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MINI GT is back with a fresh batch of 1:64 die-cast announcements, and the headliner this time is a brand-new tooling: the Honda Prelude. It’s the first time MINI GT has produced this iconic Japanese sports coupe in 1:64 scale, and it’s arriving in Rallye Red in both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) configurations.

The Prelude joins a lineup that spans BMW, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Nissan — offering something for nearly every collector.

The Full Roster of New Releases

Here’s the complete list of announced models, straight from MINI GT’s latest product drop:

• BMW M3 M Performance Touring (MGT01319-L / MGT01319-R) — Riviera Blue, available in LHD and RHD
• Honda Prelude (MGT01317-L / MGT01317-R) — Rallye Red, LHD and RHD, new tooling
• Lamborghini LB-Silhouette WORKS MURCIELAGO GT Evo Fighter (MGT01314-L) — a wild widebody variant
• McLaren MP4/4 #11 Alain Prost 1988 Canadian Grand Prix 2nd Place (MGT01315-L) — celebrating Prost’s race at Montreal
• McLaren F1 GTR 1995 Presentation (MGT01318-L) — the legendary endurance racer in presentation trim
• Nissan Fairlady Z VeilSide FFZ400 (MGT01316-L / MGT01316-R) — Ikazuchi Yellow, LHD and RHD

The variety is strong: a BMW touring wagon, a classic JDM coupe, a tuned Lamborghini, and two race-spec McLarens. The VeilSide Fairlady Z and the LB Murcielago are particular standouts for fans of tuner culture.

Behind the New Tooling: The Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude model marks a significant addition to MINI GT’s growing lineup of Japanese classics. Retailers such as Little Lucas Toys have already listed the Prelude as a pre-order with an estimated arrival in Q4 2026. That timeline puts the model roughly six months out from the announcement, which is standard for MINI GT production cycles. Collectors eager to secure one can place pre-orders now, with full payment required upfront.

MINI GT’s Busy 2026

This announcement arrives amid a flurry of activity for the brand. Earlier this year, MINI GT took home the Lamley Awards 2025 Model of the Year for its Porsche 911 GT3 R #80 “Roxy” — a recognition that underscores the brand’s reputation for detail and accuracy in 1:64 scale.

MINI GT has also been expanding its partnerships. A new Fast & Furious collection is in the works, bringing movie-iconic vehicles to the scale. The brand also teamed up with DS Drift Show, a renowned Brazilian drift team, for the 2026 season, and it celebrated its presence at MDX 2026 in Malaysia.

On the events front, MINI GT and its sister brand Kaido House are hosting One Night in China 2026, a special evening in Beijing for collectors, fans, and the die-cast community. The brand also exhibited at Hobby Expo China 2026 at the Beijing Exhibition Center, showing off upcoming models and special displays.

Additionally, MINI GT partnered with the 24 Hours of Daytona for the first time, producing a limited-edition Ford Mustang GT3 #26 Daytona Edition available exclusively through the Daytona official store and trackside shops during the Rolex 24 weekend.

What to Watch For

With the Honda Prelude as the headline new tooling and a diverse assortment ranging from a BMW wagon to a race-winning McLaren, this summer’s announcement slate is packed. Pre-orders are already open through various retailers, with the Prelude and other models expected to ship in the fourth quarter of this year. Keep an eye on MINI GT’s official channels and partner retailers for final release dates and potential surprises.

Yokomo has officially launched its AE86 Custom Assembly Series, giving drift fans the chance to build the exact Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno they’ve always wanted. The new lineup, announced by Team Yokomo, centers on 1/10 scale polycarbonate body sets designed for the company’s drift chassis.

Four Body Variants, Endless Configurations

The series covers four distinct body sets: Levin 2-door (SD-AE86L2B), Levin 3-door (SD-AE86L3B), Trueno 2-door (SD-AE86T2B), and Trueno 3-door (SD-AE86T3B). Each clear, unpainted shell comes with optional parts that allow builders to mix and match components like grilles, lights, and taillights. This means you can recreate different versions of the iconic AE86 without buying multiple complete kits.

