November 2009 New Specialty Toys — Vehicles - Small Toy

The Winner's Challenge Set features NASCAR authorized cars—Chevrolet Monte Carlo Car of Tomorrow J. Burton and Dodge Charger Car of Tomorrow K. Petty. The slot cars feature realistic acceleration and braking, and a polarity switch to change directions. Set includes 5 standard straights, 1 connecting section, 12 high banked curves, 2 controllers, transformer, guard rails, and instructions. 1:32 Scale.
— In the autumn of 2010, 2 of 33 toy-store owners told TDmonthly that slot cars were their best RC/hobby line.
— ''We carry the full line and have a Digital Set set up for customers to try out,'' said Dave Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont.

The wide tracks of this tactical slot race track provide optimal racing in bends with sensational drifts and power slide action—you can accelerate, brake, even pass and change lanes at full speed with the touch of a button. Maximize the action by racing up to six cars at once on a stable track system with perfect track contact every time. Both the track and cars are made to scale (1:24 and 1:32 respectively). Cars are individually codable with five speeds and are controlled digitally.

Carrera's Digital 143 set can race up to 3 cars at once. You get realistic tactical racing in 1:43 scale with the ability to change lanes and pass. Full speed lane changing and passing at the push of a button. It is compatible with the Carrera Go series, making for expansive possibilities.

Doors and hoods dislodge and trunks open when these remote-controlled vehicles are smashed and crashed together. The unhinged parts can simply be pressed back into place. The cars require 2 AAA batteries and the remotes take 3 AAA batteries (not included).
— “We sell dozens and dozens of Kid Galaxy’s R/Cs,” Owner Joe Berardoni Sr. of Pun’s Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games in Oklahoma City, told TDmonthly in fall 2009 that her store sells about four Demolition Derby items per month.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers pinpointed Demolition Derby as a hot-selling R/C item.

This four-wheel drive, remote-controlled vehicle can be navigated over land and on water. It has working headlights. The vehicle takes three AA batteries and the controller takes two AAA batteries (not included).
— J. Christopher Toys in Jonesboro, Ark., sold 68 Morphibians since August, Owner Mary Horne told TDmonthly in October 2009.
— Five of 40 retailers specifically named Morphibians as a best-selling R/C item in fall 2009.

For the first time in Hess Toy Truck history, a race car takes the spotlight as the main featured vehicle. It features a touch-release canopy compartment that opens to reveal a hidden compartment with surprise cargo — a smaller, faster race car powered by a pull-back racing motor and its own set of working lights. Features include 29 lights with an optional flashing mode, three realistic sound features (ignition, acceleration and horn), alloy-look racing wheels, chrome detailed rear view mirrors and air vents, low-profile headlights (a first for a Hess Toy Truck), rear spoiler, canopy compartment with a spring-release hood that opens with a touch, and two Energizer ‘C’ batteries. The Small Racer boasts 15 lights, pull-back racing motor, alloy-look racing wheels, chrome detailed rear view mirrors and vents, low-profile headlights, rear spoiler, and one Energizer ’AA’ battery. Launch date: October 30, 2009. NOTE: This product is not available wholesale.

5"L x 1.875"W x 2.75"H diecast metal vehicle with pull back action, openable doors and detailed interior. This Ice-Cream truck is manufactured by Kinsmart/Kinsfun Toys. 12 pcs per display in assorted colors. 72 pcs per inner box.
— Tim Holliday, owner of Children's World and Uniform in Sarasota, Fla., told TDmonthly in an August 2013 survey that police cars and ice cream trucks are their best-selling die-cast items.
— In a August 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Toysmith made their stores' best-selling die-cast toys.

With a future-retro design, and connectable, interchangeable parts, this sleek toy vehicle can fit in the palm of a hand. Automoblox Minis received a TDmonthly Top Toy Award 2007.
— Automoblox has been a best-selling line, according to retailers surveyed by TDmonthly, since 2007.
— "That little three-piece Automoblox set sold extremely well. I've sold about 40 of them in two months," Janet Gregory, owner of Over the Rainbow in Anchorage, Alaska, told TDmonthly leading up to Christmas 2009. Two of 44 specialty retailers named Automoblox as an overall best seller in late 2009.
— In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, two out of 14 retailers said that Automoblox were their bestseller in the category. Pam Byrd, manager and buyer at The Little Cottage Toy Shop in Franklin, Tenn., told TDmonthly that "Automoblox is still strong."

Where to Buy: Blue Turtle Toys; Camelot Kids; The Satin Button

Rocky, “the hardest working truck on the block with the most engaging personality,” not only hauls like a dump truck toy; he also tells jokes and dances. Headlights light up and sensors allow him to interact with kids. Batteries are included.

This talkative dump truck says over 40 phrases and sounds. Sound recognition cues him to roll his tires when he's called, so that he starts moving when children want him. A storybook and batteries are included.

This performance design of the S9 sedan features a deep blue shade with two color emblems and fully branded center capsg. It rides lower to the ground on bigger wheels with low-profile tires, and has been reduced to three blocks. The front and rear blocks accept a front splitter and a rear diffuser.

Explore and experiment combining the hexagons with the triangles and squares to create your own favorite XL Cruiser. There are hundreds of possible 3-D combinations using these three geometric shapes. Feel the magnetic force and have countless hours building and designing different XL Cruisers.
— Hardware Center Inc. in Paoli, Pa., reported sales of 60 Magformer sets per week in late fall 2009, according to Manager Mike DiAndrea.
― Three of 43 retailers who participated in an April 2010 TDmonthly survey listed Magformers as a top-selling construction toy.
— As of 08/06/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop spatial awareness and problem solving skills; encourages creativity; durable.

This assortment of 12 genuine die-cast replicas of real construction vehicles are each individually packaged in a collectible display case.

At 1:87 scale, this UPS Delivery Truck features authentic UPS colors and decorations, an operational back door that rolls up, wheels that move and can be steered, and interior details in the cabin and also in the truck's cargo bay.

The 1:50 Caterpillar 924G features a single piece boom-style lift arm that raises and lowers, three interchangeable work tools including bucket, adjustable pallet forks, and material arm that extends and retracts, authentic rolling wheels and tire tread design, and authentic decorations.

These solar-powered, remote-controlled vehicles measure about 2.5" in length and and are powered for 30 minutes of playtime when the micro solar panel in the roof is exposed to direct sunlight. The vehicles can also be charged from the controller. Car and SUV styles are available, and the racers can pop wheelies. Launch date: August 2009.

These slot cars let kids feel they are reliving scenes from the Disney flick "Cars." This product was named one of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009. Launch date: 2009

The MACK Granite Snow Plow is known for its bulldog logo, quality, and indestructibility. The realistic driver's cabin features doors that can be opened, a tilting engine hood that provides a full view of the engine block, folding side-view mirrors, and the many add-on accessories that give these trucks their chrome look. There is also a Pennsylvania license plate and MACK mud guards. Features include a refillable tank that can open and close … perfect for clean sand or salt. A fully functional gritter with feeding screw has a on and off lever that allows sand or salt to pour out at will. The gritter can be tipped up for transport, as well as cleaning. Alongside the gritter is a movable ladder. The plow is wide, adjustable, detachable, and able to push even the thickest pile of snow aside to provide passable lanes.
The MACK Granite Snow Plow measures 25.8"x 7.3"x10.8".