Hobby-grade RC models are designed to be maintained, repaired and upgraded. Components such as tyres, gears, bearings and drivetrain parts wear with use, and routine maintenance and occasional replacement parts are a normal part of the hobby. .
Some RC models use waterproof or water-resistant electronics, but this does not mean the entire vehicle is completely waterproof. Bearings, fixings and drivetrain components can still be affected by water. Always follow the manufacturer's guidance and clean and dry the vehicle after wet use. .
Sometimes a specialist charger may be able to assess or recover a battery that has fallen below normal voltage, but recovery is not always possible or safe. Do not attempt to charge a swollen, damaged or punctured battery. If in doubt, stop using it and seek advice. .
No. Online orders are dispatched to the delivery address associated with the payment method and are not available for in-store collection. If the item is available in store, you can visit us and make a separate in-store purchase. .
For security and payment-protection reasons, orders must be shipped to the address linked to the payment method. Once an order has been processed or dispatched, we cannot change the delivery address. .
Possibly, but compatibility needs to be checked carefully. The motor must be suitable for the ESC, battery, gearing and drivetrain. Increasing power can also increase heat and load on drivetrain components, so check the manufacturer's limits before upgrading. .
Generally, products must be returned unused and in a condition suitable for resale. Once batteries, chargers, electronics, tyres, wheels, body shells, upgrades or spare parts have been fitted, installed, connected, soldered, charged or modified, this may affect whether the item can be accepted as a change-of-mind return. This does not affect your statutory rights where goods are faulty. .
For eligible change-of-mind online returns, contact us within 14 days. Products should be unopened, sealed and in a condition suitable for resale. Opened or used goods may be subject to a deduction where permitted. This does not affect your statutory rights for faulty goods. .
In many cases a suitable adapter can be used, provided the battery voltage, polarity, current requirements and connectors are compatible. If you are unsure, contact us with the exact RC model and battery details before ordering. .
Not simply by increasing capacity. A higher mAh rating mainly affects potential runtime. Increasing voltage, such as moving from 2S to 3S, can increase performance only where the ESC, motor and drivetrain are specifically designed to support it. .
Often yes. A higher mAh capacity can provide longer runtime, but the battery must physically fit the battery compartment and have the correct voltage, suitable discharge capability and compatible connector. Check the model specifications before ordering. .
No. The battery must have a supported voltage and cell count, fit safely in the battery compartment, provide suitable current and use a compatible connector. Using an unsuitable battery can damage the electronics or drivetrain. .
We recommend avoiding beach environments, particularly wet sand and seawater. Fine sand and salt can enter bearings, gears and other components, causing accelerated wear, corrosion and damage even after the model appears to have dried. .
Yes. Contact us with the exact make and model of the RC vehicle and clear photos of the part or area concerned. Where possible, we can help identify the correct manufacturer part number or replacement. .
No. We do not offer a soldering service. Where suitable, we can help identify compatible connector adapters or alternative products that do not require soldering. .
Yes. Send us the manufacturer's part number and the exact make and model of your RC vehicle. We can check available compatibility information before you order. .
Yes. Regularly check wheel nuts, screws, bearings, gears, drivetrain components and suspension. Keep the model clean and dry, inspect it after impacts or wet use and follow the manufacturer's lubrication and maintenance recommendations. .
It depends on the model. Ready-to-Run (RTR) models are largely assembled and include the main radio equipment, but some still require a battery, charger or transmitter batteries. Kit, BNF and other formats can require additional equipment or assembly, so always check the individual product description. .
Yes. We have an outdoor RC crawler course at our Walsall store. It costs £5 per driver and spectators are free. The course is normally open Monday to Friday 10:00–16:30 and Saturday 11:00–15:30. .
Yes. RC Model Shop UK has a physical retail store in Walsall where you can browse RC models, spare parts, batteries, chargers and accessories and speak to our team for advice. .
Yes. Finance is available on selected products through Novuna Consumer Finance, subject to status, eligibility and approval. Available finance options will be shown where applicable. .
Yes. We offer an RC diagnosis and repair service by appointment. Labour is charged at £45 per hour, with the first hour payable when booking. Replacement parts are additional and further labour is discussed where required. .
Yes. Saturday Delivery is available on eligible in-stock items for an additional charge shown at checkout. Orders must be placed before 2pm on Friday to qualify. Items that are not in stock are not eligible for this service. While we make every effort to meet the selected delivery service, delivery cannot be guaranteed. .
Yes, we can assess many hobby-grade RC models even if they were not purchased from us. Repairs are subject to model, parts availability and the type of fault. Contact us with the make, model, issue and photos before booking. .
Yes. We stock a range of RC cars, crawlers, trucks, planes and boats, together with compatible batteries, chargers, spare parts and accessories. .
Yes. We stock a range of genuine and aftermarket upgrades including suspension, drivetrain components, wheels, tyres, servos, motors, electronics and other performance parts for many popular RC models. .
Yes. We stock a wide range of genuine and aftermarket RC spare parts, upgrades, batteries, chargers and accessories for many leading RC brands. Searching our website using the manufacturer's part number is usually the quickest way to find a specific part. .
We appreciate customer feedback. You can leave a review on Google, Trustpilot or another review platform you use after purchasing from us. .
