One of the best ways to enjoy the R/C hobby and meet other hobbyists is to attend an R/C event. Whether it's a crawler event, a race, or something else, planning and bringing the right gear will help ensure you have the best time possible.



In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I discuss some must-have items for any R/C gathering.



Show Notes:



News




Redcat Brushless 1/18-scalers:

Redcat Ascent-18 Brushless



Redcat Ascent-18 Brushless Scout II



Redcat Ascent-18 Apex





Micro RC crawlers are on the move:

Axial unveils the SCX30 Jeep Wrangler and SCX30 Ford Bronco



Redcat pre-announces the yet-to-be-released Ascent-32





Hobby Plus unveils its CR18P Terranaut 8x8



The Great American R/C Crawl is returning to Road America in 2026




Main Topic: RC Event Prep




Stay hydrated by bringing a pack of water or a durable, refillable water bottle



Dress for the climate and keep an eye on the weather forecast, packing appropriate gear for the conditions



Include a First Aid Kit in the event of scrapes and cuts



If you're camping at the event, make sure your tent and other gear is in good shape



Don't forget to book your hotel, AirBNB, or campsite when you buy your event tickets



Pack spare parts like shocks, chassis links, servos, and motors just in case things break while on the trail or track



A small tool kit with wrenches and spare hardware can come in handy if you need to make repairs away from your home base




Save on R/C upgrades with these discount codes:




Save $5 on accessories from fmshobby.com with coupon codeRCNEWB



Save 5% at injora.com with one-time-use coupon SMALLSCALERC5



Save 5% at rcawd.com with coupon code RCNEWB5



Save 10% at HobbyPlus with coupon code RCNEWB10

This does not spark joy. Those were the words that were rolling around my head for a good portion of this year…until recently. I've been struggling with disinterest in the hobby and this episode of The RC Newb Podcast focuses on my thoughts during these "blah" times.



Thankfully, I've snapped out of whatever funk I was in, and I'm back to working on a handful of R/C-related projects. If the hobby has ever bummed you out, hopefully this episode can help.



Show Notes:




Rlaarlo releases its TK07 1/7-scale trail truck



FMS releases new brushless FCX24 Power Wagon, FCX24 Chevy K5 Blazer, and FCX18 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 models



Traxxas keeps building its circle track lineup with the Slash Late Model BL-2S



Losi's 2025 NASCAR lineup has been released



Rip the cushion with Losi's 22S Sprint Car



Summer R/C Deals:

Redcat's Hot Summer Sale



Associated Electric's 2025 "Christmas in June" Sale



Horizon Hobby's Precision and Power Savings Event






Save on R/C upgrades with these discount codes:




Save $5 on accessories from fmshobby.com with coupon codeRCNEWB



Save 5% at injora.com with one-time-use coupon SMALLSCALERC5



Save 5% at rcawd.com with coupon code RCNEWB5

It's almost here…the 2024 holiday shopping season. I've always considered this to be one of the best times to get yourself into the hobby, get someone else into the hobby, or stock up on spare parts and accessories for the coming year.



In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I recap a few new models from Vanquish, Axial, Carisma, and FMS while also sharing some of the best Pre-Black Friday R/C deals of 2024.



Show Notes:




Vanquish has released a kit version of its H10 Optic trail buggy (and there's a twist).



Axial released several updated models to end 2024: SCX24 Lexus GX 470, SCX24 Base Camp, SCX10 III Base Camp (Updated), and UTB18 Capra 4WS.



Upgrade your SCX24 or SCX10 with various performance and scale accessories.



Carisma has released a Special Edition of its M48S Audi Sport Quattro with 5-spoke wheels and new tires for improved scale authenticity and off-road performance.



Classic off-road and overland fans rejoice; FMS has officially released the FCX10 Toyota LC80 1/10-scale trail rig.



Fair RC is also offering this model at the same price for a limited time.



Snag some deals as we head into the 2024 holiday shopping season.



