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Short course truck drivers looking for more bite on loose dirt, gravel, or packed clay have two fresh options hitting shelves nearly back-to-back. Carisma has introduced a budget-friendly ultra-soft tire set, while JConcepts expands its dirt-oval lineup with the new Dirt Trac tread. Both are engineered for 1/10 scale trucks but target slightly different use cases.

Carisma’s Super-Soft Set – $17.99 for a Pair

Carisma’s new offering is a two-tire set molded from an ultra-soft rubber compound that digs aggressively into loose surfaces. The tread uses pronounced shoulder blocks and center ridges to improve lateral grip during high-speed cornering, helping trucks carry more speed through turns without sliding out.

Each tire includes a pre-cut foam insert, so racers and backyard bashers can mount them onto standard 1/10 Short Course wheels without extra preparation. Carisma states the bead and sidewall profile are designed for universal fitment with virtually all popular SC wheels on the market.

Priced at $17.99 (part #16808), the set is distributed in the US by HRP. The company’s website, Carisma-Shop.com, lists the tires as ready to mount and intended for serious racers and bashers who want maximum grip.

JConcepts Dirt Trac – Oval-Focused Performance with Pre-Mounted Options

JConcepts’ Dirt Trac tires are developed primarily for dirt oval tracks but also work on concrete, asphalt, grass, and conditioned racing surfaces, including circuits with damp dirt or loam. The tread is a conventional block layout that has been cut and sliced to give the tire flexibility, made from a super soft compound. The sizable blocks are designed to hold up against wear and provide forward traction, while the gaps between tread elements help the truck move more freely on both tight and wide oval layouts.

The tire uses a low-profile carcass with a wide stance, supported underneath by closed-cell inserts for durability and support. Buyers can choose Dirt Trac either as standalone tires or already fitted onto Hazard wheels for popular Traxxas vehicles.

Pre-Mounted Fitment Options

• For the front of Traxxas Slash, Slash Modified, and Slash Late Model, JConcepts offers the Dirt Trac mounted on Hazard wheel #3350B under part number 4151.
• Part 4141 (mounted on Hazard wheel #3351B) fits the rear of Slash, Slash Modified, and Slash Late Model, as well as both front and rear of the Slash 4×4.
• The unmounted version, part 4151-02, fits traditional 3.0″ x 2.2″ SCT wheels, giving drivers freedom to choose their own rims.

Pricing is set at a retail price of $32.00, with a MAP (minimum advertised price) of $24.00. The tires are molded in a green compound and carry UPC 845937033994.

According to JConcepts, the Dirt Trac becomes a good fit when an owner upgrades their short course truck from a casual basher to a dedicated race machine. The tread is said to perform well in classes such as Sprint, Late Model, or Modified, where surface area, grippy compounds, and sidewall support are critical. The company designs and tests the product in the USA and backs it with its customer service team.

Both releases give SC truck owners more choices at different price points. Carisma’s set is the lower-cost entry at $17.99, with universal fitment and pre-cut foam inserts for quick mounting. JConcepts’ Dirt Trac runs higher but offers pre-mounted wheel-and-tire combos for Traxxas Slash variants, plus the unmounted option for custom wheel setups. The Dirt Trac’s closed-cell inserts and oval-focused tread make it a specialized choice for track racing, while Carisma’s compound targets general off-road grip.

Carisma’s tires are available now through HRP distribution. JConcepts’ Dirt Trac tires are available through reputable dealers and distributors, with the unmounted part #4151-02 ready for standard SCT wheels.

RC4WD has dropped a new 1/10 scale ready-to-run truck, and the biggest talking point might not be the retro sheet metal—it’s the brand-new quick-release body mounting system. The 1985 Toyota Pickup on the venerable Trail Finder 2 chassis gives scale fans a chance to own a hard-body classic without the usual hassle of unscrewing a dozen posts every time you swap a battery.