According to Team Yokomo, the Custom Assembly Series is built around the idea of choice. “This is the AE86 Custom Assembly series, which includes the body and optional parts, allowing you to recreate various models by choosing from options such as the grille, lights, and taillights,” the company stated.

Aero Parts and Lighting Kits Sold Separately

For those who want to push their build further, Yokomo has also released dedicated aero parts sets for each variant. These optional upgrades include a front spoiler, rear spoiler, side skirts, and fog lights, giving the shell a more aggressive, tuned appearance. The aero kits are available under product numbers SD-AE86L2P, SD-AE86L3P, SD-AE86T2P, and SD-AE86T3P, matching the corresponding body sets.

Separate LED light sets are also available for each model, though specific product numbers for those were not detailed in the announcement. All aero and lighting components are sold separately from the base body sets.

A Drift Icon Reborn in Scale

The AE86, whether in Levin or Trueno form, holds legendary status in drift and touge culture. Yokomo’s Custom Assembly Series taps directly into that heritage by offering faithful reproductions of both front-end styles. The Trueno’s pop-up headlights and the Levin’s fixed-head design are both represented, letting builders choose their preferred look.

Each body set is made from unpainted polycarbonate, requiring trimming and painting before mounting on a compatible Yokomo drift chassis. The 1/10 scale format ensures the shells fit the company’s existing platform, making them a straightforward upgrade for current Yokomo drift car owners.

Pre-Order History and Availability

Pre-orders for the Custom Assembly Series body sets and aero parts opened earlier this year, with an estimated arrival date of end of April 2026 and a pre-order close date of April 19, 2026, according to retailer BanzaiHobby. The official announcement from Team Yokomo, accompanied by a video, arrived on June 16, 2026.

Building Your Personal Initial D Tribute

With four body variants, optional aero packages, and LED lighting kits, the Custom Assembly Series offers a level of customization that goes beyond a standard replacement shell. Whether you’re aiming for a clean street-spec Levin, a battle-scarred Trueno tribute, or something entirely unique, the series provides the building blocks.

Yokomo’s approach lets drift enthusiasts assemble a car that matches their personal vision without needing to source aftermarket parts from multiple manufacturers. The combination of body, aero, and lighting options under one product umbrella simplifies the build process for both newcomers and experienced builders.

For more details, including the full product video, visit Team Yokomo.com.

Traxxas has dropped a major update for three of its most iconic RC platforms, introducing the new VX3 Velinion Brushless 3S Power System across updated versions of the Slash, Rustler, and Stampede models. The announcement, confirmed by a video release from Traxxas and detailed in official product materials, signals a significant refresh for these 1/10-scale workhorses.

A New Heart for Classic Rigs

At the core of this update is the VX3 electronic speed control paired with the Velineon V3200 brushless motor. The VX3 is a fully waterproof ESC designed from the ground up to handle the punch of 2S and 3S LiPo batteries, delivering what Traxxas calls “tire-shredding brushless horsepower.” Notably, the system does not support NiMH batteries, a clear shift toward modern LiPo power.

This isn’t just a rebadge of older tech. The VX3 introduces a suite of features aimed at improving performance and durability. A large aluminum heat sink with support for an external cooling fan aims to keep temperatures down during hard runs, addressing a common pain point for 3S bashers. The system also includes High-Resolution Linear Braking, promising smoother and more precise stopping power.

Programmability and Telemetry

The VX3 retains Traxxas’s EZ-Set one-button programming and offers three selectable drive profiles:

• Sport Mode — forward, brake, and reverse
• Race Mode — forward and brake only
• Training Mode — 50% forward power, brake, and 50% reverse (patented)

For drivers wanting real-time data, the system provides built-in telemetry accessible through the Traxxas Link app, allowing users to monitor performance metrics on the fly.

The V3200 Motor: Built for 3S

Complementing the ESC is the Velineon V3200 brushless motor, a 3200Kv design optimized for 3-cell LiPo power. It features ultra-high-temperature sintered Neodymium magnets for massive torque and an internal cooling fan to maintain consistent power during extended runs. The motor’s 5mm output shaft and low-maintenance design round out a package engineered for durability.

