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H-Tech Custom Products has added a new accessory to its lineup: a CNC-machined aluminum front bumper designed specifically for the Vanquish VS4-10 Origin, a 1/10-scale R/C crawler kit. The bumper was announced on July 8, 2026, and is intended to give the rig a visual boost while improving durability compared to the stock part.

Tube-Style Bumper, Machined from Solid Aluminum

The bumper features a tube-style-inspired design and is machined from solid aluminum. According to the product description, this construction offers improved durability plus style compared to the VS4-10 Origin’s stock bumper. The design aims to enhance the front end’s appearance, making it a natural upgrade for builders who want to personalize their truck.

H-Tech offers the bumper in two finishes: matte silver and matte black. This allows owners to match the color to their rig’s existing theme or create a contrasting look. Both options are priced at $62.00.

Compatibility and Product Page Details

The official product page on H-Tech’s website lists the bumper as the “H-TECH CNC Aluminium Front Bumper for Vanquish VS4-10 Origin (For VPS09026A / VPS09026B).” This confirms that the part is designed for use with these specific Vanquish model numbers. Owners of the VS4-10 Origin variants identified by VPS09026A or VPS09026B can order the bumper as a replacement for the original front bumper.

Pricing, Ordering, and Company Information

Each bumper is priced at $62.00 and is available directly from H-Tech’s website at h-techproduct.com. The company, based in Incheon, South Korea (as indicated by the return address on the product page), handles orders through its online store. The product page includes a comprehensive return and exchange policy. According to that policy, buyers may request a return within three days of delivery if the item is defective or incorrect. The request must be posted on the company’s return forum with photos of the product, and must include the item code, order number, and reason for return. Approval from staff is required before shipping. Items must be returned in original condition with all tags, labels, and packaging intact. Even defective or incorrect items must be returned with all tags and labels intact, in original packaging and unworn. Returns for change of mind, size, or color are not accepted. The company covers shipping costs for returns caused by its own errors. If EMS cash on delivery is not possible, customers can scan the return receipt and mail it with the item or post an image on the forum, and the shipping fee will be refunded upon arrival. Returns shipped without prior consent are not accepted. Additionally, if an item is missing from the order, customers must contact customer service within one day of delivery and keep all original packaging materials. The return address is clearly listed as [22772] 인천광역시 서구 중봉대로240번길 18-3 (석남동) 1층 에이치테크, confirming the South Korea location. This policy provides clear guidance for customers ordering the bumper.

Key Specifications

Here are the key details of the new bumper:

• Material: CNC machined aluminum
• Design: Tube-style inspired
• Color options: Matte silver and matte black
• Price: $62.00
• Compatibility: Vanquish VS4-10 Origin (model numbers VPS09026A and VPS09026B)
• Manufacturer: H-Tech Custom Products
• Availability: Direct from h-techproduct.com

About the Vanquish VS4-10 Origin

The Vanquish VS4-10 Origin is a 1/10-scale R/C crawler kit that has gained a following for its scale appearance and capable chassis. The stock bumper is functional, but the new aluminum part from H-Tech offers a more durable and stylish alternative.

Why This Bumper Stands Out

Replacing the front bumper can change the look of a crawler significantly. H-Tech’s machined aluminum version uses a tube-style design that gives the front end a custom appearance, while the solid aluminum construction provides improved durability over the stock component. The two color options give builders flexibility to coordinate with their existing color scheme. Builders looking for a durable and stylish upgrade have a new option that comes directly from the manufacturer’s online store.

Availability

The H-Tech CNC Aluminum Front Bumper for the Vanquish VS4-10 Origin is available now in matte silver and matte black at a price of $62.00. It can be ordered directly from H-Tech’s website.

Pro-Line Racing has unleashed a pair of limited-edition, pre-painted body shells for 1/8 scale off-road buggies and truggies, each with its own distinctive graphics package. Both the Flame Series and the Hase Series are one-time production runs, proudly made in the USA, and designed to fit some of the most popular race platforms on the market.

