Brandon Barnes – Q&A with the Creator Behind Fresh Squeezed RC

If you haven’t been following Fresh Squeezed RC on YouTube and the ‘Gram, you probably should be. Brandon Barnes, the creative mind behind the accounts has been documenting his jaw dropping ground up RC builds and other fun radio control adventures on the social media platforms. We recently sat down with the Houston, Texas based oil field mechanic to find out more about what makes him tick and his thoughts about various RC subjects.

How and when did you come to start in RC?
I started playing with RC cars when I was young (3 or 4) however for many years they took a back seat to motocross, quads, cars and sportbikes. It was about 4 years ago when I picked up the transmitter again, and I’ve been glued to it ever since. It’s really been a lifesaver in a lot of ways. After my daughter was born I needed to slow down, no more race bikes and wheelies. Once I ran a nicely put together rig, I was hooked. RC gives you some sort of those same feelings that the full-size stuff does, at least for me.

How and when did you come to start in RC?
I started playing with RC cars when I was young (3 or 4) however for many years they took a back seat to motocross, quads, cars and sportbikes. It was about 4 years ago when I picked up the transmitter again, and I’ve been glued to it ever since. It’s really been a lifesaver in a lot of ways. After my daughter was born I needed to slow down, no more race bikes and wheelies. Once I ran a nicely put together rig, I was hooked. RC gives you some sort of those same feelings that the full-size stuff does, at least for me.

What kind of RC do you specialize in?
My specialty would have to be replicas. Imagine that! Most of them are touring car or drift car based. I just really dig the challenge of building a believable replica. It’s even cooler when you get to build one for a customer and hear or see their reaction.

What’s your favorite RC kit?
My very favorite RC vehicle would have to be the Kyosho Fazer MK2. It’s such a versatile platform, that’s why I base so many replicas off of it. They are very durable and perform excellent right out of the box!

What was your first RC kit?
My first one that I can remember was a Tamiya Grasshopper! I wonder what ever happened to that thing.

What are two must have upgrades you would recommend for any RC?
I would say the best upgrades that almost any rig needs is a goods strong servo (I prefer Reefs) and a good set of tires can really go a long way, for those, Proline Racing is always my choice!

What future projects can you tell us about?
There are many future projects in the pipeline. I’ve got a really killer BGR fabrications truggy build coming up using all Element Enduro running gear. I have a couple of really awesome replica builds in the works, one is a custom BMW M4 and the other… is a truck, a very cool truck and that’s all I can say. I also have a prototype for some FSRC traditional style scale hotrod builds. Early 30s bodies, custom steel frames, the whole nine.

Is there anything else you want to let our readers know?
I just want to say thanks to the RC community as a whole for all the support! It has been a really epic ride so far and I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who is involved. I’ve got some really awesome stuff coming for 2021 so stay tuned and STAY RAD!

Catch up with Brandon Barnes by searching for Fresh Squeezed RC on YouTube and following him on Instagram at @FreshSqueezedRC.