Las Vegas Hobby Show In this DIY special Chris Chianelli, host of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, attends the Las Vegas Hobby Expo and gets a first-hand look at some of the latest products and developments from the world of radio-controlled models. The Hobby Expo takes place at Las Vegas' Riviera Hotel and boasts 40,000 square feet of displays and demonstrations -- and more than 350 manufacturers -- of innovative RC products from around the country and around the world (figure A). The Hobby Expo is an annual event held in Las Vegas, and is closed to the public . Ordinarily, the only attendees are the manufacturers and representatives of hobby shops throughout the US. This DIY program offers a rare glimpse into this unique and exclusive RC event. RC models in every genre are offered including miniature cars, trucks, trains, planes - and even snowmobiles, submarines and working military models.
RC Tanks and Snowmobiles
- The 1/16-scale Pershing Tank from Tamiya is a working replica of an actual tank that was used in World War II and the Korean War. The tank moves forward and backward, using tank treads just like a real tank, and can be made to spin in its tracks. It features simulated engine sounds, operating machine guns and an infra-red sensors that allows the tank to be used in simulated combat games with other model tanks and vehicles.
Simulated sensor-based "hits" scored on each tank actually effect the tanks performance , eventually rendering the tank immobile after receiving a given amount of hits. Other tanks available from Tamiya include the Sherman and Tiger-1.
- The Art Attack (TM) RC from Nitro Elements is a working RC snowmobile (figure B). It is available in either a nitro-powered or electrically powered version . The engine is air-cooled with an electric fan that keeps the motor running at a relatively constant temperature.
The Art Attack features a sophisticated working rear-suspension, and studded tracks for running on ice surfaces. The snowmobiles can be pull-started or bump-started, and can be customized for performance using a variety of motors and radios.
RESOURCES :
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
Art Attack RC Snowmobile from Nitro Elements
Nitro Elements Inc.
Rochester , NY 14624
Phone: 877-257-0983
Website: www.nitroelements.com
RC Pershing Tank from Tamiya
Tamiya
Website: www.tamiya.com
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