2015 first proper rc buggy for 8 year old
Discussion
I know this has been done before but the searches I come up with lead either to too expensive or outdated links...
Joe is 8. He loves cars and recently went karting (faster than the entire adult group after despite being in a kids kart) [/prouddad]. Anyhow, he's had various crappy rc cars and it's now time for a 1/18 or 1/10 model. He's not the most imaginative kid when it comes to building stuff (I can't get him interested in lego) but he is mechanically interested. I'm thinking he would like to build a car from scratch so am thinking tamiya or the like. Budget including batteries and controller <£150. Closer to £100 really.
I used to have a hornet but didn't think much of it. Grass ability was limited and it's pace was ok but not fast enough to break traction. Plus tamiya seem very expensive for what they are? What other makes are self assembly and decent quality/durability? I don't want to ask in a model shop as they will probably just sell me their cheapo Chinese model which won't have any parts supply.
Terrain will be tarmac and gravel dust tracks but also grass.
Thanks in advance,
Marc
Joe is 8. He loves cars and recently went karting (faster than the entire adult group after despite being in a kids kart) [/prouddad]. Anyhow, he's had various crappy rc cars and it's now time for a 1/18 or 1/10 model. He's not the most imaginative kid when it comes to building stuff (I can't get him interested in lego) but he is mechanically interested. I'm thinking he would like to build a car from scratch so am thinking tamiya or the like. Budget including batteries and controller <£150. Closer to £100 really.
I used to have a hornet but didn't think much of it. Grass ability was limited and it's pace was ok but not fast enough to break traction. Plus tamiya seem very expensive for what they are? What other makes are self assembly and decent quality/durability? I don't want to ask in a model shop as they will probably just sell me their cheapo Chinese model which won't have any parts supply.
Terrain will be tarmac and gravel dust tracks but also grass.
Thanks in advance,
Marc
The lower end of tamiya is going to be limiting long term, if he just wants a toy then it will do him well, they look good and are fun, but won't take upgrades well and if he decides to take it further and start racing will be useless.
Something like an ansmann mad rat is a solid upgrade able base that will last well and be genuinely good fun out of the box, add bearings and faster motor later and it will be plenty rapid and provide him with a good base.
Something like an ansmann mad rat is a solid upgrade able base that will last well and be genuinely good fun out of the box, add bearings and faster motor later and it will be plenty rapid and provide him with a good base.
Some of the Tamiya kits look nice. But even when they were new they were massively out dated in terms of performance and spec. Today it's almost comical.
That said, building of kits is not such a hot bed and most cars are Ready To Run these days, so your choice is limited.
Now I don't mean to be picky, but I honestly suspect an 8 year old is too young to build and assemble an RC car. It really isn't like lego and you do need to have some idea what you are doing and be able to use tools, even knives and things.
If you are happy to build and maintain, then that's something else. But I honestly doubt an 8 year old will.
On that note, you may want to look at Ready to Run vehicles. Again for this age I think something not too fast and fairly robust would be a good starting point. Modern RC's are a potential lethal weapon and they can move at some serious speed.
I know the idea of upgrading likely appeals. But sometimes you really do need to start somewhere, then move on to something better later on.
In terms of use, if you will be using it in a garden or in a park, then a truck of some kind will be superior than a 2wd buggy. The bigger tyres will simply make it handle grass and bumps better, although as a rule maybe not quite as quick and top heavy handling.
A nice compromise is what is known as a stadium racing truck. They have a low centre of gravity like a buggy, but bigger tyres and better ground clearance.
There are simply loads and loads of RC makes these days. My advice would be to do some reading up on any you select as candidates. Some are known to easily break, so you may want to avoid them. Also buy something with good spares availability, not being able to get parts or having to wait weeks and weeks will be a real PITA.
In terms of technology.
Motors - these come in two flavours. Brushed and brushless. The latter are superior in performance and durability and maintenance. But they aren't the be all and end all. A good stock brushed motor can be perfectly serviceable and will likely offer a safer turn of speed.
Batteries - the modern trend is LiPo. These are brilliant from a performance stand point. But be warned, they are not for an 8 year old. LiPo's can be very volatile and even explosive is mistreated. You should handle them with the same kind of respect you'd handle petrol.
Older battery tech is NiMh. This has a massive performance drop over LiPo, but is vastly safer. I would advise going NiMh for a child. I'd also advise getting a quality quick charger that plugs into the wall.
