Our hobbies can keep us young. RC cars are perfect for the boy who never wants to grow up. Here is the perfect excuse to keep playing both on and off track with plenty of opportunity to take things apart and put them back together again.
If assembly is not your forte, all you need to do is load up the batteries on the toy-grade RC car and you're ready to go. The major drawback is that if your car is damaged in a crash or something goes wrong, you can't undertake repairs. However toy-grade rc cars are relatively inexpensive while still incorporating cool options like working windows, mp3 players and flashing lights.
Hobby-class vehicles require a little more know-how and dedicated maintenance. The standardized motors and electronic components are sold individually and can be replaced if they breakdown or wear out and allow for plenty of fine-tuning to achieve peak performance.
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to vehicle selection. Showcase your personality though monster-trucks, to rock climbers, replica cars and even experimental designs, then select your track which may include anything from the race-course to a grueling mountain-track.
You need not be intimidated by the prospect of building your own vehicle is you are a newbie to RC cars. Most manufacturers offer ready-to-run hobby-grade vehicles, which are more than adequate for races. Once you have some experience you can rise to the challenge of constructing your own high-end racing-spec vehicle from a kit. Hobby grade RC vehicles offer a choice of electric, nitromethane or gasoline powered engines. Your choice will depend on the type of vehicle you choose, your personal preferences and your budget.
Electric engine are controlled by mechanical or electronic controls that regulate the flow of power to the engine. Generally electronic controls cost more, but they do offer better control and some even have braking options. Even though they are cheaper, mechanical controls are being phased out as they have a slower response time.
If you crave the authenticity of real car sound then go for an nitromethane or nitro engine. These have a two-stoke engine, and work much like a real car. They do produce exhaust fumes, and require regular maintenance and servicing. To keep them in good working order you'll find yourself changing clutch-parts and cleaning oil filters and the chassis on a regular basis. If you take part in competitions, the size of your nitro engine will be subject to regulation.
Gas engines deliver high power outputs, which makes them perfect for larger vehicles but don't deliver the top speeds of their nitro or electric counterparts. A gas engine may cost more but it will outlast a nitro, which can make it more cost-effective in over the long term. Gas engines also do not need very much cleaning or maintenance. RC cars offer the chance to compete, share, learn and become part of a global community. With the sport showing no sign of slowing down, it may be a good time to check out what's available at a store near you.
If assembly is not your forte, all you need to do is load up the batteries on the toy-grade RC car and you're ready to go. The major drawback is that if your car is damaged in a crash or something goes wrong, you can't undertake repairs. However toy-grade rc cars are relatively inexpensive while still incorporating cool options like working windows, mp3 players and flashing lights.
Hobby-class vehicles require a little more know-how and dedicated maintenance. The standardized motors and electronic components are sold individually and can be replaced if they breakdown or wear out and allow for plenty of fine-tuning to achieve peak performance.
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to vehicle selection. Showcase your personality though monster-trucks, to rock climbers, replica cars and even experimental designs, then select your track which may include anything from the race-course to a grueling mountain-track.
You need not be intimidated by the prospect of building your own vehicle is you are a newbie to RC cars. Most manufacturers offer ready-to-run hobby-grade vehicles, which are more than adequate for races. Once you have some experience you can rise to the challenge of constructing your own high-end racing-spec vehicle from a kit. Hobby grade RC vehicles offer a choice of electric, nitromethane or gasoline powered engines. Your choice will depend on the type of vehicle you choose, your personal preferences and your budget.
Electric engine are controlled by mechanical or electronic controls that regulate the flow of power to the engine. Generally electronic controls cost more, but they do offer better control and some even have braking options. Even though they are cheaper, mechanical controls are being phased out as they have a slower response time.
If you crave the authenticity of real car sound then go for an nitromethane or nitro engine. These have a two-stoke engine, and work much like a real car. They do produce exhaust fumes, and require regular maintenance and servicing. To keep them in good working order you'll find yourself changing clutch-parts and cleaning oil filters and the chassis on a regular basis. If you take part in competitions, the size of your nitro engine will be subject to regulation.
Gas engines deliver high power outputs, which makes them perfect for larger vehicles but don't deliver the top speeds of their nitro or electric counterparts. A gas engine may cost more but it will outlast a nitro, which can make it more cost-effective in over the long term. Gas engines also do not need very much cleaning or maintenance. RC cars offer the chance to compete, share, learn and become part of a global community. With the sport showing no sign of slowing down, it may be a good time to check out what's available at a store near you.
