Radio Controlled Vehicles: Most Popular Articles

Use RC Flight Simulators
Staying in the air is not easy. It takes practice. Flight — including RC flying — is a gravity-defying feat that requires patience. RC flight simulation software helps you learn to fly safely without risking your new RC plane or helicopter. Learn to fly virtually before you fly your RC plane or helicopter out in the real world.

Starting a T-Maxx
Doesn't take much to get this nitro RC going.

RC Plane Crashes
As I view these videos on what seems to me "how to crash a jet and look good doing it" a new RC business idea comes to mind. How about RC plane insurance? They have it for the cars we drive today why not for the RC planes we fly? After watching these top RC airplane crashes I definitely think there's money to be made.

Flying RC Helicopters
In the RC hobby, flying RC helicopters is often considered the hardest RC skill to master. This might make the marketing claims for easy-to-fly toy RC helicopters hard to understand. The difference is in the design of the helicopters, the controls used for flying, and the range of movement and aerobatics that the helicopter is capable of performing.

Video - Build Shocks
5 minute professional quality tutorial on building RC shocks.

Find a Local RC Track
Many RC racers rely entirely on their own backyard tracks or simply racing their friends at local parks. But to prepare for and participate in serious competitions you may want to use a more official race track.

RC Jet Crash and Fire
Video shows the fiery crash of a turbine jet powered RC airplane and the remains of the jet crash after the flames are put out.

Nitro Engine Break-in
Proper nitro engine break-in is critical for long-lasting performance of your RC. Every new nitro engine should undergo a break-in procedure. If you do nitro engine break-in properly, the up-keep on your RC vehicle is less costly than if the procedure is done hastly and incorrectly. Be patient.

Kitchen Floor Track
An indoor track can be as simple as a kitchen floor with a few strategically placed boxes and other obstacles.

New Bright RC Toys
New Bright produces radio control and remote control vehicles, train sets, and electric toys and accessories. Ranging in size from a big 1:6 to a hand-size 1:24 scale, in addition to cars, trucks, and jeeps there are several boats and motorcycles. New Bright Toys include officially licensed Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet products.

XMODS Hummer H2 Glamour Shot
Introduced in the Fall of 2005, the Evolution line has a new second generation chassis that can be used with bodies from the Generation 1 XMODS. There are 6 models in the Evolution line including the 2004 Hummer H2.

Lean and Rich Engine Tuning
Nitro or glow engines use nitro fuel but it's actually a mixture of fuel and air that goes into the engine. The right fuel/air mixture keeps the engine running at its best. The wrong mixture can cause overheating, excessive wear, or cause the engine to stall. This fuel/air mixing takes place in the carburetor.

Ways to Start a Nitro Engine
To start a nitro RC you need to turn on the transmitter switch then receiver switch, add fuel, prime the engine (get fuel to the carburetor), ignite the glow plug, then start the engine by rotating the flywheel. There are three main ways to start the nitro engine: pull start, bump start, electric start.

1:10 Nitro Stadium Trucks
These radio controlled nitro stadium trucks are tough, fast, and just plain fun to own. Sometimes the line is fuzzy between monster truck, stadium truck, buggy, and truggy but these RCs are usually identified as stadium trucks -- RCs with buggy speed and monster durability.

Radio Controlled Vehicles - User Submitted Videos
An index of User Submitted Videos for the Radio Controlled Vehicles guide site.

RC Submarine Basics
RC Submarines range in size from little bathtub or aquarium toys for in-home exploration to subs that are as big as your bathtub designed for deep sea (or at least deep lake) exploration. Learn the basics of radio controlled submarines.

Nitro Fuel Differences
The type and amount of oil in the nitro fuel is what determines whether it is better suited to RC cars and trucks or aircraft.

RC Kits for Kids
It's always fun when you can combine radio controlled vehicles with another activity that kids love -- and make it educational too. LEGOS, those plastic building blocks that provide endless hours of entertainment make building your own RC a snap. Elenco and Learning Resources also have cool construction sets that allow novice mechanics from 4 to 16 to experience the fun of building their own car without any automotive expertise.

