A Valentine. From Me to You

Happy Valentine's day everybody.

I won't bother getting into if today is simply a hallmark holiday or if there actually was a hunchback patron saint cupid on a church snyping lonesome folks or something. That argument just never gets anywhere.

But, since I'm a total romantic, I'm not against telling people that you love and respect them. And sometimes, we like society giving us the go ahead to be silly in public and send strange cards.

So, today's that day. And like any blogger worth their weight in cut-n-paste pictures, I've got advise.

Sure, I may be the last person anyone should be taking romance advise from(but I'm sure we can all agree an rc / love advice column in RC Car Action wouldn't  be the worst idea(You've got my email)) If I was to ignite some passion I would start the date with some schnazzy new clothes.


You could go all out, ala Masami and jumps suits, or you could simplify with a tee shirt.

If I had any photoshop skills, I'd make the suggestion of an addition under the "RC" to include your partner's name.

Now that I've spent the last week off track and not even mentioning the Winter nats, EOS, or the up coming cactus... Here's another off rc topic suggestion  for tonight's date night. That is of course, assuming your significant other is getting a little tired of youtube race recaps and hearing Scotty Ernst not whisper sweet nothings for six action packed minutes at a time.

First up. Go see something good!






That's gonna be fantastic. Lego fan or not.  And, I'm sure if I made some attempts, pulled some blog strings, I could talk Jang into going on a double date with me and my wife. Crazy, I know. But hang in there.

Choosing that perfect movie would be tough. The awkwardness of it all would require something short and to the point. Yet, keep the attention of it's viewers. Setting would be key.

Whether you've scored the perfect double date, romantic evening out waiting in line in the rain for an overpriced meal.

What better setting for Valentine's Day is there than Paris?

Here's my top pick for romance films.  Actually my top pick for any film. It requires headphones or full surround sound home theater because it is film, it is passion, it is drama, it is action, it is romance... C'était un Rendez-vous

Forget that everyone told you its the journey. It's can also be the destination, the finish line, the tap out, the top score.

The result can be just as awesome.

If your stuck in an office, at the track, or headed to the beach for a weekend getaway, have a great, totally normal, Friday, doing what ever you love to do.

-Tommy

Thursday, Bloody Thursday

Somehow, hump day totally passed me up and I almost didn't make it through Wednesday. But a co worker reminded me of the best medicine on the internet, Youtube.





That's what I needed.

If you made it through yesterday's grammar and spelling mash up I call yesterday's post, you may recall there's plenty of hustlin to be had on the internet.


The Bonafide Hustler and many like him are hawking the yard sale finds that we wish were down the street from us. What the B Hustler is pointing out is that goldpans and plenty of other rc goods are still worth money in the internet age. B Hustler may just be the next wave of frontiersmen, set forth to strike it rich, one yard sale at a time.

Gold pans still cashin in

Unfortunatly, some people just don't appreciate vintage rc cars. And this is probably how they end up in garage sales and sometimes in the basements of hustlers. A Goldpan might be the most baller shit out there to some, but the true beauty is in the eye of the fanboy.







Getting around the track fast is a major "goal" I have with rc cars, but that doesn't distract me from the simple fun of making things go. In fact, going faster usually leads to me breaking and not going anywhere for a while.

Jang, my self confessed rc guru has brought many unusual cars, helis and even legos to my attention. But beyound his rc reviews and lego builds, are some fascinating custom lego creations. It is the heart of problem solving and making something work. A world far from as well as, oh so close to roll centers, tire shore and c ratings. Here is one refreshing example of engineering that caught my eye:



I don't see myself getting into legos, at least, not until my kid is old enough not to eat them. Jang's and other tinkerer's abilities to "turn off the lap timer" and just learn, explore and experiment for a while may be some great advise that I sometimes forget.

But all that imagination is great for cross training back to real lief



Thanks for reading
-Tommy

Bonafide RTR

4x4 Short Course has had a steady fallowing at my local track recently, and I can't help but want to get in on the insanely over powered action.

Naturally, with any new horizon, I start to look at what's available the usual places like Amain and the buy and sell section of RCTech.net

RCtech is a great place to have some confidence while purchasing used items with the seller rating they use. But it may be worth everyone's time to search their a seller's other posts for their depth of knowledge in other forums.

