Boom Racing

Please tell us a little about yourself, where you live (and run your rigs), and the catalyst that got you into this fantastic hobby.

Peter Gray

I'm based in Solihull, in the UK (the home of the Land Rover!) and from Leicestershire, just 10 minutes from a great trail and crawling venue, Bradgate Park, where I try to run rigs as often as possible. I've been into RC cars since I was 8 and have worked in the industry in various roles. I'm the ex-magazine editor of RRCi and RCCar.Zone, technical advisor for 15 years on The Channel 5's Gadget Show and Gadget Man for North One TV, ex brand manager and co-founder of Carisma Scale Adventure, a global brand ambassador of the Scaletra Adventure app, host of the UK Scaler Nationals for over 15 years, co-host of the UK RECON G6, owner of HiveMindRC a collaborative creative company within the RC industry and coffee nerd, running an independent, artisan coffee brand in the UK, RoarGill Coffee. I have a design degree, and I also did an Engineering Modelmaking apprenticeship as a teenager, so I combine both in everything I do. I was also taught product photography by one of the best and tried to make everything look photorealistic and dynamic in all my shots.

Boom Racing

Which Boom Racing vehicles do you have and can you tell us about them?

Peter Gray

I built a D110 pickup upon its first release and was very impressed with the entire package and the quality of the materials and components used. I also loved the unique number plate and VIN. That got me hooked. Since then, I've built a D110 6x6, A Series 2 88 with a Safari Roof, a Series 3 88, a Series 3 109 and more recently, a BRX01 AWB Zil. My entire RC collection is over 100 vehicles, and many hold a deep meaning to me and are snapshots of that part of my life. Each Boom build has a unique theme based on things I'm interested in, and I try to detail them using a combination of traditional modelmaking skills, 3D printed parts and self-fabrication.

Boom Racing

How did you find the assembly process of your first Boom Racing kit?

Peter Gray

Having built and reviewed hundreds of kits over my 20+ years as an RC Journalist, I'm no pushover and way more critical than most when building something new. That said, I couldn't really fault any aspect of the build, and in fact, I would go so far as to say it was a pleasure. Like all good products, the tolerances are near perfect. There were niggly, fiddly bits to complete like the dreaded 'E Clips used in the 2-speed, but taking my time and using my aged sausage fingers carefully, all ended up good.

Boom Racing

We recently released the highly anticipated BRX01 AWB. What was it like to build this vehicle?

Peter Gray

I think the AWB will surprise a lot of people. It’s not only very versatile as a platform, with a wide variety of wheelbases catered for, but with its driveline improvements, many taken from the BRX02 series, it punches well above its weight and size. With the Zil body fitted, it’s a really nice change from the Land Rovers we’ve all become accustomed to on many past Boom releases, and even though the 1.55 wheels and tyres are smaller in diameter than many are used to, it performs well on trails and milder forms of rock crawling. Having an external battery box makes changing LiPo’s a breeze, and the leaf springs can be tuned to suit your driving style and the intended all up weight of your finished rig, 
The cab is a tad ‘cramped’ for many driver figures, but I 3D Printed myself in the correct size and used a rotary tool to shave the back and ‘rear end’ until I fit just right! This is a ‘bolted-on’ body with no quick release, so ensure you make the wiring and driveline as tidy as possible. 
It’s very, very ‘Scale,’ and that’s a massive draw to me. I love building photorealistic rigs and have added period-correct Russian Space Agency logos, made a Sputnik, and even modified a Doctor Who figure into a space-suited astronaut. 
I can’t wait to see what Boom does next…and when I can build it! Within days of finishing a build, I get withdrawal symptoms. I’m already itching to get my tools out and start something new!

Boom Racing

What features or qualities make Boom Racing products stand out to you as a builder?

Peter Gray

Attention to detail, scale realism, quality of the body and interior mouldings, and the scope each new kit offers the scale community for custom builds. I also like the way the Leaf Sprung models perform in use, their quirks, and how realistic they are to drive. These are no 'Cheater Rigs' and require skill to build, drive, and get the most from them.

Boom Racing

What tips can you offer to new Boom Racing builders to help them overcome the first steps from opening the box to starting the build?

Peter Gray

Plan in all aspects. Grab a big mug of your favourite beverage and read the instructions a few times, front to back. Then, plan what you need and what your build should look like and buy additional bits accordingly. I use 'themes' for my builds. Things that interest or inspire me. Films, TV series, computer games, and historic vehicles. All are just as relevant, and it really doesn't matter what others think as it's your build; you will be driving it, and you are in charge.

