TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Remote Controlled Product Category

Mad Dog Motors Derby Set by KID GALAXY INC.

Now kids can get real bang-up demolition derby action anytime, anywhere. They just power up the Mad Dogs cars and crash 'em together or smash 'em into objects, and instantly the car will crack up. When the car crashes head on, the roof, hood and a door will be dislodged. If it smashes and hits the rear bumper, the trunk and a door pop open. Kids can drive them "busted up" or push on the ejected parts to restore. This product is a 2007 Creative Child Seal of Excellence Award winner.
— "Remote control cars by Kid Galaxy: we sell them all the time.  There are lots of different kinds for all age groups.  Boys love them because they work well and they're fun," said Katie Culotta, owner of Victoria’s Toy Station in Baton Rouge, La., about last-minute gifts for boys.
— When asked about trends in her store, Jill Jernigan, owner of J. Christopher Toys in Jonesboro, Ark., replied, "Remote control toys. We do a whole lot of Kid Galaxy....Kids like it because they’re clever and unique remote control cars."
— Four of 48 retailers who spoke to TDmonthly named Kid Galaxy remote-control cars as among the favorites in their stores. 11/1/2006 (Price: $30.00)

E-flite Blade CX 2 Helicopter by HOBBY ZONE

In the world of electric radio-controlled helicopters, the Eflite Blade CX 2 radio-controlled heli stands out not just because of its looks, but because it also offers the latest technology available, such as a 2.4 GHz radio, which lets you fly anywhere without channel interference. This helicopter also features an improved gyro and servo control motors. The Blade CX 2 can be flown by almost anyone with some practice and can easily be flown indoors.  It comes with a training gear set and qualifies for free shipping. The Blade CX 2 also comes with an instructional DVD and manual and is backed by solid phone tech support. Parts are widely available. Launch date: 2006. 10/30/2006 (Price: $189.99)

E-flite Blade CX Helicopter by HOBBY ZONE

Electric radio-controlled helis are the rage right now. With the new Blade CX you get a completely assembled and ready-to-fly, micro-radio control heli with a design that is so stable almost any first-time flyer can be hovering like a pro in no time. This is the most popular micro heli on the market today and can be flown indoors.

Included are a free training gear set and a crash kit comprised of the four most commonly used parts (regularly $33.95). This item also qualifies for free shipping.

The Blade CX comes with an instructional video CD and manual and is backed by solid phone tech support. Unlike toys, parts are widely available. Everything that's needed for flight is included with your purchase. 10/30/2006 (Price: $189.99)

HobbyZone Super Cub Ready-to-Fly by HOBBY ZONE

Being big and stable with a 4' wing and a motor that drives the plane over 30 mph, the Super Cub is beyond a toy, yet easy to learn to fly. Flight times are over 20 minutes, and for a limited time Hobby Zone is offering a free second battery and free shipping. The Super Cub is ready-to-fly out of the box and comes with an instructional DVD and manual. It is backed by solid phone tech support, and parts are widely available.
— “I had a lot of people asking for remote-control [(RC)] airplanes,” Manager Char Mcaulay of Toy Town in Casper, Wyo., told TDmonthly.
— David Campbell, owner for 19 years of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., also received a lot of requests for RC airplanes for the 2006 holidays.
— Toy-store owners say that easy flyers, such as this model, are among their best-selling RC aircraft, because they appeal to a wide range of hobbyists. 10/30/2006 (Price: $159.99)

RC Car Ferrari scale 1:6 by AMOS MARKETING INC. INTERNATIONAL

Kids can go slow or fast in this scale-model Ferrari with a built-in speaker that accommodates an MP3 player. The control lets kids turn the car forward, backward, right or left, stop and open or close the door. It has authentic engine and horn sounds. Head lights turn on when moving forward; tail lights turn on when the car goes backward. And when the car stops, its brake lights illuminate. It comes in blue and red. Launch date: March 2006. ( Watch Video) 10/4/2006 (Price: $129.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

E-flite Blade CP Pro RTF Electric Micro Heli by HORIZON HOBBY

Based on the tried-and-true Blade CP platform, the Blade CP Pro adds the lightweight power of a three-cell 800mAh Li-Po battery pack, the lightning-quick cyclic response of Bell-Hiller mixing, and the upright or inverted agility of symmetrical main rotor blades. Plus, it can easily be outfitted with brushless power and a heading-lock gyro, without the need for a new radio system or difficult modifications. For red-hot micro heli aerobatics in about the time it takes to charge a battery pack, nothing can touch the cutting-edge Blade CP Pro.
— In a Summer 2012 survey about electronic and battery operated toys, Mark Rosenblum from Hobbytown in Fairfield, Conn., told TDmonthly that he sells 20-30 RC helicopters from E-Flite and Ares each month. 10/3/2006 (Price: $249.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PARKZONE Focke Wulf 190 RTF Electric by HORIZON HOBBY

