Blog

  • Beam Me Up, LEGO: The U.S.S. Enterprise Bridge Set Warps In This September

    Beam Me Up, LEGO: The U.S.S. Enterprise Bridge Set Warps In This September

    After decades of fan demands, the final frontier of LEGO collaboration is finally here. Set your phasers to build mode, because LEGO Icons 11385 Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge is officially launching on September 1, 2026.

    Priced at $199.99 in the US, this 1,701-piece diorama set captures the iconic bridge and transporter room from Star Trek: The Original Series. The build is a fresh take on a LEGO diorama, featuring modular sections that can be rearranged for display.

    The Final Frontier, Brick by Brick

    This is the second Star Trek set from the LEGO Group, following last year’s massive U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation. While that set focused on the ship’s exterior, this new model dives deep into the interior of the original NCC-1701, letting builders step onto the iconic set for the first time in LEGO form.

    The build itself is straightforward and beginner-friendly, constructed around a semi-circular bridge with several attached modules: a turbo lift, a viewscreen, and the transporter room. The design team used some clever techniques, including sideways construction for the transporter room’s floor, but the overall experience is described as welcoming for less experienced builders.

    A Crew to Boldly Go

    One of the biggest draws here is the minifigure lineup. The set includes eight brand-new minifigures representing the core crew of the Enterprise:

    • James T. Kirk (with a confident smirk and a Tribble)
    • Spock (featuring a brand-new wig with Vulcan ears and a TOS Tricorder)
    • Nyota Uhura (with printed dual-moulded legs and a communicator earpiece)
    • Hikaru Sulu (complete with an épée)
    • Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy
    • Pavel Chekov
    • Christine Chapel
    • Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (carrying Dilithium)

    The uniforms are standardised across the crew, allowing for a screen-accurate look. For accessories, the set finally delivers an all-new LEGO phaser element, along with Starfleet communicators, Spock’s harp, two Vulcan lirpas, a Trident Scanner, and four fuzzy Tribbles.

    Interactive Features and Hidden Details

    The set is loaded with play features that recreate classic on-screen moments. Kirk’s captain’s chair rocks side to side to simulate turbulence. A dial on the transporter room activates a beam-down sequence, spinning crew minifigures on the pads. A lever opens and closes the turbo lift doors.

    The build is packed with Easter eggs. The viewscreen displays a Klingon warrior and a Gorn, which fans hope hint at future sets. Behind a removable panel in the transporter room, builders will find a hidden nest of Tribbles. The back of the model includes a rack of phasers for an entire landing party and a small armoury of Vulcan artifacts.

    Timing and Availability

    The release of this set is timed to the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series, which first aired in September 1966. Pre-orders opened on July 23, 2026, during San Diego Comic-Con’s Preview Night. The set will be available for immediate purchase from September 1, 2026, exclusively through LEGO Stores and LEGO.com.

    Secondary market pre-orders are already appearing at prices around $240, suggesting strong collector demand for this long-awaited license.

    Whether you are a lifelong Trekkie or a LEGO collector looking for something out of this world, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge offers a detailed, nostalgic build that captures the spirit of the original series.

  • Avid Shaves Rotating Mass With New 54T MachLite Idler Gear for AE 7-Series

    Avid Shaves Rotating Mass With New 54T MachLite Idler Gear for AE 7-Series

    Avid RC has released a new drivetrain hop-up for the Team Associated 7-series buggy and truck platform, and the focus is squarely on reducing rotating mass. The company’s latest part, the B7 MachLite Idler Gear, takes a simple approach: narrow the gear face to cut weight.

    Designed primarily for stock and spec racing classes, the gear’s face has been reduced from the standard 10mm down to 6mm. According to Avid, the result is a part that weighs 3.34g and is 24% lighter than the kit gear. The company states that less rotating mass and inertia provide “quicker drivetrain response” — a meaningful advantage when every bit of rotational weight affects acceleration and handling.

