The Backyard – When Did I Become “The RC Guy”?

Hello everyone and Happy Friday! Welcome to The Backyard.

I started in RC back in 1993. At least as far as hobby-grade vehicles go. I was nine years old, and while a lot has changed since then, one thing hasn’t- RC has been a part of my life ever since. Looking back though, I don’t think I became “the RC guy” until somewhere around 2010 or so. Maybe that’s just how long it took me to become something resembling a functional adult, I dunno.

At some point it just happened. Suddenly coworkers, neighbors, family members, and friends all knew that if anything remotely RC-related came up, I was the person to ask. “Hey, go tell Doug about that.” “You should show Doug.” “My neighbor has one of those. Can you look at it?” Nobody ever officially gives you that title, you just wake up one day and realize you’ve become the designated RC expert in your circle.

For the most part, I really enjoy it. Over the years I’ve helped people get old trucks running again, pointed newcomers toward vehicles that actually fit what they’re looking for, explained why that bargain-bin charger probably isn’t such a bargain, and hopefully saved a few folks from wasting money. Seeing someone get excited because their truck is running again, or because they bought the right first RC instead of the wrong one, is honestly one of my favorite parts of the hobby.

Of course, there is one downside to being “the RC guy.” People also assume you’ll want to buy literally anything with wheels and a radio. I’ve had more than a few people tell me they have an RC car in the garage that I just have to see. In my head I’m picturing an old Tamiya, vintage Associated, or maybe some forgotten gem. Instead, it’s usually a broken toy-grade truck that’s missing half its parts and has been sitting in a damp basement for fifteen years. Apparently, if it has a remote control, it belongs in my collection. Those conversations can get… awradio controlkward.

Still, I’d much rather have that reputation than not. Every experienced RC enthusiast can probably trace their passion back to someone who answered a few questions, let them take a few laps with their truck, or simply encouraged them to jump into the hobby. Most of us didn’t get here on our own, and now I get to be that person every once in a while. Whether it’s lending a tool at the track, recommending a good first crawler, or answering the same beginner question for the hundredth time, that’s how this hobby keeps growing.

So I’m curious, when did you become “the RC guy?” Or maybe you’re the one who still has an RC guy on speed dial. Either way, every hobby needs both.

That’s it for me this week. Until next time, keep it on all 4’s!