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OttOmobile is lining up seven new 1:18 scale models for early 2027, according to DiecastSociety.com. The planned lineup runs from a 1974 Citroën GS X2 to a 2026 Peugeot E-208 GTI, with an LB-Works F40, a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III, a Nissan Z GT4, a Pandem Nissan Fairlady Z, and a Volkswagen Scirocco in between.

Seven models on the slate

The list as reported:

• OT1399 – Citroën GS X2 Jaune Helianthe 1974
• OT1408 – LB-Works F40 Metallic Blue 2024
• OT1344 – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III Scotia White W83 1995
• OT1197 – Nissan Z GT4 White #23 2023
• OT1335 – Pandem Nissan Fairlady Z Blue Metallic 2015
• OT1398 – Peugeot E-208 GTI White 2026
• OT1400 – Volkswagen Scirocco 3 Ph.1 R Viper Green Pearl 2008

Each entry carries an OttOmobile OT item code, a color or livery, and the year of the real vehicle. The years span 1974 to 2026, making the Citroën the oldest listing and the Peugeot the newest. The list includes brands ranging from Citroën, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Volkswagen to the LB-Works and Pandem names.

The lineup at a glance

The Citroën GS X2 is listed in Jaune Helianthe. The 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III appears in Scotia White W83. The 2023 Nissan Z GT4 is in white with the number 23. The 2015 Pandem Nissan Fairlady Z is finished in blue metallic, while the 2024 LB-Works F40 is metallic blue. The 2026 Peugeot E-208 GTI is white, and the 2008 Volkswagen Scirocco R is the group’s only 2000s entry in Viper Green Pearl.

OttOmobile and the OttO Club

OttOmobile makes resin miniatures of youngtimer cars in 1/18 and 1/12 scale for collectors, according to its official site. The OttO Club has been around since spring 2009 and has changed formats over the years: pre-orders every two months from autumn 2009 with three model cars per month, four per month from early 2010, five from September/October 2010, and six per month from June 1, 2023. In January 2026, the Club moved to monthly pre-orders with delivery about two weeks after orders open. Each month now brings five 1:18 models: four road cars and one competition car, all produced as limited, numbered editions. OttOmobile’s news page says the monthly format introduced in January has been a success and has continued through the spring and summer. The August 2026 Club batch is described as five 1/18-scale resin models, and customers are told to watch for three Golden Tickets that may be tucked into their packages.

The previous November/December 2025 Club cycle was a 12-model release, with entries such as the Peugeot 607, Suzuki SX4 WRC, Mini JCW GP2, and Ford Escort WRC. Edition sizes for that cycle ranged from 999 to 2,500 units. Pre-orders closed on December 1, 2025, payment was possible until December 10, and shipping was scheduled for late December.

Packaging switch

OttOmobile also changed its 1:18 packaging in early 2026, citing new European regulations on packaging and materials. The new box replaces protective polystyrene with a plastic display base and screws the model into place. The company says the box design stays the same and the retail price is unchanged.

Early 2027 arrival

The seven new models are scheduled for early 2027, according to DiecastSociety.com. OttOmobile’s site lists a general delivery pattern for its models: shipments go out at the end of the month of reservations or the beginning of the following month.

The classic Associated RC10T stadium truck just got a serious injection of aftermarket goodness. Exotek has dropped four new parts designed to upgrade the durability, precision, and feel of this vintage 2WD truck. Whether you’re racing a Factory Team edition or restoring a shelf queen, these CNC-machined upgrades aim to solve common weak points with modern engineering.

Bolted Hinge Pins – No More E-Clips

Exotek’s new hinge pin sets replace the stock e-clip setup with a bolted design that uses M3 lock nuts and hex-head pins. The result is easier installation and, according to the company, far fewer race-ending DNFs. The pins are made from polished nitride-coated steel and feature improved tolerances for a tighter fit in the suspension arms.