Flame Series: Bold Heritage Graphics

The Flame Limited Edition Series pays homage to decades of motorsports culture with a classic flame-inspired livery. The design layers red, silver, black, and white elements in a scheme that Pro-Line says captures the energy and attitude of off-road racing. The body comes with a premium pre-painted finish and a decal sheet, ready to mount and race straight out of the package.

Hase Series: Aggressive Modern Design

For racers who prefer a more contemporary look, the Hase Limited Edition Series offers a race-inspired graphics package built around fluorescent yellow, blue, silver, black, and white tones arranged in an aggressive, forward-moving pattern. According to the company, the design reflects the speed and intensity of modern off-road competition. Like the Flame body, the Hase shell arrives pre-painted and includes a decal sheet.

Built for Today’s Top Platforms

Both series are engineered to fit the same leading 1/8 buggy and truggy chassis. They are compatible with:

• Mugen MBX8/MBX8R
• AE RC8B4.1
• TLR 8IGHT XT/E
• TLR 8IGHT-X/E 2.0

This fitment covers many of the vehicles that dominate local club races and major championship events.

Pricing and SKUs

Pro-Line has set four SKUs for each design. For the Flame Series, the part numbers and prices are:

• #PRO365620 – for TLR 8IGHT-X/E 2.0 – $29.99
• #PRO366020 – for Mugen MBX8/MBX8R – $29.99
• #PRO365720 – for AE RC8B4.1 – $29.99
• #PRO368720 – for TLR 8IGHT XT/E and Others – $38.99

The Hase Series mirrors those prices:

• #PRO365721 – for AE RC8B4.1 – $29.99
• #PRO365621 – for TLR 8IGHT-X/E 2.0 – $29.99
• #PRO366021 – for Mugen MBX8/MBX8R – $29.99
• #PRO368721 – for TLR 8IGHT XT/E and Others – $38.99

Most versions are priced at $29.99, while the TLR 8IGHT XT/E variant (which fits additional chassis) runs $38.99.

One-Time Release, Made in USA

Both the Flame and Hase bodies are described as one-time production releases. Pro-Line explicitly states that once inventory is exhausted, these special-edition shells will not return, making them a limited opportunity for racers and collectors alike. The company emphasizes that the bodies are manufactured in the United States, continuing its longstanding commitment to domestic production.

Available Now

The Flame and Hase Limited Edition bodies are available for purchase now through ProLineRacing.com. Each kit includes a pre-painted body and a decal sheet. With no restock planned, interested racers will need to act quickly to secure their preferred design and fitment.

Sun Star is making a bold move into the compact 1:64 diecast segment with the release of a sealed metal model of the Ford Focus RS. The new miniatures arrive in a wide range of factory finishes, giving collectors plenty of options without sacrificing detail.

The lineup covers seven different colors: Frozen White, Moondust Silver, Nitrous Blue, Liquid Blue, Shadow Black, Stealth Gray, and Tief Orange. Each model is diecast and pre-assembled, meaning buyers get a ready-to-display collectible straight out of the box.

Product Numbers and Variations

Sun Star has assigned a dedicated product number for each color variant. The series runs from product #60063 through #60069, corresponding to the seven finishes listed above. Additional two-tone variations have also appeared at retailers — a blue/black example carries the product number SUN60062, while a red/black version is listed under SUN60061.

What’s Inside the Package

The model represents the 2018 Ford Focus RS and is built in sealed-body style without opening parts. Construction uses diecast metal with plastic detailing, matching the standard approach for Sun Star’s 1:64 line. The scale works out so that 1 centimeter on the model equals 64 centimeters on the real car, making the finished piece roughly comparable in size to a Hot Wheels or Matchbox casting.

Retail pricing for the two-tone editions has surfaced at €24.95 via European specialty diecast shops, though official Sun Star RRP for the U.S. market has not been disclosed.

