FAQs

Metro Hobbies: A Cornerstone of the Australian Hobby Scene
 

Situated in Melbourne, Metro Hobbies has been a foundation of the Australian hobby scene for over 40 years. Helping enthusiasts of all ages enjoy everything awesome in the world of hobbies, from plastic model kits, model trains, slot cars, Gundam models, radio control, puzzles, tabletop gaming to hobby tools, paints, collectable models and more.
 

Wide Range of Products and Services

Metro Hobbies boasts an extensive range of products both in-store and online. If a desired item is not in stock, our dedicated team will go above and beyond to source it from their suppliers' catalogues worldwide. Our competitive pricing, coupled with a storewide price match policy, ensures customers always get the best deal backed up by the best knowledge.
 

A Rich History

Established over four decades ago in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Metro Hobbies, initially known as Metropolitan Model and Hobby Centre, quickly became a specialist in radio control cars. While radio control cars remain a prominent feature, our stores continue to showcase the latest from brands such as Tamiya, Lego, Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Revell, Games Workshop and more.
 

Expansion and Collaboration
 

In April 2012, Metro Hobbies joined forces with Victorian Hobby Centre, an iconic establishment in the Melbourne CBD. Victorian Hobby Centre, originally located on Swanston Street, had been serving hobby enthusiasts for more than 40 years. The closure of the Swanston Street address led to the transfer of this extensive knowledge and passion to a new, larger location at 257 Bourke Street.

After the devastating flood of Christmas 2023, our Bourke St store reopened and continues to be the most prominent hobby store in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
 

A Passionate Team
 

Today, Metro Hobbies stands as one of the largest specialist hobby retail groups in Australia. Our goal is to provide exceptional customer service and technical knowledge. The staff, all keen hobbyists themselves, take pride in being a shop run by people who truly enjoy what they do.
 

Community and Expertise
 

Metro Hobbies encourages customers to seek advice for their hobbies, promising to guide them in the right direction to enhance their hobby experience. The store's commitment to the hobby community and its extensive range of products and services make it a beloved destination for hobby enthusiasts across Australia.

We believe that care towards the environment is a shared responsibility, and our focus is to work with our suppliers, customers and team members to reduce the impacts of our products and activities.

As a retailer, our main environmental impacts are related to packaging, raw materials consumption and waste management.

We respect our social and physical environment. As such, we are committed to sustainable development, responsible environmental management, resource conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention and compliance with relevant legislation and other requirements.

These commitments are achieved through the implementation and improvement of our Environmental, Health, and Safety practices, including the establishment, communication and regular review of our environmental objectives and targets.

Our team work on new and exciting content each week and our videos range from product reviews, new releases/new arrivals, shop walk throughs and how tos! 

Check us out and subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MetroHobbiesAus/featured

Terms and Conditions of Use

These terms and conditions govern your use of this website; by using this website, you accept these terms and conditions in full. If you disagree with these terms and conditions or any part of these terms and conditions, you must not use this website.

You must be at least 18 years of age to use this website. By using this website and by agreeing to these terms and conditions, you warrant and represent that you are at least 18 years of age.

This website uses cookies. By using this website and agreeing to these terms and conditions, you consent to our Metro Hobbies use of cookies in accordance with the terms of Metro Hobbies privacy policy.

License to Use Website

You may view, download for caching purposes only, and print pages from the website for your own personal use, subject to the restrictions set out below and elsewhere in these terms and conditions.

You must not:

• republish material from this website (including republication on another website);
• sell, rent or sub-license material from the website;
• show any material from the website in public;
• reproduce, duplicate, copy or otherwise exploit material on this website for a commercial purpose;
• edit or otherwise modify any material on the website; or
• redistribute material from this website [except for content specifically and expressly made available for redistribution]

Acceptable Use

You must not use this website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the website; or in any way which is unlawful, illegal, fraudulent or harmful, or in connection with any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent or harmful purpose or activity.

You must not use this website to copy, store, host, transmit, send, use, publish or distribute any material which consists of (or is linked to) any spyware, computer virus, Trojan horse, worm, keystroke logger, root kit or other malicious computer software.

You must not conduct any systematic or automated data collection activities (including without limitation scraping, data mining, data extraction and data harvesting) on or in relation to this website without Metro Hobbies express written consent.

You must not use this website to transmit or send unsolicited commercial communications.

You must not use this website for any purposes related to marketing without Metro Hobbies express written consent.

