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A radio-controlled car is a powered model car driven from a distance using a radio control system. Inputs from joysticks on a transmitter are sent to the car's onboard receiver. more...

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Radio-controlled cars can range from simple "stop and go" toys to competitive racing models, which feature all the complexity and adjustability of their full size counterparts. Building, driving, and modifying radio-controlled car kits is a popular hobby.

Types of cars

Radio controlled (or R/C) cars can be categorized in two ways, as either "toy" or "hobby" grade. Toy grade cars are electricly propelled while hobby grade cars use either electricity or fuel for power. Electric cars use small but powerful electric motors and rechargeable nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or lithium polymer cells to power them. Most fuel powered models use small internal combustion engines fuelled by a special mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil (a blend of castor oil and synthetic oil), which are referred to as "nitro" cars. Recently, exceptionally large models have been introduced that are powered by small gasoline engines. Electric cars are generally considered easier for the novice to work with than fuel-driven models, but can be equally as complex at the higher budget and skill levels.

In both of these categories, both on-road and off-road vehicles are available. Off-road models, which are built with fully-functional off-road suspensions, can be used on various types of terrain. In comparison, on-road cars, which generally have a limited or non-existent suspension, are strictly limited to smooth, paved surfaces.

Toy radio control

The term "toy" or "toy-grade" in regards to radio control cars is used to describe vehicles of the pre-assembled type generally found in discount stores and consumer electronics stores. There are often colloquially referred to as "Radio Shack cars". Some toy-grade R/C models may also be found in hobby shops in an attempt to appeal to young users. Generally speaking, a toy R/C is meant as a child's or adolescent's plaything. Though sometimes derided by users of more expensive and sophisticated hobby-grade equipment, toy R/C is an excellent way to teach a youngster basic vehicle control and to hopefully spark his/her interest in the hobby at a very reasonable price. Modern toy R/C vehicles are fast, fun and even rather flashy in comparison to hobby-grade vehicles. A toy R/C Lincoln Navigator being brought to market for the 2005 holiday season features scale detail, full interior, chrome "dub" spinner rims, working show car lights and even a fully programmable, built-in mp3 player used to emulate a high-powered stereo system. One of the largest R/C car models of any type is the 1/4-scale Cadillac Escalade from Columbia Telecommunications Group with its working FM radio. A Humvee less the broadcast receiver is built on the same chassis. Both are powered by a large, heavy 12-volt gel cell of the type often found in electric riding toys. A model of a Chrysler 300 SR/T from Planet Toys is a full 1/5 scale, twice the size of many hobby-grade R/C vehicles. Jada Toys has introduced 1/6-scale R/C cars influenced by full-scale vehicles featured in DUB City magazine. The "Shell Shocker" is a spherical, paddle-driven, all-terrain vehicle whose configuration can be changed by radio control. It was inspired by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise and is sold by Tyco R/C.

Read more at Wikipedia.org