November 2008 Notable Toys — Remote Controlled

The MICRO-TIGER indoor, digital proportional IR helicopter features a micro size fun with macro-scale performance. The MICRO-TIGER's blue LED light illuminates the cockpit for cool nighttime flying. The product is capable of precise and accurate control using the new digital proportional patent-pending Motion Auto Sensing Control (M.A.S.C.) Controller. A simple tilt of the wrist turns the helicopter in that direction. Beginners and experienced pilots will both enjoy the thrill and command of steering like a real pilot. The MICRO-TIGER comes fully assembled and ready to fly. It requires five AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

With the VIPER Radio Control Airplane with a patent-pending M.A.S.C. Controller, the user can tilt his wrist to the right or left and the plane follows the hand and turns the appropriate direction. M.A.S.C. puts the user in the pilot's seat. The throttle is controlled by squeezing the variable speed trigger for more altitude. The powerful twin motors and aerodynamic design add to the fun of M.A.S.C. as VIPER climbs and dives across the sky. The Estes VIPER is easy and intuitive for a beginner pilot to learn to fly and also delivers better maneuvers and is more fun for an advanced pilot. It requires six AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

Estes introduces the revolutionary XENOX Radio Control Airplane with the new Patent Pending M.A.S.C. Controller - a breakthrough in R/C technology. The user just tilts his wrist to the right and the plane follows the hand and turns right. Tilt wrist to the left and the plane turns left. M.A.S.C. puts the user in the pilot's seat. The throttle is controlled by squeezing the variable speed trigger for more altitude. XENOX R/C twin motors and aerodynamic wings add to the fun of flying with M.A.S.C. The XENOX Airplane is easy and intuitive for a beginner pilot to learn to fly and cruise the sky; plus it also delivers lots of fun for an experienced pilot. It requires 6 AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 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.

This R/C model features a 9" wingspan and excellent flight performance, flight duration and overall durability. The Interceptor's twin motors supply so much thrust that it will do a complete loop with no problem. With the twin-stick transmitter, the operators has complete control over climbing, diving and left/right turning. The Interceptor utilizes the best and latest Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery technology for power and long flights. The plane recharges directly from the built-in charger in the transmitter for the convenience of being able to charge it anywhere, anytime. The plane features "unbreakable new material," VP David Deans of Megatech International told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 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.

This remote-controlled version of Disney-Pixar's WALL-E features realistic expressions, sound effects and movie voice, eyes that light up, and real tread motion, plus dance moves. The wireless remote is programmable, and there are more than 1,000 possible action combinations. Ten specific buttons are designed to control voice, expression, motion, dancing and more.

This indoor flying machine features an Autopilot Mode with sensor-based navigation that allows it to avoid ceilings and other obstacles while gliding. It also comes with a three-channel digital IR remote controller, plush a Dogfight accessory for use when pitting two Bladestars against one another. The crash-resistant Bladestar boasts lightweight "high-flex" materials and is for indoor use only. It has a 12" wingspan, and 20 minutes of charge time results in about five minutes of flight. It requires 6 AA batteries (not included). The product received a CES 2008 Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award.

Kid Galaxy’s Morphibians unite a wide variety of play types as they are safe not only for land, but also for water. Battery-operated and remote-controlled, a Morphibian is an all-terrain vehicle, going from driveway to living room to bathtub easily. Simple controls and aggressive styling make this chunky, four-wheel-drive vehicle appealing to a wide range of ages. Morphibians are available in two frequencies to allow two cars to be driven at once without interfering with one another’s signal.
— “For RC toys, we turn to Kid Galaxy for dependable electronics and age-appropriate play value,” said Sallie Kashiwa, manager of Timbuk Toys in Denver, who noted the Morphibian as a best seller for older boys.
— Ten percent of 68 retailers named the Morphibian as a best-selling hobby toy in October 2008, citing average sales of eight to 10 per month.

Fast, compact and lightweight, the KG Racer is a hardy, easy-to-use remote-control car. Requiring no charging, the Racer is powered by batteries that stay safely in secure compartments in the car and the kid-friendly, two-button controller. Several styles of car are available with color schemes to suit boys and girls, and the cars are available in two frequencies to allow for two vehicles to be run at the same time without interfering with one another’s signal.
— Amy Barrett of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., named KG Racers as her best-selling remote control toy in October 2008.
— Almost half of 68 retailers surveyed listed Kid Galaxy as their top-selling brand of RC and flying toys.

A more full-featured remote-controlled aircraft than some of Kid Galaxy’s simpler models, Field Flyers are more than just launch-and-fly gliders.  The combination launcher and charger allows even beginner pilots to guide the airplane after launching. With a 20-minute charge, the Field Flyer will fly for about four minutes with a range of 100’.
— “Kid Galaxy Field Flyers, [the] remote planes you fly,” said Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys in Oklahoma City, Okla., when asked about best-selling aircraft in October 2008.
— “They’re very popular and easy to use,” Carol Knight, owner of The Toy Store in Ketchum, Idaho, told TDmonthly.

This helicopter features full-function, three-channel digital proportional radio control (left/right, forward/backward, hover and land), and real-life helicopter styling. It flies over 100 meters high, has two powerful 180 main motors plus an N20 tail motor, and boasts a newly designed super-strong crashworthy propeller. There is altitude and rotor speed control, as well as a flight stabilizing system and a brake for easy landing. The helicopter has a lightweight airframe and measures 7.8" L x 3.46" W x 6.61" H. Charge time is 20 minutes for 10 minues of play time, and the radius control range goes up to 60 meters (200'). Launch date: June 2008.