Two sets are available: the front arm set (#2402) includes six pins and retails for $33.95, while the rear arm set (#2401) contains four pins and costs $21.95. Both kits work with Associated RC10T classic series trucks, including Factory Team versions. They require a 1.5mm hex wrench for assembly.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Idler Gear

The stock plastic idler gear in the RC10T’s Stealth transmission can be a failure point under hard use. Exotek addresses this with a new 26-tooth idler gear (#2390) machined from 7075 aluminum. It directly replaces the AE #7812 stock gear. The company notes the gear is much stronger than plastic but not indestructible, so it recommends using black or white grease and reapplying frequently, along with proper slipper adjustment. Price: $13.95.

Precision Steering Cranks with Relocated Posts

Exotek’s aluminum steering crank set (#2391) is machined from heavy-duty billet and designed for the RC10T classic series and Factory Team trucks. The cranks feature a taller post design to eliminate slop, and the bearing pockets are re-machined for a precise stock bearing fit. The set also includes machined alloy spacer plates that replace the stock spacer for easier assembly, plus a 3mm center link.

A clever tweak: Exotek has repositioned the cranks by 2mm to improve ball cup clearance, eliminating interference when using heavy-duty B7-style ball cups. The cranks use M3 threads and require metric ball studs such as Associated #ASC91047. The set is priced at $36.95.

A Growing Ecosystem for the RC10T

Exotek isn’t the only brand keeping the RC10T alive. Retailer DMS Racing lists Exotek’s nitride-coated hinge pins and steering bellcrank sets alongside other vintage hop-ups. Meanwhile, JConcepts has released its own line of RC10T accessories, including a front nose piece, aluminum steering bellcranks, and diamond-pattern nose brace tubes. That level of support from multiple manufacturers confirms that the RC10T remains a popular platform for builders and racers who appreciate its early-1990s stadium truck charm.

Availability

All four Exotek parts are available now. Hobbyists can find them through Exotek’s distribution channels and retailers like DMS Racing. Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or just want a more reliable vintage runner, these upgrades bring modern machining standards to a classic chassis.

Vanquish Products has added a new officially licensed wheel to its catalog: a 1.9-inch aluminum beadlock wheel based on the Volk Racing TE37XT M-SPEC design. Vanquish’s product information, as reported by RC Car Action, says the wheel uses 0.8-inch wide clamp rings.

What’s In the Set

Vanquish’s contents list includes two Volk Racing TE37XT M-SPEC front face pieces, two rear rings, and two 0.8-inch molded clamp rings. The kit is rounded out by one VPS05006 screw kit and one instruction sheet. Since Vanquish describes the product as a beadlock wheel, those clamp rings are part of how the tire mounts to the wheel.

Hubs and Optional Parts

The new wheels require SLW hubs for mounting. Vanquish lists three hub finishes: raw aluminum, black aluminum, and brass. Optional parts include 0.8-inch brass clamp rings and a scale hardware kit.

Colors and Pricing

Vanquish offers the wheel in six colorways, each listed at $69.99 per set:

• VPS08520 – Black
• VPS08521 – Clear
• VPS08522 – Grey
• VPS08523 – Red
• VPS08524 – Blue
• VPS08525 – Bronze

Every color has its own part number. The announcement points to VanquishProducts.com with all six part numbers listed.

Vanquish’s Other Licensed Beadlock Wheels

Volk Racing is not the only licensed name in Vanquish’s wheel lineup. The company’s own product listing for the Method 2.2 Race Wheel describes an officially licensed aluminum Method Race Wheel beadlock in a 1.2-inch-wide size. It uses Vanquish’s 2.2 OMF clamp ring beadlock mounting system, and Vanquish says it allows rapid tire changes with only five screws. The listing also mentions Grade 5 stainless steel hardware, a high-clearance inner wheel well, and the ability to adjust track width through Vanquish’s patented SLW wheel hub system.

That same listing includes two wheels, two aluminum rear beadlock rings, two aluminum internal clamping rings, two outside black beadlock rings, 74 pieces of 1-64 SHCS, and 21 pieces of 4-40 SHCS. It describes the wheel as 1.2 inches wide, or 1.4 inches to the outside of the beadlock rings. It also includes a laser-engraved Method logo on the wheel face and says SLW hubs are not included. The listing also warns that the wheel is not easily compatible with Pro-Line TSL SX Super Swamper XL 2.2 tires.

