Takara have released a new range of Q-Steer micro RC cars - they’re based on the classic Tamiya RC buggies of the 80s and include The Frog, Hornet, and Grasshopper. Nice!

Q-Steer Tamiya
US $8.99 - Tamiya Q-steer Remote RC car OFFROAD BUGGY GRASSHOPPER

A friend of mine recently switched me onto Vislero lipo batteries, and I’m incredibly impressed with the bang for buck these little babies put out. I fly my RC planes nearly every day, using at least 4 packs per day - which means my lipo batteries get a fairly heavy workout. I’ve tried cheap lipos in the past, and have been burnt (literally!), but nearly all my planes are running on Vislero batteries these days, and after having used them for a few months I can’t see any difference between Vislero lipos and the ‘big brand’ batteries.

Anyone who’s been bitten by the PiccoZ micro RC helicopter bug will have probably already had a few nasty crashes - luckily most of the breakable parts the PiccoZ are repairable using a little bit of glue, but one thing you can never repair properly is a broken tail blade. Luckily they’re getting easier to find online. If you’ve got a PiccoZ, then buy some spares now while they’re still making them.

Picco Z tail blade
US $2.56 - Picoo Z Picco Z Spare Tail Blade Rotor Propeller x 6

The Esky flight simulator kit is one of the best value simulators available for anyone learning to fly RC planes - or even for experienced pilots who just want to keep their skills sharp when it’s too wet or windy to fly the real thing. The controller is really nicely built - all you need to do is install the simulator software and plug the controller into your PCs USB port. If you’re thinking of getting into RC planes, you’ll save yourself a lot of money and trouble by learning on a simulator first, and the Esky simulator is easily one the best ones available. I’ve been flying “big sky” brushless planes for a few years, but have recently taken up flying 3D planes. Esky has been an excellent tool for learning some of those tricky 3D manoeuvres without running the risk of trashing my plane. If you’re a beginner, then definitely check out Esky - even if you’re an experienced RC pilot, Esky can still be a very valuable tool (literally!) when trying out new models. It’s also heaps of of fun when the weather won’t let you fly the real thing!

Esky flight simulator
US $0.99 - ESKY Flight Simulator Helicopter Aircraft Airplane 360

If you’re into RC planes, then you’re probably already running a brushless motor. Outrunners are a new style of direct drive brushless motor - there’s no gearbox, so wear and tear is kept to a minimum. EMAX make some absolutely superb outrunners and are incredible value for money considering the specs and the performance. I’m running EMAX outrunners on my ‘big sky’ Cessna, and also on my 3D plane.

The Losi Mini-T is one of the best value RC cars around, and even straight out of the box is very fast. But drop in a brushless motor, and the Mini-T goes from fast, to scary. Check out the video…

The Hydrofoam RC hovercraft is designed as a boat/hovercraft, and will run on water, grass & hard surfaces like tarmac or concrete - but pull back on the elevator and it will take to the air! Hydrofoam is a new exciting type of foam plane, and there has been a huge following of this phenomena across the world. It comes pre-assebled and ready to run, including a brushless motor and charger. These are one of the best ‘take anywhere’ RC vehicles available. Recommended!

Make sure you watch the video all the way through to see the Hydrofoam get airborne!

If you’ve always wanted a hobby grade RC car but didn’t know where to start, then read on… The Losi Mini-T is one of the toughest RC cars you buy, and is incredible bang for your buck. Losi make some of the toughest off road RC cars around, and also some of the most popular track racing cars available. The Mini-T is a 1/18th scale rear wheel drive car, and includes everything you need in the box - yes, that includes a Losi radio and crystals.

The Mini-T totally hammers on sealed roads, but really comes into it’s own when you take it off road. If you’re looking at getting into RC, then the Mini-T is is a great introduction - it’s made by a real RC company (not a toy company!), and you can buy spare parts and ‘hop ups’ easily, you can even run the Mini-T with a brushless motor and LiPo batteries (which is insane!). I’ve had mine for about 2 years, and haven’t spent a cent on it except for adding a cheap ‘hot’ Graupner Speed 300 motor - I drive it like a madman and haven’t managed to break anything, or wear out any of the parts. It’s a Losi!

Radio control ‘toys’ have come a long way in the last few years, it’s amazing that you can now buy a micro radio control helicopter for under $100, and they actually work really well! The Air Hogs Havoc Heli charges from the controller, so you don’t need to buy an extra battery charger, they’re easy to fly too. Easily the best of the new wave of micro RC helicopters - buy one!

The cutest RC car in the world just got better! Losi have released a LiPo battery for the ultra cool Micro-T, it not only adds more power, but also increases run times.