Annual thread


So 3 weeks ago I got a used Hot Bodies Cyclone TC to add to my collection, and its the best car I have so I race it. Currently running at Rosewood (Goldsboro) in their "GT" class, which we kinda made up. Basically we run a Silver Can Johnson 540 motor in the class But there is a weight rule of a minimum of 1500grams so its pretty even. Lots of fun.

Here's a pic of all of my cars, some w/o electronics (I honestly don't have enough to run all of them)

I just need to put a throttle servo back in the nitro car to get it to run, just haven't yet.




Ta--04 second hobby grade car I ever owned, but the first one I bought and assembled myself; first car I ever raced.

TC4- second car I ever built and was my race car from like 2003 until last month; now a parking lot basher with all the spares I still have

RC10b3- bought this used for like $40 as shown and have a steering servo in it and a brushed 27turn motor but I generally have to steal electronics from other cars to make it run

Nitro TC3- bought used, put a .18 CR motor in it and its fun but a hassle to run; I use a starter box on it

Cyclone-

I've had various cars and trucks too over the years, nitro and electric. I plan on racing all year long, basically ever other Sunday

When the weather is nice, we go to Fuquay on Friday nights and run at the TSC parking lot w/ToyTown Hobbies


Also, recently a new HobbyTown USA opend at Beaver Creek Commons in Apex

[Edited on February 5, 2011 at 3:58 PM. Reason : image]

2/5/2011 3:57:39 PM

I'm selling everything I have if anyone is interested.

Losi 8ight e 1.0 (Losi e-conversion kit) - WELL used. Missing a few screws, chassis is scratched, has a leaky shock.
It still runs very well and I was very competitive with it when racing. It was the driver (me) that was holding this car back, lol.
I have enough new/used spare parts to probably build 2 more rollers haha. I'll take $200obo for it all.

~15 sets of 1/8 buggy tires - Various treads/states of wear - $15/set or $150 for the lot.

Mamba Max V3 esc and MM 2200kv motor - has 3 race days on it total
Paid about $200 new for the combo...will take $150obo.

Spektrum DX3s (with telemetry)...2 receivers. Used once, no lie...bought just before my last race and havent used it since. Paid about $250 for it all...will take $175obo.

Futaba 3pdf FM radio & receiver - works great! - $20

2 Turnigy 4.5 4S1P 30C lipo packs - Have about 7 runs on each - $50 for both

HPI Blitz w/ stock esc & motor - no radio
Includes stock tires & a new pair of Proline Calibers (made 3 laps with these things...basically brand new)
Asking $90 obo

2 3800mah 2S1P hardpacks and 1 3500mah 2S1P hardpack
I think they're Orion brand. - $30obo for all.

2/7/2011 4:14:04 PM

Pics of batteries please!

2/7/2011 7:07:13 PM

I had a few cells go bad in the batteries I believe. I let them drain too far, so I cant sell them in good conscience.

However most of the rest of my stuff is here: message_topic.aspx?topic=608901&page=1#14582692

2/10/2011 10:05:55 AM

i'm glad my esc has a lipo cutoff; had one that didn't and had to time w/ a watch when i ran it.... didn't want to go to far

racing touring on carpet tomorrow at Goldsboro/Rosewood

2/12/2011 8:01:57 PM

Our 'Down East' Championship touring car series for the Summer

https://sites.google.com/site/downeastchamp/

2/25/2011 7:11:51 AM

You guys run lipo in the GT class? I got a tamiya mini that would be a hoot with a johnson and a lil extra voltage

2/25/2011 4:11:03 PM

lol i have a helicopter now

Honeybee King III

I suck with it.

I've damned near totaled it 3 times.

2/25/2011 4:14:24 PM

lipo, yes- there actually is a Mini Cooper class that runs at Rosewood anyway

2/25/2011 7:46:04 PM

Anybody know anything about an RC club at state or is there even any large interest? I'm no professional with RCs but I have a older T-maxx with the small engine in it. I love running that thing on nice days back home and I thought there might be some other interest out there similar to mine. I just see some nice places around campus that could be good for some fun driving. Anything anyone knows and/or any thoughts would be great.