E-Maxx Monster Truck
The Traxxas 1:10 scale electric RC monster truck known as the E-Maxx comes Ready-to-Run and is what a monster truck should be: 4-wheel drive.

Owning a Nitro RC
There's nothing like the glow of a nitro. Strictly hobby-grade, nitro-powered RCs cost more and require a larger commitment of time and skill but many hobbiests would have nothing less. Learn all about buying, running, and maintaining nitro RC cars, trucks, and other radio controlled vehicles.

Indoor Helicopters
Most hobby-grade RC helicopters take a lot of skill to fly. They are not really geared towards children. But there are some less fancy, moderately-priced alternatives that let kids and novice RC pilots experience the thrill of flying without requiring a great deal of dexterity or knowledge of the mechanics of flight. All these models come preassembled, ready-to-fly with minimal charge times so impatient children have more play time than wait time.

RC Boat Basics
The hull is about more than just good looks. The shape of the hull affects the speed, stability, and maneuverability of the RC boat. Flat-bottom, monoplane or monohull and hydroplane are hull designs for RC boats.

Off-Road Truck Jump Videos
Here are some great videos to give you an RC Track and Field view of what big air, bashing, flips, and big distance jumps are all about. Watch off-road radio controlled trucks do jumps and mid-air flips over dirt hills and homemade ramps -- sometimes with great landings and sometimes with rough landings in this collection of top rc videos.

Traxxas T-Maxx Nitro RC
The T-Maxx has been described as the RC that popularized monster truck racing. It's been around for quite some time now but is still one of the preferred monster trucks for off-road racing. It got its reputation by being tough and rugged. Whether you choose the Classic 2.5R or go for the greater horsepower of the 3.3, you can't lose.

1:8 RTR Nitro Monster Trucks
Monster trucks excel in rough off-road terrain but can handle most any surface. Spewing dirt, climbing rocks, and doing jumps off ramps and hills make monster trucks an RC favorite. In the 1:8 scale RTR nitro monster truck arena, HPI, DuraTrax, Team Associated, OFNA, and Kyosho each have a powerful entry. See the 1:10 Scale Ready-to-Run Nitro Monster Trucks for more monster action.

Motorworks SeaWolf Sub
For the price, the Motorworks Naval Submarine is a great pool toy for the kids. Its periscope-shaped controller sends this mini submarine forward, backward, left, right, and makes it surface and dive. Some adult assistance may be required to get it ready for use, but it's easy enough for ages 8 and up to operate.

Temporary Outdoor RC Track
You can turn almost any yard, parking lot, basketball court, driveway, or open field into a temporary RC track. Choose the surface you want to use then lay out a course using chalk, paint, tape, or flexible hosing.

RC Tools and Supplies
Use this RC tools and supplies break-down to help you determine what RC tools you need to fit the type of maintenance and repair tasks that you'll be tackling. Keep your radio controlled vehicles in top shape with these RC tools, essentials, and extras.

XMODS
Produced and distributed by RadioShack, XMODS RC Cars are 1:28th scale electric radio controlled cars.

XMODS Lancer Evo Pictures
Browse a photo gallery of all 6 Evolution XMODS

Replace Electric RC Motor
Changing out the motor on an electric RC is fairly simple. You might want to change the motor because the old one is dead, you want more power, or you need more torque. Whatever your reason, learn how to replace the motor on a hobby-grade electric RC.

Get Into RC Hobby
Getting into the RC hobby requires a time and money committment as well as a passion for radio controlled vehicles. Find out what it takes to buy and own RC vehicles.

Tyco R/C Cars
Tyco R/C, part of the Mattel family of toys, is a major producer of RC toys. In the RC car category, some of the major Tyco RC product lines include Drift King, 6V Auto Show, Dropstars, and West Coast Customs.

Buy RC Toys for Kids
The market for radio controlled toys these days is huge. But before you go out and buy a toy RC car or truck for the “underage” driver in your home, make sure that it’s one they can handle and will also hold their attention.

XMODS Firebird Body Upgrades
Introduced in the Fall of 2005, the Evolution line has a new second generation chassis that can be used with bodies from the Generation 1 XMODS. There are 6 models in the Evolution line including the 1967 Pontiac Firebird in deep purple.

