Hobby Outlook Volume 4 Issue 1 - March 2013

HOBBY

OUTLOOK YOUR HOOK-UP TO THE HOBBY WORLD | MARCH 2013

IFT

EVOLVE 300 CX

REVIEW Innovative Flight Technology's new 300 size coaxial with Collision Avoidance Technology.

PLUS...

The outcomes are endless in Kingdom Builder- See the review in this issue's Gaming Corner.

It's time for the National Model Contest Facebook People's Choice Award! Submissions will be accepted on the Hobb Headquarters Facebook Page April 1st-17th, and voting will take place from April 18th-31st. Start building your submi

byTown USA ission today!

outlook Editor-in-Chief Bryce Wergin brycew@hobbytown.com Design Frank Wandersee Writers Tim Blackwell Jamee Everson Dave Nolte Craig Trachten Ken Versaw Bryce Wergin Special Thanks Cowcatcher Magazine RC Sparks RC Adventures Horizon Hobby

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello Hobbyists, Welcome to the March issue of Hobby Outlook! March has always been one of my favorite months for a few reasons. First and foremost, we get to watch the slow demise of my least favorite season—winter. For the academics, there's Spring Break chopping that second semester in half, and the sports nuts have March Madness to force down as much basketball as they can and stock up for the offseason. These things are all well and good, but I've got a sneaking suspicion that this readership's love of spring comes from the long-awaited return to outdoor hobbies.

Now, now, I know what you're thinking. "But Bryce, it's still pretty cold here in March and I can't 'hobby on' outside just yet." I understand where you're coming from. For real; I'm looking out a window at a snow-covered parking lot as I type this. Well, we've still got plenty of indoor options in this issue in case you're among those unlucky enough to be in the path of one of this year's late-winter storm systems. There's a great review of Kingdom Builder in this quarter's Gaming Corner and a review of the new IFT Evolve helicopter, which is large and stable enough to fly outside in the wind, but also equipped with collision avoidance technology (CAT) so you can be at ease flying it indoors and not have to worry about destroying every expensive decoration in your house. And for you trainiacs out there, we've got an excellent article on the latest items from Bachmann from our friends over at Cowcatcher magazine.

If you're an R/C fan and on YouTube at all, you've probably heard of the RC Adventures channel. I had the privlege of speaking with the channel's founder and host, DJ Medic. He's one of the most upbeat and "full of life" dudes I've ever talked to, and I was incredibly excited to get to interview him—take a look at the story on page 18.

Thank you for checking out our magazine! I hope you find some inspiration to get out there and have some fun this spring.

Hobby on, my friends.

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Bryce Wergin Editor-in-Chief

Index

outlook Spring 2013

GAMING CORNER

14 Kingdom Builder

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

08 IFT Evolve 300 CX Review

The newest 300 Coaxial from IFT EXCLUSIVES

18 Interview with DJ Medic

We interview the man behind YouTube's RC Adventures

24 Editor's Pick

Bachmann F7 Norfolk Southern &

Sante Fe Warbonnet Train Review REGULARS

6 Hobbies in the News

Toy Fair 2013 14 Gaming Corner Kingdom Builder

16 Craig’s Pick ParkZone VisionAire

21 HTUniversity

Go Robotics Kit

16 ParkZone VisionAire CRAIG'S PICK

18 We interview the man behind Interview with DJ Medic YouTube's RC Adventures

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Hobbies in the News

HOBBIES IN THE NEWS

TOP TOYS OF 2013 UNVEILED Results of the 13th annual Toy of the Year Awards revealed at Toy Fair 2013 From Toy Industry Association, Inc. Last month, toy executives and guests from all over the world congregated in New York City for the 13th annual Toy of the Year Awards.

Award winners were selected based on the input of consumers on toyawards.org, retailers, media and members of the toy industry.

The five ballots were open from November 19 to January 13, and were weighted and used to determine the category winners, with the exception of the People’s Choice award, which was selected by consumers voting on toyawards.org.

Winners were selected for 12 different categories, chosen from a group of nearly 650 products and properties submitted for consideration. You can see more information of each TOTY-nominated product and links to manufacturer websites at ToyAwards.org.

