Race Car Model Building Tips

By: Jason Petrina



For race car model enthusiasts, there is nothing more satisfying than building a race car model from the ground up, and then entering a race and winning! This hobby has been around for sometime, and it continues to grow in popularity. Building RC models is one thing – building race car models that win races are altogether different. If you are a beginner, it is important to realize that while this is a fun hobby, the races are serious, and often there are cash prizes at stake. So, before you buy a cheap kit and enter a race, do your homework and find out all that you need to know.

There are many kits available that include all of the necessary parts to build your model race car. You can also choose to buy all of the parts separately, and design your own race car model – adding parts and components that will give you an advantage over the competition. Beginners are better off starting with a kit. This will allow them to learn what they need to know, without spending quite as much money. Buying each component of a race car model separately can be costly – especially if you don’t purchase the correct parts to begin with.

Race car model kits can easily be found in hobby stores or on the Internet. These cars can be built to win races, if you know what you are looking for when you shop. Remember that quality really isn’t measured in dollars, in most cases. So just because a kit is expensive, this does not mean that you are more likely to win races. There are other factors to consider besides price. Searching online for RC models is a great idea because there is such a large selection to choose from. For sure, you will be able to find the race car model that fits your budget and your taste.

The body of the RC model makes a great deal of difference – whether you are using a kit, or building the race car model from scratch. Plastic and metal are generally your two choices. Some race car models are even made out of ceramic or wood as well. For durability, metal RC models are the best - however for racing, you might want to consider plastic, because it is lighter. The lighter the car, the faster it will go. You should also note that you may find you have less control over a lighter weight car in turns. Only you can decide which is best for your car, and the races you plan to enter.

Body design is another factor. You want your race car model to be very aerodynamic, which makes it less resistant to wind drag. If the RC model is aerodynamic, it will go faster than a race car model that isn’t. The close the car sits to the ground, the more aerodynamic it is. Aerodynamic cars also have smooth curved lines instead of sharp squared lines. The motor of the race car model is the next thing to consider. Determine whether your model race car will be nitro powered or electric. For racing, nitro powered race car models are recommended. An electric race car model really doesn’t stand a chance against one that is nitro powered.

Eventually, you will want to build your own race car model from the ground up. You need a plan and a design to start with. Attend as many race car model races as you can – even if you aren’t participating. Make it a habit to talk to the other racers – especially the winners. Find out how they built their cars, special components or parts they’ve added, and ask for tips on controlling the car as well. Often, it isn’t the way the car was built that wins a race – it is how the car was controlled during the race!



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com