Snowed In?
4 RC Projects to Tackle This Week
When the Jersey snow starts piling up and the local tracks are buried, it doesn’t mean the hobby stops. For those of us in the Garden State, a solid snow day is the perfect excuse to retreat to the workbench and get “race-ready” for the spring.
Here are the best ways to keep the RC momentum going when you’re stuck indoors.
The Winter Build: Building a New Kit
There is nothing quite as satisfying as opening a fresh box on a quiet, snowy morning. Whether it’s a high-end 1/10 crawler or a precision drift kit, a snow day provides the uninterrupted time needed to focus on the details.
- Master the Build: If you’re tackling a complex kit like a Tamiya or Associated build, follow a professional’s rhythm.
- Watch this: What You Need To Build Your First RC Car Kit. Ultimate Beginner Guide.
- Pick Yours:
Intricate Body Design: The Airbrush Masterclass
If you’ve been sitting on a clear Lexan body, now is the time to bring it to life. Since you can’t rush out, you can focus on a complex multi-color design or liquid masking.
- The Secret to Detail: Using liquid mask allows for those sharp, “factory-team” graphics that rattle cans just can’t achieve.
- Watch this: How to Airbrush Intricate RC Body Designs
- Get the Look:
Soldering & Electronics Maintenance
We all have that one “project car” waiting for a brushless swap. Use the downtime to clean up your wiring.
- Solid Connections: Don’t settle for “okay” solder joints. A “cold” joint can fail mid-race.
- Watch this: You got this
- Upgrade your Power:
Practice Your Indoor “Lines”
If you have a basement or a cleared-out garage, it’s the perfect time for some low-speed technical practice.
- Mini-Z Mastery: 1/28 scale racing is the ultimate indoor winter sport. You don’t need a massive space—just a few RCP tiles or even painter’s tape on a smooth floor.
- Watch this: DIY Kyosho Mini Z track under $100
- Go Small:
Summary Table: Snow Day Activities
| Activity | Skill Level | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Kit Building | Intermediate | Hex drivers, grease, patience |
| Body Painting | Creative | Liquid mask, Lexan paint, hobby knife |
| Shock Rebuild | Technical | Shock oil, pliers, cleaning rags |
| Micro Racing | Beginner | Cones (or solo cups), 1/24 scale RC |
A Jersey Reminder: If you do decide to take a basher out into the snow, remember to “winterize” it first! Use a chassis cover and ensure you have a plan to dry it off immediately—Jersey road salt is an RC car’s worst enemy.
Ready for Your Winter Build?
Whatever your project, we have the gear to get you through the season. Stop by and see us at RC Car World in Cinnaminson, NJ (located at 2305 Garry Rd, Ste A) to browse our massive selection of kits, parts, and paints in person.
Can’t make the drive or stuck in the snow? No problem! Order online at rccarworld.com we ship fast via UPS and USPS, and most local NJ orders arrive at your door in just 2 business days.
Stay warm, keep wrenching, and we’ll see you at the shop!