Help with New Car and Radio Purchase!!

[Ted Appleberry]

My brother and I both wish to get new remote control cars and radios.
We are long time RC flyers but a really cool off road dirt track just
opened up in our area and we have to take advantage of it. We don't
want to break the bank to start but want something we won't grow tired
of and have to upgrade immediatley.
Since we will be competing against one another we would like something
with the same chassis, electronics, motor, etc. but different body
style so we are equally matched but still different.
SO with all that info in mind please help!

Thanks!!!
Ted

[Ted Appleberry]

OH yea, it is an off road track with jumps and stuff.. So we are
looking at the trucks \ dune buggy type of configuration.

thanks again,
ted

On Wed, 04 Dec 2002 15:22:59 -0800, Ted Appleberry
<ted@appleberry.com> wrote:

>
>Ted

[Sebastian]

On Wed, 04 Dec 2002 15:22:59 -0800, Ted Appleberry <ted@appleberry.com> spoke gently:
> My brother and I both wish to get new remote control cars and radios.
> We are long time RC flyers but a really cool off road dirt track just
> opened up in our area and we have to take advantage of it. We don't
> want to break the bank to start but want something we won't grow tired
> of and have to upgrade immediatley.
> Since we will be competing against one another we would like something
> with the same chassis, electronics, motor, etc. but different body
> style so we are equally matched but still different.
> SO with all that info in mind please help!

Electric?

For your specific needs, I'd suggest looking at the Duratrax Evader. If
you wanted a more versatile vehicle, for general bashing on varied
terrain, I'd suggest the Traxxas Stampede. The latter does require a
couple of upgrades right away though.

HTH

--
I wouldn't trade a good horse for the best Rolls-Royce ever made--
unless I could trade the Rolls for two good horses. -Ed Abbey

[Ted Appleberry]

On Thu, 05 Dec 2002 03:18:41 GMT, Sebastian <no-spam@sonic.net> wrote:

Good question on the electric vs. gas. Are they nearly equal today? I
know the electric used to suck pondwater back in the day and it was
all about gas. That said it looks like the gas is significantly more
of an investment! Would we be happy with an electric set-up for a few
years? We are both gearheads and do like our toys (:

Are you suggesting the Traxxas Stampede is more versatile and a little
bit better overall? The price between the two models in electric seems
to be about the same. We don't mind a few upgrades right away, that's
what makes it fun! What "upgrades" would be necessary right away? Out
of the box are these units driveable or is "some assembly required"
Are the bodys pre-painted and decaled or are they clear and we can
customize our respective bodies? Again, it's important that our cars
are initially equal mechanically (pre-"upgrade") but they need to be
unique visually.

Thanks for the suggestions.. I really appreciate it, there are so many
models to choose from!





>Electric?
>
>For your specific needs, I'd suggest looking at the Duratrax Evader. If
>you wanted a more versatile vehicle, for general bashing on varied
>terrain, I'd suggest the Traxxas Stampede. The latter does require a
>couple of upgrades right away though.
>
>HTH

[Jonny Hodgson]

Ted Appleberry <Ted@appleberry.com> wrote in message news:8vpuuu89ialpr0qmvecnebbg4rc2nskdek@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 05 Dec 2002 03:18:41 GMT, Sebastian <no-spam@sonic.net> wrote:
>
> Good question on the electric vs. gas. Are they nearly equal today? I
> know the electric used to suck pondwater back in the day and it was
> all about gas. That said it looks like the gas is significantly more
> of an investment! Would we be happy with an electric set-up for a few
> years? We are both gearheads and do like our toys (:

It depends very much on the size of the track. Ultimately there's
not much in the price; if anything, serious electric kit is more
expensive (although with NiMH cells being good for two runs in a
day that may have balanced out).

In my experience, modified-motored electrics are quicker (laptime)
than a .12 or possibly .15 IC around any typical UK club track, due
to

>
> Are you suggesting the Traxxas Stampede is more versatile and a little
> bit better overall? The price between the two models in electric seems
> to be about the same. We don't mind a few upgrades right away, that's
> what makes it fun! What "upgrades" would be necessary right away? Out
> of the box are these units driveable or is "some assembly required"
> Are the bodys pre-painted and decaled or are they clear and we can
> customize our respective bodies? Again, it's important that our cars
> are initially equal mechanically (pre-"upgrade") but they need to be
> unique visually.
>
> Thanks for the suggestions.. I really appreciate it, there are so many
> models to choose from!
>
>
>
>
>
> >Electric?
> >
> >For your specific needs, I'd suggest looking at the Duratrax Evader. If
> >you wanted a more versatile vehicle, for general bashing on varied
> >terrain, I'd suggest the Traxxas Stampede. The latter does require a
> >couple of upgrades right away though.
> >
> >HTH
>

[Jonny Hodgson]

Jonny Hodgson <jp_hodgson@eRnEgMiOnVeEer.com> wrote in message news:5I1I9.1252$PB3.128025@newsfep2-win.server.ntli.net...