Size - 1/10th is a good size. Not too big to find a home for or carry about. But big enough to use in most spaces and handle grass. Smaller really only works on smoother surfaces. And bigger is likely to cost more
As for brands. Not sure these will be in budget, but I'm a fan of Losi and Traxxas. Both good quality long standing RC makers. And both offer budget/entry ranges.
EDIT:
Losi don't seem to list much on their website in the lower price end. Not sure if they don't do anything now, or if it's just re-branded as Losi are part of Horizon Hobbies (huge American hobby company).
However Traxxas do still offer some RC's in this sector. Personally I'd reocmmend something like this:
https://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/37054...
It's a fully capable machine, has some upgrade options, durable, good parts supply, good design, proven. And comes with the correct battery and a good brushed motor.
All you'd want is a couple of extra batteries and a fast charger.
That said, building of kits is not such a hot bed and most cars are Ready To Run these days, so your choice is limited.
Now I don't mean to be picky, but I honestly suspect an 8 year old is too young to build and assemble an RC car. It really isn't like lego and you do need to have some idea what you are doing and be able to use tools, even knives and things.
If you are happy to build and maintain, then that's something else. But I honestly doubt an 8 year old will.
On that note, you may want to look at Ready to Run vehicles. Again for this age I think something not too fast and fairly robust would be a good starting point. Modern RC's are a potential lethal weapon and they can move at some serious speed.
I know the idea of upgrading likely appeals. But sometimes you really do need to start somewhere, then move on to something better later on.
In terms of use, if you will be using it in a garden or in a park, then a truck of some kind will be superior than a 2wd buggy. The bigger tyres will simply make it handle grass and bumps better, although as a rule maybe not quite as quick and top heavy handling.
A nice compromise is what is known as a stadium racing truck. They have a low centre of gravity like a buggy, but bigger tyres and better ground clearance.
There are simply loads and loads of RC makes these days. My advice would be to do some reading up on any you select as candidates. Some are known to easily break, so you may want to avoid them. Also buy something with good spares availability, not being able to get parts or having to wait weeks and weeks will be a real PITA.
In terms of technology.
Motors - these come in two flavours. Brushed and brushless. The latter are superior in performance and durability and maintenance. But they aren't the be all and end all. A good stock brushed motor can be perfectly serviceable and will likely offer a safer turn of speed.
Batteries - the modern trend is LiPo. These are brilliant from a performance stand point. But be warned, they are not for an 8 year old. LiPo's can be very volatile and even explosive is mistreated. You should handle them with the same kind of respect you'd handle petrol.
Older battery tech is NiMh. This has a massive performance drop over LiPo, but is vastly safer. I would advise going NiMh for a child. I'd also advise getting a quality quick charger that plugs into the wall.
Size - 1/10th is a good size. Not too big to find a home for or carry about. But big enough to use in most spaces and handle grass. Smaller really only works on smoother surfaces. And bigger is likely to cost more
As for brands. Not sure these will be in budget, but I'm a fan of Losi and Traxxas. Both good quality long standing RC makers. And both offer budget/entry ranges.
EDIT:
Losi don't seem to list much on their website in the lower price end. Not sure if they don't do anything now, or if it's just re-branded as Losi are part of Horizon Hobbies (huge American hobby company).
However Traxxas do still offer some RC's in this sector. Personally I'd reocmmend something like this:
https://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/37054...
It's a fully capable machine, has some upgrade options, durable, good parts supply, good design, proven. And comes with the correct battery and a good brushed motor.
All you'd want is a couple of extra batteries and a fast charger.
Wild Oliver - thanks the mad rat looks interesting and is only about £45. How much is a tx/rx set these days? Actually, is that all we would need or do kits not normally include batteries or motors?
300 - Thankyou for your fantastic detailed post. I know what you mean about unrealistic expectations of an 8 year old and, if I'm honest, I'm expecting to build it myself but I know he will be next to me every step of the way and will help with anything I let him do. In terms of terrain, we live next to the cotswold way so we have national trust maintained dust and wood chip tracks galore. That and our garden. I'm not clear on what difference a truck vs a buggy makes? Aren't they both a 2wd chassis underneath?
Finally, I'm not a fan of the trigger and wheel controllers. Is this the norm these days or is it a rtr thing?
300 - Thankyou for your fantastic detailed post. I know what you mean about unrealistic expectations of an 8 year old and, if I'm honest, I'm expecting to build it myself but I know he will be next to me every step of the way and will help with anything I let him do. In terms of terrain, we live next to the cotswold way so we have national trust maintained dust and wood chip tracks galore. That and our garden. I'm not clear on what difference a truck vs a buggy makes? Aren't they both a 2wd chassis underneath?
