RC electric cars - are they fun?

[CIS121]

Silly question I know, but I used to long after an RC ar as a kid, but could never afford anything more than some rubbish from Tandy on a wire lead. I'm tempted to get an RC car now, but am not sure if like bedding the hottest girl at school - you think you want it and that it's a great idea, but if you manage it years later you realise it's not the same when you're older.

Out of you folks who got a car in recent years - have you ended up using it much, or was it a nice idea that collects dust in a cupboard?

I'd be looking at some of the Tamiya off road models like the modern Hornet etc.

[pstruck]

What do you want to do with it? Go racing, or just lark about down the park?

I was one of thoe kids who jealously looked at other with their RC cars and never had my own, so similarly to you I found myself wanting one recently.

A few months ago I bought a Tamiya Rising Storm in kit form. Had a couple of fun evenings building it then set to tearing around the garden and some of the local forestry tracks. It is an absolute hoot, but much more fun if you have other, like minded big kids, with similar 'toys' to buddy up with.

I have broken a few suspension components and replaced them, plus a few other upgrades, but have to admit that it is now sat in a box doing very little. It will get used again, but I am not interested in competitive racing and good places to just hack about aren't always easy to find. Ideally it should stay in the boot of the car with several charged batteries waiting for the opportune moment for some fun!

[Simond001]

If you are local to a club, why not get a model that you can compete with. A cheap easy option is Mardave Mini's as they are strong race out of the box and dont need much maintenance to kep going.

Off road are great, but boring on your own, and expensive to race.

[CIS121]

Thanks for your comments guys. I agree with your points. I'd be looking for fun off road and I can see with a few people, it would be a real hoot, setting up race tracks through the woods etc. I don't think I can talk my girlfriend into this. She already thinks I'm a geek for having an RC plane!

[CIS121]

I got the Tamiya Sand Vper in the end. A pretty good price and God it's moved on since the Tamiya's I had in the 80's. Electronic Speed Controller and fully ball raced is standard along with oil damped shocks.

I could never afford to buy a new one as a kid, so used my paper round money to get a second hand hornet and lunchbox. Building it was surprisingly good fun as my girlfriend will vouch for by my getting to bed this morning!

All built up and ready to play at the weekend. Can't wait!

[CIS121]

Got out for the first time tonight. Crumbs these things have moved on since the 80's. I took it to the local woods which was one hell of a hoot. The motor was too hot to touch by the end which was surprising as teh ESC wasn't, but yeah, in answer to my original question, this is probably about as much fun as you can legally have in the woods!

If you've got one of these buggies and not been to woodland, then I advise a trip.

[Small Car]

Thought I'd share the same scenario - always wanted one as a kid, could never afford one, just bought the Hotshot and have spent three evenings building it. Might finish it tonight ! Whooo hooo...

[Simond001]

Small Car said:

Thought I'd share the same scenario - always wanted one as a kid, could never afford one, just bought the Hotshot and have spent three evenings building it. Might finish it tonight ! Whooo hooo...

Great car. I remember racing these in the late 80's when they were the latest thing!

If i recall, obvious upgrades were UJ's instead of driveshafts, better single damper, or even better twin upright front shocks and something like a 19x2 motor.

edited to say "you must make a small bracket to go between the front upper suspension screws. If not they will break the chassis mount if you clip a tree, post etc.."

Edited by Simond001 on Sunday 7th October 13:32