Radio-controlled cars are a classic toy, the source of many happy childhood memories for millions of people. Yet radio-controlled cars aren't just a nostalgic item: they're also a great toy for the children (and adults) of today.

If you haven't played with radio-controlled cars since you were a child, you might be surprised by just how far they've come. The once-huge battery packs have become slimmer thanks to advances in battery technology, and the cars themselves have got a lot faster.

One of the most fun things about the cars is that you can race them with your friends. All you need is a big road or path, or even a park for off-road cars, and you can see whose is the best. You can even set up an obstacle course to add an element of skill to the racingall you need is a few garden toys, and you're set. If you get good, you can even enter the tournaments that are held by hobbyists all over the world.

How good your car can be is only limited by how much you want to spend, from toy cars that cost next to nothing all the way up to cars that are basically just a smaller version of the real thing. There are cars now that look just like larger cars, have mini versions of the same parts inside and run on fuel rather than electricity. Some even have stereos inside! The fastest radio-controlled car in the world can reach speeds of 111mph, which is not to be sniffed at.

If you get really into RC cars, you can start building them yourself from kits, which is difficult but satisfying when it all works right. Making and repairing some of the higher-end models can be a great way for children to learn the basics of mechanical engineeringwho knows, maybe it'll help them with their career. If you thought RC cars were just a toy, think again.