2006 RCX Wrapup - Anaheim CA

[madmax]

Hi Y'all,

I bailed on the FG task list this past weekend, and opted to spend some much needed, and overdue quality time with the wife (momo). As fate would have it, the RCX show was going on at the Anaheim Convention Center, so we plopped in the tundra and made the 8 mile trek. RCX came on the scene 3 years ago and was a hit in the RC car/truck/whatever arena.

On a side note, I have a confession to make... MadMax owns ONE rc truck. It's a Revo. I like my revo because I can set up a sheet of 4x8 plywood propped up by an empty keg, hit the thing at 40mph, and launch it into my neighbors backyard without damage. The thing is tough as Mr. T., and the trips to LHS are few and far between. Bottom line -- RC cars are cool, but they are missing about 4 channels. Okay, whatever.

I initially decided to head to RCX because I heard the model airplane manufacturers were going to be en force this year. "COOL!" I said to myself, "an event that doesn't take place in Ohio!"

When me and momo walked through the doors, we were pleasantly surprised to see the ever impressive Horizon Hobbies, and GreatPlanes booths prominently displaying the latest stock from their arsenal. Along with their presence in Anaheim came many warm welcomes, and mini-reunions with my friends from the event circuit. Mike McConville, Paul Beard, Amanda, Jason, Lee, John, Rocky, Stiffler, and many others were all smiles.

So you're all probably wondering if there were any bombshell releases at this year's RCX? On the model airplane front, the only item of note that I found was a nifty, super small, Spektrum receiver. Paul handed me a dime shaped, tiny spec of plastic with a couple of short antennas hanging off of it to check out. It's very impressive to see the direction spread spectrum technology has taken. That was the show winner in my mind, and one of the only new products I was able to spot aside from the guy who was selling neon undercarriage lighting for a scale Dodge Neon street racer.

My model airplane brethren had a foamy obstacle course set up an the far end of the hall that was sponsored by Model Airplane News. The winner of the course took home some cheddar ($500), but it was primarily a demo only and the pilots were having a blast showing off to the impressive sized crowd of mostly RC car folks. I didn't catch who won the first day's round as I was pre-occupied with a romantic cheeze-wiz nacho and hot dog lunch with momo.

At the end of the day, we packed up our gear, and hit the road. My parting thoughts on RCX are somewhat mixed. As I recall, RCX was initially an RC car convention, and over the past few years, has expanded into model airplanes as well. Make no doubt about it, RCX is about RC cars. If you're into 'em, this is your holy grail. I have no idea who is who in that market, but I was assured that "they were all there". RCX however needs to find their focus. Surprisingly enough, this year there was a somewhat large (20k sqft) full scale arcade video game auction (seriously), a double wide Segway scooter booth, a number of LHS's who set up shop, and many other segmented "hobby" themes that left me scratching my head at times. I am somewhat biased as I just returned from the incredibly impressive Toledo convention.

Bottom line-- If you're into RC cars, you're stoked. If you're a planker who is looking for a foamy, and vintage 1982 Missile Command arcade game - then you're gonna be even happier. Either way, it was a great way to spend a lazy, romantic Saturday afternoon - MadMax style.

Please enjoy the photos below, and be sure to check out momo's first ever stab at making video for the site - 2006RCX

More photos can be found in the big events gallery located here

[madmax]

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[madmax]

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[madmax]

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[rnav]

RC cars? you have to be kidding. This site isn't called the driving giants. get with the program, stay on topic.

[Kevin Y]

nice video, I really like the car getting launched

[madmax]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rnav
	RC cars? you have to be kidding. This site isn't called the driving giants. get with the program, stay on topic.

LOL!!! Dude, did you read what I wrote? I thought the model airplane influence was to be bigger this year. Helloooooo, lots of photos, and video of people flying airplanes - this is on topic, IMO. This writeup is nothing special or official, thus the reason its burried in here. Just tellin' a story, hope you enjoyed it.

EDIT: I just realized this morning that I posted 2 seperate versions of this post last night which may have caused confusion. I just merged the two for simplicity. Thanks!

[JeeUm]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rnav
	RC cars? you have to be kidding. This site isn't called the driving giants. get with the program, stay on topic.

Harsh

[why_fly_high]

Looks like they took those cars off some sweet jumps! They look like they were flying to me!

Dan

[ShortBus]

Them RC Car nerds have some cool cars!

[rnav]

The pic's are worth a thousand words. you will here no more complants from the peanut gallery nice job max.

Signed RNAV

[madmax]

That's alright dude, the peanut gallery is a staple here on the giants. No offense taken.

[Shortman]

Who is that good looking fellow sporting the mowhawk for Castle? Looks familiar

[Rockoflyer]

Not sure who he is I think I raced him on the obstacle course .Nice guy He let me beat him

[Shortman]

Yeah, nice guy definately.