What should newcomers know when they get a nitro RTR?

You have to have the right type of car for what you want to do, Truck Monster Truck, Buggy, Touring Car. Follow the instructions for braking in the car to the letter the car will last longer and perform better, if in doubt, ask at the hobby shop. It never hurts to thread loc every nut bolt and screw.

The basics of tuning a nitro and proper cleaning of engine and chassis also the power and the sound of a nitro

Be very patient and be prepared to do a lot of battery charging. Nitro is a lot more fun than electric, but it also requires more batteries, not to mention fuel. When breaking-in the engine, make sure to use a temp gauge to keep temperatures in the proper range. A fail-safe is also highly recommended to prevent run-aways; after all, you want to make the most out of your investment.

Take it easy, and don't rush the break-in. This step is CRITICAL for how well your new car/truck/boat will run and last. Realize that a new RTR is at first going to be slow, probably stall a lot, and may even burn out a glow plug in the process. This is normal, but as the vehicle loosens up, and you start tuning it, the rest will come. If you start beating on it right away, your engine will never reach it's potential, and you may even destroy it in the process (expensive lesson).

They should know how to properly handle a lot of power and speed, because if they don't then they will end up crashing and destroying their trucks

They should know what not to do-- to lose the compression of your motor. I keep 3 or 4 extra air filters on hand for dirt running. Officially, you must change your air filter every other hour of running time. Having no filter will bust an engine quicker than a nitro trex 2.5!

They should know what they want to do: If they are planning to race, then they should know what classes their track runs. If they are planning to bash, they should know what type of vehicle they want to bash, and where are they gonna bash most of the time. This planning before hand makes the R/C experience all the more joyful.

Posts not pertaining to the question of the week are deleted.

Prices subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographic errors.