Getting Started in 1/12th

[Wizardman_1]

I can't find much info about these cars so i seek the knowledge of the people in the forums :p. I'm looking at getting a Carpet Knife 3.1 just for stock racing and a bashing too. I dont know which kind of servo to use, is it a mini servo? Still confused about the 4cell or 6cell thing also, i do know that the knife only holds 4. Well here is what i plan on using. If there is better stuff for 1/12th post it up but try to keep the prices down. Thanks

Radio & ESC
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0161P?&I=TZ6714**
Motor
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDDA1&P=
Batteries
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXERB2&P=7
Servo
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPB46&P=7

Did i miss anything else?

[papazilla]

The Carpet Knife is a good choice. I run an Associated 12L3 myself. Four cell is the way to go with 12th scale. 6 cell racing is pretty much dead. Trust me, 4 cells is all you need. Your choice for transmitter is pretty good. Might want to think about getting an FM however. If you race, they are better indoors with multiple people. The ESC I don't care too much for. Not so much for the brand or the price, but the size. Look at the LRP Quantom Sport. This thing is tiny, well priced, and durable. Your motor choice is excellent. I run this same motor at the local track in 12th scale. Also an excellent choice in batteries. The 3300's will give you the punch and run time you need. 8 minute races can be hard on an inferior pack. Your servo choice may not be the best either. Look into the Hitec HS-225BB. It may not seem like it, but these things are under a lot of stress, especially when hitting those unforgiving boards. Here is my setup in my 12L3 : Hitec servo HS-225BB, Novak XXtra receiver, LRP Quantom Sport ESC, Trinity Monster Horse stock motor, Purple fronts, Gray rears. One thing, run 64 pitch gears. You will not be sorry. Any more questions let me know. I have been doing the 12th scale thing on and off since the days on the RC12E in 1981.

[Wizardman_1]

Do i need to get a body for the knife or does it come with one already? Seems like the protoform speed 12 is popular.

New esc i just noticed the other isnt good with 4cells
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0161p?&I=TZ671269&P
Servo:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=000341361&I=LXN662&P=K

[papazilla]

The Speed 12 is a great body. Also check out the one from Parma. The CRC does not come with a body. I am going to be painfully honest here and tell you not to get a Duratrax. They are good for novice offroad or bashing, but not what you want in this application. Look into the LRP or perhaps a used Novak Atom.

[gizmo17]

Actually, the Duratrax intellispeed 8turn ESC, I think its the most expensive one they have is really good. I raced with it and its a good ESC, just as good as LRPs. I would recomend a Novak or LRp over it though. Save your money and buy good things the first time around so your not spending more money than needed in the long run.

[papazilla]

The only problem I have with the Duratrax in this case is the application. The case size is a bit on the large size to be workable in a 12th scale.

[Wizardman_1]

What if you take the actual case off and run heatshrink around it instead, saves weight too.

[papazilla]

That may work, but you can get smaller "sport" speed controls for around the same price.