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RC Maker has officially unveiled the SP2 competition touring car, the successor to its well-regarded SP1 platform. According to the company, the new machine is the product of a three-year development program that leaned heavily on iterative, back-to-back testing against the previous model.

Learning from the SP1

The SP1 launched about two years ago and quickly racked up wins on tracks around the world. Rather than resting on that success, RC Maker went back to the drawing board. The company identified several areas for improvement while also zeroing in on what made the SP1 great. The result is a car that keeps its predecessor’s DNA but has been re-engineered from the ground up.

Primary sources report that the bulk of the development work focused on refining flex characteristics, torsional stiffness, and suspension geometry. The stated goal was to improve overall quality and performance, leaving “absolutely no stone unturned in delivering a machine that was capable of winning at the highest level, and standing the test of time in average racers’ hands.”

Three Chassis Options and Suspension Overhaul

RC Maker is offering the SP2 in three distinct chassis material options: 2.2mm carbon fiber, 1.5mm aluminum, and 1.2mm spring steel. All three variants use the same 110° steel screws, making swaps between them straightforward and reducing the need for separate spare parts.

The suspension system has been thoroughly reworked. New XS shocks and springs reduce unsprung weight, while a coaxial shock and pushrod geometry aim to deliver smoother action and a lower moment of inertia. The suspension arms are 3mm longer and mounted 6mm closer to improve corner speed. Steel pushrod components replace ball cups to cut down on wear, weight, and friction, and the rocker height is adjustable via a slider for quick fine-tuning.

Steering, Drivetrain, and Chassis Refinements

The steering rack has been lengthened to 8.0mm and includes optional steering lock stoppers. A low-CG one-piece servo mount uses enlarged locating pins for precise alignment. The bulkheads have been raised, with a 4mm raised top deck mounting that provides more rigid and progressive chassis flex. The diff and spool positions are also raised to improve corner speed and driveability.

On the drivetrain side, threaded aluminum diff halves free up clearance for the longer suspension arms. Larger bearings on the driveshafts eliminate couplers, reducing friction and wear. The center pulley bearings are bigger for better rigidity under high loads.

The chassis itself has a minimized footprint to reduce scrubbing during cornering, acceleration, and braking. A low-CG front bumper assembly is integrated into the front bulkhead, allowing easy removal without interrupting chassis flex. Split-style rear body mounts minimize the moment of inertia.

What RC Maker Says

In its announcement, RC Maker described the SP2 as “built on a relentless pursuit of designing a unique, innovative and highly competitive touring car platform for professional to novice racers, and everyone in between!”

Availability

The SP2 is now officially announced. For full specifications, chassis options, and ordering details, enthusiasts can visit the RC Maker website at rcmaker.com.au.

Tekno RC has just announced four new option parts aimed at improving reliability, braking performance, and driveline efficiency on its 1/8-scale platforms. The new components include a vented brake disc, two dog bone driveshafts, a differential gear set, and a set of shock boots, all engineered for racers who want consistent track performance with less maintenance.

Vented Brake Disc Drops Rotating Mass

The first part, #TKR33345X, is a CNC-machined, hardened-steel brake disc designed for the NB48 2.2 and NT48 2.2 platforms. Features include a precision-ground braking surface and 24 cross-drilled vent holes intended to improve braking consistency. According to Tekno RC, the disc reduces rotating mass by 3.5 grams per pair compared to the standard setup.

Driveshafts Aim to Reduce Friction and Squat

Two new dog bone driveshafts, #TKR9376 and #TKR9377, serve as center rear and center front replacements. Both are precision-machined from hardened steel and are touted for reducing driveline friction. The company says the shafts also help reduce rear-end squat under acceleration and require less frequent maintenance.

Team Spec Differential Gear Set

The #TKR9150X differential gear set is described by Tekno as a “Team Spec” component compatible with all 2.x platforms. The precision-ground gears use a 20/10T ratio and are intended to provide a smoother, more forgiving driving feel. Tekno recommends pairing this set with significantly heavier differential oils, especially for bumpy and low-grip track conditions.

All-New Shock Boots for 16mm Shocks

Finally, #TKR8743 shock boots are built for Tekno’s A/B length shocks with a short length for 16mm shocks. The company says the new boots feature a highly durable design that is more resistant to ripping and tearing, which should extend shock shaft life and reduce the frequency of rebuilds.

