Ready-to-Run? Get Ready to Read, First

When you buy toy RCs about the only thing you have to do after you open the box is pop in some batteries and you're off and running. With a hobby RC, even if it says "ready to run" the process is slightly more complicated.

RTR stands for Ready-to-Run but it really means "very little assembly and a little prep work required." But that doesn't fit on the package as neatly as RTR.

The steps required for getting an RTR car or truck ready for use apply to just about any kind of RC vehicle. It's just that with an RTR you don't have the much longer process of building the RC from a kit or plans. The engine, chassis, and suspension are already built and mostly assembled with an RTR. You step in at the end of the process and add the finishing touches that will put your RC on the road.

The first step in getting your Ready-to-Run RC really ready is to read. Yes, no matter how many RCs you've owned, reading the manual is still your first step. When I bought my Nitro Rustler I was in such a hurry that I confess to not reading the instructions and not checking the package contents carefully. I became thoroughly frustrated trying to use the wrong tool for part of the engine tuning and maintenance. I wasted time trying to find a suitable substitute when what I needed was described in the manual and included with the extra parts. You might get by with not reading the instructions but it's likely you'll skip some important information about assembly or break-in that could have saved you grief down the road.
^{Photo © M. James}