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Hunting down a flaky RAM chip in a classic computer can turn a fun restoration into a slow, frustrating game of chip-swapping. A new open-source board aims to end that: Tube Time’s Pico DRAM Tester, built around an overclocked Raspberry Pi Pico 2, promises a clean verdict on old DIP dynamic RAM chips from machines like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.

The tester was highlighted this week on Pimoroni’s blog, where it appeared via a review for the Adafruit 1.14-inch 240×135 color TFT display used in the build. That small screen is the tester’s control center, showing test results and menus while a rotary encoder handles chip selection.

Full-speed testing changes the game

Instead of feeding chips through slow, simplified pass/fail routines, the Pico DRAM Tester checks them at their actual working speeds. The RP2350’s built-in high-speed PIO processors are overclocked to 300 MHz, giving a timing resolution of 3.3 ns. That’s fast enough to catch marginal DRAM chips that can behave badly in a real machine while still passing slower, more forgiving testers.

In practice, this matters for machines like the Atari 800 XL, where erratic behavior can come from memory that technically works but fails to meet timing specifications. The test routines run on the Pico 2’s second CPU core, leaving the first core free for the display interface.

A deliberately simple board

The hardware is refreshingly approachable: a two-layer PCB measuring 100mm x 100mm and 1.6mm thick, designed for fabrication at any PCB house. You can populate only the sockets for the memory types you plan to use, or load them all. ZIF sockets are the recommended choice, letting you lock a chip in place with a small lever.

A 4116-class chip needs more than just 5V, so the board includes onboard DC-DC modules to generate the extra -5V and +12V supplies. You can also skip those modules and feed all three voltages in from a bench supply, which opens the door to voltage-margin testing. If you don’t plan to test 4116 or 4132 chips, those converter parts can be left off entirely.

The project’s latest revision adds a USB-C power connector with PD resistors, universal encoder wiring for both Bourns- and Panasonic-style encoders, and a through-hole footprint for the Pico 2. It’s worth noting that the board requires a Pico 2; a Pico 1 won’t work.

Tests that dig deeper than ‘does it boot?’

The firmware runs three main families of tests: March-B, pseudorandom, and refresh. March-B is a linear sequence of reads and writes designed to catch address-decoder faults, stuck-at faults, transition faults, and coupling faults. The pseudorandom test runs through 64 repeatable patterns and reads each back, hunting for pattern-sensitive problems. The refresh test waits longer than a typical refresh interval before reading back, exposing data-retention issues.

Supported chips in the project’s list range from the 4027 up to 256K parts, including the 4116, 4164, 41128, 41256, 4416, 4464, and 44256. Firmware updates have also added support for the half-good 4108 and 4132 chips found in some 8-bit computers.

What the build looks like

Lee from More Fun Retro put together a video covering the full assembly and testing process, comparing the board with other retro chip testers. A separate build from Root42 shows how tweaking one line of PIO timing code in the open firmware can fix compatibility with Samsung DRAMs that initially failed—a good example of what open-source tooling allows.

Once assembled, the workflow is simple: install the chip in the socket for its memory type, rotate the selection knob to the right part number, choose the speed grade, and push the knob to start. The screen shows a red X for a failed test or a green checkmark for a pass. The design also notes that if you run the board from a computer’s USB port, you may get a lower voltage that can cause good chips to fail; a proper 5V supply avoids that pitfall.

The schematics, bill of materials, and fab files are all available on GitHub, and the project is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0.

LEGO’s online Pick a Brick service started October with a major restock: over 800 new elements went live on 1 October 2026. Jay’s Brick Blog reports that most of the new pieces come from LEGO sets that launched in June 2026. The lineup includes plenty of eye-catching parts, though some of the new listings are noticeably pricey.

Pick a Brick orders count toward LEGO’s gift-with-purchase promotions. Between 1 and 7 October 2026, anyone spending more than US$150 / AU$245 / £135 / €150 can add set 40899 Astro Bot to the order while stocks last.

The October highlights

Jay’s Brick Blog picked out several early standouts from the drop:

• Brown Seal
• Pug
• Disney Straw Hat (already sold out)
• New Creator Pirate Minifigures
• Friends Koalas
• New Mushroom Caps
• New Snoopy Grass Element

Fresh parts are only part of the story. The site also points to next month’s Pick a Brick update as the big one for Classic Space fans: it is expected to finally include Light Blue Classic Space elements.

