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Italian RC body specialist Bittydesign has pulled back the curtain on what happens after you hit “buy.” A new behind-the-scenes video gives customers a quick look at how the company prepares and packages its products for shipment.

A Peek at the Packing Process

The short video, shared by Bittydesign, walks viewers through the steps the company takes to get orders out the door. While the footage is brief, it offers a rare glimpse into the logistics of a niche manufacturer known for its high-quality polycarbonate bodies for RC cars and trucks.

For enthusiasts used to seeing only the final painted product in glamour shots, this kind of operational transparency is a small treat. It shows the real-world side of the hobby: the careful wrapping, boxing, and labeling that turns a clear shell into a parcel headed for a modeler’s workbench.

US Distribution Via AMain Hobbies

US-based customers should note that Bittydesign products are distributed in the United States by AMain Hobbies. This means that for many American hobbyists, purchasing domestically may be more convenient than ordering direct from Italy, especially for single items where international shipping costs can stack up.

Shipping Options Straight from the Source

Bittydesign itself is an Italian company based near Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. For those who do order direct, the company offers a variety of shipping methods depending on destination and urgency.

For national deliveries within Italy, the default service uses Poste Italiane’s “CRONO” e-commerce solution, which doesn’t differentiate between the mainland, islands, Calabria, or hard-to-reach postal codes. Transit times run approximately 4 to 6 days at a cost of €6.99. A faster GLS Express option is also available during checkout, cutting delivery to 24 hours on the peninsula, 48 hours for uncomfortable postcode areas, and 48 to 72 hours for the islands and Calabria, for €8.99.

For EU destinations, Bittydesign primarily relies on the Spring courier’s EMS service, which includes tracking and typically delivers in 7 to 10 days. Those who need it faster can choose GLS Express (excluding Switzerland and Norway), which takes about 4 to 5 days. Shipping costs for international orders are calculated automatically based on the actual weight of the package.

Extra-EU shipments are handled via EMS services from Poste Italiane or Spring, both using the global postal circuit rather than external express couriers. Delivery is estimated at 10 to 15 days. For express needs, UPS is offered with transit times ranging from 2 to 5 days depending on the destination country. Bittydesign notes that COVID-19 has caused delays on certain routes, particularly to the US, Canada, and the UK.

Order Preparation Time

Orders that don’t include painted bodies typically leave the warehouse within 24 to 48 hours after receipt. If an order comes in during a national holiday, it is processed the next working day. For those ordering a painted body shell, the timeline is much longer: 30 to 45 working days (not including transit time), depending on the time of year and the paint department’s workload.

Payment and Customs

Bittydesign accepts payments via PayPal and online credit card transactions. Customers should be aware that shipping fees do not include customs, duties, or taxes. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer and are collected by the local delivery service after customs processing.

Supporting Local Hobby Shops

In its FAQ, the company encourages customers to check for local distributors and dealers before ordering direct. “When you need only a single item is not always convenient for you to purchase it directly from us, international shipment cancel the advantage,” the company states. “We invite you to support your local model shop.”

For a closer look at how your next body shell gets from the Bittydesign workshop to your doorstep, the full video is available on Bittydesign’s website.

JConcepts has a message for anyone who thought they already knew everything about the REACTOR Retro Monster Truck: look again.

The company posted a new breakdown of the truck Aug. 3 through RC Car Action. The article carries a “From JConcepts” label, so the text is the company’s own description. The feature opens with a question for anyone who followed the REACTOR’s debut: “What did everyone miss when the REACTOR platform dropped?” JConcepts then promises to uncover “the top 5 hidden engineering details, performance quirks and design secrets that completely flew under the radar.” The RC Car Action headline sets the same tone, promising five things readers missed about the truck.

What JConcepts Is Claiming

The RC Car Action item is framed as a top-five list. JConcepts says those five items range from precision machining to on-track handling dynamics, and it argues that they are exactly the kind of detail that tends to get lost when a new monster truck platform launches.

The strongest claim comes at the end of that description: “From precision machining to on-track handling dynamics, here is what makes this platform a true game-changer.”

