Newbie Help

[ShaneyB]

I'm really keen on getting a 1:10 electric buggy for myself and 8 year old son. Got a few models I'm keen on for different reasons and would appreciate any advice you can give. I live in a nice place with plenty of dirt tracks, old bmx tracks and skate parks so decided to go for a buggy rather than touring car (even though WLRC is a few minutes away from me) as I thought I'd get a lot more neighbour friendly use from electric as opposed to nitro/petrol. I'm also not sure how often I will get to local clubs for race nights.
So.....what to go for? For different reasons I'm looking at the following models (no specific order):

1) FTX Vantage 4WD RTR for general bashing. Seen a couple live with a few upgrades and they don't look bad to the untrained eye. Very robust.

2) FTX Edge 2WD RTR as above.

3) Associated B4.1 RTR (too good for running through my local trails)? Remember I may race it also....

4) Losi 22 RTR as per B4.1

Would love to buy a kit and build it with my boy but price seems to be much higher that way and I set a budget of around £300.00 as we may both get bored (doubtful) in a few months.
Also I haven't used any decent RC vehicle before so reciever is confusing me. I quite like the idea of the wheel but I would prefer to use the throttle with my right hand finger and steer with my left. All seem to be the other way around?? Should I look at sticks instead?? Like I say I haven't used any of note so think we'd adapt to any eventually.
Sorry to rattle on but I can't wait to get hold of our new toy.

Fingers crossed I'll be at a DMS/Taplow meeting this week.

Thanks in advance.

Shane

[bomboms]

I race a 22 which is fantastic but a couger kit is 130 on modelsport which is another good car

[Naushad]

22 all the time

Owned a Cougar....not bad but 22 is better

[(off)roadrunner]

have you considered a "shortcourse truck"? still 1/10th offroad class, but they tend to be alot more forgiving than buggys especially if your mainly going to be using it for play more than racing but still want something that you can chuck on a track and race properly (maybe just a change of tyres keep a set for races and a set for playing),

main adavantage of the SCT's is that the body encloses most of the car and absorbs most of the impacts, whereas with a buggy the suspension and wheels stick out and are very exposed and can break in heavy impacts, meaning that if you plan on running at skate parks bmx tracks etc with your son there is less chance of breakage with the SCT's

Also its a good fun class to race in with body comtact being allowed more and good close racing without the tangles of buggys arms etc.

if you do fancy one for the £300 area you can get some good RTR trucks

hpi blitz
kyosho ultima readyset
venom gambler
losi XXx sct
(2wd)

4wds tend to be more expensive with the trucks although there is the LRP 4wd which is under your budget

[JCJC]

You are on the best plan, visit local clubs, Taplow (new venue) in Slough and DMS in Watford, there is also another club in Watford: http://hertfordshirerccc.webs.com/ run outside on Sundays I believe.

Of course DMS also have one of the best shops in the country, (catchyerlaterDarren)

You will find the speed controls we use do not have reverse at this level, forward & brake mostly, takes some getting used to when starting for younger drivers, the cars are much faster than you may expect, advantage of the B4 is everybody in the sport has had one, fixed one and a good chance you may get spare parts trackside or quickly, they can be converted to mid motor(X6) if you are inclined. What about a B4 RTR and a B4 kit, upgrade the kit as and when. There is second hand stuff around as well. (B4 is Associated = imperial tools)

[Jamesk]

HRCCC,is ideal for beginers and people having fun, we have a few members running the cars you listed, so come down and talk to the guys running the cars and a general chat with us. As you get to grips with the hobby you can pace yourself agaisnt the quicker guys too.

jK

[VintageRacer]

Have a look at Ansmann as well, their kits and RTR are good value but still good for racing as a beginner to intermediate.

[RoyalCBR]

I was a newbie at the start of 2011, and my first 2wd was a B4 - it's a good car don't get me wrong but as a newbie the main thing you will be doing is breaking it! Trust me I know.

Getting spares for the B4 was ok, but alot of the time things were always out of stock in my opinion either go for a Losi 22, or an Ansmann mad monkey (x2c if you can afford it). Both are mid motor and I can only comment on the Ansmann which is easy to handle, cheap spares and lots of availability - plus it transformed my club racing

[mattybucks]

Originally Posted by RoyalCBR

- plus it transformed my club racing

Did it??