A closer look at the parts list

Over at New Elementary, the October update was tracked as well. The site counted more than 800 pieces added on Thursday 1 October and confirmed that they come from June 2026 set releases. According to New Elementary, June 2026 was the biggest June wave of new LEGO elements it has ever covered, so a huge Pick a Brick restock was no surprise.

The new parts lean heavily on animals, horn shapes, wings, cheese slopes, and mushrooms. New moulds in the update include the 6×6 curved corner cheese slope, a Bluey hand, straw boater hat, Woodstock tuft, koala, thin 90° macaroni tube, 2×2 rock containers, and the little jumper wings.

Some of the sets feeding elements into the October catalog: 11377 Minas Tirith, 11380 Road Bike, 11505 Woodland Mushrooms, and 21368 Snoopy’s Doghouse. The larger wave also includes parts from 43302 Main Street, U.S.A., 76354 S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, and 77985 Dinosaur Fossils: Triceratops.

A look back at June

The October restock follows the service’s June 2026 update, which StoneWars described as a much smaller drop of just over 100 parts. Those pieces came mainly from the big LEGO Pokémon sets that arrived in February, with some colorful plant parts from LEGO Botanical 11503 Flower Wall. The June update itself followed a massive May restock of more than 900 pieces, so the service has been through several notable drops in 2026. At the time, StoneWars also noted German shipping times for Pick a Brick had improved, with some orders arriving in less than five business days.

Pick a Brick by the numbers

The update lives inside LEGO’s wider Pick and Build online hub, which brings Pick a Brick and Build a Minifigure together, with the same wall-style browsing available online and in LEGO stores. On the official LEGO Shop US page, Pick a Brick currently lists 4,599 results, according to the page’s filter data. The catalog includes 3,788 LEGO elements, 522 TECHNIC elements, and 265 DUPLO elements.

Among categories, minifigure parts are the biggest with 794 listings, followed by plates at 768, bricks at 676, minifigure accessories at 583, and vehicles and transportation at 546. There are 278 animals and nature pieces and 170 Technic beams. Color filters also give a snapshot of the catalog: black is the most common finish with 1,621 results, white follows with 1,595, and multicombination pieces are the smallest colour group at 93. For scale, the official FAQ notes that the largest LEGO piece outside baseplates is the Boat Hull, measuring 28 x 8 x 3 studs.

Availability varies: 4,062 results are listed as available now and 1,467 are out of stock. The official US page also reminds shoppers that a $7 service fee applies to Bricks and Pieces orders under $14, calculated at checkout.

Jay’s Brick Blog says next month’s Pick a Brick release will finally include Light Blue Classic Space elements and calls it the big one to keep an eye out for.

First photos from Tamiya’s booth at the 64th All Japan Model & Hobby Show are out, giving modelers an early look at the lineup before the event’s public days. Japanese hobby outlet Dengeki Hobby Web posted the initial images, showing a mix of first-at-the-show kits, a no-glue/no-paint car series, RC vehicles, and Mini 4WD entries.

First-at-the-show kits

Among the items introduced at the venue is the 1/48 Grumman F-14B Tomcat Tractor Tow Set, listed as Masterpiece Series No.129. It pairs the F-14B with an A/S32A-31 tractor, the vehicle used to pull aircraft across a carrier deck. The kit includes a B-type cockpit, newly added parts, four deck crew figures, three marking options, and a printed paper sheet depicting a carrier flight deck.

The other venue-first item is the 1/14 Electric RC Big Truck Series No.82 “Trailer Truck 40ft Aluminum Van Semi-Trailer.” The trailer measures 886mm long and is designed to attach to a trailer truck for a large-scale rig. Tamiya also showed the TROP.62 Semi-Trailer Light Set alongside it.

Click Lock: no paint, no glue

A large section of the booth went to the new Click Lock 1/24 Car Model Series. Builders remove parts from the runners and click them into place; no painting or glue is required. A booth panel described the series as aimed at active modelers and at people who have not built a model in a long time.