I rarely look at rtrs, because I'm an elitist. Seriously, it's a problem that keeps me and my family eating ramen while I drive sports cars. Like a tramp stamp tattoo, it's just something I've learned embrace while at the beach.

Ready to run cars are fantastic for a weekend, but then you decide you want more and you end up with electronics you can't use or are not eligible for racing. I've never understood -not supplying- RTR cars with 17.5 brushless. Losi buggies can come with 13.5 sensored, though.

Off road here in the pacific northwest is split between the indoor season and outdoor. Indoor tracks are tighter and may be better suited for the nimble buggies. But it doesnt hurt to dream about outdoors and seeing a few short coursers ripping it full throttle in a sweeper.

Those dreams leave me and my PayPal account in the market for a SC 4x4 and I want new electronics that can push this beast around. Amain delivers: The Team Thunder Associated ProLite Tiger for $340!

Yes, it's a Qualifier Series RTR. Yes, it actually is just some Thunder Tiger Sparrow hawk conversion, but that price is insane. Plus, my man Jang at URC seems to not hate it.



I'm a huge fan of Jang. The dude is solid and very honest in his opinion.

That rtr would get me on the track with terrible tires and servo. Or, I play craigslist roulette.

Craigslist and short course go together like Redbull and extreme sports. Matches made in Youtube, launch ramp heaven.

The only problem with the list is the risks involved in talking to a hobbyists.  You do have to keep in mind that you're dealing with someone selling off pieces of a once loved collection.

Add caption

With the worst case scenario burned into the mind, I can then focus on finding "a deal." So I head to my local Craigslist where short course trucks are plentiful.

Traxxas Slash 4x4 Platinium Series RC Truck w/tons of extras - $675

Listed is one full RC with 2 bodies and tons of extras.
I have over 1200.00 invested, plus my time.
This rig is in great condition and perfect repair and ready to race!

TRAXXAS "Slash 4x4" Platinum Edition with low-CG chassis
* Pinion spur 19/54
* Traxxas Lipo 5000
* Traxxas Speed Body
* J-Concepts Chevy Silverado body (new)
* RPM A-Arms
* RPM Bumpers 
* RPM Light mount & buckets
* Axial LED headlights and taillights
* Onyx 3650kv 4 Pole Brushless motor
*Proline shocks
*3 full sets of Pro-line wheels and tires
* Tekno driveline
* Traxxas steel constant Velocity shafts (all4)
* 2.4 Radio and receiver
$675.00 cash only, no trades sorry.
Everything is in like new condition and no kids have abused them!
Call or text #XXXXXXXXX




$675. Ouch. That's a lot of money for a Traxxas. I'm not that familiar with Traxxas, so I won't judge.

I know from first hand traction searching experience that rc is a slippery slope.  $1200 in can happen sooner than most us us would care to admit. 

Anyway I look at it, I just couldn't sleep well spending $675 for a Slash.

I do hope someone buys his truck. Perhaps the seller will end up accepting a trade for a quad or dirt bike and lawn care for the package. But dang, not actual earned currency.

I try and tread lightly into clist ads. Mostly because of bonafide d bags like this that you may end up dealing with to purchase something. Speaking of creepy basements...




He may have the best intentions.  He may even be adding to the value as more people are looking for these. 

But something about the "Bonafide Hustler" really creeps me out.

Gold pan hunting mobile

The used market may be a great place to get into a class. But, it may also not be right for the first time buyer. It's dicey and care should be given before meeting strangers.

My ears may deceive me, but hints and whispers of a new AE 4x4 ProLite are lurking in forum shadows...

Have a great Wednesday folks and dont forget to use the buddy system,

-Tommy

Pinpointing Progress

It's Tuesday, which means nothing, really.

But, like many, I am stuck on front of a computer, wondering, what do I buy to go faster?

It's sometimes hard to not get a new toy. RC racers are continually bombarded by the flavor of the month.

Some choose to bite, while others look further onto the forums, the setup guides and talk with others to achieve new results with a familiar chassis.

These new kits are released in an effort to supply.