• Recognizing an outstanding toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity, the Activity Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Friends(The LEGO Group) 6

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• Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for boys of any age, the Boy Toy of the Year was presented to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shellraiser (Playmates Toys) • Recognizing an app-cessory or other physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device the e-Connected Toy of the Year was presented to Skylanders Giants™ (Activision Publishing, Inc.) • Recognizing an outstanding toy that helps children develop special skills and knowledge through play, the Educational Toy of the Year was presented to LeapPad2™ (LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.) • Recognizing an outstanding children’s board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game, the Game of the Year was presented to Perplexus Epic™ (PlaSmart Inc.) • Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for girls of any age, the Girl Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Friends (The LEGO Group)

Hobbies in the News

• Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for infants and toddlers up to 36 months, the Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year was presented to Tranquil Turtle™ (Cloud b) • Recognizing an outstanding toy that combines innovation and play value, the Innovative Toy of the Year was presented to Digital Light Designer (Crayola) • Recognizing an outstanding toy that is designed for outdoor play, the Outdoor Toy of the Year was presented to The Original Big Wheel™ (Kids Only, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc.) • Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) the Preschool Toy of the Year was presented to Doc McStuffins “Time For Your Check-Up” Doll (Just Play) • Recognizing a property that has had the greatest success spreading its brand throughout the industry, Property of the Year was presented to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon) • Recognizing an outstanding toy that is distributed primarily through specialty toy retailers, the Specialty Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Architecture (The LEGO Group)

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Review

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Review

IFT EVOLVE 300 CX

REVIEW

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Review

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By Jamee Everson For this issue of Hobby Outlook, I decided to review the first release from Innovative Flight Technologies (IFT), the Evolve 300 CX.

The Evolve 300 CX is available in RTF (Ready-To-Fly) and RFR (Ready-For-Receiver) versions. Both include a factory-installed CAT (Collision Avoidance Technology) module and ultrasonic sensors, plus an advanced 3-in-1 control unit and 7.5-gram digital sub-micro servos.

The RFR version is ready for you to install a receiver compatible with your favorite transmitter while the RTF version includes everything needed to fly right out of the box — from AA batteries for

the 5-channel 2.4GHz transmitter and a 6-channel receiver to the 800mAh 3S 11.1V LiPo battery, DC balancing charger and AC adapter.

I am an average R/C heli pilot. It was immediately apparent the IFT Evolve 300 CX is a perfect choice for first-timers, but experienced pilots looking for a larger CX heli that they can fly indoors and out will enjoy the Evolve as well.

It’s much larger than typical ultra-micro and micro class CX helis for improved visibility and performance when flying outdoors in winds up to 5-10mph, yet the innovative and IFT-exclusive Collision Avoidance Technology (CAT) also make

With the Evolve being so user-friendly, setup is a breeze.

The Evolve (RTF) comes with everything you need to get airborn.

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Review

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Review

it possible to fly indoors with more confidence.

The Evolve 300 CX is equipped with a coaxial, counter-rotating blade design that offers excellent control and stability, digital servos, and the powerful 370 motors are coupled As I stated to a 3S 11.1V LiPo earlier I am an battery to offer plenty average RC heli of power.

These pilot making the features made this IFT Evolve 300 CX heli a great choice for the perfect choice my flying abilities. for first time pilots.

The scale body, that is factoryfinished, is eye-catching and highly visible.

When the warehouse received the first shipment of the Evolves, I was lucky enough to be the first to fly one. I grabbed one out of the warehouse and took it to my cubicle to check it out.

The first thing I noticed was how well everything was secured in the box. When I say everything, I mean everything. The RTF Evolve comes with all you need to fly in the box. As a bonus, the kit includes an extra set of lower and upper blades, body mounts, and a tool set!

My initial excitement turned to nervousness, as my maiden flight was in front of my bosses gathering in the conference room. As I was walking to the conference room, I thought this would be a great way to try out the collision avoidance technology, which is preinstalled in the Evolve.

First and foremost, you want to double-check that the CAT is turned on before taking off. I made it to the conference room, checked the CAT switch on the radio, armed the heli and I was off. The nervousness turned to enjoyment, as the Evolve 12

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is very stable to fly. So as I hovered around the approximately 14’ x 14’ conference room, I started to get a good feel for the heli. The Evolve would be great for the hobbyist looking to step things up from a micro size heli. I may have been flying

IFT's new Collision Avoidance Technology (C.A.T.) is exclusive to the Evolve 300 CX.

with a bit more confidence knowing I had the CAT turned on and ultra-sonic sensors on the four sides of the heli would be able to sense if I got too close to any of the walls in the conference room. I noticed I would drift close to the walls and the CAT did just what it is supposed to by counter-acting my flight path to keep the Evolve from hitting anything.

