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Top 10 RC Vehicle Choices in Stock for Summer Fun

• Traxxas T-Maxx 2.5: Nitro

• Most popular RC truck in Traxxas line and possibly all RC vehicles.  Some say the most fun RC car out there. Top speeds at 45 MPH.  Designed for mature, experienced drivers.  

• HPI Savage X: Nitro
• Only worthy competitor against the T-Maxx.  A loud, big basher and a wheelie a truck.  Best truck in this price range.

• Dromida DT4.18: Electric
• 1/18th Scale 4X4
• Fast & Wicked Cool. Very durable.
• Great entry level price at only $120

• ECX Torment: Electric
• Short course shootout overall winner and well deserved.  Durable and great truck for anyone entering the hobby.

• Traxxas Stampede XLS
• Two wheel drive monster truck.  If wheelies are your thing, this is your truck!

• HPI E10 Drift
• Entry level Drifter that is just plain fun right out of the box.  Fast and easy to maneuver.

• Acial SCX10 Deadbolt
• Most versatile chassis from Axial.  Tons of accessories.  Easy to upgrade.  Fun to drive and the servo is very reliable.  

• LOSI Micro Rally X
• 1/24th scale 4X4 Rally features a Dynamite HyperCharge system and is hyper fast.  Definite improvements to the transmitter.  

• HPI Savage EL Octane
• Big, loud, fast and fun Monster Truck running on “Pump Gas.”  This is going to get people’s attention.

• Traxxas REVO 3.3
• Award winning Nitro Truck.  Seven-time national champion on the track.  Lots of power and superior performance.  100% Ready-To-Drive right out of the box!

Pinewood derby is when kids race wooden blocks on wheels held in with nails.  It is as simple as that.

An activity endorsed by Boy Scouts of America, this activity is suppose to help foster a relationship between a child and a family member or mentor.  Let's hope it does just that.

Since its inception in 1953, Cub Scouts have been racing and refining their little wooden cars across the country.  Basic kits literally include a wooden block, four regulation wheels and four nails.  The rest is up to the imagination.  Although there are endless designs and supplies for Pinewood derby enthusiasts, additional supplies you will want to have at the ready are:

Sanding sealer, otherwise known as dope

Paint and clear coat

Decals

Upgraded wheel, when allowed

Weights

Sanding sealer.  This is important so that the wood's grain will not show through the final paint layer.  It also helps to keep the wood from absorbing all the colored paint.  At least two layers is recommended.  More may be needed.  Tip: It is important to let the sealer dry overnight.

Paint and decals.  These help to show off your person sense of style.  Add a nice clear coat finish for that "show room" gloss that everyone is looking for, and you and your child will be fighting off the paparazzi.

Why Weights?  The car is required to be under 5 ounces, but if it is too light, you won't get enough speed.  Hence, weights.  There are stick ons, glue ons, and even some you can insert into the body of the car.  If you want to win, weight, weight choice, and weight placement can be the key factor!

Wheels.  Some packs require regulation wheels, while others are more lenient.  Check with your pack to see what guidelines your troupe follows.

Check out this Boy Scouts of America sponsored page for tons of information: http://www.pinewoodderby.org.

According to a Press Release on December 14, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required registration for small unmanned aircraft system (UAS, AKA “drone”) beginning December 21, 12015. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx elaborated, “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”

Here is what you need to know:

• Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft.  

• The Rule applies to UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds.

• The weight includes all payloads, including onboard cameras and the such.

• The registration fee is a nominal $5.

If you had a “drone” prior to December 21, 2015, you are still required to register your UAS.  This must be done no later than February 19, 2016. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after December 21, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors. Owners may use either the paper-based process or the new streamlined, web-based system.  Owners using the new streamlined web-based system must be at least 13 years old to register.

The full version of the Rule can be viewed at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/12/16/2015-31750/registration-and-marking-requirements-for-small-unmanned-aircraft.

Go to  www.faa.gov/uas/registration to register you UAS today!

For additional information about flying drones, visit www.knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Summary by Lisa Marcus, Lee’s Toy & Hobby, Groton, CT