Models and Types of Remote / Radio-Control Vehicles

Remote control vehicles are very popular and come in a wide variety of styles. If you're new to RC racing, you might have some questions about what type of car to buy.

The first question to consider is where you plan to race the car. For street racing, an on-road car that has smooth tires will be best. Also called touring cars, on-road cars work well on asphalt, pavement, or carpet. They are designed for speed and usually have a low clearance, which means they'll have trouble on uneven surfaces. They are designed to look like real-life cars, and there are many to choose from. This category also includes the newest style of racing: RC Drifting. These cars are designed to slide around corners, which requires a different driving style.

If you'll be racing on dirt or grass, an off-road radio control truck would be a better choice. These cars have a higher suspension for more ground clearance, letting you race where an on-road car can't. Different types of cars include short-course trucks, rock crawlers, monster trucks, and buggies. With their rough terrain capabilities, these cars offer a completely different driving experience.

Another fun off-road option would be a tank. Like the real-life versions, they are designed for maximum off-road capabilities. One example includes the 1:16 Hobby Engine Leopard 2A5 Premium Label. This ready-to-roll, professionally painted RC tank is modeled after the German Main Battle tank. It uses 2.4 GHz frequency and has electronic speed control. This realistic tank includes a BB firing cannon, sound and lights, full motion, and functional suspension, and you can upgrade it to an infrared battle system. It measures 23.6 inches long, 9.6 inches wide, and 8 inches tall. It includes a 9V 200mA 1.8 VA charger and a 7.2V 800mAh battery. It also requires six AA batteries which are sold separately.

Whatever style of remote control vehicle you choose, you're sure to have hours of enjoyment. These cars are an investment, so you'll want to take care of them properly to ensure a long life. One of the most important things to remember is to keep the car dry unless it was specifically designed for wet racing. Also, make sure to thoroughly clean the car after every outing. Even on-road cars will get a little dirty, and spending a little time cleaning one after the race will help prolong its life.

Using Airbrushes for Modelling

For model airplanes that require painting, or for hobbyists who want to paint over an existing finish, there are a couple of options. Most kits will have small glass jars of paint included, that require the use of a brush to apply. However, a much more smooth application can be achieved if the paint is airbrushed onto the surface of the model. The major benefit of using airbrushing technique is its even overall coating and uniform finish. Model paints tend to leave spots of uneven paint distribution whereas airbrushing gives a much neater professional coverage.

Airbrush Basics

An airbrushing tool is a hand-held cylinder, much like a brush without bristles, and with a small jar attached to it for filling with paint. The "brush" is supplied with air from a compressor, or from compressed carbon dioxide can. The air (or CO2) forces the paint out from the attached jar and through the cylinder. Gentle movements of the hand, combined with finger adjustments to the pressure control wheel, will allow the user to disperse paint evenly and with a finer degree of control than a regular brush might permit.

Airbrushing can allow for a very large surface to be covered in a fraction of the time than traditional paintbrush methods. Along with airbrushing being much faster, it blends colors together seamlessly, so that colors seem to flow into one another without any obvious brush strokes.

Airbrushes and airbrush kits come in both advanced and beginner varieties. For example, the

Types of Paint

Standard Airbrush by Testors is an excellent starter kit. You can also have a look at the NEO Gravity-Feed Dual-Action Airbrush by Iwata, which has a double action trigger. Or, pick up a gift set with the Testors - Amazing Airbrush Gift Set. Airbrushing hobby tools are often very affordable and do not take much time to get started.

There are essentially three types of paint that are used for applying to model aircraft: lacquers, enamels and acrylics. Acrylics are water-soluble and great for indoor use, because there are no harmful fumes associated with its use. Enamels and lacquers are also good and can provide a glossier sheen to the completed work. Be aware that all paints must be used in ventilated areas because their fumes can be dangerous to inhale.

Single vs Double Airbrush


In addition to the paint selections, there are also single and double action airbrushes. Single action, as implied, operates from the single act of triggering the release of the spray. They are simpler and less expensive, and excellent for beginners who are still mastering the airbrushing application technique. However, for different thicknesses of lines, the nozzle must be changed out, or the spray volume can be altered.

Double action allows the artist to mix the paint and air ratios while painting. It operates much like a single action airbrush, but, the air and paint amounts that are dispersed can be controlled while the trigger is pulled back, which allows for more command over the outcome. Double action airbrushes are often used by advanced artists to create more sophisticated effects. While the basics of airbrushing can be learned very quickly, mastery can take years.

Let us know any additional questions you may have in the comments below about painting models, we love to help!

