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LEGO is bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to its 2026 gift-with-purchase calendar. 40908 Restaurants of the World: Greece has been officially revealed as the third quarterly GWP in the Restaurants of the World series, with availability starting 11 August 2026.

A taverna with coastal character

The promo is built around the traditional Greek taverna — the small, family-run restaurants serving traditional Greek dishes that are a staple in Greek cities and towns. The model’s white walls and blue signage draw from the look of coastal destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos. The rear of the model includes a compact kitchen for meal preparation, while a bouzouki (built from a lute element) hangs on the wall. It also includes an exclusive minifigure wearing a traditional Greek tunic and a kitten. A kitten is also included, with the report noting that cats roaming around Greece are a memorable part of the setting.

The taverna will be free with a qualifying LEGO.com purchase while stocks last. In the US, the order threshold is US$180; the regional equivalents are AU$295 in Australia, £160 in the UK, €180 in Europe, and NZ$320 in New Zealand. Because the GWP rides on top of an order, it can be bundled with other purchases from LEGO’s August 2026 release wave.

A series built around small restaurants

Restaurants of the World is a quarterly run of four gift-with-purchase models celebrating cuisine and restaurant designs from around the world. The theme follows in the footsteps of the 2023 LEGO Houses of the World collection, which produced four mini-building sets inspired by different regions.

That earlier collection included 40583 with South American architecture, 40590 with North African architecture, 40594 with Swiss architecture, and 40599 with Chinese architecture. Those sets are no longer sold directly by LEGO, but they still circulate on secondary marketplaces such as eBay and BrickLink.

The restaurant series made its debut earlier this year. 40906 Restaurants of the World: Japan, a 289-piece sushi restaurant, ran from 27 February through 8 March as a GWP. The next entry, 40907 Restaurants of the World: Mexico, was a 327-piece taqueria available from 10 April through 19 April. Both previous sets required a free LEGO Insiders membership and an order worth roughly $180 depending on the country. They were also minifigure-scale, which made them easy to add to LEGO City layouts or keep as standalone collectibles. An earlier overview of the series noted that both released sets were packed with interesting parts, unique stickers, and other small details.

One more restaurant to come

With Greece, the series has now touched East Asia, Central America, and the Mediterranean. The fourth quarterly GWP of the year has not been announced yet, leaving the lineup with one more restaurant to be revealed. Blog coverage of the reveal floated possibilities such as a North American or Western European restaurant — an Italian pasta or pizza place was suggested — leaving the final location open to fan speculation.

Ahead of the official reveal, an image of the Greek taverna’s box appeared on RedNote (Xiaohongshu) in early August. The leak indicated the 40908 set number and listed 254 pieces and a 12-plus age recommendation on the packaging, along with the usual limited-edition label found on LEGO gift-with-purchase sets.

Getting the Greek GWP

The Greek GWP arrives on 11 August. For anyone planning an order, the key detail is the regional spend threshold — and, as with any gift with purchase, once the promo stock is gone, it’s gone.

ProTek RC is reviving some of its most popular servos with a rebranded appearanceaine and, more significantly, is introducing a lifetime gear warranty on all of its servos, honored through AMain Hobbies. The first four models have been announced today, with more expected in the near future.

A Fresh Look, Same Race-Proven Performance

According to the announcement, ProTek RC is bringing back many of its popular high-performance servos with a new look while retaining the same race-proven quality. The rebranded servos will carry new PTK part numbers to replace the previous designations. While the branding and product numbers are changing, the servos maintain their prior technical designs, such as brushless motors and metal gears.

ProTek RC pro team driver Tom Rinderknecht, who has been racing with PTK servos for several years, praised the lineup: “I have found the ProTek RC servo lineup to be one of the highest-performing and most reliable options in the RC industry. The low-profile design, precision-machined steel gears, and exceptional durability give me complete confidence in my equipment every time I hit the track.”

The First Four Rebranded Servos

The first wave of rebranded models includes four distinct servos, each with a specific focus for different racing applications.

