Hobby Outlook Vol. 2 Issue 4

HOBBY

OUTLOOK YOUR HOOK-UP TO THE HOBBY WORLD | December 2011

INTRODUCING THE

The Ultimate Monster Truck!

The Traxxas E-Revo Brushless Edition

INSIDE:

Struggle for Catan Climate Cubes, Santa Special Train, Ares Trainer and Heli, Associated T4.1

The Dominus Has Arrived!

BASHING ON THE GO

Tips and tricks for winter bashing

Helion introduces its 1/10 scale, the Dominus. outlook

outlook Editor-in-Chief Lauren Larsen laurenl@hobbytown.com

Design Kayla Lounsbery Writers Bill Stevens Brandon Halvorsen Cody Carlson Craig Trachten Ken Versaw Lauren Larsen Kayla Lounsbery Dave Nolte Photography Lauren Larsen Special Thanks Big Squid RC Craig Trachten

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello Hobbyists, Behold! The holiday Hobby Outlook has arrived.

After months of scoping out the latest and the greatest in the hobby industry, we are proud to present our December, holiday issue.

The holidays are easily one of the best times of the year. For me, these months represent celebrating established traditions with my family. In a sense, the holidays are very similar to hobbies. Both bring people together and are an expression of the things we care about most. In that respect, I ask each of you to choose a hobby this holiday season - even if it is as simple as re-inventing game night - and share it with your family.

Let your little sister run your R/C car, ask your grandpa about his model railroad set or play a game of Magic with mom. Share your favorite thing to do with your favorite people. I promise you– this will be time well spent.

On that note, we’ve got a little something for everybody in this issue. Coverage includes: Helion’s newest addition, the Dominus 10SC, the Traxxas E-Revo Brushless and Team Associated’s T4.1 Brushless RTR. Check out Craig’s Pick and the latest in R/C air: the Ares Trainer and Micro Heli. Don’t forget about Bachmann’s Santa Special Train Set, exclusive coverage of the iHobby Expo and a review for the award winning board game, Struggle for Catan. Also, make sure to check out the HobbyTown USA® Top Ten picks for great gift ideas.

Happy Holidays and, most importantly, happy hobbying!

Lauren Larsen Editor-in-Chief

Index

Outlook Winter 2011

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

8 E-Revo Brushless Edition

Traxxas' Ultimate Monster Truck EXCLUSIVES

14 iHobby Convention 2011

Toys and trains and R/C. Oh, my!

18 Bashing on the Go

Winter Bashing tips from Big Squid R/C

23 The Santa Special

Bachman's Finest Holiday Set

28 Kickin' Up Dust

Associated’s T4.1 Brushless RTR

32 The Dominus Has Arrived!

Helion introduces the Dominus 10SC

34 Magic Tournament

Pro Tour Qualifier at Lincoln HobbyTown

36 The Winner's Circle

Fall 2011 National Model Contest REGULARS

6 Hobby Talk

What got you into your hobby?

7 Hobbies in the News

World's Greatest Hobby On Tour

26 Craig’s Pick

Ares Trainer and Heli

38 HTUniversity

Climate Cubes

40 Gaming Corner

The Struggle for Catan

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Ares Trainer and Heli

23 Santa Special All Aboard

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Free Hobby News!

E-Revo Brushless outlook

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The Blade Scout CX Heli Makes

THE PERFECT GIFT

Small Price. Big Smiles.

For Everyone on Your List!

At 17 grams, the Blade® Scout CX™ helicopter fits perfectly in your stocking, and at $50, Santa’s pocketbook won’t feel the pinch. But don’t let the size or price fool you. Its advanced Blade engineering, fully-proportional 2.4GHz control and heading hold gyro will have you flying circles around other helis in its class, even if you’ve never flown before.

Whether you’re new to RC helis or simply looking for a good time at a great price, the little Scout CX delivers in a big way. Get to bladescoutcx.com right now to see just how much fun you can have for $50.

© 2011 Horizon Hobby, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Blade, Scout CX and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. US D578,146. US 7,898,130. PRC ZL 200720069025.2. Other patents pending.

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Hobby Talk

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HOBBY TALK

numbers

# of products reviewed in this issue

4

# of winners in HobbyTown's National Model Contest

The following comments are responses to one of our daily status updates. Want to participate? Get connected below and be automatically a part of the Hobby Talk!

Who or what got you interested in your favorite hobby?

We bought my hubby his first RC plane for father's day a year ago.

Now he has something like five of them!

-Karen Dad bought me my first R/C airplane when I was 14. Thanks, dad!

-Carlos I was given a model for Christmas when I was 12. Been building since then.

-Brian

Very funny question.

Well I am seriously hooked to the nitro fuel, smoke and smell.