Specific deals worth checking out:



Axial SCX24 2021 Ford Bronco - $79.99 (through 11/20/24)



FMS FCX24M Land Rover Camel Trophy Edition Lineup - $99.99 each (through 11/20/24)



Axial SCX6 Trail Honcho - $849.99 (through 11/20/24)



Redcat Ascent-18 - $95.99 (through 12/2/24)



Bambu Lab 2024 Black Friday Sale: Save on select 3D printers and accessories (through 12/3/24)




Save on R/C upgrades with these discount codes:




Save $5 on accessories from fmshobby.com with coupon codeRCNEWB



Save 5% at injora.com with one-time-use coupon SMALLSCALERC5



Save 5% at rcawd.com with coupon code RCNEWB5

Show Notes:




Upgrading and customizing the Redcat COE Custom Hauler & SixtyFour Lowrider



Diving into RC Drifting with Redcat's RDS Competition Spec RTR



Installing Injora's Purple Viper and MBL32 into a Traxxas TRX-4M and Redcat Ascent-18



Check out my review of the Redcat Ascent-18 on smallscalerc.com



Check out my review of the FMS FCX24 Camel Trophy Land Rovers on smallscalerc.com



Check out the Redcat September Super Sale for discounts on the Gen9 Scout 800A, TC8 Marksman, Wendigo RTR, RDS Competition Spec Drift RTR and RDS Builders Kit (through the end of September 2024)



FMS September RC Car Sale - Save on models like the ROCHobby Mashigan, FMS FCX24 Lemur, and others.




Save on R/C upgrades with these discount codes:




Save $5 on accessories from fmshobby.com with coupon codeRCNEWB



Save 5% at injora.com with one-time-use coupon SMALLSCALERC5



Save 5% at rcawd.com with coupon code RCNEWB5

Back at it with another episode of The RC Newb Podcast. For today's topic, I recap several of Redcat's latest releases and share some news on models I'm currently testing out and reviewing from FMS.



Show Notes:




Redcat's been on a tear with new model releases, notably:

2023

Gen9 International Scout 800A



Ascent



Custom Hauler



Custom Trailer





2024

Vigilante 1/5 Monster Truck



Ascent-18



Ascent Fusion







Watch my unboxing of the Redcat Gen9 International Scout 800A



Read my review of the Redcat Gen9 International Scout 800A



FMS New Releases for 2024:

FCX10 Chevrolet K5 Blazer



FCX18 Chevy K10 Pickup Truck



FCX18 Toyota LC80

If you were hoping to hear a discussion about how to get the most out of attending an R/C event (I'm looking at you, Axialfest…), you'll have to wait a little while longer. I'm dedicating this episode of The RC Newb Podcast to the Traxxas TRX-4M, a small-scale rig that's got me feeling all giddy and excited about the hobby.



Show Notes:




Traxxas TRX-4M 1/18-scale R/C Crawler



Traxxas TRX-4M Upgrades



Hobby Recreation Products has the Carisma SCA-1E 2.1 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in stock! (Save $30 with code HR221130)



Check out this year's best R/C holiday shopping deals.

Hello again! I'm back in my mobile recording studio to record another episode of The RC Newb Podcast. A lot has happened since episode 74; Axialfest Badlands 2022 came and went (and was awesome), Traxxas released several fun vehicles in various sizes, Element RC dropped a new entry-level crawler, and Carisma showcased its scale detail chops with a few new releases.



The topic of this episode is the small-scale crawling boom, but we'll cover a few other topics as well. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!



Show Notes:




Traxxas XRT



Carisma Scale Adventure SCA-1E 2.1 Spec 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro



Carisma MSA-1E Subaru Brat & Mitsubishi Pajero



Element RC Enduro Sport Edition



Traxxas TRX4M Ford Bronco & Land Rover Defender



Axial Capra UTB 18



FMS FCX24 Power Wagon



FMS FCX24 Max Smasher Monster Truck

When your dream car (or truck) is available in 1/10-scale, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to park one in your R/C garage. As soon as Traxxas announced its TRX-4 2021 Ford Bronco, I knew I needed that rig in my life.



In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I give an overview of my favorite features from this rig and also showcase some of the upgrades I've performed on it over the past year.



