Radio Controlled Cars

Radio controlled cars first appeared some sixty yearsRC10 off-road electric car).The 1980s saw a major
ago in the 1940s but the technology at the time wasshift away from what many described as "toy" cars
crude and, although cars could be run at speeds oftowards truly precision crafted models of the very
up to 70 mph, it was only possible to run them roundhighest standards. Traditional manufacturing materials
and round in a circle on a tether.By the late 1960swere dispensed with as were many of the
however technology had advanced considerably andestablished production methods. Chassis were now
miniature solid state radio control systems becamemade from high-grade anodized aluminium alloy, which
available. This meant that cars could be controlledwas also used in the manufacture of oil-filled,
from a control transmitter unit with remotelymachined and tunable shock absorbers. Many
controlled servo-assisted steering, throttle andcomponents normally pressed from plastic were also
brakes. Radio controlled models could now be run onreplaced with high-impact nylon, including such things
a race track rather than simply in a circle and theas suspension control arms and wheels.Today's
precision of control available meant that they couldinterest in off-road 4 wheel drive vehicles was also
be run in much the same way as a realsparked during the 1980s with the introduction by
vehicle.Despite the advances in technology during theSchumacher of the Competition All Terrain (CAT)
1960s, it was not until 1976 that the firstvehicle which won the off-road world championship in
commercially available cars were seen. Produced by5 out of the 10 years following its
Tamiya (a Japanese company with a reputation forintroduction.Competition is of course the driving force
supplying detailed plastic model kits), these early carsbehind any market today, including the market for
were very crude in mechanical terms and somewhatradio controlled cars, and for several years a strong
expensive but, nevertheless, they sold well.Over therivalry between Associated Electrics and Team Losi
coming years Tamiya concentrated its attention on(founded by Gil Losi Jr., a racetrack owner from
the mechanics of these early models and, by the midCalifornia) led to a rapid development of high quality
1980s, they were producing some extremely popularmodels, both technically and in terms of the range of
models such as the Grasshopper, Hornet, Blackfootcars available.Today Associate Electric and Team Losi
and Clodbuster with more powerful engines, workingare still major players in the market and have been
suspension systems and textured tyres.This wasjoined by others such as the US-based Traxxas
really the start of the hobby radio controlled car ascompany and the Japanese-based company of
we know it today and quickly brought otherKyosho. As these major players continue to compete
producers into the market. These includedagainst each other, and others join the market, so
Schumacher Racing (a British company which replacedthe market for radio controlled cars will go from
the then standard solid axle with a ball differential,strength to strength in the years ahead.For more
allowing cars to be finely tuned for different trackinformation about radio controlled cars and to pick up
conditions) and Associated Electrics (a Californiaa free copy of our beginner's guide to buying and
based company which introduced the model thatracing rc cars please visit today.
quickly dominated the off-road racing market - the