Editing Radio-controlled car (section)

==Hobby-grade radio control models==
[[File:RC model car racing in Hrotovice, Třebíč District.jpg|thumb|On-road racing model on a carpet surface track]]
[[File:Nitro Buggy RC Car.jpg|thumb|An RC car from the LCRC Halloween Classic]]
[[File:1-8 4WD off-road racing buggy.jpg|thumb|A 1:8 four-wheel drive off-road racing buggy in action]]
In past several years, hobby-grade "ready-to-run" (or "RTR") models have become readily available from major manufacturers of radio-controlled cars, attracting many hobbyists who would otherwise not have purchased a kit car. Vehicles of this type need little or no final assembly and in most cases, the bodies are shipped painted and trimmed. Safety inspection of the product to ensure correct operation is essential, as injury to operators or bystanders from disassembling vehicles is possible. A number of cars and trucks are presently available only in ready-to-run form. The growing popularity of the RTR vehicle has prompted many manufacturers to discontinue production of kit vehicles. High-spec racing vehicles are generally still available or sold only as kits, and companies like [[Thunder Tiger]], [[Team Losi|Losi]], HPI, [[Traxxas]] and [[Tamiya Corporation|Tamiya]] sell kit and RTR versions with the benefits of a kit version being in upgraded parts or lower costs, respectively. Hobby grade vehicles can cost much more, ranging from US$90 to over US$2000.

===Ready-to-run===
As the name suggests, are pre-assembled models ready for immediate use. They can reach varying speeds, with lower end models reaching about {{convert|30|mph}} and higher end or modified models capable of reaching upwards of {{convert|150|mph}}.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tudor Rus|url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/the-5-fastest-rc-cars-you-can-buy-today-ar12873.html |title=The 5 fastest RC cars you can boy today |date=2020-11-04 |publisher=Topspeed |access-date=2022-08-30}}{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> There are versions that run on both batteries and nitro.

===Kits===
[[File:Ferrari 412T1 Tamiya 1-10 RC F103 Chassis Model Kit 58142 Red.jpg|thumb|right|Tamiya F103 Ferrari 412T1 RC Built Model Kit]]
Kit vehicles are sold as a box of individual parts, and must be assembled before driving. Although they require more skill to get running than an RTR vehicle, a relatively easy kit (such as those from Tamiya) is a good way to learn more about working on RC cars. Many kits are very easily modified with a wide variety of available parts. There are also "ARTR" or Almost Ready To Run models, which come mostly assembled but require a small amount of extra work before running.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tommy |url=http://www.rccargood.com/getting-into-rc-cars/#Ready |title=Getting Into RC Cars: Choosing the best RC car for beginner |date=11 September 2017 |publisher=Rccargood |access-date=2018-04-03}}</ref> Most ARTR's only require electronics that are distributed by other brands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beginner's Guide to RC Cars – Build Types: Kit, RTR or ARTR |url=https://www.competitionx.com/beginners-guide-to-rc-cars-build-types-kit-rtr-or-artr/ |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=CompetitionX |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Electric models===
[[File:Chevrolet Camaro SS RC Car.jpg|thumb|right|A yellow RC Camaro SS]]
Electrically powered models utilize mechanical speed controllers (MSC's)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electronic speed controllers, ESC, Mechanical Speed Controllers, MSC, motors - Tamiya RC Classics & Moderns |url=https://www.blackholesun.fr/index.php/en/41-en/rc-tech-guides/206-electronic-speed-controllers-esc-mechanical-speed-controllers-msc-motors |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=www.blackholesun.fr}}</ref> or electronic speed controllers (ESC's)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Tim |title=What Is an ESC For RC Cars? |url=https://clutchrc.com/electronic-speed-control/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Clutch RC |language=en}}</ref> to adjust the amount of power delivered to the electric motor. The power delivered is proportional to the amount of throttle called for by the transmitter—the more the trigger is pulled, the faster it goes. The voltage is "pulsed" using [[pulse-width modulation]] to produce varying output with smooth transitions and greater efficiency. Electronic speed controllers use [[solid state (electronics)|solid state]] components that regulate the [[duty cycle]], adjusting the power delivered to the electrical motor. In addition, most electronic speed controllers can use the electric motor as a [[magnetic]] [[brake]], offering better control of the model than is possible with a mechanical speed control.

