Bob-Stormer

Fun, challenging and very rewarding. That's why we do it.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning a build. and perhaps the order to do them in.

Firstly don't over complicate your first build. It happens to all of us, we get so wrapped up in the details that we get overwhelmed and don't get anything done. Keep it simple, a plank with an axle, a motor and steering is an effective home built car! and you did it! It's not the space shuttle, and none of us are that handy. build it and understand it. I tell everybody "you have to build the first one so you can build the second one". and that's anything really, RC cars, wood shelving in your garage, bicycle stuff, all of it is better the second time you build it.

easiest to build, in order
2 wheel drive, no suspension
2 wheel drive, front suspension only
2 wheel drive, full suspension
2 wheel drive, full suspension, with independent rear suspension
4 wheel drive, no suspension. (tougher, as you have to tackle making cv joints for the front steering, and get power to the front and back of the chassis and design steering linkage around it all)
4 wheel drive, full suspension.
4 wheel drive, with full suspension , with independent rear suspension

Secondly, design according to your tools and skill set. If you don't have a lathe, don't design parts that require it. If you can't weld aluminum, use other materials. If you don't own a welder, design around bolting things together, etc. If you are talented with wood, make a chassis out of plywood. It makes no difference. Enjoy the process and learn. But you'll be more successful if you follow your skill set and work with the tools you have.

thirdly, and this relates to firstly, don't be afraid to completely change your mind if something comes up. Don't get married to a design. And sometimes parts or ideas fall from the sky to make your build easier. Embrace the process.

Getting parts. Buying, scrounging or re-purposing. It's all about the hunt! you never know what you're going to find and how it will inspire you. Always be on the lookout. Dead wheel chair parts, weedeaters, old lawnmowers, anything can be re-purposed into a kick butt RC vehicle.

Getting started:
1) find your powertrain first. Whether it's fuel or electric, make sure you have the engine or motor, with it's drive sprockets or pulleys. for the engine AND the axle, and know you can get the necessary, chains and pulleys to finish the job. once you have that ironed out, you're on your way.

2) find your tires and wheels. Everything kind of starts with these. If you ended up with a very low power engine, do not get HUGE tires. You won't have the power to make the car move, and that's not fun. So consider the powertrain when deciding on tires and wheels. When selected start figuring out how you intend to get them onto your axles. look for easy solutions on your first build. LOT'S of large scale RC car bits can be re-purposed and they have matching hubs, etc. Go-kart parts with matching hubs and axles. When thinking about wheels and tires, also be thinking about attaching them. If you can't come up with an attachment method, keep looking for wheels and tires that you feel you can get attached to the axles.

3) dimensioning and sizing. Don't build it so big you can't get it out of the basement or your shop... [:@] I like to design around getting large cars through a standard household doorway which in the States is around 32". So I tend to like 28-30 inches wide so I can move the vehicle about more easily and take it from inside to outside. Know your area, and make sure you can get it through doorways, and it will fit where it's intended. If you plan to ever take it anywhere, make sure it will fit in your full size car or truck.

4) Be safe. These things are big, and can hurt you or people around you. Make sure you select quality radio equipment and use a standard RC car failsafe. A failsafe intervenes when you lose radio reception and can stop your car, etc. They are surprisingly inexpensive.

5) Only do what you want to do. If a design principal doesn't make you happy... don't do it. make it your way. It's your car, not ours or anybody elses. Let your mind wander and enjoy the process of the build. If you're not happy with what you have, dump it, fix it, start over. You'll never it get it done if you're not happy with the build. it takes time, and nobody wants to spend time doing what they don't like to do.

6) It's not going to happen overnight. It's going to take some time, And that's okay. it's a hobby, and at this point you're making it up. Enjoy it, it's not a contest to see how fast you can get it done. It's really a contest with yourself to see if you are clever enough to make it happen. And then you get the rewards of having a car you made yourself. The payoff is big! but the journey is really the best part. Now, get out to your shop and make some sparks!

Dirty_Vinylpusher

What he said!

troppo

You missed one important point there bob
Make sure you have plenty of beer in the fridge

Bob-Stormer

We'll get to that.

da mad maori

yeah that comes with the second build lol

Dirty_Vinylpusher

No beer no build

Mudgy

Liquid Inspiration, Bob!!


Kinda paints a picture of Aussie ingenuity....we're so far away from everybody else, we've just learned how to " do it your self and not rely on anyone else"
And we're so bloody minded, we've figured out how to do it, and show the originator where they went wrong. Doesn't go down too well sometimes...
I suppose that's why there's Aussie Engineers in Finland showing them how to build Aluminium Processing Plants, in Norway showing them how to do Stainless metal processing, In Dubai Showing them how to construct inner linings, etc.

I see many many manufacturing industries in my work, and the attitude's all the same

That said, there's still an ENOURMOUS amount of talent making stuff globally

Hats off to all for doing their own bit, and most of all; enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Have a damn good weekend, all!!!