by sunny on March 15, 2010
Are you planning to buy your first nitro-powered RC car? Here are a few things you should know before diving into the grin inducing hobby.
Nitro isn't gas. Some people refer to nitro RCs as gas-powered models. However, nitro fuel isn't the same as the gas you put in your real car. Don't confuse the two and don't make the mistake of filling it up from your crappy sedan's full tank. Nitro fuel has three main components - methanol, nitromethane and oil. This is mixed together with several additives, such as anti-corrosion agents. The fuel rating is based on the percentage of nitromethane (typically 20%).
Nitro RCs are fast. If you want speed and power, then nitro is the way to go. If too much of both overwhelm you, it might be wise to get your feet wet driving electric RC cars or trucks first.
Nitro fuel requires special handling. It's highly-flammable, not to mention poisonous, so avoid lighted cigarettes and open flames when you're around it. Make sure to wipe up any spills, especially on your car, lest have that chain-smoker at the track set it aflame when he lights one up. Oh yeah, don't mistake it for beer, either. Blech.
Nitro RCs require better driving skills. High-speed driving does have its drawbacks - the learning curve becomes much higher. There are many nitro-powered cars at all categories designed for beginners, though, so make sure you opt for those, instead of advanced models. More importantly, try to get a feel for the car's power before driving it at full speed, unless you want to risk damaging your $500 purchase on its first run.
Nitro RCs are kinda bad for indoors. While you can use them inside your house if you want, the fuel fumes, engine noise and excessive speeds make that a bad idea. Take it outdoors and go nuts.
Nitro RCs require more maintenance. Getting your car running isn't as easy as flipping a switch - you need to get fuel onto it, check the air filter, check the glow plug and more. You'll need to carry a quick-fill bottle along too.
Sure, they require more work and are more expensive. However, nitro RCs usually also mean more fun. It's a positive trade-off and one you're not likely to regret.
[Image Credit: Imageshack]
by sunny on February 16, 2010
Want a high-performance off-road nitro buggy? The Ansmann Racing Vapor, a 1/8th scale 4WD racing machine, looks to be a model to seriously look into. Touted as one of the most advanced vehicles in its class, it's a ride that strikes a neat balance between price and performance.
Available as a ready-to-run RC, the green and black body makes for one sexy number. Green is the shade of choice, by the way, and much of the parts also come with a touch of the same color. The badass rear wing, chrome racing wheels and block spike tires round out the gratifying aesthetics.
A factory-installed 4.6cc (.28ci) AR-28 pull-start engine delivers the push and acceleration necessary for the Vapor to perform at racing speeds. Boasting "maximum driving performance under all conditions," it employs an innovative design of extra large shocks and mid-engine design, that help achieve both great jumping ability and excellent overall balance. Specially-developed upper front suspension arms give it much-needed stability, while the sturdy 3mm-thick aluminum chassis should hold up well to the toughest bumps you can throw its way.
Other notable features of the ride include a 6kg metal geared servo, front and rear stabilizers, full ball bearing transmission and hardened drive shafts. It comes with a 40MHz digital steerwheel RC system, which provides great feel and smooth maneuvering, even through difficult races. There's also a good range of hop-ups to help you boost it for more high-profile competitions.
Equipped with enhancements that put it on par with the best buggy racers in the field, the Ansmann Racing Vapor promises powerful and dependable performance in a slick package. Priced afford ably, it doesn't sound like a bad vehicle to try out.
Specifications
- Length: 490mm
- Width: 285mm
- Wheelbase: 320mm
- Clearance: 28mm
- Others: Fully Ready-to-Run nitro R/C car includes 3 channel FM trigger type radio transmitter
| Power Source: |
NITRO |
| Model Type: |
2WD, OFF-ROAD, LEISURE |
| Length: |
300mm |
| Width: |
220mm |
| Top Speed: |
40 MPH+ |
| Build State: |
95% or RTR |
by sunny on January 20, 2010
Brutal. That's the word many people use to describe the Traxxas Jato 3.3. Combining the power of the Traxxas Jato stadium truck with a TRX 3.3 Racing Engine, it delivers neckbreaking speeds both on the tracks and off the beaten paths.
Clad in a pre-cut, lightweight body shell, complete with engaging graphics, the car looks as sleek as any high-performance full-scale racer. And it doesn't disappoint. With the help of the souped-up, pre-installed engine and the patented Traxxas EZ-Start system (which will also diagnose issues that arise with your starting functions), the Jato 3.3 can go from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. Yep, just like your favorite supercars. Speed, however, tops out at 65 mph (read: absolutely not a supercar - just a really fast scale model).
With zero-bump steer-suspension suspension, two-speed torque, GTR shocks and threaded Anaconda performance tires (which should prove extra sticky), this stadium truck boasts an enviable ability to perform under any road conditions. Forget the racetrack roots - it's an all-roader for speed freaks.
It comes with an integrated wheelie bar (coupled with the dependable handling), so you can go wild showing off tricks and stunts to your heart's content. It's built on a strength-tested, extra-durable chassis, so you're guaranteed a stable ride, no matter how challenging.
The Traxxas Jato 3.3 comes with a TQ radio system, ensuring full control and interference-free operation of your machine. It's mostly low-maintenance, but will require 20% Nitro fuel, eight double A batteries and a 7.2v battery for the EZ Start system. Do note that it's recommended primarily for experienced racers.
Specifications:
Length: 16.53 Inches (420mm)
Front Track: 12.87 Inches (327mm)
Rear Track : 13.00 Inches (330mm)
Weight (no fuel) : 83.03oz (5.19lb) (w/4AA in rear + wheelie bar)
Height (overall) : 5.70 Inches (145mm)
Wheelbase: 11.22" Long (285mm) 11.14" Short (283mm)
Wheel Diameter : 2.85 Inches (72.4mm)
Tire Diameter : 4.13 Inches (105mm)
Steering: Bellcrank w/ Integrated Servo Saver
Transmission : Auto Two-Speed
Differential Type: Hardened-Steel Bevel Gear, Sealed
Drive System : Shaft-Driven 2WD