RC Blimps
Put the Goodyear blimp in your living room. These helium-filled radio controlled airships glide around your living room. Most are easy enough for kids 8 and above to operate.

Inspect Nitro RC Fuel System
If your nitro engine isn't getting a sufficient supply of fuel or the fuel has become contaminated it affects engine performance. Try some of these fuel system checks, replacing parts of the fuel system as necessary.

XMODS Lancer Glamour Shot
There are 6 models in the Evolution line of XMODS including the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII.

F-14 Tomcat RC Plane
The F-14 Tomcat Super Fighter is a rear-facing twin prop plane that looks good, and flys alright for a toy grade RC — but not for long. Manueverability and durability are not its strengths.

Nikko RC Toys
A long time frontrunner in the manufacture of radio controlled toys, NIKKO has dozens of RC cars and trucks and a few boats and aircraft as well. They produce everything from tough and colorful RCs with basic controls for preschool and elementary age children to highly detailed, officially licensed cars with more options for the older kids. Most NIKKO RCs are in the 1:10 to 1:32 range and are high quality RC toys.

Your First Nitro RC
Nitro RCs are fun to have but are also a serious hobby. If you are considering buying a nitro-powered RC vehicle you need to know that there are significant differences between electric and nitro RCs.

Sportswerks Chaos
Don't let the size fool you, this little guy can get up and go. It's a 1:16 scale nitro buggy that will tackle the toughest of terrain due in part to the 4WD 3-gear differential drivetrain housed in this little beast. I like the fact that no matter where I decide to race, the size of race track won't be an issue with the Sportswerks Chaos.

Electric vs. Nitro
When looking at an electric RC next to a nitro RC, they may look very different. But there are quite a few similarities. The key differences come, not from appearances, but from actual operation. Compare two hobby-grade stadium trucks -- one electric and one nitro -- side-by-side.

Nitro Fuel vs Gasoline
A gas RC may use gasoline or it might use nitro fuel. You need to know what kind of engine is in the RC vehicle to know what kind of fuel to use. The non-electric RCs sold in hobby shops are usually nitro RCs that use nitro fuel, not gasoline.

Find Local RC Clubs?
Joining an RC club in your area is not a prerequisite for enjoying the RC hobby but it is a great way to meet other radio control enthusiasts.

Prep an RTR Car or Truck
A RTR or Ready to Run RC isn't necessarily ready to roll right out of the box. You generally won't have a lot of assembly to do but there is some must-do as well as nice-to-do prep work needed before you hit the floor, street, or dirt track with your RTR radio controlled car or truck.

Tyco R/C
Tyco RC, part of the Mattel family of toys, is a major producer of RC toys. Terrain Twister, Shell Shocker, Street Beat Ready to Run RCs, a variety of Batman RCs, Stuntsters, and RC motorcycles are among the many RC toys from Tyco R/C.

Traxxas Nitro Jato
With more tunable options, easy starting, and better protection for all those internal parts that give the Jato its acceleration, speed, and handling, the 1:10 Traxxas Jato 2WD Nitro Stadium Truck is a top-of-the-line nitro RC. Traxxas offers the Jato with either the 2.5 and the 3.3 Racing Engine.

Adding After-Burn Oil
After running your nitro RC for a while you have to perform after-run maintenance. Part of that after-run maintenance includes lubricating the pistons and all the internal parts by adding after-burn oil to the nitro engine cylinder head.

On the Shelf May 2008
Here's some of what caught our eye this week among the many radio controlled, remote control, and infrared RC toys on the shelf at Wal-Mart. There's a little something for all ages including the Estes FireBug, Hot Wheels R/Cs like the Speed Racer Mach 5, and collectible 1 Badd Ride RCs.

After-Run Maintenance
Just like a real car, RC cars and trucks require regular maintenance. After running your RC for a while you have to perform after-run maintenance. All radio controlled vehicles -- electric and nitro -- need after-run maintenance but some of the steps here apply only to nitro engines.

RC Engine Size or Displacement
RC engine size or displacement is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) or cubic inches (ci). In terms of RC engines, displacement is the volume of space a piston travels through during a single stroke.