I was able to put on a successful show for the

C.A.T. utilizes 4 sensors placed on each side of the helicopter to detect impending collisions with objects and automatically makes adjustments to avoid them.

Review

bosses, they were impressed as was I. Between the stability of the coaxial design of the dual set of blades and the Crash Avoidance Technology, it made it very easy to put on a great show.

The larger Evolve CX is great for flying outdoors as well. As many may know here in Nebraska there aren’t many days the wind is not blowing. The Evolve has an optional flybar that is shorter to help combat flying outdoors when winds may blow up around 5-10 miles an hour.

Up until now it was hard to find a coaxial heli that would be able to handle conditions like this. I took the Evolve outside to see how it handled and, of course, there was bit of a breeze blowing out of the north, giving me an opportunity to test the power of the dual 370 brushed motors and 800mah 3s lipo.

The added power, weight and the shorter flybar combined made it very stable and fun to fly. You could feel the wind some but the heli handled well.

In summary, the Evolve 300 CX may be one of the most technologically advanced coaxial R/C helis on the market, making it enjoyable for an average pilot like myself to fly indoors and out.

IFT EVOLVE 300 CX SPECS LENGTH: 18.3 in (465mm) HEIGHT: 10.4 in (265mm) MAIN ROTOR DIAMETER: 18.0 in (460mm) WEIGHT WITH BATTERY: 16.0 oz (455g) MAIN MOTOR: 370 (2 installed) BATTERY: 800mAh 3S 11.1V LiPo (included with RTF, required for RFR) CHARGER: 3S 11.1V LiPo DC balancing and AC adapter (included with RTF, required for RFR) TRANSMITTER: 5-channel 2.4GHz (included with RTF, required for RFR) ON-BOARD ELECTRONICS: Receiver (installed in RTF, required for RFR), 3-in1 control unit with 2 ESCs/mixer/gyro, Collision Avoidance Technology module and sensors (installed in RTF and RFR)

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KINGDOM BUILDER card game

By: Dave Nolte From Queen Games and Donald X. Vaccarino, designer of the popular Dominion card game series, comes an award winning game of positioning and expansion for 2 to 4 players.

A board is configured, victory conditions are selected, and players begin taking turns placing small wooden settlement pieces in hexes on the board in an attempt to best meet the victory conditions of their particular game, obtain the most “gold” at the end, and be declared the winner.

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The game board is built using 4 of 8 different board segments. These segments are covered with multi-hex blocks of terrain such as forest, desert and mountains. Each turn, a terrain card is drawn, and a player must place 3 settlements on terrain of that type during their turn. Once a player has placed his first settlement, additional placements must be adjacent to settlements already on the board, unless the required terrain is filled with settlements already. Each of the 8 different boards will have two different “location tiles” like “farm”, “tavern”, or “tower” placed in specific hexes, and when a settlement is placed next to these tiles, a player may take one for later use.

These tiles give the ability to “break the rules” by building off of the specified terrain, building on water (which is normally prohibited) or moving existing settlements to a new location.

At the start of the game, 3 of 10 available Kingdom Builder cards, representing different occupations, are selected. These will specify how gold is awarded at the end of the game.

Selecting from these cards is what creates the greatest variability and unpredictability of

GAME breakdown

Game Time: A game can be completed in about 30 minutes with straightforward victory conditions, but could take closer to an hour if players need to consider their moves more carefully with challenging conditions.

If You Liked This Game, Also Try: Go, Blokus, Small World

the game. The “Miners” card will award gold for each settlement next to a mountain hex.

“Hermits” award a point for each different block of settlements you can create, while “Citizens” awards having as large a block as possible. A game Playing a ends when one player has placed game of Kingdom all of his or her settlements.

Builder is fastGold is awarded and recorded on paced, and it is a scoring track as the Kingdom very easy to make Builder cards dictate, and the your move. most gold wins!

