1/12 Scale Eletric Racing

[TCorzett]

Well it's been a few years since I last played around with RC stuff. I've read up on "The History of 1/12 Scale Racing" and found it to be very disturbing. It seems today everyone is running touring cars. Looks like fun, but what ever happened to the 1/12 scale stuff? Does anyone here race 1/12 scale cars anymore? Have any tips or tricks? Thanx much!

[12thracer]

I love running 12th scales!! I have a touring car and off road stuff but I always have the most fun when I'm running my 12th scale. There are a lot less parts to break and they go just as fast or faster. They are cheaper to maintain and run and make you a better driver. 12th scales are the hardest cars to drive since they are so small and uper fast. If you want to become a good driver get a 12th scale and see if you can really win.

[TCorzett]

I agree about the hardest cars to drive. With a TC little bunps in the road don't matter. Try driving a car that's only a fraction of an inch off the ground around a track! Also the amount of power to weight is incredable. Think how fast some of the TCs are - then cut the weight in half! I'm hooked - 1/12 scale is awesome! Too bad there aren't more like me out there!


- Todd...

[rc10gt_bb]

I think I want to get into 12th scale. Are they exspensive to start out? Are they exspensive to maintain? I have a gt right now and I think i want to dip my toe into some onroad action!

[Grizzbob]

Actually, guys, I've noticed that 1/12 scale has made something of a comeback where I'm from. I think what kept a number of people away was that you needed great batteries to make run time in an 8 minute race(even in stock), & 2000's, while they could make it, were pretty marginal in capacity. Now, with 2400's & 3000's it's easy to make run time with stocks & mods. It's making me want to get one myself(I've been into TC's, but there's not always enough guys here who want to run mod), & I think I will after I get my tax refund.... http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[TCorzett]

I've been running practice laps around So.Cal RC Raceway in Huntington Beach with my 1/12 scale car can’t get enough of it. Every time I’m there someone comes up to me and asks about my car. It’s not as huge as TC racing is, but there are a select few!

As cost goes much of the expense is in the electronics. As in all RC Racing you need the batteries (saddle packs), motor(s), receiver/radio, and esc. The kits are in the same ballpark as most TCs, but they come with a lot of the hop-ups already. I’m driving an Associated RC12L3. Kit cost was $150, which includes bearings, titanium turnbuckles, and quite a few Factory Team upgrades (as compared to $210 for a TC3 in the same condition). There are a few other 1/12 scale cars around, but all I ever see on the track at the RC12L3. My dad built the first Associated RC12 about 25 years ago – and he says the new stuff is unbelievable! Then again he was running when you had a live rear end (no differential)….

With 1/12 scale setup makes the difference. There are so many little adjustments on these cars it is unbelievable. That would have to be the biggest change I’ve noticed compared to the other cars I’ve owned. Even the slightest changes can make a world of difference on the track. Off-road and Touring cars don’t have the same wear and tear that 1/12 scale cars do. The little bumps in even treated asphalt tracks and tear chunks out of the tires (no to mention walls or whatever else you run into). I’ve been driving for about 2 days (about 20 30 min. runs) and already gone through a set of front and rear tires, two broken diff washers, lots of screws/nuts/bolts, and a freshly painted body. Because the cars are smaller and lower to the ground the hits that wouldn’t do anything to a TC (like going over one of those corner disc things) can be devastating to a 1/12 scale car. I’m not saying they break all the time, but things do break a little more (or at least get tweaked at first).

TIRES ARE THE KEY!! Tires are a HUGE part of setup and change with each race. I think this is where the cost comes in (besides getting a few great battery packs). There are about 8 different tire compounds (from soft to firm) and they make a huge difference. The softer the tires the more the car hooks-up, but the faster they wear out (and more they cost). Different compounds on front than rear, the combinations are endless. I’d expect to pay about $100 on tires to get started - that's 4 sets of fronts and rears (talk to people who race where you do to find out what compounds to use). As you learn what works for you then you can buy the specific tires you need, but all tracks are different – having a few extra sets of tires never hurts if you’re going to a new track. ALWAYS remember to use your sauce (ask people at your LHS about it).

I hope this helps out anyone who is interesting in 1/12 scale racing. I’m just getting into it myself so I know what you’re experiencing. Good luck and hope to see you (behind me) at the finish line!

If anyone has any questions feel free to e-mail me (tcorzett@mac.com)


- Todd…

[nitro stampeede]

HAVE ANY OF YOU HEARD ABOUT THE OLD DISCONTINUED COX .049 1/12 ON-ROAD CARS.THEY ARE INEXPENSIVE.(ABOUT 160 DOLLARS RTR)BUT THEY ARE NO LONGER BEING PRODUCED.COX MADE 3 DIFFERENT KIND,.049 STOCKER,.049 INDY CAR,.049 GTP NISSAN.THEY ARE ONLY ABOUT 14 INCHES LONG.I SAW ONE ON EBAY,AND THE BOX SAID IT WENT OVER 30 MPH!THATS NOT REALLY FAST,BUT ITS FAST FOR A CAR POWERED BY AN .049.PLEASE REPLY IF YOU KNOW ANYMORE ON THIS GREAT COX SERIES.

[gacjr0]

I like 12th scale a lot. My 4 cell stock motored car keeps up with the mod sedan/nitro just fine. I have to disagree with Todd about cost and durability though. Pan cars are just as tough as touring cars. I have raced 10/12 th scale for years and have yet to bust up a car in two days running. As for tires, you don't have to buy several sets, just find out what works and buy that. In many cases, instead of changing tires to change traction you change how much/where you put the traction compound. But yes its very cool to pass sedan with it.