Air Filter Care
Cleaning the air filter is part of the after-run maintenance needed to keep your nitro RC at optimal performance. Here's how to clean the air filter and add air filter oil.

HPI Savage X
The Savage X features a 4.07cc big block engine, 2-speed transmission, and 4 wheel drive. A chassis redesign provides a 5mm lower center of gravity than previous Savage designs and easy access to key components such as the gear box and differentials. Check out the specs and features on this Ready-to-Run nitro RC.

DuraTrax Warhead EVO
This 4-wheel drive monster truck with reverse has improved strength, adjustability, and ease of maintenance. It has two suspension modes including 3.75 inches of ground clearance in "Rumble Mode" and multiple adjustable features for fine-tuning for different types of terrain.

Choose Your Frequency
Avoid radio frequency interference problems with toy grade RC cars and trucks. Learn how to choose toy RC cars and trucks based on their frequency.

RC Tanks Basics
While military aircraft are the glamour vehicles of the RC hobby, tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other tracked and wheeled ground vehicles used in the world's armed forces also provide hours of radio controlled entertainment. The majority of RC tanks are sold as toys but there is an active segment of RC enthusiasts who build their own RC tanks and engage in RC paintball combat.

Blade Runner II
Out of all the indoor helicopters I've seen, for the price the Air Rage Blade Runner II is the most impressive by far. It is easy-to-control even in a living room full of obstacles. This is a toy that kids and adults can enjoy together.

RC Camera Vehicles
The government, business, and scientists use cameras and RC airplanes and helicopters for aerial photography, surveillance, and other noble pursuits. But there are ways for individuals to combine cameras and RC vehicles for both practical and entertaining uses around the home.

XMODS Firebird Almost New
Introduced in the Fall of 2005, the Evolution line has a new second generation chassis that can be used with bodies from the Generation 1 XMODS. There are 6 models in the Evolution line including the 1967 Pontiac Firebird in deep purple.

E-Flite Blade CP
The Blade CP is the next step up from E-Flite's Blade CX micro RC helicopters. Unlike the CX with its coaxial counter-rotating head design, the CP uses conventional main and tail rotor design for faster, but trickier-to-control flight. This 6-channel micro RC helicopter flies anywhere and comes ready-to-fly right out of the box. An optional Aerobatic Enhancement Kit adds more tricked out aerobatics and inverted flight capabilities to the Blade CP.

HPI E10 1:10 Electric Car
The E10 is a 1:10 scale entry level electric RC built with the beginner in mind.

E-Flite Blade CX
Completely assembled and ready to fly right out of the box, the Blade CX is a great hobby-grade micro RC helicopter for the beginning heli pilot. One of several radio controlled helicopters E-Flite makes, the Blade CX is lightweight, easy-to-fly, and affordable at around $200.

RC Car Cam How To Video
Owner describes the on-board camera setup (homemade) then demonstrates. Video is sent to computer.

T-Maxx 3.3 Fixes
Since it was introduced in 2000, the Traxxas T-Maxx monster truck has enjoyed on-going popularity. But there are things that T-Maxx owners need to do to alleviate a few shortcomings that result in recurring problems with engine performance, stability, and durability. Take these steps prior to running your T-Maxx for the first time -- even before performing an engine break-in.

RC Navy Warship
Modeled after British torpedo ships in the latter half of the 20th century, the HT-2877 RC Warship is ready to amaze you with its agility and detail right out of the box.

Tyco R/C Specialty
Tyco RC, part of the Mattel family of toys, is a major producer of RC toys. Some Tyco R/C toys defy classification or go beyond your usual RC car or truck. The Terrain Twister and Shell Shocker travel on all terrains. The Stuntsters are tiny versions of full-size Tyco R/C classics that each do their own kind of stunts. Other Tyco R/C toys resemble insects or entertain with their own brand of looks and stunts.

Tyco RC Trucks
Tyco RC, part of the Mattel family of toys, is a major producer of RC toys. In the RC trucks category, some of the major Tyco RC product lines include Street Beat, 6V Trucks, and Monster Jam Monster Trucks.