The first model in the series is the Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) in red/white or blue/white. The shell splits at the two-tone paint line, making the van’s Samba-bus color scheme easy to handle. The kit includes:

• a glossy ABS body
• plated emblems, trim, and wheel caps
• stickers for window frames, bright trim lines, and gauges
• a floor piece that joins all three seat rows, with detail molded into the cabin and chassis underside
• solid rubber tires

The VW is 178mm long and is set for a December release at 3,960 yen (tax included).

Next comes the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, offered in white or red. The high-strength ABS parts are already color-separated on the runners, so a no-paint build still looks tidy. Plated door mirrors and window moldings handle the brightwork, while clear stickers supply the white stripe and “Carrera” script. The Porsche is due in January 2027 at the same 3,960 yen price.

The pre-event roundup also listed more scale kits: 1/24 BMW 320i Racing, 1/20 Tyrrell P34 1976 Japanese GP, 1/12 Tyrrell P34 Six-Wheeler with etching parts included, 1/24 Citroen 2CV, and 1/20 Toyota Celica LB Turbo Gr.5.

The RC lineup included the Volkswagen Dune Beetle Cross on the BB-02 chassis, the Falcon (2026), the Lamborghini Cheetah (2026), and the Lamborghini Countach 5000S on the TT-02 chassis.

Mini 4WD entries included the Hornet Jr. (VZ chassis), Neo VQS Advance Pack (VZ chassis), Brocken Gigant Godzilla-0.0 Version, and a 2027 zodiac Mini 4WD for the Year of the Sheep. The same list covered hobby tools: a Mini 4WD 2mm screw cutter, packs of 4mm plastic pipe, and a differential gear unit.

Show and side exhibition details

The 64th All Japan Model & Hobby Show runs October 3-4 at Tokyo Big Sight’s West Hall 3 & 4, following a trade-only day on October 2. Tickets cost 1,500 yen on site or 1,100 yen in advance, and junior high school students and younger get in free.

Away from the main hall, Tamiya Plamodel Factory Tokyo’s Modelers Square in Shimbashi is holding a free concurrent exhibition built around the 1/35 scale Fukuisaurus assembly kit. The display also includes a Fukuisaurus skeleton on loan from the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. Visitors can take part in a Fukuisaurus coloring challenge at the Tamiya booth; finished artwork earns plastic model parts for a juvenile Chasmosaurus, and the drawings are scheduled to go on show at the factory from November 17 to December 7. The factory’s Mini 4WD course is closed from October 1 through 5.

Team Yokomo is giving its friendly entry-level touring car a sharper, race-ready edge. The company has introduced the Rookie Speed RS2.0 Team Spec, a new version of the popular 1/10 electric touring car loaded with aluminum and graphite upgrade parts. Yokomo describes the model as race-ready and says it comes packed with optional components while keeping the easy-driving character of the standard RS2.0.

The core layout stays familiar. The Team Spec retains the two-belt 4WD system and four-wheel independent suspension that made the Rookie Speed line a popular starting point. What changes is the amount of hardware bolted to the chassis. According to Team Yokomo, the high-performance aluminum and graphite pieces “enhance the machine’s specifications, enabling stable driving even at high speeds.” The kit is listed under the product code RSR-020TS.

A Box Full of Hop-Ups

Yokomo’s parts list for the Team Spec reads like a wish list for RS2.0 owners. At the front, there’s an all-new aluminum steering bell crank and center link, which Team Yokomo says provides direct and accurate steering input. The chassis gains a graphite upper deck and aluminum lower bulkheads, both intended to increase rigidity and lower the center of gravity.

Rounding out the package are:

• Aluminum center pulley
• Aluminum suspension mounts
• Aluminum short shocks
• Graphite shock towers
• Stabilizers

These components are part of the premium optional-parts package Yokomo has bundled into the kit.

From Rookie Car to Race Car

The Rookie Speed story started with the RS1.0 in 2023, when Yokomo introduced the line as an entry-level 1/10 electric touring car for newcomers. The RS2.0 is the second generation, and it kept the same mission: a budget-friendly kit with predictable handling. The standard car comes with a lightweight molded resin chassis, equal-length front and rear belts, universal drive shafts, and double-wishbone suspension. It uses gear differentials front and rear, with the rear unit sitting in an oil-filled, sealed case that lets drivers adjust handling by changing oil viscosity. It also uses short oil-filled shocks and a robust aluminum motor mount, plus a battery holder that fits both 6-cell Sub-C packs and LiPo batteries. The turnbuckle upper arms and tie rods make camber and toe-in adjustments straightforward, and the short shocks are compatible with competition-level springs.