That puts the engineering story at the center of the follow-up. The REACTOR is a retro-themed monster truck, but this feature is less about the body style and more about what is happening under the shell. JConcepts does not spell out every individual point in the article text. It names the categories—hidden engineering details, performance quirks, design secrets—and saves the hands-on specifics for the video. The article itself carries a video tag, so the full five-point breakdown is presented in the video.

One timing detail stands out. JConcepts refers to the REACTOR as a platform that has already “dropped.” The new feature is not the launch announcement; it is a follow-up explainer built around the idea that the first wave of coverage did not catch everything. The phrase “Today we uncover” sets it up as a second look for people who already saw the initial reveal.

The Hobby Press Is Paying Attention

The REACTOR has also drawn comment beyond JConcepts’ own channels. Big Squid RC used its Backyard column for a deep dive on the truck, calling the announcement one of the most interesting in a while. The column is written for the monster truck faithful and devotes a full column to the truck.

Big Squid RC also adds context for longtime JConcepts followers. The company has spent years releasing aftermarket accessories for the solid-axle R/C monster truck world. The REACTOR arrives after that long run in the aftermarket, and the outlet’s deep dive makes a point of placing the new platform in that history. Some coverage refers to the model by a longer name: the JConcepts Reactor Retro Stage II Monster Truck.

The Full Story Is in the Video

JConcepts keeps the text announcement short on specifics. Instead of listing each of the five points in prose, it directs readers to the video and to JConcepts.net. The feature closes by telling enthusiasts to visit the site and by pointing them to more JConcepts posts.

For anyone following the REACTOR story, the next step is straightforward: JConcepts is pointing people to the video and to JConcepts.net for the rest of the details.

If your vintage RC build is rolling on period-correct wheels but still rocking stock hardware, JConcepts just dropped a dressing-down upgrade. The company has released its 8/32″ aluminum serrated wheel nut — a piece that has been in the lineup since 2011 and continues to be available for racers and restorers who want CNC precision with a retro look.

The nuts are all-CNC machined from aluminum and feature a serrated inner surface that locks against the wheel. The design hasn’t sat still: JConcepts engineers added a large flanged base to brace the wheel during hard sideloading, tumbles, and crashes, while weight is shaved away through drilled lightening holes, chamfered corners, and the signature “finnisher” styling — milled sections between wrench flats that became popular in 1:10 off-road racing. The team removed material between the wrench surfaces to create this look, and the result is a lightweight design.

JConcepts highlights several key features: precision CNC machined aluminum construction, a flanged and knurled (serrated) surface for locking security, incredible detail and lightweight construction, and blue or black anodized finishes. The serrated inner surface provides a locking grip against the wheel, while the large flanged region helps support the wheel during crashes and hard sideloading.

Built for the Vintage Scene

These nuts are explicitly aimed at owners of a long list of Team Associated models, including the RC10, RC10T, RC10GT, RC10 1989 Stealth, RC10 1991 Stealth, RC10DS, B2, B3, B4, and SC10. The 8/32″ thread pitch matches the axles on those cars front and rear. JConcepts also notes that the nuts work perfectly on newly released Factory Team editions that use the same thread sizing. The nuts are designed for a vast assortment of vintage and retro models, making them a versatile choice for builders working on classic off-road buggies and trucks.

Because the nuts are precision CNC machined and anodized, they offer a strong appearance that looks good against any wheel color, adding a finishing touch to a race car. The blue and black anodized finishes look strong against any wheel color.

Two Colors, Two SKUs

JConcepts offers the 8/32″ serrated wheel nut in two anodized finishes, each sold in a four-piece set:

• Blue — Part #2075, UPC 845937005144, retail $20 (MAP $17)
• Black — Part #2076, UPC 845937005151, retail $20 (MAP $17)

Both sets ship with four nuts, enough for one vehicle. Customers can order directly through JConcepts.net, and the part numbers are listed on the product page.

A Proven Category

JConcepts was the first to market with an aluminum option in this category back in 2011, and the line now includes other offerings such as the M4 low-profile aluminum wheel nut (part #5216). The M4 nut targets more modern 1:10 platforms and uses a 7mm hex with a large flanged serrated face, available in blue and black. It features a large flange and clamping surface area that supports the wheel and helps maintain geometry during flex and load, according to the company. It fits a wide range of vehicles: Associated RC10B7.1, RC10B7, RC10B7D, RC10B74.2, RC10T6.4, RCT7, RC10SC6.4, RC10SC7, Pro2 SC10, Pro4 SC10, DC10, as well as Traxxas Slash, Slash 4×4, Stampede, Stampede 4×4, Rustler, and several TLR, XRAY, Mugen, Yokomo, and Schumacher models. The M4 4mm thread standard is quickly becoming a new industry standard in 1:10 vehicles, according to the company.

