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Jul 2018
4:03pm, 19 Jul 2018
8,516 posts
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Watford Wobble
Meccano?
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Jul 2018
4:10pm, 19 Jul 2018
28,945 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
That is the problem with just playing around Doc, sand and salt water are def not your friend with a battery powered car!
Claypole, it's not cheap, certainly. I've gone with second hand. I've got an X-ray XB2 (2WD). A new kit was about 220. But add to that: wheels, tyres, servo, speed controller, motor, batteries, charger, receiver, transmitter etc. I thought whole thing new would be c. 450-500. But I was advised to go second hand. Should be cheaper, right? Wrong!
I got a built car, including wheels and tyres for 180. But then I bought a second body and wing, new motor and ESC, got second hand batteries (x2), receiver, transmitter, servo, a charger (and transformer to run off mains), some tools and I'm at 480 already!
I've still got to get: transponder (race timing is automatic now - basically everyone has their own chip, for chip timing!), fire bag for batteries (LiPos go on fire if you don't treat them properly!), and a second receiver for using with VRC Pro, some simulation software that lets you use your real transmitter to control a virtual car on screen. Apparently it's a great way to improve your race times!
And to save tyres. Some of the guys were talking about wanting to replace tyres after *every* race / heat. Some said more conservatively one set of tyres should do the 2 heats and final! That's near 40 quid for tyres for every race day. I know that's less than real world cars and tyres, but it's still incredibly expensive. However, I don't believe I'll be driving at a level where I'll notice replacing tyres helping me, for some time yet, if ever!
Have a look at some of the videos of recent races (youtube BRCA nationals offroad 2WD or 4WD) - some incredibly close racing and exciting overtaking and battles.  G
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Jul 2018
4:12pm, 19 Jul 2018
28,946 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Lol WW. If you like we can talk about Meccano, Lego, FischerTechnik, Linka (does anyone know those last ones...?)
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Jul 2018
5:19pm, 19 Jul 2018
418 posts
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Claypole
Blimey HappyG things have moved on since I raced - chip timing...jeez
Yep see what you mean how it quickly adds up the bucks - bet you'll have a ton of fun trying to get the racing line round those corners though
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Jul 2018
10:31pm, 19 Jul 2018
23,186 posts
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DocMoye
My son has also built a working grandfather clock from k’nex .... not a kit just worked his way through what needed to be done. He did have to get a couple of cogs 3-printed so it would work.
.... and perhaps best not to get me started on what he’s made with Lego
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Jul 2018
9:18am, 20 Jul 2018
28,950 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Wow, that's amazing Doc. He's an engineer in the making, for sure. K'nex are cool. When I was at uni, we had a task to build some simple tools with any material we liked. I used Fischer Technik stuff. It was ace.
Yes, I'm looking forward to trying to get the hang of driving the thing. It's amazing that it's really not about top end speed - no shortage of that. It's about the racing line, certainly, but also about grip and stability and the handling of the car in steering and acceleration and braking.
Yip, transponders - 50-70 quid a shot, but required if racing because it's all automated chip timing. And more than just "here's your start to finish time" like we get in running. You get: total time, lap time and live, in-race announcements of race order. The software also reads out the race drivers' names after in the results, announces the time to the next race, runs the start alert and "gun" and gives warning of time left in race etc. All automated. Google "My laps" and "bbksoftware".
I've gone up a level (and I haven't even driven my car yet). I've started the conversation with my wife about which bit of our land would be most suitable to build a practice track
Looking forward to the Scottish Off Road regional champs this weekend at my local club. Should be awesome to watch. G
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Jul 2018
12:00pm, 20 Jul 2018
31,011 posts
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Nick Cook
I had a Tamiya r/c buggy about 30 years ago. It's still in the loft somewhere.
I had discussions with Mrs C about turning the back garden into a track, but she was having none of it!
It's something I might like to get back into. Don't fancy running along behind the car though!
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Jul 2018
3:35pm, 20 Jul 2018
28,954 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I thought that combination of running and RC cars was perfect for us?! No?
Getting excited now. My car set up will be finished tomorrow and I get to drive for first time. G
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Jul 2018
1:45pm, 23 Jul 2018
28,958 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Great day out at the Scottish Off Road Championship round 5 yesterday, hosted by the club I've just joined. I helped set up track on Saturday and marshal on Sunday. 89 cars raced by 54 racers, from 7 to 70+. Some great, close racing and hilarious banter. Thrills and spills for all the family, with friends and family watching on, some barbeques and lots of fun for all. Really good to see how vibrant and social it all was.
I got my car set up on Saturday too, so drove for first time. Didn't race in the champs though. That would be like getting your first pair of trainers and couch to 5K programme and trying to race a county champs 10 miler! G
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Jul 2018
12:54pm, 25 Jul 2018
28,969 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
Project "Build a Track in the Garden Without Upsetting the Missus" begins tonight! Cut back some hedges and tree branches, cut the grass down shorter, trim edges around flower beds. That's the sweetener. Erect temporary protective mesh fencing around the flower beds. That's the reassurance. Then drive around the garden trying to avoid breaking anything. That bit's just fingers crossed!
And I've already bought a replacement transmitter and receiver (sticks instead of a wheel)! Just think I'll be more comfortable with sticks. And it's what most others at club use. G
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