Six Models Get the Upgrade

The new VX3 system arrives installed in updated versions of Slash, Rustler, and Stampede vehicles, available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. This gives buyers a total of six refreshed models to choose from, covering short-course trucks, stadium trucks, and monster trucks. The update spans a wide spectrum—from the balanced Traxxas Slash 4X4 Brushless to the wilder, wheelie-prone Stampede 2WD Brushless.

Addressing Cooling and Performance

RC Driver magazine noted that the VX3 system is “not just a quick rework of a previous motor system,” but has been “redesigned and comes loaded with high-tech features and the raw power required for wheels-up, 60+ mph performance.” The focus on improved cooling and efficiency is expected to translate into longer run times and more consistent performance, especially for drivers running hard on 3S LiPo packs.

A Clear Modern Direction

Industry observers have noted that the VX3 lineup sits between Traxxas’s older BL-2S and VXL-3S systems, offering a unified 2S/3S LiPo platform for its most popular models. The upgrade is seen as a response to both driver demand for better cooling and stronger out-of-the-box electronics, and to competitive pressure in the RTR brushless market.

For more details, Traxxas has posted full information on its Velineon 3S Brushless Power System page.

CMC has done it again: a 1:18 scale Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) that overflows with materials, moving parts, and intricate engineering. But in their quest to cram an astonishingly detailed engine under the bonnet, the German model maker has made a controversial trade-off that has the collector community buzzing.

A Model Built for the Obsessive

This isn’t a model for the casual buyer. CMC’s latest release is aimed squarely at collectors who know the real car inside out and demand accuracy down to the last bolt. And in many ways, it delivers.

The model comes with a toolkit that lets you actually loosen the wheel nuts and perform a roadside tire change using the spare in the boot. The metal hubcaps attach separately. The door handles swing out. The ashtray opens. The sun visors move. The metal windscreen wipers can be lifted away from the glass—a detail that would snap on lesser models.

Leather isn’t just slapped on the seats. CMC uses real leather on the seats, dashboard, and center tunnel, and even perforated leather on the headliner of the detachable hardtop. Behind the folding leather seats, a collapsed cloth soft top is tucked away. The carpeting extends into the boot.

The Hardtop Puzzle

The detachable hardtop is a study in itself. Getting it off requires a careful process: force the front off the metal ball pins on the windscreen, then lift the rear hinges and slide it out. Once removed, it can be replaced with a leather-trimmed tarpaulin flap included in the box. Without the hardtop, the two ball-topped pins on the chromed windscreen frame are left exposed, a design choice that one reviewer noted would have been more aesthetically pleasing if replaced with magnets.

The Engine Bay Trade-Off

Here’s where things get interesting. The original 300 SL Roadster has an incredibly tight engine bay. CMC has attempted to scale down more details under the bonnet than any competitor, and most collectors will be overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of tiny components.

But a sharp-eyed collector on modelcarforum.de dug deeper. He found a flat piece with a hole behind the engine block where two chassis struts meet, joined by two silver screws. It looked like something was supposed to be screwed into place. Comparing it to his Minichamps 300 SL Roadster and photos of the original car, he concluded that chassis struts are missing. When he tried to add tiny screws into the existing mounting points, the bonnet would no longer close.

CMC Responds

The forum community determined these structural struts, vital on the original car, are absent on all of CMC’s 300 SL Roadsters—not a QC issue, but a design compromise. Diecastsociety.com reached out to CMC’s general manager, Markus Mohn, for comment.

Mohn stated that the strut had to be sacrificed to accommodate the engine in all its detail, because the engine wouldn’t have fit past the strut. He explained that even on the real car, the strut must be removed to install the engine. He said he did not want to fit a “fake strut” that didn’t lead to a mounting point below.

Mohn also pointed out that other manufacturers simplify in different ways. For example, Paul’s Model Art / Minichamps does not include the VDO temperature sensors on the cooling water pipes that the CMC model has—though those sensors don’t appear on period photos of most 300 SL Roadsters.

The Collector’s Dilemma

Mohn closed his email expressing hope that collectors will appreciate the model for all its details. He confirmed that all upcoming versions of the 300 SL Roadster will be identical under the bonnet. The question remains: can a detail-obsessed collector look past this omission and pay the premium CMC asks, or would they prefer a NOREV version at an RRP less than 20% of the CMC? The model is currently available in a limited edition of 1,500 pieces (item No. M-282) for the red Roadster variant, with a 1,000-piece edition also listed by some retailers.

