My wife and I buy most, if not all, of our children’s toys at Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is the largest toy seller in the United States, with an estimated 45% of the retail toy business. I am of the very strong opinion that Wal-Mart has a social and moral responsibility to do independent testing of products manufactured in China and sold in their stores. China is notorious for low regulations in terms of health and safety standards. If Wal-Mart wants to continue to be the largest retailer in the United States they would be well served to know a little more about the products they sell. It is becoming the norm recently to hear of poor quality products coming out of China. The Mattel toy recall is the most recent problem in a line of bad products. Recently it was tainted dog food and toothpaste that will make you sick, all produced in China.

When will consumers in the United States wake up and smell the lead paint? We are the only thing standing between Wal-Mart and dangerous products made in China. If Wal-Mart thinks it is to expensive to know more about the dangerous products coming out of China then consumers must stand up and demand this from Wal-Mart. This can easily be done by boycotting Wal-Mart until they take a harder stance on poor Chinese manufacturing. Do you think this stance is harsh? Ask a parent of one of the sick children if this is harsh. Or ask a pet owner who lost their family dog if this is an acceptable business practice. If this boycott were to occur, the greedy hands at Wal-Mart would have testers sucking on die-cast cars immediately! Believe me, we would all benefit from this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kyle_James

Take for example laser etching. This technology has been around for decades, but it was prohibitively expensive until recently, so you weren’t likely to see it being used to create souvenirs for race fans.

Today, though, laser etching is cheap enough that you see it being used in pretty much every collector’s market. If you collect coins, you ought to see what they’re doing with the works of Augustus Saint Gaudens these days. His silver dollar designs have been recreated in such glory and detail from the original models that even the first run of the coins would pale in comparison, all thanks to laser etching.

This process is, of course, applied to die cast model cars, too. If you’ve ever seen one with an intricately detailed hubcap that looks pretty much one hundred percent exactly like a model of the real thing, that’s laser etching at work.

These days you have technology that can scan an item in three dimensions with one laser, and then sculpt it at any scale with another. For us collectors, this is pretty much the coolest thing ever. It offers for a higher level of detail and precision than the human hand is even capable of. Even an idiot savant can’t create a replica car to the same perfectly scaled dimensions as modern technology.

This is one of the reasons why people who collect die cast model cars are usually looking for newer stuff, where most collectors are after antiques. There are some great old rarities in the die cast world, but they just plain don’t have the same level of detail as a more recently produced piece.

Next time you add a new set of wheels to your collection, do yourself a favor and pull out a magnifying glass and take a good look. You’re probably going to be spotting details that are practically microscopic, yet absolutely perfect in scale and appearance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Amos

For some reason, diecast models cars are one of the few toys that every kid has in common, whether they were 1:32 or 1:64 scale, we all loved playing with them, and we all remember racing them around with other kids during recess. Other kids that we might never have talked to otherwise because we just didn’t have much else in common, but when they broke out the diecast cars, we just had to compare our collections.

For adults, we have brands like First Gear and Johnny Lightning. Truth is, we still like playing with toy cars, but if you go in and buy a bunch of Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars and say “Yeah I’m gonna take these home and play with them, I don’t even have kids!” you’re worried that everyone thinks you’re a nut.

So the appeal of Johnny Lightning and First Gear is that they’re “not toys”, they’re “collectibles”. They’re made to a higher degree of detail, quality and durability, and they really are meant to be collector’s items, but… Let’s admit it already; the reason we’re buying them is to put about half a dozen in a drawer and race them across our desks when nobody’s looking.

First Gear is sort of the diecast car answer to model railroad sets. They sell not only the cars themselves, but little items to set a scene, like lube drums and gas pumps and so on. Their products are all created to commemorate the Golden Age of the American highway, that period between the end of World War II and the gas crisis of the early seventies. Classic 1956 Ford pickups and even some retro hippie vans are on display in their collection to set the mood.

