The RC Deep Dive

What makes Tamiya's dirt two-wheel drive series so special in the hearts and minds of many R/C model vehicle enthusiast? What are the difference between the different generations of the DT-01, DT-02, DT-03, and the DT-04 chassis? Which radio-controlled model vehicle kit was the first on each chassis and which was the most popular? And which hop-up parts can fit multiple generations of the DT (Dirt Two-Wheel Drive) series? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we get down anddirty to get you these generational answers. 

Just like skateboarders and TTRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Game) players, the media gets the R/C model vehicle hobbyist community wrong on so many levels. Why does this persist? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we go over these harmful stereotypes and how some manufacturers help to promote these ideas with their corporate strategies for maximum profit at the cost of the reputation of the hobby and the community. 

If you have every considered installing a gyro in your R/C model vehicle you might have wondered how difficult it is. It's relatively straightforward, however you do need to have specific types of servos,  radio transmitters, and radio receivers in your radio-controlled model vehicle. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we go over the best gyros, step-by-step directions for installation, and the prerequisite electronic equipment you need before you install any gyros. 

While in general, the R/C model vehicle enthusiast community has accepted new technologies like ball diffs. ESCs, 2.4GHZ radio equipment, NiMh, LiFe, or LiPo batteries, etc. there still seems to be a strong hatred for some technologies like gyros and AI (artificial intelligence). In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we give the reasons, which isn't always, "I hate what I don't understand." 

The R/C Forums are in many ways a lifeline of the radio-controlled model vehicle hobbyist community. However, with so the information they have and the good that they do, there are major disadvantages, including conflicting information, purposely or ignorantly errant misinformation, and ridiculous drama. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we show you how you cut through the noise and get the correct information from true radio control experts who are veteran R/C enthusiasts. 

In the iconic 1980's Punky Brewster episode, "Girls Will be Boys", the backyard R/C racer boys, as well as Punky Brewster herself, wore racecar driver racing jumpsuits when racing their vintage Tamiya 1:10th scale radio-controlled model vehicles on their backyard bashing racetrack. Was this normal for children and adults too do when racing their radio controlled model vehicles or did they wear any other type of uniform? We look back in time to the golden era of R/C and give you those answers in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

In 1983 Tamiya created 3 very different radio-controlled model vehicles on the same chassis; the Lancia 037 Rally Car, the Subaru BRAT, and the original racing vehicle, the Frog; and would later continue to make more, including the Black Foot and the Super Beetle, on that same chassis that Tamiya simply called a "sturdy ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) space frame" originally. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we look into why that sturdy ABS space frame universally came to be known as the ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) chassis. 

In a previous episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we covered the last 2 surviving English language print radio-controlled model vehicle magazines. But in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we cover the RotW (Rest of the World) and detail the unique survival strategies of print versions of R/C magazines in Japan (who had 2 mags in 2025 but only 1 remains in 2026), Germany (who boasts an amazing 3 surviving print magazines), and France. 

Many 3rd party aftermarket manufacturers since the 1980s to the present have made vertical shocks for both the front and rear of the Mighty Frog. However, a large contingent of the vintage and rere (re-release) R/C hobbyist community has rejected them completely, saying that they take the sleek and stylish Mighty Frog and turn it into just another generic, soulless radio controlled buggy, stripping it of it's iconic, classic character.  In this episode of the RC Deep Dive we tell you why we agree with those vintage Tamiya radio control enthusiasts. 

Pro-Line and CRP (Custom Racing Products) made white dyable nylon bumpers for the ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) chassis R/C model vehicles, when it came to the Frog the radio control hobbyist community decided that the best color choice was to just keep it white. Why? We dig into the surprising answer to that question in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.

This is a call to arms and scrub for the radio control hobbyist community: we need our own radio-controlled model vehicle specific holidays like other hobbies and cultures have. Listen to this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast to find out the details. In brief, we are proposing 2 holidays, a "Go RC Day" and a "R/C Hobby Shop Day" each with a different focus. One is going out in the community, make friends in the hobby, and fire R/C to be seen by the public in a positive light. The second is R/C Hobby Shop...

The lifecycle of a radio-controlled model; vehicle from building to running to repairing to upgrading or hopping-up to rebuilding to retiring your R/C car, truck, buggy, jeep, van, bus, or tank to be a shelf queen; surprisingly mirrors the foundational philosophies of Buddhism and karma. How exactly do these things line up? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we open the tripitaka, spin the wheels, and explain how the radio control hobby can lead to enlightenment. 

Many people don't think about it, but by lawn mower regularly wrenching on your R/C model vehicle, you become an amateurs engineer and have a better understanding of your car, truck, jeep, van, or bus that you drive daily. Likewise, it makes you better able to repair things like your lawnmower at home or a copier machine at work. Why? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we look into how your mind rewires itself each time you build, tune, hop-up, or repair your radio controlled model vehicle at your hobby workbench. 