More Than Just Four Parts

While the primary announcement focuses on these four upgrades, Tekno RC has been steadily expanding its option-parts catalog. An earlier post on the official company news blog detailed additional releases including wide mud guards (TKR9024C) for EB/ET48 2.x electric vehicles, which are said to improve in-air stability and high-speed downforce. Also recently launched are adjustable Ackerman spindles (TKR9141C) with a 3° incline and -2mm axle, designed to reduce steering sensitivity on high-grip surfaces while improving corner-exit acceleration on low-grip tracks.

Other additions from the past few months include molded shock pistons with improved durability for 1/8-scale buggies, new 13/43 and 14/47 ring and pinion gear sets for fine-tuning gearing, and a range of MOD 0.8 pinion gears (21T to 30T) with a 5mm bore and hardened-steel construction. Tekno also reintroduced steel pivot balls as more durable replacements for standard aluminum pivot balls, and released rear arm mud guards (TKR9574) for the SCT/MT410 2.0 platforms.

Where to Find Them

The new parts are available through Tekno RC’s own web store and through authorized retailers such as AMain Hobbies, which maintains a broad catalog of factory and optional parts for models including the EB48, NB48, ET48, and NT48 series. Fierce RC Solutions also lists many of these option parts, though stock availability varies by item.

Tekno RC continues to support its 1/8-scale vehicle lineup with a steady cadence of performance-oriented upgrades, giving builders and racers multiple paths to fine-tune handling, reduce wear, and tailor their cars to specific track conditions.

The clock is ticking on Santoki’s LEGO MOC Clock Contest. The company has unveiled the ten finalists, and starting August 1, 2026, the public gets to pick the winner.

Top 10 Finalists Announced

After a nationwide contest that invited builders to design original LEGO brick clocks, Santoki’s judging panel evaluated entries on creativity, functionality, and innovative use of LEGO bricks. The ten designs that scored highest now move to the public voting round. The contest, launched earlier this year in partnership with Bricks & Minifigs, ran from May 15 to July 14, 2026, with in-store building events at more than 240 Bricks & Minifigs franchise locations across the U.S.

Participants designed clocks in-store, photographed their completed creation, and submitted their entry by scanning a QR code. The contest was open to builders of all ages; entries created by minors had to be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. No purchase was necessary, and the contest was open to legal U.S. residents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

How Voting Works

Public voting opens August 1 and runs through August 14, 2026 on the official voting gallery. Each person can cast one vote per email address per day. The final winners will be determined by a weighted formula: 66% public vote and 34% judging panel scores. That means the community’s picks carry significant weight in deciding the Grand Prize, Second Place, and Third Place winners.

Prizes and the Product Line

The Grand Prize winner receives a $550 Bricks & Minifigs gift card. Additional prizes for top placements and finalists bring the total prize value to over $1,000, plus promotional swag. The contest is the first of its kind for Santoki, and the featured clock is the debut product in the company’s new LEGO Time by IQHK line, with additional clocks expected down the road. The customizable MOC Wall Clock was available for purchase in Bricks & Minifigs and LEGO Store locations during the promotional period.

Contest Background and Quotes

Santoki, an authorized U.S. distributor of LEGO licensed LED lights, clocks, stationery, and lifestyle accessories, partnered with Bricks & Minifigs, a LEGO authorized reseller with over 240 franchise locations. The initiative was designed to bring local LEGO communities together and showcase the versatility of Santoki’s officially licensed LEGO clock line.

“The MOC Wall Clock is where creative expression meets timekeeping as fans can create again and again for the theme that best fits their room or mood,” said Beth Muehlenkamp, VP of Product & Marketing at Santoki. “This is the first-ever national contest we have done, and we are excited to see the unmatched creativity of Bricks & Minifigs customers come to life.”

Ammon McNeff, CEO of Bricks & Minifigs, added: “We love seeing local communities come together in our stores to participate in events, and this contest creates an exciting opportunity for customers to showcase their creativity while enjoying a family-friendly experience.”

What’s Next

With voting now open, the LEGO fan community has two weeks to rally behind their favorite designs. The final results will be announced after the voting window closes on August 14, 2026. For now, the top ten builders are waiting to see whether the public’s voice will push their clock creation to the top of the timepiece.

BBR is back with another batch of Ferrari news, and this time the team is turning the clock back to the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Italian model maker has confirmed four new sealed resin replicas of the iconic Ferrari 275 P-64 and 330 P-64 cars that competed at the Circuit de la Sarthe that year.

