For those who have been in the middle of a session at their local RC café, with the loader arm halfway through a dig, and all of a sudden, nothing. A dead battery. A stripped servo. An abandoned putter. You know the pain. The planning of spare parts is not limited to professionals. It's for all those who wish to continue the fun without having to wait a week for shipping.
This guide spells out the real contents of what to include, who should include what, and especially the thinking that goes into stocking electric models rather than the hydraulic ones.
Why Electric RC Models Need More Parts Planning
Newer hobbyists may be surprised to learn that hydraulic RC construction models are extremely "self-contained". Fewer mechanical failure points, daily, as their lifting and moving mechanisms are fluid pressure-based, and not mechanical or electronic.
It's a different case with electric models. While very strong, accurate, and satisfying to use, they do require a network of servos, motors, and mechanical lifting assemblies. Your machine becomes idle if any of those parts gets worn out. That's why, for those who opt for an electric model, it's not a nice-to-have to have a small parts stock. That's just plain common-sense hobbies.
The One Part Everyone Needs: Batteries
Regardless of the type of model or model you have, whether it be hydraulic or electric, budget models or top of the line, batteries are the number one item to have on hand.
RC building models consume a lot of battery. A session can use up a pack faster than you think, and running a pack to empty again and again will have a strong negative impact on its life. The smartest thing that any RC café visitor and/or home operator can do is to have a minimum of 2 or 3 spare battery packs on hand.
This is for the novice with entry-level rigs as well as the seasoned operator with top-of-the-line rigs. The only thing you can always take for granted is that you will need batteries. Keep them in stock at all times.
For Electric Model Owners: Putters and Servos Matter
If you've bought a more expensive version of an electric RC construction model, then you'll need a few more parts! The only two parts that are necessary to have on hand are putters and servos.
Putters: The Lifting Backbone of Electric Models
On electric RC models, putting is achieved by mechanical actuators that lift and tilt, both long and short. Consider them a "hydraulic fluid" for an "electronic rig." They push, extend, and retract to produce realistic, controlled movements.
The main or arm lift is usually performed by long putters; short putters, by bucket tilt or secondary articulation. With continued use, they can wear out over time. Having a replacement putter on hand will mean 20 minutes instead of waiting weeks or months for a replacement.
This is a perfect example of a model that can be applied directly as such in the WLtoys 14800 RC Wheel Loader from Heavy Duty RC. This is most suited for hobbies whose aim is to have electric operation that's reasonably real, and who want to spend a reasonable amount. It is not basic, but it is attainable. When you're moving on to a model such as this, knowing your putter system is a part of your responsible ownership.
Servos: The Quiet Workers
Steering, articulation, and fine-movement are all controlled by servos. They're tiny, tireless, and do wear out. For those who are doing lots of flying on their eplane, it's a good idea to have a compatible spare servo.
Who Should Stock What?
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For the casual weekend runner: Two extra sets of battery packs. That is it. Start there.
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Regular RC café regulars: Batteries + a spare set of putters of the same model.
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To serious electric model operators: Batteries, Putters (long and short), and a spare servo. This will include 90% of the possible failures.
Watch Before You Buy
You might want to do some research first, and have a visual of what you are going to invest in before buying spare parts or the next model. Sign up to YouTube and find reviews and teardowns of the WLtoys 14800 and Heavy Duty RC to get a first-hand look at how these components fit and perform. It is a lot more fun to watch the putter replacement or the servo change, and see what is going on in real time, as opposed to having to disassemble and take the old one out.
It is not necessary to complicate the spare parts planning. It's best to begin the collection with batteries, and then find out the model type and add batteries from that point. Your future self (the not-dead-machine-rc-café version) will appreciate it!