newbie

[dmess62]

Hey all, I'm from southern Indiana and wanting to get into the Big Rig hobby. I have no experience in the RC arena. After looking over all the builds I am wanting to get a King Hauler and eventually(as $ permits) mod it. I do have a couple of questions as to what kind of price range I am looking at to have a running truck. What kind of radio and stuff you guys may suggest.
I appreciate any comments, suggestions that any of you may offer.
By the way I have used the search function but do to my lack of experince in RC vehicles and electronics it all looks like Greek to me.

Thanks Dave

[Smiley]

Howdy Dave. Welcome to the forum. I'm still kinda new at this also but it depends on what you want your truck to do :-). If you want sound and everything you could spend around a 1000 dollars. Give or take for a basic truck. Sometimes you can find some on eBay that someone is trying to sell for a good price to. Hope this helps

Keith

[B-Train Hauler]

Hi Dave,
Welcome to this fascinating hobby (and to this forum, indeed! ).
The first thing to consider is effectively what you want to do with your truck, but normally there's nothing you cant' rebuild if you make mistakes.
When you buy a kit like Tamiya tractor, you get all the mechanicals pieces for a running truck, including a motor. After that you'll also need a battery, an esc to control the motor and a remote control (which is normally include a receiver...). If you don't have any other rc, you must know that you also need a battery charger.
That's it for a basic function model. That kit comes unpainted, so you must consider a paint job on it. If you want to add realism with sound & light, you can add an MFU, or a lights kit (Tamiya sell both of them, specifically designed for their trucks, but it's costly). But if the basic kit can be use with a 2 channels remote, a kit like the mfu needs at least a four channels for controlling all functions.
After that, it really depending what you want to do. If you want a real working truck for example, you must consider swapping brass bushings for ball bearings and change the pinion of the motor.
It's really the basics things to consider at first. You will see on this forum a lot of infos about how to customize your truck for a great looking build. It's easier than it may seems at first.
Hope this help, sorry for my basic english... Feel free to ask if you have other question!
Keep on building!

Gaetan

[dabears]

To me its not so much the cost (all though i wish i had money to buy what i want lol ) but i Enjoy the build, the running of the truck, creating something unique and best of all the great people here who apriciate your hard work and give you a helping hand or advice when your stuck and just need guidance.. Its an expensive hobby but nothing compared to flying rc, some off road buggys, or other hobbies or "clubs" When i was in a motorcycle club it was a $30k+ bike plus dues, windsheild time eating out, bars, gas etc.... by far this is cheaper.

If you love trucks and good people this is a good hobby to choose. Some people take 2 years to build their trucks due to time or funding and some can make a truck in a week. I think youd like it. my thats just my own .02

[dmess62]

Thanks guys. Right now I am just looking to get a basic running truck. For now the lights and sounds may be a little pricey for me. I would like to eventually customize it though

[doodlebug]

Welcome aboard!

[dabears]

Originally Posted by dmess62

Thanks guys. Right now I am just looking to get a basic running truck. For now the lights and sounds may be a little pricey for me. I would like to eventually customize it though

Thats the best way to do it. Build it stock with an esc and add stuff later. everything can be added after the kit is built later down the road. one thing i would suggest right away would be a gear reduction unit and a 55 turn motor. as the stock motor is super fast. its an easy and cheap mod to do right away.

Cant wait to see build pics when you start one and Welcome