The Four Variants

Each model is a fully sealed resin release, and the lineup covers three race cars from the actual event plus a press version. The product codes and details are as follows:

• BBRC1827B – Ferrari 275 P-64, 24 H. Le Mans 1964, #21, driven by Mike Parkes and Ludovico Scarfiotti.
• BBRC1827E – Ferrari 330 P-64, 24 H. Le Mans 1964, #14, driven by Jo Bonnier and Graham Hill – finished 2nd overall.
• BBRC1827F – Ferrari 330 P-64, 24 H. Le Mans 1964, #19, driven by Lorenzo Bandini and John Surtees – finished 3rd overall.
• BBRC1827G – Ferrari 275 P-64 press version, 1964, a non-racing example with a clean livery.

A Look Back at the Race

The 1964 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 32nd running of the endurance classic, held on June 20–21. The ACO received 71 entries, with 55 cars arriving for practice. Ferrari arrived in force with twelve entrants, including the factory team and customer teams like Maranello Concessionaires. The defending champions continued their dominance, taking their fifth consecutive overall victory. The winning car was the Ferrari 275 P (#20) piloted by Nino Vaccarella and Jean Guichet, which covered a record distance of 4,695.31 km (2,917.53 mi) at an average speed of 195.64 km/h (121.57 mph).

The 275 P was the latest evolution of the successful P series, featuring a 3.3-litre V12 producing 320 bhp at 7700 rpm and weighing just 755 kg. The 330 P was a new model for 1964, equipped with a 4.0-litre V12 producing 370 bhp and capable of 305 km/h (190 mph). John Surtees took pole position in the #19 330 P with a lap of 3m42.0s, a new record. The fastest lap of the race was set by Phil Hill in a Ford GT40 at 3m49.2s.

The #21 Ferrari 275 P driven by Parkes and Scarfiotti was a works entry, but it retired after 71 laps due to a mechanical issue. In contrast, the #14 and #19 cars ran reliably to secure a Ferrari 1-2-3 podium sweep, with the #14 car finishing seven laps ahead of the #19 car. The overall winner, the #20 275 P, finished five laps ahead of the second-place #14 330 P.

Model Details

BBR’s new models are crafted in sealed resin, meaning they are solid, detailed static displays with no opening panels. The press version (BBRC1827G) offers a clean, unadorned livery, while the race versions carry the period-correct numbers and sponsor markings from the 1964 race. The models represent a mix of the two podium-finishing 330 P cars and the retired 275 P works car, plus the press car for collectors who prefer a showroom-fresh appearance.

BBR’s confirmation includes the four product codes but does not provide pricing or a release date. The three race variants capture two of the three podium finishers: the #14 330 P of Hill/Bonnier and the #19 330 P of Surtees/Bandini. The #21 275 P of Parkes/Scarfiotti did not finish, but the overall winner was the sister 275 P of Vaccarella/Guichet, which is not part of this release. The 1964 race saw Ferrari sweep the podium, with the 275 P winning, followed by the two 330 P cars in second and third.

RC4WD has just released two fresh variants of the Trail Finder 2 Builder Kit, giving scale crawler fans a real choice between two axle setups. One kit packs the company’s beefy Yota II axles, while the other comes with K44 axles. Both are built around the same proven chassis and transmission, but the differences in the suspension and drivetrain components mean each kit targets a slightly different build style.

Two Axle Options, Two Build Paths

The Yota II TF2 “LWB” Scale Builders Kit is priced at $329 and features Yota II front and rear ultimate scale cast axles (V2 with XVDs). It also includes ultimate scale shocks in 60/80mm, super soft flex leaf springs, and leaf under mounts for the axles. The kit comes with Marlin Crawlers side plastic sliders for the LWB chassis. The transfer case here is a center-mounted realistic 4×4 unit (no ratio specified in the primary source).

The K44 TF2 Scale Builders Kit, priced at $349, swaps the Yota II axles for K44 ultimate scale cast axles. It also swaps the shocks for RC4WD Bilstein SZ series shock absorbers (80mm) and includes lift blocks for Yota and K44 axles, plus body mounts and shock towers designed for a Chevrolet Blazer body. The transfer case is a Hammer unit with a 1.47:1 ratio.

Both kits share the same foundation: a realistic billet aluminum ladder frame chassis and an R3 scale single speed transmission. That means the core platform is identical, but the axle and suspension choices let builders tailor the kit to their preferred scale look or crawling style.