Manufacturers have problems to solve. Some of those problems actually exist. Some don't.
That won't stop folks from wanting aluminium drivers for two "hard to reach" nuts:

Getting products into the hands of consumers is the name of the game. It is fantastic when the manufacturers are supplying answers to problems. It is another thing when we are asked to donate money to brands we like in the form of my least favorite word in the English language, "bling."

AE, for instance,  has cast a wide net these days. Rereleases, RTRs, and entirely new flagship models. All while keeping us up to date.

That wide of a net and somethings got to be spread thin.

No longer supporting LRP, AE has given new life into the Reedy/Hobbywing esc line and this will surely keep thing running in the right direction for Thunder Tiger.

Racers want nothing but the fastest. And when money is no object, one car comes to mind. Or better yet, awesome comes to mind. Behold, a small manufacturer, unchained to what a parent company wants:



And their floating front diff:




I'll let those videos resonate...


Awesomatix are bringing innovation and more importantly drama. Of course, some of the cost of the price goes to the song rights for their videos, but that was money well spent. Honestly, fantastic videos.

Perhaps the offroad scene has unfortunately come to expect some additional "play" and "make it as cheap as you can."

Onorad and offroad are two very different animals. So I should probably keep them separated in terms of quality and cost, but line are blurring. Gear diffs, hex hubs, open ball cups, belt drives... it's all cross pollinating. I love the technology, the new toys, the fresh parts.

It's a fun game to keep up with the jones', but not a game I'll be playing at the moment.

Until I can get around the track for 5 min without relying on a marshal, I'm going to save my money for the track.

See you tomorow,
-Tommy

Like Hot Cakes. But Racing.

The RC10B5 is out and racing. An inevitable decade long reign has begun!

The results are trickling in.

It's no surprise that this fan boy thinks it is looking bad ass.



They first release the rear motor with composite chassis, saving the mid motor/aluminium chassis for a month or two from now.

Sticks are for kids.

So, Associated is not chasing the mid motor trend. They are being honest and designing what they think is a great car.

Effing solid looking, especially for a non Factory Team kit. Where or why will we spend more? I'm sure that answer will come around summer time when the FT is the only thing to get you that bump out of the Stock D main.



Brent Thielke hits some softball questions from Jason Rouna out of the park. They clearly love it. This is the largest rc racing buggy manufacturer in the world, displaying their first new layout in over a decade, so it is a big deal.

The gist of this video, is damn, get a B5 now. Also... dial in that front trail for tight, indoor tracks.

One thing that still bothers me, the off center motor mount. I can't believe at 3:10 in the video they mention centering the receiver yet though the entire video, they offer no excuse for not centering the motor.

Do we just ignore the motor being off center and appreciate the car for what it is?

Totally normal.

Did they forget? Did the decide not to?  Is  the chassis optimized for 550 4 pole?????

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!!!

Whatever they are talking about, RedRC always puts on a good show. Thanks for the footage and interviews. I could watch their youtube channel all day, but I've got some things at work to catch up on.


It's Monday. There's a glimmer of hope for racing tomorrow. Racers are calling for a 17.5 only day. That could make fro a great day of racing in case the bad weather holds some folks up.

I've got a Mach 2 17.5 just waiting to be tossed back into the ole trusty B4....

Have a safe Monday, pay those bills, and get to the track!
-Tommy

VTA and TCS: Realism Talk

It's hard to beat seeing professionals drive the cars of our dreams.
Red RC brought us another display of what the classic RC10 cars can do. This time it was during the JConcepts Winter Indoor Nationals:



Cudos to to Jason Rouna for making this category seen by so many.


More on Kinwald's RC10 Classic(Worlds) and his B5 cars here. The things just look awesome. But this whole "throw back" is getting silly with all the B5RM's out there. We understand, AE needs to pay the bills until the mm or a conversion comes out.
My guess is RTRs are all rm and the conversion is available after that. Time will tell.

Seeing Kinwald today is not unlike Walter Rohl and his cars these days




I do hope that these rereleases turn into something to run at bigger events. For the debate about 17.5 motors, just put them in cars designed before 2000 or with drivers born after 2000 and call it good.


