HPI Rally car with 2-Speed Transmission

This is the funniest thing. I've got this cool project car - an old HPI Rally car with a 10-turn Speed Gem motor and a 2-speed transmission. There's nothing like hearing an electric car hit second speed. I've got pictures of it here and later tonight I'll get a video up on youtube.com with the car in action.

Mini-Z Racing at OTHS in Manassas, VA

Greetings all. A while back I told you about the Mini-Z racing coming to the shop here. Well, I'm happy to announce that we are just about ready. The track and lap counting system are here and we're working out the bugs in the system now. Please reply here if you're interested, or can call me at 703-369-1197 or email me at brian@manassashobby.com . I'm real excited to get this going so I hope to hear back from you all soon

New Hydrogren Fuel Cell Powered R/C Car

I saw this yesterday online and I just HAD to share it with you. This is the coolest thing I've seen in a while. A company called Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies has developed a power pack for a 1/10 Scale Electric R/C car that fits perfectly into the Tamiya TT-01 chassis. Check out the full review and videos of the car in action here at http://www.horizonfuelcell.com/rc.htm .

Electric Micro Heli Comparison

Today we’re going to review three different hobby-grade micro helicopters. They are the E-flite Blade CX2, the Heli-Max AXE EZ and the IMEX micro helis. Though these three have very different looks to them, they have many similarities under the hood. Let’s take a look. Here’s a quick chart for you to start with:

And for those that have a hard time finding parts, here’s a quick little chart to help out in those times of need…


As you can see, there’s not too much difference between these micro helis. The biggest difference is in the Blade CX2 – you get a 2.4GHz radio system, vice an FM system. The AXE EZ however, comes with the training gear. All three are priced under $200, so you really can’t go wrong with any one of these. This is a great way to learn to fly a helicopter for anyone.

The new E-MAXX is coming....

In just a couple of weeks, the new Traxxas E-MAXX will be available in stores. Check out the improvements they've made!!

FEATURES:
Chassis: with snap lock battery hold downs and scaleable battery components to fit a variety of battery sizes
Drive: Four wheel shaft drive with Revo spec sealed outer and center driveshafts
Motor 16.8 volt EVX-2 dual motor power system
Radio: 3-channel with two WATERPROOF high-torque steering servos and sealed electronics for running in wet conditions
Ball Bearings: Full set
Shocks: Eight oil-filled, composite bodied with red springs
Gearbox: Sealed
Differentials: Sealed
Slipper Clutch: Traxxas's patent pending Torque-Control slipper clutch
Transmission: Single-speed (two speed optional)
Wheels: 3.8" (96mm) chrome
Speed Control: 16.8V Electronic
Bumpers: Front and rear
Suspension: Adjustable Revo Spec pivot ball
Caster: Adjustable, caster/toe-in refers to the angle of the front suspension when viewed from the side of the car in relation to the chassis
Camber: Adjustable, camber refers to the angle of the tops of the tires from vertical when viewed from front or behind vehicle
Steering: Heavy duty dual servo bell-crank type with ball bearings

This truck will run through water!! Now that's the kind of electric truck you need. All this for the great price of $359.95!!! Reserve yours today!

New From Team Associated - Mini-MGT 3.0

It's finally here! What a cool truck they've put out.

Inspired by the overwhelming popularity and success of Team Associated’s original MGT, the Mini MGT 3.0 packs all the same dirt-kicking performance into a compact 1:10 scale package. The Mini MGT 3.0 brings with it all of the features: a 2-speed automatic transmission with reverse, eight coil-over oil-filled shocks, full precision ball bearings, and specially designed Team Associated all-terrain tires, just to name a few! The Mini MGT comes factory assembled with a painted body, ready for you to fire up and rip up the road!