All information displayed on this website is put there in good faith, however mistakes may occur due to human typing error or allocation. In all instances we reserve the right to correct any erroneous information as soon as it is brought to our attention.

The offer to trade is a two way treaty and both parties have to be satisfied to finalise the sale.

The use of products you purchase from our stores is at your own risk and you are responsible for the safety of yourself and others whilst using these products.

Metro Hobbies is dedicated to offering the best range of hobbies at the best price. If you have seen it cheaper, let us know!

Metro Hobbies will do what we can to match the price of a competitor's advertised price where:

• The product is identical (same code/colour/version/model)
• The product is listed on an Australia Retail Store (interstate retailers will be price matched at the landed cost (price + plus freight) of the item
• The product is in stock
• Price match is requested prior to completing your purchase.

Metro Hobbies will not price match if

• The request is to match an item listed on a third party seller or marketplace (e.g. eBay/Amazon etc.)
• The request is to match a price not available to the general public (e.g. bulk purchase, club or member price)
• The request is to match a price from an overseas seller
• You are unable to provide a link (URL) to the item on our competitors website
• The request falls below our cost price of the product

If you have seen an item cheaper, please head over to the Contact Us and let us know!

To find out where an item is available, please select the Stock Locations & Dispatch Times dropdown under Quantity on the product page as shown below

If you have seen something you like but its not in your local store, we can arrange to have it transferred between our stores and distribution centre for you!

Head over to the Contact Us and our customer support team will get back to you ASAP!

We offer limited shipping to New Zealand

Unfortunately we are unable to offer international shipping to other countries at this time.

We offer limited shipping to New Zealand on the following product ranges through our website. 

Plastic Kits 

Jigsaws 

If you are interested in a product that is not in the above categories please head over to the Metro Hobbies Support Centre and select "Shipping to New Zealand" and fill out the required details. 

Our customer support team will get back to you if we can facilitate postage of this item. 

Sadly we do not take in second hand items, our suggestion would be to either look in to eBay, Gumtree or depending on the product, contacting your local club (Model Rail, Plastic Modelling or Radio Control Club) to see if they are interested or know of anyone who might be interested in acquiring your product.

We are happy to provide you with a quote for insurance purposes should you need one. 

We do charge $50 to draw this up for you. Please note we do get this question frequently, these quotes do take us some time as we want to make sure we get you the most accurate prices and products. 

This fee can be applied as a credit to your invoice should you choose to purchase any items from us.

We are happy to obtain product that we do not have listed on our website for you if we can. 

If you have seen an item that you would be interested in us bringing in for you, please head over to the Contact Us and our customer support team will get back to you.

If you are interested in placing a school purchase order with us, please feel free to send through a request via our contact form:

https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/pages/contact-us

Please send through your school purchase order on the official school letterhead listing the product titles, pricing, and product codes as per our website.

Our Customer Support team will then come back to you with an invoice and purchase order confirmation.

Once you have received confirmation your order will be processed for delivery or Click and Collect.
Payment is required up front. 

Create an account with us by following the steps below!

Step 1: Go to the following link

• https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/account/register

Step 2: Enter your Details
Enter your details in the required fields as shown below

Step 3: Create your account

Step 4: Shop!

If you have placed your order and would like to add to it or change it before it has been processed, not a problem, head over to Contact us and send us a message or give us a call!  

Unfortunately if your order has already been processed and packed you will not be able to add to it. 

Please note adding to your order may cause a delay as your order will need to go back out for picking.

If you have placed two orders and would like them to be sent together our Customer Support team we will do their best to co-ordinate this for you. Head over to Contact us and send us a message or give us a call!   Be sure to have both order numbers handy!

Note if your first order has already been packed we will be unable to send your orders together. 

During peak times combining orders will cause a delay with your order.

If a product page is showing that the item which you have ordered is 'sold out' once your order has been placed, this means that you were lucky enough to secure the last one!

As long as the product was showing as available with an "add to cart" option (pictured below) at the time of purchase, you have no need to stress as we will be sure to get your order on its way to you ASAP.

An out of stock item is a product which is currently sold out, and we are waiting on new stock to arrive from our suppliers. 

If you would like to be notified when an out of stock item comes back in to stock you can add it to you Wishlist.

Wishlists allow you to create a personalised collection of products that you are interested in or might want to buy, either at a later time or when they come back in to stock (Yes, you will be notified when an item in you wishlist comes back in to stock). This information is saved on your account for your to easily access when you want to. 

