Carisma R/C Club (image:gamepeople.co.uk)
One of the best things about setting up our Carisma R/C Club is meeting a whole range of people from different walks of life. We all have very different backgrounds, skills and families but at the club everyone gets mixed in together.
I’ve been encouraging our members to tell their stories about the radio controlled car club, and it’s been fascinating to hear what they make of it. James is one of our more recent members and wrote about it like this:
A 5 year old on Christmas Eve would be the best way to describe my childish feelings when opening the Carisma GT-R box last Sunday. Although an old-school Tamiya Hornet die-hard, I was looking forward to experiencing what indoor racing had to offer.
Unpacking the box it was clear to see CML had done everything to minimize time between getting the model home and then onto the racetrack – our racetrack comprising of a polished village hall and some paper cones. Well, you have to start somewhere.
The first thing that struck me was the attention to detail in my Nissan GT-R 1/14 Carisma. Although smaller in scale than many Radio Controlled road cars, the 1/14 Carisma range has risen to the challenge this presents and come out on top.
With the batteries fitted we did our first couple of laps. I immediately had to get used to the steering wheel controller, which differed from my normal twin-stick unit. But within a few laps this was mastered and surprisingly easy to use.
The main difficulty faced by us all was the lack of traction afforded by the polished floor. Our Mulsanne Straight was manageable, but the sharp 90 degree corner just before the hall fire escape was not. However, within 20 minutes our power-slides were coming on nicely, no doubt aided by the excellent four wheel drive.
While we look for a bigger or carpeted venue James has been plotting some way to improve our racing fun. He, like many others at the R/C Club, often give as much as they take. We are really greatful to have him around.
Next week we are going to be trialling some rope barriers in a vain attempt to reduce the wear and tear on our cars. The odd accident did demonstrate to us how easy these cars are to repair, which, for any model enthusiast, is part of the fun.
After a few more races I can foresee us all tinkering with the suspension or steering in an effort to give our base models the edge over our race buddies. Until then I think I’ll just concentrate on my cornering!
Our next challenge is to stockpile some more parts as each week we rack up the breakages. Our plan is to have a proper pit area where our r/c carisma cars can be fixed there and then, before getting back out to join in the action.