Kyosho is bringing a legendary Japanese supercar to the palm of your hand. The company has announced a new Mini-Z Readyset based on the Honda NSX 130R, riding on the latest MR-04 rear-wheel-drive chassis. The fully licensed model is set to start shipping in July, and it’s already generating buzz among micro RC enthusiasts.

Ready to Run Right Out of the Box

Like other Mini-Z Readyset packages, this one comes with everything you need to hit the track immediately. The set includes a factory-assembled chassis, a pre-painted and decaled body, and a Syncro KT-531P 2.4GHz transmitter. You’ll just need to add eight AAA batteries – four for the car and four for the radio – and you’re racing.

The model is available in two colorways: 130R White and Yellow Pearl. Both feature a high-quality paint finish that Kyosho says meets display-model standards, with decals already applied.

The MR-04 Chassis: A Major Step Forward

Kyosho describes the MR-04 as a significant evolution from the previous MR-03 platform. The rear-wheel-drive layout separates the steering and drive systems for more realistic handling. A new circuit board with a redesigned control program promises dramatically improved steering feel.

The chassis uses a geared differential for smooth cornering and comes fully ball-bearing equipped (seven bearings in total). The wheelbase is 98.0mm, and the overall width is 75.0mm (the body itself measures 78.0mm wide according to the primary article). Length is 167.5mm and height is 46.0mm, with the complete car weighing just 163g.

Transmitter and Tuning Features

The bundled Syncro KT-531P transmitter offers steering and throttle trim, dual-rate steering angle adjustment, and a Training Mode that limits speed for beginners – it’s even set to Training Mode by default. The radio uses FHSS 2.4GHz technology and is not compatible with older ASF/MHS/FHS systems.

For those who want extra stability, an optional gyro unit (part #MZW711) can be installed. The gyro effect is adjustable via an onboard dial on the chassis, and if you upgrade to the KT-432PT transmitter (sold separately), you can tweak settings from the radio. The chassis also includes a light unit connection for optional LED lights.

What’s in the Box?

Kyosho packs the Readyset with plenty of extras:

• Factory-assembled MR-04W-MM chassis with pre-painted body
• Syncro KT-531P transmitter
• Front tread adjustment parts set
• Pinion gears: 6T, 7T, 8T, 9T
• Spare nuts, wheel wrench, pinion gear tool
• Tires and wheels

The car is compatible with a wide range of Mini-Z Racer optional parts, so upgrading and tuning down the road is straightforward.

Pricing and Availability

The Kyosho Honda NSX 130R RWD Mini-Z carries a European price of €234 (roughly $275 USD) and a North American MSRP of $189.99 according to Kyosho America’s listing. The product number is #K.32376W for the white version and #K.32376Y for the Yellow Pearl.

Kyosho says the model will begin shipping in July. Given its iconic subject and the updated MR-04 chassis, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated micro-scale releases of the summer.

The 2026 LEGO Inside Tour exclusive set has been revealed, and it takes collectors straight back to the company’s origins. 4000049 Vintage LEGO Logo is a brick-built, drum-lacquered gold reproduction of the first LEGO logo, created by founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen in 1946. The logo appeared on many of LEGO’s early wooden toys from 1946 to 1950 and is one of only two LEGO logos to feature the birthplace of LEGO, Billund, Denmark. The model marks two major anniversaries: 80 years since that first logo and 90 years for the LEGO name itself, which was coined in 1936 from the Danish “Leg Godt” (“play well”). The LEGO Group published an article on the 90-year history of the LEGO name in February 2026.

A Drawer Full of Hidden History

The model isn’t just a static logo on a display stand. It features a pull-out drawer with four compartments, each holding a printed tile of a different historical LEGO logo and a corresponding microbuild that reflects a significant LEGO product from that era. The entire model uses 1,614 pieces, many in metallic gold, with several newly introduced elements.