A Body Worth Slowing Down For

The licensed single-cab Toyota body is the star. Opening the hood reveals a fully detailed engine bay with a replica 22RE motor, painted components, and wiring—far beyond the simple painted shells found on many RTR crawlers. The interior is equally detailed, and LED lighting adds to the realistic look. A period-correct roll bar with KC-style lights, chrome bumpers, and SR5-inspired wheel treatment complete the 1980s vibe.

The tires are 1.7-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2-style units, featuring a dedicated rubber compound and hand-painted white lettering. They mount on stamped steel SR5-style wheels with scale hubs that accept a socket for removal.

Chassis: Old-School Leaf Springs and Metal Bones

Underneath, the Trail Finder 2 keeps its ladder-frame metal chassis, leaf-sprung axles, X-Ring shocks, heavy-duty axle shafts, a single-speed R3 transmission, and a Hammer transfer case. It’s a leaf-sprung machine with a leaf-under-axle configuration from the factory. RC4WD includes instructions to flip the springs over the axle for more ground clearance at the expense of some scale appearance.

Out of the box, the leaf springs are notably stiff, which changes the driving character. The truck feels planted and deliberate, but it asks the driver to pick lines carefully. Over time the springs may loosen, and many hobbyists enjoy tuning leaf packs, shock oil, and weight distribution.

Trail Manners: More Realistic Than Aggressive

This is not a competition-style crawler. The 1985 Toyota Pickup shines on mild trails, dirt paths, rocks, and roots where a realistic pace is the goal. The hard body and metal parts add weight, which helps the truck feel planted on flatter sections but also means it can tip on steep side hills if pushed too hard. That risk makes drivers more careful—and for many scale enthusiasts, that slower, thoughtful driving is exactly the appeal.

The brushed 540 motor and Outcry III ESC keep speeds manageable, and the drag brake helps the truck hold its position on descents. Battery choice matters: the RTR ships with a 6-cell 3000mAh NiMH pack using an XT60 connector, but a 2S or 3S LiPo upgrade is straightforward thanks to the connector and the quick-release body system.

Practical Updates That Matter

The clipless quick-release body mount is the most user-facing improvement. Older hard-body Trail Finder 2 trucks required removing screws and coaxing the body off, which could turn a simple battery swap into a bench project. The new system lets owners lift the body cleanly, access the chassis for wiring checks or cleaning, and snap it back in place.

Price and Availability

The RC4WD 1985 Toyota Pickup Trail Finder 2 RTR carries part number Z-RTR0072 and retails for $569.99. It is available directly from RC4WD. Some owners may want to check all hardware and stickers before the first run, as pre-installed items can require finessing. The truck also supports the optional leaf-over-axle reconfiguration for drivers seeking more ground clearance and larger tire clearance.

The ESP32 is already a favorite among makers, but a new open-source firmware project turns it into something even more versatile. Created by a developer known as Geo, the ESP32 Bit Pirate is a suite of hardware debugging tools inspired by the classic Bus Pirate. It transforms compatible ESP32-S3 boards into a multi-protocol workbench for sniffing, sending, scripting, and reverse engineering electronics.

A Pocket-Sized Debug Lab

The idea came from a practical need. As Geo explains:

“It came from a very practical need: when developing or debugging hardware, there is often a moment where you need to interact directly with a chip, sensor, flash memory, bus, or unknown device at a low level. ESP32 Bit Pirate is designed for that kind of work.”

Instead of writing a custom firmware for every new sensor or chip, you can fire up the Bit Pirate, scan the bus, dump memory, or send raw transactions. It’s especially handy for debugging unknown sensors, SPI flash chips, UART devices, infrared remotes, Sub-GHz receivers, and more.

Hardware Options

The firmware runs on a range of ESP32-S3 devices. You can use a standard ESP32-S3 Dev Kit with over 20 available GPIO pins, or grab something with a built-in display and keyboard like the M5 Cardputer or M5 Cardputer ADV — the latter adds 12 GPIO, an IMU, and a standalone mode that lets you run debugging tools without a separate computer. Other supported boards include the LILYGO T-Display S3, LILYGO T-Embed series (including CC1101 variants), M5 AtomS3 Lite, M5 Stick S3, M5 StampS3, and the Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32-S3. Any ESP32-S3 board with at least 8 MB of flash can work, though you may need to adjust the default pin mapping.

