A Newbie's Guide to Building Remote Control Cars
Having their debut in the toy world back in the 60s, RC vehicles have been the favourite toy for a large number of kids as well as adults. Although RC vehicles might seem as something that kids would enjoy the most, fans of the hobby from older generations are enjoying it too. This is why RC vehicles have gained back some of the popularity they had during their golden era from the late 70s to early 80s. This type of hobby can help both younger and older people with visual-motor coordination, enhance spatial awareness, spark up creativity and strengthen family ties as well. Children and adults can have fun together with RC cars but the most bonding both will get is through assembling RC vehicles. Yes, there are two ways you can go with remote controlled vehicles, the RTR way or the kit.
With an RTR (ready-to-run) toy you don't need to assemble anything while with an RC kit you will. An RTR may be a more convenient option but it doesn't teach you or your kid the inner workings of your vehicle. With a kit not only do you get to know how the vehicle works you are also learning how to fix the vehicle despite not doing it right away. If something was to happen to the RC car you can try fixing it yourself first before you bring it to the nearest RC store for help. An RC kit gives you the freedom to build RC car your way – you can choose how powerful you want it to be or how it will look. Assembling an RC kit might seem like a complex task but in fact it isn't as long as you have a helping hand.
Assembling an RC Kit
Tools & Preparation
Before you've started cutting and putting parts together, it's important to get everything organized so you can make the whole process easier. Your workspace should be open and well-lit. Make sure there is enough space so you can lay out everything you need including your tools too. To build your own remote control cars you'll need an X-acto knife, pliers, thread-locking glue, a heat gun, flush cutters, a rotary tool, soldering iron, an electric screwdriver with bits, a hex screwdriver set and a hex wrench with a ball end. Do not use power tools when assembling a kit as the force coming from such tools can damage the component on which you are fastening the screw. To prepare your workplace make sure to put a builders board on top of your desk and a designated tray for components and fasteners.
Assembling an RC Kit
Tools & Preparation
Before you've started cutting and putting parts together, it's important to get everything organized so you can make the whole process easier. Your workspace should be open and well-lit. Make sure there is enough space so you can lay out everything you need including your tools too. To build your own remote control cars you'll need an X-acto knife, pliers, thread-locking glue, a heat gun, flush cutters, a rotary tool, soldering iron, an electric screwdriver with bits, a hex screwdriver set and a hex wrench with a ball end. Do not use power tools when assembling a kit as the force coming from such tools can damage the component on which you are fastening the screw. To prepare your workplace make sure to put a builders board on top of your desk and a designated tray for components and fasteners.
Assembly Process
1. You should follow the instruction from your kit when you build your own remote control cars as well whilst following the instructions provided here. Usually the first thing to do is open one bag (always open one bag at a time) and layout the pieces on the workbench or table. For screws that go into metal-parts make sure to put thread-locking glue so that it is more securely fitted.
2. Assembling the wheel axis will require you to first fit the gears to the axle according to the guide. Then you need to attach the wheels which then need to be followed by the assembling of the shocks. When assembling the wheel axis make sure to place the parts you are working with in the tray containers so that you don't lose them.
3. To assemble the shocks you will usually need to slide the springs onto the shocks and attach the shocks to the axles. Some shocks may require to be filled with a lubricant. If that's the case, then the lubricant will come in the kit. While this is a rather simple task, make sure when applying the lubricant that the cap is properly secured before you continue.
4. Next come the electronics which involve connecting the battery, servos and usually electric motor. The servos will attach to the axle at the front of the RC car whilst the electric motor will need to be mounted at the back of the vehicle in a precise location. Before installing the servos tough, you'll need to centre their output shafts. Do this by turning on the transmitter (remote) with the servos plugged in. Confirm that the servos are working by using the remote and then place the trim knobs to their centre position. The battery is the last part you'll usually need to mount with the location specified in the manual as well as the part on how to connect the wiring.
5. After all the electronics are set up it is time to assemble the shell. For this part there's usually clips, not glue, as they can hold the body of the vehicle more securely. This is a matter of clicking sounds when pressing the shell on the chassis and depending on the skill level of your kit you may need to add certain parts onto the shell or even paint it.
2. Assembling the wheel axis will require you to first fit the gears to the axle according to the guide. Then you need to attach the wheels which then need to be followed by the assembling of the shocks. When assembling the wheel axis make sure to place the parts you are working with in the tray containers so that you don't lose them.
3. To assemble the shocks you will usually need to slide the springs onto the shocks and attach the shocks to the axles. Some shocks may require to be filled with a lubricant. If that's the case, then the lubricant will come in the kit. While this is a rather simple task, make sure when applying the lubricant that the cap is properly secured before you continue.
4. Next come the electronics which involve connecting the battery, servos and usually electric motor. The servos will attach to the axle at the front of the RC car whilst the electric motor will need to be mounted at the back of the vehicle in a precise location. Before installing the servos tough, you'll need to centre their output shafts. Do this by turning on the transmitter (remote) with the servos plugged in. Confirm that the servos are working by using the remote and then place the trim knobs to their centre position. The battery is the last part you'll usually need to mount with the location specified in the manual as well as the part on how to connect the wiring.
5. After all the electronics are set up it is time to assemble the shell. For this part there's usually clips, not glue, as they can hold the body of the vehicle more securely. This is a matter of clicking sounds when pressing the shell on the chassis and depending on the skill level of your kit you may need to add certain parts onto the shell or even paint it.