Review Suggestions ?

[jimmy]

Does anyone have any suggestions about reviews in general ? It's not something im going to be doing all year long, but whilst theres not much photo-taking fun to be had, (since its winter), I thought it would be an interesting diversion.
I imagine it will thin out as the year goes on.
Is there anything about the reviews that isnt quite right ? layout ? writing style ? lenght of tests ? particular photos or comparisons ?
maybe a feedback option so you can leave a comment at the end of the review visible by all (and deleted by me if you type nob gags) :D

[Chris Doughty]

what about 'long term' tests, like one of your review cars used for a while national season and then you could add to the review in the 2006 winter time ;)

what about articles on aerodynamics in off-road, you have got the perfect test track (the batley double jump highlights front or rear downforce quite well)

get 10 different rear wings, try them all and rate them in level of 'downforce'

[jimmy]

Nice ideas chris, i was talking to "the stig" john price yesterday (he drives for the photos) about him taking over for a long term test of the X5 after its reviewed, and that will free up my XX4 to do a long term of that chassis at this years nationals..

[DCM]

Electronics dude....

Club reviews?

[emzy]

Oooh GRAMMAR!!

[jimmy]

please fix are repost for me em :drunken:

[emzy]

*head explodes*

You KNOW what it does to me!

[jl]

Jimmy,

19 years ago I bugged and bugged my parents to get me a tamiya frog for Christmas but all I got was a stupid pen with my name engraved on it! Useless!

Anyway, I've noticed that they've re-issued a bunch of old car. I'll probably buy myself one for Christmas 2006 but any chance of reviewing some of them(either the originals or the re-issue)? Might be eye opening to compare/contrast them to today's models?

Cheers,
Jason

[jimmy]

I do have the new one at home still in the box, so, you never know ? :) I dont have much time at the moment but If i get chance It would be interesting
;)

[Northy]

How about brushless systems?

G

[jimmy]

Definately northy, I think its something a lot of people have been considering recently. I need to see if I can borrow some systems to review, never an easy task but i'll try contacting some suppliers..

[Micha_MX4]

well definitely interesting would be a review of the new Yokomo MR4-BX!
cool to have your comparison with the Kyosho ZX-5 and the Pred X10

Micha

[stulec52]

how about 3800's vs 4200's vs Li-Pos ( even the Orion 4800 pack for starters)

Tyres would be a great black art subject to try to de-mystify. Like a good start point for any given surface, grass, wood, clay, whatever.

As for off road kits, not much new in 2wd..... maybe New Kyosho sometime soon or the X6 ( if that is to be the name) 4wd - xx4 vs xxx4 unless Losi do ever bring out the JRX-s based off roader.

[jimmy]

All good ideas! :)
Hopefully Chazz will be able to sort me out with an X6 review car, really looking forward to that as 2wd is my favourite class.
The kyosho looks good also, doubt I'll be able to get one of those "through official channels" but I'll certainly get one for review if it comes out.

As for the xxx4 vx xx4 I think that could happen, maybe with the X5 also, that would be even more interesting. I have access to a good modified xxx4g+.
Just a matter of getting the chance..

I looked in RCCA magazine today at the ZX-5 review and its sun and rooster tails of dirt.. really nice photos.. Just cant do anything that nice with the weather over here, still probably better than where you are stu! ;)

[AndyG]

Jimmy,

You're more than welcome to review my brushless setup (Sphere comp or Matrix Evo) once I get hold of it.

Also, how about adding some video content to the site? Might be particularly interesting on a brushless review for instance.

Andy

[jimmy]

That could be really good Andy, I might take you up on that. Lotta people looking at brushless at the moment.

as for the video, been thinking about that recently, its something i'll get round to when (we) can afford it, bit poor at the moment. for now im reduced to stringing photos from the camera together for the lil animations or what have you.

[AndyG]

...as for the video, been thinking about that recently, its something i'll get round to when (we) can afford it...

well, until you can afford it, I can help with that too if you like. I have a DVD Camcorder, which makes it pretty easy to rip things into a web friendly format.

If you want to shoot some video for your reviews, give me a nudge. I owe you a favour anyway!

Andy

[jimmy]

Don't remember If I said but now have the tamiya dark impact (4wd RACER) sorted for when its released.
Also got the tamiya Tamtech mini 18th scale frog and 10th scale frog which im gonna review together I think.

Waiting on the yokomo and bjworlds at the moment and currently reviewing the X-5 from Xfactory.

[JCJC]

Not so sure re reviews, but saw this, got to it via a racechat posting, and thought it may be a good idea on the oOple web site......just need to find some good photo's........

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/fast.electrics/cards.htm

Must say Fast Electric's site (RC Boats) has some good stuff on the "articles" page........power supplies, motor timing tips, well puttogetherstuff in PDF format.

