What is an RC Crawler?

The name RC Crawler is derived from English, where RC stands for Radio Controlled. The term "Crawler" can be translated as crawler or crawl. And that is exactly what these model vehicles do. They crawl through rough terrain or over formidable obstacles. Since even rocks are not insurmountable obstacles, these RC cars are also called rock crawlers, just like the big role models from America.
In order to really be able to perform these tasks with flying colours, some technical refinements are required, which are already incorporated into the construction of the RC trucks. Even at first glance you can see that some models are perfectly designed for rough terrain. In scale models, on the other hand, the clever technology is often hidden under the vehicle cover. These truck models, which are modelled on, for example, a pick-up tracked vehicle or a Rover tracked vehicle, only show their true potential during heavy off-road use.

Crawlers feel most at home where other model cars usually feel uncomfortable - on difficult terrain. It doesn't matter whether the ground is stony, sandy, rocky or muddy. For a crawler, every kind of obstacle becomes the ultimate challenge. But with a little practice, even the most difficult places are mastered by the vehicle and its drivers with flying colours. If the terrain is not naturally too challenging, it can be helped with a few simple steps. With stones, wood and other objects, a challenging course with large obstacles can be created in no time. And best of all: in bad weather you can even drive indoors. Cardboard boxes, books, folders and much more can then be used to build a varied obstacle course. The crawler virus has now also taken hold of many model car clubs and more and more lovingly designed trial parks are being built that offer the most diverse levels of difficulty for both the inexperienced and the advanced.

Many crawler models are offered fully assembled and ready to run (RTR), including 2.4 GHz RC remote control. With RTR crawlers, manufacturers have put driving fun first. After unpacking the RTR model and charging the drive battery, you can start driving immediately. With Almost Ready to Run (ARR) models, existing RC remote control and drive components can be used for the new model. This significantly relieves the hobby budget and eliminates the need to fiddle with different remote control transmitters. Tinkering enthusiasts will prefer a crawler kit to an RTR model. This has the great advantage that the model is known inside and out in the truest sense of the word. In the event of a defect, the owner of the model kit knows immediately what to do.

But even the finished vehicle always has something to do or improve. Fans of scale models in particular are always concerned about not only making their vehicles true to the original. No, the scale vehicles must also look absolutely prototypical. How good it is that there are many bodies, tires, rims and attachments in the accessories section. Specialists with a love for detail then lovingly design the body of their RC car with the usual traces of use, dents in the sheet metal and various rust spots. If the model then comes as close to the original as possible, this is scale model building at its best.

For myself it is still quite new. At the moment I have 3 cars. A Willy Jeep on 1/12 with trailer. Then a 2nd Willy, but on 1/6 and completely converted to a Belgian SAS Jeep. As 3rd then a SCX10 III on 1/10. I will test that extensively and possibly adjust it. This year I will drive several competitions and of course test a lot. You can follow this here with many photos and videos.