FW 200C-3 Condor Model – A Perfect Prop Plane

Today, the word “prop plane” is more associated with single-engine Cessnas for recreation, then powerful machines of war. However, looking back in history, prop planes were an integral piece of World War II conflict, and the planes produced in this period pushed the limits of engineering, leading to revolutionary advances in aircraft. One of the most iconic planes from this period is the Focke-Wulf FW 200 “Condor”- a German machine referred to as the “Kurier” by Allied Forces.

The FW 200 began as a plane designed to carry passengers by Dr. Rudolf Stuessel of Germany, and was briefly the world’s most modern airliner before being adapted for war. Powered first by four 875 horsepower American Pratt & Whitney engines, it was converted for use with 720 hp BMW engines during World War II. The plane soon became requested by German and Japanese air forces, and the FW 200 was the modelaircraft for later models used by the Luftwaffe. For wartime service, hardpoints were added to the wings, and bays were modified to hold bombs. One of the most successful variants of the FW 200, the C-3, introduced additional hardened steel and structural improvements, and Bramo engines rather than BMW.

The FW 200 was one of the most influential planes in military history, and is a major part particularly of the German attack during World War II. And now, Squadron is proud to announce the addition of an incredibly detailed FW 200C to our selection of model planes.

The FW 200 C-3 model kit from Trumpeter is a 1:72 scale recreation of this historic and influential ship, and contains an exceptional level of detail. A detailed fuselage with radio, fuel cells and bulkheads; allow with separately molded control surfaces and flaps; and single-piece propeller assemblies; all lend this model aircraft an extraordinary level of detail. A well rendered undercarriage with torpedoes; and accurate recreation turrets make this model complete; along with both Soviet and Luftwaffe livery decals.

If you’re looking for a detailed, historic prop plane model, look no further than this exceptional new kit.

Thanksgiving History

Have you ever wondered about the history of Thanksgiving? Here at Squadron, we’re all about history – as shown by model airplanes, military vehicles and ships with accurate details from World War II and other major historical periods. If you’re interested in the history of Thanksgiving, here’s some background on how Turkey day came to be:

Thanksgiving is primarily holiday that is celebrated in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks and blessings of the harvest and of the upcoming year. Thanksgiving is traditionally rooted in the English culture which dates back to the Protestant Reformation. The English tradition was important during the English Reformation in the reign of Henry VIII as special thanksgiving religious service in response to an increased number of religious Catholic holidays. In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday is roughly traced back to document dated in 1621 outlining a feast and celebration of a good harvest celebration at Plymouth (modern-day Massachusetts).

As Pilgrims and Puritans began moving from England to the United States in the 1620’s and 1630’s, so too did the tradition of the English Thanksgiving. Upon leaving Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower Compact was signed by Pilgrims as a way to introduce self-government.  Pilgrims then left Plymouth, England in 1620 sailing to a new world with promises of civil and religious freedom. They sailed on the Mayflower ship (which, we should mention, we have awesome model ship kits featuring the Mayflower and other sailboats from the 1600s).

When they landed in America, starvation and sickness quickly struck them and almost half of the population died. With the help of Native Americans, the Pilgrims were able to reap a rich harvest of corn and barley the following summer and thus the tradition of the English Harvest, Thanksgiving, was soon celebrated.

In the beginning, several days of Thanksgiving were held in early New England and identified as the “First Thanksgiving”. In later years, civil leaders such as Governor Bradford declared Thanksgiving religious services and fast in 1623. Much as in Canada, Thanksgiving has been celebrated on various dates throughout history and has differed among each state. Like it began by King Henry VIII to serve a greater purpose, Lincoln proclaimed the date to be the final Thursday in November in order to foster a sense of American unity between Northern and Southern states. 

In the modern day, we not only celebrate Thanksgiving for a good harvest, rather Americans give thanks for time spent with their family, good health, wealth and happiness. Traditional foods are still prepared such as turkey, corn, mash potatoes, and dessert. More recently, there have been vegetarian options such as tofu turkey and various spice cakes added to the feast. And since 1966, the Dallas Cowboys have played on Thanksgiving day, making football as big a part of Thanksgiving as stuffing and gravy.

From everyone here at Squadron, we’d like to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving. What are your plans for Turkey Day?

Essential Modeling Tools

When creating anything, the right tools are necessary to do the job right. From building a car to building a home, having the right selection of tools allows you to build your project to its exact specifications and with the highest levels of quality so that your work stands up to the test of time. When building model airplanes, cars or military vehicles, it’s no different – the right tools are critical to building accurate models.