3/3/2011 3:20:22 AM

My two race cars, just built the one on the left (which is not in the first pic on the top of the screen)

3/3/2011 8:18:40 PM

sold my tc4 touring car and b3 buggy today

so now down to

cyclone 1
cyclone 2

ta04

nitro tc3

3/5/2011 8:21:21 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzTZKKrI1kQ&feature=player_embedded#at=99

looks like fun

3/6/2011 4:13:46 PM

likely selling the nitro tc3, i have to get all the stuff for it together. Once I do, it will be posted here

3/7/2011 7:43:16 AM

nitro tc3 sold

body i painted yesterday:



we are now racing outdoors at Rosewood

[Edited on April 2, 2011 at 7:11 PM. Reason : img]

4/2/2011 7:11:29 PM

Question for the seasoned folks:

Where do you buy your parts and supplies from? Online or local?

I want to pick up a field box, starter, battery, etc. and wondering what is my best option for price and quality.

4/21/2011 1:45:33 PM

Typically, prices online arent too much cheaper than what you'll find in hobby shops.

You can definitely find some deals online though if you look hard enough or know exactly what you want. There's so many different products out that it's hard for hobby shops to stock many different varieties.

4/21/2011 2:06:16 PM

Thats what I've found so far and it's why I wanted to ask.

I don't want to go to 3 different stores to get what I need. It's ashame because I would love a local spot I could drop into and get some good ole customer service.

4/21/2011 2:11:40 PM

Yeah, Otto's shop in Fuquay is about the best I've seen "locally". He gets super swamped though and it's hard to get service since he's the only person there that really knows the more technical stuff.

4/21/2011 2:13:42 PM

Hey guys, I was curious if you all could help educate me in regards to picking out servo's for a trainer RC plane. I'm finishing an Eaglet project with a .20 motor, but have no radio or servos and would welcome any suggestions...

Thanks

[Edited on July 7, 2011 at 9:19 PM. Reason : .]

7/7/2011 9:15:19 PM

This is what I've found so far...



Futaba 4YF 2.4GHz FHSS 4-Channel Computer System

http://www.rcplanet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FUTK4200&click=2

Futaba 8-Channel Flight Pack R168DF/4 S3004 Servos FUTL1100

http://www.rcplanet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FUTL1100&click=2

[Edited on July 8, 2011 at 4:14 AM. Reason : .]

7/8/2011 4:01:48 AM

I happen to have a Spektrum DX6i transmitter and receiver for sale right now. No servos, receiver battery, or switch with it, but this is a pretty nice programmable radio that can be used with all kinds of aircraft.

^As far as servos go, the Futaba S3004's will do you just fine, but an Eaglet could use mini servos like Hitec's HS81 or HS85. If you get that Futaba radio, you cannot use the receiver in that flight pack, as the radio is a 2.4 GHz spread spectrum and the 8 channel receiver in the flight pack is a conventional 72MHz FM. The radio, however, comes with a receiver, just like the radio I have listed above. You just need a battery pack, switch, and servos. And for the price, I think you cannot beat Hitec servos.

7/8/2011 9:15:09 AM

12/2/2011 2:05:20 PM

Those do absolutely nothing for me. I built an electric touring car years back that easily went ~90, but they're not fun at all to drive. These "100mph" cars are for chumps.

12/2/2011 3:48:27 PM

Had a coworker email me the link to that ^^ today. If you start digging into the details for it the website states to get up to 100mph+ you'd need to buy their linkup app, which requires an iphone. I like that functionality but its not exactly feasible for a non-iphone owner. The other main issue I've got is the control of a car that size. Where else other than the sand flats or racetrack are you really going to be able and see the full potential for something that could shatter into a hundred pieces with the slightest glitch.

/rant

12/2/2011 8:15:28 PM

moar pics

12/2/2011 9:17:07 PM

^^If you've got $1100 to drop on an RC car, you can probably afford the extra $200 for an iPod or iPhone. I do agree that it's pretty much so silly to think that you wouldn't just tank it into a wall in 30 seconds after you bought it though.

12/2/2011 10:00:28 PM

ive got battery powered subaru RC from redcat. got it as a gift. never heard of redcat, but it seems solid. very fun. its AWD so it makes for some fun driving.

