January 2009 New Specialty Toys — Remote Controlled

The Traxxas Jato 3.3 Ready-to-Run Nitro is described as “brutally fast.” Its top speed is over 65 mph, and it goes from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. It is meant for expert drivers. It has aggressive new body graphics, and also includes an integrated wheelie bar.
— This super-fast vehicle sells at super speeds, according to Mary Friesen, director of media buying for HobbyTown USA, who told TDmonthly in January 2009 that it’s one of the franchise’s top-10 best-selling products.
— Ray Lamarre, owner of Hobbytown USA in Manchester, N.H., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that Traxxas RC cars are his best selling outdoor toys. They sell 5-10 each month.

The Traxxas Nitro Stadium Maxx 2WD offers a sleek fastback body, SportTraxx racing tires, and lightweight chrome wheels. It is autoshifting, and delivers high revving acceleration to 40+ mph.
— Mary Friesen, director of media buying for HobbyTown USA, told TDmonthly in January 2009 that this product is among the top sellers at the company’s franchise stores.

The Traxxas Revo 3.3 4WD Nitro Monster Truck is the winner of six national championship titles. It offers high revving power and a two-speed transmission that is great for acceleration and top speeds of 45 mph and more.
— Director of Media Buying Mary Friesen of HobbyTown USA told TDmonthly in early 2009 that these trucks are popular sellers at the company’s franchise stores.

This interactive plane guides a child through learning colors and shapes while having tons of fun. It has two play modes: Learn the Color and Shape and Find It! Kids play simply by inserting the plastic shapes into their slots. The infrared remote control, which works up to 12' away, can be used to bring the plane in for a landing. The plane vibrates, moves forward and backward, and plays melodies as it moves along. It also has red lights that blink randomly. The shape pieces and remote can be stored in the handy storage compartment in the nose of the plane. Jumbo Jet also has an automatic shut off. This product received a 2008 Seal of Excellence award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2008.

Featuring the famed ’57 Chevrolet® Bel Air Coupe and legendary 1960 Plymouth® Fury in original form and detail on a 1:32 scale, Carrera’s Classic Memories Set captures the nostalgia of “the happy days” and transports drivers, race fans and collectors alike back to the time when both classics could be found dragging the strip and speeding to the local sock hop. “General Motors’ ’57 Chevy® and ’60 Plymouth® Fury were innovative in their day,” said Alan Hess, president of Carrera America. “Both models’ body styling, revolutionary suspensions and transmissions make them a natural addition to Carrera Evolution’s high performance, original-licensed offerings. With this new set, we’re reviving and refreshing timeless classics in a fun, exciting way.” Launch date: November 2008.

The HEXBUG Inchworm is the first Micro Robotic Creature in the HEXBUG line to feature a full-function IR remote control. Users drive the Inchworm forward, back, left and right. A and B control bands allow users to control two Inchworms at once or multiple Inchworms on the same band. The product features a unique crawling and pirouette motion around its center pod foot. "This unique HEXBUG Micro Robotic impulse item is offered in a five-pack impulse counter display with five-color variety assortment," Joel Carter, VP of marketing for Innovation First, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 15, 2008.
— The Inchworm has been a top seller at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., for at least a year, according to co-owner Susan Blanton in fall 2009.
— The Hexbug Inchworm is a popular item at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., Owner David Hesel told TDmonthly in late 2009.