But for our money, it doesn’t get much cooler than the highly detailed muscle cars and hot rods from Johnny Lightning. First Gear is great for nostalgia, but Johnny Lightning makes the cars you really want to race across your desk.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Amos

Will my diecast collection make me rich?

Probably not. You’re bound to snag something that will, eventually, become a scarcity if you’re a diehard collector, and who knows, you might luck out and make some cash for your retirement fund, but for a real collector, that’s not the point. Don’t start collecting die cast cars unless you want to for fun, not because you think it’s a sound investment.

If all you want is a retirement fund, try buying and selling real estate. You buy die cast cars for your inner child, not for your inner responsible adult!

What should I buy?

Whatever you want. Like muscle cars? Look for diecast muscle cars. Like stock racing? Look for Nascar cars. Concept cars? Get some concept 1 18 diecast cars. Buy what you like. Remember, the main thing is that you’re collecting for fun, not because you need to. Don’t turn it into a job, treat it like a hobby, because that’s what it is.

How do you maintain a diecast car collection?

Put ‘em on a shelf, a desk or a coffee table and play with them now and then. Don’t be one of those guys who puts his cars in a glass case or leaves them in the box forever. Again, you’re probably not gonna get rich on these things, so use them as they were intended to be used: As cool collectibles and as toys. We recommend keeping one at work to goof off with when nobody’s looking. It makes the day go by that much faster.

Where should I shop for diecast cars?

Online shops aimed at collectors are always good, but we strongly recommend that you check out garage sales and flea markets, too. In the internet age, we can have anything we want shipped to us with the click of a mouse, and we lose out on the fun of discovery. When was the last time you really just went into a store, having no idea what you wanted to buy, and came out with some rare trinket that you treasure to this day?

That’s really what being a collector is all about, discovering those rare finds. The seller’s junk, the buyer’s treasure, to paraphrase an old saying.

Julie-Ann Amos is a professional writer. She regularly writes on the topic of collectibles and hobbies including 1 18 diecast cars. She recommends the Jeff Gordon diecast if your kid’s birthday is coming up.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Amos

Gloves accessories

You can search for interesting line up of off-road gear such as gloves which is an important part of riding accessories. Their classic colours like blue, black, red, white etc. can be easily found in men and women’s collection of gloves. Amongst the men’s collection of Motocross gloves, one can have the Accelerator, Adrenaline, GX-AIR, HDX, Scarab, whereas amongst the women’s range of Motorcycle apparel gloves, one can pick some interesting colour combinations like black and pink, silver and black, white, light blue and black and their fusions. One can also get hold of knee sliders that come in only black colour for protection.

Motocross Boots for women and men

Various websites offer a fantastic collection of fine Motocross boots designed for men as well as women. In the men’s collection of Motocross boots, one can get interesting designs and styles to select from such as Nomad, Response, Solution as well as Vintage but these are only available in one colour- black.

All these Motocross boots have lightweight designs and a thick rubber sole which makes them last for years. And in their women’s collection of Motocross boots, one can avail stunning range of black coloured boots that are not only elegant and chic looking, but also provide full protection.

Off-road gear accessories

Besides purchasing the basic clothing lines, one should buy some important off-road gear accessories as well. Accessories such as Motocross helmets, hand guards, locks, motorcycle apparel such as sweatshirts for women and men, vests, rain wear etc. should be enlisted on your priority purchasing.

These might not seem important but are quite crucial for the maintenance of your bike as well as you.

For any help on accessories motocross, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the motocross DVD!

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Today, model slot car racing is in a group of model car racing which include radio controlled, better known as RC racing and others

THE VERY, VERY BASICS OF SLOT CAR RACING

Model slot cars are powered electronically by either batteries or from some source of electricity, which is furnished to the car by a metal strip on each side of the slot.

The tracks on which slot cars run are made up of groves or slots(hence the words ‘slot’ car) into which the cars are guided with the help of a pin or a blade like apparatus on the under carriage of the cars. Only one slot car is to occupy one slot. So for example, if you have an eight lane track, you can have up to eight cars circulating the track.