12/2/2011 10:09:54 PM

You guys go out and buy some 1/8th buggies...


Come out to cape fear raceway in holly springs or blue groove rc in greensboro

I race electric 1/8th scale buggy...converted all of my nitros over.

12/3/2011 12:15:12 AM

I've got an old original E-maxx that's basically had nearly everything in the drivetrain broken on it and upgraded to the 3.3 spec lineup along with some 8000mah lipo packs, which is just under the brushless setups they offer for the E-maxx now. I'm fairly set on not dumping any more money on this as it's mainly just a basher. I can't afford a separate real offroad vehicle so I'm happy when a driveshaft breaks and it's just 5 bucks to replace it. I honestly didn't even know there were tracks still open that close to Raleigh.

On a separate note, I picked up a nearly new condition original E-maxx from a yard sale a while back with some basic (2300mah?) NiCd packs and chargers. Comes ready to run $150, nothing wrong with it at all just don't use it as much as the basher.

12/3/2011 6:32:33 PM

Yesterday was fun...got 3rd place.

Going to cape fear today to get some practice time in..




...would be more fun with some company!


I have extra vehicles too if anyone wants to play

12/4/2011 10:02:35 AM

after you get good at racing RC, come to a rallyX and do the real thing

12/4/2011 11:42:49 AM

^^How long have you been running at Cape Fear?

I raced 1/8 E-buggy at Cape Fear last season before deciding to sell all of my stuff.

[Edited on December 4, 2011 at 11:46 AM. Reason : .]

12/4/2011 11:46:36 AM

^just got back into the hobby recently...havent raced rc for over 15 years.

You should go find a good used 1/8 e buggy.
The class has blown up and don't have to deal with tuning nitros(although I do miss them a little..)

I am out here today practicing..next weekend they are having a race here (cape fear)

Some pics from today:
http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k369/elhefeglass/53d31f61.jpg
http://i325.photobucket.com/albums/k369/elhefeglass/25c0b945.jpg

[Edited on December 4, 2011 at 2:32 PM. Reason : Dr]

[Edited on December 4, 2011 at 2:33 PM. Reason : Fuwe]

12/4/2011 2:29:51 PM

I cant man. I have an addiction to my hobbies. I've got in/out of rc 4 times over the last 18 years.

Every time I get back into it I tell myself that I'm gonna go "cheap", but I get sucked in and drop $thousands on the latest/greatest motors/batteries/servos/radios....and tires for 1/8 buggies are HELLA expensive. I typically buy all "used" equipment too..but it's still retarded expensive.

I now focus on my new hobby of homebrewing. It's overall MUCH cheaper and just as rewarding.

12/4/2011 2:49:20 PM

Honestly everyone I know in the hobby has that problem. It is always an addiction..
Nice thing I have found with e buggies is that am not spending near as much as I did with nitro.

U don't need fuel, air filters, clutch shoes/bearings/bells, replace worn motors..and they don't vibrate apart like nitro. My 8ight is durable as hell..I've only had to buy normal maintenance parts...cvds, bearings, etc.
The motors dont wear out and the need to always have a new motor or hot upgrade just isn't there...they already go WAAAY faster than u ever need them to..we run our EPA at like 85%.
And buggies these days are quite durable...and they come from the factory with all the parts u need to go fast.

12/4/2011 3:20:51 PM

Also..if for some reason u decide to get back into it..I can hook u up with tires cheap...pro hand outs are usually available.

12/4/2011 3:22:49 PM

Thanks man. I definitely want to get back into it at some point, but it was just seriously killing my bank account there for a while. I totally agree that with the latest Lipo batteries and brushless motors that are out, it's MUCH MUCH cheaper to go "fast" these days. But it's still not cheap

I'll hit you up if/when I decide to get back in.

12/4/2011 3:30:02 PM

anybody got any used RC cars they want to get rid of? never had any hobby grade RC before, but i'd like to get into it. there's an outdoor offroad track near me, so something i could run there would be cool.

5/31/2015 6:45:56 PM

I wouldn't mind getting out of mine but truth is with LIFEPO cars... mine's not even in the game anymore...
might as well be junk.