VTA or Vintage Trans Am is a class of touring car racing that has become hugely popular, though it did just get dropped from  Electric Onroad carpet nats. Bummer. I think the category is fantastic.

It uses slower motors, spec tires and requires no huge financial resources to get started. Most VTA vets will persuade the noobs to run those shaft drive TC3's they've got lying around.

I'm not a huge fan of calling any brushless motors "stock" because they are all fast. But there is a world out there still using brushed, closed end ball silver cans for competition. No, I'm not talking about box stock Slash classes, I'm talking about the big Mr. T.

Tamiya to most.

The Tamiya TCS is one of my favorite categories of on road. Sure they govern the rules with an iron fist, but you know if someone cheats in TCS, they are border line geniuses that came up with the loop holes.

In TCS, GT Spec is my favorite. Grab a shaft drive TT-02 or similar car and use the supplied 540 motor , ESC and kit tires and you're racing for under $150!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy in today's high cost world.


Tamiya will have you rolling for $155 with esc, body, motor and tires

Fred Medel talks about the awesome world of TCS.





Others taking the Tamiya kits to new "endurance" events

And how it looks at the track:



Amazing.

There are a million ways to determin who is fastest, but we have chosen to drive little cars while standing on the drivers stand and shouting "GO!"

The debates about cheater motors, chassis design and company politics will always be around. I just like that we have so many choices to how we go about deciding what cars, motors and tracks we want to use. The only thing that needs to be remembered is to keep race entries up, the companies will follow. 

Thanks!

-Tommy

Every Second Counts

Right now it's snowing in Portland. And although the rest of the country may start the car a few minutes a head of time to get the defrost going, here in Portland, it means the city shuts down. Even the "worst day of the year" bike ride is canceled. Nature is calling us out.

I'm at home today plotting my blog driven world domination.  While catching up to what youtube has to offer.




Driving home from work yesterday in my 2wd pickup as the snow really began to come down, I felt I had more "fun"with traction than I normally get in the dry. The 100 or so horse power that the old carberated 4 banger produces simply does not encourage the type of driving I normally do while living the dream once a week at the track.

Those first practice laps, tires still dripping with sauce and myself wondering why I didnt just take a second to sweep, or check my ride height, are always the roughest. My head fills with doubt. Is the diff any good, is the slipper too tight, are my tires wearing in the right direction in the right part of the tire?

While driving the pickup truck home yesterday, I felt I could have made some fine tuning. Added some balast over the drive tires, dropped some psi, geared up while driving, eeeeasy on the brakes and down shifts... not unlike controlling an RC car.

Years ago, after a Saturday of racing touring cars (HPI RS4's with the latest stock motors) A friend of mine and I had been entering the freeway and his jeep started oversteering in the rain. We were both new to driving and oversteer was a new sensation to us. He counter steered and stayed calm. Executing a perfect drift, through the onramp and seamlessly we were up to speed and driving along normally.

We both went silent with awesome and finally broke the silence with huge laughter. He told me that was exactly what he would have done if racing his rc car. We concluded that rc was teaching us to stay calm and find control.

Driving home yestery was awesome. Tons of fun in the snow while driving my truck.

Today, I'll be spending quality time training my cat to glue tires and blog.  Maybe build a snowman. Maybe go for a mountain bike ride. But I will definitely not be at work.

Out on the forums, folks are still finding ways to engineer the perfect car and promote their genius while making sure to belittle any opposing views. It is great to know the hobby is full of idea people, just in case the educated, paid, professional engineers are kidnapped while trying to go see their favorite events in Sochi.

If you're a fan of debating or if you know you're going to buy the latest kit available by your favorite brand or drivin by your favorite racer, there's really no reason to be negative on the forums. Chances are, if you have to start a reply with "Not meant to be a personal attack..." you are personally attacking someone. And that sucks. Save your breath for your right to see men's figure skating. Nothing is more badass than doing something that you're not supposed to, the way you want to, and then receiving a gold fucking medal for it.

Geeezus:




Haters gonna hate. Let's see those rear motor, standard measurement cars kick some ass.

Run what you brung, stay positive, and rebuild that diff already!
-Tommy