R/C Hovercraft - Remote Control Hovercraft

The hovercraft has always been an intriguing vehicle, always teasing the idea that flying cars might someday be a reality. Alas, flying cars are still not available, but hovercraft that can move over both land and water have now become available – in both full-size and remote control forms. In this article, we'll concentrate on the remote control hovercraft, which has significantly improved in recent years.

RC, as with anything remote control, has pioneered the forward expansion of the remote control hovercraft model – moving it from a rather weak, slow, light model to something more durable and fast. Additionally, RC has created models that hobbyists can actually assemble from parts, making them better and faster than a stock model they would normally purchase.

Also, as with RC's other models, these remote control hovercraft models range considerably in terms of price. While you can get a lower end model, such as the Transparent Griffon 2000TDX, for as little as $99, you will sacrifice a considerable amount of frills to save the extra money. This model is made of light, transparent plastic, which is one of its biggest assets, as it allows the controller to actually watch how the remote control hovercraft operates (i.e., how complex, miniature fan systems operate to propel hovercraft).

On the other end of the spectrum, you can purchase a RC ElectroCruiser or HoverDart remote control hovercraft for well over $250. The HoverDart is actually a replica of a larger model. It has a red frame, a compact chassis, high-speed fans, and can travel over ice, snow, water, or land, making it a true all-terrain vehicle. The ElectroCruiser is also a replica of a larger model – and actually performs quite similarly to the actual, full-scale model. It has a twin-motor engine – and has the capability to move both backward and forward at the flip of a switch; and can also travel over snow, ice, water, and land.

No matter what model you select, it will doubtlessly result in countless hours of fun at the local lake – or during the next snow storm.

Remote Control Hovercraft

Tips for Choosing the Best Electric Radio Controlled Cars

Electric radio controlled cars and trucks are among the most popular radio controlled vehicles on the market, and they are easy to run and simple to buy. Electric radio controlled cars and trucks use electric batteries for power, and these batteries come assembled into handy battery packs. As with other types of radio controlled cars and trucks, the electric versions can be purchased either as ready to run models or self build kits.

In general, electric radio controlled cars and trucks are easier to run and easier to maintain than the more powerful and more complicated nitro radio controlled vehicles. It is, however, important to choose a quality ready to run or build your own kit.

Choosing the right radio controlled car or truck

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a radio controlled car or truck is to choose a vehicle style you like. If you have always wanted to drive that hot sports car, why not choose a radio controlled Porsche or Ferrari? If monster trucks are your style, why not by a great rugged radio controlled monster truck capable of climbing over every obstacle in its path?

There are ready to run and kit radio controlled cars and trucks available in both on road and off road varieties, so it is important to consider the area you have to run. If you have a racetrack or large paved surface available, you may want to go with the superior speed and handling ability of an on road radio controlled car. On the other hand, if you will be running primarily on unpaved surfaces you would want to look into the many off road radio controlled trucks and buggies on the market.

There are a number of manufacturers who make all kinds of radio controlled vehicles, including some of the most well known brands such as HPI, Team Associated and Traxxas. For the beginning radio controlled vehicle enthusiast, there are a number of less expensive toy type kits sold by companies like Nikko and Tyco as well. These cheaper models can be a good choice for the newcomer to the hobby.
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RC Cars - Getting Started In The Radio Controlled Hobby

The world of the radio controlled car, or RC car, can be an exciting one indeed, and it seems more people than ever are enjoying the power, speed and excitement that only radio controlled cars and trucks can provide. Many of us of course may remember those radio controlled cars and trucks we played with as children, and we may have fond memories of running those vehicles through the house, perhaps chasing the family dog, or the kid sister. When it comes to hobby quality radio controlled cars, however, things are quite a bit different.

For one thing, hobby quality radio controlled cars and trucks are quite a bit faster than those toys you may remember from childhood. Many electric powered radio controlled cars can reach speeds of 40 mph or more, while some of the best nitro powered RC cars boast top speeds of 70 mph or more right out of the box.

With speeds like this it is easy to understand why RC car and truck racing has become such a wildly popular sport. For many enthusiasts, racing RC cars provides all the fun and excitement of racing full size cars, without the significant risk and expense of the more dangerous sport.

Many RC car enthusiasts also love the fact that radio control cars and trucks are nearly infinitely customizable and upgradeable. Many manufacturers feature parts which are easily swapped out between models, making it easy to upgrade the engine, the transmission, the suspension and other important parts very quickly. Radio controlled cars and trucks come in two basic varieties – electric powered and nitro powered. The electric models are powered by an electric motor, while the faster and more powerful nitro powered models feature internal combustion engines which are designed to run on specially formulated fuel. It is these nitro powered monsters that are able to achieve those blazing fast speeds.