PTK-300LPT Low Profile High Torque Brushless Servo

Formerly known as the PTK 160TBL, this model returns as the all-new look for what ProTek RC describes as its most popular racing servo. This brushless motor servo is positioned as the brand’s premier 1/10 racing servo, designed for pro drivers across a wide range of 1/10 race vehicles. It retails for $129.99.

PTK-150LPS Low Profile Super Speed Metal Gear Servo

This super speed servo brings back the popular PTK-160SS. Ideal for 1/10 on-road and off-road applications, it features a full aluminum casing, a 0.04 transit speed at 7.4V, full metal gears, and dual ball bearings. The PTK-150LPS has a retail price of $109.99.

PTK-215LPT Low Profile High Torque Metal Gear Servo

The former PTK-140T is now the PTK-215LPT. Priced at just $79.99, it’s aimed at entry-level and club racers seeking a low-profile, high-torque option. It comes equipped with metal gears, dual ball bearings, and a strong casing.

PTK-275LPT Low Profile High Torque Metal Gear Servo

The former PTK-160T returns as the PTK-275LPT, described as a staple in both on-road and off-road racing scenes. It offers higher torque at a slightly slower speed and carries a $109.99 price point, making it a good option for local club racers.

A Look at the Original PTK-140T Specs

While the new models are marketed with a refreshed identity, the underlying hardware remains familiar. The original ProTek RC 140T servo, for example, was a low-profile digital high-torque metal gear high-voltage model designed for 1/12 to 1/10 scale vehicles. It delivered 185 oz-in of torque at 6.0V, 215 oz-in at 7.4V, and 230 oz-in at 8.4V. Its transit speeds ranged from 0.10 seconds at 6.0V down to 0.07 seconds at 8.4V. That servo featured a plastic case with an aluminum center band for heat dissipation, a metal gear train with dual ball bearings, and a coreless motor.

Broader Lineup Context

ProTek RC’s servo family extends beyond these four updated models. In late 2024, the brand released three high-performance brushless servos aimed at 1/10 off-road and on-road racing: the PTK-575, PTK-815, and PTK-381. Those models were backed by a one-year warranty program at the time. Now, the company is expanding its warranty coverage to a lifetime gear warranty across the entire servo line.

Where to Find Them

The full line of ProTek RC products, including engines, servos, batteries, chargers, tools, and accessories, is available through AMain Hobbies or at local hobby stores. The first four servos are available now, and additional rebranded models are expected to be announced in the near future.

Carisma’s licensing deal with Audi is coming to an end, and the company is marking the occasion with a new release. The 1/10 scale Audi R8 LMS M40S 2.0 ARR is now shipping, and it’s your last chance to grab a fully licensed Audi RC from Carisma.

This isn’t just a re-run. The M40S 2.0 ARR features a brand-new chassis, a brushless powertrain, and a long list of race-ready details. It arrives as an Almost-Ready-to-Run (ARR) kit, meaning you only need to supply a 2S or 3S LiPo battery to hit the track.

What’s in the Box?

Carisma has packed the M40S 2.0 with upgrades. The new chassis is paired with front, center, and rear gear differentials for smooth, consistent power delivery. A 550-sized brushless motor and a Carisma 3S-capable ESC provide the punch, while aluminum oil-filled shocks and front and rear anti-roll bars keep things planted in the corners.

On the body side, the licensed Audi R8 LMS shell is nicely detailed. It includes front and rear light buckets for scale lighting, an injection-molded front splitter, and a high-downforce rear wing. The whole package is designed to look as good as it drives.

The model carries part number #93068 and has a street price of $359.

Why This Matters for Hobbyists

With Carisma’s Audi licensing ending, this release is effectively a farewell. Once the current stock is gone, new licensed Audi bodies from Carisma may not be available again. For collectors and fans of the brand, this is a chance to grab a high-quality, officially licensed replica before the door closes.

The ARR format also appeals to experienced hobbyists who already own transmitters and batteries. You get the car, the electronics, and the detailed body — just add your own power source and radio. That keeps the price lower than a full RTR and lets you customize the setup from day one.

