Car & Truck Kits

Most cars and trucks come in easily assembled kits with illustrated instructions. They are also packaged in steps which correspond to the instructions so that parts are not mixed or lost during the assembly. Most first timers can assemble a kit in 4 to 8 hours. Any special tools needed are usually included in the kit, along with any special lubricants.

There are off-road trucks, on-road sedans, electric cars and nitro-burning gas cars-so be sure you get the type of car you really want. Electric cars are usually easier for beginner and are definitely less messy. But nothing replaces the smells and sounds of a nitro-burnin' sedan with a two-speed transmission screaming down the track at 50 mph.

RTR Cars & Trucks

Some cars are available in ready-to-run (pre-built) form, with everything assembled and installed. Typically, all that's left for you is to trim and paint the body, put in a battery, and go!

Ready-to-run cars are usually geared toward the entry-level and backyard driver, but are as tough and as fast as the full-on competition kits.

For all RTR cars which come with bushings, the addition of ball bearings is an easy way to reduce speed-robbing friction and get instant higher performance and longer run time. Most bearing sets cost between 20 and 40 dollars according to the car and how many bearings it needs.

Electric Cars & Trucks

Electric cars have many distinct advantages over nitro-powered ones. They are quieter, cleaner, and lighter. They are also easier to make run. As long as the batteries are charged and the wires are hooked up properly, the electric car will work. There are no fuel/air mixture adjustments, no glow plugs to light, and there's no fuel to buy. Of course, electric cars come in a huge array of chassis and body types. Trucks, semi's, buggies, sedans, GTP's, IMSA, and stock cars are all available. Just pick the style you like and hit the pavement.

As with nitro-cars, if you choose to race, choose a car with as many "racing" features as are available. Many cars come in sport or competition versions. The competitive cars have ball bearings for the powertrain and other upgrade parts like chassis and shocks.

Different models come with different accessories too. Some cars come with the motor and a mechanical speed control. Most competition cars provide the basic rolling chassis, but require you to purchase everything else (i.e. motor, battery, ESC, body) separately. When you choose a car, make sure you understand everything that the car kit includes.

Ready-to-run vehicles are a special breed of R/C car. They are top quality hobby cars but they come pre-assembled. In most cases, they come with a radio system installed! All you have to do is complete a minor adjustment or two, install the eight AA batteries in the transmitter, install the six-cell, 7.2 volt nickel-cadmium (NiCd) motor battery, charge it up, and the car is truly ready to go.

The car or truck body usually comes unpainted and untrimmed. No problem. Just cut it out, put on some stickers and your favorite color paint and you're ready to tear up the track.

Nitro Cars & Trucks

These vehicles come in pre-built sport versions and all-out racing kits. There are ready-to-run off-road stadium trucks, monster trucks, and even on-road sedan-style BMW sport cars. For the racer, there is the Associated RC10GT (Gas Truck) that dominates the "Gas" off-road racing classes. For sport drivers, Traxxas has the Nitro Sport truck that features an easy-to-tune .12cid motor and even a push-button, on-board electric starter! HPI's Nitro RS4 Racer leads the pack in the Euro Sedans. Sedans like the Racer feature all-wheel drive, independent suspension, and have the option of a two-speed transmission for ultra-fast, ultra-realistic racing.

All the competition cars require a powerful steering servo because of the extra load from the greater speed and weight. Hitec and Airtronics both offer fast, high torque servos. For the racer on a budget the Cirrus CS-60 and CS-80MG servos are the perfect upgrade for the nitro powered sport cars.

Whether you are running an electric or a gas car, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Especially with gas cars, reading and following the instructions can solve many problems with starting and tuning small alcohol-nitro burning engines. We also suggest taking advantage of the manufacturer's customer service departments. Companies like HPI and Traxxas have full-time experienced technicians to answer all your questions about your new car.