For builders focused on vintage restoration or retro-class racing, the 8/32″ nut fills a specific niche: period-correct appearance combined with modern CNC tolerances and locking security. The serrated inner surface locks against the wheel, while the large flanged region helps support it during crashes, hard sideloading, and tumbles.

Where to Get Them

JConcepts is taking orders through its own site at JConcepts.net. The nuts are available in blue and black finishes, with product details and pricing listed on the company’s website. Vintage enthusiasts can choose the color that best matches their build.

For anyone wrenching on a classic RC10 or its descendants, these nuts offer a simple upgrade with CNC-machined precision. The serrated inner surface locks against the wheel, and the anodized finish provides a strong appearance. The nuts come in a four-piece set and can be mounted using a standard wrench.

Two New Driveline Upgrades Aim to Reduce Friction and Handling Inconsistency

Competitive RC racers have two new precision driveline options to consider this season, each attacking a different source of drag, friction, and handling compromise. Xray has released a 77mm universal rear drive shaft set (part #325220) for its XB2 buggy and XB4 platforms, while Serpent has introduced new Double Cardan Joint (DJC) front driveshafts for the SRX8GT and SRX8 GT cars. Both are engineered as direct replacement upgrades that bolt on without modification, making them straightforward additions to a race setup.

Xray: Universal Rear Shafts for Smoother Suspension and Less Maintenance

Xray’s new universal drive shafts are precision-manufactured from HUDY Spring Steel, a material chosen for maximum strength, reliability, and long-term durability. Unlike standard dogbone or CVA shafts, the universal design allows the rear suspension to articulate more freely, reducing drivetrain friction and allowing the car to better absorb bumps and rough terrain. According to Xray, the design delivers a freer drivetrain feel with smoother suspension movement, making the car easier to drive on bumpy tracks and rough surfaces.

A standout feature is the dust-free construction, which Xray says performs exceptionally well on astro tracks and in dirty conditions. By sealing out abrasive grit and debris, the shafts minimize maintenance while ensuring more consistent handling and reliable performance lap after lap. For racers who frequently run on loose or abrasive surfaces, this can translate into less time cleaning and more time focusing on setup and driving.

The set (part number XR325220) is a direct replacement for the standard rear drive shafts on the XB2 and XB4, requiring no additional modifications for installation. Xray states that the shafts offer improved performance in demanding racing conditions.

Serpent: DJC Technology to Eliminate Steering Binding

Serpent’s approach tackles a different pain point: the binding that occurs in conventional universal-joint driveshafts as steering angle increases. Traditional U-joints begin to bind at high steering angles, creating additional friction, inconsistent wheel speed, and unnecessary load on the drivetrain. The new Double Cardan Joint (DJC) design from Serpent virtually eliminates these effects by using two joints in series, maintaining much smoother transfer of power even at extreme angles.

“Maximum Steering. Minimum Binding.” – Serpent

Serpent claims the DJC design maintains smooth power transfer beyond 30 degrees of steering angle. The benefits include reduced drivetrain binding at extreme steering angles, smoother and more consistent power delivery, increased drivetrain efficiency, lower stress on drive cups, joints, and bearings, and more predictable steering feel under acceleration. The shafts are specifically engineered for modern high-angle GT steering geometry, making them a natural fit for tight hairpins and technical circuits.

Two part numbers are available: #601337 – DJC driveshaft set 94mm for the SRX8GT, and #601373 – DJC driveshaft set 98mm for the SRX8. Both are genuine Serpent option parts and are designed to bolt on without modification.

Availability and Fitment Notes

Both upgrade sets are available now through manufacturers’ distribution channels and authorized retailers. The Xray 77mm universal drive shaft (XR325220) is listed at outlets such as Wheelspin Models, where it is described as a genuine driveline component. At Wheelspin, standard UK shipping is £3.95, with express and worldwide options available.