JCJC's dad

[Mike_stening]

jimmy, think one of the best things you can do is attach setup to your car reviews, as and when they are available like. this would give you the most info needed for the cars, from build through to putting it on the track.
Would be quite cool once you have this years releases done (thats if you get them or get the time) and put them into a downloadable pdf format or see if one of the mags wants to do a supplement, there is nowhere that does such in depth reviews.

[DCM]

Wish I could access my NTL homepage....

[matt]

What about a review of the new XXX CR vs the mighty B4:bom:

[buzz]

the new T2R :D

[BenG]

Did you think bout me PM?, I can maybe gather up some review items, as I have around 200-250 RC contacts from copanies like castle creations and RCmart. Also, I have that Mamba 10th scale Brushless system coming, and Castle Creation want you to review too;)

[jimmy]

What about a review of the new XXX CR vs the mighty B4:bom:

mmmm, interesting!:)

[jimmy]

Did you think bout me PM?, I can maybe gather up some review items, as I have around 200-250 RC contacts from copanies like castle creations and RCmart. Also, I have that Mamba 10th scale Brushless system coming, and Castle Creation want you to review too;)

Hi mate, the 10th scale brushless sounds good, I'll have to talk to you at the batley meet if youre going (whenever it is)

[BenG]

Next Wednesday on the 22nd-26th LOL, I am called Ben, I'll be wearing a Morley Models T-shirt and have ginger hair, which is spikey. I will have a Blue Picnic table, and the Brightest B4 shell you have ever seen:D Just so you know who I am LOL;)

[BenG]

You want me to see what else I can get you to review?:confused:

[felixjo]

That would be an interesting review.

[BenG]

:o eek:D

[albertobdq]

I'd love a review of GTB vs. Sphere competition. I believe taht also will be useful to know how they handle switching the motor from one to another.

[SCOTT DICKINSON]

Reveiw my Durango 2005 just for fun

[Northy]

Yeah, go on Jimmy!

G

[jimmy]

haha, It would be good to have it up with the slim4 '07 :) "battle of the thin cars" - hmmm, not very catchy.

[SCOTT DICKINSON]

it could be england v germany all over again:D
bring it on

[OldTimer]

haha, It would be good to have it up with the slim4 '07 :) "battle of the thin cars" - hmmm, not very catchy.


Battle of the super models lol.

[SCOTT DICKINSON]

Thin Is In:) Waifes And Strays

[SCOTT DICKINSON]

2 Cars that are so thin there FAT!

[stefke]

Hey Jimmy,

I know It's not easy, but wouldn't a long term test of some cars be VERY interesting ? That way, a lot of problems/strong points of cars show themselves. Kind off like a "car diary"

I know you race alsmost every weekend so it should be doable, would cost you nothing extra and would be a great help in deciding what car to buy. I for instance would never have bought certain cars if a longer terms test was available.

[BenG]

You could review my Aero 2 and Ryans Aero 4

[PaulRotheram]

Hey Jimmy,

I know It's not easy, but wouldn't a long term test of some cars be VERY interesting ? That way, a lot of problems/strong points of cars show themselves. Kind off like a "car diary"


I could help there.. i know mr price did a long term test on his x5 for jimmy. I'd be up for doing somthing similar this winter if yah want jimmeh.

[DCM]

I will long term test the TRF501X... for a small fee in your direction of course Jim :P

[BREEZER]

Hi JIMMY, Would it be possible to get some driver feed back on different set ups for both differant tracks driving style and cars.This would also be great if you had both A final and clubmans input. Good Racing MARTIN

[losidan]

not so much reviews but what about some"how to's" for meatheads like myself....i was thinking on the lines of simple stuff like soldering cells and onwards...one i would be interested in would be the best way to make changes to a car in order to tune it in to a track and what changes make what difference.

just a suggestion

[PaulRotheram]

one i would be interested in would be the best way to make changes to a car in order to tune it in to a track and what changes make what difference.

just a suggestion

I was going to do somthing similar to this on my own website. Might even pop my link up one day for others to see :eek: :p

[woOdy]

Why dont you do a drivers review/interview? It would be interesting to find out a bit about others.

[Southwell]

not so much reviews but what about some"how to's" for meatheads like myself....i was thinking on the lines of simple stuff like soldering cells and onwards...one i would be interested in would be the best way to make changes to a car in order to tune it in to a track and what changes make what difference.

just a suggestion

http://users.pandora.be/elvo

Been up for ages.
Click setup tips at the bottom for a section you could print and take with you racing. ;)

[jimmy]

Elvo mentioned he would be revamping his excellent guide, so it might soon be featuring some nice oOple photos in there to illustrate things.:)

[jimmy]

Interviews / bios type of thing - definately. Just need to find the time!!!!

[Chris Doughty]

that would be cool Jimmy!

its an excellent referance article.

it would get a lot of exposuse with some nice photos and diagrams :D

[BenG]

yeah, the oOple wiki, like wikipedia, but for RC only.

