RC car - 1st timer looking for suggestions please?
Discussion
Gompo said:
I dont want anything I can race, I just dont want a load of rubbish basically. Something I can buy for less than £150 that is fun, durable and not difficult to get spares for should the inevitable happen.
I dont necessarily want something that is 'Ready to X', but there seems to be a lot more of these than there was 15 years ago (Tamiya Quickdrive was about the only one, and were below this price level). RTR cars seem to be more respected than they were - just want to know if this respect it deserved and the names of a few particular cars/trucks which are recommended.
Do you want on or off road?I dont necessarily want something that is 'Ready to X', but there seems to be a lot more of these than there was 15 years ago (Tamiya Quickdrive was about the only one, and were below this price level). RTR cars seem to be more respected than they were - just want to know if this respect it deserved and the names of a few particular cars/trucks which are recommended.
Personally I prefer off road as you can use them anywhere, including on road. A dedicated on road car means you can only use it in a few places.
As for Tamiya models, my brother has a FWD Mini which is actually a lot of fun. But it's limited to where you can use it.
A mate had a 4WD buggy (this was a good number of years ago mind) and while it was ok, it was not very fast or capable and due to the lack of power it struggled on even modest grass.
Things may have changed but I haven't studied what Tamiya offer these days.
I do still think 1/16th or 1/18th scale is a good way into an RC vehicle as they cost less and being smaller mean you can use them in more places.
Some to look at:
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/erevo7108...
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/slash7008...
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/rustler37...
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/bandit240...
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/emaxx3905...
http://www.losi.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=L...
http://www.losi.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=L...
http://www.losi.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=L...
http://www.racing-cars.com/products.asp?recnumber=...
http://www.racing-cars.com/products.asp?recnumber=...
http://www.apexmodels.com/gbu0-catshow/Maverick-el...
http://www.apexmodels.com/gbu0-prodshow/AB0217.htm...
http://www.apexmodels.com/gbu0-catshow/Associated-...
The rock crawling cars seem a lot of fun in a non speed sense. But you do need somewhere to use them, if you have a large rockery or something similar I think they could be more usable and more fun than faster RC trucks and buggies.
There's always the option of 2nd hand stuff, complete kits often with spares.
I only ever used to muck about at the local club (going back 20 years now) and it was fun before it became dominated by people travelling from a fair distance with all their new fangled CF chassis and the likes. I remember trying to turn my Ultima into a 2WD "mid" ultima by turning the entire rear drive assembly around. Wasn't very successful. At all.
That DEX410 really does look lovely. Some very, very nice engineering and packaging in that. Interesting to read how lightness is no longer the goal too.
I only ever used to muck about at the local club (going back 20 years now) and it was fun before it became dominated by people travelling from a fair distance with all their new fangled CF chassis and the likes. I remember trying to turn my Ultima into a 2WD "mid" ultima by turning the entire rear drive assembly around. Wasn't very successful. At all.
That DEX410 really does look lovely. Some very, very nice engineering and packaging in that. Interesting to read how lightness is no longer the goal too.
DrTre said:
There's always the option of 2nd hand stuff, complete kits often with spares.
That DEX410 really does look lovely. Some very, very nice engineering and packaging in that. Interesting to read how lightness is no longer the goal too.
I know you're not suggesting it for me, but I hadnt looked at the DEX410 before. It does look like a nice bit of kit, the body shape reminds me a bit of the TT Predator, but I suppose in more recent times with smaller equipment etc it's a lot easier to get a low body shape. I remember seeing the Predator in action for the first time and it was awesome though. It seemed a very interesting design from an engineering point of few.That DEX410 really does look lovely. Some very, very nice engineering and packaging in that. Interesting to read how lightness is no longer the goal too.
ComputerJones said:
TheMighty said:
VLB.. all the fun you'll ever need!
It's like my R/C mantra: "You'll never regret buying a LunchBox..."Easy and fun to build, long run time. Easy on grass. Spares and upgrades cheap and plentiful.
The best RC purchase I made (and I have made lots!)
Gompo said:
Going back to the original post somewhat, just some info required please..?
Are these 'Ready to Run' kits any good? Somebody mentioned the Mad Rat? Can they be upgraded reasonably easy? Spares?
