| The Indianapolis Air Show is on this weekend, featuring | | | | model out for a cruise you might find it's only good for |
| the Navy's Blue Angels and the Army's Golden Nights, | | | | parts - or scrap. |
| and my thoughts turn to RC helicopter rescue | | | | Remote control trucks require deeper scrutiny. When |
| missions, remote control airplane stunt flying, and | | | | the weather is wet I'm thinking mud, and monster radio |
| aerobatics. | | | | control trucks. My thoughts zero in on bog pits, and |
| The spring rainy season isn't quite over yet though, so | | | | slippery hill climbs. |
| until the middle to end of June my radio control | | | | What fun are monster trucks if you can't splatter |
| pleasure stays with the trucks and boats. | | | | yourself when you're playing? |
| When the only way you'll enjoy your RC hobby | | | | Look for trucks sealed by the manufacturer against |
| includes rain you maximize your pleasure with models | | | | moisture, mud, and dust intrusion into the mechanical |
| designed for operation in wet or muddy conditions - or | | | | and electrical areas. If your truck isn't completely |
| both. | | | | sealed use your creativity. Self-designing covers and |
| Before you take your chosen vehicle for a run, make | | | | enclosures for exposed working parts lengthens the |
| sure the design is right for the weather you're playing | | | | vehicle life and usability. Keep in mind that you don't |
| in. Pick the wrong construction, and your pleasure | | | | want to increase the weight of your model overmuch. |
| won't last long. You'll only end up frustrated, and | | | | Pay particular attention to the engine compartment and |
| soaked. | | | | servo areas. Moisture attacks the electronic parts |
| Boat selection is easy enough normally. Manufacturers | | | | especially fast. You won't seal the moving parts (gears |
| design them for the wet conditions, and the builders | | | | and such) easily. Improve the design for protecting |
| seal the sensitive components against water intrusion. | | | | those parts where you can, and where you can't be |
| The main thing for your consideration is the type of | | | | sure and give them a good cleaning after each outing. |
| water you're cruising, or racing, in. | | | | Yes, I think 2 or 3 more weeks of truck mudding and |
| If you're putting that boat in the ocean check the | | | | boating fun, and then I'll take to the skies. |
| owner's paperwork, make sure the construction allows | | | | Of course, that boating thing works well all summer |
| for saltwater use. Manufacturers design many of the | | | | long. Actually, when we choose our RCs based on the |
| aquatic RCs for fresh water use only. Spend a couple | | | | environment where we live there's no reason why we |
| hours navigating a fresh water boat in the sea, and, | | | | can't enjoy the remote control hobby all year long. |
| due to attack from salt, the next time you pull your | | | | |