Specs at a Glance

• Scale: 1/10
• Type: Almost-Ready-to-Run (ARR)
• Motor: 550-size brushless
• ESC: Carisma 3S-capable
• Drivetrain: 4WD with front, center, and rear gear diffs
• Shocks: Aluminum oil-filled
• Suspension: Front and rear anti-roll bars
• Body: Fully licensed Audi R8 LMS with light buckets, splitter, and rear wing
• Part Number: #93068
• Price: $359 street price

The Final Word

Carisma’s M40S platform has been a solid performer for on-road scale racing, and the 2.0 ARR version brings it up to date with modern brushless power and improved chassis design. The combination of the end of Audi licensing and the new features makes this a notable release for RC enthusiasts who appreciate scale realism and performance.

The Carisma 1/10 Audi R8 LMS M40S 2.0 ARR is available now from Carisma and authorized dealers. If you’ve been waiting for a licensed Audi RC, this is the time to act — once the licensing runs out, this model won’t be around forever.

Team Associated just dropped a pint-sized rally machine that’s ready to rip straight out of the box. The new RC24 ZOOM Rally is a 1:24 scale, 4WD, ready-to-run electric rally car built for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists. It’s the latest in the growing Zoom family, and at $109.99, it brings hobby-grade build quality to a micro platform.

What’s in the Box?

The RC24 Zoom Rally is a true RTR (ready-to-run) package. Inside the box you’ll find a painted and decaled Lexan body, a 2.4GHz transmitter with batteries included, a 1S LiPo battery, and a USB LiPo charger. The car also comes with a precision micro servo already installed and a 2-in-1 micro ESC + receiver system—so you’re literally charging and driving.

Performance and Build

Don’t let the small size fool you. The RC24 is built on a durable molded chassis with steel hinge pins all around and independent suspension to handle jumps and bumps. It rolls on high-traction all-terrain tires and uses gear differentials for solid grip on any surface. Ball bearings keep things smooth and efficient. The car measures 194 mm (7.64 in) long, 95 mm (3.74 in) wide, with a 119 mm (4.69 in) wheelbase. Weight varies depending on configuration.

Team Associated says the RC24 is designed to tear up the track—whether it’s dirt, asphalt, or loose gravel. The 4WD drivetrain and rally-style chassis make it a versatile little ripper for parking lots, backyards, or even indoor courses.

Upgrade Potential

One of the biggest selling points is that the RC24 isn’t just a toy—it’s a hobby-grade machine. All parts are replaceable, and the car is compatible with Race spec Reedy microelectronics. That means you can swap in a faster motor, upgrade the ESC, or fine-tune the suspension as your skills grow. Spare parts are already available, so keeping it running is easy.

“Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the RC24 is ready to run right out of the box… best of all, this isn’t just a toy—it’s a hobby-grade machine featuring replaceable parts and compatibility with Race spec Reedy microelectronics,” Team Associated stated in the release.

A Growing Zoom Family

The RC24 joins a line of micro Zoom RTRs from Team Associated. Earlier this year, the company announced the RC28 and RC28T Zoom RTRs, which are 1:28 scale replicas of iconic vintage Associated kits priced at just $59. Those models also come with a 2.4GHz transmitter, USB-C charging, and pre-printed bodies. The RC24 expands the lineup into a more performance-oriented rally car, offering a different scale and drivetrain layout for those who want a 4WD micro basher.

Pricing and Availability

The Team Associated RC24 ZOOM Rally (part #20210) is available now for $109.99 directly from AssociatedElectrics.com. No additional batteries or chargers are needed—everything you need to run is in the box. Given the price point and the upgrade path, it’s a compelling entry point for anyone looking to get into micro RC rallying with a brand known for competitive racing heritage.

For more details and to see the car in action, check out the launch video from Team Associated.

When the original Losi 5IVE-T debuted in 2011, it set a new benchmark for large-scale RC, blending the engineering DNA of the dominant 1/8-scale 8IGHT platform into a powerful, easy-to-work-on 4×4 gas truck. Now, more than a decade later, Losi is raising that bar again with the 5IVE-TG 3.0, a fully updated, ready-to-run 1/5-scale gas desert truck.