I never had a 'proper' RC car as couldnt really afford one, but was quite into buying mags etc in the 90s. Back then most ready to run cars were not well respected at all, and I suppose the reasonable kits started at £80 and then another £60 for a 'starter deal' or whatever.
To be honest if I did get something it'd just be to mess around with in the garden or elsewhere for 20 minutes (two batteries worth?) and then go do something else until I am next in the mood. I dont want something that is going to need constant care or whatever.
Ideally I'd want a 2wd, probably a pickup but would be happy with a buggy.
Anyone?
If your looking at RTR models here's a few ideas for your budget:Are these 'Ready to Run' kits any good? Somebody mentioned the Mad Rat? Can they be upgraded reasonably easy? Spares?
I never had a 'proper' RC car as couldnt really afford one, but was quite into buying mags etc in the 90s. Back then most ready to run cars were not well respected at all, and I suppose the reasonable kits started at £80 and then another £60 for a 'starter deal' or whatever.
To be honest if I did get something it'd just be to mess around with in the garden or elsewhere for 20 minutes (two batteries worth?) and then go do something else until I am next in the mood. I dont want something that is going to need constant care or whatever.
Ideally I'd want a 2wd, probably a pickup but would be happy with a buggy.
Anyone?
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
Can't go wrong with any of those.
Now I know you've said your not interested in racing, but just in case you might like the idea of racing you really should shell out on LiPo and Brushless. It you are 100% only interested in fun in the yard type of RC cars then you'll have more than enough fun with these...
motormania said:
Gompo said:
Going back to the original post somewhat, just some info required please..?
Are these 'Ready to Run' kits any good? Somebody mentioned the Mad Rat? Can they be upgraded reasonably easy? Spares?
I never had a 'proper' RC car as couldnt really afford one, but was quite into buying mags etc in the 90s. Back then most ready to run cars were not well respected at all, and I suppose the reasonable kits started at £80 and then another £60 for a 'starter deal' or whatever.
To be honest if I did get something it'd just be to mess around with in the garden or elsewhere for 20 minutes (two batteries worth?) and then go do something else until I am next in the mood. I dont want something that is going to need constant care or whatever.
Ideally I'd want a 2wd, probably a pickup but would be happy with a buggy.
Anyone?
If your looking at RTR models here's a few ideas for your budget:Are these 'Ready to Run' kits any good? Somebody mentioned the Mad Rat? Can they be upgraded reasonably easy? Spares?
I never had a 'proper' RC car as couldnt really afford one, but was quite into buying mags etc in the 90s. Back then most ready to run cars were not well respected at all, and I suppose the reasonable kits started at £80 and then another £60 for a 'starter deal' or whatever.
To be honest if I did get something it'd just be to mess around with in the garden or elsewhere for 20 minutes (two batteries worth?) and then go do something else until I am next in the mood. I dont want something that is going to need constant care or whatever.
Ideally I'd want a 2wd, probably a pickup but would be happy with a buggy.
Anyone?
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...
Can't go wrong with any of those.
Now I know you've said your not interested in racing, but just in case you might like the idea of racing you really should shell out on LiPo and Brushless. It you are 100% only interested in fun in the yard type of RC cars then you'll have more than enough fun with these...
Thanks again everyone. As always, lots of valuable experience and advice.
I recently bought a secondhand Tamiya Vanessa's Lunchbox off Ebay.
I then took it to my local model shop and spent twice what I'd paid for it on:
1) 2x new battery packs for car
2) 8x rechargable batteries for Controller
3) Recharger for Controller
4) Recharger for car batteries
5) test/re-wire the ESC.
After charging all batteries overnight, I then went out to a large carpark near our house and the car lasted 2mins before I hit a bump and a front wheel rolled away. Initially I assumed the nut had come undone, but closer inspection showed the nut (and wheel hub) were still on the axle - the hub has broken off!
I've now ordered some spare wheels off ebay.
I hope our next outing is a little longer!
Regards,
Shentodj
I recently bought a secondhand Tamiya Vanessa's Lunchbox off Ebay.
I then took it to my local model shop and spent twice what I'd paid for it on:
1) 2x new battery packs for car
2) 8x rechargable batteries for Controller
3) Recharger for Controller
4) Recharger for car batteries
5) test/re-wire the ESC.