• 1936 – The first official LEGO name logo, paired with a microbuild of a wooden roadster that was new to the lineup that year.
• 1953 – A logo from the 1950s, accompanied by the LEGO man mascot, a cartoon character used in early advertising and on boxes.
• 1964 – A logo from the mid-1960s, matched with a micro version of the motorized Train 113, which debuted in 1966.
• 1973 – The logo that closely resembles today’s design, alongside a microbuild of the 310 Tugboat, a set that could float with a weight attached.

The set arrives in a paper sleeve that includes a group photo of the tour participants who received that specific copy. The back of the box provides information about the significance of the LEGO logo and name.

Designed by LEGO Icons

The set was designed by Markus Rollbühler, known for his work on the Ninjago City models, based on a sketch model by Stuart Harris. Harris was the Master Model Builder at LEGO House before stepping down from that role in January 2026 to take on new responsibilities within the LEGO Group, making this one of his final projects. The inside of the box includes a presentation that credits both designers. Justin Ramsden has since taken over as the new Master Model Builder at LEGO House.

The Ultimate Collector’s Item

LEGO Inside Tour sets are among the rarest in the hobby. Since 2005, the company has run the three-day behind-the-scenes experience in Billund, Denmark, with far more applicants than spots. Each fan can attend only once in their lifetime, and production of the exclusive set is limited to a few hundred copies. Many participants keep theirs as a personal memento.

Unsurprisingly, those that do reach the secondary market command huge prices. The Brick Fan reported that the Vintage LEGO Logo was already selling for around $10,000 shortly after the first tours concluded. According to the same report, the price may drop slightly as more copies become available, but it is not expected to decline significantly. The set is never sold at retail, making it a true collector’s grail.

What’s Next

For fans hoping to experience the LEGO Inside Tour, registrations for the 2027 tour typically open at the end of the year. The three-day tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at LEGO Group headquarters. Past participants have described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Interested applicants are advised to follow LEGO’s social media or subscribe to newsletters for notification when registration opens.

Team Associated just lit a fuse under the RC10 collector market with a drop that’s as rare as it gets. The company has unveiled a limited-edition Gold Vein Chassis Set for the iconic RC10 buggy, and the production run is a stark 35 pieces worldwide. If you’re a vintage racer or a serious collector, this is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it releases.

A Powder-Coated Tribute to 35 Championships

The Gold Vein set is a deliberate nod to Team Associated’s racing legacy. The company has racked up 35 IFMAR world titles, and this chassis set celebrates that milestone by matching the number of units to the number of championships. Each set is individually serialized, meaning every one of the 35 kits carries a unique identifier.

“With 35 IFMAR titles to date, Team Associated is second to none. And this storied racing heritage wouldn’t be possible without the iconic RC10.” — Team Associated press release

The contents include the chassis, nose plate, and motor plate, all finished in a striking textured gold vein powder coat. According to Team Associated, the coating is applied in the USA and each piece is hand-finished, so no two sets are exactly alike. The textured finish gives the aluminum parts a rugged, almost organic look that stands out from standard anodized or painted parts.

Which RC10 Models Fit?

Compatibility is broad across the RC10 family tree. Team Associated says the Gold Vein chassis set works with eight different editions: the RC10CC, the Classic 40th Anniversary, the Jay Halsey Edition, the 40th Anniversary Green Edition, the Team Car Gold Edition, the Graphite Kit, the Metallic Edition, and the Brian Kinwald Edition. That covers everything from modern rereleases to classic anniversary builds, so whether you’re restoring a vintage racer or tricking out a shelf queen, this set is a direct fit.

Price and Availability

Pricing on this limited run carries a slight discrepancy across reports. The initial announcement from Team Associated lists the set at $139 under part number #6306, while some hobby outlets—such as RC Car Action—note a price of $139.99. Given the standard industry practice of manufacturer-suggested pricing versus retail markup, the actual amount paid may vary by seller. With only 35 units in existence, availability is essentially zero once the first wave of orders clears. The set is sold through Team Associated’s usual distribution channels, but given the run size, enthusiasts will likely need to act fast.