The RS2.0 is also versatile when it comes to power. The motor mount accepts both brushed and brushless 540-size motors, and the front bumper is a large urethane piece designed to absorb impacts during crashes. The kit is sold unassembled, so buyers supply their own radio, low-profile steering servo, 2S LiPo battery and charger, 1/10 540 motor, ESC, wheels and tires, body and paint, and tools.

The Team Spec builds on that foundation rather than replacing it. Yokomo has kept the beginner-friendly traits of the two-belt drivetrain while adding precision hardware. An Italian product report framed the new version as the official upgrade for RS2.0 owners who want more grip and precision without leaving the Rookie Speed platform.

Price and Availability

The Team Spec has been listed with a Japanese price of 53,900 yen including tax. International availability was expected around the end of September 2026, though no separate European or Italian price was reported at the time. The kit’s part number is RSR-020TS.

With the standard RS2.0 already known for its approachable handling, the Team Spec is a more race-oriented version that stays on the same platform. Team Yokomo’s announcement highlights stable high-speed driving as the main payoff from the aluminum and graphite package.

Team Corally has announced an updated version of its SYNCRO-4 1/8-scale 4S brushless buggy for 2026, and the revision goes beyond a fresh look. The ready-to-run car gains a taller shell, tougher drivetrain parts, and a 15T pinion from the box, with Team Corally saying the update was shaped by feedback from SYNCRO-4 owners.

What’s New for 2026

Team Corally lists four color options for the updated SYNCRO-4: pink and blue, green and blue, orange and blue, and red and black. The body itself is taller and wider, which the company says allows batteries up to 50mm high. The maximum battery size is listed as 51x161mm with a height limit of 50mm.

Several functional changes come with the new shell. Redesigned sideguards now use integrated body clamps. Center bracing follows the reinforced layout already found on the Kagama4 and Punisher4. CVDs are reinforced with aluminum retaining collars, and a 15T pinion is fitted out of the box for higher speed. Softer 40° Shore SCORPION XTB tires are included for more grip. Titanium anodized aluminum components, black hubs, and laser-engraved pro-style 17mm serrated wheel nuts finish the updated appearance.

Team Corally also includes a new professional RTR tool set for basic setup and maintenance.

Carried-Over Core

Underneath, the 2026 SYNCRO-4 keeps the familiar foundation. That means the 3mm aluminum chassis, composite braces, and full metal drivetrain with three oil-filled differentials carry over. The 16mm Big Bore shocks remain, and the electronics package is unchanged: the TOROX 135 ESC works with the Kuron 725 2150kV brushless motor, while the CRHV-7225 HV metal gear steering servo handles steering.

Team Corally positions the car as a true 1:8-scale bash platform ready for rough terrain, big jumps, backyards, parking lots, and RC tracks. The company says the proven electronics stay the same, with the 15T pinion intended to add speed. It also says the car is stable for newer drivers and capable enough for experienced bashers.

Ready-to-Run Details

Retailer descriptions of the SYNCRO-4 add context to the RTR package. The included CT2S 2.4GHz transmitter has a 50%/100% power switch, and the TOROX 135 ESC is described with LiPo protection. The transmission uses a 46T steel central gear, steel outdrive cups, front CVDs, and rear metal dogbones, with rubber-sealed 8x16x5mm bearings throughout. Three sealed differentials are individually filled with silicone oil. The electronic box is splash-proof and dustproof and includes a transponder mount. Speeds of 80+ km/h (50+ mph) are listed as possible.

The motor mount has fixed positions for 13T, 15T, and 17T pinions. Suspension details include independent pivot-ball front geometry, independent double-wishbone rear suspension, 4mm CNC aluminum hinge pin braces, and composite shock towers. An aluminum servo arm and a one-piece composite steering link round out the RTR spec. The package also includes a steel spur gear, a hybrid aluminum/composite motor holder with spur gear cover, and factory-glued tires on black multi-spoke composite wheels.

