Plex Zorce Jedi Master
Joined: 01 May 2005 Posts: 9039 Location: T&T
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Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 12:31 pm Post subject: Return of the Radio Control Car |
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V1-RRR - WC wrote: | Would like to thank Rhondor for a great feature article in today's Newday on our club.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,49137.html
Did not know you got such great pics of the Regional Event.
Thanks again from the club. |
Link: http://forums.trinituner.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=113361
Article from Newsday
THE hobby of driving radio controlled (RC) cars which existed in Trinidad and Tobago years ago is making a comeback.
Back in the day, people would see persons racing their RC cars near the entrance to Victoria Gardens (now townhouses) or in mall car parks. However, as these locations developed over the years and were no longer available the hobby suffered greatly.
Nevertheless, just over a year ago, efforts were made to again organise events. The Trinidad and Tobago Radio Control Club (TTRCC) was formed by a group of Radio Control (RC) enthusiasts with the aim of promoting competitive and exciting RC events. The result is a vibrant club with almost 30 paying members and growing.
Over the years, RC has come a long way with much faster cars topping speeds of 60 mph or more. Cars have improved in handling and so has the skill of drivers.
It is important to note that radio controlled cars are not the �toy cars� one buys at the local electronics store or supermart, but a scaled down version of a full size vehicle with all the working mechanical features.
It therefore requires a certain level of technical knowledge and expertise to assemble and operate them. Many manufacturers in recent years however, have also capitalised on the need for a ready-to-run (RTR) car where you can purchase an already assembled car and start driving with minimal work involved.
RC cars are produced in many scaled versions. However, the most popular size used in RC Touring Car Championships around the world is the 1/10th scale version, which is about 14-16 inches in length.
They are powered by either a Nitro 2 stroke engine (nitro � a type of fuel) or a battery powered electric motor (battery operated).
The TTRCC runs classes for both Nitro and electric cars with varying levels of modifications allowed in each class, from the beginner stock out the box to equipment a world champion driver would use.
Vice President of the TTRCC Dennison Jurawan says that Radio Control has provided an outlet for mechanically inclined persons to express their love for cars.
�The same adrenaline rush one would get from racing full size cars is the same feelings one would experience when racing these high speed model cars.
�The racing is just as intense and competitive, but a lot safer and cheaper. A high speed tumble can result in a few scratches and minor breakage, whereas the driver of a full size sedan could hardly claim as much,� Jurawan says.
�Many parents have found this as a great avenue to quench their teenaged kids need for speed safely. It also helps develop the thought processes in solving mechanical issues and tweaks the creativity of the mind in looking for ways to increase efficiency, performance and fuel mileage,� he adds.
�Every little boy dreams of driving a fast car. Most men on the other hand, are still kids at heart and are therefore drawn to this hobby which provides the opportunity to own a high speed car at a more attractive price,� Jurawan says.
Recently, the Barbados Radio Control Club initiated the first Regional Radio Controlled Car Championship held back in July in Barbados. This brought together all the top racers of the Southern Caribbean. This event was a massive success with racers being represented from several Caribbean Islands.
The TTRCC then hosted the second leg of this championship in November where the top drivers of Trinidad dominated the championship.
Plans are already in place to host an event for 2007 that will include countries fromall over the world.
Source: http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,49137.html |
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