HOBBY
OUTLOOK A HOBBYTOWN USA® PUBLICATION ®
YOUR HOOK-UP TOTO THE HOBBY WORLD YOUR HOOK-UP THE HOBBY WORLD
VOL. 2 MARCH 2011
(According to You!) Pinewood Derby World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour Estes Build N’ Blast and much, much more!
Lip Li oS oSac ackk
Racing’s Youngest Star
MITCHELL
dejong
Hobbico
LUMNIST GUEST CO
DIY Battery Box outlook
Editor-in-Chief Mary Friesen maryf@hobbytown.com
Design Lauren Larsen Writers Brian Smolick Katlynn Dutkiewicz Mark Moore Tori Gruber David Nolte Chad Yost Mary Friesen Lauren Larsen Photography Lauren Larsen Special Thanks Estes Rockets Big Squid RC Mitchell DeJong Scott Middle School Nebraska Boy Scouts NMC Winners Craig Trachten Gary Phillips
outlook Editor’s note Dear Readers, Spring is in the air, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a serious case of “Spring Fever”. I’m ready to feel the sun shining, hear the birds chirping and see green when I look outside. Speaking of spring, we’ve been working hard on the spring issue of Hobby Outlook. We had the honor of working with some amazing young adults for this issue. We had a “blast” building and launching rockets with over 300 students at Scott Middle School for the HobbyTown USA® Build N’ Blast, watched the local Boy Scout Troops compete in their annual Pinewood Derby tournament and conducted a great interview with Mitchell deJong, a 13-year-old racing champion from Temecula, California. In this issue you’ll also find great articles about the World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour, Flyzone’s Albatros D airplane, RS-3 Bachmann train, a follow-up article from Big Squid RC and so much more. Be sure to click on the links (and pictures) as you’re reading the articles to receive more information. If you have any article ideas for our magazine, we’d love to hear from you! Cheers! Mary Friesen Editor-in-Chief
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Index
MARCH
IN THIS ISSUE
Guess what? Our pages are interactive. Click on the index, photos, websites and icons for bonus extras!
SUBSCRIBE HERE (FREE)
Features
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Exclusives 12 Big Squid RC 22 Build N’ Blast 28 World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour 36 Pinewood Derby Interviews 6 Mitchell DeJong 44 National Model Contest Winners 46 Knoxville Train Guy
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Reviews 18 Associated Review 40 OWI Robotics Kit 27 Alco RS-3 38 CAMP 34 Albatros DIII
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Regulars Hobbies on the Screen Hobby Talk Store Locator
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HOBBIES ON SCREEN
CARPET RACERS: A CRASH COURSE
(((GET CONNECTED)
((
Regulars
HOBBY TALK
By Chad Yost
Plot Summary: A well assembled documentary examining the small, niche world of carpet racing. The film includes interviews from some of the industry legends - Gil Losi Sr, Joel Johnson and Erni Provetti. It also features some of the current leaders in racing like Paul Lemieux and Barry Baker. The film begins with the Snowbirds in Florida. For years, the Snowbirds has been the “it” race. Interviews here include some of the local drivers and their perspectives on racing. Primarily, this serves as an introduction to carpet racing for the audience. The film progresses toward some of the local race scenes, visits to the ICC race in Las Vegas and then circles back to the Snowbirds in Florida. Having been a carpet racer for years, I thought the film was a good intro look at the racing scene. I do wish the film would have spent a little more time informing people about how to get involved in the hobby. I also think they should have examined the classes a little more thoroughly. A majority of the documentary’s focus was on the all-out modified, 1/10th scale sedan. While it is the most prestigious, it is important to learn where to start from - this might encourage more drivers to join the hobby. Overall, the film was highly informative and entertaining. It is a fun flick for anyone interested in the hobby or willing to learn more.
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To get in on the “Hobby Talk” and stay connected, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages. Readers polled from our Facebook page answered the following:
What is the must have hobby item of the year?
Blade 400. -Jimmy
The new SCX10. -Salvador
Anything Battlestar Galactica from Moebius Models. -Brad H.
The Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire I just bought. -Josh
Talk
Gift card up for grabs! Become a fan to win.
Join the talk!
Blokus Duo! -Mary
A piggy bank. -Joe
Hexbugs! -Outlook Staff
I would love a Spectra or DFX. -Joe
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Interview
RACE CHAMPION
There’s a new kid on the block:
MITCHELL
dejong By Mary Friesen
Outlook Editor chats with13-year-old Mitchell DeJong, seasoned race champ, about racing, life and his experiences as one of the youngest racers in history. Click here to watch a clip from the Lucas Oil Off Road Series in Surprise, Arizona.
