The RC Deep Dive

Why do Vintage R/C Hobbyists and Enthusiasts Prefer NiMH Batteries?

In Japan, LiFe (Lithium Phosphate) batteries are popular amongst many in the vintage, classic, rere (re-release), and modern R/C hobbyist community, while globally NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries are popular among the vintage, classic, and rere radio control enthusiasts even though LiPo (Lithium Polymer) reigns supreme among modern radio controlled model vehicle fans. We ask why and find the unique answers in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Which Direction Should the Fins Go on CRP and Parma Nerf Wings?

There has been a long debate in the radio control hobbyist community about which direction the fins go on the CRP and Parma Nerf Wing. We dig into the aerodynamics, geometry, material science, and physics and explain why there is only one correct way that makes sense for your need wings and while the other way can actually hurt your ORV Chassis radio controlled car, truck, or buggy on this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Identifying All of the Tamiya R/C Model Vehicles in "Boys Will Be Girls"

"Boys Will Be Girls" is an iconic 2nd season episode of the original Punky Brewster television series that gets watched a lot by those in the radio control model hobbyist community via the Peacock streaming app. In this episode, Tamiya USA provided a large number of popular radio controlled buggies, cars, trucks, and jeeps. We identify all of those R/C model vehicles and their hop-ups, and who was their owner and driver in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Why Did Tamiya Make the Comical Series of R/C Buggies?

Tamiya is known for scale accuracy and being number one in quality around the world. However, they went SD (super deformed) with their comical series of 2WD (two wheel drive) and 4WD (four wheel drive) versions of their iconic 1/10th scale radio controlled buggies in an effort to engage young children and families with these easier to build model kits. We turn back time to look at this series and the decisions that made them come to life in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Is There Any Connection Between R/C Hobbyist Culture and Otakus?

Do the otaku, waifu, weeb, and itasha community have anything to do with the Japanese radio control hobbyist and enthusiasts communities? If so, what are the connections besides Tamiya and Kyosho R/C model cars, trucks, buggies, vans, jeeps, and busses being from Japan? We take a deep look into psychology and philosophy and uncover any hidden or visible radio-controlled micro vehicle hobbyist community connections in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

HOW-TO: Choose the Right Damper Oil for Aeration Oil-Filled Dampers

Aerated oil-filled dampers need a different cSt (centistokes) of oil than that which you put in your stock shocks or CVA oil-filled dampers. Why is this and what should you use when replacing your stock shocks with these TRF (Tamiya Racing Factory) hop-up options? We measure the oil and give you all the whats, whys, and hows in this shocking episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

HOW-TO: Upgrade the Front Suspension of Your Frog to Oil-Filled Shocks

If you want to upgrade your front end suspension on your Tamiya ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) chassis R/C model car, buggy, or truck like the Subaru BRAT, the Lancia 037 Rally, or the Frogfrom a horizontal spring and plungers damper to full oil-filled shocks you have many options from Parma to CRP (Custom Racing Products) to RC Channel to Tamiya. We spring into action and compare and contrast all these options in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 
[NOTE: While this hop-up option is a popular choice, we at the RC Deep Dive podcast feel that adding dual vertical shocks to either the Frog or HotShot takes away the soul of those radio controlled buggies from Tamiya. However we wanted to provide you with a HOW-TO in case it's a modification you covet for your R/C buggy.] 

What are R/C Beadlock Wheels and Tires and How Do They Work?

This comprehensive guide to R/C bead lock wheels examines their mechanical principles, weighs their pros and cons against traditional glue-on alternatives, and analyzes their specific suitability for diverse applications including rock crawling, bashing, high-speed racing, and drifting, to help radio-controlled model vehicle enthusiasts make an informed choice in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.

Are Concave or Convex Bumpers Better for Protecting Your Chassis and Gearbox?

When applying a CRP (Custom Racing Products) rear bumper on a ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) chassis gearbox with a gearbox support gear tensioner, like the ones from Skibby's Performance Mods, depending on the direction you place the metal pieces, your white dyeable nylon bumper will either bend outward or inward. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we check all perspectives to see which of these options, convex or concave, is best for your Subaru BRAT, vintage Lancia 037 Rally, Mighty Frog, Blackfoot, Super Beetle, etc. by using material science and the laws of physics and geometry to give you the best bump for your buck. 

HOW-TO: Replace Hollow Faux Headlight Buckets with Working LEDs

A popular hop-up option is to replace the stock faux headlamp buckets on radion control cars, trucks, buggies, jeeps, busses, and vans with real working LED (Light-Emitting Diode) headlights. There are PnP (Plug-and-Play) hop-up options from companies like Tamiya, but DIY (Do-It-Yourself) options are widely available as well. We unwire and illuminate the step-by-step directions on how to assemble and install these enlightening hop-ups in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.