Making your own F1 RC blinking hazard lights.

I bought set of lights from the RC shop that were supposed to be blinking lights for F1 cars. But to my disappointment it didn’t blink at all and needed an additional special switch to be purchased for it to work. The manufacturer also stopped producing this item so I was unable to get it. This is when I decided to make my very own blinking light instead.

If you want to make one for your self this is what you will need. 

1. One 3v-5v blinking red LED bulb from an electronics store. If it can handle up to 5v will be ideal, because it will be able to handle the volts from the receiver without the need to solder a resister to it.
2. A receiver wire from your receiver to the LED light. Make sure to ask for a connector that is suited for your particular brand receiver from the hobby store.
3. One extension wire if the line is too short with some necessary adaptors.    

Here is what they look like.

Everything you need to buy.

Cut and insert blinking LED bulb in here check the polarity.

Cut the LED wire to 6mm. Note: The longer stem is positive

Use this part to connect and disconnect  your LED. 

Power supply for your lights.

Easy on and off for light. 

Great fit in the available opening on the F104 rear wing.

This version doesn't use a resister and doesn't require any soldering. The life span of the LED bulb may be shortened if it receives high volts from the receiver. I hadn't any need to replace my LED using a micro receiver. Anyway a simple solution for adding realism to your F104.

Set up complete

This new F104 chassis is a nice piece of work. I think Tamiya designed it really well, the new slim design and direct drive is nice. The battery slides in long ways for a nice balance. On the road it really pushes! I don't recommend rough competition races with this one because the front and back wings aren't flexible enough to take major hits unlike the HPI F10 it's made extra rugged.

Nice profile!

Direct Drive no power loss. 

Complete KO Propo system ready to be installed.

When you take off the body it basically looks like this. You will get a stock motor and simple soft damper. It is ready so you can set it up with your choice of electronics. I chose a brushless motor, micro receiver, and ESC by  KO Propo.  

Lipo powered!

Micro receiver and ESC.

F60 Ferrari RC system installed

Racing with formula hazard lights in bad weather.

F60 electronics

I really like the system I’m installing because they will work together perfectly. KO Propo takes good measures in making quality products.  

ESC comes with pre defined programmer for F1 cars. 

Setting up F60

Now this model doesn’t come with a radio or any electronics, what you’ll find is a stock motor that is fine for starters. I’m looking for great performance from this car so it will have to be fitted with some good products by KO Propo. There is not much space to spare in this car so a micro receiver and an ESC electronic speed control without a cooling fan will go in. I didn’t want an antenna protruding out of the body that is why I am using a 2.4ghz control and receiver to keep those gracious lines.  The second stock part that I will change right away is the damping rear shock it subtracts from the chassis good looks.

Empty chassis all electronics need to be installed.

Tamiya stock motor and damper.

Ferrari F60 by Tamiya

I’ve been always a big fan of Kyosho products, but last year I bought my first Tamyia product the Ferrari F60 F1. I have to say it was a must have and quite an impressive car. I saw a commercial for a GP (gas powered) formula 1 and I was all about it but the cost was enough to choke. For a lot of us our pockets aren’t running that deep, but then again this really isn’t a cheep hobby. It certainly is fulfilling for car enthusiast who can live vicariously through  these scale models. The details in RC cars are just unbelievable now. Choosing the right brand does make a difference when you are looking for quality. I think Tamiya produced a very nice model. It really has all the detail and performance to get excited about owning one.
If you want to get on the road and hit the tracks fast then you may be interested in getting an expert built version. All you'll  need to do is install your own electronics, battery and get a controller then you are ready. The cherry red finish is sharp and really looks good on the road. I'm brining this one all the way up to Lipo power. 

  Ferrari F60 Expert Built

My first hobby blog

I have never blogged before but perhaps this is a good place to start.

I'll start with the first time I ever seen a RC car. It was in summer camp in the 80s and several kids had these really fast buggies the Grass Hopper, Super Shot, and The Frog. The cars really got my attention so I wanted one. I couldn't afford an expensive car like that then so a few summers later I aimed to get my own. My first of road buggy was the Rocky 4WD from Tower Hobbies. The Rocky was a powerful chain driven RC.  I drove that car through just about everything and jumped it until I split two gearboxes. Cars have come a long way since then more powerful and faster than ever from 27mhz to 2.4ghz 1/12 scale to 1/58 scale. I wonder do you remember your first RC car?

458 Italia certainly my favorite car.