Conference vmszoo::rc

    You purchased a Toy.

    It will be fun to play with for a while, but it will not be
    competetive compared to the you-build-em style of cars.
    Durability may or may not be at issue, I've seen the you-build-em
    cars break down quite a bit, but of course, these models are
    typically run harder (faster) than an out of the box, ready to run
    car would be capable of.  for $45.00 you didn't do too bad,
    though.  Have fun, and if you decide you like RC cars, save your
    pennies and buy a higher performance model later on.

    As a follow-up to reply >1<
    
    - not real familiar with the vehicle, it's probably underpowered
      with an RS380 for durability and longer run time.  It will scoot
      on asphalt and light dirt, but probably won't go far in grass
      without overheating
    
    - forget about competitive racing.  It not only won't be competitive
      by crystal frequency conflicts, which often occur, will probably
      force you out of any race.
    
    - foremost, especially for an off-road vehicle, is the strong change
      parts will break.  After deciding what type of vehicle you want,
      one of the major factors in choosing a brand should be parts
      availability - via mailorder or local hobbyshops.  Chances of
      you obtaining parts for your vehicle (especially in a "reasonable"
      amount of time) is very slim.  I know folks who have waited up
      to 8 months to obtain parts for Nikko "ready-to-run" vehicles.
    
    Some of these "ready-to-run" vehicles like Nikko (not sure about
    Senshi) use identical parts from major R/C suppliers (Nikko uses
    Tamiya) so you may be able to insert actual bearings on your wheels
    and make some other light mods.  It's also fair to say, that I have
    seen some of these "ready-to-run" kits run forever with proper care.
    
    After all, the price for a "ready-to-run" vehicle w/radio is hard
    to beat - especially for someone who wants to "test the waters"
    of R/C before going for a swim (or should I say...take a bath!)
    

    
    Last christmas I bought a couple of Sears/Nikko 4wd pick up trucks for
    my son and me.  They had huge tires, lots of shocks, used a 7.2v stick
    battery, working lights and cost under $50, how could you beat that
    deal?  We had great fun with them for a while, they climbed like mad,
    did wheelies, and were fairly maneuverable.  
    
    But then we started to learn about their limitations.  DON'T LET THEM
    GET WET.  We took'em out to play in the snow (an unbelievable amount of
    fun) and fried a radio. Then we learned the second lession, they aren't
    made to be fixed. We've gone through several Nikkos and they made so
    that the wheel and tires can't be taken off, to change a tire the
    entire front or back assembly must be replaced.  The third problem only
    appears when kit cars start to appear.  Almost any kit car can beat
    almost any ready made car badly, don't mix the two unless you want to
    get depressed. 
    
    Don't despair though 'cause there is fun to be had, especially if you
    can find someone with similar equipment to race against (sons, and I
    imagine daughters, work real well at this).  Just find a save place to
    race and race them.  Use some place fairly level so you don't beat the
    thing to death.  We used school parking lots, they are usually clear
    all summer, a softball diamond with a dirt infield (by the way, oval
    dirt cars fly on softball diamonds), and my favorite, the basement.  We
    built a small track in the basement using carpet remnants and boxes for
    hills and jumps.  We could race, there was electricity and it was warm. 
    
    It also turns out that basement racing can only be done with this type
    of car, kit cars instantly crash into walls all the time. 
    
    So use the truck you got, see if you like RC truck (or maybe car)
    action.  Then, if you do, build your Kyosho Double-Dare double-engine,
    4wd, 4ws monster.  If you don't you've saved yourself lots of money. 
    
    -- Don Senechal
     

    
    I just figured that if I were about to build a truck, that's what I'd
    build.  The little trucks,  Blackfoot, Bruiser, etc., are kind of wimpy
    (it takes more than big tires to impress me) and the Clod Buster is a
    monster, dunno know if I'd dare let my 6 year old play with it while I
    raced. 
    
    Besides, I kind of partial to Nissan King Cabs, drive one to work every
    day. 
    
    Definitely interested in anything you or your son has to say about the
    Double Dare.  If I ever reach the end of the tuning/fixing/building I
    got stacked up now, I think I'd like to build one.  I did have a lot of
    fun with my Sears/Nikko 4wd truck and the Double Dare looks like
    serious fun.  Besides, I like to build. 
    
    -- Don Senechal
    
    P.S.  Regarding my previous reply, Did I forget to mention:
    	      **** >>> DON'T LET THE TRUCK GET WET <<< ****
    

    Hi,
    
    Back from an off-site.  Thankyou all so very much for your expert
    comments on the SHENSEI "Ironman" Truck.  As noted in the previous
    comments, this is "our" first real attempt at RC and I'm sure that
    it will provide a great deal of fun.  It will also provide me with
    a great indication of weather or not NO.1 son is at all interested
    in RC or just a passing phase.
    
    I'll keep you all "posted" as to hos long the truck lasts.
    
    
    Thanks for the hint about the snow.
    
    

    If you want some good dirt on the Double Dare,drop this guy a line,
    he has both the Clod and the DD.His Vaxmail is MPGS::COLON.Tell
    him I sent you,you'll get a discount.
    Les Borda.
    

    I think a company called Aero-trend(sp?)is marketing the 4000 mah
    packs.I believe what they are,are 2-2000mah packs with a harness
    to connect the two.I've seen the ad in Radio Control Car Action
    and i think the price is about $150.00.The 2000mah pack can also
    be purchased for roughly half the price.The 4000mah pack was
    designed for the Clod and I don't know if it will fit in the DD.
    Regards Les Borda.
    P.S. did Angel give you the corporate discount I mentioned???
    

    From the Towers Hobby 1989 Catalog
    
    Page #193
    
    UNIVERSAL ENERGY R/C SUPPLIES BATTERY PACKS (CLODBUSTER)
    
    UNIC3010   UE1008C 6C 2000MAH "C" CELL-CLOD    54.00    41.85
    UNIC3020   UE1008E 6C 4000MAH "D" CELL-CLOD   130.00    91.00
    
    Hopes this helps