A New Powerplant Takes Center Stage

At the heart of the 5IVE-TG 3.0 sits the brand-new Fujiwara FJ350RC engine. This 35.2cc powerplant is based on the legendary Zenoah G320 but features a larger bore that increases displacement. According to Losi, the new engine delivers impressive gains in torque and power across the board, with the most noticeable improvements coming in the low and midrange, providing exhilarating acceleration and relentless pulling power.

Built for the Abuse

Losi has engineered the 5IVE-TG 3.0 to handle the punishment of aggressive, gas-powered driving. The most significant change is the body: instead of a traditional polycarbonate shell, the truck uses injection-molded polypropylene panels. This six-piece design is the same ultra-durable material used on Losi’s Promoto-MX and Sprint Car platforms. The panels flex to absorb impacts, maintain uniform thickness to eliminate weak spots, and are more manageable and affordable to replace.

The truck’s stance has also been revised with a longer wheelbase. The extra length keeps the oversized tires and body looking properly scaled while also improving high-speed straight-line stability.

Bigger Shocks, Stronger Arms

The suspension has received equally impressive upgrades. New 32mm big-bore shocks handle significantly more oil volume—a 78% increase over the original 5IVE-T shocks—for improved damping performance. They feature tapered pistons that increase pack while creating a more controlled, quicker rebound for superior traction. The front and rear suspension arms have been redesigned with added material around the shock mounting locations for uniform thickness and enhanced durability, and shock geometry has been corrected for optimal angles.

Serious Hardware, Inside and Out

The 5IVE-TG 3.0 rolls on officially licensed KMC KM549 wheels, which use Pro-Line Racing’s Pro-Loc bead lock system. This technology makes tire changes effortless, allowing owners to replace just the tires rather than entire wheel-and-tire combinations. Wrapped around these are massive 8.5-inch Pro-Line Mirage TT tires with an aggressive, realistic tread and desert truck-style sidewall ribs.

Power is transferred through an optimized drivetrain featuring a new 43/12 ring and pinion gear with a 67-tooth spur. Maintenance is simplified with a new easy-access center differential mount that allows the center diff to be removed without disturbing the brakes or linkage.

For steering, Losi has equipped the truck with the new Spektrum SPMSS1000MT metal-top servo, delivering a massive 1,000 oz/in of torque. The metal top case keeps gears aligned and acts as a heatsink, drawing heat away from the motor to enhance performance and longevity. A Spektrum SPMSS1000 servo handles throttle and brake duties.

Ready to Run

The 5IVE-TG 3.0 comes ready to run out of the box, including the Spektrum DX3 Smart transmitter and SR615 DSMR receiver. The transmitter’s battery level indicator can show real-time capacity from the included Spektrum 4000mAh 2S Smart LiPo receiver pack.

The kit includes the truck, engine, radio system, both servos, a receiver battery, transmitter batteries, and a full set of tools. To get going, owners only need to add 91-octane or higher gasoline, high-quality synthetic 2-stroke oil, and a fuel container for mixing.

A Legend Returns

The Losi 5IVE-TG 3.0 builds on the heritage of the 1/5-scale gas-powered 5IVE-T, which has become a benchmark in the large-scale RC community. With its new engine, larger shocks, durable molded body, and optimized drivetrain, this new version represents the largest and most capable gas-powered 5IVE-T to date. The Losi 5IVE-TG 3.0 (LOS05025) is priced at $1,499.99.

Diecast collectors, get your display cases ready. TopSpeed and TSM have just dropped a fresh wave of production announcements, and it’s all about race-ready replicas. The new assortment spans both 1:18 and 1:43 scales, with liveries pulled straight from the IMSA paddock, the Le Mans circuit, and the showroom floor. If you follow GT3 and prototype racing, there’s a lot here to get excited about.

1:18 Scale – Corvette, Ford, Mercedes, and Lamborghini Lead the Pack

The 1:18 lineup is heavy on recent IMSA contenders. TopSpeed is handling most of the race cars, while TSM contributes a sleek road-car convert — the BMW M3 Touring in Sao Paulo Yellow solid.

