Remote Control Snowmobile Fun

An RC snowmobile is available in a wide array of styles and types, from the collectible scale models of by-gone eras to the latest designs from Polaris and Ski-Doo. You can find models set up for flat out speedster racing or for nimble handling over super rough-terrain. Powered by tough electric motors or nitro engines, most models come ready to run out of the box. Usually all you need to supply are transmitter batteries and the desire to go play in the snow.

Choosing your remote control snowmobile depends a lot on your driving skill level. If you have had plenty of road time with an RC car or truck, or have advanced to racing or competition matches, you’ll probably be drawn to the nitro-powered models. These elite machines usually come in kit form and require some assembly, but for the advanced modeler, this allows the freedom to do a little tweaking, and bump the standard .21 big block nitro engine up to a .25 or .26 oversized big block.

The nitro-powered remote control snowmobile models also bring the feel of running a full-size 2 stroke sled to life with their smoking exhaust and an engine noise that can really blast through the winter air. If you find a nitro-powered RC snowmobile you particularly like, but don’t feel comfortable with the extra speed and power, check with your vendor to see if the same model comes in an electric version.

Electric powered snowmobiles are available in a wide variety of styles and, like the nitro sleds, range from 18” to 26” in length and usually around 11-12” wide. Some of the larger models feature 540 and 380 class electric motors that can produce speeds of 9’ per second for real excitement.

Your snowmobile model of choice should include a transmitter, a 7.2 – 9.6V NiCad rechargeable battery, a charger and instructions. You will also usually find a second set of skis included—for running indoors on carpet—when winter weather isn’t cooperating, or you just feel like buzzing through the house. You may find that your model will run nearly as well on grass and sand, as it will on some snow conditions. Many models also feature working headlights for night-time running. Full track design is a must, as it ensures the power needed to punch through challenging snowdrifts.

Look for an RC snowmobile that is made of cold-resistant, thermoplastic material. You’ll maneuver using a 2-channel RC transmitter that needs to have at least a 100’ range. You can expect your fully-charged running times to be between 12 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of your battery, the difficulty of your terrain and any accessories using motor power.

Once you’ve had a taste of a remote control snowmobile, you’ll find a world of custom builders and fantastic collectible models, including those signed by World Champion snowmobile racers! Like all things RC, you can keep your interest and involvement as intense as you want.