Plus the R/Cs just seem so real.

-Dominikano The thrill of being able to virtually build unlimited things for land, air, and water vehicles...

-Tra My uncle Joe, in 1957.

-Michael

GET CONNECTED TODAY To get in on all the “Hobby Talk” and stay connected, check out our Facebook page. We answer and post questions daily. We’ll also keep you up-to-date on the latest hobby news!

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My first airshow at the age of four. I saw the Thunderbirds perform when they had the F-4.

My brother put together a model of one for me and I was hooked from then.I'm almost 45 now and still build them.

-Alex A family vacation to Kitty Hawk, NC where people were slope soaring R/C gliders on the dunes.

-William

65+

Speed of Traxxas E-Revo Brushless

Hobbies in the News

Hobbies in the News The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour kicks out 2012 Show!

The World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour is beginning in Indianapolis, IN at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The show is geared toward any level of model railroad enthusiast. There will be over 20 layouts on display and over 100,000 sq. ft. of show space. Attractions include a free Thomas the Train ride for kids, model railroad demonstrations and layouts to run. There will also be new products available at special show discounts.

This year’s show stops include Indianapolis, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Portland and Cincinnati.

For more information on show times and dates, visit http://www.wghshow.com/.

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Review

E T A M I LT

U

O P R E T S N O M To get your own E-Revo Brushless RTR, click here!

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Review

!

R E W O Behind the Wheel with the Traxxas E-Revo Brushless Edition “What’s the biggest, fastest, most powerful truck you have?” Ask Traxxas that question, and the answer is quick and certain: the E-Revo Brushless Edition. It’s the top of Traxxas’ monstertruck line, and combines award-winning Revo technology with the unbeatable Castle Creations Mamba Monster Brushless Power System to deliver white-knuckle off-road excitement and top speeds over 65mph. And like all Traxxas models, the E-Revo is “ready to race.” There’s no assembly or painting required, Power Cell NiMh batteries are installed, and a TQ 2.4GHz radio system puts you in control. Let’s take a look under the hood before we pull the trigger on Traxxas’ ultimate monster machine… outlook

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Review

/////////////////// INSIDE

THE E-REVO

Chassis The E-Revo chassis layout is very clean, thanks to the integrated battery compartments that hold the packs within the chassis instead of on top of it. Note the position of the shocks; by laying the shocks down on the chassis and actuating them via pushrods, the shocks are kept away from dirt and debris and shielded against crash damage.

Transmitter Traxxas supplies its TQ 2.4GHz radio system to keep the E-Revo under control. It appears to be a basic 2-channel system, but it is actually fully equipped with prolevel tuning features. Just follow the programming menu in the manual to adjust steering and throttle sensitivity, travel range, endpoints and more.

Battery The E-Revo includes a pair of Power Cell NiMH packs. The 3000mAh, 7-cell batteries give the truck a top speed of over 35mph. To boost speed to over 65mph, two Traxxas 3S Power Cell LiPo packs can be installed (they’re sold separately).

The packs fit into compartments integrated into the chassis and are secured by snap-shut doors that hold tight without the need for body clips.

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Review

Powered By Castle Here’s what makes this model the “Brushless Edition:” the Castle Creations Mamba Monster System. Massive 6.5mm goldplated plugs, automatic LiPo detection and an integrated cooling fan are standard; the trick hold-down is a Traxxas innovation that holds tighter than any tape and allows for easy speed control removal. Just remove two screws.

Report Card:

MORE FAST FEATURES: The E-Revo Brushless Edition has many more features—too many to fit here!

Here’s a short list of more tech features; visit Traxxas.com to learn more!

• • • • • • • • •

Full-time 4WD Heavy-duty 17mm splined drive hexes Rubber-sealed ball bearings Adjustable Torque-Control Slipper Clutch with aluminum pads Dual high-torque digital steering servos Telescoping universal-joint driveshafts Traxxas High-Current Connectors Reinforced differentials with steel ring and pinion gears Waterproof receiver box and servos

GTR Shocks Shown below in cutaway form, Traxxas’ GTR shocks are their very best and standard on the E-Revo Brushless Edition. Hard-anodized aluminum bodies, Teflon-coated bores, titanium-nitride shafts with nutted pistons and threaded preload collars make the GTR shocks ultra-smooth, durable and easy to adjust.

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Review

Unleashing the E-Revo Brushless Edition /////////////////// Got a need for speed? The new E-Revo Brushless Edition is able to reach speeds of 65mph+!

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Traxxas makes it very easy to get the E-Revo rolling; all you have to do is install four AA batteries in the transmitter, and charge the included Power Cell batteries (you’ll need to supply the charger; we used a Traxxas EZ-Peak Plus NiMH/ LiPo charger). Power up, and you’ll find the transmitter and receiver are already ‘bound’ and you’re ready to drive.