Jada Toys
Based in California, Jada Toys produces die-cast collectibles and radio controlled vehicles including the DUB City line. Many of their diecast and RC toy products feature officially licensed paint schemes and accessories.

Stampede Monster Truck
The Stampede, one of the many off-road RC trucks from Traxxas, is an electric RC monster truck that lives up to the Traxxas reputation for quality.

Traxxas Nitro Rustler Review
Out-of-the-box, without upgrades or modifications, the Traxxas 1:10 scale Nitro Rustler 2.5 radio controlled truck is a force to be reckoned with. Read this nitro RC truck review from About Radio Controlled Vehicles.

Fly Wheels XPV
Want a Fly Wheels XPV? For those who have had difficulties flying other RC vehicles, the Fly Wheels XPV provides a rewarding flight experience because it really is easy to get up in the air and keep it there. Lightweight but durable, the FlyWheels XPV - Xtreme Performance Vehicle - gives you around 20 minutes of driving across grass, dirt, or pavement and high-flying fun in the air on a single charge.

Nitro Pull-Start
Short video shows using a glow plug ignitor and the pull-start method to get a nitro running.

Spin Master RC Toys
In the area of RC toys, Spin Master has the Regenerator, Zero Gravity Wall Climber, and Air Hogs R/C vehicles such the Storm Launcher, Sky Winder, and Sky Patrol helicopter.

XMODS Infiniti Pictures
Browse a photo gallery of all 6 Evolution XMODS

HPI Savage LE
What caught my eye about the HPI Savage LE was that it had a three speed transmission. There's nothing like hearing a nitro engine shifting through the staight aways, especially three times. See what comes with the HPI Savage 25 LE RTR Nitro RC Monster Truck.

Customize Mini-T Truck
Team Losi's Mini-T comes RTR (Ready To Run) at an affordable price with all the performance, parts, and accessories of the the big guns in the RC world today. Its many affordable race ready accessories and parts upgrades gives this little guy unlimited possabilities for customization.

CXT Electric RC Truck Review
For a toy-grade RC truck, the 1:6 Scale RC International CXT is a pretty good buy. Simple enough for children ages 7 and up to operate, it's still a step or two above the basic toy truck.

Fixing RC Radio Problems
What to do when your RC won't respond to the transmitter.

Soldering RCs
Soldering has many applications including the building and repair of radio controlled vehicles. For radio controlled vehicle hobbyists soldering is mostly used in making repairs and modifications to electric RCs.

Add Shock Oil
Oil-filled shock absorbers give RC cars and RC trucks more stability over rough terrain. When you feel that your shock absorbers aren't performing properly you can check the fluid level and add more shock oil to the shocks.

Planet Toys RC
This international toy manufacturer produces a range of indoor and outdoor toys for preschoolers to teens and even adults. Teaming up with brands like Little Tikes and General Motors, Planet Toys produces radio control cars for all ages including the colorful Little Tikes Radio Control Cars for preschoolers and full function RCs for slightly older kids.

Traxxas Revo 3.3
Since its debut the Traxxas Revo 3.3 has been a favorite of many RC race competitors. Both the Classic Revo and the 3.3 continue to dominate in the off-road monster truck category due to their reliability and performance. The Revo 3.3 improves on the Classic with a bigger engine, better suspension, and lengthened chassis.

Why Glue Tires?
Most RC cars and trucks have three-part tires: wheel or rim, foam inserts, rubber tires. Although the parts all fit together nicely, glue helps keep the inserts inside and the tires on the rim.

Sea Scout Micro Sub Video
This palm-size 5" sub comes ready-to-run with a three channel remote. Available in 27MHz and 49MHz models, you can operate one of each at the same time. Three separate motors control the action: left, right, forward, backward, diving, and surfacing. Lights on the front make it easy for dark underwater exploration. With the Sea Scout Micro RC Submarine's built-in battery and included charging stand, charging is made easy.

RC Heli with Cam
Zoom 400 electric helicopter with an on-board camera.

Duratrax Warhead
After a long awaited release, the 1:8 DuraTrax Warhead 4WD Nitro Off-Road Monster Truck blew into stores and flew off shelves. With a street price of around $450, it has since proven itself worth the wait. Previous monster trucks have boasted impressive appearance, speed, and agility. However, the Duratrax research team assessed the factors that others failed to acknowledge and compensated for the lack of adjustability, difficult maintenance, and high roll over tendency of monster trucks.