With hundreds of possible victory condition combinations, and hundreds of possible board arrangements and location tiles available, you’re guaranteed that no two games of Kingdom Builder will ever be the same.

Playing a game of Kingdom Builder is fast-paced, and it is very easy to make your move. But, making the BEST possible move can take some strategy and planning. While the different victory conditions can sometimes compliment but sometimes conflict with one

Review

another, a very different approach to winning can be required each time. The card “Lords” awards having the most settlements on any given board segment. Also, having the “Hermits” card, which award 1 gold for each separate settlement, will complement the “Lords” making for straightforward conditions. But, combine the “Lords” with “Citizens,” which award gold for every 2 settlements in your largest group, and a conflict is created that will require some skill to score the most gold. The location tiles will vary in power and usefulness depending on what the victory conditions are. If you’re trying to create large blocks, the “paddock”, which lets you move a settlement two spaces (regardless of terrain) might not be as useful as when the “Discoverers” are in play, rewarding settlements on different horizontal rows of hexes. However you choose to expand, separate, group or align your settlements, or block your opponents from doing so, will keep you on your toes game after game.

Components: The board is very colorful and attractive, and looks different for every game. The cards are very simple and recognizable during play. The wooden settlement pieces are fun to watch sprawl across the board as the different kingdoms grow.

Strategy: Although simple to play, the game always has different conditions, so a winning strategy will be different every time, varying from basic to requiring some careful consideration.

Skill Level: Kingdom Builder should be playable for beginning gamers from about 7 or 8 years and up, but could please more competitive players who are likely to enjoy needing varied strategies in every game.

Game Time: A game can be completed in about 30 minutes with more straightforward victory conditions, but could take closer to an hour if players need to consider their moves more carefully with challenging conditions.

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E E N R O I Z K A R N A P O I M O S

VI

FR

By Craig Trachten HobbyTown USA® New Milford, CT It just keeps getting better and better. What is “it” you ask? Horizon Hobbies’ hangar of aircraft.

The newest addition to the runway is ParkZone’s VisionAire. Brazil nationalized Pele and made him a national treasure; Horizon should do the same for Quique Somenzini. Often called the “Godfather of 3D,” his designs and flying ability are both legendary. The old TV commercial “I want to be like Mike (Jordan)” is OK for basketball, my mantra is “I want to be like Quique!” The VisionAire with the new 6 channel receiver with the AS3X system incorporated brings me one step closer to flying like Quique. Search for him on YouTube; you will see the VisionAire in action.

One should always read the documentation, but I strongly suggest that you do not rely on your previous building experience and skim the documentation with this one. Not so much for putting the airframe together; I actually had the construction finished before the battery finished charging. Do not short-cut the programming/set-up sections. Assembling the airframe starts with popping in the landing gear.

Attach the horizontal stab by slipping the tail tube in through the fuse, then sliding the stab halves onto the tube. The halves slip into a plastic housing and are taped to prevent them from pulling out. Attach the elevator pushrod to the elevator horn and the tail-end of this bird is done.

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Before securing the wing to the fuse, attach the SFGs (side-force-generators) to the wing. They are held in place with 2-sided tape. The wings slide down the wing tube. Push the aileron servo lead through the access hole before seating the wing. The wing is secured to the fuse with a screw. I needed a hooked probe to reach down into the fuse and draw the aileron leads to attach them to the pre-installed “Y” harness. Construction is complete.

Flying the VisonAire was as easy as the assembly. The initial flight is usually a bit tense until a comfortable altitude is reached to trim out the aircraft, but this is not the case with The VisionAire the VisionAire.

Just be aware is a multi-function that this plane has power aircraft. Sport to spare, so advance the Flyer, pattern, or throttle slowly for scale take3D, this bird will fit off. With the CG set to the the bill. recommended spot, the VisionAire climbed almost by itself, just holding in a blip of up elevator. I was at no more than ½ throttle.

Following the documentation for initial flight, after trimming for level flight, I flipped her on her back to double-check the CG. Almost no down

SPECIFICATIONS

elevator was needed to hold level flight so my CG was right-on.

