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Builder of the Month: Aaron Soares (August 2026)

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Meet Aaron Soares, a Singapore-based architect and scale RC builder whose decade-long passion has taken him from a faithful military Defender replica to a Camel Trophy-inspired BRX02 D130. An active member of Singapore's Milkbar Crawlers community and winner of "Best BRX01" at the 2024 Hong Kong Recon G6, Aaron brings care and personality to every build. This month, we sit down with him to talk craftsmanship, community, and what keeps him inspired.

Boom Racing

Aaron, welcome to our Builder of the Month feature! Tell us a little about yourself and your journey in the RC community. What initially sparked your interest in Boom Racing and brought you into the brand’s world?

Aaron Soares

I am Aaron, an avid scale RC enthusiast from the little island of Singapore. I have been passionate about model making since young, starting with Lego, then papercraft, origami, plastic scale models, and finally RC. RC has been my passion for the last 10 years, and it has stuck with me all this while, as it is a combination of form and function, something I have learned and honed when studying and now practicing as an architect. I feel the RC community too has driven me to be inspired, curious, and motivated to try new things. I have seen the community grow in the past 10 years, and seen myself grow too, with each new build where I attempt to challenge myself and build on my skills.

My interest in Boom Racing sparked quite early on in my RC journey. Asiatees was one of my go-to marketplaces for parts from the start, and Boom Racing’s products always looked desirable. Back then, there were mostly upgrade and hop-up parts, but their D110/D90 chassis always had my attention.

During that period (2017), I was serving my National Service in the army, and watching the Defenders drive by in camp always made me want to recreate them faithfully in 1/10 scale. Boom Racing, while pricey, was my choice for that special build, especially because it had helical gears and cool axles. I remember saving up for a few months to get it. Until now, she still runs beautifully and is one of my dearest builds. She has a restoration coming soon, clocked a lot of mileage!

Boom Racing

Do you remember the first RC scale rig you ever saw? What was it, where were you, and what emotions did it summon? Then what did you do about it?

Aaron Soares

I think the first scale rig I saw was when I frequented the Tamiya store for paints and parts for my first RC back then (2016), a Tamiya TT02. On display was the iconic Hilux Hi-Lift. I was in love with the scale details, especially that surfboard! The 3-speed gearbox and hard body were something I wanted to build and experience too. As before, after saving up for a while, I bought it as my first “crawler”. I say that because it couldn’t perform on any terrain, but only looked good on the shelf! This rig was my entry into the RC crawler community, where I was exposed to all the other brands out there when I showed up at meets. I knew I was in for a ride!

Boom Racing

What was your view of BRX rigs originally? And did that change once you started building one?

Aaron Soares

I was lucky enough to see the prototype of the BRX01 in person, in 2018, at the 70 Years Land Rover Jamboree event in Johor, Malaysia. Shahrin passionately explained the innovations this chassis introduced, and I was blown away because, for us scale builders, it looked like we could finally build scale rigs that could perform as well as they looked. While it originally looked like it was designed for the Killerbody LC70 body, I could already see its potential, its modularity, and versatility for any build. Kudos to the designers and ideators who have retained that DNA in all the BRX releases to date. I am happy that it is still designed for the builders who want something unique and value the build experience as much as the drive.

From then on, I was motivated to get one, and finally did when I started working full time. I knew it had to be special. My build experience was not straightforward; I actually bought all the parts separately because I wanted to specifically build a long-wheelbase BRX01 with portals, which would be very expensive if I bought the standard kit and upgraded after. It is definitely nice to see Boom Racing introduce a configurator for the AWB on their website, where we can configure the chassis to match the build spec.

Boom Racing

Congratulations on completing your BRX02 D130 build! What was your favourite part of the project, and what inspired the direction and style of your build?

Aaron Soares

Thank you! I think my favourite part of the project was watching all the elements come together and I could finally see the finished project. It feels satisfying to see my efforts pay off. An honourable mention goes to the butter-smooth suspension where I couldn’t help but press the chassis down every now and then. So satisfying! Each of my builds are unique, and I will start and follow through with a build only if I am heavily inspired. When I saw the D130 prototype, I knew this was special, and a special Land Rover rig needs an extra special treatment. The Camel Trophy treatment. There was indeed a Camel Trophy D130 in existence, albeit only in one expedition: Siberia of 1990. They had 3 double-cab support units. Some were used for communications. I had to dig deep to find reference images, so I could analyse and replicate them faithfully.

Boom Racing

Which other Boom Racing rigs do you currently own? Can you tell us about it?

Aaron Soares

My first Boom Racing rig (2018) was the aforementioned D110 chassis, which I built into a replica of the Singapore Armed Forces Land Rover Defender, which was used to carry troops. I couldn’t take pictures on my phone at the military camps, so I had to memorize the details in my head and replicate them at home during the build process. I chopped up a 4-door D110 pickup body and learned styrene techniques to convert it to a 2-door soft top. With the help of my friend, Kirby, we brazed a bed cage for the awning, which was kindly sewn by my mum too. Truly a memorable build.