Each slot is connected to a power source, such as an electric power pack or batteries which maintains that the power supply remains stable throughout the whole time the slot cars are on the track. To prevent the slot cars from jumping out of the slot, some of the slot cars under carriage have some sort of magnets which keep these electric model cars in constant contact with metal strips even at high speeds. Some model car blades are even magnetized to achieve the same effect as the undercarriage magnets. The speed of the cars are controlled by the squeezing of the trigger way on a pistol-grip joystick placed in the hand of the person who is controlling the slot car. Squeezing the trigger increases the speed of the slot car and releasing the trigger slows the electric model car down or stops it completely.

Slot car racing is truly international. International competitions are held annually in the United States and abroad. The United States has 2 HO scale car organizations called the United Federation of HO racers Association (UFHORA) and the HO Professional Racing Association (HOPRA). Each year both organizations hold national and international events around the country. These events are not only for racing the slot cars, but also to raise general awareness slot car racing in general..

I WANT TO RACE SLOT CARS. HOW DO I GET STARTED?

So you want to race,huh? If you are a true beginner to slot car racing,first I recomend you join an slot car organization, either a local one in your neighborhood and or one that is recognized nationally. You can access a wealth of information from these places. For the HO ethusiast, check out the national organization HOPRA.Their website is at http://www.hopra.org/

For those who race 1/24 scale slot cars, the United Slot Car Association is for you. You can visit their website at [http://www.usra.us/]

And if you want to race 1/32 scale slot cars, the True Scale Racing Federation organization is meant for you, You can check out their site at http://www.tsrfcars.com/

Then go down to the hobby store and purchase a model slot car racing set of the scale you want to race. It does not have to be a big set. Go home,set it up and have FUN!! See how the track and the cars are made. Notice how the car is able to propel itself down the track,stay in the slot and stop.Don’t be afraid to delve inside the cars to check out the gears,chassis and how the body is mounted.

In no time you will be upgrading to a larger set either by adding on to you current set or jogging down to your local track for more experience and or better competition.You will most likely upgrade your car(s) also by lightning your chassis, installing a tighter wound motor with custom brushes,installing stickier tires for better traction and more. and believe me when I say more, as there are many ways to make a slot car faster….much faster.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_J

No matter what the case, you can build almost any type of car or truck model you want using online shopping resources. The good news is that today it is easier than ever to build the diecast model of your dreams. You can quickly and easily visit an online shopping mall to buy diecast model kits, see photos of the completed projects, to compare prices, shop for supplies, and more!

Types of Diecast Models

At online shopping stores, you can find a variety of diecast models of different makes, models, colors, etc. There are model Mustangs, Corvettes, Golden Hawks, Chevelles, El Caminos, Camaros, Woodies, Bonnevilles, and many more! Whether you enjoy putting together a car from the 1930s or one from more modern days, there are diecast models for almost any era of the automobile. From hot rods to elegant luxury cars, the choices are endless.

Tips for Newbies

If you’re a diecast model newbie, be sure to buy the right tools before you begin. Visit an online shopping store or a nearby hobby, office or craft supply store if one is available. You’ll need glue or liquid cement (plastic weld) to seal those tight joints. You’ll also need tweezers and small scissors for getting in those crevices. An X-actor knife will also come in handy. For painting your diecast model, you’ll need paint, brushes, and even a toothpick for detailing.

Other supplies you might use include sandpaper, files, clippers, a drill with several small bits, and a magnifying glass.

Once you choose a model, be careful when removing parts in the package. Small parts are usually attached to plastic trees. Instead of trying to twist off the parts, cut them off using the X-acto knife. This will insure that you don’t twist off a portion of the model pieces.

Once your model is complete, put it on display and try to resist handling it by the model itself. The paint can begin to wear because of the skin oil on your fingers. If you must show it off, display it on a portable stand. You can grab the display stand – not the model car – when moving it or showing it to someone.

