If you are struggling to come up with gift ideas then consider collectible RC vehicles like the 1:64 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Motorsport Edition Semitruck. This is an officially licensed NASCAR collectible, which is 13.5 inches long. It has great graphics and will be the perfect addition to any NASCAR collection.

For NASCAR lovers you may also want to consider putting together a NASCAR collectible gift bundle. Start with the 1:4 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Motorsport Edition Semitruck. Then add in smaller dieacast NASCAR collectibles, a NASCAR book and perhaps even tickets to an upcoming NASCAR event.

The key to putting together a holiday gift that will wow the gift’s recipient is to really think about what they like. If you are putting together a NASCAR gift package, for example, you will want to make sure you select items that relate to the driver or the drivers that the person likes the best, and avoid memorabilia for drivers or teams that the person doesn’t like. The thought behind the gift is the biggest gift you can give a person that you care about. Keep that in mind when doing your holiday shopping this year.

The first step is to find a vehicle that is appropriate for your event. If you are entering a drifting competition then you will need an rc car model that is designed for drifting. On the other hand, if you are entering an rc competition that includes an obstacle course then you will need a sturdy 4WD model. According to the Nitro Toyz blog, one of the best obstacle vehicles is the CEN MT-Spec 3.0.

After you have selected the right car for your race, the next step is to practice racing with that car. You will want to first practice specific skills like maneuvering the vehicle over obstacles, or drifting. Then you will want to practice racing so that you can learn how to transition your vehicle from straight aways, to turn to climbing over obstacles.

When you are ready for competition you will want to pack up your vehicle and a support bag. The support bag will include a couple extra charged batteries or extra fuel, extra tires and spare parts. You will also want to bring a copy of your registration if you pre-registered and anything else that you may need on the day of the race. To help you avoid leaving something behind create a check list of everything that you need and then use this list to pack your bag the day before the race.

Street Mayhem Nissan 350Z – The Basics

This model weighs in at about 5.4 pounds and car reach speeds up to 100 mph. It comes with both a set of street tires and a couple of sets of drifting tires. It has working headlights, differential gears, an electric engine and adjustable front wheel alignment. This model also comes with a Tri-band remote control unit so you have the option of racing up to six cars at once.

Pros and Cons

This RC model has been repeatedly hailed as a great value and an overall great car for the price. People like that it is fast, inexpensive and easy to use. They also like the fact that it comes with both street and drift tires, and that you can make adjustments to the configuration of the vehicle to make it easier to control.

The only drawback that people report about this car is that it is not the best drifter in the world. However, if you put street tires on the front axel and drift tires on the back axel, it is supposed to help.

No matter what remote control unit you buy it is going to have pros and cons. However, overall this is a great little rc car. It works well for a transition vehicle between a kid’s toy RC and the expensive adult models.

1/18 Mini Quake SE Prebuilt DTXC0011 – The Basics

This model comes prebuilt and its parts can be upgraded. Its dimensions are 9.5 inches by 7.4 inches by 4.7 inches and it weighs in at about 1.6 pounds. This RC truck has an electric motor, dual ball differentials, speed stock tires, chromed nylon wheels, steel rods that are adjustable and aluminum CV shafts and oil shocks.

The Pros

The top speed that this model is reported to have is about 30 mph, however, you can upgrade to a brushless motor if you want to increase this top speed by about 10 to 20 mph. Another pro is that this model is easy to maneuver, because it has a steering wheel controller, as opposed to a stick control. Finally, this is an attractive model that works well for both boys and girls.

The Cons

Like other DuraTex products, users of this product have complained about the durability of the stock parts that come with the initial set. Tire problems have also been reported, they are said to break off easily. Finally, this model has a short battery life which means you either have to have several backups, or be willing to limit your play time.

Overall for $160 I expect more, so I would rate this product as one that should be passed up.

1/32 4WD Mini Pro, Nitro Thunder – The Basics

The Mini Pro, Nitro Thunder has dimensions of 156mm by 93mm by 51mm, and it weighs in under 6 ounces. It comes with the racer, remote control and 2 AA batteries.

Pros and Cons

This is a cut little remote control car. To start with I like that it comes fully assembled. The mini cars are more difficult to put together, especially if you don’t have tiny tools to work with. I also like that the batteries are positioned so that one AA battery sits on each side of the engine. This helps to stabilize the vehicle and helps to keep its center of gravity low and balanced.

I also like that this remote control car comes with an illustrated guide book. This makes understanding the instructions much easier than if you just have a text guide. Finally I like that this car comes with decorative stickers that you can add to the cars ABS plastic body. Because they are not attached to the car in the box, you have the option of using the provided stickers, designing your own decorative stickers or buying special decals.