Traxxas Revo Video
Not your stock Revo, RC Driver Magazine created this video of a Traxxas Revo exhibiting a mega dose of speed and some cool wheelies.

HPI Firestorm 10T
Described as an entry level nitro truck it has a G3.0 engine, low center of gravity, low-profile fuel tank, wide-track suspension, and other features that make the Firestorm 10T stadium truck a high performance radio controlled racing machine.

Start an RC Bike
The owner says this Nitro RC Bike can be a little fussy about starting. He shows you one way to get it going.

How Fast Are RC Cars?
There are two speeds associated with radio controlled vehicles: scale speed and actual speed. Some manufacturers, in a bid to capitalize on the perceived superiority of really fast cars, will list the scale speed rather than the actual speed of the RC. It can make a normal car seem faster than it really is.

Novak HV Motors
Novak HV series brushless motors are an awesome upgrade for any electric hobby-grade RC.

Nitro
Nitro is a common term in the hobby and sport of RC vehicles.

Helix RC Helicopter
The Air Hogs Helix from SpinMaster is a toy-grade, electric indoor micro RC helicopter aimed at ages 12 and above. The manufacturer gives it an intermediate skill flight difficulty rating. Does that mean it's hard to control? Yes and no. Hovering is fairly easy but due to sluggish response to the controls and the heavy body design, the Helix can be slightly difficult to maneuver in flight.

Scary RC Toys
A lot of toys and novelty items meant to surprise or scare are activated by a button or motion-sensor and they have pre-programmed movements or sound. But wouldn't it be fun if you were the one controlling the action? Send unsuspecting visitors or co-workers scampering when one of these RC spiders, rats, or other radio controlled toy creatures crosses their path. Perfect for Halloween or anytime you want to pull a prank on unsuspecting friends and family.

Fail Safe
Fail safe units are a way to avoid the problems associated with frequency interference.

RC Radio Antennas
RCs have two types of antennas. There's an antenna on the transmitter or controller that sends messages to the RC and one on the receiver (in the RC vehicles) that receives those messages. Learn the basics of installing and using those radio antennas with your RC.

RC Helicopters Beginners Book
After reading R/C Model Helicopters A Guide for Beginners I feel a lot more confident about what to look for, what to watch out for, and how to learn how to handle my RC helicopters. This book is by far the easiest to understand that I've read recently. It truly speaks to the beginner of any age. And because it is only 45 pages long, you won't feel as if have to skip the bookreading and rush right into buying and flying your RC.

Portable Micro RC Track
Get ideas on things to use to construct the outline of a track for your Zip Zaps or other micro RC cars and trucks.

ZipZaps Micro RC
ZipZaps are a popular line of micro RCs from RadioShack. These 1:64 scale cars and trucks usually have interchangeable bodies, working headlights, and can be upgraded with new tires and hubcabs. Other parts, such as new motors, are sometimes available.

Lean and Rich
Explore the inside of a nitro RC.

Savage X Chases Dogs
Instead of chasing cars, the tables are turned when a nitro Savage X RC starts chasing the dogs in this RC off-road truck video.

Glow Starter
The glow starter is a device that heats the glow plug of a nitro engine.

Glow Engine
Glow engine is a common term in the hobby and sport of RC vehicles.

Thread Lock
Thread lock or thread locking compound is a (usually) non-permanent adhesive used on metal fasteners such as set screws and motor mounts. Thread lock is especially useful on nitro RCs and RC helicopters because there is a lot of screw-loosening vibration.

Kind of Paints
Tired of looking at the same old paint job? Before you pick up just any old kind of spray paint or can of paint and slap it on your RC, make sure it's the right kind.

Cost of Hobby RCs
Most hobby RC cars are of a professional grade, built to look and perform more like real cars, planes, and boats.

Ocean Explorer-1 RC Submarine
The short clips only show some of the great features this RC sub has to offer. For the price I personally think Megatech’s Ocean Explorer-1 sub can provide hours of fun in the pool or a fish tank.