Most radio controlled car and truck enthusiasts recommend that those just getting started in the hobby begin by purchasing a well made ready to run car or truck. You may also see the term ARTR from time to time. When purchasing a radio controlled vehicle listed as ARTR it is important to determine what parts you need to get the vehicle on the road.

The benefits to the beginner of purchasing an RTR radio control vehicle are many, and those new to the hobby should definitely consider this option strongly. For one thing, a ready to run vehicle provides all the benefits of a hobby quality radio controlled car or truck, including the speed, maneuverability, realistic look and upgradeability, without the need to build the car or truck from the ground up.

After you have gained a bit of experience in the hobby, however, you may want to give building your own radio controlled vehicle a whirl. For many in the hobby, building their own vehicles is the best part of the hobby, and it can certainly provide a great deal of satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment. Building and racing your own radio controlled vehicle is one of the best parts of this great hobby.

Mike Eggert is an
R/C car and truck racing enthusiast, and contributor to the RC Car and Truck information website http://www.rc-hq.com

The Beginner’s Guide to the World of Radio Controlled Vehicles

Building, tuning and racing radio controlled vehicles can be a fun hobby for people of all ages and abilities, and there are some super fast and super powerful radio controlled cars on the market today. The hobby of building and racing radio controlled cars is in fact one of the fastest growing of all hobbies, and it is quickly growing in popularity all across the country and around the world.

Hobby quality radio controlled cars are quite different from the toys you may remember from your youth, and many of the best radio control cars can reach speeds of 40 mph, 50 mph or even 60 mph or more. With these kinds of speeds it is easy to understand the appeal of the hobby to adults as well as children around the world.

In addition, many of these radio controlled cars are designed to be easily customizable and upgradeable, with easily swapped out parts and easily added parts and accessories. This has made the hobby of customizing and tuning radio controlled cars nearly as popular as the hobby of racing them, and a cottage industry has grown up in offering tips and tricks for squeezing the most horsepower out of these great vehicles.

In addition to the better known electric radio controlled cars, there are a number of very powerful nitro powered radio controlled vehicles on the market, and these are among the fastest of all radio controlled vehicles on the market. It is often these gas powered radio controlled sports cars one sees raced in formal competitions, and their owners can often take these competitions quite seriously.

In fact, many radio controlled vehicles are true working vehicles, featuring high quality electric motors and fast, tunable nitro engines that operate in much the same way as their larger rivals. In addition, many radio controlled vehicles come with fully adjustable suspensions, many using the popular oil filled shocks and springs for nearly infinite tenability and adjustability.

The best radio controlled cars and trucks are truly miniature versions of the real thing, and they feature such touches as changeable gearing and smooth operating differentials that work in much the same way as those on traditional full sized cars. In addition, gas powered radio controlled cars are designed to run on special nitro fuel, and the high horsepower nitro engines, in combination with finely tuned exhaust systems, air filters and fuel tanks provide for powerful and durable operations under virtually any conditions.


For even more information about this exciting sport, stop by http://www.rc-hq.com

R/C cars and trucks - Beyond the toy store shelves

From the high pitched whine of a nitro engine, to the whirring of an electric motor. All across the land, on any given weekend, you can find them bashing about everywhere. From vacant lots, to parking lots, RC cars and trucks have become one of the hottest hobbies around. You've probably seen them on the aisles of your local discount store, or at the major electronics stores. But, the real excitement this sport has to offer can only be found at a real RC hobby shop.

The RC cars, trucks, and other various RC vehicles found at the discount chains can be a great deal of fun, but if you never venture beyond these toys you might find yourself feeling a bit shortchanged by their quality and excitement level. The difference between the "real" RC vehicles, and the chain store toys can be quite amazing. Obviously, there is a difference in cost, but as the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for."

You can choose from a wide variety of styles of RC vehicles, from mild to wild, and everything in between. From two wheel drive cars, trucks and buggies, and four wheel drive buggies, stadium trucks and monster trucks.

The electric cars and trucks, which are powered by rechargeable battery packs, are probably the best place to start your new hobby. Some of which can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour! As time goes by you may find yourself craving even more speed and excitement. Look no further than the gas powered beasts that run on a blend of nitromethane and methanol for their fuel. Some of these radical rides can approach an amazing 70 miles per hour!

You can start with anything from a Ready to Run (or RTR as they are known in the sport) car of truck, or jump right in with a completely unassembled kit. The latter does require a bit of mechanical ability, as well as a dose of patience, but can be a very rewarding project to undertake with your son or daughter, teaching them valuable skills as well as just having a great time together.

No matter which type of RC vehicle you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time enjoying a wholesome family activity in the great outdoors.

So stop by that local hobby shop you've been meaning to check out and see the "real" world of RC cars and trucks. You'll be glad you did.

For even more information about this exciting sport, stop by http://www.rc-hq.com