"This does not spark joy." Those were the words that were rolling around my head for a good portion of this year…until recently. I've been struggling with disinterest in the hobby and this episode of The RC Newb Podcast focuses on my thoughts during these "blah" times. Thankfully, I've snapped out of whatever funk I was in, and I'm back to working on a handful of R/C-related projects. If the hobby has ever bummed you out, hopefully this episode can help. Show Notes: Rlaarlo releases its TK07 1/7...
Jun 27, 2025•21 min
It's almost here…the 2024 holiday shopping season. I've always considered this to be one of the best times to get yourself into the hobby, get someone else into the hobby, or stock up on spare parts and accessories for the coming year. In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I recap a few new models from Vanquish, Axial, Carisma, and FMS while also sharing some of the best Pre-Black Friday R/C deals of 2024. Show Notes: Vanquish has released a kit version of its H10 Optic trail buggy (and there'...
Nov 20, 2024•21 min
Show Notes: Upgrading and customizing the Redcat COE Custom Hauler & SixtyFour Lowrider Diving into RC Drifting with Redcat's RDS Competition Spec RTR Installing Injora's Purple Viper and MBL32 into a Traxxas TRX-4M and Redcat Ascent-18 Check out my review of the Redcat Ascent-18 on smallscalerc.com Check out my review of the FMS FCX24 Camel Trophy Land Rovers on smallscalerc.com Check out the Redcat September Super Sale for discounts on the Gen9 Scout 800A, TC8 Marksman, Wendigo RTR, RDS Co...
Sep 07, 2024
Back at it with another episode of The RC Newb Podcast . For today's topic, I recap several of Redcat's latest releases and share some news on models I'm currently testing out and reviewing from FMS . Show Notes: Redcat's been on a tear with new model releases, notably: 2023 Gen9 International Scout 800A Ascent Custom Hauler Custom Trailer 2024 Vigilante 1/5 Monster Truck Ascent-18 Ascent Fusion Watch my unboxing of the Redcat Gen9 International Scout 800A Read my review of the Redcat Gen9 Inter...
Mar 22, 2024•22 min
If you were hoping to hear a discussion about how to get the most out of attending an R/C event (I'm looking at you, Axialfest…), you'll have to wait a little while longer. I'm dedicating this episode of The RC Newb Podcast to the Traxxas TRX-4M, a small-scale rig that's got me feeling all giddy and excited about the hobby. Show Notes: Traxxas TRX-4M 1/18-scale R/C Crawler Traxxas TRX-4M Upgrades Hobby Recreation Products has the Carisma SCA-1E 2.1 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in stock! (Save $30 with ...
Nov 18, 2022•21 min
Hello again! I'm back in my mobile recording studio to record another episode of The RC Newb Podcast . A lot has happened since episode 74; Axialfest Badlands 2022 came and went (and was awesome), Traxxas released several fun vehicles in various sizes, Element RC dropped a new entry-level crawler, and Carisma showcased its scale detail chops with a few new releases. The topic of this episode is the small-scale crawling boom, but we'll cover a few other topics as well. So sit back, relax, and enj...
Nov 10, 2022•23 min
When your dream car (or truck) is available in 1/10-scale, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to park one in your R/C garage. As soon as Traxxas announced its TRX-4 2021 Ford Bronco , I knew I needed that rig in my life. In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast , I give an overview of my favorite features from this rig and also showcase some of the upgrades I've performed on it over the past year. Show notes: My plans for AxialFest Badlands 2022 are taking shape, and I'll be wheeling an Axial RR...
Apr 09, 2022•21 min
It's been a while…. It occurred to me that I haven't recorded a new episode of the RC Newb Podcast in some time. With that said, I sat down and rattled off some updates on the show and what I've been up to within the world of R/C. As always, thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing your passion for this great hobby. Show Notes and R/C News: I've been exploring some new R/C models over the past year, including the Traxxas TRX-4 2021 Ford Broco , the Element RC Knightrunner , the Element ...
Mar 31, 2022•16 min
It's a new year, and what better way to celebrate than by talking about the R/C hobby? I've mentioned CarryAll RC and their lineup of crawling and trail-focused backpacks in the past, so I figured it was time to give an overview of their X-TRA 3 Combo Backpack . In addition to that, I want to find out what your hobby plans are for this new year. Are you a new hobbyist that's just getting started, or a seasoned pro who's planning to go big? I've got my own plans for my hobby time and most of them...
Jan 12, 2021•22 min
In this episode of the podcast, I'm focusing on two smaller-scale R/C vehicles that I'm currently reviewing. The first is the RGT Adventurer V2 which was provided by the folks at Banggood . This 1/24-scale crawler has been a fun addition to my growing fleet of small crawlers and can hold its own against other heavyweights in this category. The second vehicle that I'll talk about is the XC324 Manga Spirit from Xotik . This R/C car looks like the popular Mini 4WD from Tamiya but has the added abil...