AMain Hobbies carries Vanquish’s Method 105 2.2 wheel in silver/black. The product page calls it a 1.2-inch-wide version of the Method 105 wheel and says the wider design creates a flatter tire profile and improves the contact patch compared with the standard 1.0-inch-width version. The page also describes the wheel as precision CNC machined from domestic high-grade solid billet aluminum and hard anodized, and says a variety of colors and wheel/beadlock color combinations are available. AMain repeats the SLW hub warning and lists included hardware as two wheels, two outside beadlock rings, two aluminum rear beadlock rings, two aluminum internal clamping rings, 74 pieces of 1-64 SHCS, and 21 pieces of 4-40 SHCS.

Nitro Hobbies also carries a broad Vanquish catalog. Its page includes other beadlock wheels, such as the 1.9-inch Aluminum Battle Born Kilo model, along with tires, wheel clamp rings, tools, chassis components, axle housings, body mounting parts, foam inserts, and complete kits and RTR vehicles. Some items on the page are marked out of stock.

Availability

The new TE37XT M-SPEC wheels are listed on VanquishProducts.com in all six colors at $69.99 per set. The six part numbers are VPS08520, VPS08521, VPS08522, VPS08523, VPS08524, and VPS08525.

RC4WD has released three officially licensed American Racing beadlock wheel sets, covering three wheel sizes in a single product drop. The wheels are available now from RC4WD and its dealers, and each set ships as a four-wheel package that includes a miniature scale hex bolt tool and an American Racing decal sheet.

The lineup consists of the 1.3-inch Outlaw II Deep Dish, the 1.7-inch AR23, and the 1.55-inch Outlaw II Deep Dish. All three are CNC machined from billet aluminum, but the finishes and hex fitments vary. RC Car Action covered the rollout using specs from RC4WD’s store, while Big Squid RC called out the AR23 as now shipping.

| Wheel | Size | Hex | Finish | Part # | Price |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| Outlaw II Deep Dish | 1.3 in | 7mm | Billet aluminum | #Z-W0046 | $69.99 |
| AR23 | 1.7 in | 12mm | Silver anodized | #Z-W0001 | $119.99 |
| Outlaw II Deep Dish | 1.55 in | 12mm | Chrome plated | #Z-W0160 | $119.99 |

1.3-Inch Outlaw II Deep Dish

The smallest set in the release is the 1.3-inch Outlaw II Deep Dish, identified as #Z-W0046. It sells for $69.99 and uses a 7mm hex. RC4WD lists the outside diameter at 1.32in/33.5mm and the width at 1.10in/28.0mm. The center hole measures 0.11in/3.00mm, the negative offset is 0.29in/7.5mm, and each wheel weighs 1.23oz/35.0g.

1.7-Inch AR23

The 1.7-inch AR23, #Z-W0001, is priced at $119.99. It wears a silver anodized finish and fits the standard 12mm hex. Big Squid RC notes the wheel is now shipping, sized for 1.7-inch tires, with a vintage look. RC4WD’s specifications list the outside diameter at 1.88in/48.0mm, the width at 1.48in/37.8mm, and the center hole at 0.20in/5.2mm. Negative offset is 0.40in/10.2mm, and each wheel weighs 2.41oz/68.3g.

1.55-Inch Outlaw II Deep Dish

The third set is the 1.55-inch Outlaw II Deep Dish, #Z-W0160, at $119.99. It has a chrome plated finish and fits the standard 12mm hex. Its outside diameter matches the AR23 at 1.88in/48.00mm, but the wheel is wider at 1.56in/39.8mm. The center hole is 0.20in/5.20mm, the negative offset is 0.42in/10.7mm, and each wheel weighs 2.93oz/83.0g.

Quick Spec Comparison

A few numbers separate the three sets beyond price:

• The 1.3-inch Outlaw II uses a 7mm hex; the AR23 and 1.55-inch Outlaw II use standard 12mm hexes.
• Center holes are 0.11in/3.00mm on the 1.3-inch wheel and 0.20in/5.2mm on both larger wheels.
• Negative offset ranges from 0.29in/7.5mm on the 1.3-inch wheel to 0.40in/10.2mm on the AR23 and 0.42in/10.7mm on the 1.55-inch wheel.
• Per-wheel weight runs 1.23oz/35.0g, 2.41oz/68.3g, and 2.93oz/83.0g in the same order.