Dubbed the “Butcher Bird,” the Focke-Wulf 190 was the Luftwaffe’s most potent piston-engine fighter of WWII. Experience the thrill of flying this warbird legend on a smaller scale with ParkZone's aerobatic RTF reproduction. It’s ready to fly, straight out of the box. 10/3/2006 (Price: $229.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Vigilante Custom S.U.V. Lowrider by LOWRIDE2FREEDOM

The remote-controlled Lourdes model car features a four-wheel hopping action. The 1:25 scale car dances and hops to beats, locks in poses and flashes headlights and breaklights. The car is controlled by a four-button computer game style controller attached by a chord in the back. 9/5/2006 (Price: $19.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tu Cute Car with Remote by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

Little girls can place Tu Ta Bella in her Tu Cute Car with Remote and she’s off on a shopping trip with her friends. The Tu Ta Bella IR car features a flower-shaped key car remote that controls the direction the car goes — forward and backward with a turn. It even has a horn that beeps “toot toot ta bella.”  8/7/2006 (Price: $14.99)

XPV (Extreme Performance Vehicle) by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

Kids can drive on the ground like a car or fly in the air like a plane with Fly Wheels XPV. This virtually indestructible XPV has unbelievable performance and drives over concrete, grass and even off road at speeds approaching 20 miles per hour. The easily controlled XPV can fly over 20 stories high at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour taking radio control to new heights. Kids can put on a show for everyone to see by performing amazing air and ground stunts. 8/7/2006 (Price: $59.99)

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System: Terence the Tractor by RC2 BRANDS

As with all the toys associated with Thomas & Friends, this tractor character from the popular Thomas storyline allows children to combine imagination with learning skills while immersed in a fictional world they've come to love. The line was launched in 1995.
— "They are a traditional toy, well made, and we have a good display set up," said Ed Evans, co-owner of All Things Fun in Berlin, N.J.
— "High detail and price points" are what Donna Tippin, owner of Action Toys in Billings, Mont., believe makes RC2 a successful manufacturer.
— "With its wide range of characters, many places to visit, and real wood construction, nothing helps a child bring Thomas & Friends stories to life quite like Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway," Joal Kjarsgaard, brand manager of Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, told TDmonthly. 7/28/2006 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little RC Lightning McQueen by MATTEL INC.

Kids now have something hands-on to extend the experience of the popular movie by Disney and Pixar. It's not surprising that one of the most popular characters from the film sells well to kids who want to recreate the speed that made Lightning McQueen a racing force in the movie.
— "Anytime there is a popular movie, the products branded to them always sell well,” noted Neil Ramyad, assistant manager of Zittles/Zitomer in New York, NY.
— Dina Hanson, manager of Fun Stuff Inc. in Seaford, NY, added, "Right now, anything from the Cars movie is hot."
— RC lets kids mimic one of their favorite characters, Lightning McQueen. This is more a description than a unique selling point feature. In essence, this is the definition of a pretend play product. 7/28/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Wheels R/C Fury FTX by MATTEL INC.

Hot Wheels never seem to go out of style. Performance is key with this model as it comes with a power grip and can undergo the demands placed on it by enthusiastic car lovers of all ages.
— "Kids love remote control and Hot Wheels, so they really like what Hot Wheels has to offer," said Linda Doucette, manager of Learning Express in North Hampton, N.H.
— Joseph Baiocco, manager of Big Top of Scarsdale Inc. in Scarsdale, N.Y., offered the simple observation that "Hot Wheels from Mattel are always the best sellers."
— This radio-controlled vehicle from Hot Wheels gives its operators a feeling of speed and control. 7/28/2006 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Remote Controlled RamperŪ Vehicle by EMIRIMAGE CORP.

A new radio control stunt car in the ULTIMASS® line. (Actual size 9"x9"x5") This cool car has Spinning action, Transforming action, and Super Wheelies. Adapter & rechargeable battery included. Patent pending. 7/24/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GST 7.7 by CEN RACING

The GST 7.7 has evolved from its orgin "Genesis" into one of the worlds most durable monster trucks from years of bashing and racing on the roughest terrain. The GST is meant to be raced or bashed. This beast is 30 percent larger than a Traxxas Revo 3.3. At the same time, it includes many unique features no other truck does: It has a 7.7 engine, three speed transmission, reverse module, digital radio system and much more. 7/24/2006

RC Football Game by SHANTOU SHINESPRING CO., LTD.

This fast-action radio-controlled soccer game is a cross between racecars and bumper cars as the RC shoes battle to kick the ball into the goal. With two controllers, two RC shoes, one ball and two goals, it’s a complete World Cup in a box. 7/21/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nitro XRC Ricochet by HASBRO INC.