Squeeze the trigger, and the E-Revo leaps ahead with the hard-hitting punch only brushless power can deliver. The truck blasts quickly to its 35 mph top speed and handling is sure-footed as the longtravel suspension absorbs cornering loads and provides tenacious grip.

Bumps and jump landings are soaked up effortlessly. The suspension is designed to handle higher speeds, so we went ‘all the way’ and replaced the stock NiMH batteries with 3-cell Traxxas 5000mAh power Cell LiPos to boost voltage from 16.8 volts to 22.2 volts. What a blast!

Snap the trigger to the grip, and the E-Revo will do a standing backflip to 12

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demonstrate its incredible torque. Roll the throttle on less aggressively to keep the front wheels on the ground, and E-Revo accelerates relentlessly until it’s practically hovering on the tires, the tread singing on the pavement as top speed reaches 50mph. Over 65mph is possible with optional gearing, but the last thing we craved was more speed— this was already a wild ride! In the dirt, 6S is even more fun, as the E-Revo hurled huge roosts of dirt like a 450cc motocross bike tearing out of the starting gate. With a good kicker jump, backflips and double backflips are possible—we can see why this is Traxxas’ go-to truck for their popular stunt demos at TORC races and Supercross events! No doubt about it, the E-Revo Brushless Edition is a serious piece of R/C equipment that’s seriously fun.

Watch the E-Revo Brushless Edition in action online at Traxxas.com. Or, see one for yourself at your local Hobbytown USA®.

Review

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The E-Revo Brushless in action. Need more?

Check it out by clicking here.

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Exclusive

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Exclusive

iHobby Expo The 2011 International

By Lauren Larsen

Once a year, there is a place where giant sharks that swim through the air, monster R/C trucks and model railroad layouts live in perfect harmony.

Modelists, R/C enthusiasts, railroaders, gamers, puzzlers, toy lovers and kids (even the ones only at heart), have a name for the place. They call it “sanctuary”, “Mecca” or “home." What they are drooling over, excited about and waking up early on a Saturday for, is, actually, the annual International iHobby expo - the largest trade and consumer hobby show in the USA. This year, marks the 27th annual iHobby expo in Rosemont, IL. Hosted at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the show is home to over 200 vendors in 500 booths. Larry Fries, member of the

Valley Model Railroad Club and iHobby show participant says that although the number of vendors has gone down in the past three years, the “wow” factor has gone up. “The displays get bigger and better every year,” says Fries.

He isn’t kidding. Many of the vendors pulled out all of the stops in an effort to stand out and engage hobbyists. Big Squid R/C, a group of talented R/C bashers and bloggers, were able to create the first ever 3D R/C video. Aside from creating a little R/C “cinemagic”, the crew also housed a carpet demo track at the show (above). Twice a day, crowds gathered to cheer them on as the bashers launched their cars full throttle off ramps toward the ceiling - major bonus points when the cars actually outlook outlook

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Exclusive

touched the ceiling (which we were told has actually happened in years past).

Some of the most impressive items can be found in the club displays. For example, take the grocery store Roman Urbanski, member of the Northwest N-Trak rail club, created (above).

When we complimented the railroader, he humbly popped off the top of the building to showcase the working ceiling lights he installed (I’m assuming with tweezers or a sewing needle judging by their size) to the top of the grocery store.

Everything at the show is interactive and “learning” friendly. After only a few minutes near the Valley Model Railroad club display, I was behind the guard rail running an HO scale train with an expert.

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There is a lot of on-site action for those willing to learn. The show is built around the spirit and enthusiasm for hobbies - it is a celebration of family fun and the hobby tradition.

Next year, the show is relocating to Cleveland, Ohio. Mike Bass, current president of the Hobby Manufacturers Association (sponsor of the show), says this is so “other areas of the country can experience the benefits and enjoyment of the expo.”

If you are going to be anywhere near Cleveland in October 2012, the Hobby Outlook team highly recommends attending. If you do not live near Cleveland, the iHobby expo is definitely worth a road trip.

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Guest Columnist

BASHING on the Y I D e j pro ct

GO!

Get Ready for Winter Bashing With winter coming here in the Midwest, snow will soon be falling.

So, you have two choices: 1. Put your R/C away for the winter; 2.Waterproof it and have some fun all year round.

By Bill Stevens Big Squid RC

Before you start waterproofing, realize that it may void any manufacturer’s warranty. That being said, the easiest way to waterproof is to buy waterproof gear. There are several companies that make waterproof gear from servos to ESCs. If you aren’t going out and buying something new that says ‘waterproof’ on the box, this article is for you.