Show notes:



My plans for AxialFest Badlands 2022 are taking shape, and I'll be wheeling an Axial RR10 Bomber thanks to a recent Horizon Hobby Flash Sale.My "First Impressions" of the Traxxas TRX-4 2021 Ford BroncoWith plenty of upgrade options available for the TRX-4, specifically the 2021 Bronco, I had a fun time tricking my rig out with the following upgrades:Traxxas Pro Scale LED Lighting KitInjora 1.9" Beadlock WheelsInjora Aluminum M4 Wheel Nut CoversClub 5 Racing Scale Exhaust Tips for the TRX-4 2021 Ford BroncoClub 5 Racing Ford Bronco Rear Tire CoverClub 5 Racing Metal Front Skid Plate for the TRX-4 2021 Ford BroncoTreal Brass Portal Axle Housing CoversH-Tech Custom Products Aluminum Front Bumper for the TRX-4 2021 Ford BroncoH-Tech Custom Products Aluminum Rear Bumper for the TRX-4 2021 Ford Bronco

It's been a while…. It occurred to me that I haven't recorded a new episode of the RC Newb Podcast in some time. With that said, I sat down and rattled off some updates on the show and what I've been up to within the world of R/C.



As always, thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing your passion for this great hobby.



Show Notes and R/C News:



I've been exploring some new R/C models over the past year, including the Traxxas TRX-4 2021 Ford Broco, the Element RC Knightrunner, the Element RC Gatekeeper (RTR), ROCHobby's Katana V2, the Axial SCX24 Jeep JT Gladiator, and a few others.Traxxas has a new 1/8-scale basher; Sledge.Axial is teasing a new (small-scale) release on 3/31/22.

It's a new year, and what better way to celebrate than by talking about the R/C hobby? I've mentioned CarryAll RC and their lineup of crawling and trail-focused backpacks in the past, so I figured it was time to give an overview of their X-TRA 3 Combo Backpack.



In addition to that, I want to find out what your hobby plans are for this new year. Are you a new hobbyist that's just getting started, or a seasoned pro who's planning to go big?



I've got my own plans for my hobby time and most of them focus on upgrading and massaging my current lineup of machines. Of course, I'm not ruling out a new vehicle or two...should the opportunity present itself.



As always, thank you for listening to The RC Newb Podcast and enjoy the episode!



Show notes:



My first impressions of the CarryAll RC X-TRA R/C BackpackView the lineup of CarryAll RC backpacks and gear bags at carryallrc.comAxial launches the brushless-powered RBX10 Ryft rock bouncer/racerFeedspot's Top 30 RC Podcasts to follow in 2021#16 - The Big Squid RC Podcast#19 - The RC Newb PodcastCheck out my writing on bigsquidrc.com



Listen to more episodes of The RC Newb Podcast and subscribe to the show using your favorite podcasting app.

In this episode of the podcast, I'm focusing on two smaller-scale R/C vehicles that I'm currently reviewing. The first is the RGT Adventurer V2 which was provided by the folks at Banggood. This 1/24-scale crawler has been a fun addition to my growing fleet of small crawlers and can hold its own against other heavyweights in this category.



The second vehicle that I'll talk about is the XC324 Manga Spirit from Xotik. This R/C car looks like the popular Mini 4WD from Tamiya but has the added ability to be driven just about anywhere. From the track to your kitchen floor, this car has provided for some much-needed breaks during my current work-from-home scenario.



Lastly, I wanted to give you a preview of what's currently on my workbench...an airplane. I've been helping two of my sons build an R/C airplane as part of a Boy Scouts merit badge, and it's provided some unique learning opportunities for us all.



Show notes:



A hands-on review of the RGT Adventurer V2 1/24-scale R/C crawler.Zipping around with Xotik's XC324 Manga Spirit 1/32-scale R/C racer.My kids and I are taking to the air and building a FliteTest Mini Sportster.CarryAll RC's X-TRA RC Backpack has become one of my favorite tools while on the go. Take a closer look at this pack and how it can be your best friend the next time you hit the trail.My TRX-4 Sport will be getting some updates soon, starting with Hobbywing's QuicRun Fusion brushless crawler motor.



Show sponsors:



Thanks also to Manscaped for their support of this episode and for offering listeners of the RC Newb Podcast 20% off their next order at manscaped.com with coupon code RCNEWB20.

