The Speed And Thrill Of Gas Powered Radio Controlled Cars

Gas powered radio controlled cars, also known as nitro-powered radio controlled cars are a popular choice among professional racers and hobbyists. These RC's provide more excitement and speed that is unmatched by the electric powered RC.

A beginner in RC racing should definitely stay away from nitro-powered cars first, as they require much time, knowledge, and effort that only experience in RC racing can teach. The nitro stands for nithromethane, a special gas that fuels this mean racing machine. No other gas type can be used for gas-powered RC's, only the nitro can do the job.

To better explain the power that nitro-powered RC's provide: below are some of the qualities it produces on model racing cars.

1. Nitro-powered RCs are faster giving the feel of a "real" car. These cars can go from zero to sixty miles per hour. During races, this great speed can be relied on as it is backed up by a 2-speed transmission. Its engine is patterned after real race cars that accomplish faster speed records.

2. It is relatively cheap as most gas or nitro cars cost less to buy. Their popularity with experienced racers has flooded the market with different types and brands; making them more accessible and lower priced. The mass of the expenses are based on daily maintenance and customization.

3. Performance during a race is usually the same as electric cars; however, its 2-speed transmission allows it to have better control during dangerous curves and it regains its speed momentum faster.

4. They get their power from 3.5cc 2-stroke engines that are able to obtain 2 horsepower. This strong power is channeled through its 2 or 3 speed (depending on the model) transmission for full suspension chassis. Its foam tires produce the grasp to push these cars to great speeds.

5. Nitro powered RCs emit gas fumes and realistic engine roars that add to the thrill of racing. They make the race feel like it is real race cars edging each other. This is specifically charming to racers who need to "feel" and not just watch the chase.
Radio controlled car racing is a sport that has recently drawn more and more enthusiasts - unprecedented in its history. The thrill of the race, the accuracy of the engine, and the details of the model cars all contribute to its lure. The more realistic the cars' performance is, the better. And of course, unmatched speed is a quality imperative in this sport.

Radio Controlled Car Manufacturers

Genuine basketball enthusiasts are aware of the significant role played by Wilt Chamberlain in the sport. If you wish to be able to have more fun with your radio controlled cars, knowing the history of RC cars will enable you to better appreciate what you have now.

Tamiya Goes First

This Japanese toy company was better known for producing plastic or die cast toys. In 1976, however, Tamiya was the first to produce toy cars that were defined as "suitable" for remote control. The prototypes of RC cars were crudely built, but they still sold rapidly.

Afterwards, Tamiya was able to improve and innovate by focusing less on scaling and more on the toys' radio control feature. The new RC cars produced by the Japanese toy giant were better looking, tougher, customizable, easy to repair, and with more powerful engines. These RC cars sparked worldwide interest in the hobby. Classic products from the Tamiya RC car product line include the Blackfoot and the Hornet.

Schumacher Makes a Difference

The UK firm Schumacher made a splash in 1980 by introducing the use of ball differentials in RC cars. This improvement allowed RC car hobbyists to enjoy quicker and smoother maneuvering on and off the track. In 1986, it produced the all-powerful Competition All Terrain (CAT) vehicle, a recipient of numerous World Championships.

Associated Electrics Powers Out

In 1984, this company, based in Costa Mesa, California, manufactured the RC10 off-road electric racer. It was the first RC car that Associated Electrics produced which did not use nitromethane-powered engines and was not for on-road use. An RC car that's built to last and endure, the RC10 had a sleeker design, was made from non-corrosive, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and with powerful shock absorbers and differential featuring. Its design and features quickly made it the electric king of off-road competition.

Go, Team Losi, Go!

Gil Losi Jr. was born to a racing family which owned the famous Ranch Pit Shop R/C racetrack in California. Upon establishing Team Losi, Gil created the JRX-2, a buggy that was immediately set in competition against the RC car of Associated Electrics. Team Losi's also credited for being the first to use all-natural rubber tires and creating a whole new RC car category: the 1/18 scale Mini-T electric vehicles for off-road use.

Other important RC car manufacturers are the U.S. based Traxxas and the Japanese firm Kyosho.

These fine old companies continue to dominate the racing scene up to the present. Racing any of their cars will instantly make you part of the great history of the RC car industry.

Classic Radio Control Models
By h3riCyber

As far as variety goes, there are about as many RC cars as there are models of the real thing, and probably even more. Take for instance the Chevy. There is no lack of RC models available if you go for the classics in this arena; or for their sports car line, like the Chevy Corvette.

Chevy RCs are definitely more for the collector than the racer, unless you custom-make your RC racer to have the body of a Chevy, that is. Let's take a look at some of the more popular Chevy RCs:

Muscle Machines 1957 Chevrolet

This comes in pretty big at a 1:8 scale and is truly a classic. Accessories included are the charger, battery pack, and features working headlights, a decidedly detailed interior, custom wheels, and super glossy paint. Average price is between $60-$80. Other Chevy Muscle Machine models available are the 71 Camaro and the Camaro Z28, also in 1:8 scale and similarly priced to the 1957 Chevrolet.

1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 RC Electric Car

Made by Playmaker Toys, this 1969 Camaro model is produced at a 1:18 scale and features working head and tail lights, and is a four-function car (as in forward, backward, left, and right). This is definitely for the real Chevy collectors out there, and at $30-$40, it's not a bad deal at all.

1998 Chevrolet Corvette GTS IR Control Mini RC Car

For the mini RC fans out there, this Chevy is for you. It features a body that is all metal, racing tires made of rubber, and a miniature Corvette engine. The remote control wristwatch doubles as just that, a watch, and the mini RC car itself claims to mimic everything that its real nemesis does; this is probably because General Motors itself is said to have licensed this baby as a true 1:32 mini RC. This has a MSRP of $49.95 to $69.95 but can be bought at less than half that price at many online hobby stores.

Chevy truck models are also available as RCs - such as the Chevy SSR RC Truck and the Chevy 4x4 Monster Truck. Average prices for RC trucks are a little over $100, but if you're lucky, some websites have them on sale for as much as 50% off.

Many Chevy owners who have at one point in their lives owned a classic are thrilled when they find model RCs that resemble the very cars they once owned. So, whether you're just a beginning collector of classics, or if you're a seasoned collector looking to expand your line of cars, then the Chevy is definitely the way to go.