RC Toys On the Shelf at Target in 2008

Mike reports: Described on their web site as "hobby-grade" the Radline RC line, exclusive to Target, has 1:24 scale AWD (all-wheel drive) off-road vehicles that come in a rugged plastic case and have a lot of extra performance parts that you can buy like modified motors, oil-filled aluminum shocks, full ball bearing sets, three stage motor kits, and metal turnbuckles. Comparable in features and price to the now discontinued 1:24 scale Radio Shack XMODS, the Radline has Elite and Master series, each with three vehicles at present (pictured, the Elite series Detour Stadium Truck). The vehicles come in two frequencies 27MHz and 49MHz but you have three selections within those two frequencies for up to six racers at a time.

Sam reports: My current favorite color is green so it was the eye-catching Lucky Charm green on this 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT from Maisto that got my attention. It's 27Mhz but with tri-channel selector so you can race up to three at one time. Some of the features that kids will like include chrome wheels and working headlights. It also comes with rechargeable batteries. The 1:16 scale Maisto R/C line offers the Escalade in three colors and a 1964 Chevrolet C-10 in three colors. The Maisto R/C line also has 1:10, 1:18, and 1:24 scale vehicles.

Sarah reports: This Jada Toys 2006 Chevy Camaro Concept first caught my eye because its color and styling reminded me of Bumblebee from the Transformers. It's a basic RC toy car intended for kids 8 and up. The Jada Toys Web site lists 1:10, 1:16, 1:6 scale and 5.5" size models of this vehicle. It's 27Mhz, requires a 9V battery for the controller, and needs 6 AAA batteries for the car.

Jacci reports: Building on the popular Havoc Heli line, SpinMaster's Air Hogs R/C Havoc Stingers are little indoor flying insects that won't have you reaching for the flyswatter (unless my husband and kids try divebombing me with them). They come in multiple colors (with big bug-like eyes in contrasting colors), measure about 6 inches long, and are recommended for beginning pilots. They come in multiple channels so that up to three Stingers can fly together -- uh oh, I'm in trouble now.

Lyla reports: The Flytech Bladestar by WowWee is a rechargeable helicopter-like RC that doesn't look quite like other helicopters. Bladestar has two big spinning blades and smaller vertical blades, like tail rotors -- only there are two tails -- spinning around a space capsule-looking middle body. The RC is for kids 8+ and should only be flown indoors. The 3 channel remote serves as a 20 minute charger giving 5 minutes of fly time (seems a bit short). The Bladestar also has an autopilot mode and can face-off with another Bladestar in a dogfight. It comes with spare blades, propeller, and a carrying case. Only at Target for a limited time.