IMO, the best way to "take over" the R/C would be to install two receivers on two seperate channels and use the AUX channel of the "master" radio to choose whether the master or secondary radio is being used. The output of the master AUX channel could be fed to a switching unit (relays) that would switch the throttle and steering channels between the master and secondary receiver. Even then, the interruption of signal during the switching phase or the sudden change might trip the ESCs failsafe.
Personally, I would just get a Tyco or something similar for a 3 year old. They are slow enough to control and don't have great range.
Personally, I would just get a Tyco or something similar for a 3 year old. They are slow enough to control and don't have great range.
Why not a Rock Crawler instead? It's something that's more than slow enough to control, and if he does hit something with it and by chance break it, the part can be replaced.