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Pro Tips

How To Cut Tire Foams

For those who don't know, tire foams are pieces of circular foam that fit into the tire to give it support since most RC tires aren't pneumatic, or filled with air. This is a step by step guide...

How To Store RC Tires

People that are new to the RC hobby may not realize how big of deal it is to store your tires correctly, especially if you are planning on decent performance from them. This article will show you a couple different ways...

How To Store Your RC Car

Storing your car - what's the big deal? What could hurt it while it just sits there, not even being driven? Well, a lot of things can happen to your RC car while it is in storage.

Making A Temporary Drive Pin

Everyone hates going out to an awesome bash spot or their favorite race track and having their RC break down on them. One common problem is the drive pins. There is, however, a quick and easy solution to this problem...

Prolonging RC Body Life

It’s no secret that rc car bodies wear out. There are ways to extend the life of your body, though. Normally, the first part of a lexan body to wear out are the holes where the body posts...

Proper RC Nitro Engine Break-in

So you just unboxed that new rc car with a brand new engine. Before you take it outside and start racing it, you should properly break-in the engine so it will run at peak performance. We discuss how in this article.

Choosing Rechargeable Batteries

Which types of rechargeable batteries are right for your RC system? In this article we examine four of the most popular battery types, LiPo, NiMH, NiCd, and LiFe.

3 Money-Saving RC Tips

We all can use a little money saving advice these days. But RCing can be quite an expensive hobby. So how can you put a little money back into your wallet and still enjoy your hobby? We give you a few tips in this article.

RC Nitro Engine Storage

Storing your RC vehicle for the winter or an extended period of time? There are a number of preventative measures you can take to protect your engine investment while it is not being used.

RC Vehicle Tools

What tools do you need to fix and maintain your RC vehicle? From Allen wrenches to soldering irons, to exhaust spring tools, we have you covered!

ModelKits.com is the hobbyist's source for articles about rc cars, rc planes, rc helis, rc trucks, model rockets, and model trains. Find information about building model kits, model painting tips, maintenance of your rc vehicle and much more.

Model Trains

Introduction To Model Trains

Model trains have been coveted by collectors for many years. Since the 1890s, adults and children alike have been setting up and playing with these small wonders...

Model Train Layouts

A track layout is a bird's-eye view of a railroad track that has been scaled down for model trains. The layout not only contains the track, but scenery, stations, tunnels and buildings as well. It looks like a mini city with train tracks.

acrylic model kit paint

Let's talk about paints. There are two types of paints primarily used by hobbyists for their model kits: acrylics and enamel. In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons so when it comes time to choose paint for your next project you will be prepared to make the right choice.

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Choosing The Right Paint

model kit acrylic paint

Let's talk about paints. There are two types of paints primarily used by hobbyists for their model kits: acrylics and enamel. In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons...

Decal Application

model kit decals

Once you have completed your model kit, you need to apply decals. Decals are what give your model a realistic look. Waterslide decals can be difficult to get right, so I will walk you through a tutorial and show you how to apply them...

Filling Model Kit Seams

filling model kit seams

Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...

Star Trek Enterprise Model Kit

star trek model kit

"Space... The Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. It's five year mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before."

Aftermarket Model Kit Parts

aftermarket decals

Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...

F-100 Model Kit Review

f-100 model kit

The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...

RC Powertrains 101

rc powertrains 101

RC vehicles are powered by a myriad of methods. Gravity, wind, updrafts, steam, internal combustion engines, electricity, you name it there's probably an RC that uses it. The most commonly used methods...

Crawler Suspension 101

rc rock crawler

Crawlers are all about being able to flex on the rocks. This is what is known as suspension articulation and it's really what makes a crawler a crawler. For the crawler to flex like this, however, the correct...

Battery Charge History Log

lipo battery

You may be wondering what the heck I'm even talking about, but I promise you I'm not completely crazy! A battery cycle log is a history of charges and discharges with detailed information on how long...

Building An RC For A Novice

novice rc car

Sometimes it isn't all about being so powerful with that new brushless motor system or big block nitro engine that your vehicle flips over on its lid at the touch of the throttle. Sometimes, it's all about...

Installing Jato Drive Shafts

jato drive shafts

It's no doubt that running your Rustler on a 3s LiPo and a high performance brushless combo is a whole lot of fun. But, this can bring with it some unwanted and annoying drive train failures with the stock drive shafts.

Advanced Guide To RC Transmitters

rc car

Have you ever wondered just exactly how your thumb's movements are translated into burnouts? It's a pretty simple process, which this article should explain. The main component in action is radio waves. They're everywhere...

Model Rocket Maintenance

model rocket maintenance

You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?

Model Rocket Range Boxes

rocket range box supplies

You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...

Building A Model Rocket

model rocket

Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.

BMS Mighty D Review

rrocket launch controller

I have been searching for a 12-volt model rocket launch controller for some time. While Aerotech's Interlock controller and the Go Box by Pratt are great solutions, I don't have the ability...

Painting Miniatures With Photoshop

digital miniature painting

Have you ever got a new miniature and looked at it and came up with a killer paint scheme in your head, then, worked for days getting it just right only to find out that the colors are all wrong?

Gundam Model Basics

gundam model kit

Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...

Reaper's Bones Miniatures

reaper's bones miniature figures

You have spent countless hours painting your miniature and spent even more time creating your dungeon for your heroes to explore, but what about creatures to inhabit the dungeon? With all this time and money invested...

Painting Miniature Figure Faces

miniature face painting

Faces. They're everywhere. Every one you know has a face. Some are round, some are oval, some are chubby and some are skinny. So since everyone has a face that would mean eventually, you are going to have to paint a face on a miniature!