Nitro Cars…..Beginners Guide

Nitro powered cars and trucks have become more and more popular and with the prices of Nitro power cars becoming more in reach of more customers budgets we thought we would help out and put together a very simple beginners guide.

• BASICS - As the name says, these are Nitro powered models with real scaled down combustion engines. Using a nitomethonal mix fuel these cars have many of the features and components you would find on your typical family car like a fuel tank, carburettor and a glow plug, which works much the same as a spark plug.
• THE ENGINE - These are highly tuned pieces of engineering . These little engines can rev higher than a Formula 1 car. They vary in sizes from .12 upto .50 or even .70!. Usually the engine fitted is determind by the size of the car but it has been known for modellers to shoe horn in over sized engines in their models! As these are real working engines routine maintainace and servicing is part of the routine and they will respond well to tuning.
• RADIO EQUIPMENT - Much the same as an EP car, NITRO cars use either a 2channel system or a 3channel system ( If they have reverse feature ). Unlike EP cars, NITRO cars do not require an Electronic Speed Controller as the engines carb regulates this. One servo is fitted for the steering and 1 servo is used for the throttle/brake feature. NITRO cars do not have a reverse feature as standard, however some bigger NITRO cars have a reverse feature that runs through a gear box unit which is activated by the hand set through a 3rd channel.
• STARTING & RUNNING - To start a NITRO engine you require a Nitro fuel mix suitable for your engine and a glowstarter. A glowstarter is a means to heat the glow plug on the top of the engine. To start the engine most are fitted with a pullstart unit. This is basically a length of thick cord connected to a 1-way bearing that turns over the crankshaft - A very similar system to those old cars with starting handles. Bigger engines can have roto start units which use a hex shaft that is fitted to a starter unit that goes directly into the back of the engine. Some even have both systems!
• PLACES TO RUN -These cars are quick!! Using them outside yopur house in the road may seem fun but can be very dangerous. The best places to use your models is in large open areas or at a dedicated race club. Check out the BRCA’s (British Radio Car Association) website for details on your nearest track or speak to your local Modelzone store and they should be able to point in you in the right direction.
• AFTER CARE - As mentioned before, these are real minature cars. Just as with a real car these need looking after, cleaning and servicing. Due to the amount of punishment these cars can take things will fly off and things will move. A good thing to set in place is a check list of things to do before and after each use. Check that all the screws are tight especially where fixing to metal. Make sure that there is no grit or plant life wrapped around the drive shafts and flywheel. Keeping your car clean and even wiping any access fuel and dirt off will greatly inrease the life of your model.

Your model will come with a full users guide for both the car and the engine and is well worth a read. This will also tell you the best way to tune your engine and recommend a fuel mix. Above all, Modelzone hope you enjoy this great hobby and have fun driving on or off road. Check out our great selection of Nitro powered models here at modelzone.co.uk.