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Many little boys, when asked what they want to be when they grow up, have aspired to be race car drivers. While technically not grown up quite yet, Mitchell DeJong is living out that dream. Only 13-years-old, Mitchell has been racing for the last eight years and has many achievements under his belt: he holds the track record for fastest time at all of the short course off-road racing tracks, he’s been the fastest qualifier at every track and he participated in the Cory Kruzeman Sprint Car School earning consistent driving times as fast as the professional adult racers. Mitchell resides in Temecula, California. We asked him some questions about his racing career and life in general.
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Photo provided.
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March 2011
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When I drove that go-kart on a real track, I was hooked. It was so fun and all I wanted to do!
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Interview
DeJong began racing go-carts at age 5. Photo provided.
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Interview
When did you get started racing? I started driving a go-kart when I was five years old. I wasn’t old enough to race until I was six though. What experiences made you want to race? I was always interested in driving something ever since I can remember. I used to make jumps for my little bike in our backyard out of whatever I could find, which scared my mom, of course. One day I saw kids racing go-karts on TV when I was five, so I asked my parents if I could do that too. My mom thought it had to be safer than motorcycles so she agreed. Coincidently, my parents had a friend who was a go-kart champion so they called him and he hooked us up with a karting series. When I drove that go-kart on a real track, I was hooked. It was so fun and all I wanted to do! How many hours a week do you practice? Now I race an off-road truck and a Legend on asphalt. They are completely different types of racing. I practice 1-2 times a week in the off season at a race track. When the racing starts we travel a lot so during race weekends the practice I get is at the track just before the race. I also have a racing chair simulator that my dad built at our race shop and I practice driving on that too.
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I am thankful to all of my sponsors who have given me the opportunity to do what I love...But mostly to God who keeps me safe, gave me the talent and has opened the doors for me.
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Have you won any major championships? I have won six championships in a row in the last four years. What races are you looking forward to in 2011? I will continue to race my off-road truck and my Legend. I will be starting to practice in a SuperLite which is an adult class in a full size truck. I am only 13 years old now, but will be able to race it professionally when I turn 14. What do you like to do in your spare time? I build and drive radio control cars! I have my own workshop set up at our race shop. As a matter of fact, I buy all my R/C cars and parts from HobbyTown USA® in Temecula. They have the most knowledgeable people who work there so I trust them. I also support Traxxas – they have such awesome cars, it’s the next best thing to driving a real race car.
Want to learn more about Mitchell? Click here to view his blog. 10
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Interview
DeJong at the Lucas Oil Off Road race. Photo provided.
Do you have any advice for other kids who would like to start racing? Drive fast and take chances! Is there anything else you’d like to share? I was just signed by Red Bull as their youngest athlete for 2011 and I’m really looking forward to my future with them. I am thankful to all of my sponsors who have given me the opportunity to do what I love Red Bull, Speed Technologies, DeJong Off Road, Traxxas, Fox Racing Shox, Duncan Racing and DWT. But mostly to God who keeps me safe, gave me the talent and has opened the doors for me! Milestones that Mitchell has achieved so far in his career: • Mitchell currently has the fastest time at
all the short course off road racing tracks. • He is the youngest Red Bull athlete in their highly respected arsenal. • He holds the fastest time record for the Best In The Desert Primm race. • He participated in the Corey Kruzeman Sprint Car School and had consistent driving times as fast as the professional adult racers • He is a 6 time champion including 2007 Apex Open Karting Championship, 2007 CORR Trophy Kart Championship, 2008 LEMX Championship, 2008 BITD Primm Desert Race Championship, 2009 Traxxas Off Road Series, 2009 Lucas Oil Off Road Race Series (5th), 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road Championship. outlook
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BASHING Y I D project
ON THE
GO!
How to build a Battery Box Learn how to build a custom field box (or “battery box”) that you can use to carry your chargers, power supply batteries, connectors and two large batteries.
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By Brian Smolick Big Squid RC
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(2X) ICE Charger
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(2X) Checkpoint Charger LipoSack Li oSack
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(1X) Lipo Sack
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(1X) Hobbico 12v DC Power Supply
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(1X) Hobbico Power Panel
[Click item to learn more or to purchase.] 12
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Guest Columnist LUMNIST O C T S E U G
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Hobbico
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(1X) Aluminum Tool Case (18”X13”X5”)
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(1X) Hanger 9 12V 7Ah Battery with Charger
In our last article, we focused on a DIY portable and adjustable ramp for bashers on the go. The second installment of our Bashing on the Go series is a “how to” on building a custom field box (or battery box) that you can use to carry your chargers, power supply, batteries and connectors. There is even space for two larger batteries specifically designated for those instances when you need to power your gear and you are not near an outlet. Most of these parts are optional. This is a guide and its purpose is to provide you with ideas to better your bashing on the go. If you have been in the R/C hobby a while, you probably already have a lot of these items. You may also find that your needs differ from ours. Our goal here is to inspire ideas and to create an all-in-one box that is functional for on the go racers. To purchase or find out further information about the products used to build the box, click on the linked items. outlook outlook
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STEP 1
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Gut the aluminum case - remove all of the foam. You can keep this around if you want to give things a little extra cushion, but the goal is to create as much room as possible. Measure off the battery and cut a 1”x4” piece of wood to use as a brace to hold the battery in place. Drill two holes through the case and screw the wooden brace into place. We only used one battery in our box, but there is room for two.
