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First Look at the Batur in Miniature

Diecast collectors, get ready. Henson & Heaven has released the first preliminary grey-wear images of its upcoming 1:18 scale model of the Bentley Batur, and the early prototype already looks sharp.

The model will be made of resin and will be a sealed body—no opening parts. That’s a typical approach for high-end curbside replicas, where the priority is flawless surface finish and accurate proportions rather than working hinges.

Product Number TBD

Henson & Heaven has not yet assigned a product number for this release. That means pricing, preorder dates, and delivery timelines are still under wraps. For now, collectors can only study the grey-wear images and wait for the official product page to go live.

The Real Bentley Batur: More Than a Grand Tourer

The Bentley Batur is far from a routine model-car subject. Created by Director of Design Andreas Mindt and his team at Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, the Batur represents what the automaker calls “the start of a design revolution.” Limited to just 18 series examples, the Batur is a two-door grand touring coupé that showcases new design DNA that will ultimately guide Bentley’s future line of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).

Named after Lake Batur—an 88-metre-deep, 16-square-kilometre crater lake in Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia—the car features a hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing over 740 PS, making it the most powerful Bentley ever built. As the W12 enters its twilight years under Bentley’s Beyond100 electrification plan, the Batur serves as the first part of a celebration of the engine’s power and refinement.

The chassis is equally advanced: Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring. Mulliner’s in-house design team co-creates each Batur with its customer, using a specially-created visualiser that allows any part of the car to be customised in colour and surface finish, with endless material samples available. According to Bentley, the result is truly individual and limited only by the customer’s imagination. Bentley calls the Batur the most exclusive and most dynamic coupé it has ever produced.

Henson & Heaven’s Growing Lineup

Henson & Heaven is no stranger to high-end resin replicas. Australian retailer Prestige Model Cars lists previous Henson & Heaven releases across multiple scales—including a Ferrari LaFerrari in 1:18 (select your colour), a Lamborghini Aventador SV with Louis Vuitton pattern livery in 1:43, a Pagani Zonda F hard top in Black Carbon in 1:18, a Ferrari 488 Pista in Rosso Fuoco in 1:18, and a Porsche 911 992 GT3RS Manthey Racing in 1:18. Further releases from the brand include a Pagani Zonda R in 1:18 and a Ferrari F12tdf in 1:18. Many of those models are listed as sold out or on pre-order at the retailer, pointing to steady demand for the brand’s work. The Bentley Batur will join that lineup when it becomes available.

What’s Next

As of now, all we have are preliminary images and a “Product# TBD” designation. Henson & Heaven has not announced a retail price, an order date, or a delivery window for the 1:18 Bentley Batur. Collectors should keep an eye on Henson & Heaven’s news feed for the official product number and opening of orders. We’ll bring you updates as soon as more details land.

Just weeks before the official launch of the LEGO Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom set, early copies are revealing a troubling flaw: the Patrick Star minifigure’s new headpiece appears to be developing cracks.

Several reviewers and collectors have spotted hairline fractures on the back of Patrick’s large head element, raising questions about a potential manufacturing defect in one of the most anticipated LEGO releases of the year.

Cracks Appearing on Patrick Star Minifigure

The set, numbered 11386, is scheduled to hit shelves on September 1, 2026, priced at $219.99 / €209.99 / £189.99. It features 1,794 pieces and includes three minifigures: SpongeBob, Squidward, and Patrick Star — the latter sporting an all-new headpiece that forms his entire body.

According to a report from Jay’s Brick Blog, the site’s reviewer discovered a hairline crack on their Patrick minifigure after initially inspecting it for a review published on August 12. The crack was not present at the time of the review but appeared later, and it becomes invisible when the headpiece is removed from the torso. That observation suggests the issue may stem from excessive tension in the mold when the piece is attached to the body.

