November 2009 New Specialty Toys — Play Sets

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.

The ZipBin® Dinosaur Mini Play Set's features a dramatic exterior theme design, and when the bin is unzipped, it becomes a dinosaur island play mat. This activity mat is perfect for playing with dinosaurs, animals, vehicles, boats, action figures, etc. Fantasy play is encouraged by a prehistoric world featuring a volcano, a river, a tar pit and a mysterious cave. When play is done, the play mat easily becomes the storage bin, storing toys inside. Set includes 3 plastic dinosaurs.

This set of two construction vehicles is outfitted for Nuchi train tracks. There's a rubber tread on the front of the steamroller and a functional red tipper decking out the front of the bulldozer.

These 5.5" x 3.3" camouflage panels have patent-pending, collapsible magnetized hinges so that structures can be knocked down and built again and again. Deluxe and Super Size sets are included, with miniature soldiers.

Battle Strikers combines hand skill and strategy to a game of defeating other players' tops. The eight-piece starter pack includes a Turbo Launcher, a magnetic Controller, and a Striker (top). Batteries are included. There are 16 different Strikers in the set. Extension packs with additional pieces are $4.99.

Bright green, friendly-faced, flocked frogs make up the Bullrush Frog siblings who live in International Playthings’ fanciful world called Cloverleaf Corners. Brother Algernon and sister Lily live in the swamp and have many friends in Cloverleaf Corners. The Bullrush Frogs integrate with an extensive line of houses, accessories and other character figures.
— Out of 49 retailers interviewed in July 2009, two told TDmonthly Calico Critters are a favorite collectible in their stores.

Kids can play the real heroes while coordinating a rescue effort with this playset from Playmobil. The detailed face of the burning building has a balcony on it for one of the included firemen to climb his tall ladder to while another hooks up the hose to the fire hydrant. Four figures are included with lots of pieces to inspire the imagination.
― “As far as toy figures go, our Playmobil products sell well,” Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in July 2009.
― “It all sells so well,” remarked Sarah Green, manager of Kids at Heart in Portland, Ore., of Playmobil during a summer 2009 survey of best-selling action figures.

Kids simply remove the top and unzip this storage bin to reveal a mat designed for play and themed for LEGO City sets. Launch date: Fall 2009.