Attach the power panel to two more pieces of 1”x4” and then attach it to the case. This will leave you with just enough room for the power supply. Use a small piece of foam to help the power supply fit tightly. You do not want it to shift when you are carrying it.
STEP 3
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Drill a small hole into the heat sync of each charger. You may want to just use good old fashioned Velcro for this step. If you are going to drill your charger, please be careful. Attach a nut and bolt the charger to the case. If you use Velcro, unmount them when the case is closed. When you reopen the case, you can stick them back up. This will prevent them from clanking around.
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Add a small chain to give the lid some support when it is open. This way, all the weight from the chargers won’t stress the hinges of the case and your box will last longer (and stay open easier).
Guest Columnist
The purpose of the case is to easily carry everything you need to charge your packs on the road. There is plenty of room for batteries, wires and connectors. The 12v battery can be used to power the chargers and some smaller battery packs in the field when you don’t have access to power. The power panel can also charge your glow igniter or be used with a wired igniter - great for when you need extra power. The power supply is there for when you have access to power. It has a 11.5 amp max and can run both chargers with no problems. Remember to always use a LiPo sack when charging batteries - never leave them unattended while charging.
This box is great for any basher on the go. It has everything you need in one place for your power supply needs. We have been using this box for a few months now and it has been great! Make sure your LiPos are protected, try to keep things from rattling around and be sure not to short anything out. We hope this gives you a few ideas to get started building your own portable field box. There are a lot of different ways to do it, so take your time and do what fits your needs best. Good luck and have fun - from all of us at Big Squid RC. Need more pictures? Click here and look in our “Tips for Bashers” section.
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Find the HobbyTown USA速 location nearest to you. With over 150 franchises nationwide, you can find us just about anywhere.
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Store Locator
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The T4.1 Brushless from Team Associated.
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Product Review
NEW VEHICLE UPDATE
T4.1 BRUSHLESS Works great out of the box. It also allows for all the chassis and suspension adjustment a veteran racer could ask for. This is a model you can enjoy as a beginner and grow into - not out of. By Brandon Halvorsen
It has been years since I have had the chance to drive a Team Associated, product as the dust on my old TC3 touring car will attest. After driving the new truck, I was ecstatic. My first thought was that the truck is a great choice for both a novice and someone looking to race competitively. It is based on the seven time National Championship winning T4 platform that features a low center of gravity (CG) chassis and a set screw to hold your antenna tube in place. This may not seem like a “grand” feature, but having the antenna tube secure during rolls and flips helps protect your receiver antenna from expensive damage. This is a detail that demonstrates Associated’s experience from years of race winning chassis design. The suspension features aluminum bodied shocks, threaded steel turnbuckles and vertical ball ends to adjust front and rear chamber, front toe and roll center. The transmission is geared at a 2.6:1 ratio with rubber sealed ball bearings
to ensure a contaminate free, smooth running. A geared rear differential is employed to handle the increased power possibilities of modern electronics and makes for much less maintenance than the old ball differentials. Power comes from a Reedy 3300Kv brushless motor. The speed control also features a reverse lockout so the power system is as ready for racing as the chassis. The power system can handle anything from a six cell NiMH to a three cell LiPo pack. This way, you can use an inexpensive pack and charger or go all out for speed and power with a big LiPo battery. Note that it comes with Deans connectors already installed on the speed control; this feature will add reliability and reduce frustration immensely if you decide to go with a battery pack at the high end. The pre-installed radio is the XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3 channel system with adjustable trim and endpoints. Because the radio is 2.4, interference will not be a problem - just turn it on and go. Team outlook
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Associated has also installed a metal gear steering servo; it is a great touch to increase durability and a very uncommon upgrade to find on vehicles in this price range. The coolest detail is the T-shaped locks that allow you to install or remove your battery without the hassle of body pins. For all of us who have struggled with those little pins, this is a clever solution. Additionally, it allows you to secure all the compatible battery packs without having to modify your model. Lastly, the T4.1 is compatible with all of Team Associated’s Factory Team hop-ups and accessories for when stock is not enough. Team Associated also included a
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Reedy WolfPack 7.2 v 4200 mAh. We used the Patriot R/C HT-X charger, available exclusively at HobbyTown USA®, to charge the battery but any NiMH compatible charger will work just fine. A word of caution to any new hobbyist: make sure your charger is compatible with your battery before charging it! Once the pack was ready to go, we installed the AA batteries in our transmitter and off we went. Since it was February in Nebraska (read: snow) I was not able to do any track testing. I was able to run it indoors and in a cleared parking lot. Another word of caution: electronics and water don’t mix so be careful when running outdoors. The
Product Review
truck was extraordinarily easy to drive and control. Due to the upgraded servo, steering response was excellent and, due to an unexpected encounter with the curb, I can say quite durable as well. The slipper clutch was set perfectly out of the box allowing the truck to accelerate smoothly and predictably. The speed control also has a built in delay requiring the truck to come to a full stop before going into reverse and ensure a long life to all those driveline components. A really handy feature is the endpoint adjustments on the transmitter. By decreasing the endpoints the driver is able to control how much steering and throttle are available.