Other Early Copies Show Similar Marks

The problem is not isolated. Brickset reported a similar crack on its early review copy, described as larger and more dramatic. Instagram user Brick_guy42 shared images showing substantial cracking on both the head and arms of their Patrick figure. YouTuber Just2good also spotted a mark in the same location, though it was unclear whether it was a crack or a mold line.

However, not every copy is affected. Brick Fanatics examined its Patrick minifigure closely and found a similar mark, but determined that the surface was smooth and undamaged — just a trace from the molding process. The site’s reviewer noted that it’s impossible to tell whether that mark could eventually turn into a crack.

What Might Be Causing the Cracks?

The Patrick Star headpiece is a completely new element, and it’s made from Warm Pink, a color that only debuted in LEGO’s palette this year. Some observers speculate that the combination of a new mold design and a fresh plastic formulation could be creating stress points. The author of the Jay’s Brick Blog report noted that the crack disappears when the head is removed, reinforcing the theory that the torso connection puts too much pressure on the hollow part.

How Widespread Is the Problem?

It’s still too early to call this a widespread issue. The Jay’s Brick Blog author checked with four other early reviewers, and their Patrick minifigures were fine — at least for now. The available evidence points to a limited number of affected samples, but with the public launch still days away, more reports could emerge once the set reaches a wider audience.

LEGO has not issued any statement about the cracking reports, and the company has not announced any changes to the release date or the part itself. The official LEGO announcement from July 14 described the set as a celebration of SpongeBob Day and SpongeBob’s birthday, highlighting the detailed builds of Bikini Bottom landmarks.

What to Watch For

If you’ve pre-ordered the LEGO 11386 SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom set, or plan to pick one up on September 1, it’s worth giving your Patrick Star minifigure a close look right out of the box. The crack is reportedly tiny at first and may be hidden when the head is attached to the body. Removing the headpiece and inspecting the back of the element under good light might reveal any issues.

For now, the situation remains uncertain. The LEGO Group has been contacted by at least one reviewer, but no replacement program or part revision has been announced. Collectors and fans will be watching closely as the first wave of retail copies reaches customers in the coming days.

Garage 73, a retailer based in Quebec, has been named a Canadian retail partner for Amalgam Collection, the Bristol, UK maker of handmade large-scale model cars. Where the arrangement changes things for collectors in Canada is at the border, not at the workbench.

Orders placed directly from abroad have traditionally arrived with a customs invoice on the doorstep, a brokerage fee attached, and an exchange rate set by the card issuer on the day. Buying through Garage 73 presents a single Canadian-dollar price, with duties and taxes settled before shipping. No second bill lands on delivery.

There’s a language milestone as well. Since Garage 73 does business in English and French, Amalgam’s range is now offered in French to Quebec and francophone collectors for the first time. The first piece through the partnership is the McLaren W1 in 1:18 scale, finished in Papaya Spark (ref. M6350-SC1). The full catalogue is orderable, covering 1:18 and 1:8 road and race cars, 1:12 Formula 1 nosecones, and 1:4 steering wheels, all finished to the same standard as the cars. Each model is produced to order from CAD data supplied by the manufacturer and signed off by the marque. Edition sizes run in the hundreds rather than thousands, so most examples are commissioned rather than pulled from a shelf.

Amalgam’s own website currently shows the range’s breadth, featuring the Ferrari SF-26, the 1976 Hunt-v-Lauda championship machines, Ferrari Testarossa Berlinetta and Spider models, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR #722, the Porsche Carrera GT, race-weathered cars such as Gilles Villeneuve’s Ferrari 312 T4, and a Ferrari 499P collection.

Garage 73 founder Mathieu Forget says the goal is to remove the Canadian-side friction that keeps collectors from buying top-tier models.