Starting RC Cars
Shows RC owner using a glow plug ignitor and the pull-start method to start an OFNA LX Pro and a Schumacher Rascal.

Bratz Car in Play
This radio controlled convertible is big enough for two Bratz to ride in. The Bratz Forever Diamondz RC Classic FM Cruiser from MGA Entertainment has working headlights and tail lights, seatbelts, and a working FM radio. Comes in red or white. The red Bratz RC car is pictured in this gallery.

Glow Plug
The glow plug in an RC is the equivalent of a spark plug in real cars and trucks.

Cool RC Toy Cars and Trucks
Boats and flying RCs are fun but cars and trucks are still the hands-down favorite RC toy. They don't usually require a special place to operate -- a backyard or a driveway does just fine. And while flying airplanes and helicopters can be a little tricky, even the youngest or most novice RC operator can drive an RC car or truck. As a bonus, a few of these also double as RC water toys.

RC Scale vs. Size
Radio controlled vehicles come in many sizes from tiny little micro trucks to airplanes that are almost too big for one person to carry. You may have heard that the scale of the RC means how big or small it is. Almost.

XMODS Lancer Decals
There are 6 models in the Evolution line of XMODS including the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII.

First Hobby-Grade Electric RC
Some people may think of moving up from RC toys to hobby-grade RCs as a chance to step up to the speed and power of nitro. But there's plenty of speed and power in a hobby-grade electric. They may run on batteries just like toy RCs, but most of the similarities end there.

Battery Mod for Electric RCs
Replacing disposable batteries for your electric RC vehicle can get expensive. Recharging rechargable batteries can take an eternity (or at least seem to). To save money and get more play time you can modify electric RCs that run on disposable or rechargeable alkaline batteries so that they can use quick-charging, reusable battery packs.

Twin Peak Dual Charger
The Twin Peak Dual Peak Charger, with the ability to charge two batteries at once, cuts the waiting time until I can play with my RC cars to practically nothing after the packs are ready.

Watertight Seal
The parts in your RC boat may be waterproofed, but sometimes water seeps in where you don't want it. Here's a quick tip on how to make your own watertight seal.

Flytech Dragonfly
The FlyTech Dragonfly is the most entertaining of all the RCs I have in my collection. You can fly in either beginner or expert mode. The dual settings make the Dragonfly suitable for both novice and more experienced flyers and let you start slow and improve over time. Not only is it easy to fly, the Dragonfly has a unique look. It flaps its wings like a real insect and even sort of sounds like one.

Video - Clutch Assembly
In this 3 and half minute video tutorial, watch how to remove a clutch assembly without damaging the parts.

RC Bike Videos
Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, if you're getting a little bored with four wheels, put an RC bike on your birthday or Christmas wish list. Not sure? Let these videos convince you.

Ducati 999R Nitro Bike
In the first few days of owning my Ducati bike I had to replace the steering servo, dealt with flooding, and had some eye-opening and hair-raising experiences learning to control the bike. But after that I still enjoyed my Thunder Tiger RC. It's a few weeks later and a few more issues have come up.

Repair Toy RCs
Toy-grade RCs are generally not as durable or long-lasting as hobby-grade models. Toy stores don't usually offer repair services and parts are hard to come by as well. So what can you do when a sentimental favorite toy RC goes on the fritz? Explore these options for repairing toy RCs.

Bratz RC Toys
The popular Bratz dolls and accessories from MGA Entertainment also have a handful of radio controlled vehicles including the Bratz Forever Diamondz RC Classic FM Cruiser convertible.

Aileron
Ailerons are both a part on an airplane and a term describing specific control or movements of RC aircraft...

RC Dinosaurs
Build Jurassic Park in your backyard with remote controlled robotic dinosaurs. These RC dinosaurs can walk and run and respond to sights and sounds they encounter. Some varieties can interact with each other or with other robots in the same family. Use the remote control to have the RC dinosaur perform a variety of actions, go on the hunt, explore, or stand guard.

Cool RC Water Toys
Not exactly RC boats, these radio controlled watercraft are fun novelty toys for all ageas.