On the track side, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R appears twice: car #3 and car #4 from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports, both wearing the livery they ran at the 2026 IMSA Daytona 24 Hours. Ford fans get the Mustang GT3 #65 from Ford Multimatic Motorsports, captured at the 2025 IMSA VIR round. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 #69 GetSpeed is also in the mix, and it’s the only model with a confirmed delivery window — November 2026.

Lamborghini is well represented with two entries. The Huracan GT3 EVO2 #45 from DEX Wayne Taylor Racing ran at the 2026 Daytona 24 Hours, while the newer Temerario GT3 #9 from Pfaff Motorsports is finished for the 2026 Sebring 12 Hours. That’s a nice contrast between the outgoing Huracan and the incoming Temerario platform.

Rounding out the 1:18 list is the standalone BMW M3 Touring from TSM, a non-liveried road car that will appeal to collectors who want something clean and solid-coloured among all the race graphics.

1:43 Scale – More Corvettes, Porsches, and a Couple of BMWs

TSM takes the lead on the 1:43 side, offering a mix of race cars and road models. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R appears again, in both #3 and #4 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports trims from the 2026 Daytona 24 Hours. The Lamborghini Temerario GT3 #9 Pfaff Motorsports also makes the cut in the smaller scale, again in its Sebring 12 Hours livery.

Porsche fans get two important prototypes. The Porsche 963 #7 from Porsche Penske Motorsport is the 2025 IMSA Daytona 24 Hours winner, while the Porsche 963 #6 from the same team finished second at the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours. Both are must-haves for endurance racing collectors.

On the road-car front, TSM includes a BMW M4 CS in Brooklyn Grey. That’s the only road-going BMW listed for the 1:43 scale, offering a different silhouette compared to the M3 Touring in the larger size.

What’s Coming Next

The full list of product numbers is available on the release announcement. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 #69 GetSpeed is the only one with a hard delivery date — November 2026 — so expect the others to follow a similar timeline or possibly arrive in waves. No prices have been announced yet.

Whether you’re filling out an IMSA garage or just want a sharp-looking GT3 on your shelf, this batch from TopSpeed and TSM offers plenty of variety. Keep an eye on the official channels for pre-order links and further updates.

ACME is going back to the muscle car glory days with a new 1:18 diecast metal replica, and it’s one that will ring a bell for any Camaro enthusiast: the 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro Prototype. The first sample images are out, and the production model is slated to arrive late in the third quarter of 2026.

A Familiar Legend, A Fresh Scale

The Yenko name carries serious weight. As the story goes, dealer and racer Don Yenko saw a hole in the market: General Motors wouldn’t put a big-block larger than 396 cubic inches in a Camaro from the factory. Yenko’s answer was to take the Corvette’s fearsome L72 427/425 HP engine and shoehorn it into the pony car. By 1969, he was working directly with Chevrolet through a Central Office Production Order (COPO) to have those 427s installed on the assembly line. The result was the legendary Yenko Super Camaro, known to fans as the “SYC.”

ACME’s model captures that car in its prototype form. The first sample photos show a detailed 1:18 scale diecast body with opening features, something collectors have come to expect from the brand.

Numbers That Matter

This isn’t going to be a mass-market shelf filler. ACME is capping production at 427 pieces — a number that directly echoes the big-block engine that made the real car famous. The suggested retail price is set at $144.95 US. For collectors, that combination of limited run, iconic subject, and reasonable price point for a fully diecast model should generate interest quickly.

The Yenko Story Adds Weight

The historical context adds real depth to this release. The real 1969 Yenko Camaro has a famously complicated backstory. The records show that 201 Yenko Super Camaros were sold in 1969, but approximately 25 of those were produced not at Yenko’s Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, dealership, but at Jack Douglass Chevrolet in Chicago. That little-known fact sparked a controversy among Yenko purists that simmered for years. Today, the collector community has accepted both the Canonsburg and Douglass-built cars as legitimate Yenkos.

The Douglass cars had their own specific details: they came with the X11 Style Trim Group, which included Soft Ray-tinted glass, simulated wood-grain interior trim, a dash-mounted passenger grab handle, and polished stainless drip rail, wheel arch, and side louver trim. They also featured the optional RPO VE3 Special Body Color front bumper and Blue Bowtie badges. It’s a rich vein of detail that a scale model like this can potentially nod to.

