Hanging with Paulie: Reviews, Rides, and Regrets… All for Your Benefit…and entertainment
Tried for 40, but Missed the Mark
I set out to prove you could hit 40 MPH with a brushed motor Arrma Fury on a budget. Spoiler: I maxed out at 24 MPH in 25-degree weather. After buying a bone stock brushed Fury and another with a burnt-up ESC, I upgraded the brushed motor, replaced brushes, and experimented with different pinion gears. The goal? Hit that furious 40 MPH mark without going brushless.
The takeaway? If you want high speed, buy brushless from the start. The brushless Fury is only $30 more than the brushed. Yes, you'll need batteries and a charger (another $115), but it's worth it if racing is your goal. That said, upgrading a brushed motor is therapeutic and educational. If you can score a brushed Fury under $150, it's a great platform to learn on. Just know what you're getting into.
Sky RC GPS or Good News Super Sensor?
You've upgraded your RC car, but is it actually fast? Racing your buddy is fun, but it doesn't give you objective data. That's where the SkyRC GNSS comes in—a dead-simple GPS speed tracker that works anywhere in the world. It's tough, easy to mount, and pairs with your phone in seconds. The downside? You can't export the log files, which is frustrating for data nerds like me. But at under $70, it's still a solid tool for tracking your progress. If you want to know whether your brushed motor can really hit 40 mph, this little black box will give you the answer.
Brightening The Christmas Season with an SCX24
Brightening Christmas with an SCX24 is part RC build, part Christmas reflection, and part memory lane. After a neighbor repeatedly stepped in to help with major home projects, I wanted to say thank you in a way that couldn’t be repaid with cash. I am willing to step out in the darkside of Jeep to say thanks.
Along the way, the project sparked memories of childhood, family, old Jeeps, and stories passed down from my dad’s time driving Jeeps in the military. What began as a simple RC body paint job became a reminder that working with your hands has a way of opening the door to gratitude, nostalgia, and meaning.
This post walks through the build process, the painting and masking techniques, and the lessons learned—most of all, that hobbies can be powerful tools for generosity. Sometimes the best Christmas gifts aren’t expensive; they’re personal.
Renting a Transit Van for a Funeral?
A review of our 12-hour family road trip in a Ford Transit 15-passenger van during a difficult week of travel. In this detailed Ford Transit review, I cover the pros and cons of renting a Transit van, real-world gas mileage, storage capacity, comfort, climate control quirks, and how this big adventure van helped our family navigate grief, and build memories. If you’re researching a Transit for road trips, camping, national park travel, or future van-life builds, this post shares practical insights, honest impressions, and how the van helped create unexpected moments of joy.
Eufy… Euphoria or Epiphany…
Tired of paying for yet another subscription? So was I. That’s why I swapped out my Ring Pro for the Eufy E340 Video Doorbell—a camera-packed, subscription-free doorbell that actually lets you own your product. Two cameras, smart package alerts, no yearly fees. Yep, I’m strangely excited about a doorbell… and you might be too.
Aarma….My FURY is Released!….and I’m LOVING IT!
Unboxing the ARRMA Fury from Tower Hobbies’ Scratch & Dent section! Is this discontinued brushed short course truck still worth it in 2025? Let’s dig into the build quality, performance, and value for beginners and RC enthusiasts alike.
Traxxas Steering Upgrade
The stock steering on the Traxxas Nitro Slash is a weak point, so I upgraded to the aluminum Traxxas 3743A bellcrank with built-in bearings. The install took some patience—removing the bumper, servo arm, and loosening the chassis—but the result is tighter, smoother steering and better durability. Combined with upgraded tires, the Slash becomes a fun, drift-happy nitro truck that just needs a little tuning to shine.
Badland Tires: Sometimes a Badland is the Perfect LAND!
I try out the Proline Badlands tires! The tires are absolutely amazing. The Slash is a whole new truck. That is, until the steering broke. OH well, what is one more upgrade? Anyway, we spend the time reviewing the Proline Badlands tires.
Miata MX-5: Hairdresser’s Car or Just FUN?
I went to Portland for some meetings. The highlight? A spontaneous fling with a Mazda MX-5 RF rental. I used to laugh off Miatas as “hairdresser’s cars,” but after two days of commuting and carving through Mt. Hood's twisties, I’m rethinking everything. It’s not the fastest, but it might be the most fun I’ve had on four wheels.
KTM LC8: Not a Katoomer…It’s the BOMB!
I have the opportunity and privilege to ride a KTM LC8. It is a very nice bike, and it is incredibly fun to ride. This bike ends up being a Paulie’s pick.
Harley Davidson V-Rod… or V-Rad? (For Sale)
There was a time many moons ago where motorcycles were a very big part of my life. I know that there are many 'communities' however, there is nothing like the motorcycling community. I honestly have no idea what it is, but people just geek out over each other’s bike. People love to swap lies… I mean tell stories… about the big ride or the crazy ride. If the person is a good storyteller, you can kill some valuable time and not even feel bad for procrastinating.
I had an F650 Dakar. Man, I loved that bike. I rode that bike everywhere. I remember…. (insert squeaky wiggle voice while standing and hobbling over a cane)… when my wife would leave for work and I would jump on the bike. At that time we lived in California and I loved riding the Sierra Nevada mountains. I still think that California has some of the best roads to ride in this great nation of ours.
Fast forward to today… I was visiting an elderly widow in my congregation… He had a Harley Davidson V Rod… Now, I am not really a Harley guy... So, why would this bike intrigue me you might ask?