Now I pulled a few loops. The VisionAire came out of the loop a little right of where she entered it. A click or two of left rudder fixed that, now the exit was at the same point of entry. With the preliminaries out of the way, it was time to have some fun. The roll-rate on high rates is over the top. The VisionAire held knife-edge, horizon to horizon with absolutely no push or pull. It felt like I was piloting one of my pattern ships, not a 3D machine. At this point, the wind started to pick up. Not so good for flying, but a great way to test the effectiveness of the AS3X. I won’t tell you that the aircraft did not get bounced around but I will tell you that I continued to fly around when I would have normally put her on the ground. As for landing scale-style, the VisionAire settled in on final, controlled the descent with throttle until

The VisionAire with the new 6 channel receiver with the AS3X system incorporated brings me one step closer to flying like Quique.

wheels down. The AS3X kept the wings level to touchdown.

The winds were really starting to pick up.

The flying conditions were far from ideal, but I decided they were good enough to have a little fun. I would put the VisionAire into a hover with the wings into the wind. I was able to hold the

MODEL: VisionAire MANUFACTURER: ParkZone DISTRIBUTOR: Horizon Hobby WING SPAN: 45" LENGTH: 42.5" WEIGHT: 43.7 oz.

MOTOR: BL10 Brushless Outrunner 1250Kv BATTERY: 2200mAh-11.1v-3S-25C RECEIVER: Spektrum AR635 6-channel w/ AS3X

hover and the wind would push me backward. I would either loop over inverted, roll right-side up, fly back and do it again or push the nose forward, harrier back in front of me to keep the cycle goin’.

The temperature was a balmy 27 degrees (that is what I get for living in New England) and my fingers were starting to get a little numb. It was time to call it a session before I couldn’t feel them at all. My last test was a high wind landing. I was about 30 feet up, 10 feet to my left. I went high alpha and played with the throttle to where I had ZERO ground speed. I slowly played with throttle and elevator and went into down elevator mode.

The VisionAire came down flat with very little wing rock. Just before the tailwheel touched the ground, I blooped the throttle to get a little forward motion for a 3-point touch-down.

The VisionAire is a multi-function aircraft.

Sport flyer, pattern, or 3D, this bird will fit the bill.

On low rates, not only is she a comfortable sport flyer, but the VisionAire makes for a great lowwing trainer thanks to the AS3X system. As for the flying pattern, this plane’s response is crisp.

3D is where the VisionAire excels. I have found that most pilots’ handicap lies between their ears.

They have the skills but are just afraid for one reason or another. The single biggest reason is the fear of boppin’ the bird into the ground. With the AS3X, all anxiety should be eliminated. I opened referencing a TV commercial, I’ll end with another; “Just Do It!” Have fun, fly safe. outlook

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LIFE IS AN

RC ADVENTURE

DJ Medic on R/C and its Role in the Future of Digital Media

By Bryce Wergin I realized my phone had rang twice under my ear buds before I quickly tore them out and picked up the receiver. The voice on the other end greeted me with an incredibly cordial salutation before identifying itself as that of Aaron Bidochka, more widely known by his online pseudonym, DJ Medic. Bidochka founded the website RCSparks.com in 2008 and has been producing video content for the RC Adventures YouTube channel since he started it in 2009, while his fan-base has exploded alongside the user-generated social media features of the video host site. He currently boasts an impressive 116,000+ subscribers and nearly 84 million video views. In the world of R/C, this man is hardly a lightweight. If R/C is Rock and Roll, DJ Medic is Dick Clark.

I’ve met TV and music celebrities in the past, but this was my first time sharing words with an online YouTube personality; the energy and enthusiasm pouring through my phone made the success of the RC Adventures channel as clear and obvious as Mike Tyson’s face tattoo while the Alberta, Canada native perpetuated the friendly and courteous personality that I've come 18

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to see as commonplace among our neighbors north of the border. We shared a few laughs, and I was thrilled to hear that he agreed to do an interview.

When we conducted the actual interview, DJ Medic was on vacation in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. If you’re a follower of any of Bidochka’s social media pages for RC Sparks or RC Adventures, you know that even when on vacation, he’s still working on his passion for R/C and producing content. In this context, I use the term ‘working’ very loosely. “Currently I am looking at a Vast expanse of Blue Sky, Green Ocean... and a beach that just won’t quit! Now... where did I put my RC Sand rail?”