If you need to update your delivery address after you have placed your order please contact our Customer Support team as soon as possible. They will do their best to accommodate your requests. 

Not all our payment methods allow amendments to your postal address once your order is placed, you may be asked to cancel your order and re-submit with the correct address. 

Once packed we can no longer make changes to your order.

To update your account details like name, phone number or address, anytime by following these steps:

1. Log in to your account
2. On your account home page select the view addresses icon.
3. From here you can either edit your current details, or add a new address to your account.
4. Click Add address or Update address after completing all the updates.

In case you have forgotten your password, click here forgot password and follow the instructions.

Please note, if you would like to change the email address associated with your account please contact Customer Support

If you need to update the email address associated to your account please head over to Contact us and send us a message.

Be sure to let the Customer Support team know the email address currently associated to your account and the address you would like to change it to and they will make this change for you.

If you are having trouble logging in to your account, please follow the below link to re-set your password

Reset your Password

If you are still unable to access your account please head over to head over to Contact us and send us a message or give us a call!  

A Pre-order product is an item that has not yet been released by the manufacturer, or has a re-release on the way. By Pre-ordering an item, you are paying in advance to secure your place in line to receive this product. 

Please bear in mind that on the rare occasion our supply may be cut short, our Customer Support Team will be in touch. We will do our very best to source your product however sometimes it is out of our control.

Our website will allow you to pre-purchase an item that is listed as a pre-order. Where a price is listed for an item, you will be charged for the product when you place your pre-order. Out of stock products cannot be purchased through our website. You can however add an out of stock item to your Wishlist, that way you will be notified by email when the item comes back in to stock.

We are at the mercy of our suppliers and the manufacturers when it comes to release dates for pre-ordered items. Expected due dates are listed on our website if we have them. Once your pre-order is placed our customers support team will do their best to keep you updated with the expected arrival dates for your pre-ordered product. 

If you pre-ordered a product from our website and before receiving your order the same item it is now showing as sold out, don't panic!
Often we are only allocated a certain number of a pre-order product from our suppliers. We will list these items on our website as available to pre-order until we have pre-allocated all the incoming stock, we will then remove the item as available to pre-order and it will show as sold out. 

If your order contains both in stock and pre-ordered items, your order will be held until all items are in stock and ready to ship. 

If you would like to arrange partial dispatch of your order please head over to head over to Contact us and send us a message, the customer support team can look into this for you and come back with a freight quote.

We offer a range of shipping options to ensure you get your hobby as soon as possible.

Our Shipping options are

• Australia Post Parcel Post
• Startrack Road Express
• Couriers Please
• TNT

To find out which service best suits you view our shipping method.

All Metro Melbourne Orders have a flat rate of $8.99 (Excluding items over 1M or 22kg & Dangerous Goods) 

Check if your postcode falls in the Metro Melbourne delivery area by viewing our Melbourne Metro Postcodes FAQ

Orders 500g or under outside of Metro Melbourne have a flat rate of $9.99

For Orders over 500g outside of Metro Melbourne;
Pricing will be calculated at the check out based on you location and the size and weight of your parcel.

To check freight prices, add the items you are interested in to your cart, at the bottom right of the cart page you will find our shipping calculator. Add your postcode to find out what options are available to you. 

Please keep in mind that our order processing time is 1-2 business days. For more details about our processing times see here.

See also our Shipping Guide & Pricing FAQ

Shipping estimates are from when your parcel is collected by the courier.

If a shipping method does not appear at the checkout, it is not available for your postcode

*    Transit times are estimated by the carrier and are subject to change, delivery times may vary in peak periods 

and are outside the control of Metro Hobbies

Measured in business days (Monday to Friday excluding public holidays) from the shipped date

Excludes Handling Time

**  Not available at check out, please contact customer support for a quote

*** Orders sent with Australia Post will be taken to your local post office if you are not home at the time of your delivery. Startrack and TNT orders will be returned to their local Depot and delivery will be attempted again the following day. Once delivery has been attempted twice it will be held at their depot or returned to sender (RTS). RTS will incur a fee, payable by the customer before we resend the order.
Couriers Please orders will be taken to an authorised Collection Point outlined by couriers Please- the recipient will need to show a valid form of ID to collect the item.

**** Express shipping refers to the delivery method your order is posted, and does not speed up our handling time.
 

We do our best to dispatch all orders as quickly as possible!

