How To Build Your Own RC Car

How does one go about building a dream rc car? Here are a few tips about how to build your own rc car. Radio controlled cars come in different varieties such as electric or nitro - while electric cars are recommended for beginners as they are easier to build and maintain. Advanced modelers prefer to build nitro cars as they provide a greater challenge. RC cars come in various shapes and sizes from battery powered microsizers to the 1/5 scale model DuraTrax FireHammer. Even though rc cars are smaller than full size cars some of them contain sophisticated engineering and they can provide a great building challenge. An important point to keep in mind while building rc cars is the speed one hopes to achieve. While cars with slower speeds are better for beginners, there are many models which cruise at speeds beyond 50mph.

Kits, RTR or ARR

Remote control car kits are the best bet when building a custom rc car. Almost all rc car manufactures provide kits and ready to run (RTR) cars. Very often, the same models offered in kits are also available as RTRs. Kits provide a greater challenge when it comes to building a car as they require the most amounts of effort and time. This can be viewed as an advantage by an avid rc car fan as it can award him with unbeatable experience. This experience can help when upgrading the car or repairing damaged parts. RTR models can be used almost immediately; sometimes the wheels have to be glued on.

ARR models are identical to RTR models but are sold without a radio so you can choose your own.

On Road Kits

The Nitro RS4 3 18SS kit from HPI Racing caters to the experienced builder. Kits such the Nitro RS4 3 18SS do not come with radio or electronics so the builder can customize the car with their favorite radio system. The electric 1/18 scale Micro RS4 kit from HPI Racing is one of the electric car kits available on the market. It comes with an HPI TX-2 radio system. The strong steering servo and Micro Pro Control ESC are already plugged into the AM receiver. Another electric rc car kit is the Ferrari F430 from Tamiya RC cars America, Inc.

Off Road Kits

Off road cars and buggy’s are the most popular rc cars. The main features of off road cars are big tires, full travel suspension and high ground clearance. These features allow off road cars to go almost anywhere. Most off road cars are 1/10 scale, have either four wheel or two wheel drives and can reach speeds of 15-30mph. Electric off road car kits include the 4wd Racing Buggy Dark Impact from Tamiya America, Inc. The HPI Hellfire SS is a nitro off road kit and is targeted at experienced rc modelers.