    Built for Both Stock and Modified

    The gear isn’t just about weight savings. Avid says the 54-tooth (54T) design retains enough strength for Modified racing, so racers don’t have to treat the part as fragile. The gear is machined from self-lubricating plastic, which the company says runs true and smooth from the start. “You get less material and less rotating mass without ever having to treat it like it is made of glass,” Avid notes.

    The part uses standard 10x15x4mm bearings, making it a direct replacement for the existing idler in compatible transmissions.

    Fitment and Pricing

    The B7 MachLite Idler Gear is a direct replacement for the kit part ASC71216. Avid says it fits into AE transmissions that use a 54T idler gear, specifically naming the B7.1, T7, and SC7 models. That covers the buggy, truggy, and short course vehicles in Team Associated’s 7-series lineup.

    Each package contains a single idler gear. The part number is #AV10257-N, and the price is set at $16.00.

    A Broader Lightweight Trend

    Avid isn’t the only manufacturer pursuing lighter drivetrain parts for the AE 7-series. Willspeed, for example, offers a 54T PEEK idler gear (part W3147) for the B7.1 three-gear transmission. That gear uses polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance engineering plastic known for mechanical strength and heat resistance. Meanwhile, Avid also produces B7 magnesium idler shafts for the same platform. Those shafts weigh 0.33g each, compared to the kit’s aluminum shafts at 0.88g each, showing a company-wide emphasis on reducing rotating mass.

    Company Background

    Avid RC, founded in 2003 and based in Denver, Colorado, has grown from a small bearing operation into a global RC product designer. The company has secured 11 IFMAR World Championships and over 100 National Titles, according to its website.

    Availability

    The B7 MachLite Idler Gear is available now from AvidRC.com. The part is priced at $16.00 and comes as a single gear per package. For racers focused on stock and spec classes, the gear offers a lighter option without requiring a switch away from the 54T drivetrain configuration.

    Avid’s new idler gear builds on the company’s existing line of lightweight components for the 7-series platform. The same manufacturer also offers magnesium idler shafts for the B7, which come in at 0.33g each compared to the stock 0.88g aluminum shafts. Those shafts are sold in a set of three and develop a natural oxidation layer over time.

    The gear is machined from self-lubricating plastic and includes one idler per package. Avid states the gear is designed to provide smooth and consistent rotation thanks to precision machining. The 54-tooth count matches the kit transmission design, meaning no gearing ratio change is required for installation.

  • JConcepts Goes Super Duty with a Licensed 1999 Ford F-250 Monster Truck Body

    JConcepts Goes Super Duty with a Licensed 1999 Ford F-250 Monster Truck Body

    The 1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty was a landmark truck for Ford, introducing a new platform and a tougher visual attitude. Now, JConcepts is bringing that late-90s heavy-duty presence to the 1:10-scale RC monster truck world with a brand new, officially licensed body.

    Released on August 18, 2026, the new body captures the proportions of the first-generation Super Duty. It’s a serious option for builders looking for something with a distinctly muscular, modern-classic look.

    Built for the Big Rigs

    This isn’t just a generic pickup shell. JConcepts has designed the body specifically for the long wheelbases found on today’s monster truck chassis. It fits models with a 13.00-inch wheelbase. The body shown in promotional materials was mounted on JConcepts’ own REACTOR Stage 2 Kit, “WOLF” Racer, which shares that same 13.00-inch wheelbase spec.

    Authentic Super Duty Styling

    The design references the full-size truck with a front end featuring a prominent grille and headlight area where the Ford Blue Oval sits. The long hood rises to an upright cab, with the front fenders visibly shaped. Lines along the side panels emphasize a broad, planted look.

    It’s a single-cab configuration, which JConcepts notes provides a particularly clean and aggressive silhouette for a monster truck. The rear bed and bodywork round out the classic Super Duty profile. JConcepts describes the resulting look as having an “unmistakable late-1990s presence.”

    Racer Touches and Details

    Beyond the stock look, JConcepts includes an attachable racerback and visor accessory. These add a custom, race-inspired flair, allowing builders to modify the truck’s personality. The proportions are designed to accommodate large monster truck tires, with generous wheel openings built into the fenders.