Store Listing Notes

RC4WD’s product pages describe all three sets as all-new, officially licensed American Racing wheels. The pages also spell out the construction: CNC machined billet aluminum. The AR23 page adds a silver anodized finish, and the 1.55-inch Outlaw II page adds a chrome plated finish; the 1.3-inch Outlaw II page lists CNC machining and billet aluminum. Big Squid RC’s AR23 story matches the part number #Z-W0001 and says the set of four is now shipping.

Packaging and Availability

RC4WD names the 1.3-inch and 1.55-inch wheels with the Outlaw II Deep Dish label, while the 1.7-inch wheel is branded as the AR23. All three product pages list the same included items: four beadlock wheels, one miniature scale hex bolt tool for M1.6 scale bolts with a 1.5mm hex, and one American Racing decal sheet. The tool is listed as Z-S1328.

The wheels are officially licensed by the American Racing wheel company, and RC4WD says they are only available through RC4WD and its dealers. The full release is #Z-W0046 at $69.99, #Z-W0001 at $119.99, and #Z-W0160 at $119.99.

Furitek RC has unleashed a tiny new trail machine that packs a six-wheel-drive system into a hand-weathered, lightweight chassis. The brand-new 1/30 scale Rogue 6×6 ARTR is small enough for indoor crawling but tough enough for outdoor runs, and Furitek has loaded it with premium hardware from frame to electronics.

Titanium Frame, CNC Aluminum Everywhere

The Rogue 6×6 rides on a lightweight titanium frame with precision-machined aluminum components. The chassis features a 15° high-clearance LCG skid to improve breakover angles, and all structural hardware uses upgraded M1.4 fasteners for better clamping force and easier maintenance. The suspension consists of 25mm aluminum oil-filled shocks (longer travel than the stock SCX30), paired with high-clearance aluminum roll links and low-friction POM rock sliders to protect the rig during technical crawling.

The axles are CNC aluminum and sit 3mm wider than the SCX30’s for increased stability on side hills. Up front, brass steering knuckles shift weight forward for added climbing traction. Steel driveshafts deliver power smoothly to all six wheels.

Power and Control

Steering is handled by a Furitek ANT PRO aluminum digital servo (metal gears, brushed coreless motor, 1.3kgf·cm torque at 6V). The speed system is a Furitek Nano Unity Speed 2-in-1 FOC ESC and motor that provides silky low-speed control with brushless punch. The included Furitek Gripor V2 4-channel radio system rounds out the electronics.

A battery is not included — the Rogue requires a 2S LiPo with JST PH2.0 connector, sized to fit the SCX30 battery tray. Furitek describes the Rogue as “the ultimate scale ARTR on the market — just add a SCX30 battery and experience it instantly.”

Hand-Weathered Bodies, Each One Unique

The Rogue 6×6 ARTR will be offered in two body colors: hand-weathered brown and hand-weathered yellow. Furitek says every body is individually finished, so each truck has its own unique weathering pattern. Bodies mount with pre-installed magnetic mounts and clips for quick swaps.

Furitek also offers additional replacement bodies in orange, red, and blue (sold separately), plus two optional titanium cage kits: the COMP competition cage and the EXP expedition-style cage (both sold separately).

A Growing Micro Lineup

The Rogue joins Furitek’s expanding stable of 1/30 scale ARTR vehicles, which includes the recently released Titan Buggy Titanium Gold Edition — a hand-built titanium tube buggy with similar premium components. The Rogue shares the same proven electronics and aluminum suspension components but adds the complexity and capability of a true 6×6 drivetrain.

Pricing and Availability

The Furitek Rogue 6×6 ARTR, part number #FUR-2817, has a street price of $499. It is scheduled to ship in late August. Furitek notes that this is a hobby-grade vehicle designed for experienced enthusiasts who are comfortable with routine maintenance and self-repair, and all sales are final due to its specialized nature. “It is engineered for technical crawling, not high-impact bashing,” the company states.