The Receiver

Let’s look at the receiver first. There are a couple of different ways you could do this one. The first option is to pick up a waterproof receiver box. I like to use the Traxxas Rustler box. It is compact enough to fit in most applications.

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You will just have to mounting holes in you high-grade double-side The other option is a c Be sure to use the big the application easier. S place the receiver insid the balloon. Once the the wires coming out th use a little bit of “sho g RTV caulk on the exiting tie to seal it off.

ESC

The ESC is one of the waterproof. Any type o to overheating and the This is the one part I hig a manufacturer waterpr not to, there are a cou do. The first would be case and use liquid e the entire insides. This way to waterproof an e of cooling. Make sure as soon as you are do ensure it will close ag any excess sealant.

Another option is to battery box that your method will cause lot

drill a couple of new ur chassis or use some ed tape. common party balloon. gger style, it will make Stretch the balloon and de being sure not to rip e receiver is inside with he neck of the balloon, goo� or an automotive g wires. Then use a zip

more difficult items to of enclosure could lead en catastrophic failure. ghly recommend getting roof item. If you decide uple of things you could e to open up the ESC electrical tape to cover s is the most effective esc and still keep a lot e you replace the case one coating the ESC to gain. You can wipe off

Guest Columnist

Also, you will have to find a way to turn your ESC on and off. The last method is the same as the receiver, a large party balloon, but once again, heat could be a problem.

3 Motor

Brushed motors do not require waterproofing, but they do need maintenance if you run them wet. After you get them wet, be sure to blow them out with some compressed air and oil the bearings. Some WD40 or bearing lube will do the job. Brushless motors are a whole different creature. If it is a sensored motor, it will have a small circuit board at the end. Getting this wet will kill your motor. The best way to seal a censored motor is to use a RTV caulk to seal the ends. Being sure to cover the end bell and the tabs or where the wires exit the motor.

o find a receiver box or ESC will fit into. This ts of issues with heat. outlook outlook

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Guest Columnist

More WaterProofing 4 Servos

There are a couple of methods for sealing servos. The first and easiest is to cover all the seams and the screws on the bottom of the case with RTV caulk. Then use a small o-ring covered in petroleum jelly under the servo horn.

Other Tips

The other option is to open the servo case and coat the inside circuit boards with liquid electrical tape, then reassemble the case and wipe off any excess sealant. You will also need an o-ring under the servo horn with this method.

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When running an electric vehicle, battery choice is critical. LiPo batteries are very volatile, and most should not be used in wet conditions. There are a few companies that make waterproof LiPos, so if you insist on running LiPo, find a waterproof one, or save some cash and pick up a few NiMH packs to use in the wet stuff. To protect the connectors, use a little bit of dielectric grease on the plugs where the bodies meet.

It is sad to say, but nitros should stay inside when the wet weather comes around. Nitro engines have to breathe, and their number one enemy is water.

The tolerances of the piston and sleeve are so tight that even the smallest patch of rust or corrosion could spell disaster. If you’re a fuel head and your

Guest Columnist

trigger finger gets itchy, there are companies that make water resistant filters and filter covers. A mud cover is one way to go, an Outerwears cover is another. But, these are not completely waterproof and you do run the risk of trashing an engine.

You also have to worry about water getting in around the bearings and backing cover.

A commonly overlooked item is the chassis. There are a lot of moving parts and exposed metal. A quick once over with some WD40 can prevent rust. If you have CVDs, be sure to spray them down. Any bearings and hinge pins should also

be coated. Also, if you have a metal spur and pinion, give them a quick shot.

What happens if you don’t waterproof your vehicle and you hit a huge puddle? Shut it down right away. Open up any electronics and blow them out with compressed air. Leave them open to dry out overnight. When you reinstall all the components, be sure to test everything.

That’s it! A day of work on the bench will keep you bashing all year long.

Check out this video for some winter bashing!

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EDITOR’S PICK

Product Review

introducing the

Santa Special Train Set Holiday fun for everyone!

Are you looking for a train set to run around your Christmas tree? If so take a look at the Santa Special from Bachmann (BAC00707).

This HO scale holiday theme train set comes with everything you need to get it up and running.

The EZ-Track makes for quick and easy setups and teardowns. The Santa Special is the perfect train set to begin or expand your train layout – just add more track, different cars, and engines to build your own railroad.

