Hot Bodies Wheels (Rims)

    In Competitive Radio Controlled Model Racing, you have to consider every aspect of your car and how to improve its performance to give you the edge on your competitors and that includes your choice of Wheel-Rims.

    My article below explains why and how the type of rims you put on your model car can influence its handling and what type you should be looking to have.

Hints, Tips and Information
For RC Enthusiasts

Choosing the best Wheels

   When it comes to wheels, most people tend to go for what looks good, something that will make their car stand out from the crowd, but are they the best wheels for you when it comes to winning races on the track?

   Quite a number of years ago I read an article in an RC magazine about RC model wheels and how important it is to have the right ones on your car. I was so impressed by that article that I immediately sold off all my old wheels and bought a batch of new ones - why? Read on.

The Importance of Balancing your Model Car Wheels

   Wheel balancing equipment for RC cars is now available on line and from most RC model shops, but when I started in competitive RC, only the top drivers gave Wheel Balancing any thought. Money in those days was tight, so I decided to make my own Wheel Balancer, using the rear end of an old Tamiya F1 car.

Wheel Camber - for cornering stability

   Camber is described as the angle of the wheel as you look at it directly from the front or rear of your car and if set correctly will improve your cars cornering ability considerably, by providing increased traction. This simple to make adjustment is considered by many to be one of the most effective changes you can make to your car for better handling.

Make your Ball Bearings Work for You

   If you are serious about your racing, looking after your bearings is essential if you are to remain competitive.
   My own experience is in both Off and On Road Car racing, and over the years, rubbing shoulders with some of the top drivers in the world, I have picked up a number of useful tips on cleaning, lubricating and most importantly, reducing bearing friction.

What you Need to know about Dampers

   Dampers, Shock Absorbers, Shocks - call them what you will, they are one of the least understood, but most important tools you have for adjusting the handling characteristics of your RC model.

   In this article, I will endeavour to explain just what you can achieve by making simple tweaks to your shocks, and how these tweaks can keep you ahead of your opposition on the track.

Toe Angle - for Steering and Straight Line Stability

   When you first build your RC model car, you will no doubt have made all the settings advised in the manufacturers' manual and will take it out on the back yard not thinking of things like camber, caster or toe-in - I know I did. It's only when you get competitive that you start learning about these things and just what a big difference they can make to the handling of your car. One of the more effective of these adjustments is Toe-Angle.

More Hints and Tips

   For more Radio Controlled Model Hints, Tips and Information, check out the list on the RCScrapyard Homepage. ▶ ▶