Kit Components in Detail

According to the primary announcement, the Yota II kit’s included parts start with the billet aluminum ladder frame chassis and the R3 scale single speed transmission. The transfer case is a realistic center-mounted 4×4 unit. The axle set consists of Yota II front and rear ultimate scale cast axles (V2 with XVDs). Suspension components include ultimate scale shocks (60/80mm) and super soft flex leaf springs designed for the TF2, along with leaf under mounts for the axles. The kit also includes Marlin Crawlers side plastic sliders for the LWB chassis.

The K44 kit shares the chassis and R3 transmission but gets a Hammer transfer case (1.47:1 ratio). Its axles are K44 ultimate scale cast units. The shocks are RC4WD Bilstein SZ series (80mm). Additional suspension parts include lift blocks for Yota and K44 axles. The kit also includes body mounts and shock towers specifically for a Chevrolet Blazer body.

Retailer product pages provide further specifications for the Yota II variant (SKU Z-K0069). The chassis wheelbase is listed as 287mm (11.2″) and overall width as 196mm (7.7″). The Yota II axles have a hex-to-hex width of 178.2mm and a gear ratio of 15/40 (2.67:1). The R3 transmission has a pinion/spur ratio of 14/64 (4.57:1) with an internal ratio of 1.78:1.

What You’ll Need to Complete

Both kits are true builders’ platforms — unassembled and requiring your own electronics, wheels, tires, and body. Based on retailer listings, you’ll need a 2-channel transmitter/receiver system, a high-torque steering servo, a 540-size motor, a 1/10 ESC, a 2-3S LiPo or 6-cell NiMH battery, wheels with 12mm hex, tires, and a body and paint. Assembly time for a similar kit is estimated at 2-3 hours, and tools such as hex drivers, long-nose pliers, and thread-locking adhesive are recommended.

Pricing and Availability

The RC4WD Trail Finder 2 “LWB” Builders Kit Yota II is priced at $329, and the RC4WD Trail Finder 2 Builders Kit K44 is priced at $349. Both kits are available now through RC4WD’s official store and major hobby retailers such as Amain Hobbies and NRC Hobby Shop. Builders can order either kit today and start planning their custom scale truck.

Time Micro is developing two additional color variants for its 1/64 scale RWB 964 replica, according to a July 29, 2026 article from Diecast Society. The company is preparing the model in Cement Grey and Deep Emerald Green and has already produced early pre-production painted samples. The announcement was made via Diecast Society, a site covering die-cast model news. The two colors join the existing RWB 964 lineup, though the full range of previous colors for this model has not been detailed.

The product number for these new variants is listed as TBD, confirming the finishes are still in the early development stage and not yet ready for ordering. The early samples, shown in images included with the Diecast Society post, provide the first visual look at how the two colors will appear on the die-cast casting. The TBD product number also means no pricing or availability details have been set.

Time Micro manufactures a wide range of hobby products. On its official shop page, the company states:

Our shop collection showcases an impressive range of toy slot cars, die-cast vehicles, RC models, drones, accessories and dioramas.

The description also encourages customers to “explore our vast selection and find your new favourite toy,” highlighting the hobbyist focus. These categories cover die-cast collecting, RC modeling, and model building. The 1/64 RWB 964 replica falls within the die-cast vehicle segment, one of the categories listed in the company’s shop description. The expansion of the RWB 964 color options builds on this die-cast offering.

The Cement Grey and Deep Emerald Green variants are currently in pre-production. No final product numbers, pricing, or release dates have been set. The TBD product code indicates that Time Micro has not yet assigned a SKU for either finish. Because these are early pre-production painted samples, the final retail product may differ slightly in color, finish, or detailing. The pre-production status indicates that the company has not yet moved to mass production. These early samples represent the first tangible output of the color development process.

Time Micro has not disclosed any previous color offerings for the RWB 964 replica. It is therefore unclear whether Cement Grey and Deep Emerald Green are entirely new additions to the model’s range or replacements for existing colors that may have been discontinued. The early painted samples, published by Diecast Society, are the only visual reference available to collectors at this stage. No other images or promotional materials have been released by Time Micro. Time Micro has not indicated whether these will be limited editions or standard production runs.

The July 29 article on Diecast Society was posted by the DS Team and currently has no public comments. It remains the primary source of information about the new color options. Beyond the sample images, Time Micro has not released any official statements or supplementary details. The article is categorized as news and appears in English. The Diecast Society article is currently the only source of information about the new colors. The DS Team article is the first and only report on these developments.