    What’s in the Box

    The body is molded from clear, heavy-duty polycarbonate. It ships with protective film, pre-cut window masks to simplify painting, and a detailed Ford decal sheet for finishing the look. The product arrives unpainted and ready for the builder’s own custom finish.

    Specs and Pricing

    • Scale: 1:10
    • Wheelbase: 13.00 inches (designed specifically for that length)
    • Part #: 0678
    • UPC: 845937033819
    • Retail price: $45.00
    • MAP price: $38.25

    According to JConcepts, this body “fits a variety of 1:10-scale RC monster truck platforms.”

    A History of Ford Bodies

    This release is not JConcepts’ first foray into officially licensed Ford truck bodies. The company previously offered a 1979 Ford F-250 Single Cab body, which featured a retro, chiseled square-body look with rectangular headlights and a one-piece center grille. That earlier version, with a wheelbase range of 12.5 to 13.0 inches, was aimed at platforms like the JConcepts Renegades, Losi LMT, and Axial SMT10.

    The new 1999 body brings the design language forward to the late-90s Super Duty era. The first-generation Super Duty lineup introduced a completely new visual identity for Ford, and JConcepts’ body captures key elements such as a bold grille, integrated headlight treatment, and the prominent Ford Blue Oval.

    Company Background

    JConcepts, established in 2003, describes itself with the motto “World Proven Innovation and Design.” The company designs and manufactures a wide range of RC products including tires, wheels, bodies, and accessories for buggies, scale crawlers, and monster trucks. This latest body continues their line of officially licensed Ford products.

    More details on the new body are available at JConcepts.net.

  • Vanquish Products Drops Three-Tier 1/10 Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy Kit

    Vanquish Products Drops Three-Tier 1/10 Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy Kit

    Vanquish Products has just unleashed a new generation of rock crawler with the officially licensed Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy kit. Built on the Unlimited Rock Buggy (URB) platform, this 1:10 scale rig is available in three trim levels, ranging from a builder-friendly base kit to a fully loaded Spec Ops edition.

    Three Trim Levels

    All three versions share the same core chassis and drivetrain, but the hardware and finish differ. The standard URB Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy (part #VPS09029A) comes with a black anodized aluminum cage and standard axles, priced at $1,499.99. For those who want more, the Ultra trim (#VPS09029B for black frame, #VPS09029C for clear frame) upgrades to aluminum Currie F10W axles and Crawl Spec Battle Born Sierra wheels, retailing at $2,299.99. At the top sits the Spec Ops kit (#VPS09029D), a made-to-order package that lets buyers customize the anodizing color of the cage, axles, and wheels. It carries a price tag of $2,599.99.

    All kits are sold unassembled and require the builder to supply their own tools, paint, 2.2-inch tires, transmitter/receiver, a standard-length 540 motor, steering servos, a dig servo, ESC, and battery.

    Under the Hood

    At the heart of every Moonbuggy is the all-new LFD transmission. This lightweight unit uses precision-machined, hardened 48P gears and hardened steel shafts. Its compact design includes an integrated dig unit that disengages the rear drivetrain, giving the driver tighter turning and better maneuverability on technical trails.

    Power is sent to the wheels through the new F10W axles, which are 15.5 mm wider than Vanquish’s standard F10 Portals. The extra width boosts stability without sacrificing ground clearance, and the front- and rear-driver-side off-set pumpkin design optimizes both clearance and steering angle.

    FOX Suspension and Scale Details

    Vanquish has partnered with FOX to produce the S8I Scale Rock Crawler Shocks. Each oil-filled shock measures 110 mm eye-to-eye and contains dual internal springs matched with precision pistons and seals. The result is a lower center of gravity while still allowing the tires to travel downward for traction on uneven surfaces.

    Scale realism extends to the body: a detailed engine ready for painting, an interior for customization, and an officially licensed Jimmy’s 4×4 aluminum cage are all included. The Moonbuggy also comes with four-wheel steering out of the box.