Use Your Creativity

You should think about what you would like to accomplish. Are you a “by the book” type person or do you plan to make up rules as you go? Perhaps you are thinking of making diecast models with your own creativity instead of following exact instructions.

You can visit an online shopping mall that sells diecast models to get some ideas of what types of models are available. Use other helpful diecast model sites to learn more unique design techniques and ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

These little “toys” can bring in a lot of money and the popularity of collecting diecast models continues to grow. You can’t visit anyplace without seeing these models on display and being sold everywhere you go and travel. The diecast model has become the subject for many articles, publications, and even talk shows.

They are being sold and traded everyday at auctions, hobby stores, gift shops, garage sales, and the internet. One of the most popular collection pieces that you can buy, sell, and trade is the airplane. The airplane has long been a fascination for all of us. What is better than to collect the many diecast models of airplanes that are available on the market.

You can collect the military planes, the airlines of past and present, helicopters, and the small aircraft. For example, used and damaged diecast Cessna small aircraft are great little pieces that you can start collecting. With the popularity of the Cessna name, there are plenty of models to select for your collection.

Whether you are just getting started or a veteran of collecting, there are many airplanes on the market. You can buy a diecast Cessna for as little as $4.00 and your collection is underway! There are many magazines that can help you learn about collecting diecast models. These magazines even offer price guidelines for collectors so that you will know the value of each piece.

If you are a serious collector you can find shows, seminars, and workshops to attend. There is plenty of information about this great little hobby. You will find many websites for diecast collectors and many sites with diecast models for sale or on the auction block. The other day I discovered a diecast Cessna 172 for sale on an internet site for a very reasonable price. It is a hobby that you can enjoy and actually learn quite a bit of information.

You don’t have to stop with airplanes for your collection. You can make a collection of anything you want. Diecast models are created for just about everything you can imagine. Airplanes are perhaps one of the most popular but certainly automobiles and vehicles are at the top of the list too. The diecast Cessna collection of airplanes would be a great place to start your collection. It will become a hobby with many benefits!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hwang_Keum-Ok

One thing parents can do to interest their children in flying is to get them started with the matchbox sky busters collection series. These are small diecast metal aircraft similar to matchbox cars but a little bigger and they have all different types.

You can get a FedEx plane, a jet fighter plane and they have airliners and helicopters. In this series there is also a Space Shuttle, racing plane, pontoon plane, private jets and general aviation aircraft. There are aircraft with swept wings, bi-planes, canards, high wings and low wings.

Often children develop a love of aircraft and flying at a very young age and if this is properly fostered we will have their next generation of pilots. Perhaps you will invest in some matchbox sky busters collection aircraft for your children? Please consider this in 2006.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

In developing the advanced Ka-50 combat helicopter in 1977 at the time the fleet of the Soviet Army’s combat helicopters was made up of Mi- 24s. In terms of performance they could not challenge the new American AH- 64 “Apache” fire support helicopter, which was at that time being developed. Several helicopter configurations and were studied, as “Kamov” designers tried to create a new superior combat machine. The experience in Vietnam and in Afghanistan had disclosed the low survivability of the classic single-rotor helicopter due to its vulnerable tail rotor and extended rotor drive.

The advantages of an aerodynamically symmetrical coaxial main rotor came to the fore. Such a rotor assures easier helicopter control both in the manual and, more importantly, automatic mode, excellent manoeuvrability, take-off and landing in windy weather. Furthermore, the coaxial rotor considerably improves helicopter survivability, makes the rotor drive more compact and substantially reduces engine power losses. Today, Ka-50 is the world’s best helicopter in terms of efficient use of engine power.

