Rumored Buzz on RC CARS
Radio-controlled (R/C) cars are very popular hobbies for many. While there is a tendency to think of an R/C car as something for a child, the reality is that there are just as many adults who indulge in collecting these cars, and even racing them in various competitions. The cars are powered by several different sources and continually change based on newer technology. The toy-grade models are less expensive and are probably the ones with which most people are familiar—except collectors who are familiar with the hobby models and have the money to invest in these more expensive models. Both toy-grade and hobby grades are available; there are advantages and disadvantages to both just as there are advantages and disadvantages to both the electric-powered and fuel-powered models.
Getting started with your RC Hobby
With that comprehensive background on RC cars, let us look at how you can get started with this interesting hobby. Most beginners go for toy grade RCs and are almost always happy with those. But if you become serious about the hobby and decide to switch to hobby grade RC, there are six important factors to think about and these are:
1. Cost
2. Repair and maintenance
3. Time
4. Type of vehicle
5. Driving
6. Racing
Here’s a quick look at each in turn:
The cost factor
RC toy vehicles are affordable, but hobby grade RCs can be expensive to buy as well as maintain as they are more complicated with more parts that might need replacing. Most hobby car enthusiasts really enjoy customizing their vehicles with parts such as tires, rims, motors, body kits, etc. The cost of these parts can add up to quite a substantial amount. You may be happy with an RC car that handles well and runs fast, but you will still incur the initial cost of the hobby grade RC vehicle.
Repair and maintenance
To ensure that your RC car is in top condition, you will need to take care of basic maintenance and repairs. This includes tuning the motor, adjusting the suspension, oiling gears, chassis alignment, repairing any dents, cracks and touching up paint work. It is quite like taking care of a real car, considering the parts involved.
Time
You will need to devote time as well as patience to your RC hobby. Reading and understanding the various manuals and learning to assemble the parts can take up time. Even if you buy ready to run RCs, you will still need to learn how to operate them.
Type of vehicle
You must decide whether to buy or build your RC car. To get started quickly, the best way to go is to get an RTR or a ready to run model. With an RTR you don’t have to worry about assembling it. But if you enjoy tinkering with models and putting them together, then an unassembled kit is a good idea.
Beginners find the gas powered RC car attractive, but electric models may be a good start as they are inexpensive and quiet and do not need too many accessories. You just have to switch them on to run them and they can be run indoors. These are powered by rechargeable batteries that make your vehicle run at a speed of 20-30 miles an hour with a ten minute running time depending on your speed and motor.
Nitro cars burn real fuel and come with small engines similar to a lawn mowers’ and other equipment that use small engines. Your nitro truck will be as easy to put together and maintain as your electric powered vehicle. The nitro engine seems exciting because it is more realistic with real smoke, sound and smells from the exhaust.
An electric kit needs many battery packs if you want to run it for half an hour to an hour. The nitro kit car owner must ensure that his transmitter and receiver batteries are enough and refuel the car every five or ten minutes.
You can opt for an electric or nitro powered RC car. Nitro cars can only be run outdoors. Hobby grade RC cars are faster and more powerful than toy cars. Serious hobbyists go for the nitro-powered RC vehicles even if some electric cars seem to perform better.
Gas cars are powered by internal combustion engines that give you a speed of 35-45 mph. people who are serious RC car hobbyists prefer gas engines for their intricacy and complexity.
There are petrol powered kits like the Baja 5B buggy and 5T truck. Just like in a real car, these use petrol mixed with 2-cycle engine oil. These kits are quite big and measure almost a meter. They are also expensive, but this cost is balanced by the cost of fuel which is lower than nitro fuel. With a petrol kit, you only spend a few pennies an hour of running the car. Engine maintenance is also cheaper and involves less work.
Driving
Handling the speed and the power of RC hobby cars is something else, even if you are an expert at toy cars. You will need to practice your driving skills to make sure you are on track to avoid crashing or spinning out. The same goes for more info flying your RC hobby vehicle.
Racing
You may eventually decide to take part in professional RC hobby competitions. This is completely different from a friendly race in your backyard with friends. When you participate in competitions, you will be looking at the chance to win prizes, trophies, etc. and this means being a part of a serious sport that has rules and entry fees.
There are people with just a couple of RC hobby cars that they modify, upgrade or tweak. Some people prefer to specialize in specific types of RC such as large scale models, micro models, vintage cars, boats, etc. Some prefer to go for the ready to run and some enjoy building their own vehicles from scratch. The approach you choose depends on how much time, money and interest you have. Obviously, it is all about having fun and there’s no such thing as a right or wrong way to enjoy this hobby.
Should you join a club?
When you take up the RC hobby, it is not mandatory to join a club, but getting together with a group will certainly take your enjoyment to a new level. You will also find active online groups that you can join and get tips and advice from.