    Specs at a Glance

    • Width (hex to hex): 215.5 mm (8.4 inches)
    • Wheelbase: 339 mm (13.3 inches)
    • Front axle ratio: 5.25:1
    • Rear axle ratio: 5.78:1
    • Final overdrive: 9.6%

    Availability

    All three variants of the URB Jimmy’s 4X4 Moonbuggy are available now from Vanquish Products and its dealers. The standard kit carries part #VPS09029A, the Ultra #VPS09029B (black frame) and #VPS09029C (clear frame), and the Spec Ops #VPS09029D.

  • Injora Expands Deep Dish Line with 1.9-Inch Turbine Wheels for 1/10 Crawlers

    Injora Expands Deep Dish Line with 1.9-Inch Turbine Wheels for 1/10 Crawlers

    Injora has added a new set of machined aluminum rollers to its catalog with the release of the 1.9-inch Turbine Deep Dish Wheels (W1915). Designed for 1/10-scale R/C crawlers and trail trucks, these wheels bring a classic turbine look to modern builds.

    Machined Aluminum, Multi-Piece Construction

    Each wheel is constructed from machined aluminum with a multi-piece design that includes inner and outer faces, an inner ring or barrel, and a separate wheel hub. This setup mimics the look of full-size beadlock wheels. Buyers can choose from three color options: black, white, or purple.

    Key Specifications

    According to the product details, the wheels offer a -11mm offset, which pushes the tire track outward for improved stability on uneven terrain. Here are the full specs:

    • Part Number: W1915
    • Outer Diameter: 52.5mm
    • Width: 30mm
    • Wheel Hub: 12mm
    • Weight (Each): 81.6g

    These measurements make the wheels compatible with most 1/10-scale crawler tires and hex hubs. The wheels are sold as a set of four.

    Pricing and Availability

    A set of four wheels is priced at $49.99 USD and is available now from injora.com. That works out to roughly $12.50 per wheel, which is a typical price point for CNC-machined aluminum wheels in the crawler segment.

    A Growing Turbine Family

    Injora has been expanding its Turbine Deep Dish line across scales. The company’s homepage also lists a 1.0-inch version with a -4.7mm offset for micro crawlers like the SCX30, priced at $29.99 USD. The new 1.9-inch wheels share the same design language, allowing builders to match the look across rigs of different sizes.

    The 1.0-inch Turbine Deep Dish wheels (part number W1015) are available for $29.99 and fit micro-scale platforms such as the SCX30 and similar models. Looking at the broader Injora wheel and tire collection, the company also offers a range of other 1.9-inch wheel options, including beadlock and standard rims, as well as a variety of tire compounds and tread patterns.

    Broader Product Context

    Injora’s website features a dedicated Tires and Wheels section where shoppers can find the full lineup. That page lists multiple sizes, including 1.0-inch, 1.55-inch, 1.9-inch, and 2.2-inch wheel options, along with various tire models like the MAVERIX M/T, Cling On, King Trekker A/T, and Rock Terrain tires. The tires are described as durable rubber molded in the company’s Super Soft & Sticky S5 Compound, and the section includes both complete wheel-and-tire combos as well as separate rims.

    Injora also recently marked its 10th anniversary on August 14, 2026, highlighting a decade of RC parts and community building. That milestone was noted alongside other content such as build guides, ESC tuning tutorials, and installation tips for various crawler models, including the SCX24, SCX30, and SCX10 III platforms.

    The new 1.9-inch Turbine Deep Dish Wheels are now available for purchase through Injora’s online store, offering a direct upgrade option for 1/10-scale crawler and trail truck builders looking for a machined aluminum wheel with a distinctive turbine-style appearance.

  • Tamiya’s Dune Beetle Cross: A Fresh BB-02 Chassis Brings Baja Beetle Action to 1/9 Scale

    Tamiya’s Dune Beetle Cross: A Fresh BB-02 Chassis Brings Baja Beetle Action to 1/9 Scale

    Tamiya has dropped a new 1/9 scale radio-controlled buggy kit that trades on familiar looks but packs an all-new platform. The Dune Beetle Cross (part #58757) rolls on the BB-02 chassis, a rear-wheel drive setup that Tamiya says follows up on the mass appeal of its 2023 BBX (BB-01) release. While the bulging fenders and cut-down rear hood scream Volkswagen Beetle desert racer, this is not a simple body swap — it’s a ground-up chassis design.

