| It seems today that radio controlled models, toys | | | | Radio controlled planes became popular in the 1950's |
| & gifts can be enjoyed by all age groups. But has | | | | though not as we know them today. It wasn't until the |
| this always been the case. radio controlled cars were | | | | 1970's that RC planes really 'took off' with the planes |
| only available from 1967 in kit form only and were | | | | becoming more controllable. The world's largest RC |
| really only aimed at children. It wasn't until the 1980's | | | | airplane contest was held in 2008 in Lakeland, Florida, |
| that RC car competitions started that RC cars really | | | | with the 20th anniversary of the competition. A total of |
| took off and were at last deemed for all ages. Today | | | | 125 participants competed over a period of five days. |
| you can buy RC cars from beginner right through to | | | | If you like water then RC boats, submarines & |
| hobby-grade "ready-to-run" (or "RTR") models. RC | | | | hovercrafts are just the thing. Some boats have |
| cars & racing is not only a male dominated hobby. | | | | speeds of up to 35 mph. Just the thing if you love |
| There is now an increasing number of women who | | | | speed. But as with all things it's not always about |
| are addicted to RC cars. | | | | speed some people just enjoy a leisurely day sailing |
| The first fully controllable radio controlled helicopter | | | | their boat. There are a lots of competitions such as |
| was built by Dr. Dieter Schluter of West Germany in | | | | racing, building, and even mock wars. There are radio |
| 1968. However, it wasn't until the 1970's that the first | | | | controlled battle ships available that let radio controlled |
| model helicopters in kit form were on sale. Today | | | | enthusiasts wage war on their competitors in a scaled |
| there are a great many RC helicopter enthusiasts. | | | | down version of "You sank my battleship!" The best |
| There are lots of RC helicopter flying competitions; one | | | | way to locate these types of events will be to contact |
| form of RC helicopter flying is called 3D. During 3D | | | | the local RC club, even if it's not a boat club, they will |
| flying, helicopters perform advanced aerobatics, | | | | point you in the right direction. |
| sometimes in a freestyle form, or in a predetermined | | | | There are a fantastic selection of radio controlled toys |
| set of moves drawn up by the organisers of the | | | | now available, everything from Airships to Galactic |
| competition. There are a number of 3D competitions | | | | Flyers to Sumo Wrestlers even Daleks and Robots. |
| around the world, two of the best known being the 3D | | | | there are now also quite a number of RC toys now |
| Masters in the UK and the extreme Flight | | | | aimed at girls, which wasn't always the case. |
| Championship (XFC) in the USA. Although people just | | | | Everyone can benefit from a radio controlled gift of |
| generally use RC helicopters for pleasure, they can | | | | some kind, even if its a RC watch - you need never |
| also be used for other things such as low altitude aerial | | | | be late again. |
| photography, filming, policing, and remote observation or | | | | The most exciting thing will be to see how far radio |
| inspection and there are companies out there who | | | | controlled models, toys & gifts will be developed |
| design RC helicopters especially for this purpose. | | | | and where it will take us. I for one can't wait. |