Recent Updates

The project, originally called ESP32 Bus Pirate, has been renamed and recently received significant updates. A new WiFi Hotspot mode lets the device create its own wireless network, so you can connect directly from a phone or laptop without needing an existing Wi-Fi setup. The Pirate Assistant is a WebUI feature that translates natural-language requests into firmware commands. The firmware also gained a dedicated USB adapter selection shell, offering modes like USB-UART bridge, Flashrom SPI programmer (serprog), AVRDUDE Bus Pirate SPI programmer, SUMP logic analyzer (up to eight channels), OpenOCD JTAG adapter, USB IR Toy / LIRC adapter, and a Sub-GHz CC1101 raw CDC adapter.

Protocols and Workflows

Protocol coverage is extensive. The firmware includes modes for I2C, SPI, UART, half-duplex UART, 1-Wire, 2-Wire (smartcards), 3-Wire, digital I/O (PWM, servo), infrared, USB (HID, MSC, host), Bluetooth (BLE HID, scan, spoofing, sniffing), Wi-Fi, Ethernet, JTAG/SWD, I2S, CAN, Sub-GHz, RFID, RF24, FM, and cellular AT. Built-in sniffers cover I2C, UART, SPI, 1-Wire, 2-Wire, CAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Sub-GHz. You can script interactions using Bus Pirate-style bytecode or Python over serial, and a browser-based Python Lab lets you write and test scripts without installing anything.

Getting Started

Getting started is straightforward. Use the ESP32 Bit Pirate Web Flasher to install the firmware directly from a browser — no need to set up PlatformIO or a local toolchain. You can also find it on M5Burner for supported M5Stack devices. Once flashed, connect via USB Serial or over Wi-Fi using the Web CLI. The Web Serial tools provide a terminal, SPI flash programmer, AVR and STM32 programming, and SUMP logic capture right in the browser. The project’s Wiki contains detailed documentation for every mode and command, along with hardware guides, wiring diagrams, and practical recipes.

The ESP32 Bit Pirate is available as open-source software on GitHub, with all resources — firmware, web flasher, Wiki, visual assets, and companion hardware designs — linked from the official project page.

Minichamps has rolled out a fresh batch of sealed metal models, and the lineup leans heavily on 1:18 scale. The latest release, covering Week 25 of 2026, is a compact but varied assortment that mixes retro road cars with a hardcore modern race machine.

The Star of the Show: 2025 BMW M4 GT3 Evo

The headliner is a 1:18 scale 2025 BMW M4 GT3 Evo finished in the livery of Team WRT. This isn’t just any GT3 car—it’s the same machine campaigned by ex-MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, alongside co-drivers A. Al-Harthy and K. van der Linde, at the 1812 km of Qatar earlier this year. The model is a sealed metal replica, picking up every detail from the actual race car’s striking color scheme and sponsor decals.

Minichamps had previously announced an entire range of 16 BMW GT3 EVO models back in August 2025, covering different race series and drivers from the GT World Challenge, WEC, 24h Spa, and more. That initial announcement listed an expected release date of Q1 2026. With this Week 25 drop, collectors are finally seeing some of those liveries reach retail shelves.

Other New Models

The release isn’t a one-car show. Minichamps has also produced a 1:18 scale 1955 BMW Isetta in bright yellow—a quirky microcar that stands in stark contrast to the fire-breathing GT3. Also in 1:18 are a 1997 BMW Z3 Roadster finished in dark green metallic and a 1972 Porsche 911 S in a deep green hue. Both are sealed metal castings, continuing the format that dominates this batch.

For those who prefer a smaller scale, Minichamps has included a single 1:43 model: a 2023 BMW iX in red metallic. That brings some contemporary EV flavor to the collection.