Because compatibility can vary across model variants or generations, Serpent and Xray both recommend that racers consult their vehicle manual or parts list to confirm correct fitment before purchasing.

MINI GT is keeping the collector pipeline busy with a fresh batch of six new 1:64 scale releases, headlined by an all-new tooling. The announcement covers a mix of modern supercars, classic racers, and modified icons, with several models offered in both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) configurations.

Leading the charge is the Aston Martin DBS 2008, an entirely new casting for the brand. It debuts in Lightning Silver, available as code MGT01360-L for LHD and MGT01360-R for RHD. This marks the first time MINI GT has tooled this particular Aston Martin, and the dual-drive approach ensures collectors worldwide can park it correctly on their shelves.

The Full Lineup

Alongside the DBS, five more models round out the announcement. The Nissan GT-R NISMO 2024 comes in Silver, with separate SKUs for LHD (MGT01361-L) and RHD (MGT01361-R). The Ford Mustang Dark Horse also gets a dual-drive release in Blue Ember (MGT01363-L and MGT01363-R).

For fans of modified Japanese metal, the Mazda AZ-1 Liberty Walk LB40 LB-Hinomaru arrives in Red as a single RHD variant (MGT01362-R). The tiny kei car gets the full Liberty Walk widebody treatment, making it a standout for collectors of stance-aero culture.

A nod to motorsport history comes with the Range Rover 1971 British Trans-Americas Expedition (VXC-765K). This model references the real expedition that crossed the Americas in the 1970s, and it is offered only in LHD (MGT01364-L).

Finally, the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 returns in a classic Gulf Blue with Black Livery, available in both LHD (MGT01365-L) and RHD (MGT01365-R). This iconic 1970s sports car is a perennial favorite among collectors.

Brand Momentum

Beyond the model announcements, MINI GT has been active on several fronts. The company recently won the Lamley Awards 2025 Model of the Year for its Porsche 911 GT3 R #80 “Roxy”. The brand also participated in Hobby Expo China 2026 in Beijing, one of Asia’s largest model exhibitions, at Hall 6 of the Beijing Exhibition Center from April 17 to 19.

MINI GT has forged a partnership with Brazil’s DS Drift Show for the 2026 season, and it collaborated with the 24 Hours of Daytona to produce a limited-edition Ford Mustang GT3 #26 DAYTONA Edition, available exclusively through the Daytona official online store and trackside shops during the Rolex 24 weekend.

A new Fast & Furious x MINI GT collection is also in the works, celebrating iconic street racing legends from the franchise. Additionally, the brand hosted a special event called “One Night in China 2026” in Beijing, offering collectors a first look at upcoming MINI GT and Kaido House developments. MINI GT also thanked attendees of MDX 2026 in Malaysia, describing the weekend as “filled with passion, friendship, and unforgettable memories.”

Availability

No specific release dates have been announced for the six new models. Collectors can monitor MINI GT’s official website and social channels for future preorder information. The target release window for earlier announced models was around December 2025, but that date was subject to change and is not confirmed for this batch.

Tamiya is bringing back a legend. The Tamiya 58762 Clod Buster is set to hit shelves as a 1/10 scale monster truck kit with a distinct Big-Foot character, and it’s designed for hobbyists who care more about scale presence than lap times.

A Classic Silhouette, Styled for Impact

Announced on August 3, 2026, this new release leans hard into the model’s visual heft. According to reports from TamiyaBlog, the truck’s design emphasizes traditional big-foot proportions rather than lightweight racing attributes. The kit’s intent is apparent in its body lines, wheel spacing, and overall setup, all of which recall the original Clod Buster character while favoring a broad stance and rugged look.

The package centers on a Big-Foot style chassis that prioritizes visual scale. Structural choices give the completed model a substantial road-hugging appearance, with layout decisions that support larger wheels and pronounced fender gaps.

Bodywork and Scale Presence

The Clod Buster body echoes the classic blocky fenders and elevated ride height typical of big-foot trucks. Panel details and proportions are designed to read clearly at 1/10 scale, maintaining the model’s presence when on display. The shell and accessories concentrate on recognizable cues rather than fine surface detailing, aligning with the model’s display and collection focus.