Time flies when you're swamped with projects. With quite a few things happening in and around the R/C hobby, I felt it was time to clear the deck. Fair warning, this episode is as random as it gets. New models, R/C news, and a few workbench updates thrown in for good measure.
Show Notes:

ARRMA's "New Model Extravaganza":

Kraton EXB Roller
Outcast 8S BLX
Infraction 6S BLX V2
Felony 6S BLX
Big Rock Crew Cab V3


Watch Tony from CCxRC shred with the new ARRMA Felony
Traxxas releases the Hoss monster truck
Axial releases the SCX10 III Jeep JT Gladiator
Redcat Racing releases a kit version of their Wendigo Rock Racer
My Pro-Line Pro-Fusion 4x4 SC project is complete
Horizon Hobby has acquired Pro-Line
Need a backpack for your next outdoor R/C adventure? Check out the what CarryAll RC has cooked up.
Check out CCxRC's coverage of Axialfest Badlands 2020
Check out Big Squid RC's coverage of Axialfest Badlands 2020

Show Sponsors:

Thanks also to Manscaped for their support of this episode and for offering listeners of the RC Newb Podcast 20% off their next order at manscaped.com with coupon code RCNEWB20.

It's not often that I get to chat with folks in the film industry, so when the opportunity arose to chat with the director (Dave Hill) and producer (Trenton Waterson) of the upcoming film, Flying Cars, I knew it was something I couldn't pass up. The R/C hobby isn't often highlighted in mainstream media, which makes Flying Cars unique right from the start.
 Throughout our hour-long chat, Dave and Trenton shared their experiences with the hobby, what challenges they faced while making the film, as well as their feelings on finally being able to release this film to the viewing public. Much to my delight, we even managed to squeeze in a little chat about 1/10-scale and small-scale crawlers.
The movie will be released for purchase on Tuesday, May 19 through AppleTV/iTunes (pre-order is now open), Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.
Show Notes:

Visit flyingcarsfilm.com to find out more about the movie.
Follow Flying Cars Film on Facebook and Instagram for some unique, behind-the-scenes looks leading up to and after the movie's release.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to Pro-Line for their support of The RC Newb Podcast and rcnewb.com. Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10.

Small-scale R/C crawlers have come into their own in recent years, and with models such as the Axial SCX24 and Carisma MSA-1E, you can replicate the fun of 1/10-scale crawling just about anywhere you go. When you aren’t able to wheel your tiny truck outside, there are plenty of ways to build your own indoor crawling course or set of obstacles.

In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast, I share a few of my favorite materials and approaches to building scaled-down crawling terrain.
Show Notes:

Redcat Racing continues their busy 2020 with the release of the Wendigo rock racer.

Episode Sponsor:

Pro-Line - Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10.

Once you've popped the lid on the R/C kit-building experience, it's hard to turn back. Such has been the case for hobby experience. Following my Tamiya Grasshopper project, I've been on the lookout for new kits to check out. Over the past few months, I've been focusing on an on-road machine from Carisma and an off-road blaster from Pro-Line.

In this epiosde of The RC Newb Podcast, I'll share my thoughts on both of these models, as well as the experiences that I had building them.
Show Notes:

Getting my on-road fix with Carisma's M40S kit.
Building a track-ready short course truck with Pro-Line's Pro-Fusion SC4x4 kit.
Redcat Racing's latest release; the Kaiju 1/8-scale monster truck.
Axial extends their SCX24 lineup with the 1967 Chevy C10
Kyosho enters the small-scale crawler scene with their Mini-Z 4x4 platform.

Episode Sponsor:

Pro-Line - Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10

Looking ahead to 2020, let's not forget about two fun, capable small-scale crawlers that arrived on the scene in 2019. Axial's SCX24 Deadbolt was a surprise release and has quickly become one of my favorite 1/24-scale travel companions. In addition to this little rig, Carisma refreshed their MSA-1E with a new motor and gearing setup, making this small-scaler even more impressive than before.
Show notes:

Axial SCX24 Deadbolt: A closer look
Axial SCX24 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Hands-on: Carisma Scale Adventure MSA-1E 1976 Ford F-150
A review of Pro-Line's Grunt 1.9" R/C crawler tires
Hands-on with Pro-Line's Rock Shooter 1.9" Composite Bead-Loc wheels
Redcat Racing releases the GEN8 AXE Edition International Scout II
Axial revives their SMT10 monster truck platform with new kit and RTR options

Episode sponsor:

Pro-Line: Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10.