A Broader GT3 EVO Context

While this particular BMW M4 GT3 Evo is the most eye-catching, it’s worth noting that Minichamps has been steadily expanding its BMW M4 GT3 lineup. Just a few months earlier, in May 2026, the brand released a limited 1:43 model of the same chassis honoring Sheldon van der Linde’s 2022 DTM championship—only 304 pieces at an RRP of €69.95. Another trio of 1:43 BMW M4 GT3 models, each tied to Nürburgring enduros, also dropped in May. These earlier releases show that Minichamps is diving deep into the M4 GT3 story, and the new 1:18 WRT model fits right into that narrative.

Availability

All the models featured in the Week 25 release are available now through authorized retailers. The primary recommended source mentioned by Minichamps is FiveDiecast.com, where collectors can order the full set or individual cars. Given that many Minichamps models are produced in limited runs, the sealed 1:18 metal construction and race-livery styling are likely to attract both BMW fans and GT3 enthusiasts alike.

GT Spirit has announced a fresh wave of model car releases across 1:8, 1:12, and 1:18 scales. The French manufacturer — known for detailed miniatures of sports, luxury, and supercars — is adding 12 models to its lineup, covering vintage icons, modern hypercars, and custom builds. The announcement was reported by Diecastsociety.com on June 29, 2026.

1:8 Scale – Two Large-Format Models

The largest scale in the batch includes two resin replicas. The Porsche 356 B 1600 from 1962 (reference GTS802501) is finished in Super Ivory. The Renault Clio 16S from 1991 (reference GTS801202) is finished in Rouge Étrusque. Both are 1:8 models, a scale that GT Spirit produces in limited numbers.

1:12 Scale – Classic and Modern Contrast

In 1:12, GT Spirit offers a pair of models that span five decades. The Jaguar E Type from 1961 (reference GT978) is finished in Opalescent Silver Blue, capturing the elegance of 1960s British sports car design. The Porsche 911 [991.2] GT2 RS from 2018 (reference GT962) is presented in Miami Blue, representing a modern German performance flagship.

1:18 Scale – The Largest Selection

The 1:18 scale receives the most extensive treatment with eight models:

• GT1017 – Aston Martin Vantage S 2026, Satin Xenon Grey
• GT581 – Koenig Specials Spider 1987, Giallo Modena
• GT977 – McLaren F1 Roadcar 1992, Mansour Orange
• GT974 – Nissan GT-R (R35) Premium Edition T-Spec 2024, Millennium Jade
• GT1010 – Porsche 911 (992.1) GT3 R Rennsport 2023, White
• GT1007 – Range Rover Sport P510E Autobiography 2022, Giola Green
• GT583 – RWB Gundam 2024, Green
• GT584 – S-Klub C63S Mars 2024, Red

The announcement specifically highlights the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport in White and notes another S-Klub replica. The collection ranges from a 1987 Koenig Specials Spider to a 2026 Aston Martin Vantage S, covering nearly four decades.

About GT Spirit and the Models

GT Spirit is a French manufacturer of resin model cars in 1:8, 1:12, and 1:18 scales. According to information from Modelkars and the official GT Spirit website, the brand is recognized for offering models that are often never made before, with particular attention to detail and quality. GT Spirit produces a wide selection of sports, luxury, and supercar miniatures from top brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Dodge, BMW, Bentley, and more. Each model is made of resin and produced in limited series of a few thousand numbered pieces.

The official GT Spirit website (gts-models.com) also lists several new models in 1:18 scale that are either available or recently announced, including the Audi RS 4 Competition, Porsche 992 Turbo S, Koenigsegg CC850, Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster, ABT RS 3 R in Daytona Grey, RWB Bodykit Painkiller, Porsche 718 Spyder (2019), BMW M4 CSL, Koenigsegg Regera in Baby Blue, BMW M2 G87, Ford Mustang GT (2024), and RWB Bodykit Coast Cycle in White. The site offers both immediate purchase and pre-order options, with filters by make, scale, and availability.