There’s a wide range of model tools available, from basic tools to creating models to advanced tools used by professional modelers and the most dedicated enthusiasts. Choosing the right tools for your modeling project depends entirely on the type of model being built, the materials of the model, and the level of detail that you’re looking to accomplish.

Much like how the toolbox you use for your car or home starts off with the basics, so should your modeling tools. Shown here is Squadron’s Essential Tool Kit, containing cutters, pliers, tweezers, and sanding sticks. This basic set of tools helps to accomplish a variety of common modeling tasks – trimming parts, sanding rough edges, and molding parts. Like a set of screwdrivers and a hammer, these basics are some of the most often used tools by modelers at every skill level. Other basic tools include paintbrushes, and glue applicators specifically designed for working on small scale models.

But of course – not everything can be accomplished with basic tools. For adding layers of color to military dioramas or model planes; an airbrush allows the modeler to apply color precisely. Airbrushes can be used with a variety of paints, allowing for infinite color variation. Airbrush tools can also be customized with different components to provide different paint effects. Other popular tools for advanced modeling include suction tools for placing parts in precise locations.

At Squadron, we carry a full line of tools and diorama supplies, as well as high quality, accurate models of airplanes, tanks, ships and more. No matter what you can dream up – we have the tools and supplies to help you build it! 

Ideal Stocking Stuffers – Models of Favorite Cars, Planes and more!

Are you looking for a fun stocking stuffer that’s also educational? Maybe something for the person on your list who loves to tinker and build? From kids, to kids at heart, models make the perfect stocking stuffer – allowing those who love to build and create to put together a replica of their favorite plane, car, ship or spacecraft!

One of the most popular models that people love to build are model car kits, and Squadron offers something for everyone – no matter what cars they love, we carry an automobile model that will suit
them perfectly! For the youngest automotive enthusiasts, our Disney Cars models of Lightning McQueen, Mater, Doc Hudson and others make for the perfect introduction to building and modeling for the smallest builders, allowing them to create their favorite characters without messy glue. For those who are passionate about their favorite muscle cars from eras long gone by or for those who adore modern racing machines, a full line of model cars featuring legends like the ’67 Corvette or the 2013 Camaro are available, allowing them to have their own favorite car right on their desk, built exactly to their specifications.

Of course, many of our customers prefer flying machines to those on the ground, and our expansive selection of airplane models makes giving the present of a favorite aircraft possible! Our selection ranges from authentic replicas of World War II era warplanes, to modern jetliners, all with intricate detailing. And for those willing to dream beyond the sky, our new collection of Sci Fi and Space models includes Star Wars model kits of Tie Fighters, Star Destroyers and more! From Battlestar Galatica to Sputnik, you’ll find something prefer for everyone who’s imagination leads them to the stars.

No matter who’s on your list and what machines they admire – muscle cars, space fighters or commercial jets – you’ll find the perfect stocking stuffer for them at Squadron! We would love to hear what other types of stocking stuffers you plan to “stock up” on this year, let us know by leaving a comment below.

Diorama Basics - Creating a Diorama to Bring Your Models to Life!

Nothing feels better than creating something with your own two hands – be it a picket fence, rebuilding a car engine, knitting a sweater, or creating a model airplane. But we know that the true enthusiasts are never happy with keeping things simple. Gearheads are always looking for ways to improve their cars and further increase performance, handymen and women are always looking for a new DIY project to improve their homes, and those passionate about modeling are looking for ways to make their experience more exciting by creating more complex models. If you’re looking for a new challenge that results in a beautiful finished project, military dioramas and other diorama sets might be just what you’re looking for.

A diorama is, essentially, creating a scene, and can be done with anything from model cars to plastic dinosaurs. Each diorama begins with a base or frame – the background or landscape. You can either build this yourself out of materials like papier-mâché and paint; or purchase a pre-painted diorama and customize it to your delight.



Once you have the landscaping set to your desires, you bring the scene alive with plastic airplane models, tank models, human and animal figurines – anything that you would like to include in your
own personalized scene. Glue is used to hold each figure to the diorama’s base. Once the final scene is set, you can either encase your diorama or leave it open, but be sure to be careful as models can be fragile.


With hundreds of combinations of landscapes, figurines and models; military modeling can be taken to new levels with diorama building. You can easily show off the glory of your favorite airship in a historic setting, or re-create some of history’s most epic battles with authentic replica planes and scenery constructions. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to making a diorama!

Whatever scene you can dream up, Squadron can help you get started. We offer a full selection of model planes, model tanks, pre-fabbed dioramas, and accessories like paint and glue; so that you can make it a reality. Start building something awesome today!