Standing Out Among the Crowd

The 1:64 scale has seen a surge in activity from both legacy brands and newer players, but Sun Star’s choice of the Ford Focus RS broadens the options for fans of modern performance hatchbacks in this scale. The inclusion of less common shades like Tief Orange and Stealth Gray alongside the signature Nitrous Blue gives the range visual variety that should appeal to collectors chasing a full set.

Because the models are sealed and ready-made, they skip the assembly step that some hobbyists prefer — but for those looking to fill display cases quickly, that’s often a feature rather than a drawback. The all-metal body with plastic trim follows the industry standard for this price tier.

Where to Find Them

Early listings have appeared on dedicated diecast marketplaces including alldiecast.us and Model Car World, with orders shipping now. The blue/black and red/black editions are already listed as in-stock items, while the full-color mainline range appears to be rolling out simultaneously across multiple retail channels.

Sun Star has not announced any limited-edition or convention-exclusive variants of this model, but the seven-color spread already offers enough variety to keep completionists busy. Collectors who want to secure a full rainbow of Focus RS castings will need to track down all seven standard product numbers plus the two-tone versions to build a complete set.

The release marks another step in Sun Star’s expansion within the 1:64 diecast segment, joining earlier modern hatches and sport compacts in the brand’s growing catalog.

LEGO has officially revealed the next set in its fan-driven Ideas lineup, and it’s a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture. Set 21372 La Catrina will launch globally on August 1, 2026, bringing the iconic Día de los Muertos figure to brick form.

A 1,212-Piece Cultural Centerpiece

The 1,212-piece model is based on a fan-submitted concept by creator yop1172, whose original design was submitted to the LEGO Ideas platform on August 17, 2023. The LEGO Ideas team worked with the fan designer to transform the concept into an official set, scaling it down from the original submission—which stood over a meter tall—to make it more practical for building and display.

La Catrina is a central symbol of Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. The figure has become the visual embodiment of the Day of the Dead, with many people painting their faces as vibrant catrinas adorned with marigolds and bright colors to celebrate the Mexican philosophy of mortality.

Design Details and Pricing

The final set retains key elements from yop1172’s original concept, including a monarch butterfly and the bright hues of rosa mexicano, a mainstay of Mexican design. The LEGO Ideas team chose to downscale the model from the original submission, which measured over a meter tall, to make it more practical for building and display. One inspired design choice noted by early observers is the use of the Shakespeare Victorian collar piece for La Catrina’s teeth.

While some fans may be disappointed that the orange color scheme from the winning LEGO Ideas submission wasn’t selected, the final palette leans into the vibrant rosa mexicano tones that are a hallmark of Mexican design. The model almost invites builders to customize and personalize it.

21372 La Catrina will be available globally on August 1, 2026 from LEGO.com and local LEGO Stores. Regional pricing is set at £109.99 in the UK, €119.99 in the EU, AU$199.99 in Australia, CAD$199.99 in Canada, and 2,999 MXN in Mexico. The US price has been reported as US$139.99 by one source, though another source lists it at US$119.99.

A Fan-Designed Tribute

The set originated from a concept by fan creator yop1172, submitted to the LEGO Ideas platform on August 17, 2023. The original submission was a much larger sculpture, measuring over a meter tall, but the LEGO Ideas team scaled it down to a more practical size while retaining key elements like the monarch butterfly and the bright rosa mexicano color palette.

Día de los Muertos is an important celebration in Mexican culture, with La Catrina serving as the face and visual embodiment of the Day of the Dead. The figure represents natural pride and the Mexican philosophy of mortality, with many people painting their faces as vibrant catrinas adorned with marigolds and bright colors.

Where to Buy

The set will be available globally on August 1, 2026 from LEGO.com and local LEGO Stores. Regional pricing is set at £109.99 in the UK, €119.99 in the EU, AU$199.99 in Australia, CAD$199.99 in Canada, and 2,999 MXN in Mexico. The US price has been reported as US$139.99 by one source, though another source lists it at US$119.99.

