My toddler and his new Stampede

[ferrous]

Well I can't keep telling my little boy that he can't play with my MERV any more. So I decided to order him a brand new Stampede from Tower. NOT the Brushless version. He's not even three and he can control my MERV pretty well in training mode. However he did crack the front bumper...

 

[NCNitro]

Thats great! I started my oldest son with a Stampede when he was three, now he's 9 and has a T-Maxx. I have handed the Stampede down to my youngest when he was 4, he has been driving it for a year now and loves it. They are really great trucks, especially for little ones.

 

[ferrous]

What's the lowest voltage I could run through the XL-5 ESC safely. I'll make sure it's run in the training profile but I also want to slow it up as much as possible while he learns the controls.

Any ideas on how to easily SLOW it down? other than putting in a crawling motor/ESC combo? Although...maybe I should consider that.

 

[Jethro32]

Can you adjust the end point on the throttle so he can't go wide open? Maybe set it for 25% or so?

 

[beason]

with the stock radio i dont think you can set EPA.. you could gear it lower.. it would take off faster and pop wheelies like mad, but would have a lower top speed.

 

[Jethro32]

I wasn't sure what radio he was using. How about adjusting the throttle trim? There is probably a way to program the esc so it wont go WOT.

 

[WoodiE]

ferrous,

You could easily use the existing ESC and put in an Integy 55T or 65T motor which within itself would really slow it down. Top it off by changing up the pinion and spur gear and you could really make this thing go slow.

This is what my father did with his Wheely King so my two nephews (4 and 3 yrs old) could play with it.

 

[ferrous]

Thanks for all the tips, guys. You fellas never let me down. The Stampede is scheduled to arrive today. I'll have a crack at it training mode and then swap out the motor.

My little guy is going to love it!

Cheers!

 

[ferrous]

I introduced my almost-three year to his Stampede and we immediately had to go outside and mess with it. He proceeded to crash that thing into anything and everything. It's set in the training profile and that seems to be just fast enough to be interesting for him. He's still figuring out you can throttle and turn at the same time.

The Stampede is indestructible. I couldn't be happier. I was planning on upgrading the parts as they break but I am pleased to say there is no rush to do so. Big props to Traxxas for making a truck fun for adults and toddlers. He wouldn't go to sleep until he knew for sure the truck was safe in his room.

 

[Jethro32]

That smile on their face makes it all worth it. can't put a price tag on it.

 

[NCNitro]

That's great to hear! Sounds like you both had a great time.

 

[ferrous]

So while my toddler is taking a nap, I charge up the battery and decide to put the Pede through it's paces. After jumping a garbage can for the third time (the ramps got progressively longer and steeper throughout the afternoon) it lands and I have no drive control. Motor spins, something is grinding. Great, I think to myself. My son has crashed this thing into everything and I'm the first to break something...on HIS vehicle!!

So I bring it inside to my very well lit R/C workshop (dining room table) and proceed to take some things apart. When I got to the motor's spur gear/pinion cover I notice the motor came loose. Nothing broke! I grabbed some paper, set the gear mesh and tightened her down and presto! we're back in action.

My wife was right. I didn't buy it for my son...I bought it for me

Is that wrong?

 

[Jethro32]

I really dont think I'm in a position to answer that since my "son's" new aftershock 8E just arrived..... Too bad hes at school.

 

[ferrous]

I've been secretly hopping it up while he sleeps

 

[RNP]

I just ordered my 5 year old daughter her first rc monster truck.. I started to question my intentions , but you guys made me feel a lot better!!! I wish my father had a cool hobby to pass down!!

 

[RNP]

what's the best way to keep it slow??? just set it up so the carb doesn't open all the way???

 

[Rolex]

My wife was right. I didn't buy it for my son...I bought it for me

Is that wrong?

That's completely normal. If we didn't want cool toys, we'd send them to their mothers to teach them how to sew.

It's the women who are totally wrong. We just don't have the right to tell them.

 

[ferrous]

RNP, last I checked Electric Stampedes don't use carbs. I could probably due with less carbs myself...but I love pasta!

 

[RNP]

Ha Ha... I bought her a nitro truck... I know I'm really nuts, but if she ever gets bored with it daddy can still have fun with it!!! She's 5 and while she was in the tub I was explaining the importance of a rollcage!!! I'm losin it...

 

[Jethro32]

RNP if your controller has an endpoint adjustment for the throttle that would be the best way to keep it slow.
What did you get anyway?