“Amalgam is the top of this hobby, and the reason Canadians hesitate has never been the models — it’s the paperwork. My job is to make that part disappear.” — Mathieu Forget, Garage 73

What Garage 73 brings

Garage 73 started trading in 2025 and operates from Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, focusing on curated premium 1:18 and 1:12 collector models. The shop works directly with manufacturers including AUTOart, Kyosho, LCD, Exoto, KK-Scale, and Polistil. Forget, who races a 1981 Mazda RX-7 at Circuit Mont-Tremblant and runs the business on his own, says the person who chooses the models, answers the emails, and packs the boxes is the same person. He also keeps the catalogue deliberately short, skipping the multi-thousand-SKU approach in favour of pieces chosen for build quality, authenticity, and whether the car itself is worth remembering.

That personal approach extends to pricing. The Garage 73 site prices everything in Canadian dollars with duties and brokerage already covered, offers free shipping across Canada on orders above $300, dispatches in-stock items the same or next business day, and includes duties and taxes at checkout for U.S. orders. International orders are quoted by email.

Amalgam has worked with specialty retailers before. In 2019, Petrolicious announced a shop collaboration with the Bristol builder, offering a selection of 1:18 and 1:8 Amalgam models that included the Porsche 356A Speedster and Ferrari 330 P4 as exclusives.

For Canadian collectors, the new partnership also means a direct line for special requests. Buyers looking for a specific car, livery, or chassis number can contact Garage 73 through its website. The retailer also accepts model requests and will quote a price, give a timeframe, and offer a view on whether a piece is worth adding to a collection.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your “race-day” LiPo is actually faster than your backup pack, a new tool from RC Discharger aims to settle the debate. The company has released the RC Discharger Battery Benchmark software, along with a USB Benchmark Adapter, designed to give RC racers a repeatable, data-driven way to evaluate their batteries.

How It Works

The Battery Benchmark system runs automated charge and discharge routines while displaying live performance curves. Every test result is automatically archived, so you can compare packs across sessions. The software is available for both Windows and Android platforms.

On Windows, the setup is straightforward: plug your charger into any USB port, double-click the app, and the bench opens in your browser — nothing else to install.

For Android users, the process requires the USB Benchmark Adapter, which connects your tablet to an iCharger and enables automated test control and real-time telemetry logging. The adapter keeps a stable link even during long discharge cycles, which is crucial for consistent results in Stock or Modified racing.

Hardware Requirements

The Battery Benchmark software is exclusive to RC Discharger regenerative dischargers. It will not work with other brands. Additionally, the temperature sensor is mandatory — the software cannot run a test without it.

The adapter uses either a USB-C to USB-A cable (for iCharger X6, X8, X12, S6, DX6, DX8, DX12, 456DUO, 458DUO, and 4512DUO) or a Mini-USB to USB-A cable (for iCharger 308DUO, 406DUO, and 4010DUO). Cables are not included, and RC Discharger recommends keeping them short and undamaged for better stability. Route cables away from fans and moving tools to prevent sudden dropouts during logging.

Tablet Compatibility

Not every Android tablet will work. The system requires USB OTG/Host mode support, and RC Discharger has published a list of devices proven to deliver a solid USB link. They recommend choosing a modern tablet with at least 4 GB of RAM and Android 13 or newer.

Recommended models include:

• Galaxy Tab S10 FE (SM-X520) — verified with full runs on both channels.
• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite (SM-T220) — compact 8.7″ display that works well.
• Galaxy Tab A11+ — budget option with current Android and long-term updates.
• Galaxy Tab S10 Lite — mid-tier with a larger screen.
• Galaxy Tab Active 5 — rugged build, glove mode, and swappable battery for pit work.
• Galaxy Tab S11 / S11 Ultra — flagship performance for heavy logging.

Devices to skip:

• Galaxy Tab A8 (SM-X200) — known USB-C daughterboard issues that cause connect/disconnect loops.
• Amazon Fire tablets — not true Android OS for this workflow.
• Any device running Android 12 or older, or with less than 4 GB of RAM.

Before a long run, RC Discharger suggests closing unused apps to keep logging smooth.

What You Get Out of It

The software provides real-time data on discharge curves, voltage sag, internal resistance (IR), and performance trends. Internal resistance trends are particularly useful — they often predict fading power before it becomes obvious on the track. By spotting weak cells early, racers can retire underperforming packs and protect their best batteries.