These additional Items will allow you to make most of the other layouts shown on the back of the box: • 1 – Pack of 4 9 Inch Straight Track (BAC44411) • 2 – Pack of 4 18 Inch Radius Curve Track (BAC44401) • 1 – Left Hand Remote Turnout (BAC44461) • 1 – Right Hand Remote Turnout (BAC44462) • 1 – Expander Set (BAC44494)

Includes:

• 1 – 0-6-0 steam engine and tender with operating headlight • 1 – Gondola with presents • 1 – Reindeer Transport Stock Car • 1 – Hot Chocolate Tank Car • 1 – North Pole and Southern Bobber Caboose • 1 – Speed Controller with Plug-In Wiring • 12 – 18 inch Radius Curve Track • 1 – Straight Track • 1 – Plug-In Terminal Rerailer Track

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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

CT

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Review

Trainer 100 and MD 500 CX100

By Craig Trachten HobbyTown USA® New Milford, CT

If one lives north of the Mason-Dixon, we have a “flying season.” It reaches a point that it’s just too cold for most of us to fly outdoors. Yes, there are those that need a check-up from the neck up and will be out there in any weather, but they are the exception, not the rule.

For years, most of us got our winter flying in on R/C flight Sims. Enjoyable as it is, it isn’t the real deal. As our great hobby evolved and electric flight became more popular, micro flyers started showing up in the marketplace.

It started with micro indoor helis and grew with fixed wing aircraft. Although there is no problem flying the helis indoors, it is tough flying fixed-wing in your living room. What we did in our area is contact the local indoor sports center and for $5.00 per person, we can fly on the indoor soccer field when it is not in use. Check with your local center as they too might welcome the added use of their facilities.

Now, let’s get down to the aircraft.

The Firelands group teamed up with HobbyTown USA® with the mission to bring quality aircraft at popular prices to the marketplace with the "Ares" line.

The first two aircraft to land in the market 26

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from Ares

are the Trainer 100, a fixed wing topwing trainer, and the MD 500 CX100 helicopter.

The Trainer 100 reminds me of the jump planes used in Drop Zone (a movie about people that depart a perfectly good aircraft) or the Feisler Storch.

These aircraft have long thin fuselages with big high-lift wings. As for the wing on the Trainer 100, it has a typical flat bottom airfoil with dihedral, the same style that is found on traditional .40 size Glow Trainers. Most of the micro trainers in the market have dihedral but an under cambered wing, making them more wind-sensitive. Another feature on the Trainer 100 that the others do not have is; the wing is held in place employing a tab and magnet system, so aircraft does not have to be cut if wing replacement is necessary.

The circuit board is typical except for the servos. Where the others use a jack screw system to control the control surfaces, the Trainer 100 uses 5-gear servos. The 150mAh 3.7V LiPo flight battery will deliver up to 20 minutes of flight time with throttle control. The 2.4GHz transmitter operates on 4 AA batteries and has a built-in charger that

Review

can charge a battery in flight, a great feature for those outdoor flying days.

No electrical outlet needed to charge.

Now for the MD 500. If you are old enough to remember the TV show Magnum P.I., the Ares MD-500 flew right off the set. The red version immediately reminded me of TC (character who piloted the 500). It is also available in blue. The hard plastic body is extremely durable. There is no flex in it so it protects the inner workings unlike the others on the market with soft shells.

There is a bit of flex in the landing skids which is a good thing as they are not prone to break. When I demo my bird at my store, I take it up to the ceiling then shut the throttle and let her drop to the floor. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve done this without breaking a part (hope I didn’t just jinx myself). I tell my customers that they will break more parts if they “fly” into something rather than chopping the throttle and letting her drop to the floor. If you happen to hurt your bird, a full compliment of repair parts are available. After a few clicks of trim, I can put this bird into a hover and place the transmitter on the counter. Stable is the key word when

describing the MD 500. The most commented feature of the MD 500 is; when inducing yaw (spinning right or left) it does it at the same speed. Most other coaxial helis will spin faster in one direction. The MD 500 is controlled with a 2.4 GHz transmitter. It has a LED screen showing the status of transmitter battery, trim settings and stick position, just like the big, expensive transmitters.

Since the MD 500 is marketed as an indoor heli, an AC charger and charge cord is supplied, however, the 250 mAh flight battery can be charged through any USB port on a computer. I would not recommend flying her outdoors, but on real calm days, one could fly it outside near a building, using it as a windbreak, if comfortable doing so.

With the boom of internet marketing, consumers are bombarded with product and “deals.” What good is a “great deal” when they are not around for parts and support? Firelands and HobbyTown USA® teamed up to deliver a quality product; it comes with the support of experienced hobbyists throughout the country. Check out them online at www.Ares-RC.com. As always, have fun, fly safe! outlook

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R/C Gear-Up

Kickin' Up Dust The Associated T4.1 Brushless RTR gets down and dirty with HTU's Cody Carlson behind the wheel.

By Cody Carlson

When I was asked to do the review of the Associated T4.1, I must say I was pretty excited to get out and get some wheel time in with this truck. I was not disappointed in the least.

