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  • Fresh Bearings for the Schumacher Cat PB: JConcepts Adds 28-Piece Radial NMB Set

    Fresh Bearings for the Schumacher Cat PB: JConcepts Adds 28-Piece Radial NMB Set

    JConcepts has introduced a 28-piece Radial NMB bearing set for Schumacher Cat PB Mod and Dirt Spec vehicles. The announcement arrived on September 23, 2026, and the new part is listed under number 5318 with UPC code 845937039996.

    The company stresses that free-rolling bearings matter every time a car hits the track. In the release, JConcepts says bearings need to be quality, precise, and durable enough for national- and world-class racing demands. The Radial kits are built around NMB-quality bearings, stainless steel construction, and precise tolerances. JConcepts adds that each set is packed with care and backed by racing heritage, customer support, and RC dedication.

    What the set includes

    The new 28-piece set is made for Schumacher Cat PB Mod or Dirt Spec cars. It uses the JConcepts part number 5318 and the UPC code 845937039996. Retail price is $85.00, and the minimum advertised price is $72.25.

    According to JConcepts, the radial bearing program is offered in many set configurations to suit different kit requirements, so the Cat PB-specific kit joins a larger family of bearing options. The same construction details — NMB quality, stainless steel, precise tolerances — carry across those kits.

    More from the JConcepts product page

    The new set is not the company’s only recent Cat PB-related release. The JConcepts New Products page has also highlighted Cat PB bodies, including the Dragonator, Striker, and S15LP. The blog describes the Dragonator as heavily inspired by early-2000s dynamo styling, and it links the S15LP to the IFMAR World Championships, which it calls “the pinnacle of RC racing and a perfect setting for product releases and performance.”

    Other recent entries include the P2 body for the Losi Micro B and a P2 T84 body. The page also covers a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 single-cab MT body and a 1999 Ford F-250 single-cab MT body. Also listed are an RC10/RC10T Factory Team Radial NMB bearing set, a Striker T-shirt, and X-Bite 2.0-inch tires.

    The official homepage also features current products such as a 4-Ribber 2.0-inch front tire at $17.25, a Fuzz Bite LP 2.2 rear tire at $18.75, and a Dragonator B84 body at $31.45. Also listed are Rock Scorpions 1.9-inch tires at $27.75, a Mono RC10 2.0-inch rear wheel at $11.05, and an RC10 1989 Stealth battery box and electronic tray 3D print at $35.70. The site also points to a REACTOR retro RC monster truck “Behind the Build” video on its YouTube channel, which is listed as JConceptsLive.

    JConcepts’ official website identifies the company as a designer and manufacturer of RC tires and wheels, RC bodies, and RC parts for monster trucks, buggies, scale crawlers, and other vehicles. The company says it was established in 2003 and describes its work as “truly World Proven Innovation and Design.”

    Price and availability

    The Cat PB Mod/Dirt Spec Radial NMB bearing set is listed at $85.00 retail with a $72.25 minimum advertised price. The product number is 5318, and the UPC code is 845937039996. JConcepts says the set fits the Schumacher Cat PB Mod or Dirt Spec, and the company’s official website is the place for more information. The set is listed in the same New Products category JConcepts uses for its recent body, tire, and accessory announcements. RC Car Action carried the announcement on September 23, 2026.

  • Mitsubishi Evo IX Joins IHCM’s 1:64 Line in Three Colors for December

    Mitsubishi Evo IX Joins IHCM’s 1:64 Line in Three Colors for December

    A New 1:64 Evo IX Is on IHCM’s December Calendar

    IHCM is adding a Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution EVO IX to its 1:64 scale lineup. The company has announced a Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution EVO IX model, set to arrive in December 2026. IHCM will offer three exterior colors: Black, Yellow, and White.

    That covers what IHCM has revealed so far: a 1:64 scale model, a December 2026 window, three colors, and a product number that still reads TBD.

    The Real Car Behind the Miniature

    The full-size Lancer Evolution IX was a four-door sedan produced from 2005 to 2007, according to Auto-Data.net. Every listed variant carried the same production dates. The IX is the ninth generation of Mitsubishi’s Evolution family; one enthusiast piece notes it is more rare in the U.S. than the visually similar VIII. Every variant listed on the Auto-Data.net reference page used a 2.0-liter engine with a displacement of 1,997 cm³ (121.86 cu in) and all-wheel drive. The car measured 4,534 mm (178.5 in.) long, 1,770 mm (69.69 in.) wide, 1,450 mm (57.09 in.) tall, and rode on a 2,625 mm (103.35 in.) wheelbase.

