The ubiquitous standard in the world of remote controlled cars are models that are ready to run straight out of the box. That is, after you put some batteries in. While this is great for the enthusiastic and impatient bunch, what about the other kids? What about all those tin lid kids which have been robed of the fun that comes with assembling their own car?
Making one working unit out of many parts is very beneficial for children. And it can be a great way to spend some quality time instead of staring in the screen of your choosing.
Many rc enthusiasts, be they young or adults, have doubts about their capacity to make it happen. If you hear a voice in your head saying: ‘Can you build your own RC car?’ just ignore it. Of course you can do it, especially if you get a good self assembly rc car kit.
Size
Even newcomers know that rc cars come in more than one scale. They start large (as big as 1:5), however the popular models are 1:10; 1:12; 1:18; and on the far end the 1:24 and 1:36. This is one of the most important things to consider when looking into build your own remote control car kit. The decision affects other choices down the line. Aspects like handling assembly, efficient operation and storage after use. Don’t forget availability of spare parts when choosing scale for your self build rc car.
Style
There are roughly two major groups of rc truck lovers: those that want to recreate historical models and those that want to create an original monster truck. Historical miniatures require high level of detail, and the expectations of palpable semblance are also high. Getting one of those rc car kits to build will be a good start. The other extreme, or the boys that want to crush their models around would benefit from choosing rc race car kits with strong chassis, and reinforced grip tires. Any design that sits between these two is a fair option too. It’s better to start out with a basic set, and then you can either upgrade features once you are more confident (for example, you can change the wheels); or you can get a different model altogether.
Power
Battery powered rc cars are so prevalent that you’d think there is only one type of fuel and nothing to choose from. You’d be wrong, so do your homework. If you don’t build the model to shelf it, then beware – there are rc trucks that run on petrol, nitro, and gas. The type of power you go for affects maintenance, performance and, of course, price. Obviously supplying your model with liquid fuel can be more messy, but be aware that you can build your own nitro rc car, if you want to. Mechanical wear of models that run on burning fuel is considerably higher than electrical rc trucks.
age
Let’s not forget what this whole exercise with self assembly rc car kits is all about. The level of kids engagement in building the car is potentially the most valuable part of this equation. Tread carefully, for you can go wrong.
You simply have to adjust the choice of these self build rc car kits to the age of your assistant. If done properly it will enhance cognition, hand dexterity and eye coordination. If done improperly, it can bring motivation significantly down. There is no point in frustrating your ankle biter by being the big man that took all the fun out of this car assembly.
Be clear on this decision, and if you go with a model your kid can’t handle (which is also a legitimate option) at least don’t do it in front of them. Or set expectations before hand to avoid unnecessary disappointment.
finishing touches
You will find a lot of encouragement online to build your own remote control car. Don’t take it as a given that all you’ll need to do is put some pieces in their right place and off you go. Many diy rc car kits require a hand full of finishing touches to be done by you. Of course, this is by design. Some models need to be painted as part of the self build experience. And more often than not, the paint is not included in the pack.
You should also keep in mind that at least some steps in the assembly (like securing pieces to one another) would require some basic tool set. There are model that are for wee kids and that can be put together like lego blocks, however they are rare. So, have your tool box close by.
Battery charger is also to be supplied by you, separately. Sometimes this is the case with the battery itself, but some kits include batteries as well. You’d need to check this on a case by case basis.
Essential rc paraphernalia like remote controller and servo are also needed when you build a remote control car, however they are not part of all assembly kits. And you can’t proceed without them. You need transmitter, a button for throttle, wheel for turns and they need be compatible with the receiver which is in the rc car. The servo manipulates braking, throttle, steering and gears.
Prepare on these fronts in advance if you want to inspire a happy little vegemite with this project.