If you want a little less steering to ensure stable running and high speeds or a little more to help you negotiate the chicanes at the track, it is adjustable to your taste. Secondly, the throttle endpoints allow you to adjust top speed, thereby slowing the truck down so the whole family can share in the experience. Overall I was impressed with the vehicle. In order to operate this model, you will need a 6-8 cell NiMH or 2-3 cell LiPo pack, compatible charger and eight AA batteries for the transmitter. A final word of caution: if you are switching from NiMH to LiPo packs, make sure you change to the appropriate setting on the speed control.
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build&
BLAST By Lauren Larsen
Teaching 300 11-year-olds how to build rockets is, surprisingly, easier than you think. Just ask the 6th graders from Scott Middle School in Lincoln, Nebraska. On March 1, over 300 students gathered to assemble the Estes Make It Take It rocket. Two days later, they launched their rockets into a blue, spring sky. The sun was shining, the rockets were ready and the 6th grade students at Scott were having a blast – literally.
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A student rejoices after a fellow classmate’s rocket is launched.
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Students assembling rockets.
“The most rewarding part is to see all of the students participating in one thing together. It is rewarding for every type of student. No one is left out. Everyone can enjoy the hobby at the same time.” - Mark Moore
The rockets, donated from Estes, were assembled in three sessions led by Mark Moore - HobbyTown USA® corporate team member. The tutorials lasted less than an hour each – this, of course, included time to decorate and add decals to each rocket. The kits used to assemble the rockets were for beginning level rocket enthusiasts. Each kit contained 11 pieces – additionally, wadding, igniters and A-motors had to be purchased (all available for a minimal cost). Two days later, the same students gathered outside for the anticipated blast. Class “mentors” were chosen to 24
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assist students in hooking up the rockets to the launch gear. Students stood eagerly, grasping the controls – some squinting and others wide eyed - as their rockets zipped up and into the sky. Many students darted after their rockets with hopes of catching them as they drifted across the playground and into a neighboring field. HobbyTown USA® stores are able to host Build N’ Blast events and are experts in “rocket science”. To learn more about how you can participate in a Build N’ Blast or make your own rocket, contact your local HobbyTown USA® store today.
Exclusive
Build N’ Blast Event Photos 1. Conditions for the blast were ideal. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as we set up our makeshift launch pads.
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2. Mark Moore, along with two other HobbyTown USA® corporate employees, assisted in the rocket Build N’ Blast. 3. All eyes looked to the sky as students began to blast off their rockets. 4. There were four separate blasting stations to accommodate the 300 students.
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5. We used A 8-4 motors to launch the rockets. The “A” stands for the size of the motor. The 8 refers to the count burn and the 3 signifies the count delay before the chute is deployed. 6. Four mentors - student helpers- were chosen to assist students with prepping the launch pad. 7. Unfortunately, some rockets fell prey to the trees and roof. 8. Many students opted to chase after their rockets after they blasted them.
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9. A big thank you to Estes and the Scott Middle School teachers for making this event possible.
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EDITOR’S PICK
Product Review
introducing the
ALCO RS-3
The Facts
• DCC-equipped for speed, direction, and lighting • Dual-mode NMRA-compliant decoder with 8-pin plug • All-wheel drive • Precision can motor • Dual, precision-balanced flywheels • Super-quiet, helical cut gears • Die-cast chassis • Metal cut levers • Finescale handrails • Blackened metal wheels • Prototype-specific directional headlights • RP25 wheel contours • E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers
Introduced in the early 50’s, the all-purpose,
1600-HSP Alco RS-3
had the stamina and strength for freight and passenger service yet was agile enough for yard work. With its rugged, dependable design, it is no wonder that many of these versatile RS-3 locomotives are still working today on short lines, tourist lines, and hauling freight. Bachmann’s DCC-equipped HO scale model adds digital control and versatility to your stable of locomotives.