6/1/2015 7:20:56 AM

NRR, I'd suggest heading out to the track and asking which classes are the most popular if you want to actually race. It sucks having a specific class of car and nobody else shows up or only 2 of you show up and they decide not to run the class that week.

6/1/2015 12:30:47 PM

They said they frequently run:

Pro 1/8 buggy
open 1/8 buggy
arena truck
SCT 4x4
SCT 4x2
1/8 e-buggy
1/10 2WD

Of those, which would be the best balance of cost of getting started, fun to mess with around the neighborhood, and easy for a beginner to learn?

[Edited on June 1, 2015 at 1:09 PM. Reason : not interested in nitro right now]

6/1/2015 1:03:06 PM

I have a couple professional grade buggys..

Kyosho MP9 and mp9e (1/8 buggy and 1/8 e-buggy)

i would get rid of them..i havent raced them in a while and they are gathering dust

[Edited on June 1, 2015 at 4:52 PM. Reason : these are newer buggies still very competitive]

[Edited on June 1, 2015 at 4:53 PM. Reason : .]

6/1/2015 4:52:08 PM

need some details. price on the e-buggy? are they just like they came out of the box or what?

6/1/2015 5:36:39 PM

e-buggy is fun as shit. It's also fairly pricey (though not as pricey as nitro can be).

If you want to get a taste of RC racing and have a fuckload of fun for as cheap as possible, go with SCT 4x2 or 4x4. Most tracks have limits on the motors/electronics they can use, as well as tires restrictions. It's like restrictor plates in nascar...keeps a more level playing field and keeps costs down for everyone.

If you decide RC racing is for you, then you can step up and drop the ca$h on 1/8 scale buggies/truggies.

Or just go balls to the wall from the start. But if I ever get back into racing (I will), I'll be racing SCT for sure to start.

6/1/2015 7:01:11 PM

i was leaning towards the SCT simply because it looks like it would be more fun for screwing around at the house and the prices are right. i guess i need to figure out what their rules are. where's the best place to look for used stuff?

6/1/2015 8:03:50 PM

TONS of online chatboards/classifieds.

My favorite was http://www.rctech.net/forum/sale-trade-forums-15/

Cafe Fear Raceway has a chatboard as well here: http://www.carolinasrcracers.com/cape-fear-raceway_forum99.html

I sold some of my stuff there, and bought a few SCT's as well. Not a TON of users, but you might find some good local deals.

[Edited on June 1, 2015 at 9:57 PM. Reason : .]

6/1/2015 9:55:31 PM

Looking at the HPI Racing 109326 Blitz Flux RTR on Amazon for $300. Thoughts? Would this at least be somewhat competitive?

6/2/2015 8:22:11 AM

The Blitz was the SCT to have a few years ago when I was last racing SCT.

I loved mine, and it was absolutely competitive. The selling point for the Blitz was that it was basically bomb proof. Just like in any kind of racing, sometimes it's not necessarily the fastest car or best driver, but the car that doesnt have a mechanical failure that wins the race.

I dont think you'll go wrong with anything by Losi, HPI, Associated. There are other great brands like Hotbodies, etc. that might have new offerings in the SCT class. I'm just not up on the latest/greatest.

It's 95% driver skill though. A good driver can take the crappiest car and run smooth, consistent laps.

Honestly, if it were me, I'd take that $300 and find a good used setup that includes a bunch of spare parts, tires, etc. I dont think I've ever bought a car new. And i've owned literally 30+ race worthy buggies/truggies/stadium trucks/SCT/road cars. People are ALWAYS selling out of the hobby and liquidating their shit for crazy cheap. I've done it several times myself

Also dont forget you'll need a transponder to race (counts your laps). You can typically rent one from the track for $5/10 a day, but you have to take it out and give it back after each round which is a pain in the ass. I preferred having my own that just stayed in the car.


[Edited on June 2, 2015 at 9:35 AM. Reason : .]

6/2/2015 9:30:21 AM

How much is a transponder? Can you link to something like what I need? Are all systems compatible or do I need to ask the track what they use before I order?

Thanks for answering these questions. It's easier than sorting through the piles of RC stuff on forums.

6/2/2015 9:45:37 AM