Bashing, Crawling, Racing, and Drifting a radio-controlled model vehicle can actually make your a much better driver in your full scale car, truck, jeep, van, or boys that you drive every day. How is this possible? There is actually a scientific reason behind this fact. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we dig into the psychology and physics behind R/C enthusiasts being better drivers than others on the road. 

R/C wrenching isn't just using a Tamiya box wrench t-tool. It's the building, tuning, hopping-up, and repairing your radio controlled model vehicles. But how did wrenching come to contain all of these actions in the radio controlled model vehicle hobbyist community? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we open the dictionary and history books and explain the etymology, semantics, and lexicology of wrenching. 

That vintage or rere (re-release) R/C model vehicle on your workbench is far more than a simple hobby; it's a powerful neurological tool that actively rewires your brain to fight stress. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we reveal the science behind how achieving a state of "flow" and tapping into nostalgia can remove stress, restore your calm, and build the resilience to handle anything.

Did you know that you can convert the stock 2WS (Two Wheel Steering) to 4WS (For Wheel Steering) in your 6WD (Six Wheel Drive) radio-controlled model vehicle? The chassis parts are included inside the G6-01 and G6-01TR chassis, but you will need some specific electronics being what you would need if driving it in the default 2WS mode. Within the 4WS mode there are even 3 different sub-mode options as well. It's a pretty in-depth hop-up, but in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we give you all of the options and walk you through...

A must-have hop-up for any of the 6X6 G6-01 and G6-01TR chassis R/C model vehicles by Tamiya are the aluminium CVA (Constant Volume Adjustable) oil-filled dampers that are made for them. However these shocks do not come with shock springs or damper oil. So, in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we spring the physics, chemistry, and physical science do you can pick the correct shock springs and damper oil for your preferred style of driving these legendary 6WD (Six Wheel Drive) radio-controlled model vehicles. 

We have been talking a lot recently about the Tamiya King Yellow and KongHead radio-controlled monster trucks, as they are the most popular 6WD (Six Wheel Drive) bashers that Tamiya sells. However in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we focus on the other diet impressive 6x6 crawlers that Tamiya makes, the Volvo A60H Hauler dump truck and the DynaHead Euro truck. 

If you've made a bulletproof King Yellow or KongHead radio-controlled monster truck with a brushed 550 motor, steel pinion gear, and aluminium CVA (Constant Volume Adjustable) oil-filled shocks, what are the next hop-ups that will strengthen your G6-01 chassis R/C model vehicle? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we direct you to the right upgrades for the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), servo, and servo saver for this 6x6 monster bus and monster semi-truck. 

The Kong Head and King Yellow radio controlled monster vehicles have a set of hop-ups that one the surface look like they are just for aesthetic purposes. But do these hop-ups have a hidden mechanical upgrade as well? We look through the gearbox, break down the chemistry and physics and revising why might want to get these hop-ups for your King Yellow and KongHead in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast.  

Most 1:10th scale radio-controlled model vehicles run on a brushed 380 or 540 motor. But a select few can really benefit from a brushed 550 motor. What is a 550 motor and what makes it so different from a 540 motor and so good for some R/C model vehicles and so bad for others? We uncoil the details and give you all the details on the major and minor differences between these great motors in the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

Have you ever been to a R/C model vehicle museum? Do you know where you can find one to visit? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we pull out the map, and drop pins on all of the museums that you can experience that have a focus on radio-controlled model vehicles, both civilian hobby and military grade. 

Do you know where the world's first radio-controlled model vehicle hobby shop was located? Do you know if they are still operating at the same location after 60 years? Do you know what their name is today? If not, you might be surprised with their origin, history and present status. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we unravel the beginnings of friendly local R/C hobby shops 

Long time listeners to the RC deep dive podcast will know that Nikola Tesla's 1898 teleautomoton was the first radio-controlled model vehicle. But there are many inventions along the way to that first R/C boat. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we go over all of them along with his rearing by his Orthodox priest Father and housewife-inventor mother and the reaction from the world to god's many inventions. 

The aesthetics, design thinking, and corporate philosophies of radio control vehicle companies, Tamiya and Traxxas, are as different as night and day. This is truly where beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as some Tamiya R/C hobby enthusiasts might see a Traxxas RTR (ready to run) vehicle and call it an ugly fast blob, while the Traxxas Racer might see a Tamiya radio controlled model vehicle and call it a fragile but beautiful piece of art that belongs on a museum or a shelf oriented by glass. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast...