This nitro-fueled rocket of a car can go up to 25 miles per hour, all controlled with a touch of a button. The Nitro XRC Ricochet is Hasbro’s return to RC after far too long. 7/21/2006 (Price: $179.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

KG Racer by KID GALAXY INC.

KG Racers are built for speed. The mini cars are super fast, cleverly designed, and require no charging, so playtime can start immediately. The new blue and black Eco Car looks like the new environmentally friendly cars seen on the road in the United States and Europe. Purple Lead Slead is a throwback to the hot rods of the 1950s, painted in shades of purple complete with lavender flames on the chassis. The back wheels are bigger than the front, allowing for impressive wheelie action. The funky Bubble Car is ideal for cruising in your spare time.
“Our packaging is a little aggressive and fun and we’re using more icons, so you don’t have that language barrier; a 5-year-old can pick it up and know what it does,” Sonya St. Cyr, Kid Galaxy’s marketing manager told TDmonthly. 6/29/2006 (Price: $12.00)

Mini Madness 540 by CEN RACING

Mini Madness is the first Mini Monster Truck that uses a large 540-sized motor with a 6-cell 7.2-volt battery pack for incredible "wheelie" power to weight ratio. This 1/18th scale monster comes Ready-To-Rock with painted and decaled body, battery pack, and A/C Battery Charger. A wide range of upgrades are also available. Mini Madness is engineered by CEN Racing's award-winning race team and is built from quality materials. 4/25/2006 (Price: $150.00)

Morphibian by KID GALAXY INC.

A Morphibian is a radio-controlled, multi-terrain vehicle that comes in one of four animal options, including the "Land Shark," "Dirt Frog," "Gator" and "Cobra."
— "They're very durable, and they can go from land to water with no problem," said Wendy Kramer, manager at Big Fun Toys in Hoboken, N.J.
— Laura Miller, owner of Imagination Village in Concord, N.H., added, "It has a pretty good price point and has big appeal for the kids."
— This RC car navigates shallow water as well as roads. ( Watch Video) 4/20/2006

Spy Video Car by WILD PLANET

This remote control car with video camera, infrared night-vision headset screen and hand-held control will blow kids away. Kim Bratcher of Wild Planet told TDmonthly that the Spy Video Car is the first Spy-themed RC vehicle that offers infrared night vision and a private head-mounted display. It works up to 75' away.  “It combines imaginative Spy role-play adventures with action-packed RC fun,” Bratcher said. This product received a 2007 T.O.T.Y. Award for “Boy Toy of the Year.” In fall 2006, it was the Grand Prize Winner for RC Toys in FamilyFun Magazine's Toy of the Year awards. 3/29/2006 (Price: $149.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Mamba RC Snake by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Despite their lack of legs, snakes have several highly resourceful methods of getting around, including undulation. Now add RC to snakes’ capabilities: this 20” plastic serpent can crawl and slither like the real thing, with the aid of the RC control. His beady little eyes even light up threateningly. He works on any hard, smooth surface. The 6-piece set includes 3 chipboard obstacles and a set of instructions. Batteries not included. ( Watch Video) 2/1/2006

The Nitro TC3 Plus RTR by ASSOCIATED ELECTRICS INC.

This nitro-methane-powered radio-controlled speedster has taken the incredibly popular Nitro TC3 RTR and upgraded it with a more powerful .15-size engine, Sure Shift 2-speed tranny and revised rear suspension. They’ve made a few cosmetic changes as well. Like its predecessor, the Nitro TC3 Plus can be upgraded with any of the hundreds of Associated Factory Team parts, making it an ideal starting point for the new nitro sedan racer to grow into.
— Mick Szydlowski, franchise business advisor for Hobbytown USA in Lincoln, Neb., said these things are extremely loud: “With 35 to 40 thousand rpm’s, they sound like a Weedwacker times 10.”
— Donald Reford, a hobbiest from Portland, Ore., has bought 17 different nitro cars. “They’re addictive. Nothing else goes as fast, or roars as loud.”
— Nitro RC cars have been the fastest-growing RC category for the past two years. 1/30/2006 (Price: $319.99)

Play2O by DYNATECH ACTION INC.

Play20 features many cool enhancements from typical water games of the past. Featuring flashing lights, responsive sensors and crazy sounds, Play20 will take popular video game characters and brings them to life. It also includes directional water jets so that gamers can really control the path of their characters through the many different traps and mazes each game has to offer. 1/26/2006

Skull Crusher Monster Truck by TOYABI RC / HK SHENZHEN

The new TOYABI, rock climbing, any terrain, 4 wheel drive monster truck has the some of the largest truck tires in the World on any toy RC product of its kind. It has 8 coil-over shocks and two powerful motors. Named The Skull Crusher, it can drive over just about any obstacle. This monster truck can do 360 degree spins and can even have its tires changed to giant oversized inflatable tires. 1/11/2006 (Price: $99.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]