DIY Network

RC HobbyVisions: Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Snowmobiles From "Special Presentation" episode DHBV-S

In this one-hour special Chris Chianelli, host of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, attends the HobbyVisions® Hobby and Toy Show in Las Vegas and gets a first-hand look at some of the latest products and developments from the world of radio-controlled models. The HobbyVisions show takes place in 380,000 square feet of space at Las Vegas' Sands Expo Center at the Venetian Hotel. The show features hundreds displays and demonstrations of innovative RC models and other innovative products from around the country and around the globe.

The HobbyVisions trade show takes place in 380,000 square feet of space at Las Vegas' Sands Expo Center at the Venetian Hotel.

Regular viewers of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies may recognize this racing boat on display at RC HobbyVisions.

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RC models in every genre are offered including miniature cars, boats, stadium trucks, trains, planes -- and a few surprises. On-hand are not only some of the most advanced RC racing and performance models, and reps from the companies that make and distribute them, but also some of the hobby's premiere pilots, drivers and other RC operators.

Some of the latest RC trucks are on display, and driven by some of the nation's top RC drivers.

Model trains are another popular category at the HobbyVisions show.

Here's just a sampling of what was on view at this year's expo.

The Mini-T® racing truck from Team Losi ® (figure A) is the world's first 1/18-scale stadium truck. It's a scaled-down version of an award-winning RC stadium truck, small enough to be operated in a driveway or around the home as well as at the track. Though it's small, it's not a toy. This is a fully functioning, fully proportional RC-model with performance features such as electronic speed controller (figure B) and friction dampeners. It costs around $150.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

For those who live by the adage "less is more," the miniscule Wrist Racer® from Tedco® is among the world's smallest remote-controlled models (figure C). These micro-mobiles are infrared-controlled from a wristwatch-style transmitter that has a range of up to 40 feet. Up to four of these tiny cars can be operated and raced simultaneously. They're powered by a button battery in both the racer and the wrist-mounted controller.

	Figure D
	Figure E

HobbyVisions features a massive model-train layout assembled by some of the leading scale-train manufacturers and train societies. Lionel®, a familiar name among train enthusiasts, was the manufacturer of the O-scale trains on display (figure D). This particular scale layout was set up and run by the Toy Trains Operations Society. The O-scale category features trains scaled down to 1/48th the size of full-sized trains.

Part of what's compelling about model railroading is the ability to set up scale towns and landscapes that transport the onlooker into a miniaturized world. Woodland Scenics® specializes in ready-made railroading layouts featuring multilevel, three-dimensional terrain and remarkable detail down to the tiny buildings and people (figure E).
Megatech® specialized in products that are essentially complete and ready-to-run right out of the box. Among their products displayed at this year's HobbyVisions are a scale replica of the Wright brothers plane and their easy-to-fly HeliChopper® (figure F). The HeliChopper has a range of about 70 feet and flies for about 7 minutes on a 7-minute charge. It's suitable for kids down to age 8. Megatech also featured a ready-to-run nitro-powered dragster (figure G)L. This mini speed-machine can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds.

Figure F

Figure G

Most people remember slot-car racers from their childhood, but for some -- like the participants in the World Champion Thunderjet Playoff (figure H) -- slot-car racing is serious business. They race high-speed HO-scale slot-cars (figure I) for a $1000 first prize.

Figure H

Figure I

For the unconventional in RC vehicles, an electrically powered and lightning-fast snowmobile from ArtAttack® (figure J) runs equally well on snow, concrete or wall-to-wall carpet -- so you can enjoy your snowmobile year-round, indoors and out, and in any climate. A remote-controlled 18-wheeler truck from Tamiya® (figure K) features digitally produced sound effects and a trailer that can be hooked up and offloaded by radio control.

Figure J

Figure K

Figure L

Another participant at HobbyVisions was Muscle Machines, manufacturers of a wide variety of die-cast models (figure L).