• Item No. 64201 BOSTON & MAINE #1545 (maroon, yellow & black) • Item No. 64202 D&RGW™ #5200 - EARLY (yellow & black) • Item No. 64203 WESTERN MARYLAND® #198 (speed lettering, black & yellow) • Item No. 64204 SOUTHERN #2137 (black, gray & gold) • Item No. 64205 PRR #5604 (black with yellow lettering) • Item No. 64206 NYC® #8298 (black with lightning stripe)
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The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour By Lauren Larsen
Railroad enthusiasts: close your eyes. Imagine a room filled with track – your scale of choice. The tracks intertwine over bridges, forming figure eights and complicated patterns. Attention to detail is impeccable – you can even make out the shoes on an HO figurine. The rolling stock is rolling and the steam engines are steaming. Men in conductor hats and four-year-olds who know what “turntables” are, surround you. You might be dreaming. Or, you might be walking the showcase at the World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour in Omaha, NE.
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Over 21 different clubs participated in the Omaha WGH on Tour.
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Shattuck with Free-mo layout.
January 15, 2011 marked the opening day for the World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour in Omaha, Nebraska. “Usually, we try to stick to our top 50 market,” says Randy Bachmann, show coordinator since 2004 (when the tour began). “Omaha was a break away from the top 50. I had a gut feeling about Omaha because of the demographics and railroad ties,” says Bachmann. Due to Omaha’s close connection to Union Pacific, Bachmann’s gut feeling proved right. The location was a perfect stop on this year’s tour. The show lasted for two days and catered to over 30,000 railroad fans. Paul Shattuck, a member of the Missouri Valley Free-mo organization, says that the show, “had an amazing turnout. I don’t know how many kids came! I’ve had a blast”. Like many model railroaders, Shattuck is glad to see a va30
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riety of ages at the show. “It is nice to see some young kids get involved in the hobby.” Shattuck manned one of the largest layouts at the show. The Missouri Valley Free-mo organization’s HO layout measured 150 ft. in length. It, along with many other club layouts, was a star contender on the Omaha tour. Families crowded around the 21 different layouts supplied by area clubs, chatting wildly about the tiny carnivals, picturesque country sides and miniature mining towns. Everyone seemed enamored with the detailed scenery, functioning lights and quick-moving stock. Children especially enjoyed all of the interactive Thomas the Train Tank booths. There were over 100 different hands-on Thomas sets for kids of all ages to run. The most popular attraction, by far, was the giant Thomas Riding Train. The line stretched around the entire expo-hall as children queued up to board the Thomas express. The looks on their excited faces were palpable as they rode the mock steam engine, waving to family members and show staff. Showcase vendors included major industry leaders – Bachmann Trains, Athearn and Lionel LCC were just three of the 200 manufacturers and retailers in attendance. Aside from top of the line products, vendors provided demonstrations and seminars for attendees. Some used this time to introduce new products and others as a time to show off their inventory. Many even set up their own
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March 2011
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layouts, offering helpful tips to railroad enthusiasts and to those interested in picking up the hobby. Whether you are a seasoned railroad veteran or just looking for something fun to do on a Saturday, the World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour will not disappoint. Stops on this year’s tour include Atlanta, Edison and Tampa. To check out the show schedule and learn more about the different stops on this year’s tour, click here. For more pictures from the event, check out our Facebook album here.
All ages were welcome at the show. Vendor display (Bachmann).
To find a local area model rail club near you, click here.