• All steel differential internal components for ultimate durability
• Dual drilled brake rotors fitted with a unique alignment device that keeps the brakes friction free until engaged
• Specially designed tire to combine excellent performance in all conditions
• Heavy duty metal-gear hi-torque servo
• 2-speed automatic transmission with reverse has an optimized gear ratio for awesome acceleration
• Ultra rigid extruded aluminum chassis optimized for the rigors of off-road use
• 14.0mm steel drive hexes
• Elliptical "buffer" style bumpers that easily withstand heavy impacts

• Trophy-truck inspired styling
• Team Associated 18 Pro two-stroke nitro engine with pull-start
• Eight oil-filled independent coil-over shock absorbers
• Sealed radio box
• 28 precision ball bearings
• 110cc fuel tank for long run time
• Team Associated XP3 radio system, D-cell glow igniter and fuel bottle included!

New from Team Losi - 1/18 Mini-Slider

Just arrived in stock is the new 1/18 Mini-Slider from Team Losi! This awesome little buggy has so many cool features.

The Mini-Slider is an amazing detailed scale model of a full scale dirt oval sprint car. Featuring a longer chassis than the Mini-T or Mini-Baja, the Mini-Slider is designed with unique handling characteristics while sharing many performance and upgradeability features from other Losi Minis. The 4-piece body with headers, street tires, chromed wheels and realistic roll cage configuration all add to the look that parallels the real thing. There is no other vehicle quite like it on the market today and it's only available from Losi.

The Mini-Slider comes completely ready-to-run with the Losi DSM radio system for crystal and interference free precision-control at all times. This vehicle also offers coil over, oil filled shock for better handling for oval racing or everyday bashing. The functional top wing is completely adjustable and removable to suit the needs of the driver. Whether it is dirt or asphalt, the street/dirt oval tires mounted on chromed wheels give the Mini-Slider the right amount of traction for a variety of surface condition.

In the box, you get everything you need:

- Losi 2.4 GHz radio system with DSM® Technology
- Coil-over oil-filled shocks
- 4-piece detailed lexan body available in white, silver and yellow.
- Scale front / rear wings are true to the full-scale sprint cars
- Street tires mounted on chrome wheels
- Realistic roll cage
- Complete Ball Bearings
- RX-280 High-speed motor
- Industry standard 3-wire electronics
- Can accept 6/7- cell pack or 2-3-cell Li-po packs (7C and 3C LiPo packs require optional electronics)
- Capable of standard driving/bashing or oval racing
- Available in 3 colors (Silver, White and Yellow)
- 6-cell 1100 mAh Ni-MH battery pack and wall charger included
- 4 AA batteries for transmitter included

Mini-Z Racing in Manassas, VA at OTHS

Greetings all. This Brian from Olde Towne Hobby Shoppe in Manassas, VA. I've just got in stock a Mini 96 track from Kyosho to get some racing started here in the shop. I'm thinking either Tuesday or Thursday nights starting in October. Reply here if you're interested, or can call me at 703-369-1197 or email me at brian@manassashobby.com . I'm real excited to get this going so I hope to hear back from you all soon

How to paint an R/C Body

This article is for those of you that have always wanted to try this but never had the confidence. Here we will look at a real easy, inexpensive way to paint an R/C Lexan/polycarbonate body. For this, you will not need an airbrush, you can do it all with spray paint. What you’ll need to do in preparation for this is to first, get a body that fits your vehicle. Next, have an idea about the design that you want to create. That will help you in choosing the color scheme....See the full article here.

E-Flite Blade CX2 - New Version is now available!

Horizon Hobby has done it again. They have managed to make the most popular micro heli even better. For the same price as before, the new E-Flite Blade CX2 now features:

- Aluminum Head/Hub included/installed on the heli - Part# EFLH1240
- Over-Current Protection Devices
- 3-in-1 Control unit
- Spektrum AR6100e Receiver is now a separate unit


So, for those of you that may want to use this Spektrum radio system in another R/C vehicle in the furture, now you can. The receiver is now a separate unit from the 3-in-1 controller/mixer unit. Also, over-current protection devices prevent the 3-in-1 unit from burning out in the event of a crash. Does this mean that E-Flite will now put a warranty on this unit? That remains to be seen, but for now, the best micro heli just got better. Get yours here today!