> > Good question on the electric vs. gas. Are they nearly equal today? I
> > know the electric used to suck pondwater back in the day and it was
> > all about gas. That said it looks like the gas is significantly more
> > of an investment! Would we be happy with an electric set-up for a few
> > years? We are both gearheads and do like our toys (:
>
> It depends very much on the size of the track. Ultimately there's
> not much in the price; if anything, serious electric kit is more
> expensive (although with NiMH cells being good for two runs in a
> day that may have balanced out).
>
> In my experience, modified-motored electrics are quicker (laptime)
> than a .12 or possibly .15 IC around any typical UK club track, due
> to

Stupid Outlook Express! What's the point in a 'Send Later' command
when it goes and sends the message next time I connect anyway?

As I was saying...

due to the low-end torque and instant throttle response of the
electrics. This seems to apply equally to touring cars and off-road,
although off-road ICs tend to be trucks which are slower anyway; the
1/8th, .21-powered buggies are something else though :-)

If you have a big track, ICs will eventually be faster in a straight
line but the way an electric leaps out of corners is pretty cool too.

I've been racing electric for about 12 years now and have no plans
to swap to a 'slow, noisy thing' - although this is partly because
a) I don't have a pitman to help and b) I've got quite a bit invested
in my electric setup.

Basically, go with what you want - IC is noiser, messier, smellier
and can be a pain to tune (I've seen some ICs that start and run like
a 1:1 road car, and others that always seem to cut after two minutes)
but will feel faster on a really big track.

Have fun!
Jonny

[Ted Appleberry]

So this Traxxas Stampede is a good beginner-mid level car? I want
something to learn up but I am sure I will ramp up quickly. That said
I don't want to drop a ton of money out of the gate.

I guess I will need a radio with a driving wheel on it as well, are
there good packages on the net where I can get the Stampede and a
decent radio bundled as a discount? IF not what's a good radio for
driving?
Thanks again,
TA


On Thu, 5 Dec 2002 22:58:23 -0000, "Jonny Hodgson"
<jp_hodgson@eRnEgMiOnVeEer.com> wrote:

>
>Ted Appleberry <Ted@appleberry.com> wrote in message news:8vpuuu89ialpr0qmvecnebbg4rc2nskdek@4ax.com...
>> On Thu, 05 Dec 2002 03:18:41 GMT, Sebastian <no-spam@sonic.net> wrote:
>>
>> Good question on the electric vs. gas. Are they nearly equal today? I
>> know the electric used to suck pondwater back in the day and it was
>> all about gas. That said it looks like the gas is significantly more
>> of an investment! Would we be happy with an electric set-up for a few
>> years? We are both gearheads and do like our toys (:
>
>It depends very much on the size of the track. Ultimately there's
>not much in the price; if anything, serious electric kit is more
>expensive (although with NiMH cells being good for two runs in a
>day that may have balanced out).
>
>In my experience, modified-motored electrics are quicker (laptime)
>than a .12 or possibly .15 IC around any typical UK club track, due
>to
>
>>
>> Are you suggesting the Traxxas Stampede is more versatile and a little
>> bit better overall? The price between the two models in electric seems
>> to be about the same. We don't mind a few upgrades right away, that's
>> what makes it fun! What "upgrades" would be necessary right away? Out
>> of the box are these units driveable or is "some assembly required"
>> Are the bodys pre-painted and decaled or are they clear and we can
>> customize our respective bodies? Again, it's important that our cars
>> are initially equal mechanically (pre-"upgrade") but they need to be
>> unique visually.
>>
>> Thanks for the suggestions.. I really appreciate it, there are so many
>> models to choose from!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> >Electric?
>> >
>> >For your specific needs, I'd suggest looking at the Duratrax Evader. If
>> >you wanted a more versatile vehicle, for general bashing on varied
>> >terrain, I'd suggest the Traxxas Stampede. The latter does require a
>> >couple of upgrades right away though.
>> >
>> >HTH
>>
>

