cboggs949

I'm looking for ideas for a gas powered RC something's with 4 wheels'.
I'm ignorant in the ways of RC. All I know is I want something that has 4 wheels, clearence for running in the yard, quick (faster than electric), durable in crashes, & reasonably priced.
I would like to someone to recommend both turck and car style bodies.
This will be strickly for fun in the yard and down the road with my kids.

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Carnutz68

My Feedback: (1)

Go to this link [link=http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings/listgass.html]NITRO[/link] See if there is anything you might be interested in.

Tigger N. Bennie

Faster than electric? Some electrics are very, very fast. The motor in my 1/18th scale is rated at 60+ mph. To help narrow things down, you should probably post a price range and state whether that price range includes all necessary accessories, i.e. nitro fuel, fuel igniter, batteries, charger, and so on. Also whether you want a ready-to-run or a kit that needs to be assembled. Furthermore, whether you are near a hobby shop (local support) or if you plan to do mostly online ordering. Online ordering can save, but you may have to wait for replacement parts if there is no local support and even if there is a local hobby shop, they may have to order parts depending on the RC.

cboggs949

What I mean by faster than electric is one that is faster than the RC car I can by at Radio Shack or Toys R Us.
I would like to spend less than $200

cboggs949

EDIT*: I'm sorry, no eBay links please!
-Moderator Team

cboggs949

Oh. Let me through this in the mix.
I was looking for gas because the electrics I had as a kid (from Wal-mart, radio shack (9v))run out of juice after about 10 min of running.
IF there are cheaper electric that run along time, then i'm game for that. I just wanted gas because of the extened running time.

Tigger N. Bennie

I didn't see a "Kyosho Xanavi Nismo GP 4wd" listed on Kyosho USA's website, but that doesn't mean it isn't on Kyosho Japan. I could have just missed it too. Kyosho makes some very good RC products, however, it doesn't mean that you'll find lots of local support. Both the USA and Japan links are below.
http://www.kyosho.com/cars/index.html
http://www.kyosho.co.jp/main-e.html

More importantly, did you also notice that the auction is on a kit. The ad states, "No box, or manual. Car as pictured only. No radio gear, servo pushrods, or servo mounts."

One of the least expensive 4WD that I have seen is the Venom Mini-Giant. It has lots of clearance for a 1/20th scale and can move pretty quick with three inexpensive upgrades: bearing kit, 7-cell battery pack, and motor. At one time I saw them as low as $99 while others were selling them for $179. Ultimate Hobbies currently has the VMG listed at $129.95 (with free shipping for internet and mail orders over $50), but has a "call for price" listed. Consequently, it may be cheaper and Ultimate usually has pretty good prices.

http://www.ultimatehobbies.com//l129.html

cboggs949

Ya... if the electric can run for quite a while then that will be my choice. I was looking on Towers site and found some good models with good pricing.
What's the 6-cell, 7-cell and 7-cell with hump mean. i take it these the batteries.. How long should these run for opposed to 9v's from K-mart

cboggs949

Maybe like this
[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVK74**&P=0]Traxxas Rustler RTR w/Radio & ESC[/link]

Tigger N. Bennie

The #cell is basically the number of batteries, i.e. 6-cell means 6 batteries assembled into a pack, and the "hump" usually means that the batteries are not laid out flat but are stacked. More cells equals more volts and possible more speed. The VMG has an optional "Hex-7 Power Cell" or basically 7 batteries configured to look like a hexagon. Here is the VMG link. http://www.venom-racing.com The thing is that the different types of batteries may have different types of "plugs" and need chargers. Most of the time, I use "Deans Connectors" which is a type of plug that I solder on to the pack so I can connect them to my own battery charger.

The thing about rechargeable batteries is that there is another rating. For example, some NiMH batteries may have 1200nimh and another may have 1100nimh. The 1200s should run longer. Think of it as a larger fuel tank holding more fuel.