Geographically, this scene is quite a contrast from Bidochka’s home turf. Hailing from Alberta, Canada, his path to success started in music rather than internet media. Before the days of RCSparks and RC Adventures, he worked as a DJ, bumping hard trance and techno beats for Canadian partygoers, which is where he coined the name “DJ MEDiC- the DJ who can make ya feel good.” Learning how to achieve success in music during a time of massive technological and media changes (the

Interview

DJ Medic knows the importance of keeping sand out of your radio.

explosion of the Internet and online media) would prove invaluable in his endeavors with RCSparks and RC Adventures. When obtaining loyal viewers and video followers, it’s all about promoting your art through the right channels to the right people—a skill whose immense value overlaps in the DJ and YouTube communities.

So how does one go from R/C dabbler to an international online personality? DJ Medic’s story started as I’m sure many others have as well. “It was Christmas morning and I was only 6 years old. I unwrapped my first toy grade R/C—it was a black buggy with red and orange flames.”

The learning experience started immediately, as Bidochka and his childhood friend Ian (the two remain friends to this day) found out the hard way that two AM transmitters from two different cars send commands to both vehicles. “It was a great learning discovery,” he says. “No 2.4 GHZ then!”

Many years after the neighborhood R/C antics of his youth and his run in the music industry, Bidochka saw an opportunity to introduce R/C to the online media community. “I remember right from the very beginning that my passion for creating music, film and mechanical engineering were a perfect fit in the YouTube

community,” he says. “I started producing R/C videos in 2009, and being able to share my adventures with folks to promote such a great hobby really was a passion I wanted to follow.

The first year was the most difficult, as I was one of the pioneers in bringing the radio control hobby to the YouTube and online communities.

Most folks did not understand what I was doing—it seemed rather simplistic in nature, but I truly believe that is the magic of what I do.

I love to promote the idea of having fun and demonstrating that playing is for all ages.”

DJ Medic’s videos feature custom R/C jobs by people from all over. When he finds something that blows him away, he makes it his mission to share it with his massive YouTube family. “The pure engineering and creative energy behind all radio control products is truly amazing. People with an open mind can create things that are certainly fascinating and fun for others,” Bidochka says. The example of this that blew me away was the RC Adventures video where a powerful R/C truck was converted into a fully-functional R/C snow blower; and if you know anything about Canada, you know the snow can be serious there.

Inspiring others to enjoy their hobbies is what drives DJMedic. “I am always looking for new and exciting ways to show others that the only thing that limits a person’s R/C fun is their own imagination,” he says. “I do my very best to keep my videos fresh and exciting by simply taking the time to go outside and scout out new locations. I check with my local hobby shops, manufacturers and friends in the industry to keep informed about new clubs, products or exciting news that I find appealing. The biggest thing for me is asking myself, 'will this inspire others?' I always remember the key element: If I'm having a good time—I know others will have a good time as well. I shoot my film with the intent to make me smile, and I think the world could use a few extra smiles these days—so I keep my films lighthearted... and always show how much fun it is to play.”

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Interview

constantly inspiring him, DJ Medic says. “Every day, I get to open Youtube or my Website and read thousands of wonderful and inspiring comments from viewers. It is truly so amazing to know that almost 100 Million people have seen my growing collection of radio control hobby videos. I receive written letters from all around the world from kids, teens and adults - explaining how the work I have done in the R/C world has given them the opportunity to go outside with friends & family—to pick up a new I love to truck, car, boat, or airplane... promote the idea and how they have been able of having fun, and to discover a whole to demonstrate new level of happiness and that playing is for together time.

For me, that’s all ages." what it’s all about.”

From what I’ve seen, DJ Medic's success can be attributed to how much of his own life and personality he pours into his work. Think about it; he’s taken skills and lessons learned from literally every bit of his life and created an intimate relationship with his viewing audience by being completely open in his passions.

Aaron’s wife, Jem, is also frequently a part of RC Adventures. “I introduced her to my viewing audience of RC Adventures several years ago,” he says. “This was because I was spending so much time with the R/C's that I wanted to get her involved. One day, I surprised her with a gift. Her favorite color is pink, so her gift was a custom made truck that was super-hot pink! The truck was a slower trail crawler; not too fast, but something we could take out together and walk along. This promoted together time between her and I. Quickly in my RC Adventures series—it was to be aptly named ‘Pinky.’ Well, not only did I get to spend more time with my beautiful

girlfriend (at the time), little did I know that Jem was about to become very creative herself... and surprise me with a video that was a proposal!

