Originally posted by TheGreatOne:
very cool...I'm looking to get into this but I dont' know where to start! There's a wealth of websites selling cars and parts...but it's all useless info to a newcomer with no experience. What's a good kit for a beginner and where can i buy one? IE: something that there'a ALOT of parts for, and various body choices.
If your just starting off you need to decide if you want to run electric or gas and whether you want an off road buggy/truck or an on road car.
Copied directly from the Schumacher site(cause I couldn't have said it any better:
ELECTRIC cars are the easiest models to use. Power comes from rechargeable nicad batteries which give a run time of up to 15 minutes from a 30 minute charge. Electric cars are quiet in operation and can be used indoors if space permits. They are great as first cars and for younger drivers.
NITRO cars feature a glow plug engine similar to that used in model aeroplanes. Nitro engines run on special fuel available from model shops. The great thing about Nitro cars is the noise, smell and sheer performance of the engine. Add to that quick refuelling pit stops which allow a Nitro to run and run.
IMO you'd be lucky to get even 15 minutes from a set of batteries unless you like the granny speeds. Startup costs are about equal for both but the nirto seemed to be cheaper in the long run back when I was still racing r/c cars.
Check out a local hobby shop for prices and avoid the chain shops, like Hobby Town USA, or else you'll get gouged on the price. Losi and Associated cars are probably the most popular. Traxxus is fairly new compared to the rest and all three are American companies and also have the most parts readily available. Traxxus also makes a beast like 1/6 scale gas buggy. Yokomo, Kyosho, Tamiya are all Japanese companies. Yokomo has always made killer products but a little steep in price and make some of the best 4wd cars. Kyosho and Tamiya are a little lower price and quality wise. Parts may be a pain in the rear to find. Schumacher is a German company. Good product but usually even harder to find parts for.
http://www.teamlosi.com/http://www.teamassociated.com/http://www.traxxas.com/http://www.yokomousa.com/http://www.kyosho.com/http://www.tamiya.com/english/e-home.htmhttp://www.racing-cars.com/show.asp (Schumacher Cars)
i didnt know we could say that