Hello fellows! I am interested in getting into RC cars and have 147 stupid questions! Will you bear with me?
Actually, it's not all that bad. I hope.
We have a large (4 acre) yard and I've decided to get 2-3 buggies and build a small dirt track in the back for the kids & I to have fun. (Kids are 9, 11, 13, 15.) I was going to do 1/8th nitro but am tempted to go gas because I like the smell and low-maintenance better than nitro (I used to do RC planes).
I was really set on getting kits so that we'd know how the cars work and could easily fix them, but have come across the Rovan buggies and the price is so tempting:
https://rovanrc.com/product/RV305A/?attribute_pa_color=black
Here are my questions:
- In what way are HPI and Rovan related? Was the HPI Baja the "original" and the Rovan a copy? I've read bits & pieces all over but not enough to put it all together.
- Is there any fundamental difference between kits and a RTD model like this one? I think they are built with the same parts, so it doesn't really matter - correct?
- If there's no difference in quality, what is the diff between this and a $750 HPI kit that still requires engine & radio?
- I have seen comments that the Rovan is not as "tough" as HPI. Is that true? Can this buggy take jumping?
- What are some of the best sources for HPI-compatible parts, *and* the best sources for "high-end" gas tweaking like engines, pipes, etc?
- Do the big cars tend to get damaged a lot more than 1/8th nitro, and are the parts a lot more expensive? I'm wondering if these big cars might be a little much for the younger kids.
Thanks!
I've learned a good deal from searches here already but appreciate input still.
Actually, it's not all that bad. I hope.
We have a large (4 acre) yard and I've decided to get 2-3 buggies and build a small dirt track in the back for the kids & I to have fun. (Kids are 9, 11, 13, 15.) I was going to do 1/8th nitro but am tempted to go gas because I like the smell and low-maintenance better than nitro (I used to do RC planes).
I was really set on getting kits so that we'd know how the cars work and could easily fix them, but have come across the Rovan buggies and the price is so tempting:
https://rovanrc.com/product/RV305A/?attribute_pa_color=black
Here are my questions:
- In what way are HPI and Rovan related? Was the HPI Baja the "original" and the Rovan a copy? I've read bits & pieces all over but not enough to put it all together.
- Is there any fundamental difference between kits and a RTD model like this one? I think they are built with the same parts, so it doesn't really matter - correct?
- If there's no difference in quality, what is the diff between this and a $750 HPI kit that still requires engine & radio?
- I have seen comments that the Rovan is not as "tough" as HPI. Is that true? Can this buggy take jumping?
- What are some of the best sources for HPI-compatible parts, *and* the best sources for "high-end" gas tweaking like engines, pipes, etc?
- Do the big cars tend to get damaged a lot more than 1/8th nitro, and are the parts a lot more expensive? I'm wondering if these big cars might be a little much for the younger kids.
Thanks!
I've learned a good deal from searches here already but appreciate input still.
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