Introduction - A Beginner's Guide Into Radio Controlled RC Cars

Many people have owned or driven R/C cars as a child, but would have given up the hobby as they get older. Now's the time to remember how much fun it all was!

R/C Cars range from the types of cars you see in toy and electronics stores to the types of cars that companies like HPI Racing, Red Cat racing, Traxxas, Tamiya, Kyosho, Team Losi etc offers.

Cars are powered by various sources. Electric cars are powered by small but powerful electric motors and rechargeable nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or lithium polymer cells. There are also brushed or brushless electric motors. Most fuel-powered models use glow plug engines, small internal combustion engines fueled by a special mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil (in most cases a blend of castor oil and synthetic oil). These are referred to as "nitro" cars. Recently, exceptionally large models have been introduced that are powered by small gasoline engines, which use a mix of oil and gasoline.

Electric cars are generally considered easier for the novice to work with compared to fuel-driven models, but can be equally as complex at the higher budget and skill levels.

Radio control cars come in two basic forms the "kit" type cars or trucks that are sold only at specialized hobby shops or mail-order companies and are available as a build-it-yourself kit or "Ready To Run". Toy-style cars are often advertised as "remote control".

R/C cars and trucks cost more at first, they are more durable and faster than toy R/C cars. You can also repair this type of R/C car or truck, which is usually impossible or very difficult to do with toy R/C cars. The cost to repair a car or truck is only a fraction of the cost it would take to send a toy-style kit to its manufacturer (if that is even possible). You can also upgrade an R/C car or truck to make it faster, stronger, more durable, and more adjustable or just make it look nicer.