Fun with Remote Control Car Kits: A Beginner’s Guide

By -Kyle Hilson
Posted on April 17, 2023June 2, 2023
Posted in RC Cars

Remote control car kits are becoming increasingly popular as a fun and engaging hobby for people of all ages. These kits allow hobbyists to build, customize, and play with their own miniature cars. From off-road trucks to drift cars, there are a variety of options available to suit all types of enthusiasts. Building a remote control car kit can be a rewarding experience since it allows you to understand how the car works and to personalize it according to your preferences. Moreover, remote control car kits offer a range of benefits – they promote creativity, encourage problem-solving skills, and provide an enjoyable pastime, both indoors and outdoors. For many, driving a remote control car can offer a fulfilling escape from their mundane routine; it’s a great way to unwind and clear your mind. Whether it’s a thrilling race with friends or cruising alone, remote control cars can provide a fun, exciting, and engaging experience.

Types of remote control car kits

There are various types of remote control car kits to choose from, and each offers its own unique set of features and benefits. Here are some popular options:

Off-road remote control car kits

Designed for rough terrain and obstacles.
A great option for adventurous hobbyists.
Offer high ground clearance, sturdy suspensions, and big tires.
Usually bigger in size and require ample space to drive.
Popular models include Traxxas TRX-4, rock crawlers, and monster trucks.

On-road remote control car kits

Designed to run on smooth surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt.
Typically used for racing and drifting purposes.
Offer the highest speeds among all types of RC cars.
Usually smaller in size and perfect for indoor or outdoor tracks.
Popular models include Tamiya Formula One cars, touring cars, and drift cars.

Drift remote control car kits

Designed to perform sliding maneuvers, like real-life cars in drifting competitions.
Offer a unique driving experience and require a bit of skill to master.
Require slicks tires, a rear-wheel drive, and a controlled braking system.
Usually 1/10th in scale and can run both indoors and outdoors.
Popular models include AWD drifters, RWD drifters, and mini-Z drift cars.

Regardless of the type of RC car you choose, make sure you conduct plenty of research to find the best model for your preferences and skill level. Websites like towerhobbies.com, horizonhobby.com, and amainhobbies.com offer a vast selection of remote control car kits and parts to choose from.

What are the different types of remote control toy car?

There are various types of remote control toy cars available in the market, depending on their size, power source, and features. Here are some popular types:

Electric cars: These cars run on battery power and are easy to operate.
Nitro cars: These cars use a special type of fuel called nitro methane and are more powerful than electric ones.
Gasoline cars: These cars run on regular gasoline and are the most powerful option, best suited for experienced users.
On-Road cars: These cars are designed to run on smooth surfaces like asphalt or concrete, and are ideal for racing.
Off-Road cars: These cars are designed for rough terrain and can run on dirt, grass, and rocky surfaces.

Check out websites like Amazon, Best Buy or Target for the latest models and prices of remote control toy cars.

Choosing the right RC car kit

Picking the ideal remote control car kit can be a daunting task. Here are some factors to consider:

Age and skill level

Choose a beginner-friendly kit if it’s your first time.
More advanced kits may require technical knowledge and skill.
Some kits may have small parts that can be a choking hazard for young children.

Budget

RC car kits range from affordable to quite expensive.
Consider the cost of replacement parts and maintenance when choosing a kit.
Some kits require additional purchases, like batteries, chargers, and tools.

Availability of parts and upgrades

Choose a kit with widely available parts and upgrades.
This makes it easier to maintain and repair your car in case of damage or wear and tear.
Some hobby shops may only carry certain brands or models of kits, so research online to find the best options.

Table of popular RC car kit brands and models

Brand	Model	Price range
Traxxas	X-Maxx	$700-$900
Redcat Racing	Volcano EPX	$150-$250
Team Associated	B6.2DL	$350-$500
Tamiya	Grasshopper	$100-$200

As you can see, there are plenty of RC car kit options available at different price ranges and skill levels. Take your time to research and find the best fit for your interests and budget. Websites like towerhobbies.com, horizonhobby.com, and amainhobbies.com offer a vast selection of remote control car kits and parts to choose from.

How do I choose the right RC car?

When choosing an RC car, consider the following factors:

Intent: What will you be using the RC car for? Racing, cruising, or off-roading?
Budget: RC cars can range from inexpensive to very costly.
Scale: Different sizes are available, including 1:10 and 1:18 scale models.
Speed: Speeds can range from slow to very fast.
Power source: Choose between electric or nitro-powered models.
Features: Look for features like suspension, durability, and ease of control.

Visit websites like hobbytron and traxxas to browse and compare different models before making a purchase.

Building and customizing your RC car kit

Building and customizing your remote control car kit is a significant part of the experience. Here are some things to consider:

Building the kit

Follow the instructions carefully, step by step.
Take your time, rushing can lead to mistakes.
Patience and perseverance can go a long way if you encounter challenges.
Invite friends or family members to participate in the building process.