    Power in the listed lineup ranged from 280 hp to 345 hp. The 2.0 MIVEC made 280 hp; another MIVEC variant made 286 hp. The remaining variants stepped up through the FQ-300 at 305 hp, the FQ-320 at 326 hp, and the FQ-340 at 345 hp. All of those higher-output versions were listed with a 253 km/h top speed. The quickest listed acceleration belonged to the FQ-340: 4.3 seconds to 100 km/h and 4.1 seconds to 60 mph. The FQ-320 followed at 4.5 seconds to 100 km/h and 4.3 seconds to 60 mph, while the FQ-300 came in at 4.7 and 4.5 seconds respectively. The 280 hp model had the lowest listed top speed of the group, with a 250 km/h top speed, a 5.7-second 0-100 km/h time, and a 5.4-second 0-60 mph time.

    Fuel-economy figures appeared for two versions: the FQ-300 was rated at 13.8 liters per 100 km, equal to 17 US mpg or 20 UK mpg, while the 280 hp car was rated at 10.6 liters per 100 km, equal to 22 US mpg or 27 UK mpg.

    The RS Side of the Evo IX

    The Evo IX also had a spartan side. An enthusiast article on Machines With Souls focused on a 2006 Lancer Evolution IX RS, describing it as a stripped-down sedan with no keyless entry, no CD player, no power mirrors, no power windows, no power door locks, and unpainted door handles. It also did without sound-deadening material, trunk lining, anti-lock brakes, the rear wing, rear-window wiper, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, vanity mirrors, rear assist grips, and map lights.

    Those deletions cut about 234 pounds from curb weight, bringing the RS down to roughly 3,175 pounds. The featured example made 286 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged four-cylinder, and it was listed with a five-speed manual transmission. The article described the RS as rare, recalled its 2005 price of $27,000, and highlighted an example with 11,700 miles that had been bid to $36,000.

    What IHCM Has Said About the Model

    For the diecast, the announced details are simple: a 1:64 Lancer GSR Evolution EVO IX in three colors, a December 2026 release window, and a product number that still says TBD. The three-color IHCM Evo IX is scheduled to reach shelves in December 2026. The product number remains TBD.

  • Six New Colorways, 999 Pieces Each: HKM Expands Its Brumos-Wing 911 GT3 R Rennsport Lineup

    Six New Colorways, 999 Pieces Each: HKM Expands Its Brumos-Wing 911 GT3 R Rennsport Lineup

    Six Fresh Colorways

    HKM has announced six new exterior color options for its Porsche 911 (992) GT3 R Rennsport model with the Brumos Wing. Each color variant is limited to 999 pieces, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2027. The product number for the new batch is still listed as TBD.

    The six options are:

    • Sanmarino Blue Metallic
    • Gloss Black
    • Viper Green
    • Ruby Star
    • Signal Orange
    • Skeleton Dinosaur Livery

    The announcement adds six color choices to a diecast that has already appeared in several forms. Retail listings show 1:64-scale HKM versions of the Rennsport, including a carbon-hood variant that Pablos Diecast Garage lists as in stock, plus a V.2 release offered in three colors for preorder at CarBro MC. The V.2 listing describes the model as a diecast with a display base and acrylic cover, and notes that a Black Full Carbon – Skye Livery variant is on the way.

    A Track-Only Porsche with a Famous Wing

    The miniature is based on a very real, very limited Porsche. The 911 GT3 R rennsport was unveiled at Rennsport Reunion 7 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 2023. Porsche built just 77 examples, all based on the 992-generation 911 GT3 R. It is a track-only machine, not street legal, and it does not comply with current race series regulations.

    The Rennsport’s body was designed by Grant Larson and Thorsten Klein of Style Porsche. Porsche says only the hood and roof carry over from the standard GT3 R; the rest of the body is new. Conventional mirrors are replaced by three exterior cameras with cockpit monitors, and the roll cage permits only a single driver’s seat.

