Comparison New Bright Graffiti Buggy 1:16 vs Silverlit Xbull 1:18

The scale allows you to estimate the overall dimensions of the model — it describes the ratio of its dimensions to the dimensions of a full-size machine of a similar type (see below). For example, the length and width of a full-sized buggy average about 4 m and 2 m, respectively; this means that for a radio-controlled model on a scale of 1:10, these parameters will be 10 times smaller — about 40 cm and 20 cm (plus or minus).

Miniature scales are considered to be 1:24 or less ( 1:28 and 1:32), while in the largest scales it reaches 1:6( 1:5) — such models are not much smaller than children's cars (however, they are not intended to replace them). A small size is considered optimal for use in residential areas, a large one — in open areas. Most road models (see 'Type') are available in 1:10 scale, SUVs in 1:8, and larger scales are found in advanced internal combustion engine models (see 'Engine'). The most common scale options are 1:14, 1:16 and 1:18, which are found in both the low-cost and high-end segments.

— Highway. Also known as "touring". These are cars that outwardly copy passenger cars — both ordinary production cars and tuned ones, and even special cars like NASCAR cars. They can have a ring or drift purpose (see above), in general, they have high speed and good handling.

— Buggy. Full-size buggy-type vehicles are light all-wheel drive vehicles for off-road driving, primarily sand, with a characteristic body structure (angular panels, open frame elements, safety arcs) and suspension (wheels are most often noticeably moved to the side on the suspension arms). Radio-controlled buggies have a similar design. The body, however, is often stylized as racing cars, but this type of specialization is primarily off-road — for example, many short-course models (see "Destination") are specifically buggies.

— Truggy. This class is in many ways similar to the buggies described above, but differs from them in larger wheel diameters, longer suspension arms and increased ground clearance (see below). This may slightly reduce the speed, but increases the throughput; truggies are used for both short-course and trick riding (see Purpose/Class).

— SUV (monster). As the name implies, such models copy monster trucks — cars stylized as pickup trucks, the most striking feature of which are huge wheels, powerful engines and corr...esponding chassis features (large suspension travel, high ground clearance). Like the full-size originals, radio-controlled monster trucks are in many ways similar to buggies (see above), and differ from them only in the described features. "Monsters" are relatively poorly suited for high-speed driving, but they have high cross-country ability, due to which models for tricks and short courses are found in this type (see "Destination (class)").

— Rally. Such cars are a cross between "touring" and full-fledged SUVs. Outwardly, they are similar to road models, but have significantly more suspension travel, more powerful engines and improved mud protection. At the same time, rally cars are not designed for full-fledged off-road driving, overcoming significant bumps, etc.; their maximum is a dense coating like packed sand or fine gravel.

— Crawler. A specialized type of radio-controlled cars designed to overcome obstacles. Externally, the crawlers are somewhat similar to the “monsters” described above, but differ from them in a higher suspension height, which provides a characteristic silhouette: a body raised high on long “legs”. This design allows crawlers to cope with difficult obstacles — like stone scree with steep slopes. Note that the speed characteristics of this category of cars are quite modest, because. the emphasis in them is primarily on high cross-country ability.

— Changeling. Models of cars that even turned over will be able to continue moving. At the same time, from different sides, the body of the machine may look different. Such models have good cross-country ability and are considered stunt models (see "Purpose (class)").

The minimum age for which this radio-controlled model is suitable. These recommendations are rather conditional, but it is still not recommended to deviate from them. "Adult" 14+ models with a lot of adjustments, moving parts and power simply will not be able to master a young rider of preschool and maybe even school age. At the same time, models for the younger age category ( 3+, 4+, 5+) may not be interesting and boring for older children ( children 6 and 8+). It is also worth noting that radio-controlled cars are not always children's toys and there are models for modeling, racing — professional use.

The highest speed that the machine can develop. Usually, this parameter is indicated for certain "perfect conditions": a flat track, high-quality fuel or a full battery charge (depending on the type of engine, see above), etc. Real figures tend to be somewhat lower; however, different models can be compared with each other according to this characteristic.

High maximum speed is important primarily for "racing" cars (ring and short-course, see above); in stunt and drift models, it does not play a decisive role. Also, you should pay attention to the maximum speed values when buying an amateur model for entertainment — here you need to take into account the features of its application. For example, if the machine is intended for a 3-4 year old child as a toy in an apartment, high speed will not be an advantage, but a disadvantage (especially since the cost of the “apparatus” directly depends on its speed).

— Full. As the name implies, in such models, traction from the engine is transmitted to all 4 wheels. The main advantage of this scheme is its high cross-country ability: the machine keeps well on difficult terrain, and even getting stuck with a pair of wheels in the air is not critical for it. Also, four-wheel drive can be used for drifting (see "Appointment (class)"), although it loses a little in this role to the rear one; however, a lesser tendency to drift can be an advantage. Its main disadvantage is the rather high cost associated with the difficulties in production. In addition, 4WD vehicles tend to be less fuel efficient than "single wheel drive" vehicles.

— Rear. Models with power transmission from the engine to the rear pair of wheels. This scheme is quite unstable and requires careful control at high speeds — if you turn too sharply, the car easily goes into a skid. On the other hand, it is precisely because of the instability that this option is considered optimal for drift racing, and the design of the rear-wheel drive is very simple, reliable and inexpensive. As a result, most non-4WD RC models use it.

— Front. The front-wheel drive has a high degree of stability: you can only send the car into a skid intentionally (and then you need to try hard), and the withdrawal from it is extremely simple. At the same time, stability is not always a...n advantage — for example, in drifting, it only creates additional problems. In addition, the design of such models is quite complex due to the need to combine the drive from the engines and steering on the same pair of wheels; as a result, in terms of price, reliability and ease of maintenance, they lose to rear-wheel drive. Therefore, front-wheel drive is not widely used in radio-controlled cars.

The number of batteries (namely AA or AAA batteries) required to operate the car.

The frequency at which the transmitter of the model control box operates.

— 27.145 MHz. One of the frequencies used for radio remote control for a long time; in some CIS countries it is even reserved by state regulatory bodies for this very purpose. Such transmitters are relatively inexpensive, but suffer from one serious drawback: they do not provide channel separation when several consoles are operating in close proximity to each other. In other words, if the machine stays in the coverage area of two transmitters, the signals from them will be mixed, which is actually tantamount to a loss of control. This is most often unimportant for recreational models, however, in competitions with several cars on the track at the same time, it can create serious problems and requires tricks with the design of the frequency grid and the use of interchangeable crystal oscillators. As a result, in professional motorsport, this frequency is gradually being replaced by the more advanced 2.4 GHz standard.

Separately, we note that among car models there may be transmitters with frequencies of 35, 40 and 75 MHz; according to the main features, they are completely similar to the described 27.145 MHz and differ only in the operating frequency.

— 2.4 GHz. The most advanced communication standard to date, used by remote control cars. Its main feature (and difference from those described above) is the possibility of normal operation of several transmitters of this...format in close proximity to each other. To do this, various technologies are used that provide automatic distribution of receiver-transmitter pairs over their own channels (similar to how it happens, for example, in mobile communications). Theoretically, the 2.4 GHz band may be more prone to interference, as many modern electronics work in it (in particular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules); however, due to the aforementioned distribution of channels, such problems arise only in very unfortunate cases.