What Made the SYC Tick

Don Yenko’s SYC (Super Yenko Camaro) cars weren’t just about the engine swap. The COPO package (numbers 9561 and 9737) included mandatory power front disc brakes, a Muncie M21 four-speed or M40 Hydra-Matic automatic, a heavy-duty four-core Harrison radiator, high-performance suspension with multi-leaf springs and special shocks, 15×7-inch Rally wheels, a 140-mph speedometer, and a 12-bolt Posi Traction differential with 4.10:1 gears.

Under the hood sat the L72: a four-bolt main iron block with 11:1 forged aluminum pistons, a mechanical camshaft, and a Holley 780 CFM four-barrel carburetor. It was rated at 425 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a bone-crushing 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Yenko called it “The Mean One,” and he wasn’t kidding.

The Bottom Line for Collectors

ACME’s 1:18 1969 Chevrolet Yenko Camaro Prototype (Product #A1805739) is set to arrive in late Q3 2026. At $144.95 US and limited to just 427 pieces, this one has the makings of a must-have for Camaro fans and muscle car diecast collectors alike.

Pre-orders are the word to watch for, given the low production run. For those who want a piece of the Yenko legend without tracking down a million-dollar survivor, this might be the next best thing.

Agama is rolling out a new contender for the 1/8-scale electric buggy class — the N2e, a kit that prioritizes a razor-low center of gravity and maintenance-friendly engineering. The model is shipping now with a price tag of $812.

Designed for Low-Grip Handling

The N2e’s core innovation is its suspension layout. Agama uses lay-down shocks that drop the center of gravity significantly compared to conventional buggy designs. The result? The car can hold higher corner speeds and stay more consistent lap after lap, especially on slick or high-speed tracks. The low COG also helps the N2e track flatter through bumps, reducing the chance of rollovers and giving drivers more confidence in aggressive cornering.

Serviceability as a Selling Point

Agama is making a strong claim: the N2e is the easiest car to work on in its class. The kit features easy diff access via a simplified gearbox layout, a double bearing system for the differentials, and a super flexible wing mount that can take a beating without snapping. Maintenance tasks that usually require stripping half the car down are now quicker, meaning more run time and less wrenching.

Aerodynamics also get attention. The N2e sports a unique, clean body shape designed to cut through the air efficiently, and the rear wing is molded from an advanced nylon material for durability without added weight.

What’s in the Box and What’s Not

The N2e ships as a competition kit — meaning you’ll need to supply your own electronics. Not included are the 1/8 brushless motor, speed controller, radio system, receiver, steering servo, tires, wheels, body paint, and LiPo battery (2x2S) plus charger. You’ll also need differential and shock oils. This is standard for race-oriented buggy kits, giving builders the freedom to spec their own gear.

How It Compares to the N1E

The N2e follows Agama’s earlier N1E electric buggy, which also promised a low COG via a unique “tilt-shock” suspension system and the RAD (Rapid Access Diff) gearbox. The N1E’s key benefits included incredibly low center of gravity, unrivaled serviceability, and ultimate suspension feel. It offered battery mounting in stick or saddle format. The N2e appears to build on that DNA with refinements, though Agama has not published a full spec comparison. The new model’s lay-down shock arrangement is a distinct visual and functional evolution from the N1E’s angled shocks.

Who It’s For

The N2e targets competitive racers and serious hobbyists who want a platform that handles predictably and is quick to maintain between heats. At $812, it sits in the upper range of 1/8 electric buggy kits, but the engineering focus on low CG and easy diff access could justify the investment for drivers chasing track records.

Availability and Next Steps

Agama has begun shipping the N2e directly to dealers. The kit is available now through Agama’s distribution channels, including the brand’s news partner Big Squid RC. No word yet on a roller version or any future RTR (ready-to-run) variant — for now, it’s strictly a builder’s kit. Racers looking to get one on their bench should check with local hobby shops or online RC retailers stocking Agama products.

The N2e is a focused step forward: lower center of gravity, smarter serviceability, and a price that reflects its competition-ready pedigree.

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.