La Catrina joins a strong 2026 LEGO Ideas lineup that also includes the Snoopy (21368) set releasing in June and the Knight Rider (21370) set also arriving in August.

The Elceram Nitride 1/8 is an electronic speed controller that brings a built-in TFT color display and ceramic cooling to the 1/8 scale RC racing scene. Designed for both on-road and off-road vehicles with sensored brushless motors, it aims to simplify on-the-fly tuning while managing heat under high loads.

Programming Without the Gadgets

The built-in 160 x 80 pixel TFT color LCD display with a matte finish provides immediate access to settings and diagnostics. Three onboard buttons let racers adjust throttle, brake, boost, turbo timing, and Hall angle parameters without needing a programming card or mobile app. The display also serves as a live data dashboard, offering clear access to race information before, during, and after runs for quick on-the-fly adjustments.

Ceramic Cooling at the Core

The headline technology is Elceram’s Aluminum Nitride ceramic cooling system, which the company says offers thermal conductivity higher than 160 W/mK. MOSFET transistors are cooled directly with no additional thermal resistance layer, and thick silver and copper layers help keep internal resistance low. An included 25mm cooling fan and pre-drilled fan mounting holes provide extra headroom for demanding conditions.

The Nitride 1/8 handles sensored brushless motors up to 2800 kV and runs on 2S to 4S LiPo packs. It has a continuous current rating of 220 A and a pulsed rating of 1500 A. The adjustable BEC delivers 6 to 8.4 V with a continuous 6 A and pulsed 15 A output. The unit measures 50 x 43 x 28 mm and weighs 112 g without wires.

Factory-Tested by Top Drivers

Elceram only entered the RC market in October 2023 with its Nitride 1/10 speed controller. The new 1/8 version uses hardware and software innovations gained from testing by factory drivers Michal Orlowski and Martin Bayer. The company itself brings over 50 years of experience producing ceramic parts, ceramic PCBs, hybrid integrated circuits, sensors, power electronic modules, and special electronic components for various industries.

Monitoring, Protection, and Data Logging

The Nitride 1/8 continuously monitors battery voltage, battery current, temperatures, and motor condition in real time. Built-in diagnostics can flag potential issues before a race, and protection algorithms safeguard the ESC against motor failure or mechanical problems. The system logs race data that is saved even after the unit is powered off.

Additional functions include a brake softening feature for high-speed, low-grip braking to help maintain traction, a motor analyzer that can check motor health, and reverse polarity protection for peace of mind during installation. The ESC also supports firmware updates, features adjustable maintenance reminders, and comes with a replaceable display cover. Soldering tabs allow for easy wire replacement, and a connector is available for an intelligent fan if extra cooling is needed.

Zero Timing Mode for Legal Racing

For racers competing in blinky-mode classes, the Nitride 1/8 supports Zero Timing (Blinky Mode) operation, disabling boost and turbo to comply with ROAR and IFMAR rules. This expands the ESC’s versatility across different competition formats without needing separate hardware.

What’s in the Box

Elceram packages the Nitride 1/8 with two external capacitors, a 10AWG wire set, a 300mm BEC cable (grey stripe is negative), a 25mm cooling fan, double-sided tape, and a product manual. The model number is ELC030, and the MSRP is set at $329.99.

Custom Edition is back with a new release that’s sure to get the pulse racing for serious scale-model collectors. The company has announced a 1:18 resin and sealed model of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, and it’s coming in two striking carbon-fiber finishes.

Two Colors, Very Limited Numbers

Collectors will have a choice between Black carbon fibre and Blue carbon fibre. But don’t expect to walk into a shop and grab one off the shelf — production is strictly capped. Custom Edition is making just 30 units in one color and 20 in the other, though the company hasn’t yet specified which color gets the larger run. Total production across both colors is 50 units, making this an extremely limited release.