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the
ALBATROS
DIII
Behold: the electric powered, 2.4 GHz radio controlled, RTF Albatros WW1 Micro Airplane from Flyzone By Craig Trachten HobbyTown USA® Brookfield CT
The Albatros D.III first took flight in August of 1916. Approximately 1,866 aircraft were produced that year. Primarily, the plane was used as a fighter aircraft in World War 1. Many German aces flew her - including Manfred von Richtofen, AKA, “The Red Baron”. Although famous for combat, her beauty and grace remind me of the 1965 movie, Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines. Since I’m referencing movies, Flyzone followed the premise of Honey I Shrunk the Kids and shrank the D.III to micro size. 34
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The plane is not too small - it is the perfect size to take outside on a calm day and can also be flown indoors in a large room. This feature is a plus for those of us that live up north and have a limited outdoor flying season. We like to use an indoor gym or basketball court twice a week – that is where you will find us tearing up the skies and having a blast. Flyzone’s Albatros is an “all in the box” aircraft. The aircraft is fully assembled and sits in molded foam packing for safe and easy transport. A 3-channel micro transmitter on 2.4GHz with a built-in flight pack charger is tucked away in its own transport safe compartment. There are even compartments for the supplied 3.7v 130mAh Lipo flight battery pack with space for “extras”. The four AA batteries used for the transmitter are also included. The only thing you need to do is glue on the machine guns, (if you want) paint and glue-in the supplied
Product Review
pilot bust. The big question is “how does she fly?” The answer is “sweet.” The first time I flew the Albatros was outdoors. Stay away from trying to take-off on grass - try hand launching if you fly off a grass field. We used a dirt base path for our landing strip. Rollout and takeoff was smooth and put an immediate smile on our faces. We were a bit surprised at how much of a breeze the Albatros could actually handle. Not to say we did not get bounced around a bit, but we were able to recover - no problem. After the initial flight, I moved the pushrods to the inner most holes on the control horns to achieve maximum deflection – do not forget to re-trim if you do this. This Albatros is not an aerobatic aircraft, but we were able to loop her after buzzing the guys on the flight line. Indoor flying is where it is at. It does not get any better than having a smooth floor for takeoffs and landings, and no
THE FACTS: MAP: $79.99 Wingspan: 14.5” Flight Time: Approx. 10 min. Length: 11.1” Weight: 11 Ounces Distributed by: Great Planes Manufacturer: Flyzone
wind to deal with. Once airborne, I pulled back to 1/3 throttle and tooted around the gym for what seemed like forever. I never actually timed the flight, but it ran approximately 10 minutes. I had swap-out batteries charged and ready to go, so I was not concerned about duration. It is a hoot to see 8-10 aircraft flying around (3 D.IIIs) - sometimes in formation and sometimes dog-fighting. The dollar-to-fun value for this package is extremely high. I want to thank Walter Sidas, staff photographer at Fly R/C magazine, for the flight shots. Have fun, fly safe! outlook
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Race Division at the Pinewood Derby.
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DISTRICT TOURNAMENT
Exclusive
Pinewood
DERBY By Mary Friesen
March 5th marked the opening day for the District Pinewood Derby in Lincoln, Nebraska. Walking through the gym, I was amazed at the amount of people attending the event – and at the excitement in the air. Throughout the course of the day, approximately 1,500 people were expected to either compete in or watch the races. It was evident that the young boys and their parents had spent a lot of time getting their cars ready for the competition. Near the front of the gym, a long table was designated to display the “design division”. A lot of creativity was involved in the decals and overall car design– there were cars made into roller coasters, space ships, a couch and so much more. Kudos to all of these children and their parents for all of the hard work that went into this tournament! To get involved in next year’s Pinewood Derby, contact a local Boy Scouts of America group. For supplies to make your own car, click here. For any questions you may have in regards to building your own car, contact your local HobbyTown USA®. Congrats to all of the Pinewood Derby winners!
Bear Cub Races.
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This issue:
CAMP
Game Breakdown Game Time: 30 min. Perfect for: Family Game Night, specifically if you have a diverse age group. More: Camp has expansion packs available so playing never gets old. If you like Camp, you’ll like: Clue - Secrets and Spies, Life, Go to the Head of the Class and Murder Mystery Mansion (click title to learn more).
By: Tori Gruber
Forget lions and tigers and bears. How about Eisenhower the owl, Susie the salmon and Sassy the squirrel? These, along with 5 others, are the characters of Camp. Camp is an educational wildlife game. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll encounter fun facts and difficult scenarios to work through. Your friends and family will compete to see who can return to camp first. The game is 38
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fast moving, entertaining and full of fun facts for everyone involved. Each player chooses the level he or she plays at. There are four different levels ranging from level 1, the “Tenderfoot” and level 4, the “Nature Enthusiast”. The levels determine the difficulty of questions. Due to its various levels and wide user age range, Camp is an excellent pick for family game night or children’s get together.
Strategy There really is not much strategy involved here other than trying to win, choosing the right level to play at and answering correctly.
Set-Up Camp is very easy to set up. Open the cards, pick your mascot and choose a playing level. That is it!
Clarity of Instructions The instructions were very clear and precise except for at the end. Usually, board games require the exact number necessary to move forward through the remaining spaces. However, this is unclear when players advance to the finish.
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Product Review
I chose to be “Sassy the Squirrel” while Hayden, my son, chose to be “Dawn the Deer”. I had fun playing this with my family. We added on to the rules to make it a little longer and more difficult to win at the end. We chose to make the person close to “Camp” roll the exact number necessary to get in to camp. It added a little more fun to the game. I would recommend this for people with young children, especially if they enjoy the outdoors and wildlife.