Mechanical speed controllers use a network of [[resistor]]s and switch between them by rotating a head with an [[electrode]] around a plate that has electrical contacts. Mechanical speed controllers are prone to being slow to react because they are actuated by servos, waste energy in the form of heat from the resistors, commonly become dirty and perform intermittently, and lack a dedicated braking ability. They appear only in vintage RC models, and are now essentially obsolete.

Most electric cars up to recently used brushed motors but now many people are turning to brushless motors for their higher power output and because they require much less maintenance. They are rated either in relative turns or Kv. The Kv number tells how many RPM the motor will turn per volt. However, the ability of the system to put out power is dependent on the quality of the batteries used, wires and connectors supplying power. Due to their power, brushless motors are also used in bigger monster trucks and 1/8 nitro-powered buggies that have been converted to electric. High quality brushless systems can be much more powerful than nitro and can accomplish feats such as standing backflips when installed in a monster truck, most notably the HPI Savage Flux. Some 1/5 scale gas to electric conversions are in production but are uncommon due to high price.

A new form of electric RC racing was introduced in an August 3, 2008 YouTube video by Wes Raynor of England, he called the new hobby 'MAGracing'. Cars are primarily 1/32 scale with some 1/24 scale. They are powered by rechargeable batteries, speed is controlled by RC. A magnet linked to the steering follows one of multiple steel wires buried just below the track surface enabling more accurate steering than is attainable with free running RC cars. An RC steering override allows cars to change lanes at specific places for following the 'racing line' and to pass a slower car. Tracks can therefore be much narrower and smaller making the system suitable for 'in home' racing. Cars can be driven back onto the track after
an 'off', using reverse if necessary, so that track marshals are not required.
<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kloster |first1=Kim |title=MAGracing |url=http://www.magracingforum.com/ |website=MAGracing Forum |publisher=phpBB |access-date=26 August 2022}}</ref>

===Nitro powered models===
[[File:Traxxas t-maxx.no body.triddle.jpg|thumb|A [[Traxxas]] T-Maxx nitro-powered off-road monster truck without the body]]
[[Nitromethane]] nitro powered models utilize a single servo for throttle and braking control; rotation of the servo in one direction will cause the [[throttle]] on the [[carburetor|carburettor]] to open, providing more air and fuel mixture to the [[internal combustion engine]]. Rotation of the servo in the other direction causes [[torque]] to be applied to a linkage and cam which causes friction with the braking material. The brake is commonly located on the [[driveshaft]] or spur gear in some cases and applies stopping power only to the driven wheels. Some models will also use an additional servo to control a transmission box, enabling the vehicle to drive in reverse.

Fuel engine sizes most often range between {{convert|0.12|-|0.35|cuin}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-03 |title=Nitro vs. Electric RC Cars - Which Is Best? - RC Crush |url=https://www.rccrush.com/nitro-vs-electric-rc-cars/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=www.rccrush.com |language=en-US}}</ref> This is due to restrictions by the main sanctioning bodies for radio-controlled racing. Many "outlaw" engines are manufactured larger than these, mainly intended for vehicles which will not be used in sanctioned races and therefore do not need to comply with these regulations. Engine size is related to the class of car; 1/10 scale on and off-road vehicles usually are equipped with .12–.18 cubic inch engines, with 1/8 scale vehicles using .21–.32 cubic inch engines. There are exceptions, with many Schumacher and Thunder Tiger/Team Associated RC models being good examples of unusually large engines coming as standard equipment on certain models.

[[File:hyper8.jpg|thumb|An Ofna Hyper 8 Pro 1:8-scale nitro-powered racing buggy]]
Fuel-powered engines allow model cars to reach moderate speeds unmodified. Maximum power is generally achieved at medium to high speeds, and a slightly slower throttle response than electrically powered vehicles is to be expected due to clutching and lack of torque. Electric motors effectively produce instantaneous torque, whereas nitro engines, like full-sized gasoline engines, take time for the engine to spool up and for the clutch to engage. Nitro- (and fuel) powered cars may be refuelled and returned to action in a few seconds, as opposed to electrics which require removal of the body shell and battery fasteners to replace a discharged battery. Nitro cars are cooled some by air, some by the oil mixed in with the fuel and may be run continuously with no need to take breaks for cooling down assuming they are properly tuned.

