RC Toys On the Shelf at KB Toys in 2008

Mike writes: Caterpillar aka "CAT" company has several licensed remote control (wired) and radio control vehicles such as dump trucks, bulldozers, and excavators. I thought it was really neat that "CAT" brand RC vehicles also came in packages of two. For example, one Construction Hauler package I spotted at KB Toys has a remote control (wired) dump truck with a removable trailer. On the trailer is a push button Earth Mover. That's more fun for one child or it provides cooperative play time for two kids. Learn more about what's available and what to look for in RC construction toys.

Jacci writes: The Remote Fun collection from Keenway Industries features a cement truck, forklift, a bulldozer, and a dump truck. Recommended for agea 3 and up, these brightly colored toys are wired remote control vehicles that go forward and backward. Additionally each toy has it's own unique movement, such as the forklift that goes up and down and the cement mixer that spins. Instead of multiple buttons, the controller on each toy is a large easy-to-grasp stick that the child moves up and down. Batteries are included although because shoppers are able to test the controllers in the box, the batteries may be weak or dead by the time you get the toy home so pick up some extra "AA" batteries.

Lyla writes: If a kid is a Nintendo Mario Kart fan they'll like Mario Kart RC toys from NKOK Racing. There are radio control and tethered versions. The tethered toys are aimed at ages 3 and up. Both radio controlled versions are for ages 8 and up. You can collect three different figures: Donkey Kong (49 MHz), Mario (27 MHz), or Nintendo Yoshi (49 MHz). Be sure to check the packaging carefully because one RC version has more features than the other. The pictured RC is very basic with just forward, reverse turning, and a light. Larger versions of Mario (Buy Direct), Donkey Kong (Buy Direct), and Yoshi (Buy Direct) are full-function, have turbo-boost, play music, and have a remote shaped like a real Nintendo controller.

Sarah writes: I'm not so sure this is the toy for 4 year olds -- maybe 6 or older -- but it is kind of cool-looking with its funky shape, big tires, and real spring suspension. Echo Toys, a Hong Kong toy company makes the EchoPro line that includes all kinds of RC toys from dump trucks to tuner cars to stunt vehicles. This blue Radio Control Dash Hopper is a 27 MHz full-function RC toy.

Sam writes: This RC toy interested me because it's the first I've seen with a little "robot" controlling it (although Mike tells me there are others out there). The Air Hogs Robo Copter Recon looks like fun but also looks a little fragile. Some reviews I read claimed they broke the propellers within the first few hours while learning the controls. It has a 30 foot range, includes a built-in high powered LIPO rechargeable battery, and flies for about 10 minutes on one charge. It's also the first air flight RC to come with a locked tail to prevent those uncontrollable spinouts you see a lot on other helicopters. Overall I give the Robo Copter 3 and a half stars, You can look at the commercial and find more information at the Air Hogs site.