The T4.1 brings a lot of power to the track with a Reedy 3300kV brushless motor paired with the SC450 BL speed controller. Able to accept up to 7.4V of power either from a 6-cell NiMh or a 2S LiPo, (the SC450 has a built in low voltage cutoff for LiPo batteries) the T4.1 is capable of putting down some serious power, leading to some spectacular spin-outs if 28

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The Associ Brushless RT with tons making it a for spinng kickin'

iatead T4.1 TR is packed s of power a great truck gin out and up dust!

R/C Gear-Up

Report Card: T4.1 Brushless RTR Good

Great

Awesome

Suspension: Appearance: Electronics: Speed: Shocks: Durability: outlook

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R/C Gear-Up

you are too heavy on the trigger. Once you get the acceleration figured out, the truck can really fly with some very impressive top speeds. I was using a Wolfpack 3000mAh 2S 25C LiPo battery

by Reedy. When paired up with this pack, the T4.1 really shines, delivering all of the power I could ask for. The electronics also hold up extremely well with neither the motor nor the speed control becoming excessively hot even after multiple runs.

With the speed runs covered, I was able to get out and get into the stuff I love the most: the off-road section. The flexibility and durability of the T4.1 are

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evident when running the truck in an off-road environment. I put this truck through an awful lot of pounding and the aluminum oil-filled shocks that come stock on the truck took it all in stride, absorbing every jump and bump I threw at it with ease. The suspension also allows for a good amount of body roll helping to keep the truck stable in the high speed turns. The steering servo also took a lot of abuse, with its metal gears it held up very well and kept doing its job.

In addition to top-notch suspension and power systems, the T4.1 comes with a host of other great features. The T4.1

R/C Gear-Up

comes with a sealed gear differential and rubber sealed ball bearings for added durability and smooth application of power. The XP3-SS 2.4Ghz radio system offers interference-free driving with far more range than I could practically use driving it on my street or off-roading. The body on the T4.1 is very well molded with a ton of high quality decals to make it something worth showing off, as well as bashing around the backyard. The body is tough as well, having sustained more than a few blows after some unplanned run-ins with the pavement after a jump.

These extra features combined with the overall quality of the parts make

for a great value in a Ready-to-Run package.

All in all, the Associated T4.1 Brushless RTR is a solid machine that I would recommend for both new and experienced drivers. It has a ton of power behind it, but with a little practice anyone can master driving it. The durability of the truck makes it extremely forgiving for bashing around the backyard or taking off the big jumps at the track. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Associated T4.1 to anyone looking to get into bashing or the race scene. It’s a solid platform with good construction and is a whole lot of fun to drive.

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Review

s u n i m o D The ! d e v i r r A s ha

By Brandon Halvorsen

The Dominus is the first 1/10 scale vehicle released by Helion. After my positive experience with their initial offering, the 1/18th scale Animus, I was excited to get the chance to test drive the newest vehicle from my favorite manufacturer.

First, the Dominus looks great.

The body is unique and the proportions fit the chassis very well.

The wheels and tires are a great selection for a ready to run vehicle.

They offer excellent durability and performance. Everything is sized to the industry standard when it comes to sizes so customization is easy.

The Dominus packs all of its great 32

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features into an entry level price.

The chassis is narrow and low to the ground, optimizing the center of gravity, giving the model neutral and predictable handling. Additionally, the main chassis plate is constructed of aluminum: rare in this class of electric vehicle and completely unique at this price. The suspension is comprised of adjustable big bore oil-filled coil over shocks and features a pivot ball front suspension. Ride height can be adjusted using the included clips to pre-load the springs. Handling can be tuned by changing the shock oil, springs or shock mounting locations (tips are included in the manual).

Review

The pivot ball front suspension promises greater adjustability and durability. The Dominus is one of the only vehicles in its class to feature this type of suspension.

Power comes from a 21 turn hightorque motor and is channeled through an all-metal drive train. This motor delivers good top speed with long run times. The most important feature on this truck is the four wheel drive. It delivers great traction in a straight line but also makes it much easier to put power down through corners. There is no other truck in this price range that offers this feature. For any of you speed junkies out there, the drivetrain is also all-metal so you should be able to install your favorite flavor of brushless system and suffer no ill effects due to weak components.

The electronics on the Dominus are top-notch and a step above what is normally found in a Ready-to-Run model. Both the electronic speed control (ESC) and steering servo are waterproof and the receiver box is water resistant. The radio is a 2.4 GHz system, eliminating worries about crystals or interference. What really sets the Dominus’ HRS radio system apart are the included highend features such as six-model memory. It also boasts an adjustable fail-safe so your truck does exactly what you want it to if radio contact is lost. There is also dual rate

The Dominus features an all-metal drive train.