Collectors interested in the Cement Grey or Deep Emerald Green versions will need to wait for Time Micro to finalize product specifications. The absence of a product number means no product page, pricing, or order link exists at present. Time Micro has not specified where future updates will be posted. Until then, the early samples provide the only preview of the planned finishes. Interested collectors currently have only Diecast Society and similar outlets as sources for updates.

The early pre-production samples confirm active development of these two colors, but the TBD product number is the only confirmed detail about their availability. For now, the visual preview of the two finishes offers collectors an early glimpse of what Time Micro is preparing for the RWB 964 lineup. The TBD product number remains the only confirmed detail about the availability of the Cement Grey and Deep Emerald Green variants. The TBD product number indicates that no ordering mechanism exists yet.

Rainbow of Resin

BBR has added ten new color options to its sealed resin Ferrari 288 GTO replica. The lineup now spans a wide spectrum, from the classic Rosso Corsa to the more unusual Verde Medio and Azzurro Dino. Each color comes with a distinct product number, making it easy for collectors to order. The Giallo Modena variant is already listed on BBR’s official website.

The full list of new colors:

• Rosso Corsa (P18288A)
• Giallo Modena (P18288B)
• Nero DS (P18288C)
• Nero DS w/ Stripes (P18288C1)
• Argento Nurburgring (P18288E)
• Verde Medio (P18288F)
• Bianco Avus (P18288G)
• Bianco Avus w/ Italian Stripe (P18288G1)
• Azzurro Dino (P18288H)
• Azzurro Dino/Black (P18288H1)

The resin model is a sealed body, meaning it has no opening parts. The BBR website, which lists the company’s address in Saronno, Italy, also shows the Giallo Modena 288 GTO among a catalog of Ferrari models in scales from 1:64 to 1:12. Other recent offerings include the Ferrari SP3 Daytona in Giallo Modena and carbon fiber (limited to 99 pieces for both spider and closed roof), the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale with Italian stripe (limited to 108 pieces), and the Ferrari SF90XX Stradale in Red Fuoco with Modena yellow air intakes (limited to just 20 pieces). The site also lists the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider in Giallo Modena with two black stripes, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider in Giallo Modena, and the Ferrari F8 Tributo spider in Nero DS with Giallo Modena livery. These limited editions suggest BBR is comfortable producing small batches of exclusive variants.

The Waiting Game

Despite the new color wave, the announcement has not thrilled everyone. Many collectors have been waiting for an update on the metal and opening version of the 288 GTO that BBR showcased at the China Hobby Show nearly a year ago. That prototype, which would feature opening doors and a metal body, is a different model from the sealed resin version. Diecastsociety.com notes that the new colors are not the news many fans are hoping for, as they anticipate an update on the metal version. However, BBR has not provided any official release date for the new resin colors, nor has it offered a timeline for the metal version. The silence has left fans wondering when—or if—the more detailed model will arrive.

BBR’s Broader Lineup

BBR, based in Saronno, Italy, continues to produce a wide range of Ferrari models. Beyond the 288 GTO, the company’s current catalog includes the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, Ferrari F8 Tributo spider, Ferrari Luce Panoramic roof, Ferrari 360 Modena 1999, and Ferrari 550 Maranello 1996. Many of these are available in multiple colors, and some are limited editions. For example, the Ferrari 360 Modena 1999 is limited to 60 pieces, while the SP3 Daytona variants are capped at 99 pieces each. The Ferrari 550 Maranello is offered in Giallo Modena with silver rims. The company also offers a Ferrari 360 Modena 1999 in Red Corsa with black interiors, limited to 60 pieces.

What’s Next?

For now, the ten new 288 GTO colors are available for order through BBR’s website, though no retail price has been disclosed. The product numbers have been published, but a formal release date remains unannounced. Collectors will have to keep an eye on BBR’s channels for any word on the metal opening version—or perhaps another color drop. The only concrete detail is the list of product numbers and colors; everything else is still up in the air.

The first wave of LEGO Pokémon SMART Play sets is arriving in stores worldwide ahead of the August 1st launch, and if you already own a SMART Brick from the Star Wars line, you’ll need to give it a quick firmware update before you can start training your Pikachu.

What Is SMART Play?

