Decisions Decisions

[AllanOBrien]

Lo all, i race 1/10th scale touring cars atm but i am considering getting a 1/12th scale as i have always wanted a shot.

I was considering going for an Associated 12L3 but thats about the extent of my knowledge of these cars. What im really after is:

A list of essentials.
What clubs are the closest to the north that race these cars and URL's for the clubs websites.

Thx in advance

[The Hub]

I sent you a PM only i think a message said you PM box was full.

[AllanOBrien]

I have deleted a few msgs now if you wanna resend.

[Mark Christopher]

Please stop using text speak or face a ban, please also read the rules!

[AllanOBrien]

Try pming me with a nicer attitude and i might. I didn't read the rules because the general idea of a forum is you discuss things. I will now stop using "text speak", just no need for the attitude.

Edit:

Aren't you using "text speak" yourself? Moderators are only moderators when it all comes down to it, they still have to abide by the rules.

[B_Final_Bob]

The Associated RC12L3 has been replaced by the L4 now.

There are many other popular cars, such as the Corally, Calandra, Trinity and CEFX. Personally I use the Calandra.

You'll need about 3 or 4 sets of tyres as the majority of people swap the sets round every run or two.

You might need a mini servo, I managed to fit a normal sized one in my old Calandra. That was also with a LRP V7.1 speedo in and space still wasn't a problem.

Generally people run 4 cell, just split up some of your old 3300's and they will do the job. You don't need top notch cells.

Closest club north to you, I believe would be Teesside Radio Car Club (funnily enough, my home club). The website is www.trcc.org.uk . The carpet gets bumpy over the summer so 12th racing is a bit of a no-no between June-August. September is when it kicks off. If you're prepared to travel another hour and a half there is Chesterfield, which is the place for 12th racing in the country. I don't know when they race or their website but there are plenty of their club racers on here.

Hope this is of some help! :)

Liam

[Mark Stiles]

The L4 isn't a whole lot different to the L3 to be honest. The only differences are the adjustable castor and the clamping rear hub on the L4. If you're just starting out, you could pick up a real bargain if you go for an L3.

[derekk]

Far closer to home we have a couple of cars running at Dunfermline, Associated and Corally.

The hall we race in is small so we run 4 cell std, once we get used to it we may move onto modified, let's walk first.

I think Kirkcaldy are also looking to follow and are putting out the feelers.

Suggest you go 4 cell, we can't afford to have a split with so few cars, although the cars are much the same speed with 6 cell std abd 4 cell modified.

If numbers are there for the indoor carpet series we are running then we MAY run them there, bigger hall so would be a lot better, what do you think.

[Mark Christopher]

Try pming me with a nicer attitude and i might. I didn't read the rules because the general idea of a forum is you discuss things. I will now stop using "text speak", just no need for the attitude.

Edit:

Aren't you using "text speak" yourself? Moderators are only moderators when it all comes down to it, they still have to abide by the rules.
can i just point out that when you signed up you agreed to abide by the rules you did not read but were supposed to so you could agree to abide by them!! :rolleyes:
pm sent to cover the rest!

[Oliver]

OK getting this back on topic - can I suggest you check out the UK 1:12th Website, at www.twelfth.circuit.btinternet.co.uk - theres a club list and loads of info on there. Also the BRCA club list could help - but it just lists all clubs so you may need to contact them to find out if they run 1:12ths.

Also if you are starting off (and want to do the Nationals) go for 4 cell 19t. I havn't done any Nationals, but I did the Essex winter league in 1:12th and ran a 12 turn on 4 cell last winter. I have since tried the 19t and found that I'm driving much better - there is not a huge speed difference - particularly through infields.

HTH
Oli

[AllanOBrien]

Thx, that site answered my question about the cells and classes.

I am aiming to get an associated, i have driven a TC3 for the past 2 years or so, however i have just changed to an HPI pro4. I cant fault the TC3 the whole time i have raced it and it is has brought me some very good wins.

My question is though, How long has the L4 been out, is it better and are there spares easy to pick up? I notice most sites advertise the L3 but not the L4?

What kind of mini servo is good to get as i have never dealt with them.

[Mark Christopher]

ko do one KO Propo 949

futaba 96 somin sorry can not remember number

[B_Final_Bob]

ko do one KO Propo 949

It's the 947 as far as I know (I use one), unless there is a new one... or Mr Cartman has a done a typo :rolleyes:

There is another thread about servos, but anything by KO or Futaba is bound to be good. I have heard that Sanwa do a mini-servo too, I think it's called the 141 - correct me if i'm wrong.

Looks like everyone is going to have to get their entries in quick this season, I have a feeling the 80 entries maximum could be a little too low! Not a bad thing of course... just means more competition and more fun! :)

Liam

[Mark Christopher]

not a typo its the latest digital programable version!!
bottom of page http://www.kopropo.com/home.htm

[Mark Christopher]

Looks like everyone is going to have to get their entries in quick this season, I have a feeling the 80 entries maximum could be a little too low! Not a bad thing of course... just means more competition and more fun! :)

Liam
i was told that entries would go to last years competitors before they were released to joe public!!

[AllanOBrien]

Missed out one of my questions:

What bodyshell iis mainly used?