If you do run electric, I would pick up at least 2 battery packs if you want to run back-to-back. In that regard nitro may be nicer since one could keep filling the tanks over and over. However, most nitro races are no longer than electrics unless it is the A-Mains. The thing is that running a nitro engine for an hour is not that good on it either and nitro engines can get real funny depending on the weather. If you want real long run times, a gasoline/oil mix large-scale car is the only way to go since many will run 45 minutes on a tank of fuel. However, the cost of a kit would run around $750 new.

Edit: I've met several people who own a Traxxas Rustler and the love them. Traxxas has also be around for quite a while.

If you do go nitro, you may want to read this article on the Traxxas board. Nothing against Traxxas since I own a T-Maxx and yes, I realize that the Rustler you are checking out is electric (it's more of a note for anyone else reading this post).

http://monster.traxxas.com/showthrea...hreadid=161277

B.T.D.T.

They now have 3300mah batteries and last a long time. Nitro cars are more maintenance and will cost much more than $200. Electric cars is much cleaner to run. I have both types and love them both. Just buy at less two battery packs. I recently brought (6) 6 cells-3300mah for my two electric cars for my kids. Plus I have older packs I'm not using because they are 7 cell-1800mah. Run time on these newer batteries with high capacity is nice.

There are lots of new cars and I can't recommend anyone cause I'm not sure.

The two electric cars I have is from Team Associated - RC10 Buggy (These cars are from the late 80's, Original Gold Tub Chassis) and still works. I just brought a new Nitro Car from Team Associated (FT NTC3). This car is highly rated. So I guess I would lean with Team Associated.

cboggs949

All this info and I am still having trouble.
LOL Someone tell me what I want.

I want a car style with a decent clearance.
Electric (6 or 7 cell) , if it last a good amout of time.

Something like this
[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJAY0&P=0]Associated RC18T RTR[/link]

or

[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJE54**&P=0]Traxxas Bandit RTR w/Radio[/link]

Recommendations

B.T.D.T.

I would go with 1/10 scale cars. It will have more ground clearance to drive any where.
The RC10T4 RTR or RC10B4 Stealth Buggy RTR would be my choices. The Associated TC3 is an on road car. You need to have a very flat and level play area.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...p?&C=CAC&V=ASC
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...P?&C=CAI&V=ASC

cboggs949

Associated RC10T4 RTR is discontinued, wouldn't that matter?

B.T.D.T.

Get the special edition
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHXM2&P=0

http://www.teamassociated.com/shusti...c10t4_kits.htm

cboggs949

I really like the RC10T4 Ready To Run "Special Edition" Truck.
What price should I expect to pay and what other items would i have to purchase to make this thing run?
I don't need fancy add'ons just get it going.
I want it to run awhile. I want batteries that will last awhile.

B.T.D.T.

These are the prices from Tower Hobbies:
Truck
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHXM2&P=0

What you need is 6 cell batteries. Get more than 1 pack for more play time.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LH2790&P=1
Cheaper battery but will have less play time.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LH2760&P=1

Battery Charger (AC/DC Peak type charger)
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LH2939&P=1

8 - AA Batteries for your radio.

cboggs949

B.T.D.T. I hope you can clear this up for me

You linked 2 batteries. The Epic 3000mAh NIMH Sport Battery Pack & the DuraTrax Piranha 6-Cell 1900mAh Flat Standard.
I can only guess that the Epic is 'better' since it's a 3000mAh,
The Epic (3000)is $18.99 and the Piranha (1900) is $14.99

But this you mention the battery charger. A DuraTrax Piranha AC/DC Peak Power Charger.
It says the following Chargers fetures:
Peak Charges 6- and 7-cell NiCd Battery Packs **NOT FOR NiMH**
Charges Packs w/Capacities Ranging From 1200 to 2000mAh

Now here's where i'm confused... You recommend a 3000mAh NIMH battery AND a charger that only supports 2000mAh but not for NiMH.
the Piranha's are NiCds, so I assume it would work with the charger you mentioned.