LEGO Speed Champions is known for packing serious detail into small-scale sports cars, but the 77264 Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 & Land Rover Defender Classic is the most expensive set of the August 2026 wave. It pairs two very different British icons — a sleek roadster and a boxy off-roader — in a dual pack that offers a unique build experience.

What’s in the Box?

The set contains 740 pieces divided across ten numbered paper bags, plus two instruction manuals and two sticker sheets. That’s a hefty count for just two vehicles, and right away it signals that at least one of these builds is going to be more substantial than the average Speed Champions car. The box art shows both cars speeding on a highway on the front and parked on a luxury driveway on the back — standard but clean presentation.

There are 24 stickers in total, which is actually on the lower side for a dual pack of this size. Most are straightforward to apply, though the first three need careful alignment to form a continuous line or pattern.

Building the Cars

The build process starts with the Jaguar. The first four bags handle everything from the chassis to the exterior paneling, interior, and final details. The front fascia is a highlight, using a printed grille surrounded by an upside-down mudguard piece to capture that distinct modern Jaguar look. Headlights are printed, though the review notes that the opacity of the white print differs slightly from the stickers.

Bags five through ten tackle the Land Rover Defender, and this is where things get interesting. Unlike typical Speed Champions sets, the Defender is not built on the standard chassis piece. That deviation makes the whole construction feel fresh. The build uses advanced techniques to create blocky shapes while still hiding clever details — brick-built headlights with trans-orange turn signals, a skateboard piece as the rear running board, and minifigure neck brackets framing the taillights. The cab interior gets a rollcage made from bar pieces and dark orange upholstery that provides a bright contrast inside the cabin.

Minifigures and Presentation

Two minifigures are included, one per car. The Jaguar driver wears an exclusive printed sweater and a helmet matching the car’s livery, with the Project 7 logo printed on the back. The Defender driver has an outdoorsy outfit with a dark tan scarf — a very British countryside look. Both have specialized rear prints, and the Jaguar driver even has a dual-sided face. They’re not showstoppers, but the exclusive prints give them collector value.

The Completed Models

The finished Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 looks sharp in blue with white racing stripes. The rear lights use subtle blue prints on plate sides, and the rear wing features the new 1×1 spoiler strut piece. Inside, there’s a stickered center console and a gear shifter, plus a clear minifigure head piece that serves as a helmet stand on the passenger side.

The Land Rover Defender is the real star — it’s noticeably larger and chunkier, making the minifigure look small next to it. The model stands over 3.5 inches (9 cm) high, 6.5 inches (17 cm) long, and 3 inches (8 cm) wide, according to official LEGO specifications. It rides on gigantic wheels and includes a ladder, roof rack, and detailed interior with seating for two minifigures side by side (plus a simulated third row that doesn’t quite fit a seated figure). The “Defender” branding is printed on the front grille, and the earthy tones throughout reinforce the rugged character.

Final Thoughts

At roughly twice the price of a standard single Speed Champions set, 77264 offers better value because the Defender is a much larger build than usual. The two cars are an unusual combination — the set brings together well-known British vehicles without a direct thematic link — but both are iconic enough to appeal to enthusiasts. The build techniques are excellent, especially on the Land Rover, and the level of detail meets the high standards the theme is known for.

The set is available now from the official LEGO Shop, containing 740 pieces and designed for builders ages 10 and up.

HoBao Racing is revving up the RC off-road world with a teaser of an upcoming 1/8 scale truggy, arriving as a ready-to-run (RTR) package. The Taiwanese brand, best known for its Hyper line of buggies and trucks, has released just enough information to get builders and bashers talking.

The Tease

The teaser images, shared by HoBao on social media, show a four-wheel-drive bash truggy with pillow ball suspension — a design choice that hints at durability for rough terrain and big-air landings. The chassis layout appears aggressive, though specific dimensions, wheelbase, and drivetrain details remain under wraps for now.

What We Know So Far

Confirmed specs are thin: it’s a 4WD truggy RTR with pillow ball suspension. No information on the power system — whether it’s nitro or electric — has been released. HoBao has a history of offering both, so enthusiasts will have to wait for the full scoop. The company has not yet named the model or given a release window.