    Under the redesigned carbon body is a 4.2-liter six-cylinder boxer engine that revs to 9,400 rpm and produces up to 611 hp — roughly 145 hp per liter. That output is possible because the car steps outside FIA GT3 competition limits; the race-spec 911 GT3 R makes up to 557 hp depending on Balance of Performance. Porsche designed the engine to run on E25 fuels such as bio-ethanol and eFuel, though conventional fuel also works. In North America, the real car was priced at $1,046,000, before transport, options, and taxes.

    The Brumos Wing in the HKM model’s name is one of the real car’s signature details. Its design is a nod to the Brumos Porsche 935/77, the car that helped Porsche take the seventh overall victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1978 with Peter Gregg, Toine Hezemans, and Rolf Stommelen. Porsche has said the wing is functional, generating so much downforce that it requires two extra vertical supports to handle the load; those supports are reminiscent of the Porsche 962 Le Mans racer.

    Porsche Motorsport vice president Thomas Laudenbach described the real car this way:

    The new Porsche 911 GT3 R rennsport offers the experience of driving a 911-based race car in what is probably the most primal form.

    A Closer Look at the New Colors

    The new announcement introduces six color choices for the HKM model. The real Rennsport was offered by Porsche in seven basic colors and three special designs: Rennsport Reunion Design, Flacht Design, and Speed Icon Design. HKM’s new lineup includes Signal Orange and a red shade that Porsche materials list under two spellings, Ruby Star and Star Ruby, along with Sanmarino Blue Metallic, Gloss Black, Viper Green, and Skeleton Dinosaur Livery.

    Every one of the six new variants is capped at 999 pieces. With deliveries scheduled for January 2027, the release timeline is set. HKM lists the product number as TBD.

  • MINI GT Adds Police Ioniq 5, Staria Taxi, and Casper to Its 1/64 Lineup

    MINI GT Adds Police Ioniq 5, Staria Taxi, and Casper to Its 1/64 Lineup

    MINI GT has added a trio of South Korean service vehicles to its 1/64 diecast range. The September 25, 2026 announcement covers the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Police Car, the Hyundai Staria Taxi, and the Hyundai Casper in Butter Cream Yellow Pearl, all grouped under the product reference MGT01383-L. The brand has not yet shared delivery or availability details.

    Mini GT: A Quick Background

    Mini GT is a sub-brand of Hong Kong’s TSM-Models, dedicated to 1/64 scale diecast alloy cars. According to Hong Kong retailer Toy Street HK, which stocks the brand, Mini GT was founded in 2017 and had surpassed 1,000 numbered releases by 2025 – a catalogue size the retailer calls the largest in the 1/64 diecast landscape. The brand’s lineup includes supercars, JDM classics, Liberty Walk wide-body builds, Kaido House collaborations, racing models, and limited regional exclusives. Many Mini GT models feature opening doors and multi-layer metallic paint, details Toy Street HK highlights as part of the brand’s appeal. Distribution spans Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. The brand debuted with the LB Works Nissan GT-R, according to the same retailer.

    The New Trio

    The three new models represent three different South Korean fleet roles. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Police Car is the law-enforcement entry, the Hyundai Staria Taxi is the passenger-for-hire option, and the Hyundai Casper arrives in a Butter Cream Yellow Pearl finish. All three share the product reference MGT01383-L. No information about individual packaging, pricing, or production numbers has been published.

    Pre-Orders Start to Appear

    While MINI GT has not detailed timing, at least one European retailer has moved ahead. Modellbau Oswald, which describes itself as Europe’s largest pre-order shop for model cars, lists the Hyundai Casper and the Hyundai Staria Taxi with an estimated delivery window of Q1 2027 to Q2 2027. Both listings were announced on September 22, 2026, three days before MINI GT’s official reveal. The Ioniq 5 police car does not appear in those listings, so its retail timeline remains unknown.

    Toy Street HK, another Mini GT retailer, offers a pre-order service for new Mini GT releases. Its terms require a deposit, note that confirmed pre-orders are generally non-refundable and non-cancellable, and state that estimated arrival dates depend on production and shipping schedules from the brand. The retailer’s pre-order page currently does not mention these three models. According to Toy Street HK, pre-orders can be placed through its online store or via WhatsApp, with deposits accepted by Bank Transfer, PayMe, or FPS. Customers are notified by WhatsApp when the product arrives, and the pre-order price is locked at the time of order. Pre-order customers also receive priority dispatch, and if a brand cancels production and the item cannot be supplied, a full refund is arranged. Once pre-ordered items arrive, balance payment and collection must be completed within 7 days.

