Hobbies

We've come a long way from stamp collecting and embroidery. Today's hobbies run the low-tech to high-tech gamut from model cars to highly sophisticated remote controlled planes, trains, automobiles and ships. And, while other areas of the toy industry may be affected by the slow-down in the economy, the high-end hobby biz, with its enthusiastic and devoted audience, is going from strength to strength.

In the following pages, PLAYTHINGS presents a portfolio of currently and soon-to-be available products from the category, and contributing writer Lauren Beukes explores the continued success of these adult collectibles.

RC toys put their user practically in the driver's seat. Using a hand-held transmitter, vehicles of all sorts can be made to sail, race or fly. Pictured from top to bottom: The propeller-driven Vectron Blackhawk from Science Tech by Bowen Hill lifts off the ground, hovers and flies like a UFO—and if that isn't enough of an attention-grabber it features a programmable LED message of up to 30 characters to warn Earthlings of its impending invasion. The Capitol Flyer by Megatech soars at over 50 miles per hour, gives its "pilot" full RC control of the rudder, elevator and throttle, and comes complete with spare parts. Nikko's RC Rescue Fireboat is designed for pools, ponds and small lakes, can race with boats of any frequency and, in the event of a seafaring mishap, has a gun on deck that squirts water via the transmitter control. Trees are provided by Citadel Scenery from Games Workshop.

Electric trains may range in styles from historical to post-modern—but their manufacturers have one thing in common: a dedication to the interests and passions of those who collect them. Pictured from left to right: The Union Pacific M10000 Diesel Passenger Set from Rail King by MTH features intricately detailed ABS bodies, two precision flywheel equipped motors and is optionally equipped with a choice of "Loco-Sounds." The two-axle tank locomotive from the Maxi Freight Train Starter Set by Märklin is part of an assortment that includes a dump car, low side car and 12 sections of curved track, among other things. The See-Thru F7A Diesel Locomotive (with track) by LGB is a new innovation for train enthusiasts. Engineered for indoor and outdoor use, its transparent exterior provides a glimpse of all its inner workings, which include twin Bühler motors.

A matching "B-unit," with sound, is also available. The Double Traffic Light and O-scale Lamp Post Set keeping the rails safe are courtesy of Rail King by MTH Trains.

Decades ago, models were put together and left to sit on a shelf. Today, constructing a model is only part of the fun. Aside from being used as scenery for a train set or diorama, many models, after being built, can be used as toys and are manufactured for long-term play. Pictured from top to bottom: Bauer Florist's Shop from Piko by LGB is a weather-proofed, G-scale model with a display window and moveable door. The house can stand on its own or be attached to others in the line. The BMW Z8 from the Assembly Line Die Cast Metal Model Kit by Maisto is a 1:18 scale car with a pre-painted metal body and is highway-ready with working steering and rolling wheels. This speedster also comes with a screwdriver for easy assembly. The Altron Gundam Action Figure Model Kit from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing by Bandai is, after assembly, a fully articulated figure with ball-shaped joints and comes accessorized with a twin beam trident and shield. Shrubbery provided by Games Workshop's Citadel Scenery Warhammer Hedges and Walls.

Smaller in scale than some of their counterparts, these trains nevertheless are manufactured with the same care and detail, with many of the same features—and all of the speed capabilities. Clockwise from top: Speeding out of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels, the Special Edition Hogwart's Express by Bachmann features a scarlet steam locomotive and tenders, along with three passenger cars and a scale model of Platform Nine and Three Quarters. The Yard Master from the Rail Legend series by Life-Like trains is an all-encompassing set that comes with ready to run N-scale trains, roadway signs, utility poles, a hotel and trees (pictured). The kit also includes a 32-page booklet entitled "Beginner's Guide to Model Railroading." The intricately molded HO-scale 80-ton Three Truck Shay from Spectrum by Bachmann is a classic locomotive and a fine addition to any collector's railroad system. Farmer, tractor and runaway horse are from the Scene Master Railroad People Farm by Life-Like trains.