oh no recommend me an RC car

[paul_y3k]

14 yr old Step son is getting more n more interested in engineering / mechanicals etc and so I'm thinking about progressing him to an RC model as an introduction to a few concepts and a great thing to do at the weekends.

My own experience is limited to a Sonic Fighter from around 20 years ago !

So I'm looking for a few recommendations here ....

It would need to be happy on the street outside / and the local park ( grass / gravel pavements etc)
It will need to be a build kit .. Not RtR
Controllers ?
Batteries ?

I'm looking at the Tamiya kits (super Fighter etc) but really not sure what's what. Esp when it comes to batteries etc.
IF I can find a deal cheap enough ... I may be tempted to buy it twice so I can play too !

cheers

[vdubbin]

I think the default choice is a Tamiya Lunchbox.

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/tamiya-lunch-box-pumpk...

Modelsport do bundles with chargers/batteries and radio gear.

[Magic919]

Lunchbox is not very PH, IMO. I've got a Traxxas E Revo and it's an absolute hoot, especially on LiPo batteries.

[schmalex]

I built a Tamiya Hotshot earlier this year - there's a thread with pics in this forum on it somewhere. It might not be quite as quick (in stock guise - I upgraded the motor & all sorts when I built it) or quite as stable as some of the newer stuff, but to my mind, it is the quintessential off-road RC buggy

[vdubbin]

The 4x4 kits would add stuff like differentials, and if you want to get into gearboxes and the like, there's always the Bruiser, if you're feeling flush…
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/tamiya-toyota-4x4-pick...
or one of the other 3spd trucks, which are more reasonable:
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/tamiya-3spd-truck/rc-c...

time tunnel models do a few good bundles as well:

http://www.goldstarstockists.net/live/catalog/inde...

[Blakeatron]

modelsport.co.uk are not the cheapest but great for assistance and do some bundle deals for everything if you ask.
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/tamiya/rc-car-manufact...


How in control is he - you could get a cheap kit if he really is a starter but he will outgrow it quickly.

Looking at the buggies is a good idea, or the truggies('stadium blitzer' style (like a buggy but a bit bigger with a truck body!) The cars are obviously road only (even the ones that look jacked up dont cope that well)

Spend the money on some 2.4ghz radio gear, decent esc (electronic speed controller) and li-po batteries with recomended charger.


If he doesnt want to build then traxxas all the way - either the e-revo (big and fast), e-maxx (small ish bvut great) or the slash 4x4 (amazing!)

Also the traxxas come with everything included...!

[The_Jackal]

Dont be afraid of getting a Ready to Run model as when he cleans/fixes it, he will be removing/undoing most parts.
+1 for 2.4Ghz, it is a must.
Lunchboxes are too top heavy and tip over alot, go for a buggy/truggy

[Marvindodgers]

Bought one of these the other week and it's an absolute hoot!

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/maverick-strada-mt-evo...

[Simond S]

http://www.modelsport.co.uk/ansmann-racing-sc4-sho...

(so good a deal i just bought one whilst looking for you)

You'll need radio's etc.

I would advise a stick radio, it is easier to use for the majority of people. http://www.pit-bitz.com/product_info.php?cPath=37_... is a good budget radio. Imported by Schumacher so great after sales service if required.

motor / esc wise a good budget system is the ezyrun which you can get on ebay for about £60, or uk shop about £80

Lipo battery (Vapex are a great budget lipo which I use in my M05's week after week) and about £15. A charger will be about £20 on the bay, look for something that says b6 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/iMAX-B6-Digital-RC-Lipo-... is ideal.

Steering servo, anything savox will last a lifetime, a budget one to start isnt an issue as you'll leave it in the car as your son progresses to different / faster models.