Oct 07, 2020•31 min
Time flies when you're swamped with projects. With quite a few things happening in and around the R/C hobby, I felt it was time to clear the deck. Fair warning, this episode is as random as it gets. New models, R/C news, and a few workbench updates thrown in for good measure. Show Notes: ARRMA's "New Model Extravaganza": Kraton EXB Roller Outcast 8S BLX Infraction 6S BLX V2 Felony 6S BLX Big Rock Crew Cab V3 Watch Tony from CCxRC shred with the new ARRMA Felony Traxxas releases the Hoss monster ...
Sep 04, 2020•25 min
It's not often that I get to chat with folks in the film industry, so when the opportunity arose to chat with the director (Dave Hill) and producer (Trenton Waterson) of the upcoming film, Flying Cars , I knew it was something I couldn't pass up. The R/C hobby isn't often highlighted in mainstream media, which makes Flying Cars unique right from the start. Throughout our hour-long chat, Dave and Trenton shared their experiences with the hobby, what challenges they faced while making the film, as...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 13 min
Small-scale R/C crawlers have come into their own in recent years, and with models such as the Axial SCX24 and Carisma MSA-1E , you can replicate the fun of 1/10-scale crawling just about anywhere you go. When you aren’t able to wheel your tiny truck outside, there are plenty of ways to build your own indoor crawling course or set of obstacles. In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I share a few of my favorite materials and approaches to building scaled-down crawling terrain. Show Notes: Redc...
Mar 19, 2020•23 min
Once you've popped the lid on the R/C kit-building experience, it's hard to turn back. Such has been the case for hobby experience. Following my Tamiya Grasshopper project , I've been on the lookout for new kits to check out. Over the past few months, I've been focusing on an on-road machine from Carisma and an off-road blaster from Pro-Line. In this epiosde of The RC Newb Podcast , I'll share my thoughts on both of these models, as well as the experiences that I had building them. Show Notes: G...
Mar 02, 2020•24 min
Looking ahead to 2020, let's not forget about two fun, capable small-scale crawlers that arrived on the scene in 2019. Axial's SCX24 Deadbolt was a surprise release and has quickly become one of my favorite 1/24-scale travel companions. In addition to this little rig, Carisma refreshed their MSA-1E with a new motor and gearing setup, making this small-scaler even more impressive than before. Show notes: Axial SCX24 Deadbolt: A closer look Axial SCX24 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hands-on: Carisma Scale...
Dec 30, 2019•25 min
One of the biggest surprises of 2019 has been the rise of Element RC and their lineup of ready-to-run (RTR) and kit trail trucks. The Enduro Sendero RTR has become a favorite of mine, both in terms of performance and overall driving enjoyment. In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast , I share my thoughts on this 1/10-scale trail rig, along with a glimpse at what's to come in future episodes. Show notes: An overview of the Element RC Enduro Sendero RTR We'll be talking small-scale crawlers on the ...
Nov 15, 2019•16 min
Everyone should build a kit. If you haven't experienced building a radio-controlled machine from the ground up, you should add that to your hobby to-do list. For seasoned pros who have assembled more 1/10-scale (or larger) models than they can count, may I introduce you to a different challenge; a small-scale build. Earlier this year, rcmart.com gave me the opportunity to build an Orlandoo Hunter OH32A03 , a 1/32-scale Land Rover Defender-style micro crawler. Since I'm always up for a challenge,...
Sep 26, 2019•19 min
I’ve taken the Redcat Racing GEN8 on a number of adventures since it arrived in my R/C garage earlier this year. Between it’s affordability, performance, and appearance, it’s become one of my favorite scale radio-control models to take out on the trail. In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I’ll share my thoughts on the GEN8 as well as give a preview of what’s to come on future episodes of the show. Show notes: Upcoming episodes will include reviews of the Element RC Enduro Sendero RTR , Axia...
Aug 26, 2019•18 min
This hobby truly has something for everyone. I've found myself spending more time at my workbench on a variety of tune-ups and project than I have actually wheeling an R/C vehicle, but I'll take the calming effects of a hex driver any day of the week. Between upgrading the handling aspects of the Carisma Scale Adventure Lynx to updating the look of my Traxxas TRX-4 Sport , I've had a variety of vehicles up on jacks, including a challenging small-scale build. In this episode, I share a few of my ...
Apr 29, 2019•23 min
Ready-to-Run (RTR) R/C models are great when you want to get rolling as fast as possible. Still, there's something to be said for spending time building a model from scratch. After years of RTR dominance, it appears that radio-controlled model kits are making a comeback. In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast , I share a few reasons why building a kit is a great way to get connected to your hobby. Show notes: Kits are making a comeback. If you're looking to get hands-on with your next R/C model,...