Collector Significance

Team Associated positions this set as a must-have for RC10 collectors and vintage racers. The serialized nature and hand-finished, one-of-a-kind texture add to its appeal. Each chassis is unique within the run, making every unit a distinct piece of RC history. The set commemorates 35 championships won with the RC10 platform, which debuted in the 1980s and became one of the most successful competition buggies in RC history. This Gold Vein set isn’t a full car kit—it’s a drop-in upgrade or collector’s item for those who already own one of the compatible chassis. But for fans of the brand and the buggy that started it all, it offers a direct link to 35 years of championship history.

The part number is #6306, and interested buyers should check with their preferred Team Associated retailer for final pricing and availability.

If you thought Ferrari limited editions were only for the super-rich, think again — but only barely. MR Collection has just announced a run of just five examples of its Ferrari 488 Pista Spider model, each finished in striking Giallo Modena with Italian racing stripes. The price? North of €500 per piece.

It’s the kind of release that separates casual collectors from the committed — and at that volume, you can bet these will vanish before most enthusiasts even see the product page.

A Model with Pedigree

MR Collection isn’t some garage operation. The company is an official licensee for Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, and serves as an official supplier at major international car shows and world premieres. They also produce models for Ferrari’s exclusive Contact Plan, crafting 1:43 scale replicas that match the exact colors and specifications of cars bought by Ferrari customers. On top of that, MR Collection models are sold in Ferrari stores worldwide. This new edition carries that same factory-backed authenticity.

While the exact scale of this new release hasn’t been confirmed, MR Collection’s catalogue heavily features 1:18 scale replicas — the same size as their other Ferrari 488 Pista Spider editions — so collectors can expect a substantial piece.

The Real Car Behind the Miniature

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is no ordinary drop-top. First unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2018, it’s the most powerful open-top production Ferrari ever built. Its 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 churns out 720 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and on to a top speed of 340 km/h. That engine was voted “Engine of the Year” three years running — 2016, 2017, and 2018 — and holds the record for the most powerful V8 ever fitted to a road-going Ferrari.

The Pista Spider also boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 1.92 kg/hp, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and Alcantara inside and out. It’s the 50th open-top model in Ferrari’s history, combining race-bred technology with the thrill of al fresco driving. The real car lapped Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in 1’21.5″.

This model captures all of that aggression and elegance in a miniature form, right down to the distinctive Giallo Modena yellow paint and the tricolor Italian stripes that run across the body.

Allocating the Few

With only five units on offer, allocation will be the name of the game. The product code for this edition is FE026AT3. Pricing begins above the €500 mark, which positions it firmly in the high-end collector space — but for a car as iconic as the 488 Pista Spider, and with such extreme scarcity, the price tag is unlikely to scare off serious buyers.

MR Collection has not announced whether additional color variants or production runs are planned. For now, these five models are it.

The Collector’s Take

For scale model enthusiasts, this release ticks all the right boxes: a legendary subject, official licensing, a bold color scheme, and a production run so tight it makes most “limited editions” look common. Whether you plan to display it under plexiglass or flip it on the secondary market, getting your hands on one will require speed and probably a pre-order trigger finger.

Keep an eye on MR Collection’s official channels for availability — because with just five pieces, there’s no time to hesitate.

Exotek Racing just dropped a fresh way to repurpose one of its top-tier Formula chassis kits. The company has announced the F1ULTRA R5 Group C Conversion Kit, a bolt-on package that transforms the already track-dominating F1ULTRA R5 into a full-blown, 200mm-wide Group C race car.

The idea is simple: take everything that makes the R5 a cutting-edge 1/10 F1 platform, widen it up, and let it accept the iconic, high-downforce bodies from Tamiya’s Group C lineup. The result is a car that looks the part of a 1980s prototype racer and handles like a modern RC machine.

What’s in the Kit?

The conversion kit is designed specifically for the Exotek F1ULTRA R5 (either the standard R5 or the R5 CW Carpet Works edition). It widens the chassis to a full 200mm — the standard width for many 1/10 touring and sports car bodies — and opens up compatibility with any Tamiya Group C body shell. According to Exotek, that bodywork provides “amazing scale looks and incredible handling thanks to the high downforce body work.”

Running the conversion also requires Tamiya Group C foam tires and wheels, which are part of the Tamiya Group C kit. In essence, you take your existing R5 platform, add the conversion parts, drop on a Group C body, and head to the track with a completely different driving character.