Limited Editions and Collector Appeal

Because GT Spirit models are produced in limited series — typically a few thousand numbered units — collectors may want to act quickly to secure their preferred models. The brand’s focus on resin construction allows for sharp detailing and unique color choices not always available from die-cast competitors.

No specific release dates or pricing for these 12 models were announced at the time of the report. Collectors should monitor the official GT Spirit website and retailers such as Modelkars for pre-order availability.

Shizuoka, Japan’s undisputed hobby capital, lived up to its name this past May when Tamiya rolled out the RC Car Festival in Hobby City Shizuoka. The three-day event, held from May 15th to 17th, 2026, turned the Shizuoka City Southern Gymnasium into a bustling hub for radio-controlled car enthusiasts.

More Than Just a Race

The festival wasn’t just about speed. Organizers packed the schedule with hands-on experiences that let visitors of all skill levels get behind the wheel. The “Try!! Toyota RC” experience run gave newcomers a chance to pilot an RC car for the first time, while the “Toyota Challenge Cup” competition brought out the competitive spirit in seasoned hobbyists.

Workshops were a major draw, too. The “Try!! Toyota RC School” provided guided instruction for those looking to sharpen their driving techniques, and a separate Mini 4WD Workshop catered to fans of Tamiya’s iconic miniature racing platform.

Automotive Partners On Site

Several automotive-related companies and organizations set up interactive booths throughout the gymnasium. Visitors could try RC operation, explore car mechanism demonstrations, and get a close-up look at how real-world automotive engineering connects to the hobby. The festival was organized with support from Toyota Motor Corporation, which partnered on the driving experiences and competition.

Part of a Much Bigger Picture

The RC Car Festival didn’t happen in isolation. It ran as a featured attraction within the broader 64th Shizuoka Hobby Show, one of Japan’s largest model and hobby exhibitions. That larger event, organized by the Shizuoka Model Teaching Material Cooperative Association, filled the Twinmesse Shizuoka venue from May 13th to 17th.

The Hobby Show followed a structured schedule: May 13th and 14th were trade days reserved for buyers and industry professionals, May 15th served as a students’ day for local schoolchildren, and May 16th and 17th opened the doors to the general public for free. Across the Twinmesse complex, the Hobby Show showcased a massive range of products, from static models and railroad models to radio-controlled vehicles. Top Japanese brands displayed their newest releases, while the 35th Modelers’ Club Exhibition ran concurrently in multiple halls, with modeler clubs from Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and ASEAN contributing over 12,000 creations for public viewing.

A Weekend to Drive

Tamiya’s own booth at the main show offered a close look at new products, with staff on hand to provide detailed explanations. The company had promoted the event in advance on its official website, noting that advance registration for visitors residing in Japan had filled up by April 14th. The Shizuoka City Southern Gymnasium, located next to Twinmesse Shizuoka, was the dedicated venue for all RC activities. Over the three days, participants engaged in hands-on driving sessions, skill-building workshops, and competitive racing, making the most of every activity on offer. The festival concluded on May 17th, wrapping up a weekend that brought together hobbyists, families, and industry partners under one roof in Shizuoka.

Italian model maker BBR has released fresh images of its resin replica of the Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, and the new photos show the model in a striking Verde Speedster (green) finish. The 1:18 scale, sealed-body miniature is already generating interest among collectors of high-end automotive models.

The model, listed under product number P18280A, is a resin reproduction with no opening parts. It captures the elongated, streamlined silhouette of the real open-top hypercar, which Pagani created through its Grandi Complicazioni division as a tribute to 1960s endurance racers. BBR is working closely with Pagani’s Grandi Complicazioni technicians to ensure the miniature faithfully reproduces every detail, from the panoramic polycarbonate hardtop to the six-outlet titanium exhaust.

