A scale model is a smaller version of a real thing. In the context that we’re concerned, it’s a small version of, typically, an off-road vehicle. Seems simple, but the reality (pun intended) is the concept of “what is scale” is pretty ambiguous and very much open to interpretation. When RC rock crawling first took…
Quick, who won the last 1/8-buggy IFMAR world championship? Globally, that’s the premier racing class–the one to win if you want to prove you’re the best of the best. Try this one: Who is the current ROAR 4WD short course national champion? That’s universally the biggest class across the U.S. right now. Not good with…
First, let’s accurately define clone. A clone isn’t a product that lacks originality or a rebadged product. An RC clone is a direct copy. One step further, a pure clone will have part-for-part interchangeability. There are some “gray area” clones where the design looks identical, but certain changes prevent a mass amount of interchangeability or some parts…
Happy New Year from RC Truck Stop! The first thing that comes to mind when we reflect on 2012 is a very true and sincere THANK YOU! Thank you for a great year. Thank you for visiting RC Truck Stop and for going on this ride with us. We look forward to sharing another awesome…
Many companies understandably won’t want to hear it, but these days there is a single dominate brand in RC. There are a lot of successful companies in RC, but when the dust settles, one is–at least for now–clearly breaking away from the pack. In the not-too-distant past, there were usually at least two companies on…
Ready for analogy that is funny because it’s true and yet also not really all that funny because it’s too true? Here ya go: You’re more likely to find standing water on the moon than an RC racer that embraces change. When it comes to how we do things in RC racing, we do them…
Recently, I had something come across my desk that made me appreciate that I was sitting down. What I read was a huge surprise and caught me off guard. I had to read it twice and then I was on the hunt to research it. Traxxas announces that they will be supplying big box stores…
The end of 2012 is before us. While many of us get into the holiday season, the new year of 2013 is also right around the corner. So for us RC fanatics, it’s around this time of year we like to see and seek out whats new and exciting for the new year … and,…
A common question among aspiring RC racers is: “How do I get sponsored?” The inspiration for this article actually comes from a young racer asking me that very question only a few days ago. A decent amount has been written about the subject. I could provide the now cliché warning that being sponsored isn’t all…
I had an interesting scenerio unfold this year. A friend of a friend (easiest way to describe it) wanted to get his son a hobby-grade RC vehicle as a birthday present. They were starting from scratch, so they needed everything. With my friend acting as a mediator or middleman, I quizzed the father to find…
Before short course trucks came along and almost instantly became the dominate segment in hobby, nitro was the most popular power type. Nitro-powered monster trucks, buggies and truggies were the hobby. Even when on-road racing was popular (I call it the Dodge Stratus era of RC), nitro was almost as popular as the electric cars….
I have a love/hate relationship with the Internet and, yes, I know I’m not alone. Like millions of people, I am wowed by the vast amount of information readily available and how we can connect with people all over the world. The Internet is simply amazing and one of the most significant advancements of my…
Back in August of 2011 (one year ago), HPI Racing launched the above advertisement that instantly stirred up the nitro guys–right to the core. It also piqued the curiosity of the electric crowd too. Later, we were offered a little more information about the 1/8-scale gasoline engine and it was also showcased at the annual Nuremberg Toy…
What is an RC enthusiast? There is no set definition, of course. For some, RC is one of many casual hobbies or activities that they participate in–sometimes regularly and sometimes only occasionally. Other enthusiasts qualify as diehards. They may race almost every weekend or maybe they are constantly working on some sort of RC project….
I read a lot of reviews–electronics reviews, full-size car reviews, off-road product reviews, fishing gear reviews and, of course, RC reviews. When I write a review for RC Truck Stop, I often think of many of the different reviews I’ve read. Some are examples of getting it right and others are examples of, well, missing…