After charging all batteries overnight, I then went out to a large carpark near our house and the car lasted 2mins before I hit a bump and a front wheel rolled away. Initially I assumed the nut had come undone, but closer inspection showed the nut (and wheel hub) were still on the axle - the hub has broken off!
I've now ordered some spare wheels off ebay.
I hope our next outing is a little longer!
Regards,
Shentodj
That's not a good start, but welcome to the VLB club.
My batteries last half an hour or more, what are you using?
Sorry to hear about the damage, my son- getting on for 4 years old, it's been rolled, hit kerbs head on and generally beaten, but only ever broken a servo collar.
Good luck for next time
My batteries last half an hour or more, what are you using?
Sorry to hear about the damage, my son- getting on for 4 years old, it's been rolled, hit kerbs head on and generally beaten, but only ever broken a servo collar.
Good luck for next time
Ah, the perils of buying a 2nd hand basher.
The first car I ever bought second hand now has only one original part - the chassis tub. EVERYTHING else on it has had to be replaced. I soon learnt the only thing worth buying second hand was a racer that had been cared for and maintained by an enthusiast, or of course something that you're never going to use in anger.
My VLB is a re-issue one, purchased brand new, but then I got some of the old decals off ebay to go on it. Looks like an oldie, goes like a newbie - especially with the brushless motor in there now!
Best of luck with it - don't get disheartened. I'm sure soon you'll be wondering how on Earth you ever managed to break a front wheel, as they'll be up in the air most of the time!
The first car I ever bought second hand now has only one original part - the chassis tub. EVERYTHING else on it has had to be replaced. I soon learnt the only thing worth buying second hand was a racer that had been cared for and maintained by an enthusiast, or of course something that you're never going to use in anger.
My VLB is a re-issue one, purchased brand new, but then I got some of the old decals off ebay to go on it. Looks like an oldie, goes like a newbie - especially with the brushless motor in there now!
Best of luck with it - don't get disheartened. I'm sure soon you'll be wondering how on Earth you ever managed to break a front wheel, as they'll be up in the air most of the time!
Much better runs recently.
My son (8yrs old) has really got the hang of it and we've had some really good runs. He particularly enjoyed a dusty carpark we found which enabled hime to do donuts and lots of oversteery moments!
Batteries (2 x3000) last 30mins each. It has a 19turn motor which I gather is better than the original and goes well over fairly rough terrain (grass, dirt etc).
I have a couple more questions now:
1) do they all have very soft front suspension? The front wheels seem to be pointing inwards all the time, and when reversing they appear to almost collapse and get dragged backwards - is this normal?
2) How much better will this 19turn motor be compared to an orig 540 motor? Is there anywhere that describes motors/power is terms a layman may understand?
I've sent away for a bearing kit to improve things further.
Thanks again to everyone who recommended a Lunchbox, it seems to have been the right move so far.
Regards,
Shentodj
My son (8yrs old) has really got the hang of it and we've had some really good runs. He particularly enjoyed a dusty carpark we found which enabled hime to do donuts and lots of oversteery moments!
Batteries (2 x3000) last 30mins each. It has a 19turn motor which I gather is better than the original and goes well over fairly rough terrain (grass, dirt etc).
I have a couple more questions now:
1) do they all have very soft front suspension? The front wheels seem to be pointing inwards all the time, and when reversing they appear to almost collapse and get dragged backwards - is this normal?
2) How much better will this 19turn motor be compared to an orig 540 motor? Is there anywhere that describes motors/power is terms a layman may understand?
I've sent away for a bearing kit to improve things further.
Thanks again to everyone who recommended a Lunchbox, it seems to have been the right move so far.
Regards,
Shentodj
Regarding the motors, a stock motor has 27turns of wire about the armature, whereas the 19T has as you guessed, 19. 19s rev higher have more power, and will drain the battery faster.
Most OEM kit or RTR motors are built to a budget, not for performance. 19s are a popular 'spec' motor for racing, many clubs have a 19s class.
You can also get performance 27T motors, which are more expensive than the OEM motors, but usually have better performance (again there's a stock racing class that these are built for)
Most OEM kit or RTR motors are built to a budget, not for performance. 19s are a popular 'spec' motor for racing, many clubs have a 19s class.
You can also get performance 27T motors, which are more expensive than the OEM motors, but usually have better performance (again there's a stock racing class that these are built for)
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