2026 SYNCRO-4 Specs

• Scale: 1:8
• Drive: 4WD
• Motor: Brushless electric
• Length: 495mm
• Width: 308mm
• Height: 175mm
• Wheelbase: 327mm
• Weight (no battery): 3350g
• Max ground clearance: 60mm
• Wheel hex size: 17mm
• Wheel size: 114x42mm
• Out-of-box gear ratio: 11.7 (MOD.1)
• Max battery size: 51x161mm; max height 50mm

Pricing and Part Numbers

The 2026 SYNCRO-4 is listed in four part numbers, all at €399:

• #C-00295-G – green body
• #C-00295-R – red body
• #C-00295-P – pink body
• #C-00295-O – orange body

Big Squid RC’s coverage of the announcement puts the price at roughly $450.

Team Associated is putting a Formula 1 face on its micro RC lineup. The new RC28F Team Kit is a 1:28 scale electric on-road 2WD kit with F1-style bodywork, a machined aluminum chassis, and a long list of tuning features. Team Associated says the compact model is tunable and designed to race, and it promises “big performance” in an easy-to-set-up package.

Formula 1 Styling, Micro Scale

The “F” in the name points directly to Formula 1. Team Associated modeled the RC28F after a modern F1 car and includes an F1-style polycarbonate body with molded plastic wings. Underneath, a machined aluminum chassis and center bulkhead provide room for wider 24mm battery packs, leave space for mounting electronics, and keep overall weight down. The front end uses a fixed-arm style design, and optional molded upper arms allow builders to adjust caster and camber. The front bulkhead is designed for quick upper-arm changes while keeping fitment and alignment consistent. At the rear, the two-piece pod accepts Factory Team carbon fiber shims for quick axle-height adjustment.

Torsion Links and Tuning Options

A key part of the setup is the torsion-style side links. Instead of a conventional side spring, these links do that job, and the kit comes with soft, medium, and hard options. Team Associated says the design simplifies setup and adds performance in areas a conventional spring does not. The RC28F also has a threaded aluminum center shock, spring collars, and side damper tubes, which allow tuning of pitch, roll, and droop. Adjustable rear pod roll center inserts can tailor roll characteristics to grip level, and optimized roll geometry works with the side damper tubes. The included V2 white wheels can be paired with optional front wheel flanges to tune steering feel. A gear differential is included, and other aftermarket differential options currently available can also be fitted.

What’s in the Kit

Inside the box, Team Associated packs the F1-style polycarbonate body, molded plastic wings, machined aluminum chassis and center bulkhead, fixed-arm front-end pieces, optional molded upper arms, soft/medium/hard torsion side links, threaded aluminum center shock, spring collars, side damper tubes, two-piece rear pod, Factory Team carbon fiber shims, rear pod roll center inserts, gear differential, and V2 white wheels.

What You Need to Finish It

The RC28F is a kit, not a ready-to-run car. Builders will need to add a motor, battery, servo, ESC, charger, and radio/receiver before hitting the track. Team Associated lists the RC28F as compatible with all 28th-scale Reedy Electronics.

Specs, Price, and Availability

Here is how Team Associated’s spec sheet breaks down:

• Power source: Electric
• Terrain: On-road
• Body style: F1
• Scale size: 1:28
• Assembly level: Kit
• Length: 176mm (6.93in)
• Wheelbase: 110mm (4.33in)
• Drive: 2WD
• Width: Varies
• Weight: Varies
• Internal gear ratio: Varies

The kit is numbered #20195. Team Associated lists it at $269.99. Big Squid RC, which also covered the release, says the F version is made from high-quality components and gives the street price as $269.

For the new RC28F Team Kit, Team Associated’s feature list also calls out the company’s quality, distribution, support, and customer service. The company points out that full-scale F1-style racing is considered one of the most elite forms of racing in existence, with technology and looks off the chart. Big Squid RC describes the RC28F as the “F” version of the RC28, styled after a modern Formula 1 car. For this release, Team Associated describes the RC28F as “built for high performance and fun, even in tight spaces.”

Raspberry Pi has raised prices on the 2GB versions of two of its most popular single-board computers. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B 2GB and the Raspberry Pi 5 2GB both jump by $12.50, bringing the Pi 4 2GB to $67.50 and the Pi 5 2GB to $77.50. The change means the 2GB boards now cost $12.50 more than they did yesterday.

The increase is the latest in a series of memory-driven price adjustments, and this time the company could no longer hold the line on its lower-capacity boards.