    Known Facts and Open Questions

    The confirmed details are the three vehicle choices, the Casper’s Butter Cream Yellow Pearl colour, and the shared product reference MGT01383-L. MINI GT has not published official availability, delivery dates, or pricing. For the two models listed by Modellbau Oswald, the retailer’s estimate points to arrival between early and mid-2027, though that is an estimated window subject to production and shipping schedules. The Ioniq 5 police car has no listed timeline from that retailer at this time.

  • Tarmac Works Locks In a Six-Car 1:64 Wave, From Spa to Central European Rally

    Tarmac Works Locks In a Six-Car 1:64 Wave, From Spa to Central European Rally

    Tarmac Works is sending a fresh wave of 1:64 diecast cars into production, and the six-model lineup covers GT3 endurance racing, a Porsche one-make series, a 1990s Ferrari Challenge entry, and two rally disciplines.

    The announcement, carried by DiecastSociety.com, lists each model with its own product code and directs buyers to the publication’s site sponsors for purchasing details.

    The six-car lineup

    • T64-030-19SPA107 – Bentley Continental GT3 from the 2019 24 Hours of Spa, driven by Jules Gounon, Steven Kane, and Jordan Pepper.
    • T64-082-93CHA14 – Ferrari 348 Challenge from the 1993 Ferrari 348 Challenge Italy season, with Fabian Peroni.
    • T64-089-23CER11 – Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid WRC, the winning car for Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe at the 2023 Central European Rally.
    • T64-062-26BGT18 – Mercedes-AMG GT3 from the 2026 British GT Championship, with Kevin Tse and Ben Green.
    • T64-093-24CCB69 – Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) from the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, representing Kalle Rovanperä.
    • T64-092-24JRC06 – Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 from the 2024 Japanese Rally Championship, with Fumio Nutahara and Shungo Azuma.

    The entire assortment is 1:64-focused. The source report notes that the accompanying images hold additional information about the wave.

    GT3 and endurance mix

    The GT side of the batch leans on three distinct programs. The Bentley represents the 2019 Spa 24 Hours, with the Gounon/Kane/Pepper lineup. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is tied to the 2026 British GT Championship and the pairing of Kevin Tse and Ben Green. The Porsche is a 992-generation 911 GT3 Cup from the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, connected to Kalle Rovanperä.

    Rally coverage

    The announcement also covers two rally classes. The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid honors the Neuville/Wydaeghe win at the 2023 Central European Rally. On the Rally2 side, the Toyota GR Yaris represents the 2024 Japanese Rally Championship with Fumio Nutahara and Shungo Azuma.

    Ferrari 348 Challenge

    The 1993 car in the batch is a Ferrari 348 Challenge from the Ferrari 348 Challenge Italy series, driven by Fabian Peroni. Its product code is T64-082-93CHA14.

    Retailer listings add context

    Related Tarmac Works 1:64 models are already visible through retailers. Model Cars Houston lists a white Mercedes-AMG GT3 Bathurst 12H 2025 Gruppem Racing model under part number T64-062-25BH888. The retailer describes it as a limited diecast-metal model with an acrylic case and base and notes official Mercedes-Benz licensing. The store’s feature list also mentions a highly detailed model car, and the page marks the release status as released.

    The same retailer has a preorder page for a Porsche 911 GT3 R tied to the Suzuka 1000km Intercontinental GT Challenge 2025. It is listed as T64-084-25SUZ13 in Phantom Global Racing livery, with a Q3 2026 ETA. The page describes the release as a combo set that includes exclusive trading cards, and it notes that the model is officially licensed by Porsche. It also describes the car as having race-accurate livery and fine detailing, and calls the set limited, collectible, and display-ready. The page also notes that release dates are ETAs from the brand and that the retailer is not responsible for production or logistics delays.

    Dreamtoys, meanwhile, shows a yellow Tarmac 1:64 Ferrari 348 Challenge with a July 2025 date and JAN code 9581015726969. The listing describes it as an officially Ferrari-licensed collaboration with IXO models, and gives the scale as 1:64.

