Basics of Gas-Powered R/C Vehicles
 While electric models may be less expensive and easier to operate, "gas"-powered R/C cars and trucks have the definite edge when it comes to realism and performance. They are NOT powered by gasoline—they use a special fuel, commonly referred to as "glow fuel" or "nitro." But they do capture the sights and sounds of real, full-size racing like no electric can. The engines roar powerfully...exhaust vapors trail your machine...and the speeds are unbelievable!

You have a huge variety to choose from: trucks, buggies, sedans, stock cars, truggies and more. Many come in "sport" or "competition" versions. First-timers might prefer the sport models for their lower cost, though if you're set on racing you may want some competition features, such as ball bearings and oil shocks.

When you choose a car, make sure you understand what it does and does not include. Some kits already come with an engine. Competition-level cars provide the basic chassis, but often require you to purchase an engine and body separately. Follow the Accessories Required links for the model you choose to see a list of the items you'll need.

Radio & Accessories
 You can control a gas R/C vehicle with the same type of 2-Channel or 3-Channel radio systems used for an electric model. The one difference is that you will also need batteries to power the receiver in your vehicle. There is no battery pack for the motor that might also be used to power the receiver.

Engine & Accessories
 Most gas-powered R/C models are powered by small, 2-cycle, internal combustion "glow" Engines. They burn a nitromethane-based fuel that includes special lubricants for engine protection.

Full-size automobile engines use spark plugs that ignite fuel with a spark...glow engines use a "glow plug" that, once heated with a battery-powered "glow starter," hold that heat to continue igniting the glow fuel as you race.

Your engine may or may not come with a glow plug. Regardless, you will need additional plugs because they do need to be replaced—it's always a good idea to take several spares with you to the track. The glow starter, too, must be purchased separately.

Fuel & Accessories
  In addition to glow fuel, a number of fuel accessories are available that make it easier to operate a gas-powered car. To get the fuel from its container into your model's tank, for example, you can use a Fuel Pump (powered and hand-crank options are available), suction-type Fuel Bulb, or a small Fuel Bottle with specially angled neck for reaching easily into confined areas. And Fuel Filters, installed in the fuel lines, will trap impurities before they can reach and possibly damage your model's engine.

What else do I need?
Tools & Building Supplies
  If you purchased a kit rather than an RTR (Ready-to-Run) model, you'll need a few tools and building supplies to put your new vehicle together—such as:

• Paint Brush


• Paint


• Body Scissors


• Masking Tape


• Cyanoacrylate Glue


• Modeling Knife


• Motor Leads with Connector


• 4-Way Wrench


• Threadlocking Compound


• Latex Foam Rubber (to protect your receiver from engine-induced vibration)

Follow the Accessories Required links for the model you choose to see a list of the items you'll need.

Track Equipment
 You have an assembled car or truck, a radio, an engine and fuel. That covers the basic equipment that makes an assembled gas model ready race. But you need a few additional items to transform it from a static machine to one that springs into action at your command.

 Those include the following pieces of track equipment. Remember, the vast majority of these are one-time purchases. Buy them once and you're all set for a long, thrilling R/C racing career!

• 12V 5 Amp Field Battery—to power all of your electric track equipment
• 12V Charger—to recharge the field battery
  
• Glow Starter or Glow Plug Clip—both of these items provide your glow plug with the initial heat it needs to burn fuel; a Glow Starter (such as the Hobbico Hot-Shot 2 Standard) carries its own battery, while a Glow Plug Clip is powered by your field battery
• Starter Box or 12V Starter with Car Adapter—if your engine is not equipped with its own recoil starter, you will need one of these devices to start it

 For your own convenience, you'll probably also want to add a Field Bag to your shopping list—it gives you a handy method of transporting your model and equipment to and from the track. Follow the Accessories Required links for the model you choose to see a list of the items you'll need.

 The boxes below show some popular options in track support equipment that keeps R/C gas vehicles running. Those under the "Basic" heading do the job for the lowest cost. "Mid-Range" and "Deluxe" choices add convenience features or versatility.

* Type of fuel could vary with engine. Refer to the Accessories Required link for your engine.

** Do not need if using a recoil starter system. A starter box may be used instead of the 12V electric starter for all 1/8 and some 1/10 scale vehicles.

Find Parts FAST with the Parts Ordering Wizard!
 Tower Hobbies carries just about every individual part you might need for any electric vehicle that we offer. And along with direct replacement parts, we also have many "aftermarket" parts - such as wheels, tires, bodies, suspension and steering components, motors, batteries, decals, and so on - that you can use to improve your model's performance and customize its looks.

 Hate digging through the web trying to find the exact parts you need for your R/C model? Tower Hobbies is proud to announce our Parts Ordering Wizard. With just two clicks you can locate any parts listing on our web site. Finding parts literally now takes only seconds. Give our Parts Ordering Wizard a try today!