The F1ULTRA R5 Platform

The base R5 chassis is already a serious piece of engineering. Exotek describes it as “lighter, leaner and meaner” than its predecessor. It rides on an extra-narrow 72mm one-piece carbon chassis that reduces scrub through corners. The patented floating pod rear suspension eliminates the center ball pivot, allowing more chassis roll for higher corner speeds. Three oil-filled shocks with machined bodies provide smooth damping, while a high-performance ball diff with a carbon-fiber axle and oversized bearings keeps the drivetrain slick.

Other standout features include a double spring top shock for increased forward bite, a simplified direct-steering design for precise feel, adjustable camber and caster via turnbuckles, and a 4-position battery tray for tuning weight bias. The R5 also gets a high-downforce rear wing set and a heavier-duty front wing, which double-bolt mounts keep rigid. All of this adds up to a kit that Exotek says is “cutting edge high-performance” and “a perfected race machine.”

Carpet or Group C?

For racers who prefer high-grip indoor surfaces, Exotek already offers the F1ULTRA R5 CW (Carpet Works) edition. That variant uses a 3.0mm rigid carbon chassis, an inline battery layout for carpet tracks, and a lighter rear pod. The new Group C conversion kit works with both the standard R5 and the CW version, so whether you run on asphalt or carpet, you can switch to a wider Group C setup without buying a whole new car.

The conversion itself is a parts kit, not a separate chassis. It requires you to own an F1ULTRA R5 or R5 CW kit and a Tamiya Group C kit (which includes the body and tires). Exotek hasn’t listed a standalone price for the conversion pieces yet, but the base R5 chassis kit carries an MSRP of $599.95, while the CW edition is listed at $389.95.

Get Ready to Build

For F1 racers who want to experiment with a classic silhouette or just fancy a change of pace, Exotek’s new conversion kit offers a direct path from open-wheel to closed-cockpit racing. Everything you need to know, including setup sheets and manuals, is available at ExotekRacing.com.

The kit is available now, so if you’ve already got a R5 on the bench, it might be time to start planning a Group C build.

A Day for Railfans and Photographers

The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado, will host a special one-day conference on Saturday, August 22, dedicated entirely to railroad photography. The event is organized by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art (CRP&A) and promises a packed schedule of presentations, visuals, and discussion.

Confirmed presenters include Bill Botkin, Mel Patrick, Joe McMillan, Steve Patterson, John Crisanti, and additional speakers still to be announced. The lineup brings together experienced railroad photographers, though full biographical details have not yet been released. Attendees can expect talks covering techniques, storytelling, and the art of capturing trains in their element.

Friday Night: Reception and a Historic Exhibition

The conference weekend kicks off the evening before. On Friday, August 21, CRP&A and the museum will co-host a reception for members of both organizations. That reception will center on the museum’s current exhibition, “Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad.”

This exhibition sheds light on the essential but often unrecognized contributions of Mexican and Mexican American laborers who built and maintained the nation’s railroads from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. For conference attendees arriving early, it’s a chance to engage with history before diving into the photography programming.

Museum Access and Extra Activities

The museum will be open to all conference attendees throughout the day on August 22. That means access to the facility’s 15-acre railyard, historic locomotives, rolling stock, and exhibits. Additionally, the museum runs train rides on Saturdays during the summer season. On August 22, rides behind a diesel-electric locomotive are scheduled, departing every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Regular admission and ride pricing applies for the general public, but conference attendees may have separate access arrangements — specific details are pending. The museum also offers Friday walking tours, but those take place on a different day and are not directly part of the conference schedule.

For those traveling from the area, the museum is located in Golden, Colorado, just west of Denver. The museum notes that it has implemented modest price increases for 2026, and offers free admission for Boulder County residents on select dates as part of a partnership with the city of Boulder, though that offer is separate from the conference.

Registration Not Yet Open

CRP&A has announced the date and preliminary speaker list but has not yet opened registration. The organization has stated: “Check back for updates and a registration link soon.” No ticket pricing or full schedule has been released at this time.

Interested photographers and modelers should monitor the CRP&A website for further announcements. With a strong speaker lineup and a museum setting that complements the theme, this conference shapes up as a notable addition to the 2026 railroad enthusiast calendar.