The equipment to start your thermal car
To start your thermal car and launch it on the slopes, you will need different elements that we will list below.
A set of candles
They will allow you to activate the ignition in the combustion chamber of your thermal vehicle, thanks to the mixture of air and fuel.
A candle warmer
To light your candles, you will need to have a candle warmer, also called a Glow Starter . Screw in your candles beforehand, without forcing too much, then use your candle heater. The filament should turn red. If this is not the case, check that your candle heater is properly powered. If it still doesn't work, it's probably the spark plug that is defective. Replace it.
A little advice : it is best to have a spare set of spark plugs in advance.
A key to remove your candles
If the spark plug shows some signs of weakness, a wrench will be very useful to remove it without damaging your vehicle.
The right fuel for your RC vehicle
It seems obvious, you need the fuel that corresponds to your type of vehicle and its specificities.
You will find everything you need in our fuel category: filling pipette, fuels, refueling guns, hoses, filters, coolers, etc.
A starter pull or a starter bench
Once the spark plug is heated and the tank is filled with fuel, it is time to start the engine . Two options: either your vehicle is equipped with a push button which allows the fuel to rise, or you will have to use a pull which will allow the fuel to rise towards the engine to prime it. Be sure to block the carburetor exhaust beforehand.
Once all the priming steps mentioned above have been completed, it is time to start the engine. Simply pull the starter pull in 3 successive pulls (not too hard) to start the engine. If it doesn't work, don't insist. If the pull tab is stubborn and particularly difficult to pull, you may have over primed the engine. You must therefore turn your vehicle over to defuse it. All you have to do is unscrew the spark plug and pull the pull tab. Fuel should start to come out (remember to wear protective eyewear). Then continue to pull the starter until fuel stops escaping.
For certain vehicles, no need for a pull tab, but a starting bench which allows the flywheel to be activated via a rubber system.
Start your vehicle with a Roto Start
The Roto Start is a small device which, thanks to its rotating power, allows you to start your thermal vehicle by simply pressing a button. Some vehicles are pre-equipped with a Roto Start, others not, but nothing prevents you from installing one yourself.
You are ready to start the race! For more information on getting started and find advice, feel free to visit our RC team blog. There you will find all our expert advice to make you the perfect modeler!