[Sebastian]

On Fri, 06 Dec 2002 09:17:37 -0800, Ted Appleberry <ted@appleberry.com> spoke gently:
> So this Traxxas Stampede is a good beginner-mid level car? I want
> something to learn up but I am sure I will ramp up quickly. That said
> I don't want to drop a ton of money out of the gate.
>
> I guess I will need a radio with a driving wheel on it as well, are
> there good packages on the net where I can get the Stampede and a
> decent radio bundled as a discount? IF not what's a good radio for
> driving?
> Thanks again,
> TA
>

Electric vs nitro is easy for me, personally: While my friend (with his
gas powered T-Maxx) fuels, fiddles, tweaks, diagnoses, and messes with
his engine, I am generally found happily bashing with my electric
Stampede. Sure it requires maintenance too, but nowhere near as many
headaches. Not to mention the noise factor....

Regarding the Stampede:

The Stampede is an excellent and versatile truck, for beginners on up.
It shares many common parts with the Traxxas Rustler, including the
drivetrain, so it's fast like a stadium truck (18mph bone stock w/ a
6-cell, around 30 properly hopped up, even faster with a brushless setup),
but it's also able to handle rough terrain and big air that would leave
a stadium truck lacking.

For me, the decision between it and an Evader (or a Rustler or buggy)
would be based solely on one question: Will I ever want to race it
competitively? Or am I going to be bashing in the yard, construction
areas, etc.... A Stampede is not a race car. The extra ground clearance
and higher CG decide that. So if you'll want to race competitively, I'd
say go for the Evader. Otherwise, I heartily recommend the Stampede,
it's an absolute blast to drive, just about anywhere.

It's available in three modes (electric anyway, there IS a nitro version
as well):
--Kit: Unpainted body, mechanical speed control, you provide radio and
two servos (or one servo and an ESC).
--RTR w/ MSC: Includes painted body, radio, and MSC.
--RTR w/ ESC: Painted body, radio, and a low-end ESC (17 turns and up).
<http://www.traxxas.com>

I'd say get the kit version, you save some money, get to choose your own
radio, and you can put in an upgraded steering servo (+ servo saver),
aluminum idler gear, 5x11 wheelbearings/carriers, and a decent ESC while
you're putting it together.
(Those upgrades are the main ones you'll want to start with,
_especially_the_servo_and_saver_, and the ESC.)

Check out <http://www.misbehavin-rc.com>, especially the Pit Lane area
and <http://www.misbehavin-rc.com/pit-lane/hopups/es-hopups_s.html>

To see what a suitably hopped-up Stampede can do, check out some good
video at http://www.swami-rc.com

Hope this helps...

--
What's the difference between a whore and a congressman? A congressman
makes more money. -Ed Abbey

[Ted Appleberry]

Well you certainly make a good argument for the stampede! As far as
racing competitivley there is in fact a local dirt track which started
all of this and we do plan on racing against one another and other
groups. I have definatley decided to go electric. IS the difference in
speed so significant between the two that I should consider the
Evader?

These are the two front runners right now:
Evader Combo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXJ49**&P=7

Stampede Combo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVK75**&P=7

With the combo they both come with radios, are the pre-packaged radios
crapola and should we consider purchasing the car and radio
seperatley?

Many thanks, close to making a decision!!

ta

On Sun, 08 Dec 2002 03:13:56 GMT, Sebastian <no-spam@sonic.net> wrote:

