How to Buy Radio-Controlled Racing Cars

Eager to get your hands on a Dodge Viper, a Chevrolet Corvette or even a NASCAR thunder machine and go racing? Learn about radio-controlled car models, head to the nearest R/C track, put the pedal to the metal and start rubbin' fenders.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scale-model Car Fuel
• NiCad Rechargeable Batteries
• Battery Chargers
• R/C Modeling Construction & Operating Publications
• Radio Control Car Action Subscription
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Internet Explorer
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• Electric Screwdrivers
• Electrical Testers
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Nut Drivers
• Pliers
• Screwdriver Sets
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Pliers
• Radio-control Systems
• Internet Explorer
• R/C model cars - Traxxas, Hobbico, DSI, Nikko

Electric-Motor Scale Models

1. Read, read, read. Good information is the basis of an informed decision.

2. Search the Internet.

3. Subscribe to hobby publications, or visit your local hobby shop and ask for literature.

4. Visit a radio-control car modelers club.

5. Attend the club's races and other organized events.

6. Decide on a budget.

7. Decide whether you want to begin with on-road or off-road action.

8. Remember, on-road and off-road action relates directly to real life. Paved track racing is a different ball game than four-wheeling across hills and gullies.

9. Decide whether you want to build a kit or buy a ready-to-run replica.

10. Decide whether you want two or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive models are easy to drive, but they're more expensive and more complex.

11. Remember to buy a two-channel control radio specifically for surface vehicles to avoid interfering with scale-model aircraft operations.

Gas-powered Scale Models

12. Learn the pros and cons of gas-powered compared to electric motors.

13. Get sufficient information to make an informed decision.

14. Decide whether the increase in performance is worth the extra expense and effort.

15. Set a budget.

16. Check out local hobby stores and get to know the owners and the personnel.

17. Join a radio-control hobby club.

18. Notice what brands are popular among club members.

19. Ask for advice, but learn to rely on your own experience as well.

20. Decide whether you want to participate in on-road or off-road scale-model action.

21. Decide whether you want to buy and assemble a kit or buy a scale model ready-to-run.

22. Remember, your control radio will be a two-channel radio specifically designed for surface scale models and will operate on a frequency different from scale-model aircraft.

Tips & Warnings

• Go for speed with a gas-powered scale model after you gain experience.
• Building your scale-model car from a kit means you'll learn how it works from the inside out and thus have little trouble making repairs.
• Most scale model car are equipped with a popular 0.12 engine, which can generate up to 1 horsepower and propel the replica at speeds of 50 mph.
• Major manufacturers are HPI, Kyosho and Traxxas.
• Glow fuel and gas-powered R/C cars and trucks usually are 1:8 or 1:10 scale.
• Gas or glow-fuel-powered scale-model cars require more maintenance than electric models.
• Liquid fuels are volatile. Handle them with care. Supervise youngsters working with fuel engines.

on 11/22/2005 This can be a complicated decision. Electric is what I chose. Electric is good for anyone who is not fluent with this level of radio control. Your first car can be electric and if you want you can step up to Nitro. Electric is not only fast, but reliable. Nitro engine break-in and tuning is complicated compared to the easier "RTR" (ready to run) electric versions. I suggest electric for starters 100%.

on 11/22/2005 R/C airplanes and helicopters use a different fuel than R/C vehicles. The fuel used in R/C vehicles has a higher oil content added to the fuel. This added oil helps the engine cool off inside the body where there is very little airflow.

on 11/22/2005 Maintenance is the key to keeping your gas vehicle running: 1) Never leave gas in your car when you're not running it. 2) The engine will loosen screws throughout the car. Check all screws and retighten screws and nuts that come loose.

on 11/22/2005 Check with local hobby shops in your area to see if parts are available for the R/C car or truck you want to purchase. It's great to buy an R/C and play with it, but it's no fun having to wait for parts when you break your new toy.

on 11/22/2005 Gas cars will require more cleaning, but being competitive is easier with gas cars. You'll spend $80 for 3 good sets of batteries and $50-100 for a good motor, while with a gas car, a good competitive engine will cost around $100 plus gas (at $20/gal).