Traxxas Brushless Velineon VXL Vehicles Review

I've just posted a product review on the new Traxxas electric brushless vehicles with the Velineon VXL Motor and ESC combo package. These are the Rustler, Bandit and Stampede. Before you go to buy one of these vehicles, you must read this article to prepare yourself for the cost of attaining the 70+ MPH that they claim on the box. To get this speed you will spend a lot more money on upgrading your battery, charger, and gears. Read more about it all here.

Consignment Sales are UP at OTHS

We are selling used R/C cars here like crazy! Lots of guys are slimming down their collection or trading up so take advantage of these great offers here in the store. Check out this list...

· TRAXXAS E-MAXX with 2 new Trinity Monster Maxx Wild Motors, Deans connectors on both motors and two 7.2V 3000MAH Batteries included.
AS IS……………….$335.00

· HPI Nitro RS4 3 Evo with Viper Body – brand new in box, never used!
AS IS……………….$300.00

· HPI Nitro RS4 3 Evo with BMW Body – brand new in box, never used!
AS IS……………….$300.00

· TEAM ASSOCIATED RC10B4 with Prophet battery charger, 7.2V 1500MAH battery, extra rear tires mounted, and box of accessories all included
AS IS……………….$150.00

And this just in……
· TEAM ASSOCIATED RC10GT used with OS .18 CV-R Engine. LOTS of Aluminum/Carbon Fiber hop ups – RTR (pics coming soon)
AS IS……………….$250.00

Head over to our main site for more info....

Product Reviews - CEN GST 7.7 Nitro Monster Truck

I've just posted a review of the CEN GST 7.7 monster truck on my website. I did this following a customer repair job on one of these trucks. This thing is enormous and powerful. Check out the review and pictures of the repair here.

REVO Sick Trick

Watch this REVO jump over the railroad tracks, the trees then stick a perfect landing. Awesome!

It's all about the Brand

Branding is an important key to any business and especially one that sells merchandise of any kind. For this reason, Olde Towne Hobby Shoppe is formalizing it's brand definition and will share this information and philosophy with you, it's customers, here soon. Why is that important? Well, we feel it is impotant to have our customers know how we would like to treat them. We want our customers to know who they can turn to when they have questions and concerns about their products. Finally we want our customers to easily recognize us and find us wherever they go shopping for their favorite hobbies.

More coming from OTHS

Hey folks, I haven't posted much here in the past few days, but a lot of cool stuff is coming from OTHS. We're beefing up out online store - so go to www.manassashobby.com and search through our store to see the latest products added. We've also got a new book out called Intro to Radio Control Hobbies. It's available on our website and it will soon be available through Clickbank. Spread the word - everyone needs a hobby!

Introduction to Radio Control Systems

Now we dive into the heart of the R/C hobby: radio control systems. You will become familiar with the many different types available on the market and the brand names that you should know. We’ll discuss as well how these systems work to control your car, truck, plane, helicopter or boat. You’ll know the differences between radio bands, frequencies and channels and how to choose the right ones for your application. Finally we will go through some common problems that happen with these systems, and what you can do to make yours work safer and more reliably. So sit back, grab a coke, and let’s have some fun.



A radio control system includes all the components necessary to remotely control the actions of your vehicle through the use of radio waves. This system includes: a transmitter, a receiver and one or more servos depending upon the application. Your servos plug into your receiver to convert the radio signal into motion and thereby control actions on the vehicle, such as steering, throttle, ailerons, rudder, etc. Realize that this is the only measure of control that you have over your vehicle. The point to stress about this is the golden rule in R/C: you always turn your transmitter on first and turn it off last. I’ll say that again… always turn your transmitter on first and turn it off last. I can’t emphasize that enough. Electric vehicles may act a little funny when the vehicle is on...More