    Model Cars Houston’s Tarmac Works collection page describes the store’s mission as providing premium-grade, high-quality, legitimate diecast and resin model cars with an emphasis on customer service.

    The DiecastSociety.com announcement closes by pointing collectors to the product images and to site sponsors for purchase details.

  • Stopping Matters: Team Cayote’s Power Lab Vol. 7 Is All About ESC Brakes

    Stopping Matters: Team Cayote’s Power Lab Vol. 7 Is All About ESC Brakes

    Team Cayote has a message for RC racers who think top speed is everything: the brakes deserve attention too. The company’s Power Lab video series is back with Vol. 7, and this installment is all about ESC brake settings.

    The clip was published by RC Car Action on September 25. In the accompanying statement, Team Cayote makes its argument in one line:

    Top speed wins races – good brakes are winning championships!

    The announcement says the video is meant to help racers gain knowledge and try new things at their next track session. It also stresses that braking is important in competitive racing, with the team’s point being that good brakes are part of winning championships.

    Who is Team Cayote?

    Team Cayote is an RC racing power-system specialist. Its official site describes the company as a performance-focused RC brand that designs and manufactures brushless motors, ESCs, batteries, and accessories for RC cars and the racing industry. The company says its leading members have worked in RC for more than 15 years.

    Cayote says it brings together industry-leading talent in an internal group called “Team Cayote.” Its product range is built around professional racing power systems, and the company says its electric power management systems are designed to maximize energy efficiency and power utilization during operation.

    Speed controllers in the lineup

    The 1/10 Crest X is a sensored/sensorless ESC rated at 160A continuous current and 1100A peak current, with 2S LiPo support. It has a built-in super switching mode BEC, low-voltage protection, and ESC/motor overheat protection. The unit weighs 55g and measures 37.9×31.4×30mm. It also supports firmware upgrades and data recording for extreme values and real-time data, and it can be programmed through an Xlink program box, an optional B-Tune Connect, or the internal program port with app control.

    The 1/8 Crest 8 is rated at 200A continuous current and 1080A peak current, with 2-4S LiPo support. Cayote also lists a Team Cayote Racing ESC for high-end 1/10 racing, along with the Crest RS 120, RS60, and RS80 for 1/10 on-road, off-road, and drift use. The RS 120 adds RPM limit control from 10K to 88K, data logging, and app-based tuning; the RS60 and RS80 include reverse polarity protection, built-in capacitors, the same RPM limiting range, and app-based data logging.

    The Crest X includes a built-in professional reversing shutdown feature that works only in forward-with-brake and forward-and-reverse-with-brake modes. For racers tuning brake response, that sort of protection is part of the setup puzzle.

    Calibration matters, too

    Vol. 7 isn’t the only recent brake-related resource from Cayote. On September 8, the company posted a step-by-step guide to calibrating its racing ESCs. The guide walks through teaching the ESC the remote control’s neutral, full-throttle, and full-brake positions.

    Cayote says recalibration is required when replacing an ESC or remote, or when modifying throttle-related parameters. Its recommended prep steps include removing the motor pinion or lifting the wheels off the ground, fully charging the battery and remote, and confirming all wiring before starting. The process starts by zeroing the throttle fine adjustment and entering calibration mode by holding the power button until it beeps; the ESC then stores the neutral point with one beep, full throttle with two beeps, and full brake/reverse with three beeps.

    The guide also explains the test sequence after calibration: the motor should stay stopped at neutral, reach maximum output at full throttle, decelerate when the brake is engaged, and reverse only after two consecutive trigger pushes when reverse is supported.

    Where to follow

    The seventh volume of the Power Lab series is out now. In the US, Cayote is distributed by AMain Hobbies, and the team directs racers to Cayote.com for more information. Cayote’s suggested next step is simple: take the brake-setting ideas from this volume and try them at the next track session.

  • New Exotek Servo Horn Is Built for RC10 and RC10T Steering Geometry

    New Exotek Servo Horn Is Built for RC10 and RC10T Steering Geometry

    New Exotek Servo Horn Is Built for RC10 and RC10T Steering Geometry

    Exotek Racing has added a heavy-duty alloy clamping servo horn to its lineup, and this one is designed specifically around the classic Associated RC10 platform. According to RC Car Action, the new part covers both the RC10 and the RC10T and is listed as part number #2392 with a price of $17.95.

