In this special edition of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, Chris Chianellli 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 and other hobbies. The 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.
More New Products In this segment, Chris talks with representatives of MegaTech International and HPI about some of their new products.
- Among the hottest products the company is currently offering are the ARF ("almost ready to fly") nitro trainers. These large flyers are great for beginners as well as experienced flyers, and generally take about half a day to assemble. In fact, one of their flyers (figure A) is essentially ready to fly straight out of the box. All major parts -- including radio receiver, engine and even the glow-plug -- are already pre-installed. From the time it is unpacked, this trainer can be in the air within 15 minutes.
- At the HPI booth, the latest products include the Micro RS-4 (figure B). These RC autos come in both partial-assembly-required and ready-to-run versions ( figure C and D). Body styles include the BMW Skyline and Corvette. These particular models run on AA batteries, and they can be raced indoors or outdoors.
In Conclusion "The original intent (of the Expo) is to give a venue for dealers to talk to each other and share ideas," says Rob Gherman, creator and show director of the Las Vegas Hobby Expo, "sharing ideas about what the consumers tell them. I don't think that anybody knows more about the consumer than the hobby-shop dealer. They're on the front lines, and they come here to share that." This year more than 200 individual stores were represented at the Expo, as well as numerous product manufacturers and distributors. By offering a venue for the exchange of ideas and technology, and for communicating the needs and desires voiced hobbyists, the industry continues to advance in ways that will offer more and more variety and enjoyment to the hobbyists themselves.
RESOURCES :
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
Megatech, Inc.
HPI Racing radio-control products
HPI Racing
Swadlingcote, DerbyshireDE11 OEG
England
Website: www.hpiracing.com
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