Cobra Elite Mini RC Helicopter with Gyro by COBRA RC TOYS

This mini Alloy 3.5 channel helicopter is a premium precision RC aircraft that can be charged via battery or by USB connection. The L99267 also includes a Gyroscopic control chip that maximizes stability during flight.
— Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly that "We do not sell many, if any, hobby items;" however, "We did bring in the Cobra RC Helicopter this year."
— Though Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they don't carry many hobby items, she said they have the Cobra Elite Helicopter and it sells well.

Alphabet Express Remote Control Train by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

All aboard the Alphabet Express! This interactive train features a friendly voice that teaches youngsters all about the English alphabet. Sing along with the ABC Song or press the alphabet buttons to hear the letters. Kids can use the infrared remote control (which works from up to 12 feet away) to conduct Alphabet Express forward and backwards. Colors may vary.  Requires five “AA” batteries. Ages 2+ years.

Back Yard Flyer - Vector by KID GALAXY INC.

The Delta wing style of the Back Yard Flyer Vector is ready to launch in seconds for fast paced flying. Kids wear the high performance stealth charger on their wrists to fully charge the Back Yard Flyer Vector in 10 seconds for up to a 45 second flight. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, not included.

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Duck Hunter Xtreme by INTERACTIVE TOY CONCEPTS LTD.

In this 2 player interactive RC hunting game, player 1 takes flight control with full function RC Duck while player 2 takes aim at the Duck with safe infrared blaster. The Duck Hunter Xtreme takes 7 minute flights off a single charge and requires 3 direct hits to bring the duck down. Requires 6 AAA batteries for the controller and 3 AA batteries for the blaster.

Ferrari 599XX, Radio Control Model by AUTOTEC SALES INC

This 1:18 scale RC model is designed to look just like a real Ferrari 599XX, and is fully functional. It includes working headlights and tail lights, as well as a rechargeable battery pack and charger.

2009 Chevrolet Suburban Armored Presidential Escort Vehicle by M & D INTERNATIONAL

This 2009 Chevy Suburban SUV Presidential Escort Vehicle, fully licensed by GM and the U.S. government, is carefully re-created in highly collectible die-cast. The model measures 5.5" x 1.75" x 1.75". Features include front articulated doors revealing an authentic detailed interior, rolling wheels, and Presidential seals and flags. The model is detailed with Presidential license plate #44 on the rear and USA1 on the front.

Mini HoverDrone by THINKGEEK INC.

This impressive flying R/C device has a diameter not much larger than a silver dollar and a single propeller on the bottom. The HoverDrone floats in the air as it spins and flashes its blue LED. The simple slider control allows only up-and down movement, making it so easy to fly that anyone can instantly control it. Launch date: 2010.

Product Features:

• Incredibly tiny flying r/c toy looks like a Mini-UFO
• Up/Down slider on remote controls hovering height
• Blue flashing LED on the top
• Charges from remote
• 10 minute charge time. 5-7 minute fly time
• Requires 6 AA batteries (not included)
• Two different channels allow you to fly two HoverDrones at once
• Dimensions: 60mm in diameter, 65mm high

LVT(A)-1 1:72 Die Cast Model: The Bloody Trail by Hobby Master

This 1:72 scale die cast vehicle replicates "The Bloody Trail," an armored landing vehicle employed by the First Platoon of "B" Company, 3rd Armored Amphibian Battalion, in the Battle of Peleliu in September, 1944. The model features textured surfaces, a rotating turret with an elevating M6 37mm gun, plastic detail parts, realistic tracks and authentic markings. It measures 4.25" long and comes with a removable display base with a clear protective cover.

E-flite Blade SR Helicopter by O'REILLY MODEL PRODUCTS

E-Flite Blade SR is a single rotor collective pitch remote-controlled helicopter with LiPo battery and a Spektrum 2.4ghz radio. It is 100% factory-assembled, test-flown and ready-to-fly. Launch date: 2010.

Mario Kart DS by CARRERA

Kids race Mario B-Dasher and Peach Royale down straights, around curves, through loop and flyover as they chase each other. The race set comes with Mario B-Dasher and Peach Royale, transformer, connecting section, two speed controllers, straights, curves, flyover, looping section, guard rails and supports. Launch date: February 8, 2010.

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Thomas with Annie and Clarabel Large Scale Garden Railway Set by BACHMANN TRAINS

This set features Thomas the Tank Engine with moving eyes, Annie and Clarabel coaches, a 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track, wall pack and controller, instruction manual and DVD format video instructions. It's the "largest version of Thomas & Friends™ available in an electric train set," Jack Lynch, Communications Manager, Bachmann Industries, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009.

Ghost Nano Train by IDL MOTORS

The Ghost Nano Train Action Dome is a cast resin art piece that employs a revolutionary technology to move a train smoothly around a very thin narrow track. It comes packaged in a secure Styrofoam nest that fits snugly in a decorative colored display box. Ghost Train Action Dome features the following: a medieval castle Illuminated from within; a steam locomotive and three train cars that have an eerie glow when viewed in subdued light; locomotive sound that can be silenced for quiet night time operation; and a quality, hand-blown glass dome that protects its contents from dust. The 110 �] 230 VAC 50/60Hz power adapter provides endless hours of enjoyment.

SYMA S032 Gyro Metal Frame 3.5 Channel Coaxial Indoor Ready to Fly RC Remote Control by RC TOY HOUSE



This 3 Channel R/C helicopter features a gyro system for precision control. The metal frame has proven to withstand dozens of crashes. The mini helicopter charges directly from the controller which uses "AA" batteries and has a full-function trim control for the perfect flight.

1:10 Himoto Viper XST Nitro Gas Powered OFF-ROAD Monster Truck by RC TOY HOUSE



This 1:10 scale gas-powered off-road Monster Truck by Himoto Racing features a large capacity 75 cc leak-proof fuel tank with overflow pipe. Other features include a spring loaded fill cover for quick refueling, front and rear leak proof differential with metal bevel gears, lightweight aluminum flywheel, adjustable oil filled shock absorbers, disk brake system with replaceable pads, 2.5mm anodized aluminum chassis, and 7.5mm regulated fuel tank vent.

Tomy R/C Tarantula by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This large, hairy spider comes with a remote control to direct its movement. For a realistic effect, each leg moves separately. It requires two AAA batteries.
— Fred Rosenberg, owner of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, said in fall 2009 that these R/C Tarantulas are popular at his store.
— Two of 40 retailers mentioned International Playthings when answering a TDmonthly survey about best-selling R/C and hobby items.

Santa Fe Flyer O Gauge Ready-to-Run Starter Set by BACHMANN TRAINS

This set features a powerful diesel locomotive and three streamlined passenger cars, a 40" x 60" oval of snap-fit roadbed track, and a powerful 80 Watt AC transformer. "This set includes everything needed to get started in O gauge model railroading at an affordable price," Jack Lynch, Communications Manager, Bachmann Industries, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author