>On Fri, 06 Dec 2002 09:17:37 -0800, Ted Appleberry <ted@appleberry.com> spoke gently:
>> So this Traxxas Stampede is a good beginner-mid level car? I want
>> something to learn up but I am sure I will ramp up quickly. That said
>> I don't want to drop a ton of money out of the gate.
>>
>> I guess I will need a radio with a driving wheel on it as well, are
>> there good packages on the net where I can get the Stampede and a
>> decent radio bundled as a discount? IF not what's a good radio for
>> driving?
>> Thanks again,
>> TA
>>
>
>Electric vs nitro is easy for me, personally: While my friend (with his
>gas powered T-Maxx) fuels, fiddles, tweaks, diagnoses, and messes with
>his engine, I am generally found happily bashing with my electric
>Stampede. Sure it requires maintenance too, but nowhere near as many
>headaches. Not to mention the noise factor....
>
>Regarding the Stampede:
>
>The Stampede is an excellent and versatile truck, for beginners on up.
>It shares many common parts with the Traxxas Rustler, including the
>drivetrain, so it's fast like a stadium truck (18mph bone stock w/ a
>6-cell, around 30 properly hopped up, even faster with a brushless setup),
>but it's also able to handle rough terrain and big air that would leave
>a stadium truck lacking.
>
>For me, the decision between it and an Evader (or a Rustler or buggy)
>would be based solely on one question: Will I ever want to race it
>competitively? Or am I going to be bashing in the yard, construction
>areas, etc.... A Stampede is not a race car. The extra ground clearance
>and higher CG decide that. So if you'll want to race competitively, I'd
>say go for the Evader. Otherwise, I heartily recommend the Stampede,
>it's an absolute blast to drive, just about anywhere.
>
>It's available in three modes (electric anyway, there IS a nitro version
>as well):
>--Kit: Unpainted body, mechanical speed control, you provide radio and
>two servos (or one servo and an ESC).
>--RTR w/ MSC: Includes painted body, radio, and MSC.
>--RTR w/ ESC: Painted body, radio, and a low-end ESC (17 turns and up).
><http://www.traxxas.com>
>
>I'd say get the kit version, you save some money, get to choose your own
>radio, and you can put in an upgraded steering servo (+ servo saver),
>aluminum idler gear, 5x11 wheelbearings/carriers, and a decent ESC while
>you're putting it together.
>(Those upgrades are the main ones you'll want to start with,
>_especially_the_servo_and_saver_, and the ESC.)
>
>Check out <http://www.misbehavin-rc.com>, especially the Pit Lane area
>and <http://www.misbehavin-rc.com/pit-lane/hopups/es-hopups_s.html>
>
>To see what a suitably hopped-up Stampede can do, check out some good
>video at http://www.swami-rc.com
>
>Hope this helps...

[TempestNightmare]

I bought 2 combos from Tower, an HPI Super Nitro and an RS4, and also bought
a RTR Tmaxx. The radios that came with the HPI's were Futaba, I like them
and never had a problem with them. The radio that came with the Maxx was a
Traxxas AM and it also is not a bad radio...Knock wood I have never had a
runaway yet!! LOL
Jon

"Ted Appleberry" <ted@appleberry.com> wrote in message
news:j2u9vuohs2jsrob7h5mj88p2bn6p2m17cp@4ax.com...
> Well you certainly make a good argument for the stampede! As far as
> racing competitivley there is in fact a local dirt track which started
> all of this and we do plan on racing against one another and other
> groups. I have definatley decided to go electric. IS the difference in
> speed so significant between the two that I should consider the
> Evader?
>
> These are the two front runners right now:
> Evader Combo:
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXJ49**&P=7
>
> Stampede Combo:
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVK75**&P=7
>
> With the combo they both come with radios, are the pre-packaged radios
> crapola and should we consider purchasing the car and radio
> seperatley?
>
> Many thanks, close to making a decision!!
>
> ta
>
> On Sun, 08 Dec 2002 03:13:56 GMT, Sebastian <no-spam@sonic.net> wrote:
>
> >On Fri, 06 Dec 2002 09:17:37 -0800, Ted Appleberry <ted@appleberry.com>
spoke gently:
> >> So this Traxxas Stampede is a good beginner-mid level car? I want
> >> something to learn up but I am sure I will ramp up quickly. That said
> >> I don't want to drop a ton of money out of the gate.
> >>
> >> I guess I will need a radio with a driving wheel on it as well, are
> >> there good packages on the net where I can get the Stampede and a
> >> decent radio bundled as a discount? IF not what's a good radio for
> >> driving?
> >> Thanks again,
> >> TA
> >>
> >
> >Electric vs nitro is easy for me, personally: While my friend (with his
> >gas powered T-Maxx) fuels, fiddles, tweaks, diagnoses, and messes with
> >his engine, I am generally found happily bashing with my electric
> >Stampede. Sure it requires maintenance too, but nowhere near as many
> >headaches. Not to mention the noise factor....
> >
> >Regarding the Stampede:
> >
> >The Stampede is an excellent and versatile truck, for beginners on up.
> >It shares many common parts with the Traxxas Rustler, including the
> >drivetrain, so it's fast like a stadium truck (18mph bone stock w/ a
> >6-cell, around 30 properly hopped up, even faster with a brushless
setup),
> >but it's also able to handle rough terrain and big air that would leave
> >a stadium truck lacking.
> >
> >For me, the decision between it and an Evader (or a Rustler or buggy)
> >would be based solely on one question: Will I ever want to race it
> >competitively? Or am I going to be bashing in the yard, construction
> >areas, etc.... A Stampede is not a race car. The extra ground clearance
> >and higher CG decide that. So if you'll want to race competitively, I'd
> >say go for the Evader. Otherwise, I heartily recommend the Stampede,
> >it's an absolute blast to drive, just about anywhere.
> >
> >It's available in three modes (electric anyway, there IS a nitro version
> >as well):
> >--Kit: Unpainted body, mechanical speed control, you provide radio and
> >two servos (or one servo and an ESC).
> >--RTR w/ MSC: Includes painted body, radio, and MSC.
> >--RTR w/ ESC: Painted body, radio, and a low-end ESC (17 turns and up).
> ><http://www.traxxas.com>
> >
> >I'd say get the kit version, you save some money, get to choose your own
> >radio, and you can put in an upgraded steering servo (+ servo saver),
> >aluminum idler gear, 5x11 wheelbearings/carriers, and a decent ESC while
> >you're putting it together.
> >(Those upgrades are the main ones you'll want to start with,
> >_especially_the_servo_and_saver_, and the ESC.)
> >
> >Check out <http://www.misbehavin-rc.com>, especially the Pit Lane area
> >and <http://www.misbehavin-rc.com/pit-lane/hopups/es-hopups_s.html>
> >
> >To see what a suitably hopped-up Stampede can do, check out some good
> >video at http://www.swami-rc.com
> >
> >Hope this helps...
>

