Comparison Maisto Rock Crawler 1:14 vs Himoto Mastadon E18MTL 1:18

The scale allows you to estimate the overall dimensions of the model — it describes the ratio of its dimensions to the dimensions of a full-size machine of a similar type (see below). For example, the length and width of a full-sized buggy average about 4 m and 2 m, respectively; this means that for a radio-controlled model on a scale of 1:10, these parameters will be 10 times smaller — about 40 cm and 20 cm (plus or minus).

Miniature scales are considered to be 1:24 or less ( 1:28 and 1:32), while in the largest scales it reaches 1:6( 1:5) — such models are not much smaller than children's cars (however, they are not intended to replace them). A small size is considered optimal for use in residential areas, a large one — in open areas. Most road models (see 'Type') are available in 1:10 scale, SUVs in 1:8, and larger scales are found in advanced internal combustion engine models (see 'Engine'). The most common scale options are 1:14, 1:16 and 1:18, which are found in both the low-cost and high-end segments.

- Stunts. Cars of this class are designed for driving and performing various tricks, mainly related to acrobatic performances, jumping and overcoming obstacles. They are characterized by being an off-road type (usually a “monster” or truggy, see below), a powerful engine, high ground clearance, large wheels and reinforced suspension.

— Short course. Short-course models are off-road vehicles (buggies, truggies, “monsters”, see below), specialized for cross-country speed racing. They offer good crash and jump protection, a rugged design, a rigid body that covers most of the sensitive parts, and shock absorbers designed to withstand heavy loads.

— Drift. Drifting competitions on radio-controlled models involve passing an asphalt track at maximum speed with the constant use of a controlled drift. Based on this, drift cars must have rear-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and tires with a shallow pattern that are stiffer than most other models. It is worth noting that their appearance can much more accurately replicate real cars than in the case of ring models.

- Ring. A variety of road-type models (see below), designed for passing on flat roads with a hard surface (like asphalt) for a while. A distinctive feature of most of these cars is the smooth, “sleek” shape of the body to ensure aerodyn...amics (or to simulate it if the maximum speed is low).

Let us note that professional models intended for competitions and serious car racing usually have one of the specializations listed above. If the class is not specified, the machine most likely belongs to the entry-level and has a purely entertainment purpose (although such models can also have quite advanced characteristics).

— Highway. Also known as "touring". These are cars that outwardly copy passenger cars — both ordinary production cars and tuned ones, and even special cars like NASCAR cars. They can have a ring or drift purpose (see above), in general, they have high speed and good handling.

— Buggy. Full-size buggy-type vehicles are light all-wheel drive vehicles for off-road driving, primarily sand, with a characteristic body structure (angular panels, open frame elements, safety arcs) and suspension (wheels are most often noticeably moved to the side on the suspension arms). Radio-controlled buggies have a similar design. The body, however, is often stylized as racing cars, but this type of specialization is primarily off-road — for example, many short-course models (see "Destination") are specifically buggies.

— Truggy. This class is in many ways similar to the buggies described above, but differs from them in larger wheel diameters, longer suspension arms and increased ground clearance (see below). This may slightly reduce the speed, but increases the throughput; truggies are used for both short-course and trick riding (see Purpose/Class).

— SUV (monster). As the name implies, such models copy monster trucks — cars stylized as pickup trucks, the most striking feature of which are huge wheels, powerful engi...nes and corresponding chassis features (large suspension travel, high ground clearance). Like the full-size originals, radio-controlled monster trucks are in many ways similar to buggies (see above), and differ from them only in the described features. "Monsters" are relatively poorly suited for high-speed driving, but they have high cross-country ability, due to which models for tricks and short courses are found in this type (see "Destination (class)").

— Rally. Such cars are a cross between "touring" and full-fledged SUVs. Outwardly, they are similar to road models, but have significantly more suspension travel, more powerful engines and improved mud protection. At the same time, rally cars are not designed for full-fledged off-road driving, overcoming significant bumps, etc.; their maximum is a dense coating like packed sand or fine gravel.

— Crawler. A specialized type of radio-controlled cars designed to overcome obstacles. Externally, the crawlers are somewhat similar to the “monsters” described above, but differ from them in a higher suspension height, which provides a characteristic silhouette: a body raised high on long “legs”. This design allows crawlers to cope with difficult obstacles — like stone scree with steep slopes. Note that the speed characteristics of this category of cars are quite modest, because. the emphasis in them is primarily on high cross-country ability.

— Changeling. Models of cars that even turned over will be able to continue moving. At the same time, from different sides, the body of the machine may look different. Such models have good cross-country ability and are considered stunt models (see "Purpose (class)").