The system also brings consistency to qualifying and mains: repeatable results let you rank packs without guesswork, so you choose the right battery for each round. Clean logs help you understand voltage sag and heat trends, such as when a pack drops early under load.

Availability

The RC Discharger Battery Benchmark software is available now for download from the RC Discharger website. The USB Benchmark Adapter is sold separately. Before purchasing, be sure to check the tablet compatibility list and confirm your iCharger model and cable requirements.

Die-cast collectors who have been watching for a miniature version of Ferrari’s futuristic Vision Gran Turismo concept will soon have two new color options. LMF is preparing to release a 1:64 scale model of the virtual hypercar in Metallic Red and Yellow, with availability expected in early September 2026.

What’s in the Box

According to details from the model maker, each miniature will include a removable glass or shield component. LMF has not yet assigned a product number to the release, leaving that detail as “TBD” for now.

The Red and Yellow variants join a previously listed Silver version of the same casting. That Silver model appeared online at the retailer JVK Toys under the SKU LMFFERVISSIL, suggesting LMF may be building a small series of Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo colors for the 1:64 die-cast market.

From Virtual World to Die-Cast Shelf

For those unfamiliar with the full-size inspiration, the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo was unveiled by the Prancing Horse in November 2022 at the Gran Turismo World Finals in Monte-Carlo. It is Maranello’s first concept car created exclusively for a video game, developed in partnership with Polyphony Digital for Gran Turismo 7.

Designed under the direction of Flavio Manzoni and the Ferrari Centro Stile, the car draws heavily on legendary Sports Prototypes from the 1960s and 1970s — particularly the 330 P3 and the 512 S. The aggressive, angular bodywork wraps around a 120-degree, 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, the same engine architecture found in the 296 GTB, 296 GTS, 296 GT3, and the 499P hypercar. In this virtual application, freed from racing regulations, the engine alone delivers 1,030 cv at 9,000 rpm. Three electric motors — one on the rear axle and one on each front wheel — add another 240 kW (326 cv), bringing total system output to 1,356 cv.

According to Ferrari, the Vision Gran Turismo serves not only as a virtual racer but as a “futuristic design manifesto” for the company’s future road and racing cars. The full-scale design study was displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from December 2022 through March 2023.

A Ferrari article noted that the Vision Gran Turismo project began when Gran Turismo founder Kazunori Yamauchi asked Ferrari: “Would you design your rendition of the ideal GT for us?” The result was Ferrari’s first-ever conceptual virtual model, aimed at extending access to its sports cars and driving thrills to a wider audience through the game.

Technical Specifications

The virtual concept’s specs are impressive. The V6 engine produces 900 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The hybrid system delivers a total of 1,100 Nm of rear torque from the combined internal combustion engine and MGU-K. The car’s dry weight is 1,250 kg with a weight distribution of 43.5% front and 56.5% rear. Ferrari quotes a top speed of over 350 km/h, a 0-100 km/h time of under 2.0 seconds, and a 0-200 km/h time of under 5.0 seconds. The Fiorano lap time is listed at less than 1 minute and 10 seconds.

The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo became available to all Gran Turismo 7 users starting December 23, 2022. Now, nearly four years later, LMF is bringing that digital design into the physical world at 1:64 scale. The Red and Yellow models are scheduled for release in early September 2026. LMF has not yet assigned a product number for these variants. A previously listed Silver version carries the SKU LMFFERVISSIL at retailer JVK Toys.

For years, NASCAR fans could watch the big race or play a video game, but they couldn’t easily drive a hobby-grade stock car of their own. Team Losi Racing has changed that with the launch of its new 1/12 scale NASCAR RC Race Car, a fully assembled, ready-to-run model that puts the thrill of oval racing into anyone’s hands right out of the box.

The first model in the lineup features the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey design driven by Justin Allgaier, and it’s built for speed and durability from the ground up. Priced at $199.99, the car comes with everything needed to hit the track—including the battery, charger, transmitter, and even the AA batteries for the radio.