Finally, I'm not a fan of the trigger and wheel controllers. Is this the norm these days or is it a rtr thing?
Biggest difference with a buggy is the wheels are a lot smaller, so less ground clearance. A bit like trying to off road a Mondeo vs a Range Rover...
Grass parks, while they may look short, aren't for RC's normally. And buggys can struggle with massive amounts of friction. Or worse, might just sit ontop of the grass and spin the wheels as they aren't making contact.
Not to say you can't use them. I have had and own a number of buggies over the years. But trucks/truggies and monster trucks are all more versatile.
As for the Tx. I personally prefer the more traditional stick controller. But it seems the UK is rather old fashioned here and most of the world uses the trigger layout.
Learning both is probably good, and for an 8 year old without preconceptions it probably doesn't matter either way.
If you want a stick Tx, then you'll likely have to buy one as an addition.
Grass parks, while they may look short, aren't for RC's normally. And buggys can struggle with massive amounts of friction. Or worse, might just sit ontop of the grass and spin the wheels as they aren't making contact.
Not to say you can't use them. I have had and own a number of buggies over the years. But trucks/truggies and monster trucks are all more versatile.
As for the Tx. I personally prefer the more traditional stick controller. But it seems the UK is rather old fashioned here and most of the world uses the trigger layout.
Learning both is probably good, and for an 8 year old without preconceptions it probably doesn't matter either way.
If you want a stick Tx, then you'll likely have to buy one as an addition.
That all makes sense. So is there a non-rtr truck you would recommend? The traxxas look great but are a bit pricy at 180 and are rtr. How much is a tx rx set as well. This will date me but the last time I was into all this, futaba was the main player and there was some sort of British made alternative that looked properly home made.
I don't know of any non RTR trucks really.
There are Tamoya kits and then a more 'hardcore' kits from places like Hobbyking. But those kits are generally a level up from the Tamiya's IMO.
I have one of these:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/55377Turnigy_SCT_2WD_1_10_Brushless_Short_Course_Truck_KIT_upgraded_version_UK_Warehouse_.html
The Quanum Vandal
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/897__896Cars_Parts-Offroad_Cars.html
Is also pretty good.
But these are proper hobby grade cars rather than toys. And will likely require some fettling and tweaking to make them work well.
The Tamiya stuff is closer to toy than hobby grade IMO.
I'm maybe being harsh on Tamiya, some of their stuff is ok and a lot looks nice. But the end product is always a let down compared to the rest of the RC market.
I have a Tamiya Lunchbox that I bought a year or so ago.
On the stock setup it's semi-entertaining, but feels 100% like a toy. Upgrading it, simply shows it's poor design and it really is out matched and doesn't handle the upgrades, even mild ones. The build was far more enjoyable than driving it.
As for radio gear. A lot has changed, avoid 27Mhz if you see it. 2.4Ghz is the way these days.
There are lots of players and you can spend a fortune if you want. Although good radio gear can be transplanted and used in other models, so it can be more of an investment if the hobby is one you'll be sticking with.
Not too sure on anything British in radio gear. A few claim to be British companies, but all they do is re-label stuff bought from China. Not that this is a bad thing, but no point believing it's all home grown.
There are Tamoya kits and then a more 'hardcore' kits from places like Hobbyking. But those kits are generally a level up from the Tamiya's IMO.
I have one of these:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/55377Turnigy_SCT_2WD_1_10_Brushless_Short_Course_Truck_KIT_upgraded_version_UK_Warehouse_.html
The Quanum Vandal
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/897__896Cars_Parts-Offroad_Cars.html
Is also pretty good.
But these are proper hobby grade cars rather than toys. And will likely require some fettling and tweaking to make them work well.
The Tamiya stuff is closer to toy than hobby grade IMO.
I'm maybe being harsh on Tamiya, some of their stuff is ok and a lot looks nice. But the end product is always a let down compared to the rest of the RC market.
I have a Tamiya Lunchbox that I bought a year or so ago.
On the stock setup it's semi-entertaining, but feels 100% like a toy. Upgrading it, simply shows it's poor design and it really is out matched and doesn't handle the upgrades, even mild ones. The build was far more enjoyable than driving it.
As for radio gear. A lot has changed, avoid 27Mhz if you see it. 2.4Ghz is the way these days.
There are lots of players and you can spend a fortune if you want. Although good radio gear can be transplanted and used in other models, so it can be more of an investment if the hobby is one you'll be sticking with.
Not too sure on anything British in radio gear. A few claim to be British companies, but all they do is re-label stuff bought from China. Not that this is a bad thing, but no point believing it's all home grown.