The minimum age for which this radio-controlled model is suitable. These recommendations are rather conditional, but it is still not recommended to deviate from them. "Adult" 14+ models with a lot of adjustments, moving parts and power simply will not be able to master a young rider of preschool and maybe even school age. At the same time, models for the younger age category ( 3+, 4+, 5+) may not be interesting and boring for older children ( children 6 and 8+). It is also worth noting that radio-controlled cars are not always children's toys and there are models for modeling, racing — professional use.

The name of the engine installed in the machine. Usually, knowing this name, you can easily find information about the features of the engine — both official manufacturer data and reviews from users — and determine how much you are satisfied with its characteristics. This can be very important when choosing a model for professional motorsports.

In addition to the name, this paragraph can also specify the type of electric motor (see "Engine") installed in the machine — collector or brushless.

The collector design of the electric motor can be called classical. It allows you to create fairly light, compact, inexpensive motors, which are also easily repaired. The disadvantages of this option are relatively low efficiency, a tendency to spark (especially when overheated), as well as less durability than brushless models. In addition, with a collector motor, it is more difficult to ensure high speed. As a result, this option is typical for entry-level and middle-level models (relatively slow).

Brushless motors are considered more advanced than brushed motors: they are more powerful, more economical, more durable, better protected from pollution and well suited for overclocking to high speeds. On the other hand, such engines are much more expensive, and the complexity of the design does not allow you to repair the motor on your own. In light of all this, brushless motors are used primarily in advanced high-speed cars; the presence of such a motor is an ind...icator of a rather high class model.

Some models of radio-controlled cars can be produced in two versions, differing only in the type of electric motor.

The highest speed that the machine can develop. Usually, this parameter is indicated for certain "perfect conditions": a flat track, high-quality fuel or a full battery charge (depending on the type of engine, see above), etc. Real figures tend to be somewhat lower; however, different models can be compared with each other according to this characteristic.

High maximum speed is important primarily for "racing" cars (ring and short-course, see above); in stunt and drift models, it does not play a decisive role. Also, you should pay attention to the maximum speed values when buying an amateur model for entertainment — here you need to take into account the features of its application. For example, if the machine is intended for a 3-4 year old child as a toy in an apartment, high speed will not be an advantage, but a disadvantage (especially since the cost of the “apparatus” directly depends on its speed).

Type, model and other features of shock absorbers installed in the car. For details on the meaning of this parameter, see "Motor model".

— Protection against moisture. The presence of protection in the design of the machine, which prevents moisture from entering the sensitive elements of the structure and the corresponding unpleasant consequences (short circuits, corrosion, water hammer, etc.). This feature is practically mandatory for outdoor models, especially off-road types with internal combustion engines (see above). However, the specific degree of such protection differs significantly in different cases: one model can be designed, for example, for a maximum of splashes from wet asphalt or light rain, while the other will calmly survive driving through a puddle “hood-deep”. Therefore, this point should be clarified according to the official data of the manufacturer.

— Protection against dirt. Protection to prevent dust and dirt from entering parts that require cleanliness. Similar in many respects to the water protection described above — in particular, it is very important for outdoor use and can vary significantly from model to model.

— Centre differential. The presence in the design of the machine of a differential located between the front and rear pair of wheels and distributing torque from the engine between the front and rear axles. By definition, it is found only in models with all-wheel drive (see above). The main function of this mechanism is similar to cross-axl...e differentials — it allows the wheels, in this case the front and rear, to rotate at different speeds so that the chassis and tyres do not experience increased loads. A similar need arises, in particular, when cornering at low speed. In addition, the centre differential improves patency: when one of the pairs of wheels slips, it distributes the torque so that most of it falls on the wheels that retain traction.

— Metal main pair. The main pair is called two gears responsible for transmitting torque from the engine to the transmission: one of them is located on the engine shaft, the second — on the transmission shaft. This is one of the most important structural elements of the machine, which is subjected to significant loads during use. The main pairs made of metal are much stronger and more reliable than plastic ones; if you are purchasing a model for riding in difficult conditions (for example, a short course or tricks, see "Purpose (class)"), the presence of such equipment will be very desirable. At the same time, for entertainment purposes, it is rather an excess — after all, metal gears are more expensive than plastic ones.

— Anti-roll bars. The presence in the design of the machine of special devices that prevent the tipping of the structure to one side, in particular during sharp turns: during cornering, the stabilizer distributes the load on the wheels in such a way as to reduce chassis roll. However, this is not the only purpose of these parts — stabilizers of different stiffness are also a tool for distributing the grip balance between the front and rear axles. For example, if the front stabilizer is softer than the rear, the grip of the front axle will be higher, which ensures good steering, but reduces the sensitivity of the control; with a softer rear stabilizer — on the contrary. These points are described in more detail in special sources. It is worth noting that stabilizers are not a 100% guarantee against a coup — however, the likelihood of such an event is significantly reduced if they are present.