Two Scales, One Detailed Package

Alongside the 1:18 version, BBR is also releasing the model in 1:43 scale (reference BBRC335A). The smaller scale is also a sealed resin miniature and comes complete with a display case and a base. Both scales replicate the unique elements of the Speedster, including the low, gently curved windshield, the integrated roll bar, and the interior featuring the couture-inspired embroidery that requires over 450,000 stitches on the real car.

The real Pagani Huayra Codalunga Speedster, unveiled on July 8, 2025, is an open-top variant of the already exclusive Codalunga coupe. While only five coupes were built, the Speedster is even more limited at ten examples, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. Each car is fully bespoke, with no limits on personalization, and is powered by a 864 HP (635 kW) twin-turbo V12 developed with Mercedes-AMG. The engine produces 1,100 Nm of torque and is paired with a seven-speed Xtrac gearbox available as an AMT or a pure manual. The car’s dry weight is 1,270 kg, and it sits on a Carbo-Titanium HP62-G2 and Carbo-Triax HP62 monocoque. Active suspension, Pagani by Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and avional wheels with Pirelli Trofeo R tires complete the package.

Design and Craftsmanship

Pagani’s official press release emphasizes the Speedster’s minimalist design philosophy. Horacio Pagani, founder and chief designer, described the car as “a tribute to those who imagine their sports car as an icon of lightness and momentum, shaped by essential lines that transcend time with ease.”

Lorenzo Kerkoc, Head of Grandi Complicazioni, added: “We wanted to go back there. To that era of refined speed. We removed aerodynamic appendages and side air intakes. We pursued clean, tapered forms designed to cut through the air quietly, without unnecessary noise.”

The model captures these design principles in miniature. Because it is a sealed resin model, collectors will appreciate the precision of the casting and the flawless paintwork rather than functional doors or hoods. The Verde Speedster color is particularly fitting, as it highlights the car’s flowing lines and the subtle shifts in the body sculpting.

Availability

BBR has not yet announced official pricing or a release date for either scale. However, product pages have appeared at specialty retailers, and interested buyers are encouraged to contact BBR directly for updates. The product numbers are P18280A for the 1:18 scale and BBRC335A for the 1:43 scale. Whether displayed on a shelf alongside other Pagani models or as a standalone tribute to one of the most exclusive hypercars of the decade, the BBR Huayra Codalunga Speedster in Verde Speedster is a welcome addition for collectors who value both artistry and engineering.

On February 7, 1996, a British Airways Concorde completed the fastest transatlantic crossing in commercial aviation history: New York JFK to London Heathrow in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds. That aircraft, registration G-BOAD, powered by four Rolls-Royce/SNECMA Olympus 593 turbojets, covered the 3,750 miles at an average speed of 1,250 mph. More than two decades after the last Concorde flight on October 24, 2003, the legend lives on in a new diecast model that lets you hold that moment in your hands.

The Model: QIYUMOKE 1:125 Scale

QIYUMOKE has released a 1:125 scale die-cast metal model of the Concorde, and it’s not a shelf-filler—it’s a centerpiece. At approximately 19.7 × 8.7 × 8 inches and a net weight of 612 grams, this model claims serious display real estate. Over 90% of the components are high-quality die-cast metal, with engineering plastics reserved for fine-detail structural elements. The surface uses a baked-on enamel finish, meaning the paint bonds to the metal rather than sitting on top, helping resist fading and cracking over time.

Functional Droop Nose

The standout feature is the functional droop nose. On the real Concorde, the needle-like nose could angle downward 12.5 degrees during approach and landing for pilot visibility. This model recreates that: the nose section can be manually adjusted between the raised cruising position and the lowered landing position. At this price point and scale, that interactive detail is a genuine differentiator.

Accuracy and Livery

The model reproduces Concorde’s defining features with care: the ogival delta wing with its curved leading edge, the four Olympus 593 nacelles with visible intake tunnels, and a fully detailed landing gear with freely rotating wheels. The British Airways livery—white fuselage with deep blue lettering and the Speedmarque tail logo—is crisp and well-registered. Fine stencil text approaches the resolution limits of 1:125 scale, but at arm’s length the overall impression is excellent.