With this decade seeing a massive increase in militaries using radio controlled rockets, airplanes, and drones, are R/C tanks and 4x4 and 6x6 AWD (All Wheel Drive) off-road model vehicles the next great land based weapon in wars? We breakdown three military industrial complex in various countries' militaries and report back what plans they have for a radio control future of warfare in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

In Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, etc.) Both Tamiya and Kyosho have remained super popular in the radio-controlled hobbyist market for fifty years. While AE (Associated Electronics), Schumacher, Armma, and Traxxas have definitely become popular with a specific crowd in the R/C hobbyist community over the last half century. You will find that many radio control hobby shops have hundreds and hundreds of items from Tamiya and Kyosho stocked in their shops. We explain why in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

While Traxxas and Arrma are there most popular radio-controlled car manufacturers in Europe, in the UK (United Kingdom) and Germany Tamiya still rules as King. Why? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast, we look at the breakdown of three different distinct markets throughout Europe and why Tamiya continues to rule in GB (Great Britain) and Germany for the last 50 years. 

In Japan you will not find any Schumacher, AE (Associated Electronics), Arrma, Losi, or Traxxas R/C cars, trucks, or buggies, but can only find Tamiya and Kyosho controlled model vehicles for sale. Why is this? We dig into the fascinating logistics, the politics and the culture of Japan and explain by no one has been able to defeat the Tamiya and Kyosho Japanese duopoly. 

On this Labour Day (everywhere in the world except the United States of America) a.k.a. May Day a.k.a. International Workers Day we are tackling the political and social stereotypes of Arrma equals libertarian, Traxxas equates to conservative, and Tamiya is equal to liberal. And what are the stereotypes of Kyosho, AE (Associated Electronics), Schumacher, and Losi? We break down the political science that has led to these sometimes harmful stereotypes made up of dividing political and social barriers and hang them up on the May Pole in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

There are multiple types of hobby tweezers for applying decals, handling electronics, picking up small parts such as tiny set screws e-rings, c-rings, spacers, bushings, etc.. However, did you realise that the same tweezer should not be used for all those jobs? In fact, using the same set of tweezers for all three jobs can actually make each of those jobs much more difficult. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast, we unpinch the confusion and layout which brands and models are the best for the R/C hobbyist and enthusiast's tweezing needs. 

There are a lot of different types of paint brushes from natural hair paint brushes to synthetic fibre paint brushes and from round paint brushes to flat paint brushes and in this episode of the RC deep dive podcast, we plan to spread out the information of which type of brush you need to use on your R/C model vehicle whether you are painting with clear lexan polycarbonate soft plastic body shell or an ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) hard plastic body shell.

There are a lot of different polycarbonate scissors for R/C model vehicle body shells. However, there are some serious differences between each brand and model. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast, we cut open the truth behind this essential hobby grade tool and let you know exactly which brand and which model you need based off the type of radio controlled car, truck, buggy, van, jeep or bus body shell that you are cutting.

Sprue nippers or side cutters or side nippers or sprue cutters are different names for the exact same tool. However, there are huge differences in the different types. There's a double blade or double-sided and there's a single blade or single-sided version of this must-have R/C hobby tool. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast, we cut through the nonsense and tell you which brands and models are the best for the radio controlled model vehicle hobbyist or enthusiast. 

Every R/C hobby enthusiast needs to have both needle nose pliers and shock pliers at their work bench. But which hobby-grade brands and models and the best to use on your radio controlled model vehicles? In this episode of the RC Deep Dive We grab the sources firmly and uncover the best options available for you and your radio control model cars, trucks, buggies, vans, busses, tanks, and keeps. 

There's a false economy that tells you that cheap screws, nuts, and washers are a good deal, but in fact, they are not good for your R/C model vehicle at all. From poor steel quality to bad design tolerances, these cheap screws, washers, and nuts could end up cost you a lot of trouble. So what do you need to do? From Yeah Racing to Team KNK Hardware we review the best options for all of your screwing needs in this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. Happy driving! 

In a previous episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we mentioned that to make the King Yellow and Kong Head bulletproof, you needed a hardened steel pinion gear and a high torque 550 brushed motor. A listener asked us which brand and model of opinion gear and 550 brushed motor that we recommend for the G6-01 chassis model vehicles. So today we present the answer in a special extended length episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast. 

The GH2 (Grasshopper II) and Rising Fighter R/C buggies come with styrene hard plastic body shells. Besides the body shell of their discontinued chassis mate, the Super Hornet, what Lexan polycarbonate bodies are available for these three legendary radio controlled model vehicles. In this episode of the RC Deep Dive podcast we uncover the options and give you the best choices for your Grasshopper II, Super Hornet, and Riding Fighter radio control buggies. 

What can we as individual R/C Hobby enthusiast and as The wider radio control hobbyist community do to be better stewards of the environment? On this Earth Day, we explore the possibilities that what each one of us can do and what we can do together, even what the radio-controlled hobby shops and hobby manufacturers can do to help make this a better world for everyone in the current generations and the generations to come.