Off road RC car for the Kids (and dad)
Discussion
Hi all. Hope this is an appropriate section to ask this. I'd like an off RC car that the kids and I can mess around with on grassy fields etc.
Kids are only 5 & 8 so requirements I think would be robustness, ease of use (lowish speed I think would be better than a turbo nutter monster) and an ability to tackle rough terrain. I don't mind whether it's new or used. Budget maybe £100 ish. Could be massaged if it means not missing out on a no-brainer option.
Kids are only 5 & 8 so requirements I think would be robustness, ease of use (lowish speed I think would be better than a turbo nutter monster) and an ability to tackle rough terrain. I don't mind whether it's new or used. Budget maybe £100 ish. Could be massaged if it means not missing out on a no-brainer option.
The_Jackal said:
FTX Ravine. Off road crawler. £99 and its RTR
Great for going over stuff and not super fast before they learn to control it.
Remember there are still adults that cant control RC cars and smash them into walls.
Its actually a respectable crawler.
Brill. I'll put that on the shortlist too. Wastched a couple of vids of it. Looks fun Great for going over stuff and not super fast before they learn to control it.
Remember there are still adults that cant control RC cars and smash them into walls.
Its actually a respectable crawler.
Remember that if you are buying a kit rather than a RTR (Ready To Run), you usually need to factor in the cost of a radio handset, servos, batteries and charger.
100 GBP will buy you something quite basic in 1:10 scale. As a guide the common starter off-road buggy for a lot of people is the Tamiya Grasshopper. It performs fairly well as a starter car and can be upgraded to some extent with better parts. I would recommend looking here as a starter to get some ideas:
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/tamiya-grasshopper/rc...
You might also have some fun with a smaller scale crawler, something like the Axial SCX24, although they are currently out of stock due to demand. They are 1:24 scale instead of the 1:10 scale commonly used by Tamiya. However, they are RTR so everything you need is included in the pack.
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/axial-scx24-jeep-wran...
There are quite a few RC models out there made by Chinese manufacturers and these often seem remarkably cheap. Remember, in most cases the phrase "you get what you pay for" will apply.
100 GBP will buy you something quite basic in 1:10 scale. As a guide the common starter off-road buggy for a lot of people is the Tamiya Grasshopper. It performs fairly well as a starter car and can be upgraded to some extent with better parts. I would recommend looking here as a starter to get some ideas:
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/tamiya-grasshopper/rc...
You might also have some fun with a smaller scale crawler, something like the Axial SCX24, although they are currently out of stock due to demand. They are 1:24 scale instead of the 1:10 scale commonly used by Tamiya. However, they are RTR so everything you need is included in the pack.
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/axial-scx24-jeep-wran...
There are quite a few RC models out there made by Chinese manufacturers and these often seem remarkably cheap. Remember, in most cases the phrase "you get what you pay for" will apply.
Another vote for tamiya lunchbox. I have one and although it's not subjectively a very good RC it is bags of fun. Bounces around, can do jumps and wheelies. You can paint and repaint it the kids favourite colours, upgrade when you are ready and parts are readily available. Kids seem to love the comical style of the thing and nobody will think you are taking yourself too seriously .
Battery runtime is excellent as it's a really simple drivetrain. Seem to be pretty tough too.
If you don't want to build the kit (which is super simple and the kids will definitely be able to help) there should be plenty around 2nd hand.
Here is mine... (My 2 girls decided it should be pink...)
Battery runtime is excellent as it's a really simple drivetrain. Seem to be pretty tough too.
If you don't want to build the kit (which is super simple and the kids will definitely be able to help) there should be plenty around 2nd hand.
Here is mine... (My 2 girls decided it should be pink...)
Lunchbox is cool but topples over easily. Madbull would be better in that regard as it has a lower COG.
Regards the too fast for the kids bit, most modern transmitters will have the ability to adjust the end points of the steering and throttle so you can basically restrict how fast it’ll go.
I have a fly sky gt3b transmitter and it’s pretty cheap but works well. On something like that you can setup one setting for the kids and one for you and switch between the two at the press of a button.
Regards the too fast for the kids bit, most modern transmitters will have the ability to adjust the end points of the steering and throttle so you can basically restrict how fast it’ll go.
I have a fly sky gt3b transmitter and it’s pretty cheap but works well. On something like that you can setup one setting for the kids and one for you and switch between the two at the press of a button.
Gad-Westy said:
Any thoughts on the Tamiya Mad Bull? It looks fun. I'd enjoy building it. Would it be too much for the kids?
On that note, can you get ones that have switchable power levels so can be turned down a bit when needed?