    The part is all about steering geometry. Its ball stud sits above the servo case, which lines the steering link up with the steering cranks. Exotek’s description says that removes the odd link angles that distort left and right steering geometry. The RC10-specific design also means no thick spacer stack is needed to get the right fit, and those spacers are prone to bending or shifting when racing.

    Two steel thread inserts are included, so the horn accepts Associated 4/40 ball studs or M3 ball studs. That gives builders the freedom to match the thread standard already used on their car. The clamping mechanism tightens around the servo spline, helping the steering stay centered from race to race. The arm is long enough for full steering throw in both directions.

    Fit is limited to 25-spline servos; Exotek cites Futaba and Protek as compatible examples. Anyone running a different spline configuration will need to check the servo before ordering.

    A Related Exotek Servo Horn

    Exotek also has a Heavy Duty Aluminum Racing Servo Horn, covered by Big Squid RC. That part is machined from 7075 aluminum, given a tough black anodized finish, and uses a durable clamping system. It is made for 25-tooth servo splines, which lets it fit a wide variety of different servos. This variant is listed as part number #2256 and carries a street price of $14. Exotek says the 7075 aluminum, black anodizing, and clamping system make it ready for weekly racing.

    What Makes the RC10 Part Different

    The #2392 part is built around the RC10’s own geometry. The ball stud sits over the servo case, the link lines up with the steering cranks, and the spacer stack is unnecessary. Exotek’s write-up stresses the removal of odd steering link angles that can make left and right steering geometry inconsistent. The #2392 is a chassis-specific part for the RC10 and RC10T rather than a generic arm, which is why Exotek can leave the thick spacers out of the installation picture.

    The steel thread inserts add a useful degree of flexibility. Rather than locking buyers into one thread standard, the horn accepts Associated 4/40 ball studs or M3 ball studs. That makes it easy to match existing hardware on an RC10 or RC10T build. The steel inserts provide the mounting threads for either ball stud option.

    The 25-spline compatibility note is also worth highlighting. The horn is not a fit-all item, but it covers popular servo families like Futaba and Protek, and the clamping design keeps the horn locked on the spline for consistent centering. The limitation is clearly stated in Exotek’s product note, so buyers can confirm fitment before purchase.

    Part Numbers and Pricing

    Exotek’s new RC10/RC10T alloy clamping servo horn is part number #2392 and is priced at $17.95. The related Heavy Duty Aluminum Racing Servo Horn is part number #2256 and has a street price of $14. The #2256 is built for 25-tooth servo splines and a wide range of servos, while the #2392 is purpose-built for RC10 and RC10T steering geometry. Both are alloy clamping designs from Exotek.

  • LEGO’s Astro Bot Gift-With-Purchase Set Is Officially Unveiled — Here’s What We Know

    LEGO’s Astro Bot Gift-With-Purchase Set Is Officially Unveiled — Here’s What We Know

    A New GWP for PlayStation Fans

    LEGO has officially pulled the wraps off 40899 Astro Bot, the latest Gift-with-Purchase set that’s expected to drop on 1 October 2026 alongside the much-anticipated 72306 PlayStation replica. The announcement came via a detailed reveal that confirms the build exists, though official purchase thresholds and conditions haven’t been locked in yet.

    Based on the critically acclaimed PlayStation 5 platformer, the little robot model celebrates the game where a cute bot works to rebuild a PS5-shaped spaceship. According to leaked packaging images that surfaced earlier this month, the set packs 276 pieces and stands 20 cm (about 8 inches) tall when complete. It also comes with two sets of eyes — one with standard round pupils and one with semicircles — so you can swap his expression.

    The build includes a stand with the words “Astro Bot” and features attachments on his feet that replicate the in-game glide beams. It’s a charming design that’s already sparking plenty of conversation in the LEGO community.

    How to Get It (Probably)

    Right now, there’s no official purchase threshold or availability condition from LEGO. The initial report from Jay’s Brick Blog suggests the Astro Bot set is likely to be a free gift with purchase when you spend over US$150 / AU$245 / £135 / €150 starting 1 October 2026. That’s the working assumption, but the official terms are still unconfirmed.

    There have been rumors that the GWP would only be bundled with the new PlayStation set, but the reveal post dismisses that as “highly unlikely.” If you’re planning to order the PlayStation set anyway, you’ll likely clear the threshold with ease — the PlayStation set alone starts at US$179.99.