LEGO’s SMART Play system uses a special brick packed with sensors, lights, and speakers. When combined with SMART Tags hidden in the builds, the brick can detect what’s happening and respond with Pokémon cries, battle sounds, and light effects. The new Pokémon sets take this further: the brick knows each Pokémon’s level, tracks training, and even recognises effective and ineffective moves during battles.

The Update You Need to Know

If you bought a SMART Brick from a previous Star Wars set, it won’t work with Pokémon out of the box. An outdated brick flashes blue and makes a generic sound when attached to a Pokémon. After the update, it will light up white and produce the correct Pokémon’s cry, unlocking actions like attacking, dodging, sleeping, and walking.

Here’s how to update it:

1. Download the LEGO Smart Assist App – free on iOS and Google Play. You can use it as a guest or log in with your LEGO.com account.
2. Register your Smart Brick – connect via Bluetooth. Keep the brick on its charging pad and your phone close.
3. The app will detect connected bricks and prompt you to update if needed. The current firmware version is 1.0.61.
4. Tap “Update Smart Brick” – leave the brick on the charger. It flashes blue during the update, which takes about five minutes. A chime confirms success.

Once updated, the brick works with all Pokémon SMART Play tags without needing your phone – unless future updates are released.

Bricks that come in the new Pokémon sets are already up-to-date, so no extra steps are needed if you’re buying fresh.

The Two All-in-One Sets

Only two of the twelve new sets include the SMART Brick and charger. These are the “All-in-One” sets:

• Training House with Pikachu (72164) – 400 pieces, includes 1 SMART Brick, 4 SMART Tags, 1 charger, and a buildable treehouse with training equipment. $69.99 / €69.99 / £59.99.
• Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle (72167) – 751 pieces, includes 2 SMART Bricks, 4 SMART Tags, 2 figures, and a charger. $119.99 / €119.99 / £109.99.

Compatible Sets Expand the Fun

The other ten sets are “SMART Play Compatible” – they come with SMART Tags but no brick. You’ll need either a Pokémon All-in-One set or an updated Star Wars brick to use them. Prices range from $14.99 for the Jigglypuff Concert (72159) up to $89.99 for the Cubone and Gengar’s Spooky Showdown (72166).

Highlights include the Berry Bash with Bulbasaur and Bidoof ($19.99), Eevee and Lapras’s Treasure Hunt ($59.99), and the Mewtwo’s Lab Break ($69.99). The full lineup covers favourites from Kanto starters to Paldea’s Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.

A Special Gift with Purchase

LEGO and Pokémon have also teased a Ditto as Squirtle: Movie Night set (product number 40887, 185 pieces) as a gift-with-purchase. It includes a SMART Tag and space for a SMART Brick from an All-in-One set. Availability is “coming soon” and requires a minimum spend of $130, according to early reports.

Designed for Little Hands

LEGO’s head of interaction design, Jill Lin, explained that the Pokémon scale follows the Pokédex, but the smaller builds were made with young players in mind. “The smaller Pokemon were designed ergonomically to fit better in smaller hands,” she said, making it easier for kids to hold them during training and battles.

Where to Buy

All 12 sets are available for preorder now on LEGO.com, in LEGO Stores, and through select retailers. The official release date is August 1, 2026.

To celebrate the launch, certain LEGO stores will become PokéStops and Gyms in Pokémon GO from August through September, offering exclusive in-game and in-store rewards – including a LEGO SMART Tag, digital backgrounds, and stickers.

For forty years, original artwork by a pioneering female railroad illustrator lay scattered and unrecognized in a museum vault. Now, that work is back in the spotlight, and you can hear the full story of its discovery in an upcoming free online event.

A Vault Discovery

The Center for Railroad Photography & Art will host a Zoom presentation on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm Central Time (8 pm Eastern, 6 pm Mountain, 5 pm Pacific). The featured speaker is Emily Mizokami, assistant archivist at the California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives.

Mizokami stumbled upon the lost works of Elizabeth “Betty” Tone Summers while processing collections that had sat untouched for decades in the museum’s vault. The pieces were mixed in with other records, unrecognized for what they were. Her presentation will detail the discovery, the subsequent cataloging effort, and plans to make Summers’ work accessible to the public.

From Christmas Cards to a 45-Year Career

Summers, who died in 2021 at age 92, was a graphic artist whose career spanned seven decades. In the 1940s, she aspired to become an architect, but industry limitations for women at the time pushed her toward sketching and painting steam locomotives instead. She taught herself by spending hours in Boston & Albany rail yards, closely studying engines and learning from engineers and firemen.