— Metal deck chassis. The deck is the basis of the chassis of the machine, the frame on which the engine, transmission and body are placed. The high strength of the deck is important for models that are subjected to significant stress during riding, for example, when used for short corsets (see "Purpose (class)"). Aluminium alloys are often used as a material for metal decks in modern cars — they combine good strength and low weight. However such materials also affect the cost of the model, respectively.

— Opening doors. Opening doors enhance the similarity of radio-controlled cars with real cars. You can put a toy driver behind the wheel of such cars in miniature, and passengers in the passenger compartment. Also, through the doors, access to the interior of the radio-controlled car is provided.

— Light effects. The presence of various lighting effects in the model: headlights, parking lights, flashing beacons (flashing lights), bottom lighting, etc. Such equipment not only makes the machine look like a real car, but also makes it more noticeable to others and reduces the likelihood of unpleasant incidents. At the same time, for advanced models, these moments do not play a key role, so lighting effects are found mainly in inexpensive entertainment cars.

— Sound effects. The presence in the model of various sound effects — for example, a horn, a siren, the sound of a powerful engine, etc.; sometimes there are even built-in melodies. To play sounds, usually, a small speaker is provided. This function is purely for entertainment purposes and is found only in simple and inexpensive models designed for the younger age group.

— Driver. A toy pilot seated behind the wheel of a radio-controlled car. The presence of a pilot allows you to give free rein to your imagination - driving a car from a distance, you can imagine that it is being driven by a little man.

The type of power source used in a machine with an electric motor (see “Motor”).

- AA. Replaceable elements of a standard size, popularly known as “pen-light batteries”. The main advantage of battery-powered cars over battery-powered cars is the ability to quickly replace dead batteries. On the other hand, the power of such power supply is quite modest, so they are found mainly in models for younger people.

- AAA. Such elements are almost completely similar to the AA described above and outwardly differ from them only in their reduced size (which is reflected in their common name - “little finger”).

- Ni-Mh. Specialized batteries made using nickel-metal hydride technology like other batteries ( Li-Pol, Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, LiFePO4, branded) are superior to replacement batteries in capacity and compactness and are better suited for powerful electric motors. Ni-Mh batteries themselves are notable primarily for their ability to withstand high charge and discharge currents without consequences - the first is important given the “gluttony” of electric motors, the second has a positive effect on the charging speed. In addition, such batteries are resistant to lo...w temperatures, do not have a “memory effect”, and are relatively inexpensive. At the same time, they are inferior to Li-Pol elements in terms of capacity (with the same dimensions).

- Li-Pol. Specialized batteries made using lithium-polymer technology. For more information on specialized batteries in general, see above (Ni-Mh). Li-Pol technology itself makes it possible to create batteries with high capacity, small size and weight, and without the “memory effect,” however, it is quite expensive.

- Ni-Cd. A relatively old battery manufacturing technology, the predecessor of the Ni-Mh described above. The common features of these technologies are resistance to high charge and discharge currents, low temperatures, and low cost. True, nickel-cadmium batteries are subject to the “memory effect” - a decrease in capacity when charging an incompletely discharged battery; however, this can be corrected by using advanced chargers and following operating instructions. But the clear disadvantage of this option is considered to be environmental unsafety during production and disposal; This is typical for all batteries, but it is most relevant for Ni-Cd cells, so they are used less and less.

— Li-Ion. Batteries made using lithium-ion technology and not belonging to any of the universal standard sizes (like AA). Lithium-ion batteries are practically not subject to the “memory effect”, are easy to use and charge fairly quickly. Their disadvantages include a higher price and less resistance to high and low temperatures.

— LiFePO4. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are actually a modification of lithium-ion batteries (see the corresponding paragraph), developed to eliminate some of the shortcomings of the original technology. They are notable above all for their high reliability and safety: the likelihood of a battery “exploding” when overloaded is reduced to almost zero, and in general LiFePO4 can cope with high peak loads without any problems. In addition, they are quite resistant to cold and maintain operating voltage almost until discharge. The main disadvantage of this type is its slightly smaller capacity.

— Branded battery. This category includes all specialized batteries (see subparagraph “Ni-Mh” above), for which the manufacturer did not indicate the manufacturing technology. We also note that if “ordinary” specialized batteries can be standard and can be used in different models of radio-controlled equipment, then branded batteries often have an original design and are designed only for cars from one manufacturer.