I personally love G Wagons, and so for my first BRX build (2024), I wanted to build an ultra custom portal G Wagon to take advantage of the versatility of the chassis. I bought a Team Raffee G-Class body, chopped it up, and designed a pickup bed decked with overlanding equipment and accessories. This build extended my 3D modelling skills and allowed me to bring them to life on a new 3D printer, which made the whole process from concept to final product so much more seamless. This was a rushed build in time for the 2024 Hong Kong Recon G6. I would say it paid off, as I was fortunate to win “Best BRX01” in the BRX Challenge. To my complete disbelief, the prize was a BRX02 kit, which led me to my second BRX.

With the Series 3 BRX02 kit (2025–present), I wanted to do something special. They were known as utility workhorses in the field, and I chanced upon an image of a Series 2A as a Royal Mail tow truck. I wanted a rig which had personality and set about converting the Series 3 pickup kit into a hardtop. While this build is still in the works, as I like to take my time, I challenged myself to do a weathered chassis. It was challenging to get the paint to stick onto the chassis, but with a few attempts I managed to make it work. This will set the tone for a patina Landy build with a whole lot of stories and identity.

Boom Racing

In your opinion, how does Boom Racing set itself apart from other brands?

Aaron Soares

Firstly, I think Boom Racing dares to innovate, to take any feedback, especially negative ones, as positive, and to keep improving their product line and other offerings. It is rare to find companies of this stature, in the capitalistic world we live in today, even in the RC space. Their product offerings are highly adaptive, making part availability very sustainable. Things do not get old; they just get better. It is coming to a point where any wacky build I envision can be built atop the BRX platform.

Boom Racing also cares for their customers and knows that the product isn’t the end of the experience, but also the community and after-sales support. I think they are industry-leading and are always quick and open to feedback and issues.

Boom Racing

What’s the best — and worst — thing that’s happened during a build? What did you learn?

Aaron Soares

I think the best thing that happened during a build was when I built my first fully 3D-printed hard body. To realise that from just a 3D model on the computer, it could turn into a full working model in real life. I experienced this during my Unimog 406 Doka build, and it was amazing to just think that anything I can imagine can be built (with a bit of coffee and effort).

The worst thing that happened, I probably cannot recollect because I try to see problems as learning opportunities. One experience, though, was during the pandemic, and I was stuck at home. I was painting a Lexan body from a Kyosho kit, and I forgot to clean the body before painting, and the paint didn’t stick, so I had to buy an entire new set of the body. It was an expensive lesson. Shipping was slow during that period, so I guess being stuck at home and stuck on a build didn’t help. I learned to always clean Lexan before painting. Sometimes the excitement of the build gets the better of me, and I skip steps.

Boom Racing

What’s your go-to chassis (Boom or non-Boom) right now for a daily trail truck, and why?

Aaron Soares

I think my go-to chassis for a daily trail truck is the SCX10II, SCX10III, or the VS4-10. I like the non-portal variants as it makes the driving experience a bit more challenging and that is what makes it fun. I like these platforms as they are not too expensive, so I do not feel too bad if it gets abused. Their internals are very simple, which makes it more reliable and easy to service. Their geometry works well stock, but when putting on a hard body they may need some tuning (wheel weights and shock tuning).

It’s nice to see Boom Racing simplifying things with their new single-speed transmission. It will be greatly welcomed by those who want a truck they don’t need to worry about too much and know they can bring out anytime, any day.

Boom Racing

What are you working on at the moment, or what build do you have lined up next (Boom or non-Boom)? How are you making it your own, and what made you choose that model?

Aaron Soares

Now that I have completed the D130, I have a whole array of concurrent builds to choose from. I am definitely looking to finish the body of my BRX02 Royal Mail Series 2A. Subsequently, I have a custom Traxxas 6x6 Unimog hauler, Cross RC 8x8 Rothmans Man Kat1, Project IJ Vanquish Jeep LJ, Element Enduro IFS Toyota Prado 250, Nissan Patrol Proline I-beam pre-runner to work on, to name a few.

My goal is to not only make a good-looking rig, but to have each rig have a unique driving character, such as having a different wheelbase, number of axles, portals or none, 4WS or standard, etc. As a result, whenever I bring out each rig, I have its personality to look forward to. I usually have a build idea first: a starting car/truck manufacturer, make, and concept, followed by research to find a chassis that would suit it best, and ideally one I have not tried before, so I can also experience what various brands have to offer. I love to build, to try new things, to be unique, even when RTRs are so common nowadays. I hope my builds can inspire others in what is achievable in this hobby, and that no build is perfect, but we can try to come close.

Boom Racing

Singapore looks incredible. How does living there enhance your enjoyment of the hobby, and does it create challenges others might not face?