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-Tori’s Strategy
Game Play This game would be easy for any level of player. Since you can choose the level you play at, it makes it easy for all age levels to have fun together. The game plays pretty quickly after a while, but there are expansion packs available to change things up.
Overall The game is fun, easy to play and educational. I recommend it for family members of all ages - one of the major bonuses of playing Camp is that everyone can enjoy it! outlook outlook
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Solar OWI robots: Inchworm and Frog.
By David Nolte
Robotics 101:
Learn more about the Science behind the bot. OWI Robotics are great starter sets for anyone interested in robotics. There are several models available and they serve as an excellent introduction into the hobby. Click here to watch a video of an OWI robotic frog in action! 40
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What is a robot? When you hear that question, a dozen examples quickly come to mind. But, if you eliminate the likes of R2, 3PO, Terminators and Cylons, and try to stick to real-world robots, it becomes trickier to come up with a simple answer. If you consult a dictionary, it provides definitions that vary from “a machine that looks and acts like a human being” to “a mechanism guided by automatic controls”. So, the term “robot” can be applied to quite a wide variety of things. The one characteristic that most definitions have in common is “a machine that
“ Chas working on his frog.
can act on its own”. For the purposes of this article, we will stick with that. The goal was to assemble two OWI RobotiKits - a “Happy Jumping Frog” and an “Attacking Inchworm”. I enlisted the help of my 10-year-old nephew, Chas, to assemble the little units, and see if we could get some of that “act on its own” happening. These robots are similar to wind-up toys in their actions; the frog hops, and the inch-worm crawls. But instead of being powered by a spring that someone needs to wind to get them going, they are assembled with small photoelectric “solar” cells that provide power to small internal motors. We started with the frog. Building these particular robots is very similar to building snap-together model kits, with the addition of some moving parts in the form of plastic gears, metal shafts,
Product Review
Instead of being powered by a spring that someone needs to wind to get them going, they are assembled with small photoelectric “solar” cells that provide power to small internal motors.
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and a spring along with the motor and its solar cell. The frog was pretty easy to put together. The motion depended on the motor’s gear meshing with the gears on shafts. We had to get all of the internal parts in their places and then close the two halves of the frog near the final step. It was a little difficult to close the frog up and retain the proper gear alignments, but in the end, we finally got it working. When we got the cell into sunlight (hurrying as it was fading fast on a winter afternoon) the motor began to spin. This resulted in moving gears, which turned a cam, that stretched a spring, that released and allowed the legs to “hop”. Chas, working by himself, assembled the inchworm quickly. Although the worm had more external parts, there were fewer gears and shafts internally. It was easier to get closed up in proper alignment. One big improvement over the frog kit was a motor “housing” piece that held it right where it needed to go in the worm’s body. In the frog, the motor was pushed around by its own wiroutlook
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Train Show
ing and would not stay straight. Chas’ efforts were rewarded with the second unit, which started to crawl and “attack” once the sun hit its power cell. The success met with the inchworm kit had Chas hoping to try more in the future. Although their motions are as simple as wind-up toys, they fit that robot definition - if you set them in the sunlight, they then start moving “by themselves”. They do not even need an on/ off switch, just solar photons. If you are lacking sun, try placing them near a bright lamp, halogen bulb preferred. They may not be fluent in over six million forms of communication, be able to serve dinner or walk the dog, but
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we’ll get to that sort of stuff in Robotics 202 (or higher).
OWI Robotics are excellent for DIY, science and classroom projects. To see the products online and learn more, click here.
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By Katlynn Dutkiewicz Outlook interviews the Fall 2010 National Model Contest Winners. To participate in the Spring National Model Contest (April 16), check with your local HobbyTown USA速.
Best in Show: Jeff Corder Model: The boat is 1/16 scale, fully scratch built Drag Boat
Best Junior: Brandon Kitazuno Model: Tamiya 1/12 Honda CBR 1100XX Super Black Bird Motorcycle Unavailable for interview
How long have you been a modeler? I did it as a child starting at 6 or 7 through high school and then I put it away for about ten years and picked it back up seriously. The grand total is about 25 years. Check out my site here. How did you get started modeling? My father was a pilot so we were always around planes and I was fascinated by model planes. Eventually, I gravitated toward model cars. What are your favorite types of models to build? I do all types of models but I focus mostly on static plastic.
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Interview
Best Paint Matt Quiroz Model: Polar Lights HO “Bates Psycho Hotel� How long have you been a modeler? I started when I was about five years old and I am 45 now, so 40 years. How did you get started modeling? I had a very short attention span and my parents signed me up for the model of the month in the mail. When I got the first one, I spent 4-5 hrs working on it. The light went off in my parents’ head to keep buying them for me. What are your favorite types of models to build? I build everything with the exception of anime, but I am branching into that now. I do not build railroad stuff either.
