I've been "dinking around" with remote control autos for several years now. I started out with a beat up Bolink Super Digger electric ¹ / ₁₀ scale. After that, I got a Team Losi JR-X2, which I've upgraded over time to be roughly equivalent to a JR-X Pro SE with Slipper and Hydra-Drive added. I eventually added a Tamiya F103 Indycar.

The problem with electrics, though, is "duty cycle". That is, you spend thirty or forty minutes charging your batteries, then you run for no more than ten minutes. At that point, the battery pack is dead and the electronics are hot and need a cool-down period. Since I don't race, four minute mains don't do a thing for me. I want to run as long as I can, just banging around in the parking lot or the back yard.

So, I finally broke down and bought my brother's ¹ / ₅ scale FG Modellsport Opel Calibra touring car. It's powered by a 23cc "weed eater" motor, and regular gas and "weed eater" oil. You put about 700ccs of fuel in it and it goes for thirty to forty-five minutes. It's wonderful. My arms get tired long before I run out of "go"! Now, FG is coming out with a ¹ / ₅ scale Formula 1 car, and it's beautiful. I just have to scrape together the cash!

• FG Modellsport
• Compagnucci
• KO Propo
• Tower Hobbies
• Starting Grid's Back Talk Conferencing System
• Team Losi
• BoLINK R/C Cars
• Kyosho