The site selling MDPs RRS scale model reminded me that I wanted to buy a remote control car for my little boy. Well, OK... for me too but he will enjoy it I'm sure A proper one with working suspension that I can do stunts & jumps with etc and therefore one that will be able to take a bit of a beating. Are these expensive? Do they need much maintenance? Are they pretty easy to get used to once you've got a hang of the controls? Was thinking along the lines of a Monster Truck type thing, big wheels etc. 

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Haven't had one for a long time!! Battery or fuel powered - either way they can get some speed up!! And hurt whatever they crash into. Very easy to learn to use. Tamiya(if spelt right) is a big maker, but I'm sure there are others now. TDV6 - gone
TDV8 - gone
Audi Q5 3.0 Tdi Sline wef 6/11/10

Tamiya have a great reputation when last in Japan ( 8 years ago) I purchased a couple of kits - you need patience to build them but its very worth while. I do suggest you find a model store: get good advice and go from there. RRS HST Supercharged/ Stornoway Grey/Ivory/Piano Black/Sun Roof/Trackstar

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Last edited by wsy679 on Mon Feb 20 2006 4:59pm. Edited 2 times in total

I race the off road trucks here in dubai, the best for the young ones, is a RTR ready to run kit, I buy mine online at www.modelsport.co.uk, they ship anywhere very good service, for beginners Tamiya is good, with easy maintenance and spare parts, check out the terracrusher or TNX. They are notro kits, but the battery ones are still good fun!!

My advice is to stay away from the big ready made trucks unless they are from a decent firm like Tamiya. They do XB models (expert built) which are kits that have been made in the factory, they also do QD ones which are lower spec. Nitro cars are mental and no good for kids. So far we have managed to do in one Defender and a quad a second Defender and a D3 are looking ropey. We haven't treated them bad they are just poorly made, so spend the extra and save a fortune!

I noticed that Halfords are now selling RC model cars. They looked pretty good, but I know next to nothing about the subject, so it's a pretty subjective opinion for what its worth.

Paul

i used to race these almost to the point of being a sponsored driver back in my college days. How much are you looking to get into this? Because you can seriously spend some coin on these "pro-kits". You can buy a lower level kit and then upgrade the crap out of it...w/ titanium parts, lighter weight components and tires and wheels...just like the real cars...but at 1/10th the price...imagine that.

HPI makes some really good offroaders that have some really good travel. If you're looking for gas vs electric then you might be better off having fun for a longer period of time. Electric is nice because it's quiet and clean...but the negative side is you dont get a long run time. www.vip-culture.com | 06 RRS HSE | 06 Odyssey Touring

Thanks for the input, guys! As usual, the forum knows a lot more stuff than first meets the eye!

I'm not looking to get into it in any big way. Just something that me and the littl'un can share as a bit of a pastime as he gets older and more into these sorts of things. From what I see, it looks like a Tamiya XB model would be a good starting point. Watch this space! 

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I've got a Tamiya Escort RS Cosworth which I built from a kit about 10 years ago and it was utterly brilliant - fitted it with a motor out of a 4 year old's drive along jeep thing and it absolutely flew  Like this site? Buy some RRSPORT goodies to show your support!

Martin how easy was it - could a mechanical numty like me do it?

No Probs, I did it and I haven't a clue about mechanics. Just follow the instructions, which are very clear. TDV6 - gone
TDV8 - gone
Audi Q5 3.0 Tdi Sline wef 6/11/10

tamiya hands down is the king of scale realistic 1/10th scale cars...i had the b5 Audi A4 and various FWD cars from them and all are great fun to build and drive...great fun to build w/ your kids. www.vip-culture.com | 06 RRS HSE | 06 Odyssey Touring