A look inside the Tokyo Motor Show 2011

The Motor Show was highly anticipated as it returned back to Tokyo Big Sight. There were many hybrids and eco cars that were the rave. Car Manufactures really made a big splash showing us the future of electric cars to come. One such car was Nissan’s Leaf Nismo RC  a zero-emission sports car, it has all the looks of a high speed contender. I sure wouldn’t mind taking this electric sports car around the track a few times.

All the looks of a serious sports car but zero emission.

Porsche delivered a stunning show. 

PS3 GT5 in Game Photo Shoot

What could be better than a game that let's you take pictures of your favorite cars? GT5 is brilliant! You can capture your car in intense heated races or enjoy then on gorgeous backdrops.   

DNANO Micro sport 1/34 scale

Kyosho has spent a lot of time perfecting RC cars. When they developed and introduced the Dnano to the sport I think they redefined micro racing. These cars are 1/43 scale and highly detailed cars. The size and detail are every good as their die-cast counter parts. A great deal of thought went into getting these incredible cars moving onto the scene. It’s like really giving you full control over your 1/43 scale die-cast display collection. With a decent assortment of hop-up parts you can enjoy super car racing on a micro scale. Even on this scale tune-ups make a difference.

RC micro super car.

Die-cast quality detail.

Unfortunately these micro cars seemed to have run their course in Japan. Sales are not doing well and places to race them are unavailable. Many hobby shops have even stopped stocking them. The Mini-Z seems to hold the market and larger scale models. It’s too bad since so much effort was taken into creating these fine machines. This makes the introduction of  Kyosho’s DSlot not so attractive being they can only be used on the home track. 

Sleek smooth performance.

A car you can eat?

Have you ever thought about a car that you could eat? Have you ever wondered what that would look like? I don't think it has come across your mind but here's what it looks like. Is this what car fans dream about?

Making your own F1 RC blinking hazard lights.

I bought set of lights from the RC shop that were supposed to be blinking lights for F1 cars. But to my disappointment it didn’t blink at all and needed an additional special switch to be purchased for it to work. The manufacturer also stopped producing this item so I was unable to get it. This is when I decided to make my very own blinking light instead.

If you want to make one for your self this is what you will need. 

1. One 3v-5v blinking red LED bulb from an electronics store. If it can handle up to 5v will be ideal, because it will be able to handle the volts from the receiver without the need to solder a resister to it.
2. A receiver wire from your receiver to the LED light. Make sure to ask for a connector that is suited for your particular brand receiver from the hobby store.
3. One extension wire if the line is too short with some necessary adaptors.    

Here is what they look like.

Everything you need to buy.

Cut and insert blinking LED bulb in here check the polarity.

Cut the LED wire to 6mm. Note: The longer stem is positive

Use this part to connect and disconnect  your LED. 

Power supply for your lights.

Easy on and off for light. 

Great fit in the available opening on the F104 rear wing.

This version doesn't use a resister and doesn't require any soldering. The life span of the LED bulb may be shortened if it receives high volts from the receiver. I hadn't any need to replace my LED using a micro receiver. Anyway a simple solution for adding realism to your F104.

Set up complete

This new F104 chassis is a nice piece of work. I think Tamiya designed it really well, the new slim design and direct drive is nice. The battery slides in long ways for a nice balance. On the road it really pushes! I don't recommend rough competition races with this one because the front and back wings aren't flexible enough to take major hits unlike the HPI F10 it's made extra rugged.

Nice profile!

Direct Drive no power loss. 

Complete KO Propo system ready to be installed.

When you take off the body it basically looks like this. You will get a stock motor and simple soft damper. It is ready so you can set it up with your choice of electronics. I chose a brushless motor, micro receiver, and ESC by  KO Propo.  

Lipo powered!

Micro receiver and ESC.