The fun of the R/C hobby doesn't stop once you've bought your first vehicle. Making sure you have the right tools and accessories to repair, upgrade, and tinker with your radio-controlled machines is a crucial aspect of the hobby. During this episode of the podcast, I share my "must-have" tools and gear for any hobbyists workspace. Show notes: WPL C14 "Hercules" 1/16-scale R/C Trail Truck - $33.99 (Gearbest.com) WPL B24 1/16-scale Military Truck - $32.99 (Gearbest.com) WLToys 12428 1/12-scale of...
Jan 29, 2018•25 min
As 2017 draws to a close, I wanted to share some thoughts on a few of the R/C models I'm playing with (and reviewing) as well as taking a look at what 2018 has in store. Show notes: ARRMA's Voltage lineup offers a unique twist on battery compatibility in entry-level bashing machines. So far, I like what I've seen from this approach . The ECX Barrage lineup has grown over the past year, including the addition of a 1/24-scale trail truck . Another model line that's seen big growth in 2017 has been...
Dec 30, 2017•25 min
2017 has been a banner year for the "scale R/C" scene. With new models being introduced from Redcat Racing , HPI , Traxxas , and Carisma Scale Adventure , there are more rigs to choose from than ever before. Two of these options sit on opposite ends of the spectrum, both in price and features. Redcat Racing's Everest GEN7 carries the budget-friendly, no-frills banner while the Traxxas TRX-4 brings features and creature comforts to the party (along with a premium price). I invited past guest, and...
Nov 27, 2017•52 min
The Redcat Racing Everest GEN7 has arrived and I've got one sitting in my R/C garage. Will this vehicle become a gateway rig for introducing people to the hobby and to the R/C scaler scene? Only time will tell. For now, I know that this is a fun machine to drive, while not obliterating my budget. In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I share my initial thoughts on this 1/10-scale trail machine along with reviewing some recent news and announcements from around the hobby. Show Notes: In a zomb...
Nov 06, 2017•27 min
As the FPV craze sweeps the aircraft side of the radio-control hobby, it hasn’t hit full stride when it comes to R/C cars and trucks. After watching folks mount FPV cameras and gear to their machines (and have an amazing time with the experience), I decided to jump in and see what all of the fuss was about. Not only has FPV provided a new set of challenges, but it’s opened up an entirely new world of experiences within the hobby. In this episode of the podcast, I’ll share a few of those, as well...
Sep 11, 2017•24 min
With 3D printing taking a larger role in the R/C hobby, I was thrilled to be able to chat with two of the men behind Exclusive R/C , a shop specializing in 3D-printed scale accessories. Listen in as Brian Almeida, Mike George, and I discuss the road ahead for "scale radio-control" builds as well as a look at some of the new scale rigs which are coming onto the scene. Show Notes Reviewing Dromida’s 1/18 BL Monster Truck Add scale detail to your radio-controlled machine with Exclusive R/C accessor...
Jun 28, 2017•1 hr 15 min
Well, I did it. After years of watching the action from the sideline, I jumped in and built my first R/C kit . It was a rush and an experience that I won't soon forget. In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I recap the build experience as well as an overview of three new scale R/C rigs that will be hitting hobby store shelves soon. Show Notes: Building an R/C Kit: Part 1 Building an R/C Kit: Part 2 Building an R/C Kit: Part 3 Building an R/C Kit: Part 4 What's next on the Scale R/C Horizon...
May 31, 2017•30 min
Spring is in the air, snow is on the ground... I have no idea what's going on with the weather, but it's been playing havoc with my R/C plans in a big way. On the bright side, I've been able to spend some time in my shop, working on my machines and dreaming up new accessories to create through 3D printing. In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I share my thoughts on Axial's Yeti Jr. Rock Racer , talk about my latest hobby focus (3D printing) and more. Show Notes R/C Hobby News Dromida 1/18 Br...
Mar 17, 2017•31 min
Rich from 2RCProductions joined me to help kick off the new year with some R/C news and discussion. While we only planned on covering four topics, our conversation quickly took on a life of its own and we ended up talking about a few new models, shared thoughts on creating content to grow the hobby, among other items. Show Notes: Congratulations to Joshua D. the winner of our final giveaway contest of 2016! See Rich’s Tamiya Grasshopper and Tamiya Blackfoot builds. Is the ECX Amp MT kit a step i...