Not a Racer, But a Builder’s Truck

This kit is intended for model builders and collectors who enjoy assembling a visually striking monster truck. It works well for those who want a heavier-looking truck for display or casual off-road running, rather than a lightweight or circuit-oriented vehicle. The build offers a chance to put together a classic-format monster truck within a familiar Tamiya kit structure.

A Storied Heritage

The original Tamiya Clod Buster was released on September 21, 1987, and quickly became one of Tamiya’s most popular radio controlled model kits. It featured four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, twin Mabuchi RS-540 motors, and massive 165 mm tires. The model virtually spawned an aftermarket industry of modifications, and so many parts were produced that it became possible to build a complete Clod Buster entirely from aftermarket components.

The main competitor at the time was the Kyosho Double Dare, released two years later. While the Double Dare didn’t sell nearly as well, it helped push RC monster truck technology forward. Today, both trucks are regarded as pioneers of the genre.

In February 2004, the original Clod Buster and its sibling, the Bullhead, were discontinued. Tamiya then released the Super Clod Buster, which swapped red parts for blue, removed Chevrolet badging after a falling out with the automaker in 1990, and added chrome wheels and a chassis brace from the Bullhead.

What to Expect from the New Kit

The 2026 Clod Buster’s structural choices suggest moderate assembly complexity typical of branded plastic kits in this class. Fit and finish target hobbyists accustomed to kit assembly, and the model rewards careful work for the best visual results. The emphasis stays on replicating the Clod Buster look at a scale that is display-friendly and mechanically straightforward.

While specific pricing and a confirmed release date have not yet been announced, the model has already appeared as a listing on RCNZ, a New Zealand-based hobby retailer, under the name “Tamiya 1/10 Clod Buster (2026) Kit,” pointing toward an imminent launch.

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour rolled into San Francisco this past weekend with more than 130 custom cars vying for the trophy, but only one machine earned the judges’ nod. Dave Ford’s hand-built 1932 Ford took the win at the August 1 stop, putting the family project firmly in the running to become an official Hot Wheels die-cast car.

A Build Rooted in Tradition

Ford constructed the hot rod from the ground up, using an airplane canopy as a starting point. The design pulls clear inspiration from custom-car pioneers Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and George Barris, two names deeply embedded in hot-rodding history. Under the hood sits a 327 Chevy engine, and the car rides on a bespoke suspension setup. One of the most distinctive exterior details is a nose cone modeled after the F-18 Hornet fighter jet. Inside, Ford’s wife contributed a custom hand-stitched interior, making the build a true family affair.

The result is a lean, green machine that embodies the three qualities Mattel’s judges look for: authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. Those same criteria will guide the selection of a U.S. representative later this year.

Three Stops Left Before the Finals

San Francisco was the ninth stop on a twelve-event U.S. schedule for 2026. The tour now heads to its final three locations:

• Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 22
• Las Vegas, Nevada on September 26
• El Segundo, California at Mattel’s own headquarters on October 3

The El Segundo event will serve as the U.S. finale. From that field, one build will be chosen to represent the United States at the Global Grand Finale in November. There, the American entry will face custom creations from Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

What the Winner Gets

The global champion earns a permanent spot in the Garage of Legends, described by Mattel as the most exclusive VIP group in the Hot Wheels world. Mattel’s design team will then scale down the full-size vehicle to 1:64 scale and release it as an official Hot Wheels die-cast car available to the public.

Last year’s winner, Paul Czarnecki of Poland, took the top prize with his custom 1990 Polski FIAT 126p BIS. That build was a mid-engine, Group B-inspired rally car widened nearly half a meter from stock and constructed entirely in Czarnecki’s garage. The 2025 Global Grand Finale also featured Jay Leno alongside a panel of automotive, design, and culture experts.

The Road Ahead

Ford’s 1932 Ford now enters a waiting period as the tour continues through its remaining U.S. dates. The next event takes place in Albuquerque on August 22, with the final national selection scheduled for early October at Mattel headquarters. Following that, the global competition for a place in the Garage of Legends will take place in November.

The full tour schedule and additional details are available on Mattel’s official Legends Tour page at mattel.com/hotwheelslegendstour.

Die-cast collectors who appreciate a bit of glow are getting two new releases from Kyosho this summer. The brand is rolling out a pair of Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MOONEYES models, each distinguished by different exterior liveries. Adding to the appeal, both feature integrated LED lighting and charging capability.