Yes, it included Pinky… but for the rest, the readers will have to search for themselves! I can guarantee that she grabbed my heart with her video, along with so many thousands of others.”

Obviously, the story of Aaron Bidochka is of interest to R/C Gearheads, but personally, I think this story is one that people from all interests and industries can really learn a lot from. He’s shown us that finding something you’re passionate about and pouring yourself into it is a guaranteed way to happiness and fulfillment. If you haven’t yet, I strongly urge you to go to rcsparks.com and check out the site, and while you’re at it, get on YouTube and subscribe to the RC Adventures channel. Aaron Bidochka has started a family of passionate R/C enthusiasts who draw inspiration from one another and the things they see shared and discussed in these resources.

DJ Medic covers all forms of R/C whether land, air or water.

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HTUniversity Interview

GOROBOTICSKIT

Ken Versaw studies the power of robotics with the help of other qualified HTUniversity scientists in this issue’s HTUniveristy.

By Ken Versaw

The term “Robot” conjures to mind the sci-fi fantasy of a humanoid constructed from steel. In reality, most robots take the form that best suits their desired functions. The Tree of Knowledge Go Robotics Kit has chosen the simple beetle as the form factor for introducing children into the fascinating world of automated machinery.

This set comes with one chassis, to which the different robot modules, or “brains”, can be attached. Each module has a different ability, and the modules can be swapped out fairly easily. One module gives the robot the ability to follow any IR controller, like a standard TV remote. The second module detects light and chirps. The third, and most popular among the HTUniversity students, was the module that detects obstacles, then directs the robot to back up and around them.

The different brains are attached to the chassis with one screw, and wires that slip easily into the attached springs. This means changing your robot is a very simple process. There are 3 different caprice bodies, but they are just decorative and can be swapped out by removing 2 screws. The instruction book implies that certain robots go with certain bodies, but you are free to mix and match them as you please.

It is pretty amazing how the robots, even with very simple command structures, can

seem to take on an intelligence of their own.

My youngest son, after observing all the robots in action, was able to describe each of their personalities, adding flavor to the kit that I’m sure the makers never intended.

In conclusion, the Go Robotics Kit was a very fun and easy introduction into the world of seemingly intelligent automation. The instructions were very simple, and the only tools necessary that were not included were a small phillips head screwdriver and a couple of “AA” batteries. The Go Robotics Kit earns the HTUniversity stamp of approval for fun and learning.

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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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EDITOR’S PICK

BACHMANN

F7 Norfolk Southern & Sante Fe Warbonnet DCC Sound Value Engines

By Tim Blackwell Editor/Publisher of Cowcatcher Magazine

As an N-scaler new to model railroading in the mid-70s, I built my locomotive fleet on Bachmann products, which were readily available at general hobby stores and had attractive price points appealing to a newbie who had to stretch allowances. I recall buying a Santa Fe Warbonnet powered F9A and dummy F9A that looked good and ran well for about $20.

Over the years, my tastes got more sophisticated and other equipment was more captivating. The two F9As went to the boneyard, but had served their purpose. So, when offered the chance to review Bachmann’s Standard Line A-B set of HO-scale F7 Norfolk Southern and Santa Fe Warbonnet DCC Sound Value engines, I was curious to reacquaint with an old friend.

Upon receipt, the locomotives were individually packed in simple, red boxes without

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the frilly cases used for some high-end motive power today. They looked inviting to handle, but I have to admit that I was a little skeptical of putting the models to the test. The simple casting of the models and the Warbonnet’s dull red paint reminded me of those F9As, which didn’t run well.

Would these units pass muster when detail and road-specific models are holding court in today’s market?

The Sound Value line is a notch under Bachmann’s higher quality Spectrum products, which have fared well in model railroad circles. A company spokesperson said the SVs with DCC are Bachmann’s answer to updated technology at an affordable price.

The company has several locomotive offerings in the Sound Value line, but the F7 is the first covered wagon, one in an iconic series of

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locomotives that headed some important trains in the day. The F7, the fourth model in General Motors Electro-Motive Division’s line of F-unit locomotives, was used in freight and passage service. EMD produced 2,366 A units and 1,483 cabless B, all built from 1949-53 at GM’s La Grange, Ill., or London, Ontario, manufacturing facilities.