Jan 03, 2017•1 hr 29 min
We have another vehicle review for you with this episode of the RC Newb Podcast . After spending some quality time with one of Carisma’s smaller-scale vehicles, the GT24T , I wanted to share my thoughts on this tiny truck. If you’re a fan of durable, fast, and fun radio-controlled machines, this 1/24-scale model from Carisma might be worth looking at. With the holiday season fast-approaching, it might be the perfect stocking stuffer or self-gift for you or another R/C enthusiast on your shopping...
Nov 28, 2016•18 min
Taking a break from writing and video production, I sat down in the studio to share my thoughts on Pro-Line’s Ambush 4x4, small-scale trail rig. After driving this rig for a while, and with my written review getting wrapped up, I felt an audio overview of this machine was due. In short, this is an incredibly fun machine to drive and I have been carrying it with me on walks and hikes to get my R/C fix on the go. Give a listen to this episode and see where this tiny truck excels and what could be ...
Oct 07, 2016•38 min
Joined once-again by Colton Baquet ( @RCBound ), we discussed an array of R/C topics on this episode of the RC Newb Podcast . Simulators can be an effective way to learn controller basics and sharpen your driving and flying skills without risking damage to your radio-controlled vehicle. I have been using Real Flight Mobile to get acquainted with basic quadcopter controls and maneuvers. We also chatted about the abundance of great R/C events and get-togethers that are taking place worldwide. I al...
Aug 19, 2016•1 hr 17 min
During my limited time exploring the world of radio-controlled aircraft, I’ve quickly discovered that the “RC Newb” label is a perfect description of my status. With that in mind, I called on a knowledgeable pilot and R/C enthusiast, Colton Baquet , to join me on this episode of the RC Newb Podcast . Although he’s only been involved in the hobby for a few years, he’s amassed a great deal of experience in a short amount of time. Between flying a number of aircraft (and finding time to wheel a few...
Aug 12, 2016•1 hr 21 min
I’m fresh off of a two-week vacation road trip and I’m ready to talK about all things R/C. Joining me for this episode is my good friend, and past RC Newb Podcast guest, Rich from 2RCProductions . We covered an array of topics in just over two hours, from his custom Tamiya “Stretchbox” build for fellow hobbyist, “ Mid Life R/C ”, the upcoming re-release of the Tamiya Blackfoot, radios, quadcopters, and much more. Show notes Axial’s SMT10 Grave Digger Monster Jam Monster Truck Pro-Line 1985 Toyot...
Aug 05, 2016•2 hr 12 min
A longtime friend of RC Newb, Andrew Jurcich returns for this episode of the RC Newb Podcast. A variety of topics were covered, from Novak’s announcement that they’re going out of business , to Axial’s two new kits , to 3D printing, to Tamiya’s Blackfoot re-release , and a few items in-between. Show notes: Long-time R/C electronics maker, Novak, announces they are closing their doors after 30+ years of operation. Andrew and Tim share their thoughts on Axial’s latest kit releases, the RR10 Bomber...
Jun 29, 2016•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I am joined by an individual who's not only a R/C enthusiast, but also a talented videographer and visual storyteller. Terry McGee ( RCTrailblazr ) has style for showcasing his various rigs and radio-controlled machines through video. On top of that, he has been doing some amazing work with his sponsor AsiaTees and has some great insight into what sponsors are looking for and what you can do to better-position yourself in the eyes of brands and manufactur...
Jun 17, 2016•39 min
In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I am joined by Jim Rowe ( @RockNRoweRC ), a fellow "relative newcomer" to the world of radio control. Although he has only been involved in the hobby for a few years, Jim has been able to make some unique connections and participate in a number of amazing events and outings. I had a great time learning about his beginnings in the hobby, discovering what vehicles are in his "R/C garage", and hearing details about some of his recent travels. Show notes: Fol...
Jun 10, 2016•54 min
Sometimes you just need to chat about R/C with an old friend. Thankfully, I've gotten to know quite a few folks that have seen, done, and are currently working on some unique aspects of the hobby. One such individual has been on the RC Newb Podcast in the early days of the show, and jumped at the chance to join me for an entertaining discussion about a variety of topics. Tim Smith, a man who has his own amazing podcast , has been on quite an adventure as of late. From speed run record attempts, ...
Jun 02, 2016•1 hr 21 min
Getting to know the back stories and starting points of fellow hobbyists has become an interesting side-hobby of mine. Taking that inside look to the next level, I was joined by Peter Gray of RCCar.Zone/ UKDroneShow Magazine and Ivan Cheung, the Director of Carisma R/C . With a more conversation-based approach, this episode takes a few interesting turns and tackles some unique possibilities for future tech in the hobby. Oh, and there were a few news items that were revealed in the past week, so ...