    The Big Brother Set: 72306 PlayStation

    The Astro Bot GWP is arriving as a companion piece to the LEGO 72306 PlayStation, a near-1:1 scale replica of the original console. That set includes 1,911 pieces, a brick-built pre-DualShock controller that actually plugs into the console, and functional Power and Open buttons. Hidden inside the disc tray are two mini dioramas: one for Gran Turismo (based on Autumn Ring from 1997) and one for Ape Escape (a nostalgic island scene with a swappable blue or red light for the monkey helmet).

    The PlayStation set is priced regionally as follows:

    • US: US$179.99
    • AU: AU$279.99
    • UK: £139.99
    • EU: €159.99
    • CA: CAD$239.99
    • SG: SGD$239.90

    It will go on sale for LEGO Insiders Early Access and direct.playstation.com on 1 October 2026, with a general public release via LEGO.com and LEGO retail stores on 4 October 2026.

    Why the Hype?

    Astro Bot has become something of a de facto mascot for PlayStation, and this LEGO interpretation is one of the strongest-looking GWP sets of the year, according to early reactions. Leaked images published by Brick Tap and covered by outlets like IGN and Insider Gaming show the finished model in detail, and plenty of fans have already wished it could be bought standalone.

    That’s not happening — GWP sets are typically only offered with qualifying purchases and aren’t sold as individual products. If you miss the promotion, resale sites will likely have it, though at a premium.

    Bottom Line

    LEGO has confirmed the Astro Bot set exists, but the exact promotion details — spending threshold, duration, and any regional differences — are still pending. The current expectation is that it’ll launch alongside the PlayStation set on 1 October 2026 and remain available “while supplies last.” Keep an eye on LEGO’s official channels for the final terms before you check out.

  • Custom Works’ Beast 2 Turns One Midget Kit Into a Dirt Oval Multi-Tool

    Custom Works’ Beast 2 Turns One Midget Kit Into a Dirt Oval Multi-Tool

    Custom Works RC has a new answer for dirt oval racers who want one car for changing track conditions: the Beast 2 midget sprint car kit. The 1/10-scale kit was unveiled on September 25 and carries part number #0652 with a $499.00 price tag. It is aimed at tracks that race on both high-bite and loose dirt surfaces, the kind of racing that typically runs 2.2 buggy-style rubber tires.

    “This version includes all the standard high quality parts as the original Beast plus several new or upgraded parts as well,” Custom Works RC says. The company adds that “you only need one car for the different types of track surfaces you may encounter.” To make that work, the chassis includes standup and laydown transmission parts, adjustable offset features, and servo mounting locations for mid- or front-steering setups.

    One Chassis, Multiple Track Personalities

    The Beast 2 comes with several built-in chassis offset options, an all-new V2 battery locator system, a V2 top shaft and spur hub, and a new V2 camber link mount. Custom Works also includes a fresh CRD cage, header, and body pieces. The rear end uses a 3mm variable offset carbon tower, while the front uses 30-degree suspension mounts with 3mm screws. Rear arm mounts are 3mm units with adjustable 3 and 5 degrees of toe.

    Around the corners, the kit uses CW MDX big bore shocks on all four wheels plus one-piece shock mounts. The drivetrain features a CW 2.6 ball differential, full ball bearings, titanium turnbuckles throughout, and an adjustable-height motor mount.

    Spec-Class Ready, With Options

    Many of the standard parts are chosen to meet spec-class requirements. For racers who want to move outside those rules, Custom Works offers two notable options: its patented adjustable rear arms and an optional gear differential. Both are described as ways to make quicker and easier adjustments beyond the spec class setup.

    A Direct Descendant

    The Beast 2 builds on the original Beast Midget kit, a model whose heritage traces back to Custom Works’ successful Outlaw Sprint car. The original kit was designed for the growing 1/10 midget spec class and suited to loose dirt style tracks and high-bite surfaces, the same general mission as the Beast 2. Its spec sheet included an offset carbon chassis plate, a rigid rear camber link mount, long rear arms for increased rear traction, a dual bellcrank steering setup, CW MDX big bore shocks, 3mm rear arm mounts with adjustable 3 and 5 degrees of toe, 30-degree front suspension mounts with 3mm screws, one-piece shock mounts, full ball bearings, a CW 2.6 ball differential, titanium turnbuckles, and an adjustable-height motor mount.