    A Beetle Built for the Baja

    The model captures the look of Volkswagen Beetles modified for American off-road racing. The polycarbonate body is 1.0mm thick and features bulging front and rear fenders, a removed rear engine hood, and an internal roll cage that ties the chassis together for added rigidity. The cage also protects the two included female driver and co-driver figures, who wear full-face helmets and sit in a detailed interior with a window net, fire extinguisher, stick shift, steering wheel, and engine parts.

    A full set of LED light pods is molded into the body — six up front and two taillights — though the LEDs themselves are sold separately. The kit also comes with black light cases for easy installation of aftermarket lights.

    Two Front Suspension Choices

    One of the BB-02 chassis’ standout features is the ability to build the front suspension in two configurations:

    • Double trailing arms (width: 204mm) — common on full-size Baja cars, offering longer arms and increased stroke for stable straight-line performance on flat dirt surfaces.
    • Double wishbone arms (width: 225mm) — typical of unlimited-class off-road vehicles, giving superlative ground-hugging and stable jump landings on rough courses.

    The rear suspension uses trailing arms, and all four corners use 4-wheel independent suspension with adaptive dampers that limit oil leakage. The front double wishbone arms and rear trailing arms are shared with the earlier Item 58719 BBX (BB-01).

    Chassis and Drivetrain Details

    The BB-02 chassis features floor pan design motifs with front and rear tire housings to protect the model from dust and dirt. The R/C equipment box sits under the driver figures, and the battery pack is mounted lengthwise with the motor at the rear for optimum balance. A sealed gearbox with a built-in ball differential and drive shafts with joint boots provide reliable off-road performance.

    Wheels are hex-hub style (same shape as the BBX) paired with front rib-pattern tires for directional stability and rear square-spike tires for high grip — those tires are also from the BBX kit.

    Overall dimensions: 454mm long, 204mm or 225mm wide (depending on suspension choice), 180mm tall, with a 283mm wheelbase.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Dune Beetle Cross is a full assembly kit priced at $341.60 and is available now through Tamiya USA and retailers like A Main Hobbies. Builders will need to supply their own 2-channel radio, steering servo (standard or low-profile compatible), ESC, a 540-size brushless motor (recommended), a 7.2–7.4V battery with compatible charger, and Tamiya PS and acrylic paints.

    Tamiya sums up the kit’s appeal with a nod to its predecessor: “In 2023, we unveiled the BBX (BB01), a retro styled 2WD off-road buggy that paid homage to our rich history of off-road buggies with modern day performance and construction! Following up on the BBX’s mass appeal, we now have the follow-up kit that is sure to capture the hearts of Baja racing and Volkswagen Beetle fans alike!”

    With its mix of old-school Beetle styling, dual suspension options, and a purpose-built BB-02 platform, the Dune Beetle Cross offers builders a fresh take on the desert racer theme.

  • Kyosho FAZER D2 Chassis Kit Gives Drift Builders a Variable Wheelbase

    Kyosho FAZER D2 Chassis Kit Gives Drift Builders a Variable Wheelbase

    Kyosho just made life easier for 1/10 scale drift builders who like to swap bodies. The company’s new FAZER D2 chassis kit uses a split resin main chassis that lets you adjust the wheelbase from 240mm to roughly 273-274mm, depending on the spec sheet — a range that covers everything from compact hatches to full-size truck shells.

    The announcement landed on RC Car Action today, and it signals a serious push into rear‑wheel drive (RWD) drifting, the current standard for realistic slide action in the 1/10 scale class.

    What the FAZER D2 Chassis Kit Brings

    The D2 isn’t just a rehashed FAZER frame; Kyosho designed a dedicated RWD drift platform from the ground up. The resin chassis splits into front and rear sections, and by changing the connection points you can dial in the wheelbase for the body you want to mount. That flexibility opens the door to running bodies from Kyosho’s existing FAZER series, plus other 1/10 polycarbonate shells.