May 26, 2016•1 hr 23 min
If there's one thing that I enjoy in this hobby more than the vehicles, it's the people and the communities that tie it all together. I had the great pleasure of chatting about the R/C hobby with an individual who I have been following the work of for quite some time. Trevor Rushford , a man who is as passionate about the radio-controlled hobby as anyone that I've met, has a number of events on his plate. From his own perspective, hear what drew him to these vehicles at the age of 14, what has k...
May 12, 2016•1 hr 4 min
What’s the first thing many of us want to do with our new, super-quick R/C vehicle? Why, race it, of course! Throwing your radio-controlled buggy on the track and mashing the throttle trigger may seem like a simple task, but the truth is, there is much that goes into the sport and competition end of R/C racing. John Bernard, a seasoned veteran of the hobby, shares his insight and thoughts on how to best approach the competitive end of these vehicles. Show Notes Axial has released a kit version o...
Apr 21, 2016•1 hr 29 min
The conductor of the “G-Train”, Brian Parker , is my guest on this episode of the RC Newb Podcast . I’ve been a fan of what Brian has been doing (and continues to do) with RECON G events, and was curious to see how he got his start in the hobby, what the starting point for the RECON G6 outdoor events was, and what else he’s up to in 2016. Show Notes: Follow Brian Parker on Twitter for the latest in RECON G6 news. Learn more about RECON G6 Scale R/C Adventures on their Facebook page and see what ...
Apr 06, 2016•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I am joined by Peter Gray , chief editor of the RCCar.Zone and #UKDroneShow magazines. Peter and I had been discussing the recent World DronePrix quadcopter/multi-rotor competition in Dubai. With this event fresh on our minds, we share our overall thoughts on the event, what we felt were highlights, and how we feel this event, and quadcopter racing as a whole, might be able to improve going forward. Show Notes: Big news/speculation from the R/C industry e...
Mar 31, 2016•1 hr 15 min
Flying solo for this episode, I'm sharing a few of my current RC projects as well as reviewing some news items from around the hobby. Show notes: RC4WD’s new small-scale 1/18 Gelande II Check out additional photos at RCCar.Zone RCX recap from Tim Smith (on The TSR Speed Shop Podcast) Losi’s impressive, sub-$400 TEN MT monster truck An update on the BatBomber project Pro-Line’s TimberLine Soft-Top scale accessory for the Axial SCX10 (Jeep Wrangler Models)...
Mar 17, 2016•17 min
After a number of online conversations and discussions, I am proud to have Rich from 2RCProductions as a guest on the RC Newb Podcast. Having been in the hobby since the mid-80s, Rich has seen a number of changes in the hobby and has amassed an impressive personal collection of vehicles in his "RC Garage". Listen as we discuss what got him started with radio-controlled cars, what keeps him involved in the hobby, and what prompted him to start up a Google+ community ( Team Integrity RC ) as well ...
Feb 24, 2016•1 hr 17 min
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Feb 10, 2016•1 hr 14 min
Radio-controlled vehicles know no bounds, if not in "radio range", at least the reach in which their passion extends. In our first "world-wide" episode of the RC Newb Podcast , I had the great fortune of sitting down with Simon Crabb, one member of the team behind the recently-launched RCCar.Zone online magazine. We discuss his beginnings in the hobby, his involvement in it through the years, and this new adventure that he is a part of. Show notes: International Toy Fair 2016 HPI’s many announce...
Jan 29, 2016•1 hr 9 min
I've had the good fortune to get to know many great, talented, and creative people within the radio-controlled hobby. One of the longest-running friendships that I've had has been with someone that got into the hobby around the same time that I did. After years of Facebook Messenger chats, I sat down with Andrew Jurcich for a great talk about what got him into the hobby, what some of his favorite builds have been, and what goodies he has in his R/C garage. Show notes: New K&N-liveried machin...
Jan 19, 2016•1 hr 36 min
If it appeared that the RC Newb Podcast was turning into a one episode per year affair, fear not! I'm kicking off the new year with a new passion for the hobby and a new approach to the podcast. In this episode, I give an overview of the changes within my R/C garage and share some thoughts on a few of my newest additions. Show Notes: HPI Micro RS4 HG P402 Trail Truck Axial RR10 Bomber Great RC Podcasts Thank you for listening to the show and for subscribing to the podcast. If you aren't already ...
Jan 05, 2016•24 min
With three years of the R/C hobby under my belt, I've seen more than a few changes and shifts in what is popular and what is gaining momentum. In this latest RC Newb Podcast episode, I give my take on where I see the hobby going this year, as well as sharing some of my newest upgrades and updates.
Jan 25, 2015•18 min