OTHER INTERESTING STUFF >>> Seeing all of the new and interesting products at an industry trade show is only half the fun; enjoying the atmosphere and meeting others makes the experience complete. Along with our product coverage, we've added a number of photos from the show floor itself, just to give you an idea of what else was available. Take a look, and if you ever happen to be around the Hobby Expo, be sure to check it out on one of the public days. You won't be disappointed!

			For the first time, there was a boat pond set up in the middle of the show floor for companies to give product demonstrations on. When the demos were done, there was an R/C Triathlon held, with famous names in the industry competing with R/C models on land, in the air and in the water.

			A small carpet track was set up for more demonstrations, as well as for the afore-mentioned R/C Triathlon. The track was constructed using Road Domes and Road Rails, a portable track system that is making its way into widespread use. Although not pictured, there was also a netted-off area for flying models.

			Are you a Formula 1 fan? If so, there was plenty for you to see at the Hobby Expo. Take these die-cast models, for example: there were booths around that had models of just about every current car, as well as many from the past.

			More Formula 1 racing action, this time from a company called SCX. Makers of this complete 1/32nd-scale slot racing system, SCX has just about every current F1 car available for it, as well as a number of WRC and other cars. If you're interested, check them out at www.scx.es.

			It wasn't hard to find radio-controlled aircraft models at the show! Although R/C vehicles and model trains are probably the two biggest draws at the show each year, many companies were displaying planes (as well as helicopters, rockets, and other flying models).

			There were plenty of slot car racing systems on display at the show as well, offering everything from huge, multi-lane setups to smaller, more common slot systems.

			The only thing rivaling R/C at the show in terms of size was model railroading. As you can see here, the Railroad Demo area was absolutely astounding, both in scope and in detail. With no fewer than 20 trains running around the many tracks at any given moment, one could spend a long time just watching the railroad action.

			If one got tired of looking at scale and model cars, there were a few booths that had the real thing on hand. Here was a pre-production Mustang that was drawing a lot of attention by itself.

			There were plenty of full size cars to go around, giving one side of the showroom floor the feel of an auto show.

You can visit The International Model & Hobby Expo on the web at www.ihobbyexpo.com.

WRAP UP >>> That does it for this year's coverage of the International Model and Hobby Expo. Hopefully you've enjoyed the pictures, and feel that much closer to actually being year. As always, we have even bigger plans for next year, with more photos, more text and perhaps video and other additions. In the meantime, keep watching R/C Tech for the latest news on radio controlled racing products and innovations.

See you in 2004!