R/C car to build?

[audi321]

Hi all.

My memories of being a young lad was learning to build a R/C car from scratch (including gearbox cogs etc). However I went to the local model shop to buy my lad one and was told they're almost all pre built these days!

He only had one and because of that wasn't really interested in helping me out.

Does anyone know of a starter type car (off road type) which needs building from the ground up?

I'm amazed that they don't really do them anymore. I have fond memories of my lunchbox and cat and spending hours upon hours putting the thing together!

[Razor O Rourke]

Tamiya do a wide range of self-build kits.

[The_Jackal]

All these are kits.
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/rc-electric-models/rc...

[audi321]

Brill thanks guys. That website looks great! Bringing back memories now!

I can't remember how old I was when I started with R/C cars, but is a 9 year old too young to be able to build one from scratch? Obviously I''ll be there if he gets stuck.

Also, I see some of them come without the Electronic Speed Controller. Why would this be? Are they expensive to buy on their own?

I really need a full kit..........any recommendations?

[Razor O Rourke]

ESC's are variable speed controllers as opposed to the three step mechanical ones that used to come as standard. They are not expensive to buy and they allow you to vary the amount of throttle for reverse. If your kit does not come with one it is well worth the upgrade, as is replacing the plastic bushes with a full ballrace kit. Both upgrades should add no more than £30 to the price.

A competent nine year old should be able to build one with dad keeping a watchful eye on him.

[russy01]

All bar a couple Tamiya kits come from the factory with an ESC. However retailer (myself included) offer the kits without ESC - so you dont double up if you already have them etc...

9yr old should be ok if they are relatively switched on and you do it with them. I dont think they'd get far left to do the whole thing alone...

We do what we call our bundle packages which come with every thing you need to get the car on the road, they are very good value....

For a first car Id be looking at a Buggy, Neo Fighter or Neo Scorchers are a good place to start (I personally wouldnt bother with the cheaper Rising Fighter or Grasshopper - go straight for something a little more robust.)

http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/radio-control/ca...

http://www.jadlamracingmodels.com/search.php?searc...

You just have to choose how many batteries you want and if you want a slow or fast charger. Personally I would go for 2 batteries and a fast charger...

[marcg]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15...

Same thing for us...