Her big break came in 1949 when she met Charles E. Fisher, founder and president of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS). She was selling locomotive-themed Christmas cards she had silk-screened herself in her attic. Impressed by her accuracy and precision, Fisher contracted her to create cover art for the R&LHS Bulletin (later Railroad History) beginning with issue No. 92 in April 1955.

She went on to serve as the publication’s art editor and lead artist for 45 years, taking on the role of sole art editor in 1970 and holding it until 1999. For much of that time, she was the only woman creating original cover art for the magazine. She also shared the art editor position with noted railroad engineer and artist Otto Kuhler from 1965 to 1970.

A Legacy of Steam

The subject matter of Summers’ art is a key part of its appeal. She captured the final era of steam-powered trains, and both railfans and experts praised her sketches for their remarkable accuracy. Her illustrations also graced the covers of books, magazines, and even a record album.

One of her paintings is held by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History — the cover illustration for John H. White Jr.’s 1981 book The John Bull: 150 Years a Locomotive. Many of her technical drawings and illustrations are now preserved in the R&LHS Graphic Materials collection at the California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives.

Tune In

The Center’s presentation will explore Summers’ life, her artistic style, her legacy, and the significance of rediscovering her work. Registration is open now.

“This program will be recorded and made available on the Center’s YouTube channel at @railphotoart.”

The talk promises to be a fascinating look at an artist who spent decades chronicling the dying days of steam, only to have her own work nearly lost to time.

ATS and Winner Modern have announced a collaboration to produce a fully licensed diecast replica of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. Two versions will be offered: a base model and a luxury variant. Both are described as having a purple exterior finish. Shipments are scheduled for November 2026.

The Real Racing Machine

The Audi R8 LMS GT3 is one of the most successful GT3 race cars ever built. According to Audi MediaCenter, it has claimed 83 drivers’ titles worldwide and 106 additional championship victories. The Evo II, introduced in 2021, is the second evolution of this mid-engine sports car, developed by Audi Sport customer racing to better suit the needs of private customer teams.

Improvements were made in five areas: aerodynamics, engine characteristics, air conditioning, suspension, and traction control. The most visible change is a new rear wing suspended from behind, shifting downforce generation away from the underbody for improved braking stability. The 5.2-liter V10 gets a new intake system with intake passages extended by 30 millimeters, improving torque in the low and mid-range. The engine can produce up to 585 PS depending on Balance of Performance regulations, as noted by Auto Motor und Sport.

“The new evolution meets the needs of our customers even more,” said Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing. “The majority of the innovations reflect the wishes that the teams have expressed to us.”

The real car carries a price of €429,000 (plus VAT), an increase from the previous model’s €398,000. The technology package can be ordered as a complete vehicle or as an upgrade kit for retrofitting existing R8 LMS GT3 cars. Audi Sport customer racing planned to contest the car’s first races still in 2021 to conclude testing, with customer deliveries beginning in the 2022 season. The car was first displayed in the paddock at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2021.

The Diecast Offering

Product numbers ATS881101 (base model) and ATS881101+ (luxury version) identify the two variants. Both share an all-purple livery described as “Purple skin.” The announcement did not specify the differences between the two versions. The replica is fully licensed from Audi.

Background on the Evo II Package

The Evo II package was developed to maintain the R8 LMS’s competitive edge in GT3 racing, where it competes against as many as ten other brands globally. Audi Sport optimized the car in several areas. Four-way adjustable dampers replaced the earlier two-way units, allowing a wider range of chassis adjustment without mechanical conversions. An air conditioning system was added to improve driver comfort over longer stints, particularly in high temperatures. The traction control system gained new adjustment options, including independent regulation of intervention at the corner apex versus the end of intervention. The engine’s 5.2-liter V10 has a service interval of 10,000 km and a rebuild interval of 20,000 km, according to Audi Magazine Australia.

Audi Sport customer racing has also achieved eight overall victories in 12-hour races and 13 24-hour race wins with the R8 LMS GT3. The Evo II package was first shown in the paddock at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2021. The package can be retrofitted to current R8 LMS GT3 cars, and all changes are fully backed by the Audi Sport customer racing support networks in each country.

Availability

The base and luxury versions of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II replica from ATS and Winner Modern have been announced with a delivery window of November 2026. Pricing for either version has not yet been disclosed.