Aaron Soares

I am blessed to be living in Singapore. While it has its perks, it does have a few shortcomings. As Singapore is a regional trade hub, buying RC parts online is relatively easy and quick. While local stores do exist, I try to support them as much as I can too, but there are only a few, as RC is still a very niche hobby here. Some challenges are the lack of open spaces. We do not have a lot of land, and most of the land is controlled by the government, so most of the nature trails are publicly shared spaces, and tracks are sometimes unregistered on state land. We hope that our government creates more avenues for us to enjoy this hobby, as it brings people from all generations together, and away from our mobile devices, to learn and grow together.

Boom Racing

What are your favorite RC trails in Singapore?

Aaron Soares

I personally like a mix of technical and flat trails. There are two spots for this: Rifle Range Trail and Tampines Quarry. The former has undulating terrain which changes character on a hot sunny day or a rainy one. The latter is characterized by its deep, sludgy mud pools, always good for a nice mud bath, but the cleaning after is always a nightmare! Despite having only a handful of trails in Singapore, I never get bored as the company I share here always makes me want to return.

Boom Racing

You’re quite active in your local Singapore RC groups and events. Can you tell us about these groups and your role in them?

Aaron Soares

I am a member of a few groups in the Singapore RC community, albeit those with a more scaled aspect. The community here is growing, and these groups help to “share poison”, a local term used to pressure people into trying or buying new things in a hobby. They are a pool of knowledge and a second family for me personally, as everyone comes from different backgrounds, and I love to listen to their perspectives. Some have even become my closest friends.

I am a key member of the Milkbar Crawlers community here. I help with the organization of events, particularly in the design department, namely posters, merchandise, and event tees. Sometimes, I invite my friends over for some mini tabletop crawling, and serve them a cup of coffee to start the day on a great note! I am a firm believer in bringing people together fueled by the same passion, so that our experiences, laughter, and even challenges can enable us to grow in community and knowledge, in the name of fun.

Boom Racing

What RC events have you attended recently, and which ones are you hoping to attend someday? Do you have a favourite or unforgettable moment from any of them?

Aaron Soares

I try to join or support RC events when I can, the most recent being a Camel Trophy-themed event at Sentosa. It is nice that Scaletra also has updated challenges, so we have another dimension of interaction with our RCs at such events. Sometimes I attend events across the border in Malaysia, with the Johor Crawler Team, and it is always nice to see what people in different countries are trying and testing. We can always learn from them. One day I hope to be part of the annual Superscale event, so I can meet the best builders out there and see their works of art.

A favourite memory of mine is competing with my friends Paul and Vishok to complete the 6-hour Hong Kong Recon G6 endurance event. I think doing a fast-paced long-distance challenge with an RC rig was something unique, and it tested our endurance, as well as our rig’s. I am glad my team completed it; we had a good time sharing the fun.

Boom Racing

You’ve travelled with the Singapore crew to attend RC events. Which trip was your favourite, and what made it so memorable?

Aaron Soares

Yes, I am fortunate to be able to travel with my good friends to experience the RC culture around the world, and represent Singapore while at it. I think my most memorable trip was the Recon G6 Hong Kong in 2024. I started the trip sleep-deprived from trying to complete my build for the event, but the great company of my friends kept me awake. The overall event was super fun, with many things to explore and discover. The cooling weather was lovely too, something we don’t get to experience often in Singapore.

I think the most memorable part of this trip, though, was the raffle at the end; it was insane to be part of it and see everyone’s faces light up in excitement. I won’t forget that night, which marked the end of the trip and event.

Boom Racing

How can we inspire more young builders like yourself to discover the RC hobby and get excited about building and driving?

Aaron Soares

I hope to see more hobbyists try to build a kit from scratch and make it their own. I think personalizing your RC car is a driving factor in this hobby. The only difference is a kit may be too daunting or difficult to start for many, especially for those who do not have time to assemble. That is why we see manufacturers introducing almost ready-to-run kits, or kits with pre-assembled parts.

However, for the general audience, or for those just wanting to experience the fun of driving out of the box, an RC RTR is more suited. I think there are many people out there who love to build. There are hobbies such as Gunpla, plastic model kits, crocheting, leather crafting, pottery, etc. I think the issue is that many confuse the RC hobby with just driving, not building. If we sell the build experience, I am sure those passionate enough will try to build an RC kit. Sure, it may require some engineering knowledge, the ability to follow diagrams, or spatial visualization, but we won't build those skills if we don't try.

I think Lego is a good case study. To build is to actually do work, to follow instructions. But the way Lego makes the process so approachable and enjoyable, and the fact that it's still doing so well today, especially amongst adults, is something RC companies can learn from. I hope more people pick up an RC kit someday. To enjoy the process, to trust the process, and to truly make it your own.

Thank you, Aaron, for sharing your story with us! For more, readers can follow Aaron on social media:

Instagram: @aar0nsw0rksh0p

Author:Beth Liang & Peter G

Published Date:04 Sep 2026