The Display Stand

The included stand is a clean black acrylic base with a single support arm that holds the model at a slight nose-up angle. That angle, viewed from slightly below and ahead, shows off the full ogival wing spread and the impossibly slender fuselage—a genuinely dramatic silhouette.

The History Behind the Model

Concorde G-BOAD’s record flight was no accident. The crew—Captain Leslie Scott, Senior First Officer Tim Orchard, and Senior Engineering Officer Rick Eades—planned carefully. They chose February for optimum upper-air temperatures and jet-stream winds, accelerated to Mach 2 quickly after take-off, and delayed deceleration as late as possible. The 27 passengers on board weren’t told about the record attempt until after landing. That same aircraft now resides at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, at Pier 86 on the west side of Manhattan.

By the Numbers

Concorde’s commercial service spanned 27 years, from January 21, 1976 to October 24, 2003. British Airways’ fleet of seven Concordes made nearly 50,000 flights, carrying over 2.5 million passengers supersonically. Only 20 Concordes were ever built; 14 entered commercial service. The typical London–New York crossing took about 3.5 hours, versus eight hours for subsonic jets. Cruising at Mach 2.04 at up to 60,000 feet, the fuselage stretched 6 to 10 inches in flight from aerodynamic heating.

Who It’s For

This model is aimed at aviation history enthusiasts, civil aviation collectors, and gift-givers. The packaging—a matte dark hardboard case with custom foam cutouts—creates a sense of occasion. The combination of scale, metal construction, and functional nose detail makes it a competitive offering in its category.

Practical Notes

The model requires at least 55×30 cm of display space. The droop nose mechanism should be operated gently—it’s a precision joint, not a latch. Fine stencil text is visible but not sharply legible under close inspection.

For now, Concorde’s record remains unbroken, and no supersonic successor has entered commercial service. The QIYUMOKE 1:125 diecast model offers one of the most tangible ways to keep that chapter of aviation history close at hand.

LEGO Technic’s latest two-wheeler is a model of Ducati’s first-ever motocross bike, and early reviews paint a picture of a simple, enjoyable build that might leave your wallet a little sore. The 42238 Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory hits shelves on August 1, 2026, and we’ve got the dirt on what to expect.

First Impressions: Small Box, Big Personality

The set comes in a tear-open box with a dramatic backdrop. Inside you’ll find 457 pieces spread across five numbered bags, plus two loose wheels and tires. A sticker sheet with 15 decals is included—a sticker ratio of about 3.3%, which the reviewer notes is high but not the worst they’ve seen (the upcoming Custom Garage Ford Mustang GT Car is apparently sticker-heavy too).

The official product page says the finished model measures over 7.5 inches (19 cm) high, 12 inches (31 cm) long, and 4.5 inches (11 cm) wide. It’s recommended for builders aged 10 and up.

Building the Bike: Quick and Satisfying

One of the standout points from the Rambling Brick review is how fast the bike comes together. After just the first bag you already have the frame built. Bag 2 adds the rear wheel and a shiny gold chain. By bag 3, the front end goes on—including a clever touch: the front mudguard is made from a botanical leaf piece in red. “Great parts usage!” the reviewer remarks. The final bag (4) covers the body panels and hides a little bee under the seat. The reviewer asks if there’s a story behind the bee, speculating it might be a nod to the “buzzing” sound of the bike—a funny contrast to Ducati’s famous roar.

The reviewer decided to build the set without applying stickers first to show how much they transform the look. The stickers give the bike its race-livery finish, mimicking the real Desmo450 MX’s graphics.

Design and Mechanics: Exposed, Just How We Like It

A major selling point for Technic fans is visible machinery. Unlike many modern Technic cars where engines and gears are hidden away, this dirt bike puts its mechanical heart on display. The single-cylinder engine has a transparent housing, so you can watch the piston move as the wheels turn. The gold chain runs from the rear axle to the engine, clearly showing the drivetrain in action. Front and rear suspension are also easy to test with a quick push. The large handlebars steer the front wheel.