    At the front, long‑span double wishbone suspension provides plenty of steering angle, with adjustable caster and roll center so you can tune the chassis for different track conditions or driving styles. The motor sits high in the chassis to create moderate roll characteristics, and the motor mount eliminates traditional gear backlash fiddling — just slide the motor and lock it down. Kyosho says the mount accepts its 48P 16‑37T pinion gears for easy ratio changes.

    Out back, the rear drive unit uses a spool (rigid) axle without a differential, which helps maintain smooth, predictable drifts. Oil‑filled shocks with red anodized caps come standard, and the whole drivetrain runs on 16 full ball bearings.

    Gyro‑Assisted Control and Electronics

    A new KRG‑331D receiver with a built‑in gyro is at the heart of the D2’s electronics. The gyro actively manages both steering and throttle to keep the car in a controlled slide — great for newcomers who haven’t yet mastered counter‑steer, but with an adjustable gain dial for experienced drivers who want to tune sensitivity. Paired with a 60A Kyosho Speed House ESC (three modes: FWD/Brake/REV, FWD/Brake, or FWD/REV) and a G22 brushed 540‑size motor, the package is ready for immediate action.

    Ready‑to‑Run Versions Are Already Here

    While the chassis kit appeals to builders who want to choose their own body, Kyosho is also shipping complete FAZER D2 Readyset (RTR) models. Two of the most eye‑catching versions are the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 — with its signature retractable headlights — and the 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Drift Version wearing custom wide overfenders, racing stripes, and a bed‑mounted roll cage.

    Both RTR cars come pre‑assembled with the Ultra Scale Body Plus finish (no visible mounting holes), the factory‑installed gyro receiver, and the Syncro KT‑231P+ transmitter. All you need to add are four AA batteries for the transmitter and a 7.2V Ni‑MH or 2S LiPo pack with charger for the chassis.

    Tuning and Customization

    Even in RTR form, the D2 platform remains fully open to upgrades. Kyosho offers optional parts including LED light units (front and rear light buckets are ready for them), different gear diffs and ball diffs, and a range of suspension components. The adjustable wheelbase means you’re not locked into the stock body — you can swap to another FAZER‑series shell whenever you want a new look.

    Availability

    The FAZER D2 chassis kit is available through Kyosho America and authorized dealers. The complete Readyset models — the AE86 Trueno and the Tundra TRD Pro — are already listed on Horizon Hobby and Motion RC as well, with the Tundra version featuring a 9.1:1 gear ratio and a weight of approximately 1,450g.

  • LEGO Unleashes the “Batman Returns” Batmobile with a Split-Personality Surprise

    LEGO Unleashes the “Batman Returns” Batmobile with a Split-Personality Surprise

    Let’s be honest: the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s 1992 classic Batman Returns is peak Gotham automotive design. Sleek, gothic, and intimidating—it’s the car a brooding millionaire vigilante would actually drive. Now LEGO has finally given it the brick-built treatment it deserves with set 76355, a 2,269-piece display model that packs a genuinely cool party trick.

    The set, revealed this week, recreates Michael Keaton’s iconic ride with an impressive level of detail. The elongated body, the jet turbine rear engine, the opening canopy—it’s all there. But the headline feature is the transformation function. A mechanical trigger on the rear of the model releases the side bodywork, exposing the slimmer Batmissile escape vehicle concealed within, just like in the film’s chase sequence. It’s the first time a LEGO Batmobile has included this specific movie-accurate mechanic.

    New Cowl, New Era for Minifigures

    Purists should pay attention to the minifigure. This Batman comes with a brand-new cowl element that drapes over the torso, breaking the standard minifigure silhouette to mimic the bulkier, more armored look of Keaton’s suit. The set also includes a dedicated display stand for the figure. Beyond the cowl, LEGO’s design team created three new elements specifically for this build, and the model hides six Easter eggs from the film, including the Penguin’s tracking device.

    Dimensions, Pricing, and the Wait

    The finished model measures 4 inches (10 cm) high, 17 inches (45 cm) long, and 6.5 inches (17 cm) wide—meaning you’ll want to clear some shelf space. It’s rated 18+, clearly aimed at adult collectors who grew up with Burton’s Gotham.

