New Year's Resolution #4: Fly an RC Helicopter
Wednesday January 14, 2009
I was excited by some of the newest RC helicopter additions at my local hobby shop but my wife gave me this look that basically said "no new helicopters until you master the ones you already own." Which is why my
#4 resolution is "to learn how to become proficient at flying RC helicopters." I'm actually pretty good at flying my little
Havoc Helis and
Twin Thunder toy RC helicopters around the kitchen and living room. But I'm still trying to master my hobby-grade Blade RC helis. I understand the
basic flight controls but need more practice (and more windless days).
How proficient are you at flying RC helicopters and how long did it take you to get to that point?
New Year's Resolution #3: Buy a Hobby RC
Thursday January 8, 2009
The third resolution in my
top 10 resolutions for RC enthusiasts is to "buy at least one new hobby-grade RC this year." One of the hot RCs burning up the tracks where I live is the
Traxxas Slash. It's a 1:10 scale electric short course race truck that dwarfs other 1:10 scale trucks with its whopping 13.2 inch wheelbase. You need a big track when a bunch of these big boys get together.
Traxxas makes this one for both novice and experienced drivers by adding a Training Mode that limits throttle until you feel more comfortable behind the wheel (or behind the transmitter). Ready-to-run, it also comes ready for various optional upgrades (such as brushless system) when you're ready to take it to the next level. If this is your first hobby-grade RC, it's a good choice because you two can grow together.
Here are some reviews and owner comments:
Ready for a new hobby RC but a little shy on cash after the holidays? You can snatch up this one for a great low price of around $200US. Take a look at the Traxxas Slash (Buy Direct).
New Year's Resolution #2: Buy an RC Toy
Tuesday January 6, 2009
The second resolution in my
top 10 resolutions for RC enthusiasts is to "buy at least one new RC toy this year." I recommend starting with a new toy this month. In a few more months you'll have forgotten you already fulfilled that resolution so you have no excuse to buy the next cool toy you see. And so and so on til the end of the year. Yeah, that's the way my mind works! So, in honor of my stepson who isn't in a tank unit but is in the military (close enough) I'm suggesting a few military-related RC toys. Consider:
- Megatech Mega Missile Launcher Tank (Buy Direct) - It has flashing lights and sounds, rotating turret, and best of all -- 10 foam missiles that you can launch one at a time or all at once.
- Airsoft RC German Tiger Tank (Compare Prices) - This 1:16 scale model shoots airsoft pellets. Do we see a trend here with RCs that fire real projectiles. Yeah, that's another way my mind works!
New Year's Resolution #1: RC Upkeep
Monday January 5, 2009
The first resolution in my top
10 resolutions for RC enthusiasts is "to take good care of any and all RCs I currently own." I must confess that I've not been as diligent as I tell others to be. Right now I have a few RCs that could benefit from some more care and maintenance. I'm also helping a friend get his neglected RC back in running order. However, most of my non-functioning vehicles are that way due to some missing or broken parts I've not yet replaced (it happens no matter how well you care for a vehicle) rather than neglecting everyday
after-run maintenance chores. Those I am good about doing. How are you at keeping up with the up-keep?