Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / May 2005

I just wondered if you know of any places in N America where I can buy
a Mini Z car?  I would preferably like an RTR one, but can go for a
kit and build it myself.
I am just looking for something small and electric powered to mess

Anybody care to comment on the pros/cons of these two similarly priced
and targeted RTR cars?
HPI Sprint RTR
Team Associated TCR RTR

Anyone own one?  If so, have you made the observation that they are pieces
of crap?  I bought two Gladiators on E-Bay a month ago for my birthday and
to date have gone thru:
1.  One engine (M16, cooked itself after a few quarts)

Hi, Ive got a couple questions as Im looking into getting a RC. Ive
always wanted one since my buddy got a FROG back in jr. high. Anyways I
went to my local hobby shop for a look around and they really werent
too helpful unfortunately. A couple questions.

I have a Tamiya Vanquish (circa 1988) and the front left steering arm
(die-cast piece that surrounds the driveshaft) has busted beyond all repair.
My temp fix was just that....temp :(.  Anyways, I would like to buy a new
one if i could but have no idea where to start looking for ...

Hello again,
Where do all of you measure your temps?  At the cylinder head (usually
towards the bottom rung of the heat sink) or at the top of the heat sink?
Maybe the reason I'm getting such extreme temps is that I'm measuring them

Looks like the Twin Force might be going obsolete after all in
preference to the new Twin Force Spirit.  Tower Hobbies had the older
model listed as "order pending" recently and now I see it's changed to
"discontinued".  I hope Tower Hobbies do plan to stock the Spirit as I

Hello again,
I know, I know, don't tune by temp, that's what they all
say.................but I'm really concerned about the temps I'm seeing.
Megatech Gladiator, 1.6HP Q1.6 (.16) motor.  Running Trinity 20/12 fuel.

Which cheap toys use standard AA or AAA battery cells, for both motor
and RC, instead of 9v, special batteries, or battery packs? Thanks a
lot.

Which is better for off-road backyard bashing with my old Tamiya Blitzer Beetle (27t Corally and 3000 Nimh)): the standard mechanical Tamiya speed control, or a cheap electronic speed control (with reverse)? I know the latter will deliver some longer runtimes, but will it also ...

I just installed some aluminum diff cases and was curious if any one using
them or even the factory ones has a samll bit of slack in them in the
bulkhead.
I dont remember how snug the factory ones were but it seemed they didnt

Hello again,
I have lots of questions and have appreciated everyone who has responded to
me thus far.  Relatively new to the hobby and still learning.
Anyhow, got the new motor in my Gladiator (Megatech Q1.6, .16 size, 1.6HP).

Howdy,
Got a question about cylinder head temps......................what temp
range is considered healthy?  What temp is generally the point where you
kill the motor and let it cool down?

I purchased a Hobbico Torqmaster 12 volt 7 amp battery to charge my
batteries (duratrax pirana 1900) in the field. My question is about how
many charges will I be able to get from this battery.
Thank you

Ok fellas,
Lids keep popping off my bottles of Trinity fuel in the garage.  It is NOT
hot in there as the highest measured temp I've seen so far is 82.4*.  So,
the bottle blows the cork and I get to pour $8.99 down the drain.  Lost two