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RC Modeling - Getting Started
Radio Control (R/C) is piloting your own Air Force, commanding your own fleet, or 4-wheeling in your own monster truck! It's being totally in control of a fully functional scale model that is just waiting for your next command! If you're interested in mechanical or electronic devices, you'll be fascinated with the advanced components and design of these models — not like the R/C toys you see in department stores. These are life-like, "to scale" models with high-quality, mechanical working parts. Whether you want a relaxing afternoon getting away from it all or a hot race, there is an R/C land, sea, or air model for you. The keys are to participate and have fun!
Off-Road vs On-Road
The most popular type of R/C car is the Off-Road Buggy.
Big tires with "knobby" spikes, full-travel suspension parts and a high
ground clearance allow the off-roader to go almost anywhere. Most are 1/10
scale (about 15" long), are either two-wheel drive (2WD) or
four-wheel-drive (4WD), and reach speeds of 15-30 mph. On-Road cars
usually have lower ground clearances, slicks tires, aerodynamic bodies,
and are capable of a bit higher speeds.
Electric vs Nitro
Electric cars use a rechargeable NiCd battery pack
for power. They can run up to 10 minutes and can be recharged in about 15
minutes. Nitro cars are actually powered by a small engine that
burns a special glow fuel. Some can reach speeds of over 50 mph! We
recommend nitro cars for advanced modelers.
Kits, Prebuilt or RTR?
Of these three model categories, Kits require the
most building time and effort. That’s not necessarily a disadvantage. You
gain the pride of knowing that you’ve successfully put together a
fast-moving vehicle by yourself. And you learn a great deal about how it
works — experience that will help you upgrade its performance and quickly
repair any possible damage. Replacement parts as well as “hop-ups” are
available from Tower Hobbies.
The majority of cars and trucks aimed at first-time modelers fall into the other two groups. Both come almost entirely factory-assembled. RTR (or Ready-to-Run) models let you start driving almost immediately after opening the box. They come fully equipped with a power plant and radio system already installed. Prebuilt models (also known as ARR, or Almost Ready-to-Run) are usually identical to RTRs but don’t include a radio, in case you have one already or would rather choose your own.
What else do I need?
You will generally need to get a 2-channel
Radio
System to control your model. Tower Hobbies carries a wide
selection of high quality, affordable models from the most popular
manufacturers. You will also usually need at least one NiCd battery pack
and a charger. We often offer these kits in "Combos" which allow you to
buy nearly everything needed to get going (car, radio, battery and
charger) using only one stock number - and save money!