Edited to add. The Hobbyking site is a bit of a nightmare to navigate. But it's well worth sticking with it, as they sell a lot of great stuff at really great prices.
They ship from either their International (China) warehouse, where you can get everything they sell. But watch shipping and import charges, as well as shipping times.
Or from their UK warehouse, which is quick and cheap shipping. But don't carry all the items.
Modelsport that I linked to earlier is a good UK model shop that you can browse a wider selection of mainstream products.
They ship from either their International (China) warehouse, where you can get everything they sell. But watch shipping and import charges, as well as shipping times.
Or from their UK warehouse, which is quick and cheap shipping. But don't carry all the items.
Modelsport that I linked to earlier is a good UK model shop that you can browse a wider selection of mainstream products.
Sorry missed this one.
You want a cheap tranny set, your looking at 2.4gig these days and your looking at circa £30, I'd try and sell you one of the wheel sets I bought in error but they are too complicated for an 8 year old, get something basic either wheel or stick it doesn't matter.
I'd buy a couple of NIMH batteries, they are dirt cheap, stick with tamiya (the standard white connectors) connectors they are fool proof, useless for racing but ideal for bashing. Buy a simple charger, something he can use, for someone older I'd suggest something like an imax b6 as they will do all batteries but it's too complex and won't get used, so get a basic charger preferably with a dial or at least just a couple of buttons not a load of menus to go through like the imax.
Buy a basic speed control something like an mtroniks viper and a basic stock brushed motor HPI saturn is ideal. Quick enough to be fun slow enough to control.
Buy a couple of the cheapest metal geared servos you can find and fit a servo saver (one as a spare).
The above should see you around £150 including a cheap mad rat type kit if you shop around and leave you some upgradeability, if he got in to racing you will end up replacing all of it but at least he could race with whats there till he decides if it's for him or not, spending more than above is a bit of a waste if he doesn't get in to it and it's sat at the back of a cupboard.
Modelsport are good, I've used them my whole life, they are a constant, they aren't perfect but generally look after customers, they aren't the cheapest but are competitive and hold fantastic stock their technical advice is excellent the only caution I would give is their purchase advice tends to be aimed towards what they have rather than what you need so be confident in what you want.
You want a cheap tranny set, your looking at 2.4gig these days and your looking at circa £30, I'd try and sell you one of the wheel sets I bought in error but they are too complicated for an 8 year old, get something basic either wheel or stick it doesn't matter.
I'd buy a couple of NIMH batteries, they are dirt cheap, stick with tamiya (the standard white connectors) connectors they are fool proof, useless for racing but ideal for bashing. Buy a simple charger, something he can use, for someone older I'd suggest something like an imax b6 as they will do all batteries but it's too complex and won't get used, so get a basic charger preferably with a dial or at least just a couple of buttons not a load of menus to go through like the imax.
Buy a basic speed control something like an mtroniks viper and a basic stock brushed motor HPI saturn is ideal. Quick enough to be fun slow enough to control.
Buy a couple of the cheapest metal geared servos you can find and fit a servo saver (one as a spare).
The above should see you around £150 including a cheap mad rat type kit if you shop around and leave you some upgradeability, if he got in to racing you will end up replacing all of it but at least he could race with whats there till he decides if it's for him or not, spending more than above is a bit of a waste if he doesn't get in to it and it's sat at the back of a cupboard.
Modelsport are good, I've used them my whole life, they are a constant, they aren't perfect but generally look after customers, they aren't the cheapest but are competitive and hold fantastic stock their technical advice is excellent the only caution I would give is their purchase advice tends to be aimed towards what they have rather than what you need so be confident in what you want.
Oh and Hobbyking are excellent for things like servos and batteries, but don't buy a model from them as after 6 months you probably won't get spares for it.
And I wouldn't say avoid 27 or 40MHZ, it's outdated now but perfectly fit for purpose, if you get a cheap deal (as in £15 rather than £30) on a 27 or 40 meg tranny and receiver it will be perfectly fit for blasting round the garden/park and even racing, especially as frequency clashes are rare these days as everyone else is on 2.4.
And I wouldn't say avoid 27 or 40MHZ, it's outdated now but perfectly fit for purpose, if you get a cheap deal (as in £15 rather than £30) on a 27 or 40 meg tranny and receiver it will be perfectly fit for blasting round the garden/park and even racing, especially as frequency clashes are rare these days as everyone else is on 2.4.
Edited by wildoliver on Wednesday 28th October 22:31
Don't rule out second hand stuff - racers in particular tend to move their stuff on fairly frequently.