Hobby-Grade, Not a Toy

Losi is making a clear distinction here: this is not a cheap toy. The car is built on a composite chassis with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, metal gears in the transmission and steering servo, and a powerful 28-turn brushed motor paired with a 25-amp electronic speed controller. A cooling fan keeps the motor from overheating during extended runs. The result is a top speed of over 20 mph straight from the factory.

“The Losi NASCAR RC Race Car isn’t like the toy remote control models you had as a kid,” the company states. “Hobby-quality RC is much more realistic, durable, and powerful, with sophisticated engineering derived from real vehicles that will last for years.”

Everything You Need, Nothing Else

One of the biggest selling points is that the car arrives fully assembled and finished. No building, no painting, no hunting for extra parts. The included Spektrum Smart 2S LiPo battery provides up to 20 minutes of run time on a full charge, and recharging takes less than an hour using the supplied USB-C charger. The Spektrum SLT2 2.4GHz radio allows multiple drivers to race together without frequency conflicts, and a built-in Rookie Mode on the transmitter limits throttle to 50% or 75%—perfect for beginners or younger drivers learning the ropes.

Built to Survive a Wreck

NASCAR racing is famous for contact, and Losi designed the car accordingly. A front splitter, rear diffuser, and nerf bars protect critical components during collisions. The independent suspension uses oil-filled, coil-over shocks, and the enclosed drivetrain keeps grit out while delivering power to all four wheels. Losi says the car is “designed tough to survive the big wreck,” and the use of high-quality hex hardware means stripped screws are less of a concern during maintenance.

Officially Licensed and Fully Customizable

The Allgaier No. 40 Traveller Whiskey livery is just one of several officially licensed designs available. Losi says the cars are produced under license from NASCAR itself, as well as the OEM brands Ford, Chevy, and Toyota. But the customization doesn’t stop at the paint job. Owners can adjust camber, change the shock package, swap differentials, and upgrade tires to tune the car for different surfaces.

For those who want a truly personal touch, Losi also sells clear, unpainted bodies that owners can finish with their own design. Replacement parts and performance upgrades are available through local hobby retailers or online, making long-term ownership practical.

The Spec Class Appeal

Losi’s NASCAR RC Race Car isn’t just a standalone product—it’s the centerpiece of a growing spec-class racing scene. Because every car in the lineup shares the same chassis and drivetrain, competition comes down to driver skill rather than expensive hop-ups. The car runs best on flat surfaces roughly 20 x 40 feet—concrete, asphalt, or prepared tennis and basketball courts all work well. A few cones can turn a parking lot into a miniature Daytona.

Given the low entry price and ready-to-run nature, Losi is betting that both longtime RC enthusiasts and NASCAR fans new to the hobby will find common ground on the track. The company notes that “no prior RC hobby experience is required” and emphasizes that the car offers “versatile AWD on-road performance that even experienced RC enthusiasts will admire.”

The Losi 1/12 NASCAR RC Race Car is available now through Horizon Hobby and its network of dealers. For more details, visit TLRacing.com.

Hitting an AI token limit at the worst possible moment is a frustration many users know all too well. One builder decided to turn that annoyance into a physical, desk-friendly solution.

Maker Cybernetic_Sasquatch created the Gemini AI Fuel Gauge, a homemade analog-style display that tracks the number of remaining tokens on a Gemini AI account. The build is simple in concept, but it solves a problem many power users face: losing track of how much AI fuel is left before starting a task.

A Single Datum, Made Physical

At its core, the gauge displays just one piece of information: the number of remaining tokens available for the targeted account. While a desktop widget could show the same number, the appeal of a physical meter in the real world is hard to beat for many hobbyists and builders.

Although the creator built it specifically for Gemini AI, the same concept could work for other popular large language models. Most LLMs give users a finite number of tokens to use within a set period, so a physical usage meter has broad potential for anyone juggling multiple AI subscriptions or trying to stretch their quota.