[jas1]

i am also a newbie, and was told to start with a protoform p35 nissan, then maybe try the cefx bodyshell, but the only problem with the cefx shell you can't run full size new tires on the front, they need to be trued down to 46-47mm (i'm sure someone will correct me if this is not quite right).

[AllanOBrien]

I seen the mention of the Protoform Speed 12 shell, i wasn't sure if it was a popular one or not.

[Mark Stiles]

Not sure if the speed 12 is BRCA legal yet. Perhaps someone could enlighten me? If it hasn't been passed, I doubt it will be. In my opinion, the cockpit is far too small compared to the real thing.

I use the protoform speed 8, which is in my opinion, the best looking shell, as well as it being a good all round handling body.

[AllanOBrien]

Ah yeh, it wasn't a BRCA even that i noticed everyone using the Speed 12. Not sure if i like the look of the speed 8, the nissan p35 looks quite smart.

Whats the most widely used legal shell?

[Mark Stiles]

probably the p35, although the sauber/mercedes is quite popular, as is the speed 8. One shell which seems to be gaining in the popularity stakes is the new CEFX. I haven't tried one though, because I think they look hideous! (I've never liked open cockpit shells!)

[FTR]

I was talking to the guys at Action Model Centre today and they said that the Speed 12 was NOT legal.

Paul

[MikeS]

There is a thread in this forum that Jim keeps upto date re the bodyshell list and approval status.

http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5610

[PDW]

Always start with a Nissan P35. It is strong, works well on all tracks, and is forgiving. All the other shells have their own little foibles, and if you aren't sure what they are, you can chase a set-up all day....!!

The CEFX shell is quite aggressive, and it is a bit fearsome at first. The Hot Bodies Ferrari is very pointy, good for really tight tracks, but otherwise a bit of a handful. Lots of people use the Corally Sauber Mercedes with good results (Griff wins with it!) and so can be recommended.

Having said all that, always start racing with a Protoform Nissan P35 (regular weight) or a Corally Merc (for Corallys) and ask a team driver for set-up help. HTH :)

[Genem]

I've been winning with my Associated L3 and Airtronics MX-3. I just love laughing at people using KO Propo electronics because I can win with a cheaper radio and a non-digital servo. Really, you want to look for decent reaction times though, and you probably don't need more than around 40 oz on torque.

[Mark Christopher]

I've been winning with my Associated L3 and Airtronics MX-3. I just love laughing at people using KO Propo electronics because I can win with a cheaper radio and a non-digital servo.
would that be at nationals or club level then?

[B_Final_Bob]

Sorry to contradict a few people, but I really don't like the Nissan P35 body. Probably a personal thing, but I never went as quick with a P35 as I did with a P/F Bentley or a Corally Mercedes.

I would highly recommend the Corally Mercedes, although it's very flimsy, I found it to be the most balanced shell out of the bodies I used.

I used the Bentley when a little more front end grip was needed.

Liam

[pete_slim]

I've been winning with my Associated L3 and Airtronics MX-3. I just love laughing at people using KO Propo electronics because I can win with a cheaper radio and a non-digital servo. Really, you want to look for decent reaction times though, and you probably don't need more than around 40 oz on torque.

It isnt going to be the servo/radio gear that makes you win at whatever level, as the skill is the key. (there is a compliment in there somewhere - I think) ;)
People can throw masses of money at this hobby and still not win. Simply becasue they cant 'cut it'.

As you said it helps with reaction times. And KO products are at the top end of the scale hence the price..
IMHO - You get what you pay for..

I believe that Hi-tec do a miniature servo which may well be good enough to do the job for a 1/12 steering, and at a fraction of the price too.

I recently ventured back into 1/12 (after a very long sabatical) and invested in a Ko servo without hesitation, and when ordering the KO '947' I was told that it had been replaced with the 949. This new servo is lightning quick and it takes time to get used to your thumbs being directly connected to your wheels. :D

It is a challenge Im looking forward to conquer.

==================
Other servos worth investigating are:

Airtronics 94145
Sanwa 141 **

others have already been mentioned.

Hope this helps

[John H]

Sorry to contradict a few people, but I really don't like the Nissan P35 body. Probably a personal thing, but I never went as quick with a P35 as I did with a P/F Bentley or a Corally Mercedes.

I would highly recommend the Corally Mercedes, although it's very flimsy, I found it to be the most balanced shell out of the bodies I used.

I used the Bentley when a little more front end grip was needed.

Liam
Ill second that liam ive found the p35 to be slower than corally merc and p/f bentley although the best ive tried at the moment is the cefx as it suits my driving style on all tracks ive tried it on, so i think bodys could just be a personal thing

[Oliver]

Does anyone know the model number for the Hi-Tech servo. I've been using an almost standard servo and want to upgrade, but not really wanting to spend £80 on the KO or Futaba (even though no doubt they are superior)

Many thanks
Oli

[pete_slim]

Does anyone know the model number for the Hi-Tech servo. I've been using an almost standard servo and want to upgrade, but not really wanting to spend £80 on the KO or Futaba (even though no doubt they are superior)

Many thanks
Oli

Oli,

You have PM.

Pete