XV Pilot

I have been involved in the hobby of RC for many years, starting with model aircraft, switching to RC cars in the mid-90s. I started off racing a Tamiya FF01 at a local track. This was soon joined by a DF01 for off-road use.

I then went over to the dark side for a while, selling my Tamiyas and racing a Yokomo MR4TC Custom and MR4BC on and off-road respectively. When parts for these cars started becoming scarce, I switched back to Tamiya, buying my first TT01.

This made for a surprisingly successful club racer, and was soon joined by another TT01 and an M03 for racing in the on-road classes, a converted TT01 for rally events, a DF02 and DT02 for the buggy classes, and a WR01 for bashing. I also modified a CC01 Pajero for Scaler competitions.

However most of my RC driving these days is non-competitive, consisting of bashing sessions with my wife (who also drives Tamiya) and occasional meet-ups with other hobbyists. I also find myself getting a great deal of enjoyment from the building, restoring, modding and customising side of the hobby. As such, my fleet has grown into an eclectic collection of 20-something models, all Tamiya, both vintage and modern, some built from new kits, some bought used and restored.

I firmly believe that RCs are meant to be used. Some of the older cars are only run seldom and gently, but all are fitted with radio gear, and all are runners.