While repairing the trucks from the weekend bashing, I replaced the tires on my daughter's Mini-T. We put on a set of 4 Pro-Line Dirt Hawgs (old style) and it now looks as tough as the RC18MT - except for the pink and purple paint scheme. And with the new dual slipper clutch and big block engine, it can keep up with the Associated mini-monster truck on just about any terrain. The heavier tires slow it down just a bit, but the increased traction makes driving it much more fun. Until you forget to back off on the steering servo rate and flip it in a turn. This was my first painted Lexan body and I think it turned out pretty good. My daughter chose the color scheme. The flames on the side were hand done by masking. I have some new bodies to paint as soon as the rains go away and the humidity drops a bit. The black Hummer body for the T-Maxx to match the real one that I drive should be awesome.

Click image to enlarge

The other day my daughter asked me what I wanted for Easter. Other than being ecstatic that she started the conversation in the role of the giver, I had to admit that I had not even thought about it. Being the helping teenager, she suggested an iTunes gift card. This of course is her way of saying that she wanted an iTunes gift card, which I have mentally filed away for the time when my path crosses said item.

Putting together a mythical budget of $200US (no, that's not the Easter gift budget - just a conversation starter), what would be the best addition to the garage ?

Here is my short list, feel free to add anything I might be missing.

Brushless motor and ESC for the Rustler. This is an upgrade for 2 trucks as the Rustler VXL-5/Titan 12T combo will be reused in the Stampede to replace the stock setup.

Traxxas Slash 1/10 short course race truck (waterproof).

Associated RC18 Factory Team aluminum billet set (serious bling for my daughter's truck) plus a 17T mod motor. Oooof - too much power ?

Equivalent aluminum parts for her Mini-T

New LiPo capable charger

Nothing now, put it in the bank towards a Traxxas Summit. Father's Day is coming soon !

The new Kyosho DRT short course nitro truck is just a bit out of the budget, but looks like quite a bargain. I haven't read a review of the engine performance, but I have yet to see a bad product come out of Kyosho. The oversized fuel tank would be a big benefit for weekend bashing.

Which of these would be your choice ? Or do you have a better idea ?