“I like naked bikes in real life, and I like the old ‘skeleton’ Technic cars for the same reason; I like seeing the mechanisms!” — the Rambling Brick reviewer.

The set includes a display stand, making it easy to show off the finished model on a shelf or desk.

Value: Great Fun, But Pricey

The review’s main criticism is the price. The set costs £44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99 (Australian pricing appears to be around AU$75, though the source notes a question mark on that). The reviewer calls it “too expensive for what it is” but still gives the set 4 out of 5 arbitrary praise units, saying it offers better value than most Technic cars because motorcycles are more exciting to them.

It’s a simple build—nothing that takes a week—but it’s an enjoyable evening project. The visible mechanics and neat details like the hidden bee and the red leaf mudguard add charm.

Availability

The LEGO Technic 42238 Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory will be available from August 1, 2026 at LEGO.com and likely through other retailers. If you’re a motocross fan, a Ducati enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good skeleton-style build, this one’s worth a look—just be prepared to pay a premium for the pleasure.

An app that claims to take the guesswork out of collectible pricing just took a very public hit to its credibility. Apprayz, a new AI-powered valuation tool, says it uses “advanced machine learning and real market data” to tell collectors when to sell. But after a real-world test by hobbyDB, the app’s recommendations turned out to be wildly off—and in one case, it couldn’t even identify the item correctly.

The $88 (But Actually $20) Chomp

The first test subject was a Chomp collectible, a hobbyDB-exclusive item. Apprayz returned an estimated value of $72 to $88 and a Positive Value Index (PVI) of 62—a metric the app didn’t clearly define, but which apparently runs from 1 to 100. That valuation might sound exciting—until you check the actual market. hobbyDB found the same Chomp available for $20 on its own marketplace and for between $15 and $50 (or best offer) on eBay. No recent sales anywhere near the app’s suggested range.

The app also flagged the item as “not a First Edition” in a way that seemed to borrow from Hot Wheels logic—applying a mainline-casting concept to a completely different type of collectible. That’s a telltale sign that the training data may have been mismatched.

M2 Machine? Nope, That’s a Dog Toy

The second test was even more telling. A model from M2 Machines—a well-known die-cast brand—was run through Apprayz. The app’s image recognition came back with three labels:

• “Jumping Ball for Pet Dog”
• “Interactive Training Toys”
• “Automatic Pet Puppy Fetch Toy”

None of those are even close to a scale die-cast vehicle. A quick Google search for the first phrase shows generic pet products. The app had clearly misidentified a detailed automotive collectible as a dog toy.

What Went Wrong?

The core issue, as hobbyDB put it, is that “AI only works if it has good training data.” Apprayz is relying on machine learning to analyze market data, but if the underlying dataset is inaccurate, incomplete, or irrelevant, the outputs won’t be trustworthy. Industry articles on machine-learning data quality highlight the need for accuracy, consistency, completeness, timeliness, and representativeness—all qualities that Apprayz’s performance suggests are lacking. In the case of the M2 Machines model, the training data probably included no die-cast inventory at all, leaving the algorithm to guess from unrelated pet-product images.

A Case for Curated Databases

hobbyDB contrasted Apprayz’s approach with its own curated database, which uses human oversight to ensure listings match the correct items. The company points out that without a well-structured, verified catalog, AI valuation tools are prone to the kind of errors seen in this test.

For collectors who want to avoid overpaying or underselling, the takeaway is clear: double-check any AI-generated price tag against real marketplace listings. As for identifying what you actually own, hobbyDB has introduced a new image-matching feature that is currently in beta, aiming to give collectors a more reliable alternative.

Apprayz hasn’t publicly responded to the test results, but the episode underscores a growing challenge in the collectibles space: as more AI tools enter the hobby, their value depends entirely on the quality of the data feeding them—and that data still needs a human touch.