Newbie Needs To Learn

[BigCATRod]

Hi all,

I'm a heavy equipment operator/foreman for the last 30 years. I'm just looking into getting into r/c modeling and am absolutely green. Are there any good how to books or on-line tutorials that provide the basics, like definitions, motor/gearbox speed explanations, power, etc. Just good overall explanations of what does what. I have bought a Bruder Cat D5 to convert, hoping it is a good simple one to start with. I would like it to be equipped with a two speed motor or gearbox, one for travel, lower for pushing. Plan to use actuators instead of hydraulics (I am poor), so I would also like some tips on speed and power of actuators, as well as suppliers. Thanks for any advice.