You can order securely through our website 24/7. You can also contact our sales team by phone or email during business hours, or visit our RC model shop in Walsall to purchase available stock in person. .
Always use a charger designed for the battery chemistry and cell count. Charge LiPo batteries on a non-flammable surface, ideally inside a suitable LiPo charging bag, and never leave them unattended while charging. Never charge a swollen, punctured or damaged battery. .
Check the exploded diagram or parts list in your model's instruction manual and identify the manufacturer's part number. Entering that part number into our website search is normally the quickest and most accurate way to find the correct replacement. .
Runtime varies considerably depending on battery capacity, vehicle, motor, gearing, terrain, temperature and driving style. Hard acceleration, high speeds and demanding terrain generally reduce runtime compared with lighter use. .
Delivery time depends on the stock status shown on the product. Items marked Next Working Day are held in our warehouse and, when ordered before 2pm Monday to Friday, can normally be dispatched the same working day. Supplier-stock items may take approximately 3–5 working days before dispatch. .
Our diagnosis and repair labour rate is £45 per hour. The first hour is paid when booking. Parts are charged separately, and if additional labour is required we can discuss this before continuing. .
Store LiPo batteries at the manufacturer's recommended storage voltage in a cool, dry and safe location, preferably in a suitable LiPo storage bag or container. Avoid leaving them fully charged or deeply discharged for extended periods and regularly inspect them for swelling or damage. .
Standard delivery is free on qualifying orders of £90 or more, subject to product and destination restrictions. Available delivery services and any charges are shown during checkout. .
No. Disconnect the battery when you have finished using the model. Leaving a battery connected can allow electronics to continue drawing power and may over-discharge the battery, potentially damaging it. .
Battery requirements vary by model. Check the product description or instruction manual for the recommended chemistry, voltage, dimensions and connector. If you are unsure, contact us with the exact make and model and we can help identify suitable options. .
The charger must support your battery chemistry, voltage and cell count. LiPo batteries should be charged using a suitable LiPo balance charger. If you are unsure, send us the battery model or specifications and we can help identify a compatible charger. .
The number describes how many LiPo cells are connected in series. Typical nominal voltages are 2S 7.4V, 3S 11.1V, 4S 14.8V and 6S 22.2V. Only use a battery voltage and cell count supported by your model and ESC. .
These stock messages normally indicate stock available through one of our suppliers rather than stock physically held in our warehouse. The stated period is an estimated supplier lead time before the item can be dispatched to you. .
Next Working Day indicates that the item is held in our warehouse. Orders placed before 2pm Monday to Friday can normally be dispatched the same working day. Orders after the cut-off, at weekends or on bank holidays are processed on the next working day. .
Ready-to-Run (RTR) means the model is supplied largely assembled with its main radio equipment. Depending on the model, you may still need a suitable battery, charger or transmitter batteries. Always check the product description for exactly what is included. .
Special Order products are items we can source specifically for you rather than normal warehouse stock. Availability and lead times can vary, so contact us if you need the item by a particular date. .
We normally hold the complete order and dispatch everything together once all items are available. If you would prefer the available items sent separately, contact us. Additional delivery charges may apply to split shipments. .
Please contact us as soon as possible and keep all product and delivery packaging. We may ask for clear photos of the item, packaging and courier label so we can investigate and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. .
Send us the make and exact model, a description of the problem and clear photos of the vehicle and any damaged parts. A short video can also be useful for electrical, steering, drivetrain or intermittent faults. .
Low Voltage Cut-off is an ESC protection feature designed to reduce the risk of over-discharging a LiPo battery. When the battery reaches a low voltage, the vehicle may slow down or reduce power. Stop driving and recharge the battery rather than continuing to run it. .
RC crawlers are designed for low-speed control, climbing and technical terrain, with gearing and suspension focused on traction. Bashers are generally designed for higher-speed recreational driving, jumps and more open terrain. .
Brushed systems are generally simpler and are well suited to beginners and casual use. Brushless systems normally provide greater power, speed and efficiency and are commonly used in higher-performance RC models. .
Our weekday dispatch cut-off is 2pm Monday to Friday for eligible items held in our warehouse. Orders placed after 2pm are processed on the next working day. Supplier-stock and special-order items have different lead times. .
Tool requirements vary by model, but hobby-grade RC cars commonly use hex drivers and a wheel-nut driver. Many models use 1.5mm and 2.0mm hex drivers plus a 7mm wheel-nut driver. Check your model's manual before purchasing tools. .
If you believe a product has developed a fault, contact us with your order number and a clear description of the issue. We may ask for photos or a short video so we can assess the problem before arranging the appropriate warranty inspection, repair or replacement process. .
We deliver throughout the UK, subject to courier and product restrictions. Some remote or offshore areas can have different delivery times or restrictions. Batteries and aerosols cannot be sent to BT postcodes because of ferry transport restrictions. Contact us before ordering if you are unsure. .
Swelling can indicate internal battery damage or deterioration. Stop using and charging a swollen LiPo battery. Do not puncture, compress or attempt to repair it, and follow appropriate local guidance for safe battery disposal. .
A sudden reduction in power can be caused by a low battery, Low Voltage Cut-off (LVC), overheating, drivetrain resistance or an electronics issue. Stop using the model, allow it to cool if necessary and check the battery and drivetrain before continuing. .