That kind of scarcity puts this release squarely in the territory of serious collectors who act fast. The model is a sealed resin piece, meaning no opening parts — a common approach for high-end display models where surface finish and form take priority over moving features.

MR Collection Is the Maker

The model is produced by MR Collection, a company that has served as an official supplier of Bugatti during major international car shows and world premieres. MR Collection has also produced 1:18 models of every Bugatti Veyron ever made, all of which are displayed on Bugatti’s Wall in Molsheim. That pedigree gives this La Voiture Noire model some serious collector credibility.

Sold Out Already?

Interestingly, the MR Collection Models website already lists their own version of the 1:18 Bugatti La Voiture Noire as completely sold out. That listing, under product code BUG010 and labeled as the “Launch Version,” suggests demand for this specific model is already running hot. The product code BUG010 matches the model listed by MR Collection as their own version. Whether the Custom Edition release is a separate run or a variant of that same sold-out model isn’t entirely clear from the available details, but the timing certainly points to a red-hot collector market for this particular Bugatti miniature.

Homage to a Lost Icon

The real Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a modern interpretation of the fourth Type 57 SC Atlantic, an all-black gran turismo that vanished during the Second World War and has never been found. MR Collection describes the concept as a tribute to Bugatti’s own history, a manifesto of the Bugatti aesthetic, and a piece of automotive haute couture. MR Collection notes that the car is far more than a modern interpretation of the ghost of the gran turismo. The 1:18 scale resin model from Custom Edition pays homage to that legendary car.

A Dubai Retailer Is Already On It

A Dubai-based retailer, dturman.com, is already listing the model as a “1/18 Bugatti La Voiture Noir Black & Carbon Model car MR Collection.” The listing describes it as a resin, limited-edition model with no opening parts, matching Custom Edition’s announcement. Dturman, which has operated in Dubai since 2002, sells diecast and resin model cars to the Gulf countries and worldwide.

What We Know So Far

Custom Edition hasn’t yet assigned a product number — the listing currently reads “Product# TBD” — so official ordering details are still pending. The model is described as 1:18 resin and sealed, with no opening doors, hood, or trunk. That’s typical for premium resin models, where the focus is on flawless paint, panel gaps, and overall shape accuracy rather than playability. Pricing and a confirmed release date have not yet been announced.

Official Bugatti Pedigree

MR Collection isn’t just any model maker. The company is an official supplier of Bugatti during major international car shows and world premieres. That official relationship adds a layer of authenticity that serious collectors value. The company has produced scale models for Bugatti’s own display in Molsheim, a testament to the quality of their work. The real La Voiture Noire is itself a tribute to the fourth Type 57 SC Atlantic, an all-black gran turismo that disappeared during the Second World War. The MR Collection launch version is already listed as sold out, indicating strong initial demand from collectors for this model.

Hobbywing has released a detailed setup video for its Axe Plus R3 electronic speed controller, and it’s not just for the rock-crawling crowd. The tutorial, hosted by Charlie, walks through soldering tips, configuration steps, and a full tour of the ESC’s settings, suggesting the system has applications beyond its primary crawler roots.

More Than a Crawler ESC

While the Axe Plus R3 is marketed as a high-power crawler ESC, the new video from Hobbywing makes a point of showing how the system can be used for more than just technical rock crawling. The walkthrough covers solder tips, setup tips, and a run-through of all the settings, making it a useful resource for any RC enthusiast looking to get the most out of this feature-packed controller.

What the Axe Plus R3 Brings to the Table

According to Hobbywing’s official product page, the XeRun AXE PLUS R3 is a 6S high-power crawler ESC that supports up to 6S LiPo batteries and delivers a maximum continuous current of 135A (with a peak of 600A). It’s compatible with 1/10th, 1/8th, 1/7th, and 1/6th scale crawlers.