I have a Mad Bull and a Lunchbox. Plus a few others....On that note, can you get ones that have switchable power levels so can be turned down a bit when needed?
I prefer the Mad Bull to the Lunchbox. Goes better everywhere.
Stock these are not very fast. If you want them to go slower, stick a bit of foam sponge behind the trigger on the Tx if using a pistol set.
Gad-Westy said:
Thanks all. I hadn't picked up on the fact that the Tamiya kits aren't complete. Is it obvious what else I'd need to buy? Might need to look a bit more carefully at that side of things,
The Tamiya kits are complete minus radio gear and batteries. Which used to be the norm, as people would often buy into a particular radio system (many still do).Therefore you need:
-radio gear (Transmitter and a Receiver)
-Batteries (at least 2)
-Charger
The RTR (ready to run) kits changed the market by pre-assembling the car (which is actually a big part of the fun IMO) and including radio gear and electronics.
The trouble is, the radio gear included in most RTR's is pretty rubbish. And should you buy more car you end up with flipping hundreds of transmitters. Which are big and bulky and take lots of batteries. On all the RTR's I've bought I've binned the radio gear and fitted my own Receiver and use a multi model programmable transmitter.
Likewise any battery included in an RTR is usually of low spec and is there only to get you started. Same with the charger, included chargers are usually slow overnight ones. So pretty useless if you have more than one battery. A hobby grade charger is what you need and will charge a battery in about an hour and usually allow you to charge more than one at a time with the right setup.
Do you have a budget you are working too? The Mad Bull and Lunchbox are pretty cheap and include a stock 27 turn motor and ESC. Most RTR's will be costing a bit more than either of these kits.
Radio gear - budget £30-50 depending on what you get. Some model forums might be a good place to pick up something 2nd hand if you want
Batteries - no need to spend a fortune on these. £10-20 a pack. Don't spend more than this unless you are racing at a club and even then it's questionable on if it is worth it. There are two main types of battery in use though; NiMh and LiPo. You'll need to decide which route to go. Only issue with the Tamiya models is Tamiya hasn't updated them since the 1980s/90s and some modern batteries don't fit very well. But there are options.
Hobbyking is great place to buy batteries.
Chargers - ebay or some other online vendor is the way to go. About £25 will get you something usable.
Worth mentioning you’ll need a servo for the steering too.
Years ago you used to get two servos with 2ch transmitters when you were buying them for a car. This was in the days of Manual speed controllers. You’d need one for steering and one for throttle.
Nowadays an electronic speed controller usually comes in a Tamiya kit and that replaces one servo and the manual speed controller without the need for any mechanical moving parts as it’s electronic.
Thing is it seems when buying transmitters these days the most you get is a transmitter and a receiver so you will need a servo too.
If you look on modelsport and scroll down on the car you’re looking at they’ll do a ‘deal’ bundle and that’ll include everything you’d need so will give you an idea.
I’d advise against going for a deal unless you can find one with good components. Ideally you want to get a decent fast charger and a couple of 3000mah batteries as the deals will usually be slow charger and the worst battery and transmitter they can get away with.
Years ago you used to get two servos with 2ch transmitters when you were buying them for a car. This was in the days of Manual speed controllers. You’d need one for steering and one for throttle.
Nowadays an electronic speed controller usually comes in a Tamiya kit and that replaces one servo and the manual speed controller without the need for any mechanical moving parts as it’s electronic.
Thing is it seems when buying transmitters these days the most you get is a transmitter and a receiver so you will need a servo too.
If you look on modelsport and scroll down on the car you’re looking at they’ll do a ‘deal’ bundle and that’ll include everything you’d need so will give you an idea.
I’d advise against going for a deal unless you can find one with good components. Ideally you want to get a decent fast charger and a couple of 3000mah batteries as the deals will usually be slow charger and the worst battery and transmitter they can get away with.
Many thanks 300 and uncleluck. That's fantastic.
I can see the appeal in making one escpecially if I can get the kids involved in the process. Maybe need to dig a little deeper and up the budget to cover all that. I assume I'll need to budget for paints etc too. Adds up doesn't it! Can see how this could become an expensive past time!
I can see the appeal in making one escpecially if I can get the kids involved in the process. Maybe need to dig a little deeper and up the budget to cover all that. I assume I'll need to budget for paints etc too. Adds up doesn't it! Can see how this could become an expensive past time!
Gad-Westy said:
Many thanks 300 and uncleluck. That's fantastic.
