Newbie considering getting into R/C.

[Adonis]

It just hit me out of no where to get into R/C car racing, actually it came
in a dream, probably nostalgia from when I was a child, but nevertheless, I
need information on these things, now I looked at tid bits of information on
the web and browsed a bit in this group. Now for a beginner I understand
that an RTR would be better to begin with as opposed to getting a complete
build kit, as well as the option of having a nitro or electric powered r/c,
but what do you guys recommend as far as what a beginnger should look into
and/or for, also where to buy these things.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
(Please pardon my lack of knowledge in this discussion, correct me if
needed)

Adonis

[MikeF]

Sounds great.
First, find the closest tracks to you. The back of RC Car action magazine
has a nice track listing by state and country.
If that doenst work, just ask here...

Second, go there and talk to the guys at the counter.
ask what classes they race...electric/nitro, onroad/off, buggy/stadium
truck.
ask what cars they carry and CARRY PARTS FOR.
I casually suggest electric stock stadium trucks. Fun,cheap,reliable and you
can spiral up to the bigtime if your good enough and care to invest the cash
for top notch stuff later.

stadium trucks are nice because you can bash around your backyard if you
want also.

some links you'll wanna visit (just the ones off the top of my head)
www.towerhobbies.com
http://www.rccaraction.com/
www.wildhobbies.com
Wh. maintains this newsgroups newbie guide and FAQ:
http://www.wildhobbies.com/newbie-guide.html
http://www.teamassociated.com/

cruise the shop and get some ideas. make a list of what they have that
interests you and ask opinions here.
RTR is ok, but i way prefer to select the components myself and build it.
Remember, the equipment in an RTR is supplied by the lowest bidders, and
they are assembled in china by prisoners at gunpoint.

dont skimp on the charger. batteries, tires, motors will come and go, but
you dont wanna replace the charger in 6 months.
The radio is a different story. If you buy a cheap radio now, it will find a
home in one of the three or four other new cars you buy in the next year or
so. An expensive race radio just isnt necessary for a beginner. If your good
at racing, maybe ask for a nice FM radio for christmas.





"Adonis" <adonisv@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:b4rCa.700$517.534@tornadotest1.news.pas.earth link.net...
> It just hit me out of no where to get into R/C car racing, actually it
came
> in a dream, probably nostalgia from when I was a child, but nevertheless,
I
> need information on these things, now I looked at tid bits of information
on
> the web and browsed a bit in this group. Now for a beginner I understand
> that an RTR would be better to begin with as opposed to getting a complete
> build kit, as well as the option of having a nitro or electric powered
r/c,
> but what do you guys recommend as far as what a beginnger should look into
> and/or for, also where to buy these things.
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
> (Please pardon my lack of knowledge in this discussion, correct me if
> needed)
>
> Adonis
>
>

[Tom]

Before you buy ANYTHING go to the local RC track(s) and see what's going on.
If you can visit both an off-road and an on-road track you'll be best off.
Pick which one you like the most, and then ask people about their cars.
Watch the races. Dont let the huge pile of electronics on their pit table
scare you... it's mostly just for showing off :) I raced for years with
just the very basics... ie: cheap.

I dont believe an RTR is the way to go. If you build your car (and you can,
trust me) you will know how to fix it and why it's broken. If you buy an RTR
you will always have someone else fixing your car for you. This doesnt mean
that RTR isnt a good idea, just that you will be better off right away with
a kit, especially for your first car. Dont worry, the instructions these
days are very very good. Ask here before you buy anything for the best
prices and advice.

-tom

[Adonis]

Thank you all very much for your replies!

I investigated which tracks are in my area and specialized rc shops, but got
none in my town, need to drive to the next town for some action, but for the
meantime I am not looking to race anyone. It will be mainly a personal hobby
for now, maybe down the line when I feel I am at where I would like to be I
will see about racing for kicks.

I would like to get the T3 or the TC3, the T3 for me is more appealing since
it can offroad, and its something I do with my Jeep and it'd be neat to
bring down to my rc ;) but onroad compatability would also be nice, would a
T3 be good enough for onroad providing it has suitable tires and such? and
of course the infamous question that I am sure gets asked here at least 20x
a week is, what is better Nitro or Battery?

From my understanding Nitro is much faster as well simpler to continue using
as there is no need to change out batteries, but the pull start is kind of
annoying, is that why there exists a starter?(or am I wrong) and requires
slightly more maintenance, which is fine with me.

Battery I read, requires changing battery every 15min. or so, but does not
need much maintenance, and the engine does not need a pull start?

Again sorry if there might be too many questions, just really interested in
it and might be making my purchase mighty soon (next week most likely), and
would like to feel comfortable with what I am getting.

Thanks again for your replies.

Adonis

[MikeF]

I am not looking to race anyone. It will be mainly a personal hobby
> for now, maybe down the line when I feel I am at where I would like to be
I
> will see about racing for kicks.
>

ok, but every bit of advice still holds true....except maybe that you dont
have to be too hyper about having the perfect tires....
make sure you have good local support for it.


> I would like to get the T3 or the TC3, the T3 for me is more appealing
since
> it can offroad, and its something I do with my Jeep and it'd be neat to
> bring down to my rc ;) but onroad compatability would also be nice, would
a
> T3 be good enough for onroad providing it has suitable tires and such?


sure. drive it anywhere. Pavement will eat up the knobby tires though.


> of course the infamous question that I am sure gets asked here at least
20x
> a week is, what is better Nitro or Battery?
>

Better? that like the old question, whats the difference between an orange?


> From my understanding Nitro is much faster as well simpler to continue
using
> as there is no need to change out batteries,

incorrect. nitro is usually not a great deal faster, and is usually slower
off the line and in corners. And it aint simple. It is however, easy to just
keep filling the tank and keep going.


> but the pull start is kind of
> annoying,


true. Sometimes. Sometimes they work great though.


> is that why there exists a starter?(or am I wrong)


starter boxes are an alternative to pullstarts, yes.
not cheap though. And not terribly portable either.


>and requires
> slightly more maintenance, which is fine with me.

maintenece is about the same, but cleaning is a nightmare.The fuel contains
an oil component - which doesnt burn. It spatters out the exhaust pipe and
collects on everything.


>
> Battery I read, requires changing battery every 15min. or so, but does not
> need much maintenance, and the engine does not need a pull start?
>

electrics are neat and quiet. they do need maintenence, and they do need
repairs once in a while.


> Again sorry if there might be too many questions, just really interested
in
> it and might be making my purchase mighty soon (next week most likely),
and
> would like to feel comfortable with what I am getting.
>

not at all.
In conclusion, typically its recommended that newbies get an electric first.
That way, you learn the whole rc thing without the additional pressure of
trying to tune a gas engine (which isnt easy)
Now, lotsa guys do start with gas cars and do just fine....but hey, your
going to end up with 5 or 6 cars anyway, may as well start off with an
electric.
g/l, mike