Nitro-powered cars operate like full-sized fuel vehicles more than their electric counterparts do, making use of a [[two stroke engine]] rather than an [[electric motor]]. The sound of the engine noise is a main selling points to nitro enthusiasts, even though brushless electric equivalents are generally faster and do not require special fuel. However, their exhaust contains unburned oil, which usually ends up coating the chassis. This, in turn, requires more cleaning than an electric-powered equivalent. Cleaning is usually achieved by the use of compressed air nozzles and solvents (such as [[denatured alcohol]]). Tuning a fuel-powered vehicle requires learning to maintain optimum performance and fuel economy, and to minimize engine wear and overheating, even in ready-to-run vehicles. Running a nitro-fuel motor without tuning or tuning improperly can hurt performance in rich conditions, and cause severe damage in lean conditions.

[[File:RC Car.ogv|thumb|Traxxas Nitro Sport]]

Because of their ability to be driven for longer periods of time and the use of burning fuel, mechanical wear in nitro vehicles is generally greater than in electric vehicles. In addition, the increased weight of fuel-powered vehicles generally lead to higher speed collisions, causing greater damage to the collided vehicles, and a greater degree of safety concerns needs to be taken into account. Maintenance such as cleaning of the air filter and general chassis cleaning, replacement of worn clutch parts, proper after-run lubrication (necessary for storage) and maintenance of other motor-related items such as glow plug replacement makes for a more frustrating experience for first time RC users. In addition, nitro motors typically require rebuilding or replacement after 2–8 gallons (7–30 litres) of fuel run through them, due to loss of compression, which can be accelerated by poor tuning and overheating. It is also possible to seriously damage the engines by over-revving them with no load or ingestion of dirt into the carburettor. As such, nitro-powered vehicles are by nature expensive to maintain.

===Gasoline-powered models===
Gasoline-powered vehicles, also known as "fuelies" or "gassers", run on a mix of gasoline and oil. They cost much more (usually US$800–US$3000 RTR) than nitro and electric cars. They are also much bigger, usually scale 1/6 or 1/5 usually referred to as Large Scale, and therefore require much more space to run. They do not usually have as high top-end speeds (compared to nitro and some electrics) but have much power and do not require much fuel to run. Over time the cost of a gas-powered car can be less than some nitro-powered vehicles, because of the high cost of nitro fuel and buying new nitro engines to replace worn-out ones. In addition, gas-powered motors rarely if ever require tuning and have a very long lifespan. These gas-powered vehicles really pertain to the individual who is more interested in scale than imagination. These large-scale models have been popular in Europe for over a decade with brands like FG Modelsport, MCD, Elcon, N-R-P and have become popular in the US thanks to companies like HPI Racing and Losi producing affordable high-quality models locally. In Europe there are sanctioned EFRA races that compete both in on-road cars as well as off-road cars to determine National Champions as well as European Champions, in the US ROAR has yet not picked up these as official classes.

===Accessories and upgrades===
Most RC models generally require the purchase of additional accessories. For electrical vehicles, battery packs and a suitable [[battery charger|charger]] are needed to power the car and are seldom included. A soldering iron and supplies are often necessary to build high-performance battery packs or install upgraded electronics with low-resistance connectors. A Li-Polymer battery with a hard case is popular for RC cars, with the most common voltages being 7.4&nbsp;V, which represents a 2S battery or 11.1&nbsp;V, known as a 3S battery.

LiPo batteries are known to be explosive if mistreated, so some enthusiasts still use [[NiMH]] batteries instead, which are less powerful but safer. For nitro-powered vehicles, a glow plug heater and fuel are needed to start the engine, as well as 4 AA size batteries, or a rechargeable six-volt, five-cell battery pack to power the on-board electronics.

Nitro vehicles also require a means of cranking the engine over, which can be achieved using a pull-start, starter box, battery operated rotostart, or by an electric drill. The Traxxas nitro rc cars come with a hand start up system, that revs the engine and starts it up. It doesn't require a pull start system. Relatively expensive model fuel, spare glow-plugs, and after-run oil are also needed. Gasoline-powered vehicles require only a receiver battery pack and a means to start the engine, usually the included pull-start. Hobby-grade vehicles almost always require 8 AA size batteries to power the transmitter, though some can use rechargeable transmitter pack or simply rechargeable AAs.

A large industry of aftermarket manufacturers produce upgrade or hop-up parts for hobby-grade cars. Upgrades range from mere improvements to the longevity of R/C car parts, to all-out performance enhancements. Some hobbyists create their own upgrades for sale via classifieds and online forums. Hobbyists choose to upgrade hobby-grade cars from plastic stock parts to aluminium parts to increase strength and the steering angle of the car.