    Pricing varies by region:

    • US: $229.99
    • UK: £189.99
    • EU: €209.99
    • Canada: CAD$319.99
    • Australia: AU$349.99
    • Singapore: SGD$299.90

    LEGO Insiders get early access on September 1, 2026, with general release following on September 4. The set will be available exclusively through LEGO.com and LEGO Stores.

    What Didn’t Make the Cut

    The one clear disappointment for many fans: only the Batman minifigure is included. Given the film’s memorable villains—Danny DeVito’s Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman—their absence is notable, especially when previous large Bat-vehicle sets often included a rogue’s gallery. The source article notes that the reviewer wishes they had been included but understands it may be a cost consideration, though LEGO itself has not publicly addressed the decision.

    A Quote Straight from LEGO

    “The latest in a series of LEGO Batman display models, this set brings the distinctive vehicle from Tim Burton’s Batman Returns to LEGO brick form for the very first time. Featuring authentic details, an innovative transformation function and hidden references from the film, the model celebrates one of Batman’s most memorable on-screen appearances.”
    — LEGO Group press release

    How It Stacks Up

    This isn’t LEGO’s first Tim Burton Batmobile—the 1989 version (set 76139) came in 2019 with 3,306 pieces for $249.99. The new Returns model is smaller at 2,269 pieces and priced at $229.99, but makes up for it with the transformation gimmick and the inclusion of six hidden Easter eggs. It joins a busy year for LEGO Batman that already included the Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight video game, which received an 83 Metacritic score and an Overwhelmingly Positive Steam user rating, and three smaller Batmobile sets tied to that release (76331 Batman v Superman Batmobile, 76332 The Batman Batmobile, and 76333 Batman & Robin Batmobile, all released in March 2026).

    If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to complete your Burton-era LEGO Batmobile collection, September 1 can’t come soon enough. The set launches exclusively at LEGO.com and LEGO Stores, with Insiders getting early access on September 1 before the September 4 general release.

  • Pro-Line and Sippel Speed Shop Drop New Bodies and Tires for the Losi NASCAR Chassis

    Pro-Line and Sippel Speed Shop Drop New Bodies and Tires for the Losi NASCAR Chassis

    If you’ve been looking to give your Losi NASCAR a fresh look, today is your lucky day. Pro-Line Racing and Sippel Speed Shop have both released new parts for the popular 1/12 scale on-road platform, offering everything from officially licensed vintage rubber to completely new body styles.

    Goodyear Blue Streak Tires Roll Out for VTA Builds

    Pro-Line is now offering Officially Licensed Goodyear Blue Streak Mounted Tires designed specifically for the Losi NASCAR chassis. These are pre-mounted on gray 8mm wheels, so there’s no gluing or assembly required—just bolt them on and hit the track.

    The tires feature matching front and rear diameters but with a wider rear fitment, giving your car the classic “planted” muscle car stance. The sidewalls carry authentic Goodyear Blue Streak lettering, and the tread pattern is designed to look like a full-size street tire. Pro-Line says these are a perfect complement for their 1968 Chevrolet Camaro and 1968 Ford Mustang VTA bodies, which are also new releases today.

    The front set (part #PRO1036310) is priced at $16.99. The rear set (part #PRO1036410) does not yet have a listed price.

    Two Classic Muscle Bodies Now Available

    Pro-Line also dropped two new clear polycarbonate bodies for the Losi NASCAR: a 1968 Chevy Camaro and a 1968 Ford Mustang. Both are pre-cut, meaning the trimming work is already done. You just wash, mask, paint, apply the included decals, and mount.

    Each body is molded from durable polycarbonate and includes window masks and a decal sheet. The idea is that you can switch between a stock car look and a vintage Trans-Am or street machine style without buying a whole new chassis. Both bodies are priced at $24.99.

    Sippel Speed Shop Brings the Harpoon Late Model Body

    Over at Sippel Speed Shop, the new Harpoon Clear Mini Late Model Body Kit is now available for the Losi NASCAR. This is a single-piece body based on the 2026 RC Chili Bowl winning KingSlayer late model body, so it brings a more modern, aggressive silhouette to the platform.