The Santa Fe used F7s on its heralded El Capitan and Super Chief passenger trains, while Norfolk Southern employs a pair of A and B units each to power its business train, including Nos. 4271 and 4276 that Bachmann models in the Sound Value series.

Bachmann’s models, which are suitable for ages 14 and up (the company says on the packaging that the model is not for children), have a can motor, die-cast chassis, E-Z Mate Mark II magnetic knuckle couplers, operating headlight per the prototype, teardrop windows and separate windshield wipers. The Sound Value SoundTraxx® diesel sound package has the prototypical

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567 prime mover, three air horns, and bell in polyphonic 16-bit sound, contained in a speaker system mounted on the bottom of the chassis.

The units are compatible with Bachmann’s E-Z Command Digital Command Control System, which is comparable to many commercial DCC systems on the market today, as well as DCpowered systems.

As a DC guy, my only prior experience with DCC has been on the many layouts I’ve operated across the Southwest and Midwest in the last few years. While I’ve had a DCC system for the last couple of years, it’s sat in a closet, really for lack of adventure on my part. Hooking up DCC sounds complicated in itself; and have you seen some of those phone-book sized manuals? The arrival of the Sound Value locomotives would force me over the edge.

Fortunately, the instructions for the DCC unit included a quick setup guide which helped get the system going quickly. Even better, the instructions in the slender leaflet for the Sound

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Value locomotives were just as simple. In minutes, the locomotives were poised for their first assignment.

With power on, the locomotives revved up with the clear, crisp diesel sound that rivals the finer locomotives on the market; the volume on the factory sound setting is lower and more pleasing to older ears. Both A and B units are programmed out of the box for the universal No. 3 address and did not require special MU setup to operate in unison. Each is equipped with a sound decoder and can be programmed separately. All the standard bells, whistles and lighting functions are available, as well as eight notches for engine exhaust and three selectable air horns (depending on the model). With the SoundTraxx Hyperdrive decoder, the locomotive has 128-step speed control and can be used with all NMRA/NEMcompliant DCC systems.

The Hyperdrive decoder includes a “cruise control” feature that helps control the locomotive speed under varying conditions.

Some movements were a little jerky at times and startups were not as gradual as those from more expensive locomotives, but neither compromised what would become a quality performance experience. Overall, the locomotives accelerate and decelerate smoothly and have the pulling power to handle long strings of cars.

The die-cast chassis adds plenty of weight at about 1 pound and is a bit of a deterrent for tinkerers. The shell, held on by four screws, was easy enough to remove and could be done so without removing couplers. Separating the shell from the chassis without damaging the front coupler took a little twisting and turning but was done quickly. Reassembly was just as easy. The decoder is held in by a few screws and can be removed easily.

While the model lacks some of the finer detail of more advanced offerings, the painting/ lettering and casting for both Santa Fe and Norfolk Southern units is nothing to criticize. The detail appears to be much finer on the Santa Fe units;

the logo on the Norfolk Southern A unit seems a little too bold.

The quality and performance of Bachmann’s Standard Line locomotives, which list for $169 each, exceed the value of some of the company’s earlier low-cost offerings. The F7s are a great way for modelers who want to get their feet wet with the sophistication of DCC in a good-looking, well-running model without the hefty price tag.

Bachmann captures the spirit of vintage intermodal rail transportation with its new release of HO-scale Silver Series flat cars with piggyback trailers.

The 52' 6" flat car with 35' piggyback trailer features metal wheels and E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers. Cars have ramps that can be lifted up or down to simulate loading of multiple flats.

The removable 30' piggyback trailer features painted metal wheels and graphics to match the prototype.

The cars we received for review were ATSF No. 89989 with a Navajo Freight Lines trailer, and Reading No. 9814 with a Reading transportation trailer. They have added weight for optimal tracking and performed well when pulled and pushed by Bachmann’s F7A Sound Value locomotives.

Flat cars have realistic underbody detail and the ribbed trailers certainly remind of truck transportation in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The flat cars are also available in Baltimore & Ohio, New York Central, Atlantic Coast Line, Western Maryland and Louisville & Nashville.

At suggested retail of $39, the cars stack up with other HO flat cars and trailer loads on the market today.

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