Introduction to RC Model Cars
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli demonstrates how to assemble and run two of the most popular radio control race cars: the Megatech Nitro Razor and the Duratrax Street Force (figure A), each capable of speeds in excess of 40 mph. They are 1/10-scale, nitro-powered on-road racers.
The two models shown in this demonstration were selected because they are very easy to assemble and race. Each of the chassis (figure B) comes essentially preassembled and is easy to prepare for operation.
The single-piece molded bodies (figure C) attach easily to the chassis. In the case of the Street Force (figure C, right), the body will require decorative trimming to be applied. The Nitro Razor (figure C, left) comes with the body already trimmed and with a high-gloss finish.
Important: The assembly shown in this DIY program is intended as an example of a typical beginner-class radio control car. There are, of course, variations among individual models in terms of assembly and operation. Read carefully and follow thoroughly the instructions that come with the model that you select.
Materials
RC Model-car kit
Phillips screwdriver (long-shank)
After-run oil (available at hobby stores)
Optional sponge tires (accessory offered by manufacturer)
Razor blade or hobby knife
AA batteries (8 for transmitter, 4 for radio receiver in each car)
Glow-plug wrench (available at hobby stores)
4-way hobby wrench (available at hobby stores)
Preassembly Lubrication of the Engine
Important: When you unpack your new racer and are preparing to begin assembly, do NOT pull on the pull-start (figure D) that will later be used to start the engine. Operating the pull-start before the engine has been properly lubricated with after-run oil can damage the internal parts of the engine.
The first step in preassembly, on either car, is to remove the glow plug (figure E) from the engine using a 4-way hobby wrench. The glow plug serves essentially the same purpose as a spark plug in an actual vehicle.
Once you have removed the glow plug, add about four drops of after-run oil (figure F) into the carburetor and into the hole where the glow plug is housed. Use a name-brand after-run oil, available from hobby shops. Once the after-run oil has been added, it's safe to pull the pull-cord to help circulate the oil.
Assembly of the Nitro Razor
Once the engine has been lubricated, assembly can begin. - First, turn the chassis over and tighten all of the screws on the bottom using a small Phillips screwdriver. The screws hold the engine on the chassis. You may want to loosen each one, apply a little thread-lock and retighten.
- On the Nitro Razor, we opted to replace the factory-installed standard tires with optional sponge tires. There are various types of tires available, with different treads (figure G) for varying applications. The sponge tires are particularly good for use on concrete or blacktop.
Remove the factory tires by removing the tire nuts with a 4-way wrench (figure H).
- Reverse the process to replace the factory tires with the sponge tires. Be certain to place the thinner sponge-tires on the front, and the wider ones on the rear (figure I).
- Place the tire on the axle (figure J) and tighten down the nuts (figure K). The tire nuts employ a nylon locking mechanism, so snug them down securely, but don't overtighten.
Tip: Exchange the tires one at a time to ensure that you don't lose any of the tiny tire-nuts.
- Thread the antenna through the antenna mast and mount it in the mast holder by pressing it firmly into place.
- Install four AA batteries in the radio receiver.
- Install eight AA batteries in the radio transmitter.
Nitro RC Cars specs: - Length: 19"
- Width: 8"
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Scale: 1/10
- Top speed: 50+ mph.
RESOURCES :
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby is a supplier of radio-controlled planes, cars, boats, etc.
Horizon Hobby
Website: www.horizonhobby.com
Nitro Razor by Megatech
Nitro Razor by Megatech is a radio-controlled car that was featured in episode 102 of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies workshop.
Street Force by Duratrax
Street Force by Duratrax is a radio-controlled car featured on DIY's Radio Control Hobbies workshop.
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
HobbyTown USA
HobbyTown USA (Registered Trademark) is a Nebraska corporation formed in 1985 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla. HobbyTown began in 1980 with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The corporation was established for the sole purpose of sharing their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store.
Today, HobbyTown USA is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry.
With the company motto of "Building Your Dream" and with more than 150 stores open, it is the largest retail hobby franchise in the world and is ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide. More importantly, there are now hundreds of owners realizing their dream of being their own boss, and having fun while they do it.
For store location information, please click here.
HobbyTownUSA
Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: 402-434-5050
Email: info@hobbytown.com
Website: www.hobbytown.com
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