Best Osprey: Nathan Weter Model: Diorama 1:35 Dragon Kit How long have you been a modeler? I am 24 now and I started when I was 12, but I did not do anything through high school. In 2007, I got back into building. How did you get started modeling? My grandpa fought in WWII and his stories fascinated me when I was little. I did my own research and got interested in it that way. What are your favorite types of models to build? Definitely all 1/35 scale. I am an aviation major but I only build ground units - not planes. I do not have the opportunity to build scale models because I am not around them all the time.
The next National Model Contest is scheduled for April 16, 2011.
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Photo provided.
The Train Guy Outlook asks Gary Phillips, Knoxville’s HobbyTown USA® store owner, about trains and his hobby: model railroading. Click here to see more layout photos.
By Mary Friesen
For most people, a hobby is something that you do in your spare time, away from work. But for Gary Phillips, selling hobbies is his job. Gary is the owner of the Knoxville, Tennessee, HobbyTown USA® store. We visited with Gary about his store and his lifelong passion for model trains. 46
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Tell us how you first got started with HobbyTown USA®. While travelling through Lexington, Kentucky, I did what many hobbyists do – I checked out the local hobby store. That happened to be the HobbyTown USA® store owned by Brian Miller and Ray Miller. I was impressed with what I saw, made a purchase, and while checking out, picked up a business card for future reference. I noticed on the card it said, “HobbyTown USA®, the nation’s largest hobby franchise”. I found that interesting and filed the card away. A few years later, when I was ready for a change, I remembered the card. I did some checking on the internet, made a few phones calls, and the next thing I
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“ Ceiling model train.
knew my wife and I were in Lincoln, Nebraska, signing a franchise agreement. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made! We know you’re a model railroad enthusiast. How has owning a HobbyTown USA® impacted your hobby? My lifelong hobby has been model railroading. Needless to say, I was excited to have a job that incorporated my hobby. It’s been great! I get to go to trade shows and see new items before the public, I have been asked for direction and advice by several model railroad companies, and I get to help many new customers enter into a hobby that I’m certain they too will enjoy. I rapidly discovered that owning my own business means I have to work longer hours than my previous job, which
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My dad said my first word as an infant was “choo choo”. I have been known to drive the scenic route to watch trains and visit old railroad stations and other facilities.
leaves less time to work on my O gauge model railroad that at one time occupied half of our basement. Eventually, a growing family necessitated taking down the layout. But not to worry, another one is in the works, this time N scale. What scale of trains do you enjoy the most? Are you also interested in full-scale trains? I love trains of ALL sizes from N to G. I am an avid Lionel collector and have many O scale trains from Lionel, MTH and Atlas O. Due to space limitations, I am now in the final planning stages of a new bedroom size N scale layout loosely based on the Clinchfield railroad that ran from Elkhorn City, KY to Spartenburg, SC. N scale means long coal trains and lots of mountains, bridges and tunnels. And yes, I do like full size trains too. My dad said my first word as an infant was “choo choo”. I have been known to drive the scenic route to watch trains and visit old railroad stations and other facilities. I have tricked my family on some vacations to “accidently” discover some old trains along the way. outlook
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Interview
In your opinion, what is the best part of having a hobby? I enjoy my hobby of model railroading, always have, always will. I enjoy the history, the roadside discoveries, the reading and researching of my favorite railroads, and most of all the building of my train layouts. It’s relaxing and a great way to relieve stress. Additionally, it’s a great way to bond with family members and friends. What are the top three things you’d like people to know about your store? We sell fun. Fun for kids and adults. Fun for families. We enjoy helping our customers by providing great customer service, excellent knowledge about what we sell and a wide selection of hobby products at competitive prices. We are hobbyists too. We are all passionate about our respective hobbies.
Photo provided.
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What types of activities do you have at your store? We have lots of activities at our store. Listing just a few:
• We have two in-store model railroads, no surprise there • We have a slot car layout with racing every Thursday evening • We have open gaming on Saturday. This is mostly with miniatures. • Once a month we host a historical gaming evening • We had a scenery making clinic this month • We have had factory reps come in and meet with our customer from Digitrax, Garrett Metal Detectors, Carrera slot cars and others • We host swap meets with gamers, plastic modelers and now model railroaders • We also host the local IPMS club for their monthly meetings • We host a monthly Girl Scout meeting
Winner
R/C Air Enthusias
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Any advice for young hobbyists or people new to the industry? Never be afraid to ask questions. Those who have been there before you would much rather answer your questions before you do something, rather than after you do it and it all goes wrong. Keep on learning something new everyday. You’ll be surprised how many other things in life can be used in your hobby. Lastly, best of luck in all you do. outlook
March 2011
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