The Unique Gemini Challenge

Gemini presented a specific technical hurdle that the maker had to overcome: the API doesn’t provide direct information about usage. To work around this, the build uses Playwright, an automation tool normally meant for browser testing, to log into Gemini’s usage page and scrape the data from there.

Once scraped, the data is published by a Python-based HTTP server running in the background on the maker’s PC. This setup effectively creates a custom data pipeline for the gauge to consume.

Simple Hardware, Clever Execution

The gauge itself is built from common electronic components, making it an approachable project for anyone already comfortable with microcontroller builds. The hardware list includes:

• An Adafruit Metro ESP32-S3 development board
• A PCA9685 16-channel servo driver board connected via I2C
• An MG90S servo to rotate the needle

A white paper plate serves as the gauge body, with printed graphics glued to the front to create the face. The ESP32 pulls data from that HTTP server and moves the needle to match.

Software Alternatives for Token Tracking

For those who prefer digital solutions, several software tools provide similar visibility into AI token usage. The Claude Code Usage Monitor, for example, is a privacy-first companion for Claude Code that performs real-time monitoring with predictions and warnings. Its v4.0.0 update introduced an official-limit trust layer, machine-readable snapshot building, provenance labels for data confidence, and an opt-in local usage warehouse that preserves history beyond Claude’s 30-day cleanup period.

Another tool, tokentap, takes a different approach by intercepting LLM API traffic and visualizing token usage in a real-time terminal dashboard, complete with a visual fuel gauge showing cumulative usage against a limit.

There is also Token Use, which reads Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and Gemini history already stored on your machine to track usage and costs locally, breaking it down by cost, model, project, and tool.

Token Tracker monitors token usage across 34 AI coding tools and serves data from a local HTTP API, while Token Monitor is a desktop widget that shows live token usage and AI tool limits across 32+ tools with real-time multi-device sync.

From Desktop to Desk

Software-based monitors are plentiful, but the Gemini AI Fuel Gauge stands apart by bringing the data into the physical world. For Cybernetic_Sasquatch, the gauge is an answer to a very human problem. The comments on Reddit regarding AI use include criticism from some users. The creator’s approach nonetheless demonstrates a clever use of hobbyist skills to solve a practical software limitation with custom hardware.

The Big Switch

After six years of interactive, scan-and-play figures, LEGO Super Mario is making a dramatic pivot. At Gamescom in Cologne, the LEGO Group and Nintendo officially revealed the first wave of Super Mario sets built around classic minifigures. The announcement, made on August 26, 2026, marks a long-awaited shift for fans who have been clamoring for minifigure-scale builds since the theme launched in 2020.

The new lineup includes eight sets that range from a simple 61-piece pipe jump to an 850-piece castle showdown. Prices span from $9.99 to $99.99 USD, and the sets are designed for builders as young as 4 and up to 8+. The minifigures themselves feature Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Bowser Jr., and a bigfig Bowser, along with classic enemies like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Sidesteppers.

The Sets at a Glance

72052 Mario’s Pipe Jump ($9.99, 61 pieces) – Mario pops out of a Warp Pipe with a lever that catapults a Goomba out of the way. The build stands 8cm high and 11cm deep, aimed at ages 6+.

72054 Racing with Mario ($14.99, 84 pieces) – A compact kart with a built-in shell launcher, plus cone and banana obstacles. The kart measures 7cm long, 5cm wide, and 4cm high.

72055 Mario’s Beach Adventures ($19.99, 196 pieces) – A beach scene with a bar, deckchair, wave, and a Sidestepper. Mario wears swimming shorts. The bar measures 11cm high, 9cm long, and 8cm wide.

72056 Luigi & Bowser Jr.’s Race ($29.99, 104 pieces) – This racing duel features Luigi in a Rally Kart and Bowser Jr. in a Charging Truck. It is the first LEGO Super Mario set for ages 4+.