    The original kit’s page also noted that not all hardware is metric yet, but many key components, including the front and rear suspension mounts, now use metric hardware; the 3mm screws take a 2mm or 5/64-inch hex wrench.

    Custom Works is directing buyers to CustomWorksRC.com for the kit. The official product page for the Beast Midget line also includes a manual, kit parts list, option parts list, and a dirt midget class rules document dated April 2, 2024. A dedicated Beast Midget parts category on the company’s site lists 222 parts results, and Custom Works R/C Cars is based in Denver, North Carolina.

    Separately, LCRC Raceway, a family-owned full-service surface RC hobby shop in Central Pennsylvania with offroad and oval tracks, lists Custom Works kits in its online and in-store catalog. Custom Works’ announcement was published by RC Car Action, and the company’s website also functions as an online store and tech information center. The Beast Midget parts category covers both kit parts and option parts.

  • Timothy & Pierre’s New Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Three Colors, 99 Each, $69

    Timothy & Pierre’s New Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Three Colors, 99 Each, $69

    A Three-Color Porsche With Just 99 of Each

    Timothy & Pierre has a new miniature Porsche on the way, and the numbers are as tight as they get. The Porsche 911 992 GT3 RS is being offered in Olive Green, Tungsten Steel Silver, and Ipanema Blue. Each color is capped at 99 pieces, which puts the total run at 297 units. The price is approximately $69 US per model, and the product number has not been finalized — it’s listed as “TBD.”

    The announcement is brief, but it carries the essentials: the model name, three distinct paint options, a per-color production limit, and a price point that’s easy to digest.

    A Brand With a Detailed Miniature History

    Timothy & Pierre isn’t a brand-new name in diecast circles. Before the Singer Porsche release, the manufacturer was mostly known for the Gemballa Enzo MIG-U1 in 1/18 scale. In January 2020, LamleyGroup reviewed the brand’s Singer Porsche Targa in 1/64 scale, and that review painted a picture of a company obsessed with small-scale detail.

    That Singer model was made of resin and came in an acrylic display case with a white leather baseplate — an unusual touch at 1/64 scale. The review also highlighted photo-etched details, accurate Fuchs wheels, a well-executed dashboard, and even a tiny Porsche logo on the steering wheel. The reviewer noted that the model was screwed together and didn’t roll, which is a clue that Timothy & Pierre prioritizes display quality over playability.

    The Singer Targa is a different car from the new GT3 RS, and the new announcement doesn’t include details about materials, packaging, or scale. What’s clear is that Timothy & Pierre has a history of pushing precision in its miniature Porsches.

    Retailers That Carry the Brand

    Collectors who follow Timothy & Pierre have a few places to look. Dturman Dubai UAE runs a dedicated collection page for the brand, describing its diecast cars as “tiny cars that cover the history of automobiles.” The page spans vintage to modern models and is aimed at car fans and collectors.

    On the US side, AutoBarn Model also features Timothy & Pierre as one of its brand categories. AutoBarn lists Porsche models in 1/18 and 1/64 scales and describes them as premium collectibles with authentic details and limited editions. Both retailers already have dedicated pages for Timothy & Pierre, so they’re established places to keep an eye on.

    The Numbers Behind the Release

    The new Timothy & Pierre Porsche 911 992 GT3 RS breaks down like this:

    • Colors: Olive Green, Tungsten Steel Silver, Ipanema Blue
    • Edition size: 99 per color, 297 total
    • Price: approximately $69 US
    • Product number: TBD

    The per-color limit is the headline figure. Three colors, 99 pieces each, and a total run of 297 models makes this a deliberately small release. The brand’s past work suggests that collectors who value fine detailing may want to take note, though the exact specifications of this GT3 RS haven’t been shared yet.

    What’s Left to Announce

    As of now, the only missing piece in the announcement is the product code. The model’s color options, production limits, and price are all set, but the product number is still listed as TBD. Collectors will be waiting on that final identifier before the model is fully catalogued in the brand’s lineup.

    For now, the key facts are all on the table: a Porsche 911 992 GT3 RS in three colors, 99 pieces per color, and an approximate price of $69 US. The product number remains TBD.