Two Versions, Two Months

The first model is scheduled to arrive in August 2026, with the second following in September 2026. Kyosho has assigned product numbers 07134LM1, 07134LM2, and 07125 to this release.

What Lights Cost

Each car carries a retail price of $24.98. However, the LED lighting feature requires a separate base, which has its own suggested retail of $15.98. Collectors who want the full illuminated experience will need to purchase the base alongside the car.

Context from Kyosho’s R34 Line

Kyosho has a long history with the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 platform. The company’s Original Mini Car Series, launched in 1991, started with 1/18 scale die-cast models before expanding to include 1/12, 1/43, and other scales. Die-cast models use bodies formed by pouring molten non-ferrous alloy into a metal mold, a process known for solid weight, durability, and minimal aging.

Kyosho also produces resin models, such as the 1/43 scale Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 NISMO Grand Touring Car in gray (part number KSR43106GR) available through Kyosho America. That model is based on the Clubman Race Spec (CRS) development program. According to Kyosho, NISMO began adapting motorsport technology to street cars in the mid-1990s, releasing the NISMO 400R and later the R34 Z-tune. After pausing parts production in 2007, development resumed in 2011, leading to the CRS program where the R34 GT-R is stripped to its white base and each part renewed. A racing driver sets up the finished vehicle to verify target performance. The CRS R34 features a high-output R2 engine and reinforced suspension, making it more circuit-oriented than its predecessors.

A range of 1/43 scale die-cast R34 variants have been released under the Kyosho Original label, including the V-Spec in Midnight Purple III, the V-Spec II in Bayside Blue, White Pearl, and Black Pearl, and the V-Spec II NUR in Millennium Jade. As of now, only the Midnight Purple III variant remains in stock, highlighting collector demand.

More Details on the MOONEYES Releases

The two Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MOONEYES models will feature exterior livery differences. The LED lighting and charging capacity are integrated into the cars. The first release will arrive in August 2026, and the second in September 2026. The LED function requires a base, which has a suggested retail of $15.98. Each car is priced at $24.98 US. The product numbers for these releases are 07134LM1, 07134LM2, and 07125.

Timeline

Collectors can expect to see the first Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) MOONEYES model hit shelves in August 2026, with the second variant arriving in September 2026. The separate LED base will also be available at that time.

Traxxas’ biggest X-Series machine just proved that paddle tires don’t need a dune to have fun.

The company released a new demo video for its Funco Pro Scale Replica, and the backdrop is a wide-open green field rather than sand. Traxxas kept the paddle tires mounted and sent the 55+ mph RC sand car over jumps. In a statement, Traxxas said: “We took the Traxxas Funco Pro Scale Replica to a wide-open green field, kept the paddle tires on, and sent it flying over jumps.” The clip was shared by Traxxas and reported by RC Car Action and Big Squid RC. It shows the car tearing across the turf, getting airborne, and kicking up roost in dirt corners. Traxxas framed the run as proof that paddle-tire driving isn’t limited to sandy environments.

Built to go big

The Funco Pro Scale Replica is inspired by the full-size Funco Motorsports sand car. Traxxas notes those machines use 1000+ horsepower engines and can top 150 mph, while the RC version is built to deliver 55+ mph performance. It is the largest member of the X-Series family, longer and wider than the X-Maxx, and its size gives it extra stability for desert trails and dune-running.

Power comes from the Velineon VXL-8s speed control and 1200XL motor, which Traxxas calls its most powerful brushless system. The system pushes 30+ volts to the rear wheels through a reinforced driveline. Inside the massively strengthened case, 1.5 module wide-face transmission gears feed power to the wheels; Traxxas says those gears are 50% larger than standard X-Series gears. A beefed-up X-Maxx differential with larger output cups and steel driveshafts rounds out the driveline, and a wheelie bar helps prevent backflips under hard acceleration.

The chassis also gets a low-CG layout with the dual 6700 4s batteries and steering servo mounted as low as possible. The electronics are fully waterproof and sit in a sealed receiver box with an access port. Direct-drive transmission gives instant throttle response, and an aluminum heatsink wraps around nearly 75% of the motor’s exposed surface with dual fan shrouds for cooling.

