Overview
The Fastrax Aluminium Metered Glow Starter is an essential piece of equipment for anyone serious about nitro-powered RC cars in the UK. Whether you're a seasoned competitor running high-performance glow engines or a weekend basher enjoying your favourite nitro RC vehicle, a reliable glow starter is absolutely crucial for consistent, hassle-free engine ignition. This professional-grade starter combines premium build quality with practical functionality, ensuring your nitro RC car starts reliably every single time you take it to the track or field.
Designed with the discerning RC enthusiast in mind, this Fastrax glow starter delivers everything you need in one complete package. The metered design gives you precise control over the heating process, allowing you to dial in the perfect glow plug temperature for optimal engine performance. Whether you're running a brand new engine that requires careful break-in or a high-powered mill that demands instant ignition, the metered functionality puts you in command. This is the kind of precision equipment that separates casual RC hobbyists from serious racers who demand professional-grade tools.
What makes this starter particularly attractive to the UK RC community is the comprehensive package included. You don't need to hunt around for separate components or make additional purchases to get started—everything is here. The built-in battery means you have portable power, the charger means you can keep it topped up between sessions, and the aluminium construction ensures durability through years of use at the track or during weekend bash sessions.
Key Features
- Metered Glow Starter Design — The metered functionality allows you to control and regulate the heating intensity applied to your glow plug, giving you precise command over the engine starting process and enabling optimal ignition timing for maximum reliability and performance.
- Aluminium Construction — Built from premium aluminium alloy, this starter offers exceptional durability and longevity while remaining lightweight and portable, making it the ideal choice for serious RC racers and bashers who demand equipment that can withstand regular use.
- 2100mAh Ni-Cd Battery Included — The integrated 2100mAh Nickel-Cadmium battery provides ample power for multiple engine starts without requiring a separate power source, and Ni-Cd technology is proven reliable for this application with excellent cold-start performance.
- Dedicated 2-Pin Charger Included — The Euro 2-pin charging plug comes ready to use, allowing you to recharge the battery between sessions without needing to purchase additional charging equipment, making this a genuinely complete starter solution.
- Ready-to-Use Package — Unlike many glow starters that require additional components, this Fastrax unit arrives as a complete system with battery and charger, meaning you can start using it immediately without extra purchases or setup complications.
- Professional-Grade Reliability — Trusted by RC enthusiasts across the UK, the Fastrax brand is recognised for producing quality starting equipment that performs consistently in all conditions, from summer racing to cold winter bash sessions.
Technical Performance
The Fastrax Aluminium Metered Glow Starter represents a thoughtfully engineered approach to engine ignition. The metered design is fundamentally different from basic on-off starters—it allows you to modulate the power delivery to your glow plug, meaning you can apply precisely the right amount of heat without over-stressing the plug or wasting battery capacity. This is particularly valuable when starting delicate break-in engines or when working with high-performance racing mills that are sensitive to cold starts. The 2100mAh Ni-Cd battery capacity is specifically chosen for glow starting applications, offering the combination of adequate power output and reasonable portability that working RC racers demand. Nickel-Cadmium chemistry, whilst older technology compared to modern lithium batteries, is exceptionally well-suited to the high discharge rates required for glow plug heating and maintains performance even in cold weather conditions—a significant advantage during winter racing in the UK. The aluminium body construction isn't merely cosmetic; it provides structural rigidity whilst dissipating heat generated during the charging and starting cycle, contributing to the overall reliability and longevity of the unit. This is professional-grade starting equipment that will serve you through countless engine starts across multiple RC cars.
What's in the Box
- Fastrax Aluminium Metered Glow Starter unit
- 2100mAh Ni-Cd rechargeable battery
- Euro 2-pin plug charger
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a glow starter for my nitro RC car? — Yes, a glow starter is essential equipment for nitro-powered RC vehicles. Whilst some engines can be started by hand using a spinner tool, a quality glow starter like this Fastrax unit ensures reliable, consistent ignition every time, reduces wear on your starter ring gear, and is the standard equipment used at every UK RC track and racing event.
- What type of battery does this glow starter use? — This Fastrax starter is equipped with a 2100mAh Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) rechargeable battery. The included Euro 2-pin plug charger recharges this battery between sessions, and the Ni-Cd chemistry is specifically chosen for glow starting applications due to its excellent high-discharge-rate performance and cold-weather reliability.
- Is this suitable for beginners to nitro RC? — Absolutely. Whilst this is genuinely professional-grade equipment, the metered glow starter is actually ideal for beginners because it removes one variable from the starting equation. The metered control ensures consistent glow plug heating, which helps new nitro racers develop good starting technique and understand engine operation without fighting with unreliable ignition.
- What is metered glow starting and why does it matter? — A metered glow starter allows you to control the power delivery to the glow plug, rather than applying full battery power instantly. This controlled heating approach is gentler on the glow plug, more efficient with battery capacity, and gives you the ability to match glow intensity to your specific engine and weather conditions—essential capability for serious nitro racing in the UK.
- Can I use this starter with any nitro engine? — Yes, this Fastrax glow starter works with any standard glow plug-equipped nitro engine, from small handheld car engines to larger truggy and truck powerplants. The metered design means you can adjust the heating intensity to suit different engine sizes and types.
- How long does the battery last between charges? — The 2100mAh Ni-Cd battery provides power for multiple engine starts in a typical session. Battery life between charges depends on usage—how many starts you perform and the metered setting you use. The charger included in the box allows quick recharging between sessions.
- What makes the aluminium construction important? — The aluminium body provides superior durability and heat dissipation compared to plastic alternatives. This means the starter will withstand the rigours of regular track use, maintain consistent performance, and last for years rather than requiring replacement after a season or two of use.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FASTRAX ALUMINIUM METERED GLOW STARTER With 2100mah Battery & CHARGER (Euro 2-pin Plug) FAST50ME today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Brand: Fastrax
- Model Number: FAST50ME
- Product Type: Metered Glow Starter
- Battery Capacity: 2100mAh
- Battery Chemistry: Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium)
- Charger Type: Euro 2-pin plug charger included
- Construction Material: Aluminium alloy
- Starter Type: Metered design with power regulation
- Included Components: Glow starter unit, 2100mAh Ni-Cd battery, Euro 2-pin plug charger
- Compatibility: Works with all standard glow plug-equipped nitro RC engines
- Application: Nitro RC cars, buggies, trucks and truggy engines
- Feature: Portable glow starter with integrated rechargeable battery
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
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- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.