HoBao’s Recent Rollout

The new truggy teaser follows a pattern of fresh activity from HoBao. The manufacturer is also preparing an all-new 1/8-scale nitro buggy called the Hyper VS, teased earlier on Facebook. That buggy marks the first major update to HoBao’s Hyper line in several years. The existing Hyper SST 1/8 truggy remains on sale through HoBao USA, offered as a ready-to-run model with the H-3032T engine, a P5 TURBO glow plug, and an 18+18kg servo. That proven performer provides context for what a new truggy might bring.

LiveRC notes that HoBao is a Taiwanese manufacturer best known for its Hyper line of 1/8-scale buggies, marketed in the U.S. through importer OFNA. The brand has produced a wide range of vehicles including a 2WD buggy, touring cars, one of the first 4WD short course trucks, and a 1/8-scale sprint car. During its peak competition years in the mid-2000s, HoBao sponsored drivers such as Robert Batlle, Josh Wheeler, and Yannick Aigoin, who campaigned the Hyper 7 platform to international prominence. Later models—the Hyper 8 and Hyper 9—were competitive in their own right but could not replicate the Hyper 7’s championship legacy.

What’s Next

The official teaser from Big Squid RC states that “not much information is known” and that “we’ll have to wait a bit longer to get the full scoop.” That assessment comes from that publication’s own commentary on the teaser images. HoBao itself has not released a statement with specific details. The teaser images show what appears to be a 4WD bash truggy with pillow ball suspension, but beyond that, the company is staying quiet.

Die-hard fans and prospective buyers can keep an eye on the HoBao Racing website and social media channels for further details. Given the brand’s strong following in the RC community, this new truggy RTR is already generating buzz. When HoBao releases pricing, powertrain specs, and an availability date, expect the off-road world to take notice.

The Bigger Picture

HoBao’s recent activity suggests a broader refresh of its 1/8-scale lineup. With both a new buggy and a new truggy in the works, the brand appears to be updating its offerings for the modern market. The existing Hyper SST truggy, sold through HoBao USA, shows the current state of the company’s truggy line. That model comes with a 30 turbo engine and a 2.4GHz radio system, though the new teaser vehicle may differ significantly. The specific details will have to wait until HoBao provides the full information.

The teaser images themselves provide some visual cues: the suspension geometry and chassis layout appear robust, aimed at bashing rather than pure racing. But until HoBao releases complete specifications, pricing, and a release date, the RC community will have to speculate based on the limited information available. The company’s Facebook page, which LiveRC notes is operated as a personal page rather than a business page, remains the primary channel for updates on both the new truggy and the upcoming Hyper VS buggy.

Michaels is reshaping the craft retail experience with a new store format now being tested in Arkansas, Ohio, and Texas. The redesigned locations feature dedicated shopping ‘worlds’ for specific crafts, expanded party sections, and a bigger push into fabric and sewing — a direct response to the void left by the closures of Joann and Party City.

CEO David Boone called the new format the company’s ‘best creation yet’ at the grand opening of the remodeled Irving, Texas store in July. In a company announcement, he said, “The new format reflects our customers’ desire for more inspiration and hands-on, analog experiences, while providing a space for the local community to connect, create, and celebrate.”

A Blueprint for the Future of Craft Retail

The test stores are part of an acceleration of Michaels’ transformation strategy. Instead of a standard layout, each location carves out distinct zones: knitting and sewing, floral and greenery, frames and personalization, fine arts, and a Crafting & Kids section offering a curated mix of private labels and national brands such as Blue Marble, Hasbro, Crayola, ZURU, Rainbow Loom, Creativity for Kids, and Ty.

Michaels says the new format is customer-first, with improved team member training and hyper-local community focuses designed to create deeper ties with the cities it serves. The company plans to open additional concept stores at existing locations throughout 2026.

What’s Inside: Balloon Bars, Fabric Corners, and More

The most visible change is The Party Shop, now featuring a dedicated Balloon Bar with helium-filling services, an expanded party assortment, and a private party room for up to eight guests. Parties are led by a Michaels team member and include supplies, guided crafts, and customizable add-ons like balloons, goodie bags, and pizza. Michaels has also cut the starting price of in-store birthday parties from $299 to $149 and lowered prices by 25-70% on more than 200 party products such as plates, napkins, and streamers.