I can see the appeal in making one escpecially if I can get the kids involved in the process. Maybe need to dig a little deeper and up the budget to cover all that. I assume I'll need to budget for paints etc too. Adds up doesn't it! Can see how this could become an expensive past time!
Yes it can add up a bit sadly.I can see the appeal in making one escpecially if I can get the kids involved in the process. Maybe need to dig a little deeper and up the budget to cover all that. I assume I'll need to budget for paints etc too. Adds up doesn't it! Can see how this could become an expensive past time!
I guess that is where the appeal of the RTR kits come in. They are a good way to get driving, but may result in you buying some items twice if you do get into it. Sadly if you want to enjoy the build, then Tamiya is by far the easiest and cheapest route to go. If you Google modelsport forum there is a helpful community on there. And things like radio gear often comes up cheap.
Most UK shops like Modelsport/Wheelspin/Al's Hobbies etc. Are all good places to buy spares and the models. But can sometimes be pricey for some of the electrical equipment. So it is worth shopping around a little for those items.
Some good advice here, and I would also say if possible avoid the kits with an RTR Radio.
The important decision on radios is actually to try and find one that supports a charging system.
The cheap ones, like Rtrs will be refered to as “ Dry “ meaning the transmitter will need AA batteries, often up to 8 of them.
And as with most things, once you start having fun, you will use a lot of batteries.
So if you can find a transmitter Bundle with a receiver, that is charge compatible that would be the best option, it’s quite hard to find them though, and keep to a sensible budget.
I looked and I think this one is charge compatible for example.
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/carson-reflex-2ch-whe...
The important decision on radios is actually to try and find one that supports a charging system.
The cheap ones, like Rtrs will be refered to as “ Dry “ meaning the transmitter will need AA batteries, often up to 8 of them.
And as with most things, once you start having fun, you will use a lot of batteries.
So if you can find a transmitter Bundle with a receiver, that is charge compatible that would be the best option, it’s quite hard to find them though, and keep to a sensible budget.
I looked and I think this one is charge compatible for example.
https://www.modelsport.co.uk/carson-reflex-2ch-whe...
lol some of the "beginner" suggestions for 5 and 8 years old.
I think some of you are in a bubble of money.
Suggesting a TRX6 as a beginners value for money truck is laughable.
Certainly some RC snobbery here.
For a start RTR radios are great for the money and 2.4ghz these days.
I think some people forget what is it like to be a beginner these days because youve bought soo many upgrades and toys.
I think some of you are in a bubble of money.
Suggesting a TRX6 as a beginners value for money truck is laughable.
Certainly some RC snobbery here.
For a start RTR radios are great for the money and 2.4ghz these days.
I think some people forget what is it like to be a beginner these days because youve bought soo many upgrades and toys.
Well rather embarrassingly, I never did get around to buying one but the urge is there again. Moved house since I first asked about this and the garden will be a fantastic playground for an RC car.
I nearly ordered a grasshopper kit this week but held back doing so after reading a few comments suggesting it's a bit old hat now and also that it might struggle on grass etc (ironic for a grasshopper but there you go).
So then I looked at a couple of more modern offerings. There's the 4wd Neo Scorcher and Plasma Edge or the 2wd Holiday buggy. I believe all of these come on much newer chassis.
I should mention, that despite the original subject heading, this is definitely for me now. Kids might not get a look in!
Prices are all close enough that it's not a deciding factor so it's mainly about 2wd vs 4wd. I like the idea of 2wd for fun and messing about but concerned about it getting stuck in longer grass or inclines. Any thoughts?
One other thing, I definitely want to make something myself rather than pre-built but some of these kits come pre-trimmed and pre-painted, some come with a basic transparent moulding. How much of a faff is all the trimming, masking, painting etc? I'm not sure I fancy that aspect very much.
I nearly ordered a grasshopper kit this week but held back doing so after reading a few comments suggesting it's a bit old hat now and also that it might struggle on grass etc (ironic for a grasshopper but there you go).
So then I looked at a couple of more modern offerings. There's the 4wd Neo Scorcher and Plasma Edge or the 2wd Holiday buggy. I believe all of these come on much newer chassis.
I should mention, that despite the original subject heading, this is definitely for me now. Kids might not get a look in!
Prices are all close enough that it's not a deciding factor so it's mainly about 2wd vs 4wd. I like the idea of 2wd for fun and messing about but concerned about it getting stuck in longer grass or inclines. Any thoughts?
One other thing, I definitely want to make something myself rather than pre-built but some of these kits come pre-trimmed and pre-painted, some come with a basic transparent moulding. How much of a faff is all the trimming, masking, painting etc? I'm not sure I fancy that aspect very much.
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