Scale details on top of the hardware

Traxxas didn’t just make it fast; it made it look the part. The Funco Replica has a full interior with dashboard, driver figures, and a nine-piece engine replica featuring licensed R2C air filters and a Whipple supercharger. Replica remote-reservoir 3.5-inch shocks are matched to aluminum GT Maxx shocks with adjustable ride-height collars and extended rear aluminum bodies and shafts for more travel.

The car is mounted on an internal tube frame that supports the body end to end and protects it in rollovers. Clipless body mounts with self-energizing latches let the whole body lift off in seconds. A high-performance rear wing mounts directly to the frame to handle hard landings. High-visibility whip lights rise more than 10 inches above the body, sit on Flex-Tech spring-loaded mounts, and are color-matched to the body.

For stopping, the Funco Replica pairs front disc brakes with rear motor braking. The front brakes use drilled stainless steel rotors, clamped by calipers with sheathed cables, and actuated by a digital 2075 servo through an adjustable linkage. Traxxas describes them as functional disc brakes, not just scale props.

The paddle tires are built for serious bite. They have twice the traditional number of ribs and a belted carcass that prevents the paddles from distorting for strong forward bite in sand. The front tires use an arrow pattern for float in deep sand, while hard-packed surfaces get responsive steering and braking.

Video debut with a $200 price cut

The new footage arrived alongside a price change. Big Squid RC reported that Traxxas announced the Funco Sand Car is now $200 off, putting the model at $1,099.

The ‘Goes Big’ clip is available from Traxxas, alongside the company’s official product page for the Funco Pro Scale Replica.

Die-cast collectors and Matchbox enthusiasts have fresh reasons to mark their calendars. The 2027 Line Preview has dropped, and the first wave of reveals came straight out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Matchbox held its 24th Gathering in Albuquerque last week, and the event served as the stage for Mattel to showcase a slice of next year’s lineup. A detailed review of everything shown and mentioned at the gathering is now available, giving collectors a first real look at what’s rolling out in 2027.

First Looks: Promos and Movie Multipack

Alongside the bigger preview, three dedicated promotional models hit the scene at the Gathering. Two of them were specific to Albuquerque itself, while a third was generally available to attendees during the event. These aren’t just any castings—they’re promotional issues tied directly to the gathering, making them immediate chase items for collectors who were there or who pick them up on the secondary market.

Adding to the momentum, Matchbox also revealed a premium multipack designed to promote the upcoming “Matchbox: The Movie” film. The movie has finally released a poster and trailer after a long wait, and this multipack is clearly timed to build hype. It’s a premium offering, meaning higher detail, rubber tires, and collector-focused packaging.

What’s Coming in 2027: Rally and Porsche

The full 2027 Line Preview isn’t exhaustive yet—more information will be disclosed at a later date—but the teaser is strong. According to the report published on Wheel Collectors, the lineup leans heavily into rally racing and includes several cool Porsche models.

“I like rally, so I am happy. Plus, they have some cool Porsches! Yes, I am fine.”

That’s the word from the collector and writer who attended the Gathering and compiled the detailed breakdown. He noted that he waited to get clarifications from Tyler at Mattel on a few details before finalizing the report. That collaborative back-and-forth means the preview reflects officially confirmed information, not just speculation from the event floor.

The 24th Gathering and Collector Community

Matchbox’s annual Gathering remains a cornerstone for the brand’s most dedicated fans. It’s not just a product reveal—it’s a social hub for collectors, a place to trade stories, snag exclusives, and preview the future of the brand. This year’s edition in Albuquerque was no exception, and the promotional models issued there have already generated buzz.

Full Report Available

For those who want the complete rundown down to each casting shown at the event, the full report is hosted on the Wheel Collectors website under the Matchbox Monday series. The writer acknowledged that jet lag from the trip home may have affected his phrasing but stands by the substance of the information—validated by Mattel’s input.

With rally cars, Porsche castings, and a movie tie-in on the horizon, 2027 is shaping up to be a notable year for Matchbox. More details, including the remainder of the lineup not shown in Albuquerque, are expected later. For now, collectors can pore over the preview, hunt down those Albuquerque promos on the market, and start planning which 2027 releases will earn a spot in their collections.