Once you have determined the style of RC vehicle that you would prefer, you can consider the precise size that you would like

RC vehicles can vary in size, anywhere from a mini 1/18 scale to a larger 1/8 scale. Most electric and nitro vehicles are sold in 1/10 scale, which is considered an industry standard. You may have no idea what size of vehicle would be best for your needs; if that is the case, consult your local hobby shop for advice.

To analyze the different scale sizes available, the following is a list of descriptions (provided on www.shipshewanatoys.com).

1/10 scale (touring) cars:

Engine powered touring cars can be extremely fast, reaching speeds up to 55mph. As with electric touring cars, nitro vehicles feature 4WD and realistic body lines, and are only meant for on-road use.

1/10 scale stadium trucks: Nitro stadium trucks are identical to electric stadium trucks, except for the engine power. They're suitable for racing or recreation, on or off road, averaging a peak speed of about 30mph.

1/8 scale monster trucks: These monsters are equipped with major horsepower. Consequently, they can travel on-road and off-road up to 40 mph, tearing through and over anything in its path!

1/8 scale buggies: Similar to other 1/8 scale vehicles, they have the power to traverse rough terrain on-road and off-road, are very durable, and travel up to 60mph.

1/8 scale on-road cars: The revolution of RC performance, these vehicles reach speeds of close to 80mph, coming standard with shifting 2- or 3-speed transmission. Intended for experienced enthusiasts, their foam tires provide tremendous grip, and they are suitable for smooth on-road courses only.

Micro And Minis

Micro and mini sized RC vehicles have become quite popular in recent years. The benefit to these tiny RCs is that they offer the same racing excitement for a fraction of the cost of the larger vehicles. Originally marketed in Japan, micro RCs are now sold in North America at reasonably low prices. For $50 or less, companies such as Radio Shack offer micro RC vehicles for those interested in checking out racing fun without spending an exorbitant amount of money.

Micro RCs typically measure approximately 2½ inches long; their engines are interchangeable, so you can switch motors at will to experiment with speed. You can also add a variety of decoratively enhancing features (hubcaps, rims, etc.) to personalize your vehicle.

One of the convenient advantages to buying a micro or mini RC is that they are ready to run, straight out of the box. Your car will also likely come with a customizable body, transmitter, a micro scale engine, receiver and circuit board, and realistic chassis.

Another great aspect of owning a micro RC vehicle is the fact that they are so versatile. They are designed to run on all surfaces, are minute enough to drive in almost all locations, and are quieter than most nitro and electric RCs. Mini RCs run on rechargeable batteries; unlike other RC cars, a mini or micro can be placed into its controller and plugged into a standard electric wall socket. That way, your car can be powered back up instantly, which is a benefit if you want to race continuously.

While you may not be able to customize your micro or mini RC the way you could with a larger model, the advantages are still well worth it. Their size, reduced cost, convenience, and speed make them a great bargain for any skill level. They are the most popular type of RC vehicle available, so there are a plethora of model types to choose from.