Memory costs haven’t relented

CEO Eben Upton announced the change with a now-familiar explanation: memory costs have been rising steeply for two years and keep climbing. He said Raspberry Pi, like other companies, has had to raise prices across many products just to keep up with production costs, and he described current memory supply as “very challenging” while repeating that it will not last forever.

“During our last round of price increases, in April, we were able to hold down the price of the 1GB and 2GB Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5 products, while increasing the price of higher-density variants. This has now become unsustainable.”

— Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi CEO

Upton said Raspberry Pi looks forward to reversing its increases once memory prices subside. For now, the 1GB Raspberry Pi 4 and 1GB Raspberry Pi 5 stay where they were, and the current increase does not touch the 2GB Compute Module 4 or Compute Module 5. The company’s phrasing left the door open on that front with a “yet.”

This is not the first memory-related bump. Raspberry Pi raised prices across much of its range in earlier rounds as LPDDR4 costs climbed. In the February round, 2GB configurations went up by $10, with larger increases on higher-density boards. By April, the company had introduced a new 3GB Raspberry Pi 4 at $83.75 alongside another wave of increases.

A smaller board, a bigger price tag

The new Pi 5 2GB price is notable in context. It now costs more than the 4GB Raspberry Pi 5 did at launch — $60 — and sits just $2.50 below the $80 launch price of the 8GB model. The 8GB board currently sells at $180.

The increase breaks down to roughly 18% for the Pi 4 2GB and 16% for the Pi 5 2GB, according to OC3D’s coverage of Upton’s announcement.

Don’t buy headroom you don’t need

Upton used the announcement to push back against overbuying. He encouraged individual customers and businesses to make sure the Raspberry Pi they choose is a good match for their requirements, and not to pay for headroom they don’t need. For projects that don’t need the latest performance, he pointed to older boards such as the Raspberry Pi 3B, 3A+, and 3B+ as potentially lower-cost options, and reminded buyers not to pay for more RAM than necessary.

RAM swaps and unauthorized sellers

Raspberry Pi is also continuing its fight against modified boards. Upton said, “We’re aware that some unauthorized vendors are using inflated pricing, and even supplying products that aren’t what they seem to be.” Some boards purchased from an unauthorized Russian reseller were found to have their original memory chips replaced with higher-capacity versions. Raspberry Pi has been rolling out firmware updates designed to lock out such RAM-swapped boards.

“Avoid this risk by sticking to our Approved Resellers.”

— Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi CEO

No quick relief

Memory maker Micron, for its part, predicts demand will continue to outstrip supply until at least the end of 2028, and potentially out to 2030, unless the AI bubble bursts — with prices continuing to rise in the meantime.

The Raspberry Pi 4 2GB and Raspberry Pi 5 2GB are now available at the new prices from authorized resellers, including Newark.

JConcepts has started shipping the Boss, a new 2.2-inch competition rock-crawling tire announced on September 30. It is JConcepts’ latest competition-oriented tire for the 2.2-inch class. The company calls the Boss the latest design from the JConcepts laboratory and says it is purpose-built for 2.2-inch competition rock crawler wheels. The tire wraps a 1.5-inch-wide carcass into a 5.75-inch overall diameter. According to the company, that package offers the flexibility, traction, and stability needed to attack challenging terrain. The part number is 4007-02, and the UPC is 845937041593.

Layered Tread, Block-and-Bar Look

The Boss starts with a unique tread concept that JConcepts says brings competition-focused performance to the 2.2-inch class. The pattern uses a base layer with a bar tread overlaid on top. JConcepts says the combination lets the tread flex and conform to uneven terrain while retaining stability when the tire is loaded from the side. The design mixes H-shaped and plus-shaped elements to add substantial tread coverage while keeping the footprint flexible and responsive. Radiused edges on the tread blocks create an arched profile across the tire and a bridge-like structure in the horizontal direction. JConcepts says that shape helps produce forward bite and controlled tread flex, with lateral stability maintained across the contact patch. The company also describes the overall design as flexible in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Carcass and Sidewall Details

The Boss uses a continuous carcass with minimal lettering and logo height, which gives it a clean, competition-ready profile, according to JConcepts. Embossed JConcepts logos, the product name, part number, and sizing information are molded into the tire so buyers can identify it quickly. The tread edges are held back from the sidewall to keep overhang to a minimum. JConcepts says that makes the tire well suited to sliding and grinding across obstacles. The exposed sidewall rubber adds usable contact in dry conditions, letting the green compound work against the terrain without tread interference.

