Gas Truck is alive and well here in Spokane Washington. We had 15 gas trucks in our last club race and I think there were about 40 at our last two day race.
I bought the 1st batch of XXXNT when they came out over a decade ago and now have 2 AD2 trucks. I have the OS CVR in both of them. The AD2 truck is very good out of the box, but can use a few tweaks.
1. replace the rear ball cups with Dubro super ball ends (they are captured like on 1/8 buggies/truggies.)
2. Use longer screws than it says to do in the instruction manual and back them with a lock nut.
3. Use red lock-tite on the alluminum rear hubs so the screws don't back out.
4. Use 20% fuel to control wheel spin and make the truck easier to drive.
Good luck with your decision. both the AE and Losi are great choices.