72057 Yoshi at Mario’s House ($39.99, 147 pieces) – Yoshi visits Mario’s house, which includes a garden, bedroom, kitchen, and a green slide between floors. Also for ages 4+.

72058 Bowser’s Rumbling Race ($59.99, 409 pieces) – Bowser takes the wheel in the Bowser Bruiser, joined by Toad in a Zoom Buggy, Goomba in a Biddybuggy, and a brick-built Cow on the Tune Thumper. Each kart features shell launchers and fire-ball flinging. Ages 7+.

72060 Fire Mario & Bowser’s Castle ($99.99, 850 pieces) – The largest set of the wave. Fire Mario must rescue Peach from Bowser’s fortress, which includes lava balls, hidden traps, and a treasure chest. The castle measures 26cm high, 36cm wide, and 17cm deep. Ages 8+.

72061 Fire Luigi vs. Koopa Troopa Battle ($29.99, 241 pieces) – Fire Luigi faces off against a Koopa Troopa around a castle tower with a cannon launcher. The tower is 17cm high, 14cm wide, and 10cm deep. Ages 7+.

A New Era for LEGO Super Mario

The move to minifigures is a significant departure from the earlier interactive system, which used brick-built characters with LCD screens and barcode scanners. The new sets focus on creative roleplay and storytelling, offering a more traditional LEGO experience.

“This is an amazing celebration of our partnership with Nintendo, bringing Super Mario to LEGO minifigure form feels like the start of something special,” said Patrick Otley, Design Manager at the LEGO Group. “Giving kids what they want and need to build and create their own stories and adventures was our ambition, extending and enhancing playtime through these iconic characters.”

The collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo dates back to 2020, and the new minifigure wave opens up possibilities for cross-theme customization. The sets include new elements such as turtle shells, question mark blocks, and stickers.

Availability

All eight sets are scheduled to launch on January 1, 2027 and will be available through LEGO.com, LEGO stores, and select retailers worldwide. The retirement dates vary: most sets will be on shelves until December 31, 2028, while the Fire Luigi vs. Koopa Troopa Battle set is listed with a retirement date of July 31, 2029.

FTX RC has announced the Nitro Khaos RTR Truggy, a 1/10-scale 4WD nitro model that adds an internal-combustion variant to the Khaos platform. Big Squid RC’s coverage of the announcement emphasizes the sensory side of the model: noise, exhaust smell, and smoke are all part of the package. The CML Distribution listing leads with the tagline “Noise, Smell And Power.” The factory-built package is called 99% Ready-To-Run, but buyers still need to add fuel, a fuel bottle, a glow starter, and four AA transmitter batteries before the first start.

Aluminum Foundation, Nitro Heart

The truck is built around a 3mm blue-anodized 6061/T6 aluminum main chassis, with a shaft-driven 4WD transmission. Power comes from a SH .21 (3.48cc) pull-start 2-stroke nitro engine with a 3-shoe clutch and a polished aluminum tuned pipe and manifold. The exhaust parts are installed at the factory, and the clutch is meant to engage smoothly as engine speed rises.

The drivetrain relies on metal throughout: front and rear geared differentials with metal gears, metal crown and pinion gears, front and rear universal CVA driveshafts, and 12mm aluminum wheel hexes. Front and rear center chassis braces add support, and the gearbox layout is designed to keep the center of gravity low. Full ball bearings are used throughout the truck.

Suspension, Steering, and Stopping

Stopping power comes from dual disc brakes. The suspension uses long-travel arms, adjustable big-bore oil-filled shocks, lightweight high-impact arms, and blue-anodized aluminum front and rear suspension mounts. Owners can adjust the upper link turnbuckles, steering turnbuckles, droop, camber, toe-in, and wheelbase. A high-impact front bumper is ready for an optional LED light set.

The model also includes an enclosed receiver box and an aluminum servo tray. The balanced layout puts the engine and fuel tank opposite the receiver box and servo tray, while the Etronix 9kg metal-geared waterproof steering servo handles the steering.