Many of us with no doubt can recall one of Russia’s MiG-29 and its world famous stunt aerobatics nicknamed “the bell”, or Su-27′s “Pugachov cobra”, which shock both experts and spectators. Ka- 50 also has its own aerobatic our de force: no other machine can execute the so-called “funnel” as perfectly as Ka-50. In actual fact, the “funnel” is an element of aerobatics, ensuring concentration of helicopter fire on pinpoint targets. Moreover, continuous displacement of the helicopter in the “funnel” in azimuth and elevation makes enemy timing extremely difficult. The Ka-50 can sideslip at 80 km/h or move backwards at 90 km/h. It only takes a few seconds to reverse flight direction. Ka-50 is the only craft in the world which can hover motionlessly for twelve hours in succession! The priorities of the “Kamov” company extend far beyond its unsurpassed experience in the theory and practice of building coaxial rotor helicopters. In 1965, the company started issuing fibre glass rotor blades in their helicopters ten years before the rest of the world. Similar fourth- generation blades are now being installed in Ka-50. One of the Ka- 50′s rotor blades sustained 30 holes caused by automatic gunfire to test the helicopter’s survivability. The craft continued flying for 80 accident- free hours.

The Ka-50′s combat power is based essentially on anti-tank guided missiles and cannon fire. Frequently, then a helicopter attacks tanks, it becomes a good enemy target. Ka- 50 is able to counter this menace with its “Vikhr” supersonic anti-tank missiles, with a maximum range of 10 km. This weapon helps reduce the time spent by the helicopter in the firing zone, exceeding at the same time the effective range of enemy anti-aircraft missiles. The combination warhead of the supersonic missile includes several different fuses. All these factors, combined with a high-accuracy jam-proof guidance system, ensures effective engagement of different targets, including armoured targets (with dynamically protected armour up to 900 mm thick) as well as airborne targets flying at a speed of up to 800 km/h, using the same type of ammunition. The missile is renowned for its stealth: the enemy only detects the attack when hit. This weapon is characterized by lower reserves, which may well be used to enhance its combat capabilities. Extensive firing tests have proved the excellent qualities of the automatic guidance system: small-size targets are defeated at maximum ranges far more effectively.

The powerful 30 mm gun was borrowed from the Army and in terms of ammunition fully standardized with the one used in the BMP-2 mechanized infantry vehicle. The 2A42 gun has a selectable rate of fire and permits selective ammunition supply from two boxes loaded with armour-piercing and high-explosive sounds. Such design increases gun efficiency by more than 30 per cent in fire against light armour or airborne targets. The barrel life permits one to fire the complete 500-round load uninterruptedly without intermediate cooling. The BMP-2′s and the Army combat helicopter’s gun mount has proved reliable in conditions of extreme dust. The gun arrangement in Ka-50 is quite unusual. To preserve high accuracy of fire along with other remarkable properties, the gun is installed in the helicopter’s centre of gravity.

This ensures strength requirements and eliminates any need for additional reinforcement of the structure. In addition, this factor helps reduce the recoil effect, helicopter weight and retain the center of gravity, as the rounds are expended. The electro hydraulic servo drive provides for the vertical and horizontal movements of the barrel to maintain the line of fire. The 2A42 guns mount “Kamov” experts in the development and operation of avionics. The contract for an integrated electronic weapons control and avionics system was awarded to a specialized company, which developed similar systems for MiG and Su single-seat fighters. The Ka-50′s crew was thereby and the “Vikhr” missiles are designed by a team of weapon designers headed by A.G. Shipunov, corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Various Ka-50 armament versions have been proposed to better adapt the craft to the existing fleet of army combat helicopters and enable firing against different targets. Ordnance items are attached to four suspension fittings, which can receive virtually any airborne weapon: pylon locks’ load-carrying capacity constitutes the only limitation. To use the whole ordnance range, no changes in the design or algorithm of the weapons control system are required.

The weapon pylons can be tilted. Owing to a 10-degree downward deflection, the pylons can impart, to a certain extent, new properties to the conventional weapons suspended on them. Fuel tanks may be counted on all suspension fittings, whenever necessary.

For combat helicopter group operations, Ka-50 has the requisite equipment and receives reconnaissance data from various guidance systems. The received data are also displayed on the windshield indicator.