Inserts, Pricing, and Availability

The Boss is supplied with React open-cell inserts set up for a medium feel. JConcepts says the inserts properly support the carcass and provide a balanced combination of flex and stability. JConcepts lists the Boss at $44.00 retail with a $33.00 MAP. Big Squid RC’s coverage puts the street price at $33.00 and says the tire is now shipping from JConcepts. Both RC Car Action and Big Squid RC carried the release announcement, and both report the same core specs: a 5.75-inch overall diameter, a 1.5-inch carcass width, and fitment for 2.2-inch competition rock crawler wheels.

Designed for Real-World Competition

The tire is designed and developed in the U.S.A., and JConcepts says the Boss is supported by its customer-service operation and by a staff focused on performance, function, and style. The product-development crew is described as one that creates, tests, races, and visits difficult off-road sites, using what it learns from drivers to make parts for competition use. In the release, JConcepts points buyers to JConcepts.net, tells them to shop through reputable JConcepts dealers and distributors, and reminds them to choose authentic products.

Quick Specs

• Tire name: Boss
• Product type: competition rock-crawling tire
• Part number: 4007-02
• UPC: 845937041593
• Fitment: 2.2-inch competition rock crawler wheels
• Overall diameter: 5.75 inches
• Carcass width: 1.5 inches
• Tread layout: base pattern with bar, H, and + elements
• Sidewall: minimal overhang, exposed rubber
• Compound: green
• Inserts: React open-cell, medium feel
• Retail price: $44.00
• MAP price: $33.00
• Street price (Big Squid RC): $33.00
• Availability: now shipping

Fronti-Art announced on September 30, 2026 that it is adding another 1:18 Koenigsegg to its lineup. The new model is a sealed resin Koenigsegg CCX finished in Purple Carbon, and production is limited to 100 pieces. According to the announcement, the first production units are scheduled for delivery in mid-December 2026. The model carries the product number F223-92.

A hand-built resin specialist

FrontiArt Model Co., LTD was established in the spring of 2010. The company says it quickly became known for highly detailed 1:18 scale hand-made models. Its official website says the work is made entirely by hand using resin as the raw material. The company describes itself as an international benchmark enterprise integrating resin car model design, research and development, production, and sales, and says it follows principles of focus, innovation, and a paranoia for perfection.

The brand specializes in Koenigsegg, Aston Martin, and other famous sports-car marques. FrontiArt’s standard scale lineup runs from 1:6 and 1:8 through 1:12, 1:18, 1:43, and 1:64. The company adds that its models are known for intricate and exquisite production techniques, fine components, sharp styling lines, dazzling paint surfaces, and high fidelity, with the aim of reproducing the true car design charm and modern technological mechanical beauty.

For the new CCX, the maker’s product page lists its Hong Kong base at Room 309, 3/F, Sing Win Industry Building, 15-17 Sing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon. The model itself is described as resin and sealed.

A long line of sold-out Koenigsegg editions

The new Purple Carbon CCX follows a large catalog of FrontiArt Koenigsegg releases. At the Japanese minicar retailer Boost Gear, a FrontiArt new-arrivals page shows many previous resin Koenigsegg models marked SOLD OUT. Examples on that page include:

• The Koenigsegg CCX 7067 in Candy Apple Red, a 100-piece edition
• The Koenigsegg CCX 7066 in Silver, a 150-piece edition
• The Koenigsegg Jesko #7555 in Manz Green, a 100-piece edition
• The Koenigsegg Sadair’s Spear in Dark-Tinted Clear Carbon, a 399-piece edition
• The Koenigsegg Regera KAQ in Purple Carbon, a 35-piece edition
• The Koenigsegg Regera Peacock Blue
• A 1:8 Koenigsegg Agera RS in Arctic White, a 30-piece edition

The runs shown on the retailer’s page range from 30 units to 399 units. Several of those pieces, including the Purple Carbon Regera KAQ and the Candy Apple Red CCX, are listed as sold out. Other sold-out entries include the Jesko Absolut in Blue Tinted Carbon, the SSC Tuatara Striker in Green, the Agera S Hundra in Carbon Gold, and the Jesko Absolut 7357 in Anthracite Resin. The same page also shows a 1:18 Aston Martin Valkyrie British Green with a 300-piece run and a 1:18 Nilu27 SUMAC Red, both marked sold out.