Boom Racing

Can you share any technical issues you have met during a build and how you overcame them?

Peter Gray

I have only met two. The first was breaking a Land Rover series 3 windscreen myself, fitting it to its surround. Luckily, I busted it exactly in half and was able to use a windscreen adhesive that dries clear to bond it back together, and then the centre rib of the screen surround hid the crack! Phew! The other was a chassis I had that had too much thickness of finish at one end. That meant when I tried to bolt on the Leaf hanger/bracket, the M3 just wouldn't tighten into the hole. Luckily, I have a set of Taps & Die in my workshop, so I simply tapped the hole again to a perfect M3 female thread. If I didn't, I would have contacted Boom and got the rail swapped over. Customer service knows the score, and Joel has been amazing in communicating with me. He offered a new screen and to swap rail over. I resolved myself. It's the engineering modelmaker in me. That was my first apprenticeship in the 80's! I then Did a design degree and became a shoe designer…(No, really!)

Boom Racing

What are some common mistakes new builders make and how can they avoid them?

Peter Gray

Don't rush any aspect of the build. If you run out of time or money to do what you've planned, wait until you have both again and continue with a fresh head. Painting bodies is also a big thing people rush to do. Preparation time for my builds is often at least double that of painting and weathering. The better the prep of the surface to be painted, the better the end result. Wash the parts in a good detergent and rinse, then dry them before you start. That gets rid of any mould release that can still be on the parts and would act as a resistance to paint adhesion. Give the parts a good paint 'key' using fine Wet n Dry, then use a proper plastic primer like the Tamiya one. Use a bright light to show you imperfections, and if, say, there's cat hair or blemish that's visible (often the case in my 3-cat home!), simply let the primer go off for 24 hours, then use a fine Wet n Dry to flat it back and prime again. Do multiple top cotes and build up fine layers. Flat back again if needed and use an automotive 'Tac Rag' top to remove any debris. Finally, I weather the body, and then once satisfied, I add a thin coat of Matt Lacquer to seal and protect the surface.

Boom Racing

How do you ensure precision and accuracy in your build process?

Peter Gray

I measure twice and add hardware or components once! I use a vernier calliper to measure things properly or a metal ruler. I always use a blue thread lock where applicable. I grease and run in gearboxes and axles (using a cordless drill) prior to putting them onto a chassis. People ask why my rigs often sound quieter than theirs, and that's the secret. A buddy we sadly lost a few years back, RRCi's Ed before me, Dez Chand, taught me that trick. It works on all aspects of RC Cars, especially race kits!

Boom Racing

What tools do you consider essential for tackling Boom Racing builds?

Peter Gray

A good set of proper drivers, a choice of proper modelmaking adhesives, from Cyno to Styrene Cement, 2 Part Epoxy, Plastic Filler and Window/Cockpit Adhesive that dries clear. The other must have is a decent rubberised matt on your bench or table and lighting that lets you see the build without having to strain your eyes.

Boom Racing

Boom Racing is pleased to announce a partnership with the new Scaletra Adventure App, which will seamlessly synchronize registered BRX vehicles to users' virtual garages and assist them in tracking their mileage. As a member of the Scaletra team, how do you envision this app transforming the experience for builders in the hobby?

Peter Gray

It's been the catalyst for like-minded people globally to meet virtually first, then arrange to meet in what I like to call 'actual reality,' to complete runs together, trail blaze in new locations, complete challenges for fitness, fun and more importantly to aid global and local charities and keep this aspect of the RC hobby vibrant and alive in the future. Many people build amazing rigs but never showcase them to the rest of the community. We are surrounded by very talented builders, and this app offers them the chance to share and do just that. It also encourages builders to get those rigs and use them out in the real world.

Boom Racing

What features of the Scaletra App do you find most useful or innovative?

Peter Gray

My friends within the industry mean the world to me. I don't get to see some of them as often as I like, and I like to keep up with what they are doing regardless of their geolocation. I love seeing them add their new vehicles regardless of brand or class and what they have achieved that day, week, or month, and I also like the tangible push the app gives me to complete fun challenges and keep fit. Also, the charitable donations it makes give you a sense of doing good and real purpose. Life shouldn't be about all take, take, take. As a team, we are currently working on future feature sets that will add things to the functionality of the app to aid event organizers globally; I know that development alone will be a game changer, but there are loads more planned.