Beginner's Guide To The
Hobby of RC Trucks
Welcome to the hobby of remote control RC trucks. It is easy to get
started. This page explains common terminologies and answers your
frequently asked questions.
Terminologies
Here are some definitions of terms frequently used in the r/c hobby.
Scale - Refers to the size of the model kit. For example, 1/10
scale means the model is ten times smaller than the real thing. Relatively
speaking, a 1/8 scale is bigger than a 1/10 scale. And 1/10 scale is
bigger than 1/24 scale.
Ready-to-Run (RTR) - These usually refer to model kits that come
with a radio control system and equipment needed for the model to run
right out of the box. RTR kits make it easy for beginners to get started
in the hobby. Usual there are just minor items left to be purchased, such
as batteries for the radio control system and fuel for the nitro engine.
Radio Control System - This consists of a transmitter, receiver,
and servos. The transmitter is what you hold in your hand. It sends
signals to the receiver and servos mounted on your R/C truck. The servos
in turn use mechanical movement to steer the truck and control the speed.
The transmitter usually uses 8-AA size batteries, while the receiver
needs 4-AA sized batteries. You may use Alkaline or rechargeable
batteries.
Gas / Nitro Trucks
These are usually 1/10 - 1/8 scale remote controlled trucks powered by
a 2-stroke gas / nitro engine. Items you need are the truck kit, engine,
radio control system, nitro fuel, glow plug igniter, and starter.
RTR gas trucks usually include the kit, engine, and radio control
system. You will need to buy the nitro fuel and glow plug igniter
separately.
2-stroke Gas Engine - Common size are .12ci (1.97cc) and .21ci
(3.5cc). These use special nitro fuel to run. Instead of a spark plug, the
engine uses a glow plug.
Nitro Fuel - The term nitro and gas are frequently used
interchangeably. For 1/10 and 1/8 scale models, the term nitro and gas
means the model is designed to use a special blend of nitro fuel for R/C
cars and trucks. You cannot use regular gasoline.
Not to be confused, there are large-scale models (i.e. 1/6 - 1/4 scale)
that have lawnmower type engines which use regular gasoline.
Glow Plug - Device that ignites the air/fuel mixture inside the
gas engine, similar to a spark plug.
During the initial starting of an engine, a 1.5v supply is applied to
the glow plug. The coils inside the glow plug heat up, igniting the
air/fuel mixture. Once the engine is idling, the 1.5v supply is removed.
Glow Plug Igniter - The device that applies the 1.5v to heat up
the glow plug.
For more info, visit the Nitro RC Trucks
page.
Electric RC Trucks
These are usually 1/28 - 1/8 scale remote controlled trucks powered by
an electric motor. Items you need are the truck kit,
radio control system, battery pack and charger.
RTR electric trucks usually come complete with everything you need to
get started. However, some RTR kits do not include the battery pack and
charger.
Battery Pack - For 1/10 scale, a 7.2v battery pack is commonly
used. The basic choices are NiCad and NiMH. NiCads are usually cheaper,
while the NiMHs provide longer run times.
You will also notice ratings such as 1700 MAH and 3300 MAH. The higher
the number means longer run times for your radio control truck.
For more info, visit the Electric RC
Trucks page.
Gas or Electric?
Electric R/C trucks are recommended as a first model for beginners.
Then as you gain experience you can buy the faster gas powered R/C trucks.
Here are factors to consider for buying gas or electric models. Items
in yellow mean it is an advantage.
| |
Gas R/C Trucks |
Electric R/C Trucks |
| Speed |
Anywhere from 27-50
mph. Out of the box gas trucks are fast. |
Anywhere from 14-22 mph. Going faster
would require expensive batteries and modified motors. |
| Run Time |
5-8 minutes per fuel
tank. Simply refuel and you can play all afternoon. |
5-10 minutes per battery pack. Motor
usually needs to be cooled down before running again. |
| Cost |
Initial cost is the same as electric
models. The only major maintenance cost would be fuel and rebuilding
the piston/sleeve of the engine every 2-4 gallons of running. |
Initial cost is cheap. However, to
achieve speeds similar to gas trucks requires expensive motors and
batteries. |
| Ease of Operation |
Gas engines can be finicky and sometimes
refuse to start. Good engine tuning knowledge and skills are
necessary. |
Simply charge the
battery pack and start playing. |
| Realism |
The sound of the
2-stroke engine, the smell of nitro, and the shifting of a 2-speed
transmission makes gas trucks more fun. |
- |
| Other Factors |
The noise factor must be considered. Your
neighborhood or local city ordinance might have a law against noise.
Also nitro fumes require that you play in well ventilated areas
(i.e. outdoors). |
Quiet operation lets
you play indoors and outdoors without disturbing anyone. |
Buy / Shop
Where Can I Buy Remote Control Trucks For Sale?
The hobby quality remote control trucks are usually sold in hobby shops.
You can visit your local hobby shop (LHS) to buy the model you desire.
If you do not live near a local hobby shop, try buying online. Factors
to consider when buying from an online hobby shop are: brand,
availability, reputation, merchant rating, and the total delivered price.
One good online hobby shop I recommend is HobbyTron
RC TRUCKS GUIDE
Below is the link to the homepage where you can find more guide, tips,
and reviews of popular rc trucks.
RC Trucks - Remote Control Monster, Nitro, Electric, and Mini R/C
Trucks
40+ MPH nitro gas powered rc truck, fast electric remote control truck,
and fun mini r/c trucks.
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