RC Cars

We specialise in electric and gas radio control cars and trucks. Most of these vehicles are considered to be hobby cars for the r/c modeler.

Gas, Nitro or Petrol ???

The term "Gas Cars" has been widely adopted for engine powered RC cars. They are sometimes called Nitro or Petrol Cars. The 2-stroke engines require a special RC Car fuel containing methanol, nitro, castor and synthetic oils.

There are also available some large 1/5 scale RC Cars with petrol engines that run on a conventional 2-stroke petrol/oil mixture.

Buying a Car

Step 1 - Electric or Gas?

Electric Cars are generally cleaner, require less maintenance, but have a slower top speed due to the fitment of a standard (cheap) electric motor. Typical speed for hobby cars out of the box is 20-30 kmh.

charge the battery and drive
typical charge time 30-45 minutes
typical run time 10-15 minutes, but larger capacity batteries are available
lower running costs
top speed can be increased by gearing or aftermarket motors
cars more suitable for DRIFTING! Special drift tyres allow for controlled sliding.
cars run cleaner, especially off-road cars
cars are quiet
suitable for most ages

Gas Cars generally run dirty due to use of fuel, require more maintenance, but have a high top speed when compared to standard electric cars. Typical top speed is 40-80 kmh.

fill the tank, start the engine, and drive
typical run time 5-10 minutes, from tank of fuel
car can be re-fuelled and driven again, as long as engine temperatures are within limits
higher running costs due to fuel and glowplugs
cars require more cleaning, especially off-road cars
cars engine noise can be pleasing or offensive
cars require 4 AA batteries or a 4-5 cell rechargeable pack to run the radio receiver, steering and throttle/brake servos.
loss of battery power, could result in the car taking off, unless an aftermarket failsafe device is fitted
manufacturers typically recommend usage by persons over 13-14 years

Step 2 - Off-Road or On-Road?

When purchasing an RC Car, the next thing to consider is where are you going to run it? Off-road cars can be used almost anywhere, but on-road cars require a hard surface.

Off-Road Cars include 2WD and 4WD buggies, 2WD and 4WD stadium trucks and 4WD monster trucks. Cars are available in 1/10, 1/8 and 1/18 scales.

drive almost anywhere
limited range of body shells available for buggies and stadium trucks
large range of body shells available for monster trucks

On-Road Cars - most common is the 1/10 scale 4WD touring car. Cars can usually be run as 2 wheel drive, but cornering speeds will be a lot slower. Cars also available in 1/18 and 1/8 scales.

drive on hard surface only, due to low ground clearance
rally tyres may allow cars to be used on hard packed dirt
large range of body shells, wheels and tyres available for 1/10 cars
limited range of body shells available for 1/18 cars, small range for 1/8 cars.
electric 1/10 cars use 190mm wide body shells
gas 1/10 cars generally use 200mm wide body shells

Step 3 - Kit, Pre-Assembled or Ready-To-Run (RTR)?

RC Cars are available in Kit form, Pre-Assembled without radio equipment or Ready-To-Run.

Kit Cars require several hours of assembly, instructions from most manufacturers is very good, and allow you to understand the inner workings of an RC car. If you ever need to repair crash damage, you will be familiar with the car. You can also paint the body shell in the colour you prefer and apply your choice of stickers.

Pre-Assembled Cars are built, but radio equipment has not been installed.

Ready-To-Run (RTR) Cars are assembled with radio equipment fitted, and can be driven in a short time out of the box. Electric cars also require a battery and charger. Gas cars require a Starter pack and fuel.

Electric off-road and on-road cars are available in Kit form or RTR. There are a small number of Pre-Assembled cars from some manufacturers.

Gas off-road and on-road cars are usually RTR. Most manufacturers have discontinued the production of reasonably priced cars in Kit form. The only cars available in Kit form are high-end specialised race vehicles, that typically come without an engine, exhaust system and radio equipment. Some cars are available pre-assembled without radio equipment.

Monster trucks are almost all in RTR form.

Step 4 - Do some Research

We are available to answer your questions and assist in the purchase of a suitable RC vehicle. We also recommend reading the Australian magazine Racing Lines. This monthly magazine contains information on all aspects of the RC car hobby.

Manufacturers

See Manufacturers web sites for details of RC cars.

Associated is an American manufacturer that built their reputation on many years of racing. They produce electric and gas RC cars and trucks in Kit and RTR forms.

Electric cars include the TC4 4WD on-road touring car, B4 off-road buggy and T4 off-road truck, in Kit and RTR's.

Gas cars include the Nitro TC3 touring car and RC10GT off-road stadium truck.

G.V. Models / Awesome Products

GV Models manufacture the gas powered BA SBR Pirtek and Caltex Falcons, BA XR8 Utes, MHRT Commodore, HSV Coupe and HSV Maloo ute.

An instructional video tape assists with car setup and running in.

They also make several gas off-road buggies and monster trucks, and the Mini-R range of 1/18 scale electric vehicles.

Kyosho manufacture a large range of radio control vehicles.

We can assist with gas powered on-road and off-road cars.

Tamiya manufacture a large range of electric and gas radio control vehicles suitable for recreational and racing usage.

We stock electric on-road and off-road cars in Kit and XB RTR. Tamiya also make a DRIFT Subaru kit.

For the younger modeller the QuickDrive RTR car, allows longer run times of 30-45 minutes.

Traxxas built their reputation by producing tough, durable Ready-To-Run (RTR) cars and trucks.

Their monster truck is hard to get as there is limited availability.

All Traxxas gas powered models have an electric push-button starting system, rather than the usual pull-start method.

XTM Racing

XTM make durable and well specified gas powered 2WD off-road stadium trucks and 4WD monster trucks.

XTM vehicles are large sellers in the American market.

Team Losi manufacture electric RC cars and gas trucks in Kit and RTR's.

We don't stock Losi vehicles, but can order them in.

Other Manufacturers

We can order some RC vehicles from other manufacturers.

Please contact us on info@f1toys.com , if you require further advice or information on vehicles from other manufacturers.

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