Cool Flying RCs for 2007
Some of the coolest radio controlled toys for this holiday shopping season are flying machines. From air battles to flying robots, take a peek at some of the newest RC flying toys that you might want to put (or find) under your Christmas tree this year.

1:10 RTR Nitro Monster Trucks
Monster trucks excel in rough off-road terrain but can handle most any surface. Spewing dirt, climbing rocks, and doing jumps off ramps and hills make monster trucks an RC favorite. Traxxas pits its 1:10 scale monster trucks against the slightly larger 1:8 Scale models from Team Losi, HPI, and others.

iRod DeskTop Toy
In the middle of doing research on real RC toys I came across this little virtual desktop toy called iRod. It's the perfect way to break the monotony of the work day — without leaving your desk. Not RC software, exactly, it's still a lot like having an RC on your desktop.

Top RC Nitro Monster Trucks
Monster trucks excel in rough off-road terrain but can handle most any surface. Spewing dirt, climbing rocks, and doing jumps off ramps and hills make monster trucks an RC favorite. Of all the 1:8 and 1:10 scale Ready-to-Run nitro monster trucks on the market, About.com readers favor these few by a wide margin.

Sportswerks Chaos Nitro Buggy
It's a 1:16 scale nitro buggy that will tackle the toughest of terrain due in part to the 4WD 3-gear differential drivetrain housed in this little beast. Go micro and go nitro with the Sportswerks Chaos.

Car and Truck RC Magazines
While many magazines devote themselves almost exclusively to airplanes, helicopters, and boats, for beginner to professional RC enthusiasts interested mostly in cars and trucks, there are only a few major publications that focus primarily on reviews and tutorials of RC land vehicles.

Make RC Drift Tires
Although it would be helpful if there were audio instructions, you can still pick up on the basic process for making your own super slick tires for some RC drifting in this video.

Traxxas Stampede XL-5
The Traxxas Stampede XL-5 is the newest brushed motor version of this popular RC monster truck. Discover the major upgrades and changes to the chassis, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and engine of the Stampede XL-5.

Drifting
Powersliding again and again...

Nitro Fuel Safety
Nitro fuel is highly flammable. Avoid open flames -- including smoking -- around nitro containers. Mark your container for identification.

What Are RC Tires Made Of?
RC tires are usually foam, rubber compound, or plastic. Foam tires are treadless -- they get their traction from heat and friction. Rubber tires may have treads similiar to the family car, knobby tires, or racing slicks. You'll want to choose tires for performance but looks can be important too.

Storm Launcher Video
Watch this stock, right out of the box Storm Launcher on land and water at first and then some airborne shots at novice setting.

Battery Pack
Battery pack is a common term in the hobby and sport of RC vehicles.

On-Road vs. Off-Road Tires
RC tires are usually foam, compound, or plastic. Each type of material has its own best uses for different on-road and off-road surfaces. There are different degrees of durability and hardness or softness within each of those three general types.

Hot Wheels R/C Dune Devil Pro
The Dune Devil Pro in this series has several higher-end features including hobby grade style chassis with independent front suspension and 4-speed control with a 17,000 RPM electric motor. Recommended for ages 8 and up, this RC toy is simple enough for kids but can hold the interest of adults as well.

XMODS Receiver Antenna - New
Browse photos of transmitter antennas and receiver antennas for RC vehicles. See the variety of antennas and how to install antennas on RCs.

Start Nitro RC
From putting in the fuel to using a glow plug ignitor to get a nitro RC going.

Batman RC
Whether Batman Begins or Batman Returns to the box office or lives forever in classic Batman comics, there are many Batman-themed RC vehicles from Tyco and other manufacturers. Find a Batman RC.

Theme RCs
Combine the fun of radio controlled cars with the familiarity of famous faces and comic book heroes like Batman or Spider-man or movie heroes and sidekicks like Lightning McQueen and Mater. Give children an RC experience they will grow to love with a radio controlled car or truck based on a favorite TV, movie, or cartoon character.

Video - Glue Tires
This tire gluing tutorial starts with drilling holes in the wheel.

Receiver Antenna - New
Browse photos of transmitter antennas and receiver antennas for RC vehicles. See the variety of antennas and how to install antennas on RCs.