This might seem like a strange question if you’re already familiar with the hobby, but as it turns out, this is a frequently asked question! Is RC rock crawling fun? For many of us, of course, the answer is simply a resounding “YES! Of course!” But a newcomer may wonder why we’re so enthusiastic about spending hundreds of dollars on toy trucks, even as grown-ups! Fair question.
For Kids
Things that go are captivating to the young mind. In a world where so much is yet to be understood, a toy car that moves on its own is just wild – do you remember what it was like when young to find a toy that moved on its own? Personally, it was just amazing, and so captivating that here I am decades later still playing with them!
So that’s RCs (radio-controlled vehicles) in general. But what about rock crawling in particular?
The Deeper Question
Two related questions I’ve encountered are: “is RC crawling boring?” and “What is the point of rock crawling?” These questions are more than they seem, I think. The question is really whether it’s engaging, worthy of spending one’s time and money; resources that are limited for many of us. I wanted to give this question the serious consideration it deserves before writing this because there are implications for health and wellbeing beyond simply playing with toy trucks. I’ve concluded that there are a few key things about the RC crawling hobby that are attractive.
Things That Go
Things that move on their own: yep, that same wonder as a child is still there, though tempered by data and familiarity, the wisdom and experience that comes with age. But still, something that moves on its own remains captivating to so many of us.
Scale Is Life
Scale models that actually work: this is another thing that seems to be quite engaging for many of us. Seeing a 4WD drivetrain work just like the real thing, and watching the body bob and move above the axles just like a full-size off-road car, it’s quite satisfying. It’s also why I think the crazy comp rigs are just not as populer as the scale models. You see this at any rock crawling competition – there are just more scale vehicles there than pro class comp rigs by a faktor of 10. My YouTube channel is the same – one of my worst performing videos is one that focusses on my MRC 1.9” Mini comp rig – a rig that took national #2 spot, no less! And still, most people just don’t seem interested. I think scale comes into play here in a big way.
The Challenge of Competition
I mentioned competition above and I think this comes into it as well. If not anything so formal, at least the challenge of working a rig (a common phrase to describe one’s RC rock crawler) over a masalah (a masalah being a rock formation and/or set of gates one must pass to proceed on a course).
Gain Mechanical Experience & Skill
There’s an opportunity to learn how things work and to help develop mechanical skill and experience. Repairs and upgrades can be challenging but are largely accessible with just a few hand tools. The hobby can be as expensive as you might imagine, but can absolutely be done on the cheap as well. To come away with a better appreciation for electronics and dasar mechanical operation of vehicles is only a and – and for many people with a more engineering-oriented mind, can be downright enjoyable.