99% Ready-To-Run

The CML Distribution listing describes the truck as 99% Ready-To-Run. According to the listing, the engine, tuned pipe, and manifold are already fitted, the Etronix EX4M 4-channel 2.4GHz radio system is installed, and the aggressive bodyshell is fully finished in orange. A 125cc fuel tank is part of the package, sized for longer running between refills. FTX also lists a wide range of option parts for the Nitro Khaos.

To get the engine started, the owner needs to supply:

• four AA batteries for the transmitter
• nitro fuel
• a fuel bottle
• a glow starter

Make It Build It, a UK retailer with a separate nitro off-road range, says nitro cars burn a fuel blend of methanol, nitromethane, and lubricant, with a glow plug providing ignition. That fuel mixture is what gives the Nitro Khaos its smoke and smell when the SH .21 is running. The retailer adds that off-road nitro cars can be used on different terrains in all weathers, and that dirt jumps can be a lot of fun.

Specs and Availability

The model is 485mm long, 340mm wide, and 175mm tall, with a 325mm wheelbase. Tires are listed as 120mm by 70mm, the gear ratio is 9.7:1, and the truck weighs 3,000g.

CML Distribution lists the model as the FTX Khaos 1/10 Nitro 4WD Truggy RTR with .21 Engine in Orange. The same distributor’s .21 engine range includes units from Fastrax, HoBao, and Team Associated. More details are available through the official FTX RC website.

If you race a Tekno NB48 2.2 or EB48 2.2 buggy, there’s a fresh set of aluminum upgrades hitting the shelves. J&T Bearing Company just released a line of C and D blocks designed specifically for the wide-pivot suspension setup, and they’re available right now.

Quick-Change D Block Saves Pit Time

The star of the new lineup is the Quick Change Wide D Block. Unlike the stock part, J&T’s version ditches the machined locating key. That means you can slide the block out for removal without loosening every lower differential case screw. The company says the D block’s mounting positions provide enough strength on their own, so the key isn’t needed. The result? Faster maintenance without giving up durability.

The D block is CNC machined from high-quality 7075 aluminum, finished in black anodizing with precision-chamfered edges. A laser-etched J&T logo completes the look. Price: $22.99.

Two C Block Geometry Options

J&T also dropped two new C block variants: the “Wide -1” and “Wide -2.” These are described as precision-machined replacement options, designed for Tekno’s wide pivot suspension setup.

The -1 and -2 geometries give racers an additional tuning option. They’re designed to work with either J&T’s own Wide D Block or the stock Tekno Wide D Block. Each C block costs $22.99.

Part of a Growing J&T Ecosystem

This isn’t J&T’s only recent move for Tekno RC. The same manufacturer recently introduced lowered shock towers in split and connected versions. According to the product announcement, the shock towers were designed based on the current geometry, with some areas of added webbing for slightly more strength. They are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a natural finish and feature chamfered edges. The towers match the B/D height geometry and are available in split versions (recommended for lower grip and/or bumpy tracks) and connected versions (best for high grip smooth tracks).

And if you’re thinking about the wide-pivot conversion, you’ll need the right suspension arms. The TKR9184W rear wide-pivot arms are designed and required for use with these wide pivot C/D blocks. According to product information from Coast2Coast RC, the arms deliver increased rear support and stability on medium to high-grip tracks, and the wide pivot setup enhances precision during quick direction changes and improves throttle control, giving the buggy a more planted feel.

What’s Available and Where

The new C and D blocks are in stock now. You can order them through ProMotionRC, J&T’s retail channel. All three parts—the Quick Change Wide D Block, the -1 C Block, and the -2 C Block—carry the same $22.99 price tag. The Quick Change Wide D Block is designed specifically for the Tekno NB48 2.2 and EB48 2.2 models. The C blocks are designed for the same platform and add a simple, high-quality upgrade that increases setup options. For additional tuning, the shock towers mentioned above are available in split and connected versions and are also accessible through J&T’s retail channel.