The aluminum chassis is rare in the Dominus' category and price point.

adjustability for the throttle and the steering. The throttle end point adjustment gives you the ability to keep from straining and overheating servos by overextending their travel.

In conclusion this truck worked well in every challenge we put it through. Whether it was high speed in an open parking lot or jumping in gravel and dirt, it never let us down.

This would make a fantastic vehicle for a first timer, but there is enough adjustability even a seasoned R/C pro could find plenty to keep them interested. Remember the Dominus is only available at your local HobbyTown USAÂŽ or online at www.hobbytown.com. outlook

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Exclusive

To find a gaming event near you, cli here. Select the HobbyTown USA nearest to you to learn more.

Magic Tournament

By Lauren Larsen

Gamers, ahem wizards, assemble!

With their decks prepared, shuffled and hopes held high, seasoned gamers battled it out at the HobbyTown USA速 in Lincoln, NE for a seat at Pro Tour Honolulu, Hawaii to compete for the title - and a grand prize of $40,000.

At this Pro Tour Qualifier, over 85 Magic the Gathering enthusiasts competed in 7 rounds of 50 minute gaming sessions. Before the tournament, participants were given a random assortment of cards and 34

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asked to build a deck of at least 40 to game with. They would compete with this deck for all 7 rounds.

For those unfamiliar with Magic the Gathering, the game is centered on the idea that each competitor (aka gamer) must employ the magical spells, items and fantasy creatures depicted on the individual Magic cards to defeat their opponents. Not all cards are equal. Some are simply better than others. However, the real skill is how the decks are constructed and the cards are played.

g ick e A® o

Exclusive Review

There are hundreds of Magic cards available. Because each card is different - value, skill, etc - the rules for the game can become quite complicated. One fundamental rule for the game is that any card can override any rule. Therefore, Magic employs judges to moderate game play and to ensure a level playing field.

Judges are usually players themselves who have a high comprehension of the Magic rules and game play.

There are 5 different levels of Magic judges. The level of judge present at the event indicates the importance of the tournament. For example, a level 3 judge was present at the Pro

Qualifier in Lincoln – indicating an important competition. In order to become a judge, there are a series of tests, training and an interview.

Magic the Gathering has gained increasing popularity amongst the gaming community over the past decade. It is, in comparison to railroading and modeling, relatively new to the hobby industry. While the game has worldwide appeal with high level competitions, don't be intimidated. The majority of players are casual gamers – they play at home, with friends or at their local HobbyTown USA® on game nights.

To learn more about Magic, contact your local HobbyTown USA®.

The Ultimate Contained Adventure

TM

www.finditgames.com

The game you never outgrow!

A perfect gift for kids age 8 to 98. outlook

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Interview

By Lauren Larsen Outlook interviews the Fall 2011 National Model Contest Winners. To participate in the Spring National Model Contest, check with your local HobbyTown USA®.

Best Junior: Christopher Rippel Model: “Frankenstein” HobbyTown Store: St. Charles, IL How long have you been a modeler?

Six years.

How did you get started modeling?

We were packing stuff from our basement and I brought up my dad’s old models.

What are your favorite types of models to build?

Airplane and diorama.

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Best Osprey: Lincoln Sanford Model: German 88mm flak gun emplacement, Siegfried Line 1945 Store: Idaho Falls, ID How long have you been a modeler?

I have been building models for 39 years, but seriously building for 29 years.

How did you get started modeling?

My uncle came home on leave from Vietnam, and built me a Chevrolet Corvair. Painted it purple. The wheels turned with the steering wheel even. I played with that car until only a shell was left of it. Needless to say- I was hooked. I believe I was 8 years old then.

What are your favorite types of models to build?

I love building World War II subjects, mostly German 1/35 AFVs... I love building Dragon/DML armor kits...

They take longer to build, but I am a bit of a perfectionist that way, even though my wife says I may have OCD.

Interview

Best Paint Hunter Selby Model: Truck 1/25 Scale Trumpeter “Fire” HobbyTown Store: Winchester, VA How long have you been a modeler?

Started up again about 12 years ago.

How did you get started modeling?

I did it as a kid but took a break for a while. When I found out about the competitions, they kept me in it.

What are your favorite types of models to build?

Automotive and truck related.

Best in Show: Marc Elkins Model: Star Destroyer from Empire Strikes Back HobbyTown Store: Las Vegas, NV How long have you been a modeler?

Since I was 14.

How did you get started modeling?

Good question. I enjoyed the fact that they (models) were more interesting than toys – more intricate and detailed.

What are your favorite types of models to build?

Movie related - mainly Science Fiction.

The next National Model Contest is scheduled for April 2012.

