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Which is Better.... Gas or Electric Radio Control Trucks?The ever growing debate on which is the better radio control truck... the fast gas powered model or the silent electric powered model? Here is a side by side comparison of the basic out of the box gas and electric radio control trucks:
History of Radio Control TrucksIn the early days (1980's - 90's), radio controlled trucks were mostly electric powered. Most popular were the stadium trucks and monster trucks.
Then around 1992 -1994 hobbyists started to convert their electric trucks to accommodate 2-stroke gas engines. These custom radio control trucks became very popular, and soon companies started to sell conversion kits. Companies then started to design and sell gas radio control trucks. These were designed from the start to be gas powered, and were definitely better than the conversion kits. They were also cheaper than purchasing an electric truck plus the conversion kit. Today, the hobby of radio control trucks is still growing. Companies such as Losi have taken the initiative and produced a small 1/18 scale mini rc truck. Kyosho also has it's own mini radio control truck, called the Mini-Z Overland and Monster Truck. Gas or Electric? In terms of comparing the cost of entry level models, the electric powered trucks are cheaper. But if you are looking for fast rc trucks (40 - 50 mph), then gas powered radio control trucks are cheaper in the long run. A 2.5 horsepower engine and a 2-speed transmission can easily push a gas truck over 40 mph. To make an electric radio control truck go 40 mph requires modified motors, high power batteries, and high power electronic speed controls, which can be expensive. It is also rare to see an electric truck with 2-speed transmissions, so there is a compromise between strong acceleration or higher top speed. In terms of maintenance, electric radio control trucks are simpler and easier to clean. Gas rc trucks usually spread fuel and exhaust fumes all over the truck, which also attracts dirt. If noise is a concern, then go for the quiet electric trucks. But if you love the realism of the sound of gas engines and shifting of 2 speed transmissions (some even have 3 speed transmissions), then gas powered models are the best. Summary The winner depends on the situation. Gas trucks have their strong points (speed, power, realism, long run times) and their weak points (loud noise, fuel attracts dirt). Electric trucks have their strong points (cheaper to get into, quiet, easy to maintain) and their weak points (slower, short run times). So the choice of the best radio control truck is ultimately up to you and what you are looking for. Have fun! The Editor P.S. In a short dirt track, electrics may even post faster lap times than gas trucks. But in larger tracks, gas rc trucks will leave the electric rc trucks in the dirt. P.P.S. Here is a page where you can buy rc trucks online. Related R/C Hobby Shops This section features companies that sell rc trucks online.
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