The Knit & Sew Shop, dual-branded with the acquired Joann intellectual property, offers expanded fabric, yarn, and sewing notions. Fabric is now carried in over 840 stores, with plans to add more than 250 additional locations. The company has increased in-store fabric space by nearly 25% and is expanding its yarn selection by 25%. Fabric cutting tables are available in more than 650 stores. In the test locations, customers also find a custom frame bar with more than 250 frame options and 450 molding and mat combinations, plus same-day photo printing and a Pinterest Trend Bar displaying viral craft trends.

The Irving store — located at 7635 N. MacArthur Blvd. — opened July 24 with eager customers lining up as early as 6:15 a.m. It includes all these features, plus a candle-making station that also appeared in the Columbus, Ohio test store, which opened in late June.

Filling the Gap Left by Joann and Party City

The timing of this transformation is strategic. After Joann shuttered all 800 of its stores and Party City closed permanently, Michaels moved quickly to acquire Joann’s intellectual property and private-label brands. The Knit & Sew Shop and Party Shop first launched chainwide in September 2025, but the new test stores take the concept further with dedicated spaces and enhanced services.

Boone told Modern Retail that the company sees craft and celebration as natural adjacencies: ‘We have been in the arts-and-crafts business for 50 years [and] the celebrations business for that long.’ He added that Michaels is giving stores more hours and employment to support the new services, and has reduced 40% of administrative tasks in stores to free up team members for customer interaction.

What’s Next

In Ohio alone, remodels are planned for locations in Graceland, Reynoldsburg, Grove City, Sun Center in Northwest Columbus, Hilliard, and Lewis Center. The company operates more than 1,300 stores across 49 states and Canada, and the new format will eventually roll out to more locations as the transformation strategy continues.

For now, crafters and party planners in the test markets get the first look at what a future Michaels could look like — one designed to spark creativity and celebration under one roof.

Axial has just dropped a new ready-to-run rock crawler that brings the spirit of late-night garage fabrication to the scale trail, and it comes wearing official Jeep badges and Motobilt trim. The Axial SCX10 III Motobilt Waypoint Jeep JT Gladiator is a 1/10-scale, officially licensed model built for enthusiasts who want authentic styling and proven trail performance straight out of the box.

Partnered with Motobilt

Axial collaborated with aftermarket off-road specialist Motobilt to create this build. The result is a rig that mirrors the look of Motobilt’s real-world Waypoint Jeep Gladiator. The durable polycarbonate body is pre-painted and features Jeep’s iconic 7-slot grille, detailed fender flares, molded door handles, hood vents, and side mirrors. Both color variants, a brown and a green, come in official Jeep production colors.

Scale details don’t stop at the body. The truck includes Motobilt front and rear bumpers, Baja Designs LP6 lights mounted in the bumpers, and Baja Designs S2 lights on the bed rails. A scale 15-lb. CO2 tank and a Hi-Lift jack sit in the bobbed bed, which has been shortened for improved departure clearance.

Built on the Proven SCX10 III Platform

The Jeep JT Gladiator rides on Axial’s SCX10 III chassis. The steel C-channel frame rails are expandable and deliver a 13.9-inch wheelbase, tailored for this longer body. The chassis is designed to reduce frame flex and improve suspension performance.

Suspension comes via a front 3-link and rear 4-link setup using 6mm stainless steel links and stainless steel pivot balls on the rod ends. The AR45 straight axles feature a driver-offset differential housing on the front for added scale realism, and an optional overdrive gear is available separately. Oil-filled aluminum-bodied shocks with threaded bodies and single coil-over springs provide tunable damping and quick trail adjustability.

Axial engineers also updated the Panhard bar mount with a two-piece design and double shear protection. The skid plate offers multiple upper-link mounting positions for fine-tuning suspension geometry and anti-squat.

Power and Control

Factory-installed electronics get you on the trail without any wrenching. The truck is powered by an Axial Slick Rock 35-Turn Brushed 540-size motor paired with a Spektrum Firma 40A Brushed Waterproof ESC. Steering duties fall to a Spektrum S683 servo with a 25T steel output gear.