Remember I want long run times. Not something that will wimp out in 15 min's

I really do appreciate the help/advise, thank you very much.

Tigger N. Bennie

boggs,
Don't waste your money on a NiCD only charger and purchase a charger that can at least charge both NiCDs and NiMHs. If you want to "stay" in RC, you may also want to purchase a charger that can also charge lead acid batteries (starter box) and LiPo batteries (lighter and lots of voltage) though the price will jump especially if you need a power supply.

Below are also a couple of links on batteries.
http://www.teamtrinity.com/tips/batts.asp
http://www.teamnovak.com/products/ba...tery_care.html

Remember things such as gearing and "race" ESC modes will also affect the run time length--more speed and power means less run time.

B.T.D.T.

CBOGGS949

Sorry about that, I was wrong on the battery and chargers. I wanted to recommend that you get the larger mah packs you can afford, for longer run time and should get NiMH (No Memory on batteries). I thought that these days chargers are for both NiCd's and NiMH.
If you get a charger without AC input, you will need a power supply or charge your batteries with the real car battery. Some companies stated do not use your battery charger with the motor running. When the car is running the alt. generates more than 12VDC and can damage your battery charger.
Tigger N. Bennie is right on gearing and ESC. I don't have the RC10T4 so I can't comment on the electronics on this car. In the past I've alway brought kit cars and put the best electronics I can afford. In the late 80's I got two of my friends into this hobby, they did not believe me when I told them they will get what they paid for. We all had the RC10 Buggy. I got top of line ESC and they did not. I got a good peak charger. I also change the pitch on the gearing. Finer teeth for a smoother mesh. Radio, Motors and the batteries were the same. Guest what? I had longer run times against them and I would always win. The down side was when we play together I need to change batteries the same time with them otherwise during the next race they would be faster and my batteries would not get discharged. Or if I keep running my car, I would heat up my motor for continues running when my friends car's motor are off cooling down.

It you get serious into racing they recommend match batteries, larger wires at min. length (to carry the current draw), different battery connectors, discharge units and equalizing tray etc. A lot more than I can afford or want to spend.

I brought two of these chargers and 6-batteries a few months back. I just brought these so my kids can play with my two old cars for longer run times than my older batteries. Did not race anybody so can't really give you a good comment. Charge time for this setup is about 45 mins. Run times not sure since the kids play and stop these cars. It's about 30-45 mins. I never fully used all the batteries each time we go out and play. It's possible it may me longer than 45min. I know for a fact that it lastest longer than a full tank of nitro when I run with them.

http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...YN4036&tag=dpp
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=DYN1170
Tower Hobbies now have cheaper cost 3000mah. You will need to check around for pricing/shipping .

Also I was in the process of changing the battery connectors to deans since my car already has these connectors. (I'm using adapters to make it work now.) The wires are only 16awg. I was a little disappointed on the sizing. Since I'm not racing it doesn't matter any more to me.

Again, sorry for not checkout the information I gave you.

BadDirtRider

For batteries look at these [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHBP3&P=1]Epic Dreadnaught[/link] I use them for bashing all the time.

for a charger how about this [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHBP3&P=1]MRC Super Brain[/link]
Supposed to be pretty good for the price

I use this Charger [link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=DYN4036]Prophit plus AC/DC charger $40[/link]

BUGGIES_R_US

Great discussion guys,

Hey Adam I'll say this.. I dont know what you budget is.. but BEFORE you buy anything, KNOW everything..
Understand what everything is.. If I come up to you and say "Whats a venturi and what does it do?" You should be able to answer correctly.

Then after you educated, you can make superb choices based on your own knowledge and taste
Thats MY way.. may not be the best, or fastest way.. but thought I could throw it up there!

Ram