Tomy Bit Char-g R/C (Radio Controlled) Micro Mini Cars.

There was a time when R/C cars meant either something low cost like Radio Shack or Tyco. Not something you can really race with, but something more suited to stunting or to chasing your cat. On the high end, Tamiya has their heavy high speed ulitmately customizable ankle busting racers. These are the ones fanatics gather in parking lots on Sundays to actually compete with. But what about guys like me? I have a wife, two kids and a shrinking disposable income after the first two. Well here is something fun with the ability to compete and customize.

Tomy Bit Char-g

Powered by a miniature Ni-Cad battery (charged from the side of the controller) Bit Char-g is like free style slot cars. Bit Char-g features six way remote controlling. No they are not digital proportional so you have to kind of tap the control buttons rapidly to make turns or risk a fish tail into the wall. This is both part of the Bit Char-g charm and appeal. Since you don't need a rigid slot track to run; you can create your on track in any shape. Indeed Tomy sells track barrier outlines and even a track circuit timer. I make my barries out of extension cord and a few random barriers. You'll also need a mat or a rough surface to run on. A polished coffee table will on make you look like one of those Radio Shack or Tyco stunters. Furniture polish will also ruin you tires, which, by the way, are replacable and come in hard, medium or soft varieties. Inded most parts on the Bit Char-g are replacable. Motors come in high, medium and low. Two types of gearing is available. The body shell is also interchangable.

I have provided a link to the Tomy brochure packed with my Bit Char-g as well as the manual pages, be warned the pages are very large and in Japanese.

Get your Tomy Bit Char-g at either, Hobby Link Japan (www.hlj.com) or CosmoGames (www.cosmogames.com)

Bit Char-g at play. The controller's flexible antenna is wound down into the unit, very convenient. The track can be as sophicated as the stuff you have laying around home or you can buy a layout. Getting around a track can be a challenge since your accelerator and steering is an on/off switch. If you are challenged to a race, select a preset number of laps and then don't give your car the full charge. You will be less likely to fish tail, but you run the risk of running out of fuel too early. Amazingly 45 seconds on the charger gives you 2 or more minutes of run time.

You'll need to store and transport your Bit Char-g. Here's a suggestion, Rubbermaid(tm) Servin' Saver (c) #10, 12 oz box. It's a good fit but a bit of bubble wrap is required to keep things in place. The bad news is, no room for spare parts.

Here is the paper work that was shipped with my Honda S-2000, these pictures exceed 200k each. You'll get an idea of how it all works and what's avaiable as accessories.