1/14, 1/16 or other scale? Where to get started?

[jevs]

After looking pretty hard at this stuff for a few days, I am actually having similar thoughts as your advice. I have a lot of other more important projects in the queue already that I never have time for and realize I don't have time to add a custom build construction RC right now.
I am still considering something as a kit because I could squeeze that in with my son without it being a long term deal, but I have just not found the right thing.

I am also considering switching gears and just buying a couple ready to run Kyosho Mini-Z buggies or something like that and setting up a track in the basement to satisfy the Christmas present thing for now. I already have eight 4'x8' tables I built in the basement that were supposed to be for a giant digital slot car track that I am never going to have time to finish designing and setting up. I could use those to get a small scale RC track setup pretty quickly. He would enjoy that.

I can have him help me build the CNC router or help with some other projects already in the works instead to get him some build experience. He just won't be as interested in those or be able to do as much on them though. He is too young to do any CAD, CAM, or design work yet. He is just at the age to start using basic hand tools effectively. I really wanted to sit down and build an RC kit with him, because that is perfect for his age. I want him to experience being a builder instead of just another mindless tablet facebook video game drone. One of the most exciting and rewarding things I did as a kid was building my first R/C car from a box of parts. I still remember getting a new Tamiya Frog and building it way back when it was new and the only real RC had to be built from a kit. I remember all the learning I got from battery terminals falling apart, figuring out how to solder, differentials stripping out, dealing with those old piece of crap mechanical speed controls etc He would be much more interested in an RC kit than my projects and we could just work on it a little here and there as time permits without taking up a bunch of space etc.

Anyway, to make a long story short, a custom build is out for me, but I am still looking at kits of something. Unfortunately it might not be heavy equipment or construction related since there aren't many options.

[RCP57]

I think your best bet is to buy a Tamiya semi. You can build it stock and then do small projects to modify it with your son as you go. You could take the mods two ways, make them yourselves or buy aftermarket and swap out the parts together. Lots to learn there with the assembly and paint but it's all simple enough to keep his interest and yours. Just my .02

What is the car in your avatar?

[jevs]

I think your advice is good. I am still considering one of those. I have also been looking at their tanks. Those things get pretty pricey though. I was thinking a semi and tank could go together at some point though. They are different scale though at 1/16 vs 1/14. Wish they would have them the same.
Tamiya does have a dump truck kit too, but it is small scale. I have not looked at it closely yet to see if it is anything worth messing with.

The car is one of my current big projects in the never ended list of things I seem to get myself into It is a Brunton Stalker XL. This is one of the reasons I need to stay out of starting yet another big custom project.
http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.p...kerXL-23-Build

P.S. Anyone know why when I try to add a picture it just shows as 157kb and never shows up even though it seems to upload?

[janderson]

Originally Posted by jevs

I think your advice is good. I am still considering one of those.

We are offering one of those at a deep discount with the radio! Check out the Coupon Code on this page.
http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/fe...0#.VmH9b9irS73