| If you are new to remote control rock crawling, you will | | | | things to consider with this crawler. The most popular |
| quickly come to know that there is a lot to learn and | | | | version of the CR-01 is the Land Cruiser but the |
| many choices to make before committing to the | | | | Bronco is also very popular and the Wrangler comes |
| hobby. Although rock crawling is a newer hobby within | | | | with a light kit. The Bronco comes with cliff crawler |
| the remote control car/truck world, it is has taken off | | | | tires that tend to be better tires so many owners put |
| and is now the most popular off-road rc hobby out | | | | Bronco tires on the Land Cruiser and Wrangler |
| there. It has even gotten quite competitive in the US, | | | | crawlers. The Wrangler could be a bit top heavy |
| the UK and Australia. So, let's dive in and talk about | | | | because it has a hard shell body. |
| what is needed to get started in this fun and exciting | | | | The AX10 RTC is a very popular crawler. Many |
| way to spend your day. | | | | owners will agree that the AX10 has by far the best |
| Let's define some terms so that you have an idea of | | | | after market support. That means parts and upgrade |
| what people are talking about. RC rock crawling simply | | | | options are readily available. This is important because |
| describes the hobby of taking the real sport of driving | | | | you'll find that half the fun of this hobby is upgrading |
| vehicles strait up rocky mountainsides in full size 4 | | | | and improving your crawler on a regular basis. Having |
| wheel drive vehicles and simulating that sport using | | | | a great selection of tires, servos, motors and other |
| remote control vehicles who's structure and | | | | upgrades is important. The AX10 RTC comes |
| components greatly resemble the full size vehicle. | | | | complete with everything you need to get crawling |
| The term 1/10 refers to vehicles that are a 1/10th scale | | | | right away. The RTC stands for Read To Crawl. The |
| model of a full size rock crawler. These are the larger | | | | tires, servos and motor are a good start. |
| types of rock crawlers you can buy. There is also a 1 | | | | Soon after you start rock crawling, you may want to |
| 16th scale size you can run if you prefer. Even though | | | | start making some improvements to your crawler. |
| the vehicles are small, they pack quite a bit of | | | | Here are some ideas: For the CR-01, you'll want a |
| technology from servos, electric motors and circuits to | | | | 44-55T motor, better tires such as Proline Hammer G8 |
| special springs, flexible suspension, authentic tires and | | | | and 4 wheel steering is a must for good handling. Also, |
| shocks. More definitions will come in future articles. | | | | consider some high torque servos. For the AX10, |
| Like any sport or hobby, there are many levels of skill | | | | many owners go for the aluminum upgrade/conversion |
| and hardware. And as such, you'll want to start out | | | | kit for the links that connect the chassis to the axles |
| with beginner equipment and work your way up to a | | | | and steering. The stock ones are plastic and will bend |
| more competition scale rock crawler. Some entry level | | | | a lot. It's always a plus to upgrade the tires to softer |
| to intermediate level crawlers include the Axial AX10 | | | | tires with good tread on them. |
| RTC and the Tamiya CR-01. | | | | RC rock crawling is a very fun hobby and continues to |
| The big thing to understand when you start is that the | | | | grow as more people get involved and more |
| body of the vehicle is the most expensive part to | | | | equipment is released. There are many options already |
| upgrade so buy the body that you like the most and | | | | and more coming all the time. We have covered just |
| the wheels and drive train can be upgraded over time. | | | | entry-level gear in this article and will be discussing |
| Let's take a closer look at the Tamiya CR-01. | | | | more customized crawlers in future conversations. |
| Every owner has their favorites but here are a few | | | | Happy crawling. |