REFLEXX

Since this is my first post here, I'll do a quick bio. In to RC (off & on) since 1986. Have done it all (Rc10 racing with that Futaba "box with a wheel", planes, tried heli, etc...). Currently have MGT, Hyper 8, and a bunch of electrics. Bored of them all.

Considered the 1/5th scale stuff (Baja, Marader, etc...) Expensive and still a "small" step.

Being in the design/machining/fab business, I have come up with an idea for HUGE RC off-road vehicles. This could potentially open up a whole new hobby/industry and make for some intense competitions, teams. The possibilities are endless.

But before I reveal too much, I'd like to see what else is out there. So since this is the center of the "RC Universe" I'd like to know what's been done in the BIG (1/2 to 1/4 scale) world so far. Anything short of 1:1 scale is good. I've seen the video of the full size Camry on the lakebed, and I like what I see. Off road only, not dirt track, not large 1/8 type buggies, no cheapo toys.

I'll be starting construction in the next few weeks and perhaps 2-4 months from completion. Please don't ask for pics, not until it's 90%+ done. If I don't get sidetracked, I'll even have a website that lays out my vision for this "hobby."

So what I'm really asking for is info on the 1/2 to 1/4 scale off-road stuff that's out there.

J_D

i think 1/2 scale would not be practical for most ppl, since u cant just take it out somewhere and use it, u'd have to find a very open area and it could be very dangerious in a run away.

ScooterTrash

Hi REFLEXX, Look here->[link]http://www.teamplatinumracing.com/TPRXL2.html[/link] & Read Here------->[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4202333/tm.htm[/link] Good Luck!

96-silverado

1/2 Scale RC? Heres a thought. Buy a 4 wheeler (as in an ATV) make a truck body to sit over it and convert it to remote control. Now honestly not to bust your bubble or anything. I just don't see this as a practicle idea. An RC car that you can't even pick up. Not to mention the liability that would come along with running something that large if you were to have a runaway.I mean you could kill somebody with something that big. Plus a 1/5 HPI baja is nearly $1000 I can't imagine what 1/2 scale would cost! I think your idea is fine for you if thats what you want. But I still think you might as well take the easy well out and buy a Polaris 4 wheeler and modify it into an RC. Do I see this as something that will catch on. I think that people converting full size cars to RC has as much of a chance of being the next HUGE thing.

96-silverado

96-silverado

By the way if you have fun building and running this thats all that matters I just don't seeing it as a wide spread hobby.

Timmahh

www.quarterscalelegends.com if its 1/4 scale he prolly has it, seen it, drove it, wrecked it, built it. you get the idea.
Timmahh

jpachill1

Well, I don't know what all you are planning but I agree with most that we all have to have a way and a place to put our toys. Before I replace a 71 El Comino SS in the garage or even my wifes Volvo, it certainly will not be with a RC car!!haha I think 1/4 is probably going to be as big as you want to go. Think about shipping as well. Again, I don't know you plans, but if you are looking to manufacture things that you will have to ship to people, can you do it if you had to ship it?

You are doing your homework and that is good. Good luck and keep us posted.

Paul

ScooterTrash

[8D] Here are some 1/4 Scale engines if you got a lot of $$$$$$$$$[link]http://www.conleyprecision.com/about_us.htm[/link]

pilotjohn

Maybe go bigger than 1/4 scale but smaller than 1/3 scale. That way people don't need a trailer to haul it and can probably still get it in and out of the house? The whole idea sounds very interesting and I can't wait to see what you build [8D].

quarterscalelegends

Here is a link to 1/2 scale cars. These will be available soon and only in Kit form due to liability reasons.
http://www.mpminc.net/half_scale.htm

There is some talk on my forum about taking a cheap 4 wheeler and converting to RC use. He has made some good progress so far.

To be honest, everyone will say they want a large scale car if you make one, but when you do, they wont put up the cash. Some people complain about paying 1k for a 1/5 scale car. People just dont value quality and the work required to make such a machine anymore. 1/4 scale was HUGE in the early 80's to the late 90's but went away for many different reasons. Some guys were selling over 100k worth of stuff a month out of their garage! The cars sold from $700-6k.

jpachill1

Scooter.........That is awesome!!! I have never seen that before. At first I questioned whether that was a real working model or just a model. I went to the website and clicked on the videos, there is a vid of a shelby cobra. It sounds just like a real v8.

Quarterscale, that is a great car. I think that a sprint car is great. But I'm not sure if an off roader would be. I really hope to see what reflexx is working on. I would buy a trailer if I had to if it was worth it.

Paul

avgas

WANT ONE

garygit

The Guys on MYTHBUSTERS build a full scale r/c car on the show pretty much every week.

ScooterTrash

HI jpachill1, I thought they are pretty cool my self. I am a machinist so I know what it would take to make one! Here is another Video->[link]http://videos.streetfire.net/hottestvideos/1/4b6856f4-73f4-4545-9f7e-d4a6d58b28a6.htm[/link][sm=thumbs_up.gif]

hellya

you can slap one in a RC boat

http://www.swashdrive.com.au/images/.../V8&zenoah.MPG

96-silverado

Those are some mighty fine miniature engines in the videos!!!!

burkes_22

ahh if only they would fit in my savage! very nice engines on the video and in the biats the blown v8 on the vid sounds and looks awesome

Timmahh

5g for a motor is a bit on the extreme side though
Timmahh

jpachill1

Holy smokes that is awesome! I never knew that was out there. Now I think I am more interested to see a 1/3 - 1/4 MT with maybe an engine like that. I don't know if the hobby would be as big as 1/5, but still would be neet to see more of.

Paul