[Sebastian]

On Mon, 09 Dec 2002 12:27:38 -0800, Ted Appleberry <ted@appleberry.com> spoke gently:
> Well you certainly make a good argument for the stampede! As far as
> racing competitivley there is in fact a local dirt track which started
> all of this and we do plan on racing against one another and other
> groups. I have definatley decided to go electric. IS the difference in
> speed so significant between the two that I should consider the
> Evader?

It's not so much the speed as the handling. The lower center of gravity
and shorter suspension travel of a stadium truck allows it to corner
just that much more precisely, with less flex and body roll. Speedwise,
the Evader is around 3MPH faster out of the box, but once you put
bearings in the otherwise stock Stampede to match the Evader, that speed
difference is all but gone.

There are people out there who race their stampedes, but naturally they
generally have to make concessions in "big air" capability to be really
competitive on the track. The evader is better suited to a groomed track,
while the 'pede will take on a wider variety of terrain (and huge jumps)
without breaking a sweat. Both great choices, just depends on your
intended use.

> These are the two front runners right now:
> Evader Combo:
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXJ49**&P=7
>
> Stampede Combo:
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVK75**&P=7
>
> With the combo they both come with radios, are the pre-packaged radios
> crapola and should we consider purchasing the car and radio
> seperatley?
>
> Many thanks, close to making a decision!!

The Evader comes stock with some good hopups like bearings, aluminum
shocks, etc. On the Stampede, add a stronger servo with saver and 5x11
wheelbearings with RPM carriers and you're up to a little more for the
Stampede than the Evader, so that might be a consideration for you.

The Traxxas transmitter is not bad at all. It does what it's supposed to
do, no more no less. I'd imagine the Evader's is similar.

HTH!

--
What draws us into the desert is the search for something intimate in
the remote. -Ed Abbey

[Jim Banks]

"Ted Appleberry" <ted@appleberry.com> wrote in message
news:j2u9vuohs2jsrob7h5mj88p2bn6p2m17cp@4ax.com...
> Well you certainly make a good argument for the stampede! As far as
> racing competitivley there is in fact a local dirt track which started
> all of this and we do plan on racing against one another and other
> groups. I have definatley decided to go electric. IS the difference in
> speed so significant between the two that I should consider the
> Evader?
>
> These are the two front runners right now:
> Evader Combo:
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXXJ49**&P=7
>
> Stampede Combo:
> http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVK75**&P=7
>
> With the combo they both come with radios, are the pre-packaged radios
> crapola and should we consider purchasing the car and radio
> seperatley?
>
> Many thanks, close to making a decision!!
>

If you seriously want to race competitively, you have to at least consider
either Associated or Losi vehicles.

Jim