ENGINE
With the exception of large-scale models
with gasoline engines, model cars use “nitro
engines,” which are named for the fuel they
burn. Model engines run on “nitro,” a mix of
nitromethane, methanol, and oil that you
purchase at the hobby store.
TUNED PIPE
;e exhaust pipe ... to
keep things simple.
It’s called a “tuned” pipe
because it is specially
shaped, or tuned, to
enhance engine power.
FUEL TANK
Yep, holds the fuel.
RECEIVER
As its name states,
the receiver receives
the signals from the
transmitter. ;e signals
are relayed to the steering
servo and speed control
to operate the model. In
this Traxxas Slash 4X4,
and many other models,
the receiver is housed in a
protective enclosure.
CHASSIS
;is is the platform
that all the parts
are bolted to. Most
electric-car chassis
are plastic, while
most nitro cars
use an aluminum
chassis.
STEERING SERVO
Servos are the “muscles” of
radio control. A servo has a
motor inside of it that drives a
set of reduction gears to amplify
its torque. ;e torque is needed
to push and pull the steering
system to direct the car.
LIPO & NIMH Two mo : NiMH is nicke ive, but hea s importa n NiMH batteries. ONLY charge LiPo batteries with a LiPo-specific charger, or you will ruin the battery, potentially with a battery fire. Regardless of battery type, never leave batteries unattended while charging.
BUILD IT
YOURSELF
;e vast majority of RC models are
sold RTR, but if you dream of building
a car yourself from a kit, you still have
options. High-end racing cars are still
o;ered almost exclusively as kits, but
these aren’t the best first-car choices
unless you plan to jump straight into
competition. Tamiya is the king of kits,
with everything from super-simple
beginner cars to competition models to
ultra-detailed scale vehicles including
tractor-trailers. All are easier to build
than you think, and if you already
imagine building a car is fun to do, you
won’t be disappointed doing it yourself.
On the other hand, if spinning wrenches
isn’t your thing … stick with an RTR.
;at’s why they make ’em!