The page also includes 1:64 Koenigsegg models, such as the Agera S Medusa Imperial Blue and the Agera RS Carbon with Red Lines, alongside the 1:18 and 1:8 builds. Those two 1:64 models are each listed with prices of 19,580 yen and 17,800 yen.

The new CCX at a glance

The new Koenigsegg CCX Purple Carbon is a sealed resin model with a run of 100 pieces. The exterior is Purple Carbon, and the product number is F223-92. The F223-92 code follows the F-prefixed numbering used on earlier FrontiArt releases, including the CCX 7067 and the Jesko series. The first production pieces are scheduled to be delivered in mid-December 2026.

Tecnomodel has announced a new 1:18 resin model of the March 707, and the release spans five versions tied to different moments in the car’s early-1970s career. The sealed miniatures are listed for Q2 2027 delivery at a suggested retail price of 269 euros.

Five versions, five race stories

The first model in the range is the plainest:

• TM18-398A — March 707 Can-Am 1970, Press Plain Red. No driver or race result is attached; Tecnomodel presents it as the 1970 press car in plain red.

The remaining four are race-specific:

• TM18-398B — March 707 Sport-Can-Am Internationales Nurburgring 1970, #1, WINNER, H. Kelleners. A winning Nürburgring appearance for Helmut Kelleners.
• TM18-398C — March 707 Can-Am Laguna Seca 1970, #77, 4th Place, C. Amon. Chris Amon’s fourth-place car from Laguna Seca.
• TM18-398D — March 707 Can-Am Road America 1971, #47, DNF, G. Dewar. Gordon Dewar’s Road America entry, marked as a non-finish.
• TM18-398E — March 707-717 Interserie Hockenheim 1973, 19th Place, S. Sklenar. Stefan Sklenar’s 19th-place Interserie racer at Hockenheim.

Together, those four race versions cover Can-Am at Nürburgring, Laguna Seca, and Road America, plus a later Interserie outing at Hockenheim. All five are sealed resin bodies in 1:18 scale, with a suggested retail price of 269 euros per model and delivery scheduled for Q2 2027.

The 707 behind the model

The real March 707 was a British Group 7 sports prototype built by March Engineering in 1970 for Can-Am. Robin Herd is credited as the designer, and the car used a mid-mounted Chevrolet big-block V8, a Hewland LG600 gearbox, and double-wishbone suspension. The engine was offered in the 457–502 cubic inch range. A 2,460 mm wheelbase and a notably wide body helped the 707 cover its huge 17-inch rear wheels. The original 707/1 used an aluminium monocoque with magnesium firewalls at the front and rear, and it carried four fuel cells. Later, the design was succeeded by the March 717.

That heritage runs deep. Robin Herd and Max Mosley founded March in 1969, and Chris Amon was brought in from Ferrari. The 707 was built so Amon could chase prize money in Can-Am, and the second chassis, 707/2, went to him for the North American series. After the Italian Grand Prix, Amon’s 707 was classified fifth in its first Can-Am outing before finishing fourth at Laguna Seca and fourth at Riverside. The first chassis, 707/1, went instead to Helmut Kelleners for the Interserie. It debuted at the first three races of the 1970 Interserie championship at Norisring, Hockenheim, and Croft. Kelleners won at Croft and at the Hockenheim 300 and ended the 1970 Interserie championship third overall. A third chassis was built for Gordon Dewar’s JND Racing Can-Am effort.

The 707/1 was later rebuilt as the March 717, with a redesigned front end and side-mounted radiators replacing the original front-mounted unit. That is why one of Tecnomodel’s versions carries the “March 707-717” label. The rebuilt car was eventually sold to Austrian racer Stefan Sklenar, who raced it in the Interserie in 1972 and 1973. The full-size car’s record lists Chris Amon, Helmut Kelleners, and Gordon Dewar as notable drivers, with five wins, six podiums, and four poles.

In model form, the range runs from a plain red press car to a Can-Am winner, then through a fourth-place finish, a DNF, and a 19th-place Interserie result. The five sealed 1:18 cars are set for Q2 2027 delivery at a suggested retail price of 269 euros each.