Learn me R/C cars: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Oct. 6, 2010 12:52 p.m. Drewsifer HalfDork

I want to get an R/C car, but only to play with my dog. He loves to play chase (he is a beagle after all) but he's already way faster than me. So I was thinking of getting an R/C car to play with him. I figure attached a toy on the back with some sort release so that when he catches it he doesn't destroy the car. I'd like to spend around $100 on this, but I could get a little higher for something that would last.

It's got to be fast enough to out run a mid size dog. So Walmart and Radio Shack specials are out.
Oct. 6, 2010 12:58 p.m. mndsm Dork

Hm..... you're gonna want to buy something that will be rebuildable too, since if he gets it, you're gonna have to fix it. I've got 3 different trucks, and any of them would give the dog a work out. Personally, I'd look into finding something used, like a Rustler VXL.... bigger, super durable, and fast as hell even on a 6-cell battery.

Also, since I assume you don't want the dog burning hisself or inhaling nitro fumes, non-electric is out.
Oct. 6, 2010 1:45 p.m. poopshovel SuperDork

you're gonna want to buy something that will be rebuildable too, since if he gets it, you're gonna have to fix it.

...aaaand this is where the obsession begins
Oct. 6, 2010 2:36 p.m. motomoron HalfDork

I quit racing RC cars to road race actual full size motorcycles 'cause it was cheaper and took less time.

I'm serious.

I was doing 1/12th scale 4-cell indoor carpet road course and 1/10th scale 6 cell banked carpet oval - and it was about all I did. The volume of money and time exhausted was horrifying. Eventually I sold it all off but kept a 1/10th scale buggy to play with.

For a dog chaser I'd look on Craigslist for a good used Traxxas T-Maxx. I thing the early ones were electric - the nitro ones are fun but much more hassle. They sold a bajillion of 'em and kids have short attention spans these days so I reckon they must be readily available.

http://www.t-maxx.com/tmaxxrc/tmaxxrc.htm
Oct. 6, 2010 2:51 p.m. Drewsifer HalfDork

Hm, those options you guys gave me seem a tad pricey. I was hoping to keep this under $200 for sure.

How bad would a nitro car really be? I would only be using this is out doors, so my only big concern would be the heat thing.

I've found a few 1/10th nitro Buggies and Trucks for around $150, and was thinking about getting one.

There's a few T-maxx and Ruslters in this area for less then $200, but most are over $300.
Oct. 6, 2010 3:25 p.m. mndsm Dork

Nitro is high maitenance. Figure on rebuilding it at least once a season. Fuel is kinda spendy too. The nice thing is- the cost of entry on electric might be higher for a fast unit- but it's a one time thing.... unless you start rebuilding wall sockets.

Also, keep an eye on CL- I got my Rustler for 100$.
Oct. 6, 2010 4:06 p.m. Taiden Reader

Indoor or outdoor?
Oct. 6, 2010 7:22 p.m. Jensenman SuperDork

motomoron wrote:

I quit racing RC cars to road race actual full size motorcycles 'cause it was cheaper and took less time.

I'm serious.

I was doing 1/12th scale 4-cell indoor carpet road course and 1/10th scale 6 cell banked carpet oval - and it was about all I did. The volume of money and time exhausted was horrifying. Eventually I sold it all off but kept a 1/10th scale buggy to play with.

For a dog chaser I'd look on Craigslist for a good used Traxxas T-Maxx. I thing the early ones were electric - the nitro ones are fun but much more hassle. They sold a bajillion of 'em and kids have short attention spans these days so I reckon they must be readily available.

http://www.t-maxx.com/tmaxxrc/tmaxxrc.htm

Same here. RC gets EXPENSIVE. The used Traxxas stuff is probably the best way to go. With the others you are looking at toy grade (cheap radios etc) or the pro grade stuff ($$$$$).
Oct. 6, 2010 8:08 p.m. Volksroddin Dork

Traxxas makes the best stuff for bashing. I have a 2wd Slash for my daughter and to beat on,..land in ponds,..run into walls. 2 years and maybe $20 in broken parts.
Oct. 6, 2010 8:30 p.m. Derick Freese HalfDork

TMaxx was always nitro from what I remembered. There is an electric counterpart, the EMaxx. They used to come with dual motors and were a pretty slick bit for what they were.

I'd look up Rustlers. Very plentiful and can be had secondhand on the cheap.
Oct. 6, 2010 9:51 p.m. hotrodlarry Reader

I had a Rustler.. also a Stampede, both were 2wd electric trucks. They were fun as heck.
Oct. 7, 2010 1:18 a.m. Nitroracer Dork

Another nod for the traxxas stampede. I beat on one for years before I decided to waste my money on cars I could sit in and drive.
Oct. 8, 2010 2:47 a.m. motomoron HalfDork

That's what I meant -

Not a T-Maxx. An E-Maxx, Stampede or Rustler.