Customizing the kit

Add decals or stickers to give your car a unique look.
Paint the car with colors of your choice.
Add LEDs or other electronics for a customized lighting effect.
Swap out wheels, tires or body parts with upgraded or alternative options to enhance your car’s performance or appearance.

Tools that can help

A screwdriver set of different head sizes and shapes
Needle-nose pliers and wire cutters
A heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the plastic parts before bending
A hobby knife for trimming or shaping parts

Websites like towerhobbies.com, horizonhobby.com and amazon.com offer an extensive selection of tools, paint, decals, and replacement parts for your RC car project. Customizing your car can help you stand out from the crowd and make an impression in races or competitions.

What do I need to build my own RC car?

To build your own RC car, you will need the following:

A chassis
An RC car kit or individual components, such as motors, ESCs, servos, batteries, and a remote controller
Tools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters
A workspace with good lighting and ventilation

Some great places to purchase RC car kits or individual components include RC Planet, Horizon Hobby, and Tower Hobbies. Additionally, there are plenty of online tutorials and forums to help guide you through the building process, such as RC Groups and RC Driver.

Playing with your RC car kit

Playing with your remote control car kit can be a blast, but you need to ensure that you do it safely. Here are some things to consider:

Choosing the right place

Avoid crowded areas and public roads
Find an open space, like a park or empty lot, where you can drive without any disturbances
Take advantage of terrains like hills, slopes or dirt tracks to experiment with your car’s handling and speed
Consider indoor driving options during bad weather or nighttime

Safety tips

Always wear eye protection and closed-toe shoes for safety
Remember to watch out for other people or pets in the area
Avoid driving your car near ponds or rivers to prevent any damage to your car
Check the batteries and the car before driving to ensure that everything is working correctly

Enhancing the driving experience

Add obstacles such as cones or other barriers to create a challenging driving course
Consider racing with other people or joining a competition to test your skills
Record your driving sessions and watch it back to determine what can be improved
Create different scenarios such as reenacting a car chase or drifting motion with your car

Websites like walmart.com and hobbytown.com offer a great selection of remote control cars that can handle different terrains and speed levels. You can also find accessories like cones or barriers that can enhance your driving experience. Remember to have fun and stay safe when driving your car!

Where can I play with my RC car?

Here are some places where you can have fun with your RC car:

RC tracks or clubs: Many cities have dedicated RC tracks or clubs where hobbyists can gather and race their cars.
Parks: Large parks are great places to drive your RC car, just be sure to follow park rules and regulations.
Empty lots: You can also find empty parking lots or fields to drive your car. Just make sure it’s legal to do so and be respectful of private property.

There are also websites and products available that can help you find more specific locations to race and play with your RC car.

Joining a community of RC car enthusiasts

Remote Control car kits are a popular hobby, and there are many communities and forums dedicated to enthusiasts. Joining one of these communities offers many benefits:

Networking with Other RC Car Hobbyists

Meet fellow enthusiasts and share tips and tricks
Exchange information about the latest products, technology or accessories
Get help on your questions or problems related to your RC car kit

Get Involved in Events and Competitions

Attend events like car shows, races or competitions to showcase your skills and knowledge
Learn from experts who give lectures or workshops at these events
Participate in forums that organize group races, team-building activities or car meets.

Access to Exclusive Deals and Products

Some communities may offer exclusive promotions, discounts or giveaways for members
Access to member-only offerings and discounts that can help you save money on car parts and accessories.

Joining an RC car community is relatively easy. Look for online forums and communities like RCGroups.com or r/RCCars on Reddit, where you can join the conversations and engage with other hobbyists. If you prefer in-person meetups, search for local groups on Facebook or use websites like Meetup.com, that host local RC car events. These communities can provide a fun and engaging way to connect with other enthusiasts and take your hobby to the next level.

Is RC Cars a Hobby?

Yes, Remote Control (RC) cars can absolutely be considered a hobby. RC car enthusiasts enjoy building, modifying, and racing their cars. Some even participate in competitions and collect various models. RC cars can provide hours of entertainment and are a great way to bond with others who have similar interests. For those interested in getting started in this hobby, there are numerous websites and products available, including beginner-friendly RC cars and kits, online forums and communities, and specialized magazines such as RC Car Action.

Conclusion

Remote control car kits are an excellent hobby that provides both fun and educational value. Building, customizing, and racing with RC cars can lead to the development of valuable skills like patience, dexterity, and problem-solving. Moreover, it is a great way to connect with other hobbyists, experts, and professionals who share your passion.

The key to making the most of your remote control car kits is to take your time and find the model, style, and type that best suits your interests and skills. Always start slow and work your way into more advanced skills, techniques, and modifications.

Joining an RC car community is also an excellent way to share tips, meet other hobbyists, and access exclusive deals on products and accessories. You can find these communities online or in person through a simple search online.

Whether you are new to the hobby or have been building and racing RC cars for years, there has never been a better time to start having fun with remote control car kits. So go ahead, pick up a kit today, and let the fun begin!