My son is 7 and has just recently started racing with me. He uses a Schumacher KR which are available on Ebay from time to time around £75. Add to that a brand new brushless ESC and motor combo for about £50 and a new 2.4g transmitter and receiver for between £25-£50 and he'd have a rock-solid car, very reliable and capable of being upgraded and pushed harder if he ever wanted to.
Batteries are something you should consider carefully. Lipo's are all the rage these days but they're not suitable for kids to charge themselves. If you want him to do it all himself then I'd recommend nimh batteries. I'm sure there will be plenty of difference of opinion here, so consider the worms let out of the can...
My son is 7 and has just recently started racing with me. He uses a Schumacher KR which are available on Ebay from time to time around £75. Add to that a brand new brushless ESC and motor combo for about £50 and a new 2.4g transmitter and receiver for between £25-£50 and he'd have a rock-solid car, very reliable and capable of being upgraded and pushed harder if he ever wanted to.
Batteries are something you should consider carefully. Lipo's are all the rage these days but they're not suitable for kids to charge themselves. If you want him to do it all himself then I'd recommend nimh batteries. I'm sure there will be plenty of difference of opinion here, so consider the worms let out of the can...
Hi again,
So have spent a lot of money on bits and need advice on what else I need!
After hours going backwards and forwards between the Turnigy SCT, the Quanum Vandal, Basher BZ 222 and the LRP S10 Twister I finally decided on the latter. The Turnigy seemed too hard to build - gearbox, diff, etc and the others seemed not hard enough (rollers). The S10 seemed about right so I bought it from Modelsport. I also bought a stick TX RX from them, total £88 including delivery.
Then, from HobbyKing, brushless 540 motor with waterproof ECT, steering servo, 2x lipo 3600mah, imax b6 charger, 2x silicone battery cases. £89
So, obviously, more than the "close to £100, less than £150" I had intended. What the hell, its a xmas present for him AND me....
Anyway, looking in the nice pile of boxes I can only see a bottle of what looks like shock fluid. Can anyone give me a list of the other stuff we will need to build it. I'm thinking some sort of glue for the tyres, some small tools... ? There are a lot of accessories on the modelsport page but I can't believe I need them all!
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/9504Turnigy_3600mAh_2S_30C_Lipo_Pack.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/28146IMAX_B6_50W_5A_Charger_Discharger_1_6_Cells_GENUINE_UK_Warehouse_.html
So have spent a lot of money on bits and need advice on what else I need!
After hours going backwards and forwards between the Turnigy SCT, the Quanum Vandal, Basher BZ 222 and the LRP S10 Twister I finally decided on the latter. The Turnigy seemed too hard to build - gearbox, diff, etc and the others seemed not hard enough (rollers). The S10 seemed about right so I bought it from Modelsport. I also bought a stick TX RX from them, total £88 including delivery.
Then, from HobbyKing, brushless 540 motor with waterproof ECT, steering servo, 2x lipo 3600mah, imax b6 charger, 2x silicone battery cases. £89
So, obviously, more than the "close to £100, less than £150" I had intended. What the hell, its a xmas present for him AND me....
Anyway, looking in the nice pile of boxes I can only see a bottle of what looks like shock fluid. Can anyone give me a list of the other stuff we will need to build it. I'm thinking some sort of glue for the tyres, some small tools... ? There are a lot of accessories on the modelsport page but I can't believe I need them all!
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/9504Turnigy_3600mAh_2S_30C_Lipo_Pack.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/28146IMAX_B6_50W_5A_Charger_Discharger_1_6_Cells_GENUINE_UK_Warehouse_.html
Oh, and I lost perspective on keeping it slow and bought a brushless motor
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/25137Turnigy_TrackStar_Waterproof_1_10_Brushless_Power_System_3000KV_80A.html
Is there anything I can do to keep the speed down? Would the trim control on the stick controller do it? I can see I could buy a programming card which costs... dammit only £7. Should've bought that too.
Right well, if I have tools to order I can buy them from HK too. I assume only the Turnigy programmer will work with the Turnigy ECT.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/25137Turnigy_TrackStar_Waterproof_1_10_Brushless_Power_System_3000KV_80A.html
Is there anything I can do to keep the speed down? Would the trim control on the stick controller do it? I can see I could buy a programming card which costs... dammit only £7. Should've bought that too.
Right well, if I have tools to order I can buy them from HK too. I assume only the Turnigy programmer will work with the Turnigy ECT.
Edited by marcg on Thursday 3rd December 23:06
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