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HTUniversity

niversity est. 1986

HTUniversity Climate Cubes Ken Versaw studies the blustry Nebraska weather with the help of other qualified HTUniversity scientists in this issue’s HTUniveristy.

By Ken Versaw

The Climate Cubes Weather Information Station is a science package for children and adults who are interested in learning more about the weather globally, and tracking changes in their own local weather systems. This package comes with three cubes that can be stacked together to create a complete weather station.

The cubes themselves are about four inches tall and made of a light-weight plastic. The cubes are fairly sturdy but you may not want to leave them out in a 38

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high wind as a fall onto concrete could conceivably crack or break them.

Each cube is used to measure a different aspect of the weather. The first is an anemometer and wind vane.

Anemometers are devices that have three wind cups attached that measure the speed of the wind. The wind vane shows you which direction the wind is blowing.

The second cube is a standard thermometer. The instruction manual includes a handy chart that allows you

HTUniversity

How it works: The thermometer featured in cube two works because the liquid inside it (either alcohol or mercury) expands when heated. Inside the tube of a thermometer, the liquid has no place to go but up when the temperature rises and it falls as the temperature drops. to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius and Celsius to Fahrenheit.

The third cube is a Precipitation Gauge that can be used to measure either rain or snowfall. There is an easy and descriptive chart that shows the different types of clouds and what you can expect from them.

In science, measuring results is only half the fun. The Climate Cubes also

include a weather recording form that allows you to track the different weather patterns you observe and make predictions based on what you have learned. The recording form only covers one week of observations so my advice is to make copies of the blank form before you hand it over to the kiddos.

While the cubes are the main attraction of this science kit, the instruction manual also has various interesting facts about weather and weather phenomenon.

It also includes several weather related charts, like wind chill and the Beaufort Wind Scale. Altogether, this adds up to a great gift for an aspiring weatherperson or anyone else who is interested in learning more about the natural world.

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Review

From the creators of Settlers of Catan, The Struggle for Catan is perfect for anyone who likes board game-like card games!

This issue:

The Stuggle for Catan By: Dave Nolte

The original “Settlers of Catan” board game has long been familiar to hardcore “gamers," but at this point has become popular with most all family and casual board game players. This new offering in the Settlers world uses only cards to play the same basic game. You do not have to have played the board game to learn easily and play to win!

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With “The Struggle for Catan," the familiar resources of brick, lumber, wool, ore and grain come from a draw deck instead of being produced, and you can trade (blindly) with other players or the deck, or with five “market” cards placed on the table, and draw two or more each turn. You can use these resources to build roads, knights or settlements, “upgrade” settlements to cities and add expansions like a library or town hall to existing cities.

Settlements are worth one point, cities move them to two and expansions

GAME breakdown

Game Time: About an hour for 4 players, less for 3-2 Perfect For: 10 and up, families and friends

Review

Instructions Clarity The instructions are very clear and complete, covering all card uses and situations that arise during game play.

Game Play Turns move quickly, and with the Road and Knight cards move from player to player, keeping the situation fluid.

Strategy All players will build at about the same rate, so choices turn-by-turn are important, but a full-game strategy is not too necessary.

Set-Up

make them worth three or four points.

An interesting mechanic is that roads and knights (which allow extra trades and card draws respectively, as well as potential victory points) are fairly limited in quantity. Once they are all taken from the supply, when you build them they are taken from players that currently have them! This means victory points and number of trades/ draws can be fluid for the remainder of the game. The first player to have 10 points wins the game.

Whether you’ve long enjoyed Settlers

Very simple setup, separating a few card types, and dealing three resources to each player.

Overall A very successful Settlers transition from the board game to cards, the game can be played a bit more quickly than the original, and is easy to teach and learn.

games and are looking for a change, or if you’re new to the world of Catan gaming, “The Struggle for Catan” will either be an excellent variant, or an excellent introduction. outlook

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%0.*/"5&

8*5) %0.*/64 Not since the dawn of time has a product changed the landscape of what you thought was possible.

Friends, brace yourselves for the new Helion Dominus, the next generation of 4x4 1/10th scale performance. Available exclusively at HobbyTown USA速.

Featuring the perfect balance of unparalleled features and unrivaled value, the Dominus is the culmination of months of research and testing by some of the greatest minds in the R/C industry.

Outfitted with gear differentials and a robust shaft-based, ball bearing supported, steel differential gear drivetrain that reduces maintenance requirements and improves efficiency and performance without compromising value, the Dominus is optimized for the latest generation of R/C bashers. With the help of

* See your local store for details.

Only at participating its 550-size High Torque brushed motor, high performance 7-Cell NiMH battery and top speed of over stores.

20mph, the Dominus sits poised and ready to claim top honors at your next backyard race. outlook