Mar 11, 2019•24 min
The creativity that flows within the R/C hobby is truly amazing. In fact, the ability to modify any aspect of your vehicle, especially the body, is one of the biggest draws for many hobbyists. If you're new to the hobby or new to customizing radio-control vehicles, there are a few things you should know when it comes to painting a polycarbonate body. In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I share a few of my basic R/C painting tips. With anything, practice makes perfect and hopefully, these tip...
Jan 18, 2019•22 min
Before we close the book on 2018, I wanted to take a quick look back at the year, from where we started and what we have to look forward to in 2019. As always, thank you for the support over the past year, from the fun conversations to the insight and answers you provide, I greatly appreciate the community that this hobby has created. Here's to an amazing New Year! Show notes: Crawler kits galore from Axial , HPI , Carisma Scale Adventure , and Traxxas Small-scale crawling fun with Carisma's MSA...
Dec 31, 2018•16 min
It's fun to kick around ideas and dream up ways to make the R/C hobby better, even if some of those ideas are a bit "far-fetched". In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I give an update on what's been going on in my R/C garage and share some unique ideas that have popped into my head. Show Notes: Hands-on with Carisma Scale Adventure's new MSA-1E Coyote Pup. Updating the Traxxas TRX-4 Sport with the Expedition Rack. A review of Pro-Line's Brake Rotor Wheel Weights. Episode sponsor: Pro-Line -...
Dec 05, 2018•22 min
Time for a quiz! What's the most important part of your R/C vehicle? While that question can have multiple answers, I'm in the camp who believe tires have a major hand in how a vehicle performs and handles. Over the past few months, I've been testing out a number of scale R/C tires, swapping out a variety of ready-to-run (RTR) sets with aftermarket options from Pro-Line and Duratrax . No matter what type of radio-controlled vehicle you drive, taking a look at your tires is a great way to get mor...
Oct 01, 2018•24 min
Chatting about the hobby never gets old. When an on-road R/C question came my way, I had one person in mind to help provide some information. Josh Howard, my first guest on the podcast, was eager to share his on-road racing knowledge and bring me up to speed on what he's been up to throughout the past two years. It was a great catch-up chat and it sounds like Josh has some fun and challenging plans in store for some of his radio-controlled vehicles.
Jul 26, 2018•1 hr 2 min
This episode of the podcast features a guest that I've known online for quite a while and have been a big fan of his photography work and approach to the hobby. Nick Coward (aka The Toy Car Creative) captures R/C action through the lens of his camera and also hits the track with his own radio-controlled machines. The images that he creates are simply stunning and they encapsulate the energy that is found on-track at many racing events. This show was a long time in the making (on the part of my s...
Jun 06, 2018•1 hr 9 min
I love it when a plan comes together, even if the plan takes a while to come to fruition. I'd been hoping to chat with J. Scott Curlin (aka AceofAxe) for quite a while. After a bit of planning and an early morning wakeup call, I sat down for a virtual chat with the man himself. As a longtime hobbyist, Scott has seen (and done) just about everything in the hobby. He's currently a team driver for Carisma Scale Adventure and Boom Racing and will be helping out at the 2018 UK RECON G6. If that weren...
May 18, 2018•49 min
No R/C vehicle is perfect and there are times when our expectations far exceed what these models can do. That said, there are some radio-controlled cars and trucks that can surprise us. Show notes: Horizon Hobby has purchased select assets of Hobbico, including the Axial , ARRMA , and Tower Hobbies brands. Axial has launched a revamped SCX10 Deadbolt , now running on the SCX10 II platform. AMain Hobbies is running an inventory reduction sale. Many popular radio-controlled models (RTRs and kits) ...
Apr 23, 2018•22 min
When it comes to picking out a new R/C vehicle, the possibilities are almost endless. For those of you looking to save some money on your next radio-controlled model, you may find the allure of off-brand machines too great to resist. While you can save money on some of these models, there are a few items you should keep in mind. In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I share some pros and cons concerning off-brand radio-controlled machines. Show notes: Thanks to Joshua Dockins for his support ...
Mar 07, 2018•21 min
Wow, Traxxas is really going all-out with their model releases and updates. Not only have they added new branches to their TRX-4 lineup, but they've also revamped bashing classics such as the E-Revo and Summit (1/16-scale). In this episode, I run down some of their latest releases, along with a few new models from Team Associated. In addition to that, I'm thrilled to announce a new podcast project that I'm taking part in, as well as giving a shout-out to a Patreon patron. Show notes: Traxxas TRX...
Feb 21, 2018•27 min
