Getting Started In R/C Page #4
(Under Construction)
Assembly Advice, Hints and Tools Needed
Can We Follow The instructions?
Before you do anything, read the product manuals. If this is the first R/C model you ever built, read them twice. This doesn't mean picking out a paragraph here and there and looking at the pictures. Really Read Them!!! This subject is pretty important, so I am going to spend some time on it by telling you a little true story. The names I will use are Tim and his friend Fred. These are two adult people.
Tim contacted me to look into getting started in Off-Road R/C after hearing about my race track and shop. He came in to my shop with his friend Fred. Tim was totally new to the hobby, but Fred knows all about it. I ask Fred, "What models do you have?" I was told that he once had this outrageously-high number of rigs, but sold them all and got out of the hobby. I didn't attempt to debate any issues with either of these guys. I didn't know them. I ask Tim how he wants to start, "Do you want to stay in the Entry-Level, less expensive area or jump right in at the mid to Pro Levels?" Tim wanted to buy Pro-Level right away. (My Kind of Customer!) I spent a bit of time going over the possibilities, choices were made and Tim was set up with a Pro-Level Kit, Radio System, etc. etc...
Before they left, I gave Tim the same advise I give all customers new to the R/C hobby:
Read the manuals entirely before starting the project.
Set up a table to work at in a bright-lit area where it will not be disturbed or get in anyone's way.
Do not open any of the bags in the kit until instructed.
Build it exactly as instructed by the manual. Do not skip to later steps unless instructed.
Do not try to build the model using only the illustrations.
Take the time needed to do it right. Rushing things can make mistakes.
Call me if any problems.
Tim called me up about 11:00AM the next morning. (Saturday) I am told that the model is almost done, but a part is broken and they cannot get the steering servo installed. After asking Tim where he was, I found out that he had been at his friend Fred's house all night building the model together. (Remember Fred? The one that knows all about R/C models). I had some errands to do and told them I would stop by to look at the model.
Before seeing this model, I didn't know that it was possible for anyone to make this many mistakes of one kit!
I ended up taking the project with me to repair the problems, finish the assembly, install the electrics, adjust and complete the model to running status. It took longer to redo this, after their failed attempt, than it would have taken to build the kit completely by myself. I let him off on the deal for only $50 labor plus parts. Tim was real happy with his new model. I haven't seen Fred since. I guess he is a little embarrassed by the situation. Hopefully, he learned something from the experience.
I guess what I am trying to stress here is to follow the instructions carefully when building your models. If you run into a problem or don't know if you can do a step properly for some reason, get some help. Contact your dealer or someone who has been in the hobby for a while. This can spare you some avoidable frustration.
Tools Needed
All R/C kits are going to require some tools to build. Even if you choose to start with a pre-assembled, ready-to-run (RTR) model, something will eventually need to be repaired. Most kits come with Allen Wrenches and a special assembly tool or two. Additional tools needed are usually listed in the kit manuals.
The following "Tools You Will Need" list is copied from the Traxxas Rustler kit manual:
Some of the tools which you need to assemble this kit have been provided for you, they include:
1.5mm Allen wrench
2.5mm Allen wrench
4-way wrench
U-joint assembly tool
Below is a list of other tools and supplies you should have before you begin building:
#1 Philips screwdriver
#2 Philips screwdriver
Flat blade screwdriver (.25 inches wide)
Locking pliers (such as Vise Grips)
Needle nose pliers
Hobby knife
Small, flat-blade jewelers screwdriver
Paper plates
Shop rags or paper towels
Superglue (such as "Zap" brand)
Masking tape
Electrical tape
Machine oil such as "3 in 1"
The following tools are not required, but would come in handy for trimming and custom-fitting the nylon parts (if necessary).
1/8 inch round needle file
#44 (.086) drill bit
3.0mm tap
Bench-mounted vise
Paint and other chemicals needed to finish the body are not included.
On the above Traxxas Rustler Tools List, there is a couple items that I noticed should be added. After painting the clear Lexan body, you will need to cut it out and put body-post mounting holes in it. A small, very-sharp scissors will work to cut out the body, but a specially made Lexan scissors is available. To make the body mounting holes, use a tapered reamer or a Dremel tool with a round, pointed stone installed if available. A normal drill bit tends to catch and rip a polycarbonate (Lexan) body.
There are many more tools and pieces of equipment that you will want to acquire as your knowledge of the technical aspects of your R/C hobby grows. A good example of this is a soldering iron. You can get away without having a soldering iron and solder when building a Traxxas Rustler kit because wires with a capacitor and connectors are already soldered to the included motor. Also, the included mechanical speed control comes with both motor and battery connectors. If you change to a different motor or better connectors, a soldering iron capable of doing the job will be necessary. You will need to get it done by someone else or borrow a soldering iron until you get your own. You don't need to worry about having all possible R/C related tools and equipment because there is usually someone around that will help you. Just join in. Let's have some fun!