buyer/market perspective, people may also be leery to buy a 'second generation' product. robin and/or sam inspected every part after the polishing and before it was sold. sam has even said he test fits all the driveshafts. it could turn out like the book collecting world: the first edition, first printings of rare books are much, much more valuable than 2nd editions... even though physically they're the same product. :neutral:

All things end.

Anyone who buyes anything UE for the maxx is making beds in a burning house. Luckely I dont own any of the UE stuff and now never will. It all belongs on flee bay. Ue emailed me saying they were just out of stock on the cvd's but we know better. The game has passed them by.

... i believe that´s true.

I don´t know what has happened. I started my rc hobby with unlimited products and own 3 supermaxxes. i cannot drive them as hard as i want in the furure because i will not get the spare parts i will need for rebuilding.

that makes me... a little bit angry.

letting the whole supermaxx story run out without any notification or explanation to the customers, the persons who made unlimited engineering alive for years.

that´s not the fine way!

i don´t like that. really not.

supermaxx parts were first class products and had a first class price - some words of explanation to alle the ue customers would be fair.

that´s my opinion.

marc.

p.s.: there are two options for me: put the supermaxxes on the shelf and don´t drive them anymore or rip them apart and sell the stuff on ebay. i never wanted to put my rc cars on the shelf and let them die in dust. i wanted to drive them and use them to have fun... so i think i will drive them the next summer until i will not have the needed spare parts for rebulding after a crash and then rip the cars apart and sell the parts.

what a unhappy ending!

I agree that UE should have notified their customers about this, however there is probably a lot less demand than when the maxx trucks were new. There are many newer vehicles that out sell the maxx now, the revo being one of them. Truggies have become much more popular to race, thus most of the maxxes sold are to regular guys who do not drive them that hard. Alot of the hardcore guys have moved on to other vehicles, both racing and bashing.

Yes, that´s right...

But to be honest - i own a brushless savage, too. I drive the savage one week, next week the supermaxx.

There _is_ not a single car i would like to compare to the supermaxx which is nearly as perfect concerning suspension and chassis!

the lightning chassis is perfect!

5 minutes and the complete gearbox can be exchanged!

try this with the savage!

the racers suspension can be adjusted just like a f1 car...

and so on.

the supermaxx dampers (yes, originaly ofna)

and to be honest: have you EVER, EVER seen an differential made as perfect as the supermaxx diffs?

there is not one single products i would mention which can be compared to the supermaxx products in terms of durability and quality. not one single product.

point.

marc.

p.s.: supermaxx servosaver: let me know of ONE SINGLE servo-saver which is as well made! one single saver... you will not find one.

Well if they are so good them you should not worry about replacements then!

HAHAHAHA
Just kidding!

I see your point, but nothing lasts forever. They must not be making money, or interests have shifted to something else. That is how it goes in this hobby, and life in general.

I wonder if UE will make some more parts now that TRAXXAS has released a new emaxx ?.

:intello: Yes... now i understand! You are so right... :intello: there´s no problem at all with breaking parts.

whenever i will go driving in the future i will read my last mail and tell myself:

Hmmmm, you see marc, your car is so BOMB PROOF nothing will happen to it! There is no fu*cking chance that you will brake a single part.

And voila - nothing will happen!

That´s the solution.

:lol:

:party:

:mdr:

Marc.

Sarcasm, eh!

You were raving about the quality so I had to throw that in. Has anyone tried to contact the guys at UE? Maybe get a straight answer from them about the future?

UE is totally unmatched in engineering, radical geometry improvements that improve handling and cornering, fit/finish is impeccable, and the quality of metals used are top notch as well. no other company - leading company or aftermarket company - makes anything that comes close.

it took me almost 2 years to build my supermaxx only to find that suddenly parts are no longer available. i don't build shelf queens, and it would be stupid to drive it and damage anything. i doubt anything would break, but even a scratch lessens the value.

it's totally sh*tty that robin didn't give any explanation. i've asked - he nor sam won't tell. word on the street is that robin and the machining side of the company (forget the guys name) parted ways. so UE r/c is no more. he can pump out all the friggin' harley gas tanks he likes, but i'm through.

so i sold the entire thing last night, and all spare UE parts i had.

That sucks. I tend to collect the strange rc has-beens. I bought the last thundertech pede chassis, and I have a racebomb too. Anyone know if bomb-proof are going to make anymore stuff?

I will destroy my maxx with a hammer and make a bunch of 7075 grade aluminum fork, spoon and a knife for my mother....at least I can make use of the shiny aluminum.:p

I think I'll get a MBX-5T PROSPEC and just forget about this SuperMaxx thingy.

It's already been too long for this truck to be existent in the market.

Yes, a little bit...

:oops:

Your avatar picture is ... no words. :surprised:

The mood i am in when thinking about ue letting the supermaxx line die is kind of "double sided" (don´t know if one can say that in english... :-)) - on the one side i am angry that robin will let the SM thing die on the other side i am kind of angry because the SM cars i have cannot longer be used the way they were made for.

But as it was sad in this thread... it´s the way things go, like in real world: the old real-world cars i favour will no longer be made and the spare parts for the cars go through the roof in terms of price.

One example for German Engineering:

Porsche 993 turbo replacement engine, factory version, pricing 2006: Euro 59.000 whitout chargers.

The (whole) car was sold for about 100.000 Euro in 98 (:rofl: yes, complete, with engine, not just the chassis).

Porsche 996 replacement engine, still in production: about 9000 Euro.

:intello:

So in a few years you will pay 500 Dollars for an ue center bone or suspension part.

Just kidding :mdr:

Marc.

there's a thread on the UE forums now, where someone (sjcrss) asked about UE products. robin chimed in with his usual elusiveness:

As to what's going on behind the scenes, I've long since learned to keep things close to the chest, loose lips sink ships and all that.

Information will be revealed to the public when it's released, not a moment sooner.

Until then (cheers)

not sure what the heck that means...but it infers that something is in the works. i won't be holding my breath, but if he is working on something r/c related, it should be cool...

That would be me Clodmaxx, that asked the question......im just trying to figure out what to do with my truck is all

yep - that's why i put your name in my post. :smile:

i just figured i'd bring robin's comments over to this site, for anyone who doesn't frequent the UE forums.