Check out more episodes of the RC Newb Podcast.

One of the biggest surprises of 2019 has been the rise of Element RC and their lineup of ready-to-run (RTR) and kit trail trucks. The Enduro Sendero RTR has become a favorite of mine, both in terms of performance and overall driving enjoyment. In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I share my thoughts on this 1/10-scale trail rig, along with a glimpse at what's to come in future episodes.

Show notes:


An overview of the Element RC Enduro Sendero RTR
We'll be talking small-scale crawlers on the next episode of the RC Newb Podcast, specifcally Axial's SCX24 Deadbolt, Carisma's MSA-1E (Gen 2), and the Axial Yeti Jr. Can-Am Maverick X3.
If you're looking for more R/C podcasts to subscribe to, check out RC Conspiracies and While My Batteries Charge from CCxRC.
Don't forget to check out The Big Squid RC Podcast for industry interviews and discussions with folks who are deeply entrenched in the world of radio-control.
If you want to support The RC Newb Podcast, you can do so through Patreon.


Episode sponsor: Pro-Line


Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10

Everyone should build a kit. If you haven't experienced building a radio-controlled machine from the ground up, you should add that to your hobby to-do list.

For seasoned pros who have assembled more 1/10-scale (or larger) models than they can count, may I introduce you to a different challenge; a small-scale build. Earlier this year, rcmart.com gave me the opportunity to build an Orlandoo Hunter OH32A03, a 1/32-scale Land Rover Defender-style micro crawler. Since I'm always up for a challenge, I happily accepted there offer and spent more than a few nights turning some tiny wrenches and assembling this indoor explorer.

In this episode of The RC Newb Podcast, I share my thoughts on the build process for this kit, along with some recent hobby/model news.
Show notes:

Axial's Capra has been announced.
Traxxas launches the Maxx 1/10-scale monster truck.
Carisma has released two brushless-powered, 1/24-scale rally cars.
Building an Orlandoo Hunter OH32A03

Orlandoo Hunter OH32A03 Kit
Orlandoor Hunter D4L Radio/ESC Set



Episode sponsors:

Pro-Line - Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10.
RCMart - Thanks to rcmart.com for the opportunity to review the Orlandoo Hunter OH32A03 and D4L radio system.

I’ve taken the Redcat Racing GEN8 on a number of adventures since it arrived in my R/C garage earlier this year. Between it’s affordability, performance, and appearance, it’s become one of my favorite scale radio-control models to take out on the trail.

In this episode of the RC Newb Podcast, I’ll share my thoughts on the GEN8 as well as give a preview of what’s to come on future episodes of the show.
 Show notes:

Upcoming episodes will include reviews of the Element RC Enduro Sendero RTR, Axial Yeti Jr. Can-Am Maverick X3, Axial SCX24 Deadbolt, Pro-Line Pro-Spec Scaler Shocks and more.
First Impressions: Redcat Racing GEN8 International Scout II
My GEN8 upgrades:

Pro-Line BFGoodrich Mud-terrain T/A KM3 “Predator” Tires
Hexfly 25kg Metal Gear Steering Servo



Save 10% on your next order at Pro-Line Racing with coupon code RCNEWBAP10!

This hobby truly has something for everyone. I've found myself spending more time at my workbench on a variety of tune-ups and project than I have actually wheeling an R/C vehicle, but I'll take the calming effects of a hex driver any day of the week. Between upgrading the handling aspects of the Carisma Scale Adventure Lynx to updating the look of my Traxxas TRX-4 Sport, I've had a variety of vehicles up on jacks, including a challenging small-scale build.

In this episode, I share a few of my current upgrade projects, touch on some of ARRMA's latest go-fast machines, and share a few upcoming events that you might find worthwhile.
Show notes:

A Pint-sized Project: Building an Orlandoo Hunter OH32A03
Enjoy the hobby at these upcoming R/C events:

Pro-Line by the Fire 2019
Horizon Hobby RC Fest 2019
Axialfest 2019


Thank you to Pro-Line for their support of the RC Newb Podcast. Save 10% on your next order at prolineracing.com with coupon code RCNEWBAP10.