I really don’t have many negatives to report on this vehicle besides the normal mini car complaints. These cars are small and relatively delicate. You can’t run them through water or run them into a hard barrier if you want them to last.

If you will be in or near San Gabriel on August 10 then consider stopping by or participating in the Area-D Summer Drift Battle. This is a 1/10 EP RC Tadem Drift and Tire Attack Competition. The competition will be located at 701 S. San Gabriel Bldv, San Gabriel, California 91776.

This is an all day event that will include both beginner and advanced classes and a Tire Attack. Classes costs $15 if you prepay/pre-register, and $20 if you pay at the door. If you want to participate in the Tire Attack you will need an RC car with HPI X-Pattern tires. Prizes will be offered to the first three places in the races and to the first place winners of the Tire Attack competitions. A raffle will also be held.

The tracks open at 8:00 a.m. The first qualifying round starts at 9:00 a.m. The first round of tandem racing starts at 11:00 a.m., lower bracket tandems will start and 1 p.m. and will be followed by the upper bracket tandem races. After all races have been completed prizes will be awarded.

The first step for keeping your RC cars electric car up and running is to keep it clean. While most RC cars will be run through and over mud, water, dirt, gravel and sand, cleaning your RC car after you use it will prevent a lot of problems. First of all if you clean after each use you will reduce the chances that parts will corrode or jam. You will also be able to identify parts that need to be replaced or repaired.

Another tip for keeping your RC cars up and running is to keep everything lubed properly. This will reduce friction in the engine and keep the wear and tear on moving parts down to a minimum. This process will also help you to prevent serious damage to your RC car joints.

Tip number three is to charge your battery properly. This means charging the batteries for the amount of time recommended and using the proper charging equipment. It also means that you replace batteries as they wear out or become damaged.

Last week I came across an interesting blog at Blogcash online. If you are interested in learning more about RC cars and trucks, and to read about this topic from another point of view then I highly recommend that you visit this blog.

The first option that you have for the body art design of your RC car is the classic racing strip down the center of the car’s body. To accomplish this you will need to first apply a coat of paint to the body of the car and let it dry. If the manufacturer recommends two coats then apply a second coat and allow it to dry. Next use painter’s tape to mask off the stripe design that you want. Then apply a coat of white paint in the area you masked off for your racing stripe. Allow the paint to dry before removing the tape. Once it is dry you will remove the tape and apply a clear coat to protect your custom paint job.

If you want to add more details to your car then consider using decal kits. These are sold in the same section of hobby stores where you will find RC car tools. Decals can help you add NASCAR style to your RC car’s design, as well as to add special graphics that would be difficult to paint on by hand.

This last week I came across a great blog that explores the world of RC cars and trucks called ZeroRC. Check this blog out and learn more about RC cars.

Your second option is to buy each component of your RC car separately. This option gives you the most freedom for your car’s design, however, the cost of your car parts can quickly add up so be careful. Some of the parts that you will need to buy include radio control car systems, remote control car batteries, an engine, a shell, tires, chassis, decals and body paint. As you can see, the number of parts that you have to buy can quickly turn a weekend project in to a multi-hundred dollar project.

If this is your first attempt at building your own RC car or truck then it is a good idea to pick up a few reference books. Fortunately there are several good books on the market that you can turn to for help selecting parts, help designing your RC car and help putting everything together. You can find these books at your local public library, at hobby shops and at your local bookstore in the hobby section.

Do you have a topic or question that you would like us to cover in this blog? Post your requests and questions below.

The first type of engine that you can buy for your RC projects are engines for nitro remote control cars. Hobby Products International offers a great selection of engines. Their Nitro Star F4.1 Engine with pull-start. It fits 1/8 scale nitros and lists for about $229. The dimensions of this engine are 5.9 inches by 4.9 inches by 3.3 inches. Your second option is the Nitro Star T-15 Engine with Pull Start: EVO. This economy engine offers 1.2 horse power, side exhaust and compatibility with the HPI Roto Start System. Its dimensions are 5.8 inches by 4.9 inches by 3.6 inches and it weighs about 14.4 ounces.

The second type of engine that you can buy for your RC projects are rc electric car motors. Your first option is the Motor, 550 Titan, 12 turn. This electric engine lists for $26.00 and weighs in at 8.8 ounces. It comes with preinstalled capacitors, leads and connectors. Its dimensions are 4.2 inches by 3.5 inches by 1.2 inches. If you are working on an RC jet aircraft then you can look at the Himax EPF50BL Electric Ducted Fan with Brushless Motor for RC Jet Aircraft. This product lists for $79.95.

Do you have any tips for selecting a motor for an rc car? Post your tips below.