Also, why not have a virtual tour of cars, basically, I lovely flash .swf file, where you can click around the newst cars e.t.c;)

And blogs, make some blogs for us, I like to blog :D

[jimmy]

I'm currently thinking about getting some regular contributors onboard here at oOple - currently things are pretty much a one-man band, though I do get valuable input from various friends and oOple team members etc.. I'll also be doing a long term review or two this year with other drivers racing review cars during the year. Some of that is yet to be confirmed.

Anyway, to expand the sites appeal and get a wider audience I was thinking of people who could write semi-coherently and maybe take the odd photo at races and do reports. Not really yer mid-week club race as such, unless masami hirosaka turns up - no, more regional sized, bigger races which might interest people from abroad even.

I don't really consider this site 100% UK and never did - there are a great number of visitors from the USA, Japan and Europe especially. So even reports from those countries, if they are to a reasonable quality and interest level, could be really good on oOple.

As oOple 'Editor' I'd be up for editing and cleaning things up - sticking photos in where needed and doing a bit of artwork here and there.

Really this site is about quality - and I go out of my way to ensure quality content - so don't be offended if you want to help but your stuff isn't 'there' yet, maybe we can work together to get it right. So if you think you can add to oOple in any way, especially race reports- let me know via PM.

You can even get an @oople.com email address if you are cool enough - how cool would that be!:D

[stefke]

Jimmy,

How about a report from the Belgian GP in July ? There are always a bunch of Brits there every year. I could do a review of the track changes of 2007 so you guys can be better prepared if you come over.

[jimmy]

Sounds good! I will see who is going over - I think there are a few going this year (mr.long?)

[rcfan]

Really this site is about quality - and I go out of my way to ensure quality content - so don't be offended if you want to help but your stuff isn't 'there' yet, maybe we can work together to get it right.


Absolutely!!! That´s why I keep checking and checking the site. Quality is everything. No crappy pix n reports from kiddies or sth.
Also keep finishing poor in racing! Makes reports funny and keeps you taking photos ^^ ;):cool::p

[jimmy]

Haha, yeah me and my "did crap today, was in the bottom final - but I got some good photos" eh! :D


Yeah, Quality is what it's about - and maybe by working with some dedicated contributors the quality can remain high and entertaining. I really wish I could go visit all the races around the world and make interesting reading/viewing, but it's not possible.:)

[rcfan]

Arghs shoot, time for me to get rich and sponsor you :-P

When´s the next review coming?

[jimmy]

Finishing up a couple at the moment, been a bit snowed under with various stuff and had a couple days in bed from a bit of the ole illness so taken me a while to get back into the swing..

[Cain]

I would like to see a review of the new SB V2 Pro buggy from Academy. There are alot of improvements over the standard SB V2 Sport, fixing the issues (for the diffs, use the AE diff grease) and making one heck of a buggy.

I value the reviews I see here, even though I am in the USA, very well written and would like to see one of the SB V2 Pro.

[dave g]

any help you need with nitro's you know where i am..im here for you bro' :)

nice to see oople has reached far and wide..even vadars heard of it.

dave

[telboy]

wot u need is some foreign input, maybe get some people from different countries do some reports on 'their' national series etc. just something different to let people see the 'other' point of view in different countries.

I'd always be willing to help out. I mean, I do reviews etc for rrci anyway and have done race reports this year too.;)

Maybe a 'How to paint a buggy shell' article.:wtf: :rolleyes:

[DCM]

Maybe a 'How to paint a buggy shell' article.:wtf: :rolleyes:

Well volounteered there Tell, heehee

[telboy]

hey I don't mind, i quite like doing that sort of thing anyway.

It gives me a bit of a release from 'just' painting them. Thats why I like doing reviews for rrci, cos it's something different.

.......mind you i am surprised you other painters didn't volunteer.:rolleyes:

Think of the money!

.........whats that,.... you mean i wont get paid for it?..........

......bugger!

:D

[ashleyb4]

Ill send you a shell that you can spray for the review. But you would have to do my paint job and it would have to be sprayed for free.


A:p :D :rolleyes:

[telboy]

:D :D :D :D :D
:o

[DCM]

I wouldn't know where to start, not got a good enough camera, and once I start, I kinda forget about taking pics, heehee.

Oh, plus being on my own, five kids, house to run, other peeps shells to spray etc etc etc....

[emzy]

Ill send you a shell that you can spray for the review. But you would have to do my paint job and it would have to be sprayed for free.


A:p :D :rolleyes:

Even better I'LL send him one... then he can show off his painting prowess by doing a super-girly shell with lots of niceness, glitter and flowers... perfect! :D

[telboy]

yeah that'd be fun! never painted flowers on a shell before.

did a psycadelic (spelling) mini before for rrci a long time ago, was on an 'austin powers' theme.
http://www.telsshells.com/groovy%20mini.jpg

:rolleyes:

[telboy]

hey we could run some sort of competition. whoever won would get their shell painted by me for a 'how to paint a buggy shell' article, for nowt. and have loads of lovely pickies on their fave forum.;)