The ESC features a new compact design and is fully compatible with all Axe R2 motors. It’s worth noting the physical dimensions: the AXE R3 is 2.1mm longer, 1.7mm wider, and 3.7mm shorter than the previous R2 ESC.

Key Features and Connectivity

One of the standout features is the dual external control channels, which allow for real-time parameter adjustment by connecting white and yellow signal cables to receiver channels. The system also includes built-in Bluetooth, enabling direct connection to the HW Link mobile app for parameter settings, data reading, and firmware upgrades.

Hobbywing has also packed in real-time data logging that records up to 10 minutes of the most recent run, viewable via the HW Link V2 app within an effective range of approximately 5 meters. The ESC also supports Flysky i-BUS2 telemetry, allowing real-time parameter adjustments and data return on Flysky NB4 controllers.

Power and Protection

The Axe Plus R3 is built around FOC (Field Oriented Control) drive technology, which Hobbywing says provides linear, quiet operation with abundant low-speed torque. The system also features Smart Torque Output that automatically adjusts torque for climbing and controlled descents.

A super internal BEC delivers a maximum output of 15A with switchable voltage (6V/7.4V/8.4V) for servos and peripherals. The ESC is rated IP67 for waterproofing and dust-proofing, though Hobbywing notes this is for splash-proof and water-resistant use under normal conditions, not prolonged submersion.

Setup and Configuration

The video tutorial, hosted by Charlie, covers soldering tips, setup tips, and a run-through of all the settings. The ESC offers 21 adjustable parameters and 24-degree adjustable Turbo timing for maximum speed. It also features a smart fan start and stop function, where the fan operates only when needed to save power and reduce noise.

For those looking to monitor performance, the real-time data function allows users to view throttle, voltage, current, temperature, and speed via the HW Link mobile app. The system also includes multiple protections such as low-voltage cutoff, thermal protection, fail-safe measures, motor lock-up prevention, and battery reversal protection.

Where to Find the Video

The full setup tutorial is available on RC Car Action and provides a practical walkthrough for anyone looking to get the most out of this advanced ESC. Hobbywing also offers additional resources, including manuals and software downloads, on their official site.

There’s something special about watching a classic British 4×4 do what it was made to do — even when it’s one-tenth the size. Carisma has dropped a new video showcasing a custom-built 1/10 scale RC Range Rover that looks right at home clawing its way up rocky trails and threading through tight forest paths.

A Tribute to the Icon

The build is a clear homage to the original Range Rover, the vehicle that defined luxury off-roading for decades. This isn’t a box-stock model. The custom touches include moulded wheel arches that nail the classic boxy silhouette and a custom snorkel that gives it that authentic expedition-ready vibe. Full scale-inspired paint and badging round out the look, making it a proper shelf queen that also happens to be a capable trail runner.

Under the Skin: SCA-1E 2.1 Chassis

Under that orange body sits the SCA-1E 2.1 spec chassis, a platform that’s earned a loyal following among scale crawler enthusiasts. Carisma equipped this build with the Anti Torque Twist Gearbox (ATT), designed to deliver reliable performance and impressive articulation when the going gets rough.

The video puts that hardware to work. Viewers get to watch the truck climb over rocks, navigate tight forest paths, and generally demonstrate why the SCA-1E platform remains a favorite for builders who want realistic crawling performance without sacrificing scale looks.

More Than Just a Pretty Body

This isn’t just a static display piece dressed up to look tough. The footage shows the model tackling real off-road terrain with the kind of capability that mirrors the full-size vehicle’s reputation. The combination of the custom bodywork and the SCA-1E chassis means you get both form and function — a model that looks the part and can actually follow through on the trail.

For those interested in picking one up, Carisma offers the SCA-1E 2.1 Classic Range Rover Final Tribute RTR as a ready-to-run limited edition. The RTR package means you can get it out of the box and onto the trail without spending hours on assembly.

