BOLINGBROOK, Ill., Sept. 9 -- RC2 Corporation is presenting an extensive line-up of new products at the International Model and Hobby Expo in Rosemont, Illinois September 11th through 14th. The new products will be marketed under the Company's Racing Champions(R), Ertl(R), Learning Curve, American Muscle(TM), AMT(R) and JoyRide Studios(TM) brands, and are targeted to its diverse customer base, which includes kids, collectors and hobbyists. Most new products are scheduled for introduction in 2004.
- Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway System -- Ranked as a "Top 5 Best- Selling Toy" 11 out of the past 12 months by specialty retailers, Thomas will be featured at this show for the first time. Direct from the new 2004 video release "New Friends for Thomas," three new Thomas & Friends engines -- Spencer, Emily and Murdoch -- will be available in time for this holiday season as part of our exclusive "Sneak Peak" program. The new Boulder Mountain Roadway Set will be on display as well as two destinations, the Mountain Overpass and Mr. Jolly's Chocolate Factory, from treasured Thomas stories.
- Harley-Davidson Replicas -- As the only die-cast company licensed to produce authentic Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary graphics, RC2 continues to enhance this popular line with new offerings in 1:18- and 1:10-scale. Highly detailed, authentic versions of the big "hogs," the models include 50 or more parts, working hand brakes, suspensions, and opening saddle bags.
- The Fast and The Furious Vehicle Replicas -- Based on the blockbuster movie and its sequel, die-cast replicas in RC2's The Fast and The Furious line are among the most popular automotive collectibles on the market today. Now, two new releases -- the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII and the Honda S2000, both available in 1:18 and 1:64 scale -- broaden the appeal of the line and are available exclusively from RC2. Each model sports authentic movie graphics. In 1:18-scale, the replicas feature opening hoods, trunks, and doors as well as detailed engines and all the "tricked out" accessories such as nitrous tanks and sound systems. The 1:64 scale cars are authentically replicated down to the wheels, interiors, spoilers and decoration. In 1:24 scale, two more entries -- a Toyota Supra and Honda Civic -- include a movie- character figure and feature opening hoods.
- JoyRide Studios Entertainment Vehicle Replicas -- Eight additions to this line of movie/TV-car replicas establish JoyRide as a top producer of quality die-cast vehicles from popular and vintage entertainment properties and expand its licensing properties to include movie-car replicas from Animal House, Ghostbusters, National Lampoon's Family Vacation, the Munsters, Greased Lightning, and Austin Powers.
- JoyRide Studios Figures -- The first wave of three collectible figures based on the hugely popular Xbox(R) sci-fi action-adventure game "Halo(R)" developed by Bungie is here and now available; new figures from the Halo Universe will roll out through next year. MechWarrior Activity Kits, officially licensed by Seattle-based WizKids, are now available. These kits feature quality die-cast and plastic components that can be assembled to form fully articulated replicas of the giant robotic 'Mechs that battle for domination in the MechWarrior: Dark Age universe.
- American Muscle Vehicle Replicas -- Representing the leading hobby line of 1:18-scale reproductions of classic American muscle cars, the American Muscle emphasis on authenticity and quality comes through in thirty new product introductions. Each model -- from the "slammed" version of the 1956 Ford F-150 Pickup to the Commemorative Edition Chevy Corvette Z06 -- includes opening hood and doors and detailed engines and interiors. Taking the American Muscle emphasis on absolute realism to the ultimate, the 1965 Chevy Chevelle SS396, being issued in the Authentics series, includes nearly 200 parts.
- AMT Model Kits -- Featuring re-issues of some of the most sought-after car kits ever produced, completely retooled models include seven muscle cars from the '60s and '70s. Also being introduced are newly tooled versions of some of the most popular trucks from Monster Jam: Grave Digger, Jurassic Attack, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
RC2 ( www.rc2corp.com ) is a leading producer and marketer of high quality, innovative collectibles and toys targeted at adult collectors and children, as measured by sales and brand recognition. The Company's diverse product offerings include: agricultural, construction and outdoor sports vehicle replicas; automotive, high performance and racing vehicle replicas; traditional children's toys; sports trading cards and racing apparel and souvenirs; and collectible figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused brand names, including Racing Champions(R), Ertl(R), Ertl Collectibles(R), Learning Curve, American Muscle(TM), AMT(R), W. Britain(R), Press Pass(R), Eden(TM), Feltkids(R) and JoyRide Studios(TM). The Company supports its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, HIT Entertainment, Lamaze, Case, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler, NASCAR, NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, DIC Entertainment, Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts and Microsoft. The Company's products are marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including chain retailers, specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers, corporate accounts for promotional purposes and direct to consumers. The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
