Remote control builds

Drive it yourself! These models use an infrared receiver and a remote, and some add a servo motor for real steering.

Start with RC Tank for free

Complete MightyCog booklet collection: 82 PDF booklets for $12.99. Instructions only; individual booklets remain free.

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Before you start: Remote control builds are longer, so they make a great weekend project or a reward after a few easier builds.

11 builds, easiest first

  1. 🪖 RC Tank: Two motors, two tracks, one remote. Spin on the spot and climb over anything! (level 4 of 5, about 60 minutes, 27 steps)
  2. 🚂 Floor Express: A remote-control locomotive with headlights, a chimney and a log wagon. (level 4 of 5, about 40 minutes, 17 steps)
  3. 🎮 First RC Car (Servo): Your first remote-control car: one dial drives, the other dial steers. (level 4 of 5, about 50 minutes, 27 steps)
  4. 🛵 Front-Drive Servo Trike: One front wheel does everything: its own motor drives it and the Servo swings it round. (level 4 of 5, about 50 minutes, 21 steps)
  5. 🚜 Skid-Steer Loader: No steering at all: left motor, right motor — spin it round on the spot! (level 4 of 5, about 65 minutes, 25 steps)
  6. 🔒 Diff-Lock Mud Truck: Stuck in the mud? Slide the diff lock and both wheels are forced to turn together! (level 4 of 5, about 60 minutes, 33 steps)
  7. 🏆 RC Racer: A real remote-control car: motor drive, differential, servo steering and headlights. (level 5 of 5, about 75 minutes, 38 steps)
  8. 🤖 Robot Arm with Servo Claw: Swing, lift and grab! Three motors and a remote turn you into a factory robot operator. (level 4 of 5, about 60 minutes, 30 steps)
  9. 🏆 Independent Rally Car: Every wheel on its own springy arm, a differential, universal joints and Ackermann steering. (level 5 of 5, about 90 minutes, 47 steps)
  10. 🌐 AWD with Central Diff: All four wheels driven, with a differential in the MIDDLE of the car — like a rally car. (level 5 of 5, about 90 minutes, 28 steps)
  11. 🚧 Twin-Motor Dozer: Wide caterpillar tracks, one motor per track, and a blade that cranks up with a worm gear. (level 5 of 5, about 100 minutes, 33 steps)

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