Time waster of the day: Stupid-fast RC car
For those of you who haven't kept up with radio-controlled car technology since the days of the original RC10 and Tamiya Grasshopper, well, things have changed just a bit. Thanks to lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries and inexpensive brushless DC motors, RC enthusiasts now have access to more power than we could dream about just a few years ago.
The above video shows a Team Losi Mini-T 1:18-scale RC truck ripping around on a sand dune. With the stock motor, this would be less entertaining than watching paint dry, but there's nothing like increasing the power output by an order of magnitude to increase the fun factor. While something like this is by no means the fastest RC car in the world (despite the claim of the video's editor, that record belongs to Nic Case at over 160 MPH), it's probably capable of 60+ MPH like this author's Castle Creations-powered RC18T.
Why should automotive enthusiasts care? Well, for one, playing with RC cars will put a grin on nearly anyone's face, and provides a pleasant distraction when things aren't going well in the 1:1 world. But more importantly, the same sort of technology that gives us insanely fast toys can also be expected to brighten gearheads' days if the internal combustion engine gives way to electric motors as the power source of choice for future vehicles.
[Source: Transport Trends]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Riker 1:20PM (8/29/2006)
I can't believe how stable that thing is at those speeds.
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Jason 2:50PM (8/29/2006)
If you drove that thing by mistake into your ankle...ouch.
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DPC RC videos 3:21PM (8/29/2006)
That Rc car looks like one of those land speed record videos in the desert.
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Jeff 4:38PM (8/29/2006)
I had an RC10 years ago when I was still in high school and raced it locally in Dallas/Ft. Worth. I really miss tinkering with it, and I had no idea that such advances had been made in power delivery! My car was souped up about as much as possible, with carbon fiber components, custom shocks, and a nice aftermarket motor. But this is just incredible! Maybe I need to pick up the hobby again...
Out of curiosity, I'd like to see the author's Castle Creations powered RC18T. Do you have any pictures or more information about your car??
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spdracerut 6:13PM (8/29/2006)
I use to have R/C cars in the early 90s... good ole RC10L with a 13t modified motor. But I read up on R/C cars today and it's freakin insane! Back in the day, 4 minute run times were about all you got. Now with the new batteries and brushless motors, they're getting like 12-15 minutes! And just as fast or faster too....
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ADE 1:23PM (8/30/2006)
I build and race nitro powered RC Touring Cars and Monster Trucks. The hobby has had many advances and I love tinkering with stuff. Aftermarket support is insane- can you say vehicle personalization?!?!? Check with your local hobby shop- you will be impressed!
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ZoomZoomin' 7:37PM (8/31/2006)
"For those of you who haven't kept up with radio-controlled car technology since the days of the original RC10 and Tamiya Grasshopper"
That almost describes me perfectly, which is a shame. Brushless motor setups are pretty slick though. I have one in my heli.
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