Radio controlled cars have advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years. Gone are the days of the springy metal antenna and wheels that only turn when you’re moving. Modern radio controlled cars are as exciting as full-size racing ever has been, and technology has spilled over into scale model racing. The three main radio control models are listed below.
electric motor
The first RC cars were powered by electric motors and were simple devices. Radio controlled electric cars remain extremely popular and are relatively cheap. A major problem with electric vehicles has always been battery life; however, advances in motor and battery technology have increased run times to reasonable levels. Engine-driven cars can be very fast, but they don’t offer anywhere near the performance of a nitro-powered car.
nitro engines
Modern nitro powered cars are engineering masterpieces. With nitro-powered engines, nitro scale models are extremely fast, reaching speeds of up to 80mph. Acceleration is comparable to full-scale supercars and the engines can spin at 30,000 RPM. A nitro powered radio control car is usually the next step up from an electric vehicle and they are often physically larger and much better made.
oil power
The greatest radio controlled cars of all are the recent development of gasoline RC cars. That’s run-of-the-mill oil that’s available in any garage across the country. Gasoline powered RC cars are usually 1/5 scale, mainly to accommodate the larger engine but also for a more realistic appearance. Gasoline RC cars are big and not really for beginners.
Radio controlled cars are a hobby like no other and racing them is just as exciting as their full size counterpart.