Where to Find It and Video Details

Carisma is distributed in the US by HRP, and more details are available at Carisma-Shop.com. The video itself is embedded on the Big Squid RC article and was also featured by RC Car Action. It shows the custom build driving through a forest setting, climbing rocks, and navigating forest paths. The video highlights how scale realistic the Carisma Range Rover SCA-1E can look while driving through the forest.

The build is described by Carisma as a “full tribute to the legendary Range Rover,” and the video showcases it as a tribute to the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The model’s custom details include the moulded wheel arches and snorkel, which are specifically designed to capture the classic boxy silhouette and expedition look.

More Context from the Sources

The source materials confirm that the SCA-1E 2.1 chassis with the ATT gearbox is a key feature of this build. The Anti Torque Twist Gearbox is designed to deliver reliable performance and impressive articulation on the trails. The video content demonstrates the model climbing rocks and navigating tight forest paths, showing the chassis’s capability.

The text from Carisma notes: “Under the body sits the rock-solid SCA-1E 2.1 spec chassis equipped with the Anti Torque Twist Gearbox, delivering reliable performance and impressive articulation on the trails. Watch as this orange beauty climbs rocks, navigates tight forest paths, and shows why the SCA-1E platform remains a favorite among scale RC enthusiasts.”

The custom Range Rover is noted as being “not only highly capable off-road, but also brings an iconic British vibe out on the trail.” The ready-to-run limited edition is available as the SCA-1E 2.1 Classic Range Rover Final Tribute RTR.

Whether you’re into scale crawling, trail running, or just have a soft spot for classic British 4x4s, this Carisma build serves up a satisfying mix of detail and dirt-ready capability. The video is available on YouTube and provides a thorough look at this custom build in action.

LEGO has officially unveiled one of its most culturally rich and visually striking Ideas sets to date: 21372 La Catrina. Based on a fan-submitted design that hit 10,000 supporters back in April 2025, this buildable skeleton figurine celebrates the Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) and lands on shelves August 1, 2026.

What’s in the Box?

The set comes with 1,212 pieces and is aimed at builders 18 and up. It retails for $139.99 / £109.99 / €119.99. Once complete, La Catrina stands over 17 inches (43 cm) tall, making it a substantial display piece for a desk or shelf. The model features an elegantly clothed skeleton with brick-built marigolds, printed sugar skull decorations on her hat and dress, and a base adorned with more marigolds plus a brick-built monarch butterfly. A second butterfly fits in her hand. Both the head and arms are poseable, letting you change up the display.

The official product page describes it this way:

“Even in death, La Catrina smiles.” Showcase Mexican culture’s enlightened perspective on the human condition with the LEGO Ideas La Catrina (21372) figurine.

No stickers are used in the set – all decorative elements are printed. The jaw is a clever build using white minifigure neck brackets for teeth and white boomerangs for jawbones. The 2×2 round tiles on the dress are printed, and the 1×1 tiles used for earrings come from the LEGO Icons Black Pearl set (as pirate coins).

From Fan Vision to Official Set

The original concept came from fan designer yop1172 (José Miguel Medina Pérez), who shared his creation on LEGO Ideas back in August 2023. It reached the required 10,000 supporters, and LEGO officially selected it for production in October 2025. This set is part of the first review phase of 2025, which also includes other Ideas projects like the upcoming LEGO E.T. (21370).

One of the most discussed aspects of any Ideas-to-official-set transition is the inevitable scaling back. The original fan submission was nearly a metre (about 35.4 inches) tall – the final build is roughly half that height at 43 cm. The color palette also shifted significantly: the fan model featured a lot of orange, while the official set leans more heavily on black with vibrant accents. The fan designer himself noted the changes in an earlier interview:

“As you might notice, I originally designed this model digitally in pink, but then I built the model using actual bricks, so I gave it a bit of a makeover by switching up the colours,” explained José. “I tweaked some parts to make it sturdier. The colour scheme was inspired by the vibrant patterns of monarch butterflies and marigold flowers, but I kept the main structure intact.”