    The kit is formed from genuine Polymerfilms (GE) lexan and includes the body, front body posts, machine-cut spoiler end plates, a machine-cut and bent rear spoiler, and stainless steel hardware. A window mask set is listed as “COMING SOON.” Sippel Speed Shop notes that because the masks are not yet available, the price is lower than it will be once the masks are included. The kit starts at $32.00.

    An optional decking kit with hardware is also available for those who want to dress up the top of the body.

    One Chassis, Many Looks

    What’s interesting about all of these releases is that they target the same platform: the Losi NASCAR. With multiple body options and a new tire offering rolling out on the same day, owners of that chassis now have a broad range of ways to change its personality. Whether you want a period-correct muscle car from the late ’60s, a modern late-model dirt racer, or just better tires for a classic build, the parts are now on the shelf.

    All three Pro-Line items are available now through ProLineRacing.com, and the Sippel Speed Shop Harpoon kit can be ordered through Sippel-Speed-Shop.com.”

  • The Pagani Imola Is Getting a Fully Opening 1:43 Diecast in 2027

    The Pagani Imola Is Getting a Fully Opening 1:43 Diecast in 2027

    LCD Models is bringing the Pagani Imola down to 1:43 scale with a fully opening diecast body. The miniature hypercar is scheduled to reach collectors in the first quarter of 2027.

    According to a Diecastsociety.com report posted on August 15, 2026, the little Imola will be offered in Silver, Red, and Chameleon Purple. Each colorway gets its own item number: LCD43016SI, LCD43016RE, and LCD43016CH. LCD says the model contains approximately 110 parts and 130 print positions.

    Fully opening construction

    The diecast metal model is described as a fully opening piece. The report pairs that construction detail with the three color choices, the roughly 110-part count, and the 130 print positions. Opening parts are also part of LCD’s 1:18 Imola diecasts, which retailers are currently listing.

    One listing from Modelkars shows the Imola in red, built from metal with opening parts, and marks it as available for pre-order. That red 1:18 model carries the number LCD18023RE. The same listing’s product copy calls the real Pagani Imola an extreme hypercar designed for ultimate performance.

    The Modelkars page includes practical buying details for the red 1:18. Worldwide shipping is offered, with the carrier chosen based on destination: Colissimo, Chronopost, DPD, Mondial Relay, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. For most 1:18 models under 2 kg, the retailer lists a France-Belgium-Luxembourg pickup rate of €4.80 and a home-delivery rate of €10.90, with free shipping above €150. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and Austria make up a €13.90 tier, while Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and several Central and Eastern European destinations fall into a €15.90 tier. All other countries are €29.90 economy or €49.90 express. The page notes that rates are subject to change. Pickup in France, Belgium, or Luxembourg takes 3-5 days; home delivery there is 48 hours. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, and Austria are rated at 3-5 days, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden at 3-7 days, and Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, and Malta at 4-9 days. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, and SEPA bank transfer, and the page also mentions installment plans with no extra cost. Other local payment options may be available depending on the buyer’s location. Buyers have 15 days from receipt to return a purchase.

    A separate listing from STM Diecast covers a 1:18 silver Imola with black wheels, identified as the 2020 Pagani Imola. That version is coded LCD18023-SI and is presented as a diecast with full openings.

    Three colors, one 2027 timeline

    For the 1:43 release, LCD has named three finishes: Silver, Red, and Chameleon Purple. Red and silver are also present in the 1:18 examples currently shown by retailers, while the 1:43 lineup adds Chameleon Purple as a third option. Each 1:43 colorway has its own SKU in the LCD43016 series.

    The 1:43 model is a separate project from the 1:18 releases, with its own product codes. Delivery is noted as Q1 2027, so the target window for the fully opening miniature is the first quarter of next year.

    The Diecastsociety.com report says the project shows how far LCD Models has come and recommends the 1:43 Imola to supercar fans. The three 1:43 colorways remain listed under LCD43016SI, LCD43016RE, and LCD43016CH.