The included Spektrum SLT3 3-channel transmitter controls the vehicle and operates the SCX10 III’s Dig function via the third channel. Dig locks the rear axle, allowing the front wheels to pull the rig through tight turns. The transmission uses all-metal gears and full ball bearings for durability.

Wheels, Tires, and Lighting

The JT Gladiator rolls on officially licensed KMC Grenade beadlock wheels wrapped in Maxxis Trepador tires with Axial’s soft compound for aggressive traction. The truck also comes equipped with bright, durable LEDs in the headlights, taillights, and bed rack for realistic night crawling.

Two Color Options, Same Price

The model is available in two paint schemes: brown body (part #2443T1) and green body (part #2443T2). Both are priced at $499.99. The truck comes with the transmitter, receiver, ESC, motor, servo, Dig micro servo, and product manual. A few AA batteries for the transmitter are also included.

Buyers must supply their own battery and charger. Axial recommends an 11.1V 3200mAh 3S 30C Smart G2 LiPo battery with an IC3 connector and an S2200 G2 AC 2x200W Smart Battery Charger. The battery tray uses silicone elastomer straps instead of velcro and can accommodate standard or shorty battery packs.

A New Addition to the SCX10 Family

The SCX10 platform has been a staple for scale RC trail enthusiasts for more than a decade. Other SCX10 III models, like the Jeep JLU Wrangler, offer similar features including DIG functionality, battery tray flexibility, and extensive scale details. The new Gladiator brings a longer wheelbase and Motobilt-inspired styling to the lineup, giving trail drivers another option for authentic off-road scale crawling.

For more information, visit Horizon Hobby.

MR Collection has revealed the first sample of its upcoming 1:18 scale resin model of the Bugatti Tourbillon Équipe Pur Sang, and the early look is already turning heads. The sealed-body miniature, finished in a gray color scheme, offers collectors a taste of what’s to come when the model officially releases.

The Model: BUG021

Coded BUG021, the model captures the distinctive aero details of the real Équipe Pur Sang package—including the front splitter, rear diffuser, and the signature eight-pipe exhaust system. The sample shown is a resin, sealed-body construction, meaning no opening doors or hood, but the surface detailing appears sharp. The gray finish matches the “grey-wear” sample described in the initial reveal.

A Car Built for the Track

The real Bugatti Tourbillon Équipe Pur Sang is no ordinary hypercar. Limited to just 250 examples worldwide with a starting price of €3.8 million, it is powered by an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine producing 1,000 hp, complemented by three electric motors adding 800 hp. The advanced chassis is constructed from T800 carbon composite, featuring an integrated battery structure and a crash-composite rear diffuser inspired by motorsport. The Équipe Pur Sang package adds aero-enhancing elements like a bespoke rear wing with small endplates, a specialized rear diffuser, and directional wheels (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) designed to improve airflow to the rear radiator by up to 8%.

Bugatti Managing Director Hendrik Malinowski described the package as a tribute to the brand’s motorsport heritage:

“With each new era of Bugatti, we seek to honor our heritage while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The Tourbillon already represents an unprecedented fusion of naturally aspirated power and electrification – a hyper sports car conceived for eternity. With the Équipe Pur Sang option, we elevate its appearance towards the track, enabling customers to celebrate the pure racing soul that has defined Bugatti for over a century.”

Inside, the real car gets performance seats with enhanced lateral support, Alcantara upholstery, and embroidered Équipe Pur Sang logos on the dashboard and headrests.

Availability and Pre-Orders

According to retailer listings, the MR Collection Bugatti Tourbillon Équipe Pur Sang model is expected to land in the fourth quarter of 2026. Pre-orders are already open, giving collectors a chance to secure the miniature before it hits the wider market. The model number is BUG021.

For collectors, this 1:18-scale model offers a detailed reproduction of Bugatti’s latest hypercar in its motorsport-inspired Équipe Pur Sang configuration. The real car’s 250-unit production run and €3.8 million starting price underline its exclusivity, while the scale model brings those striking design cues—the splitter, wing, and eight exhaust outlets—into a more accessible form. With pre-orders open and delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, enthusiasts can look forward to adding this resin miniature to their collections later this year.