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continued... Mini-4WD Kits There are several similarities between model kits and mini-4WDs. In fact, it has its origins there. Originally just plain model kits, it revolutionized into a genre of its own when engines were placed into it. This gave the vehicle the capacity to run just as any other motorized car. However, unlike RC racers, they cannot be controlled and must be left at a track to run its course. Also, a lot of customization is involved when it comes to mini-4WDs. The distributor of such kits is Tamiya, who are what Bandai is to Gundam. The emergence of mini-4WD is not something new to the Philippines, or Asia for that matter. In fact, it has been recognized and accepted in the past decade. Locally, we have Lil’s Futaba Toy Center who originally distributed such kits way before Let’s & Go aired on GMA 7 as well as Robinson’s Galleria who hosts competitions during the weekend. However, its gleaming fame has induced the increase of the scope of its fans and thus became more accessible to the public. Assembling a Mini-4WD Kit Thanks to the existing model kit technology, mini-4WDs are basically easy to assemble. Most of the parts are snap-on and the rest can be joined together with screws. Building them is easy compared to the more complex model kits out there. Also, the kits are packaged with stickers to add decal to the kit and make it look like the ones you see on TV. However, this is just the surface of mini-4WD. Bear in mind that a mini-4WD kit is yours and you can personalize it any way you want. It is also a model kit and made of plastic and thus, can be painted. That’s why there are Tamiya paints. While stickers make the vehicle look good, nothing beats a personalized paint job. It can look identical to the ones you see on TV or make it appear new and different. Either way, the best procedure is to paint it yourself rather than depend on stickers or the plain box set. Taking the time and effort to paint it makes the kit more worthwhile and precious to you. Also, similar to an actual car, mini-4WD kits have various parts. In order to achieve optimum performance, you must customize them to suit your needs. You can change and modify nearly everything from the tires to the rollers to the plates to the engine. Change whatever you feel needs to be changed. Here, you’ll get to apply what you’ve learned in Physics. Lastly, unlike standard model kits, your mini-4WD will most likely not just be lying on your display somewhere. The real fun of mini-4WD kits is in the actual racing. The things have engines for a reason: so that they can run! Through all the time and effort you’ve put into it, you get to see your work in action. Are the settings of the car efficient enough? Does it look good while running as it does while stationary? Will your kit outrun the rest of the pack? Its’ the competition ‘baby and since you’re actually racing the car, you’ll most likely be dedicated to a few cars rather than an enormous collection that you’ll never get to use, making it your money’s worth. Getting Started on Mini-4WD Thanks to its popularity, finding a shop that sells mini-4WD became a whole lot easier. However, for the best places to buy, try the hobby shops for the most diverse and economical purchases. Investing in mini-4WD is relatively easier on the wallet than other hobbies. Taking some of the modifications and customization in mind, your first fully personalized mini-4WD will cost you no more than P2500 (if you know the right places to buy). The kit itself is only a fraction of the total but when you take the motor (especially the motor!) and spare parts into consideration, you’ll end up with that much, more or less. However, it will cost much more to have a sundry vehicle that can adapt to various conditions since it needs a variety of engines and accessories. Before you start buying your first mini-4WD kit, you must first obtain the necessary materials. An experienced modeler will always have his cutter and blade handy as well as any painting materials he might need if he chooses to paint the thing. Since we’re dealing with mini-4WD kits, we’ll also need some small screwdrivers. Last but not least, bear in mind that the vehicle runs on electricity so rechargeable AA batteries are a must, unless you’re extremely rich and can afford to buy a new set every now and then.
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