Cultural Roots

La Catrina is a skeletal figure that has become a symbol of Día de Muertos, rooted in the artwork of Diego Rivera. The set incorporates marigold flowers, which traditionally line streets and family altars to guide spirits home, and monarch butterflies, whose migration often coincides with the holiday, representing souls travelling back. This isn’t LEGO’s first take on the character – a BrickHeadz version appeared in 2021, and a minifigure was released in 2022 via the Build a Minifigure lineup.

Pre-Order and Availability

The set is already listed for pre-order at LEGO.com and through other retailers. It officially launches August 1, 2026, with a planned retirement date of December 31, 2028.

H-Tech Custom Products has just released a new set of machined aluminum rock sliders tailored specifically for the Vanquish VS4-10 Origin crawler chassis. If you want to add some style to your Vanquish rig, these sliders are a straightforward upgrade.

Design and Finish

The sliders are CNC machined from aluminum and feature a sleek, understated design that complements the classic Scout-inspired body of the VS4-10 Origin. H-Tech offers the sliders in two color options: matte silver and matte black, so you can match your rig’s overall color scheme or create a subtle contrast.

Fitment and Compatibility

H-Tech specifies that these sliders are made for the Vanquish VS4-10 Origin models with part numbers VPS09026A (Origin Classic – Plastic Axles) and VPS09026B (Origin Classic Pro – Black Axle). The product page on h-techproduct.com lists them as “CNC Aluminium Rock Sliders for Vanquish VS4-10 Origin (For VPS09026A / VPS09026B)”. The sliders are sold as a pair and are designed for these specific Origin variants.

Pricing and Availability

You can order the H-Tech Machined Aluminum Rock Sliders directly from the company’s website at h-techproduct.com for $59.00 a pair. The product is listed under the Vanquish section. The company is based in Incheon, South Korea, and handles customer service and returns through its online forum and email.

According to the product page, H-Tech’s return policy allows cancellations within 24 hours of payment if the order is still pending, or if the order is delayed more than 10 days with no notification, or if the item is out of stock. Returns are accepted only for defective or incorrect items; change-of-mind returns are not accepted. To initiate a return, customers must post a request on the H-Tech forum within three days of receipt, attaching photos of the received product, and including the item code, order number, and reason. Items must be returned in their original condition with tags and packaging, along with a note containing the order number, name, and user ID. Even defective items must have all tags and labels intact. Customers must include all original package contents and any free gifts. For returns caused by the company’s fault, the company covers the shipping fee; otherwise, the customer is responsible. If EMS cash on delivery is not possible, customers may scan the return receipt and mail it with the item or post an image on the forum; the shipping fee will be refunded after the returned item arrives. If there is a missing item, the customer must contact customer service by phone or forum within one day of delivery and keep all original packaging.

Aftermarket Context

The Vanquish VS4-10 Origin is a popular RC crawling platform, and several companies offer upgrades for it. Vanquish Products itself sells its own Aluminum Origin Rock Sliders that fit all VS4-10 chassis vehicles and kits. According to the Vanquish product page, the package includes two rock sliders and eight M3x8mm cap head screws, but does not include the eight body retaining pieces. The Vanquish sliders are compatible with a wide range of models, including the Origin Classic, Origin Classic Pro (in plastic, black, and clear axle variants), Origin Half Cab (Pro and Ultra), and Origin Limited editions. Specific compatible model numbers listed include VPS09026A, VPS09026B, VPS09026C, VPS10187, VPS10116, VPS10121, VPS09001, VPS09002, VPS09003, VPS09004, VPS09005, and VPS09006.

The H-Tech sliders offer an alternative with a different aesthetic and CNC-machined construction, specifically for the Origin Classic and Origin Classic Pro models.

The H-Tech sliders are available now at h-techproduct.com for $59.00 a pair.