To ensure high accuracy in the operation of airborne weapons, the human operator was replaced by an automatic guidance system. The human factor, liable to emotions and stresses, was eliminated from the most critical element of the system thanks to the high standard of the national defence industry and the long-term experience gained by “Kamov” experts in the development and operation of avionics. The contract for an integrated electronic weapons control and avionics system was awarded to a specialized company, which developed similar systems for MiG and Su single-seat fighters. The Ka-50′s crew was hereby reduced to the minimum: it consists of a single pilot.

From the very start the helicopter featured enhanced survivability. On the one hand, a compact single- pilot raft was easier to protect, while at the same time the protection should be reliable enough to safeguard the single crewman. Unlike its counterpart “Apache”, the Ka-50′s essential units are considerably smaller in size. Complete elimination of the tail rotor, together with its controls and gear box, means that tail boom damage can be sustained without serious implications. Measures taken to improve both the craft’s and rew’s survivability ensured the successful solution of at least twenty-six problems. They include continuous operation of the rotor drive despite a damaged oil system, assisted emergency escape, an extensive fire extinguishing system and many others.

Composite materials constitute thirty-five per cent of the helicopter’s load-carrying structure. They do not simply reduce the craft’s weight. When hit by bullets or shells, the composites do not produce secondary effects (splinters, splashes) characteristic of a metal surface.

Particular care has been taken to protect the flight compartment and fuel system. The Ka-50′s pilot is seated in a completely armoured and screened cockpit weighing a little over 300 kg. Multiple tests of various protection materials proved the high operational and combat properties of the combination steel armour. The matter is part of the fuselage’s basic structure, providing it with additional strength. Due to improved counter shell resistance of such armour the pilot is protected from direct hits of several 20 mm shells. The cockpit design and layout restrict changes to 10-15% of the flight compartment’s internal volume upon impact with the ground. No helicopter components can penetrate into the cockpit, when their attachment Parts are destroyed.

The new helicopter’s landing gear and fuselage are designed to absorb ground impact overloads. The fuel system arrangement prevents any possibility of fire after any rough landing of the craft. If one of the two engines is damaged, the Ka-50 can continue the flight on one operating engine. The rotor swash plate control rods will remain operational, even if one has sustained two large-calibre machine gun shot holes.

The assisted emergency escape system deserves special attention. It is the world’s first usable helicopter pilot rescue ejection system. The system operates reliably in any critical situation. The single-seat helicopter concept ensures maximum pilot survivability. The K-37 seat designed at the firm “Zvezda” by the team headed by G.I. Severin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, allows pilot ejection at all altitudes and velocities, including zero. The pilot can also bail out without ejection. A number of consecutive operations are performed on board the craft as the system is actuated. They include jettisoning the main rotor blade followed by the opening of the cockpit panel and actuation of the ejection pocket motor. The aforementioned system is most convenient for a single-seat helicopter, owing to the lack of time available during the escape at minimum altitudes.

The problem of time and effort needed by the ground personnel to prepare the craft for combat was also solved successfully for the Ka-50. As the helicopter is armed on the ground, electric hoists built, to ensure easy suspension of weapons weighing up to 500 kg. The supersonic missiles are loaded as an integral block; the stowage process of the belted ammunition in the boxes is simplified and mechanized. Arrangement of the equipment in the helicopter ensures the operation of several specialists at a time. The equipment is easily accessible, owing to the large cowl openings. The Ka-50′s peculiar features include grease free Teflon hinges used in all bearings of the mechanical system.

They enjoy a service life at least ten times as long as regular bearings. The Army’s Ka-50 is designed for prolonged service from unprepared landing grounds located far from the main bases.

According to Air Force specialists and foreign experts, Ka-50 is not merely another good combat craft: it constitutes a new trend in helicopter construction and Army Aviation tactics. Designed initially to “neutralize” the US AH-64A “Apache” attack helicopter, Ka-50 has outperformed its rival in every respect. Now foreign companies, which received orders for Army combat helicopters must meet customer requirements to provide a machine at least as good as Kamov-50.

One of the producers of Black Shark Ka-50 combat helicopter Diecast Model is “Revell”.

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