Gears: Pinions and Spurs

This article is going to mainly pertain to ground vehicles, nitro or electric. We’re going to go through the gearing of these drive trains and figure out what all the numbers mean. You’ll learn the difference between a pinion and a spur gear, the important characteristics of gears you’ll need to know, and you’ll learn how to choose the right gears to get more speed or more torque out of your car or truck. Most of the concepts are easy to get on this subject, especially if you’ve ever ridden a 10-speed bike before. The same gear principles apply to your R/C vehicle.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a nitro vehicle or an electric one, the principles of gearing apply to both in the same way, the gears are just different sizes, that’s all. The biggest difference between the two is that sometimes nitro vehicles have two speed transmissions. In either case, however, the gear that’s mounted on the end of the motor or engine is called the pinion gear. It’s the smaller one that drives the bigger gear called the spur gear. Most cars or trucks are sold with gear sets that will give you average speed and average amounts of torque. Options are usually available up or down with both the pinion and the spur gear to give you a number of variations of gearing.

Two of the characteristics of every gear that you need to be aware of if you are going to make changes to your vehicle are the number of teeth, and the pitch of the teeth on the gear. The number of teeth is easy to figure out – you simply count them. Sometimes this number is stamped on the side of the gear: for example 52T for fifty-two teeth. The more teeth a gear has...More

Intro to Hobby-Grade Electrics

In this article we are going to become familiar with the basics of the electric powered systems that drive R/C vehicles. Now, when we talk about hobby-grade electrics, forget everything you know about Toy-R-Us and Wal-Mart toys. Hobby-grade electric vehicles can be extremely fast and dependable. In fact, many pro R/C drivers/flyers are running electrics. Some of the advantages to electrics are they are quieter than nitro powered vehicles, less messy, and they can run indoors as well. First we’ll start off by looking at how the whole system is connected to provide power to your vehicle. We will then review the different qualities of motors, speed controls, batteries and chargers available. This will help you choose the right system or repair the system you already have in you car, truck, plane, helicopter or boat. Last we’ll look at how varying each individual component will affect the rest of the system.

Look under the hood of any R/C electric powered vehicle and you should see the same basic setup. You have one or more motors that power the drive train. The motor is connected to a speed control (manual or electric). Battery power is connected directly to the speed control as well, which is plugged into your radio receiver. Power from here is provided to the servo or servos that are also plugged into the other channels of the receiver. That’s about it. No big mysteries here.

The most expensive and complicated part of the system is the speed control. In the vast majority of all R/C vehicles today, this is an electronic speed control or ESC....More

How to Break Into Radio Controlled Hobbies

There are so many possibilities when it comes to Radio Control, or R/C, that it can be overwhelming when you try to decide where to start. You walk into a hobby shop and you feel like the kid in the candy store – you just want it all! But that’s not going to happen on day one, so you need some direction. Here are a few things to first consider before you make your first purchase.

First, where are you going to play with your hobbies? Are you a flyer or a driver? If you fly, how much space do you have access to? Are there any flying clubs in your area? If you are a driver, do you prefer on-road or off-road? Are you interested in racing or do you just want to bash around and have fun? Do you live near a lake or river? Answering these questions will point you in the general direction you need to be heading. This will guide you to the right vehicle type that will give you the most enjoyment.

OK, now that you’ve decided upon a vehicle type, let’s think about what’s under the hood. The two types of systems that drive all R/C products are nitro or electric powered. Nitro (not gas) is short for nitro methane. This is the fuel that drives small 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines found in r/c cars, trucks, planes, helicopters and even boats. The fuel can be purchased at your local hobby shop usually in either quarts or gallons. These small ........More

Welcome to the OTHS Blog!

Greetings fellow and would-be hobbyists. This site will provide you lots of information on a wide range of topics, including how to get started in your favorite hobby, product reviews, tips and tricks and much more. Check back often as we'll feature coupons and discounts to our online store. Thanks for stopping by and please support your local hobby shop!