| g a new or used RC model car is a rewarding and | | | | Gas powered RC cars and trucks require space |
| exciting process. Gas or electric? Truck or car? | | | | and are not ideal for apartment complexes or |
| Helicopter or plane? There are many | | | | homes which could have neighbors calling in noise |
| considerations you must address before making | | | | complaints to your local authorities. Radio |
| these decisions. However, there are 5 top factors | | | | controlled planes and helicopters need wide open |
| that will help you on your decision. | | | | spaces with little obstruction for safe operation. |
| Battery or gas? | | | | Electric RC’s can normally be operated |
| The major factors determining your choice here | | | | anywhere as they are considerably less noisy |
| are run time and noise. Gas RC cars, trucks, | | | | than gas RC’s. Another consideration is |
| planes, or helicopters are usually loud, even with a | | | | terrain. Is your RC truck or car an off-road buggy |
| muffler installed. The advantage of gas | | | | or stomper truck or is it a track racer? For |
| RC’s are that they can run a lot longer | | | | example, street RC’s perform better and |
| with a tank of fuel versus a battery powered RC. | | | | tires last longer on pavement versus asphalt. |
| The average battery life on a RC vehicle will give | | | | Wear and Tear |
| you roughly 10 to 25 minutes of run time | | | | There are great deals out there on unwanted RC |
| – at full speed. Some radio control trucks | | | | models, however it is important to understand the |
| and cars deplete energy faster due to | | | | wear-and-tear of these vehicle before you shell |
| accessories like lights, horns and other gadgets. | | | | out your hard-earned cash. Start with the heart. |
| Kit vs RTR? | | | | That is check the motor, the most important |
| When buying a new RC car or truck or even a | | | | piece to the model. If it’s gas, check for |
| plane, there are 2 directions you can take based | | | | oil leakage around the head and base of the |
| on your patience, budget, and skill level. If | | | | motor. Shocks when worn out tend to leak oil as |
| you’re the adventurous type and enjoy | | | | well so look at these with a close eye as well. |
| working on a project from beginning to end then | | | | What’s your Budget |
| a Kit package is your best option. Kits involve | | | | With prices for used buggies around $75 to fully |
| putting together the entire RC car, truck, or plane | | | | loaded USED RC Helicopters peaking over $1,500, |
| together from a box of pieces into the final | | | | it’s best to have an understanding of your |
| product, which you can be proud of your | | | | purchasing budget, but also your operational |
| accomplishment! Kit packages are usually more | | | | budget as well. After you buy your new or used |
| expensive but are more modifiable. RTR or | | | | radio controlled model the spending |
| “Ready to Run” packages are | | | | doesn’t stop there as you will have |
| ready to go outside of the box. Charge the | | | | maintenance costs for tires, batteries, fuel, |
| battery or fuel up the tank and you’ll be | | | | bushings, blades, servos, and more. Depending on |
| enjoying your new RC within minutes, versus | | | | how serious you are involved with your RC model |
| hours or even days compared to kits. | | | | will determine how much of an operating budget |
| Location, Location, Location | | | | you will need. |