Handling times are dependant on the stock location at the time of purchasing - to find out more about stock locations in our Stock Locations FAQ

You will receive a tracking number around 6 pm on the day your order is dispatched. Sit tight and get excited, good things come from Metro Hobbies! 

A tracking number will be emailed to you on the day your order is dispatched.

You will also be able to find your tracking number by viewing the order in your Account Order History when logged in to your account on our website. 

Please be sure to check for regular updates on your parcel through our delivery partners websites

Australia Post - https://auspost.com.au/mypost/track/#/search

Star Track - https://startrack.com.au/track/search

Couriers Please - https://www.couriersplease.com.au/tools-track

TNT - https://www.tnt.com/express/en_au/site/shipping-tools/tracking.html

Once your order has been dispatched you will receive a tracking number from the provider that we have shipped with. In most cases we will ship with Australia Post, their delivery time frames are listed below.

Please note that this is a guide only as provided by Australia Post. For the latest updates from Australia Post see here: Australia Post Service Updates StarTrack, Couriers Please and TNT may vary.

Please keep in mind during peak periods delivery times may vary

All of our deliveries require signature on delivery by default, as this is a more secure way of shipping. If you require Authority to Leave (ATL), please leave a note on your order or get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Please note that if you give Authority to Leave, this does mean you take responsibility for your delivery, and we will be unable to help you follow up any delivery issues or non-delivery.

Yes, We offer Star track Express and Couriers Please in our check out!

Please note:

Outside of Metro areas Star track express may not be an option, if you cannot select Startrack at the check out but require express shipping for your order, please contact our Customer support team with your order number and they will get back to you with a quote.

If you would like a quote before placing an order, please contact our Customer support team with the items you are interested in and your postal address, and we will get back to your with an estimate 

Express refers only to the method in which your order is posted, our standard handling time still applies. 

Yes! Please select Australia Post as your carrier at check out. 

TNT, Couriers Please and Startrack do not ship to PO Box 

Please note due to size some bulky/oversized items are not accepted by Australia Post and may have to be posted by another freight company, we would in this case be unable to ship to your PO Box. If you are unsure about the size of the item you are purchasing please contact our Customer Support Team.

While all our shipments are tracked and require a signature on delivery by default, they are not insured. If you would like transit insurance as protection against damage in transit or a lost package, please get in touch with us and we can provide a quote.

All packages we send are tracked. Please be sure to track your order on the Australia Post or Startrack website for any helpful information about your package
https://auspost.com.au/mypost/track/#/search.
https://startrack.com.au/track/search

Please allow the full time shown for delivery estimated by the carrier before getting in touch. In our experience Australia Post will not open an investigation on a missing parcel until three business days have passed from the estimated due date. If your order has still not arrived we encourage you to get in touch with us and we can open an investigation with Australia Post on your behalf.

You are of course welcome to contact Australia Post or Startrack directly at any time
https://auspost.com.au/help-and-support.
https://startrack.com.au/support

If your parcel is returned to us, our customers support team will reach out to you to discuss re-delivery.

Common reason parcels are returned

• Incomplete delivery address
• Not collected from Post Office within 14 business days 

Return to sender parcels incur a $12.50 return to sender fee and you will also be required to pay for an additional postage fee to have the parcel re-shipped.

If a parcel is returned to us and we are unsuccessful in getting in touch, your order will be refunded less shipping and return to sender fees after 14 days of our first contact.

Outlined by Australia Post the following postcodes make up the Metropolitan Melbourne delivery area. 

To quickly find your postcode, hit CTRL+F and type in your postcode to the search bar :)

Click and collect allows you to purchase goods online through the Metro Hobbies website and pick them up in one of our stores at a time that's convenient to you.

Step 1: Choose your products online

• Add the products you would like to purchase to your shopping cart and when you are ready, proceed to the check out.

Step 2: Choose a pick up location

• On the shopping cart page select Store Pickup and choose the pickup store location which you would like to collect your order.
• Note: If an item you are after is out of stock at the requested pick up location, don't worry! Instead of selecting your preferred store at the check out, just select "Click & Collect", make a note in the comments section with your preferred store. We will then organise to get the items purchased transferred across to your preferred store.

Step 3: Select Click and Collect as your shipping method

• On the shipping page select Click and Collect as your preferred delivery method and then complete the checkout process.
  - Please note that if you have a PO Box or Parcel Locker in your shipping address at the check out the Click and Collect option will show.

Step 4: Wait to hear from us

• When you've placed your order you will receive an email to confirm that we have your order and are processing it ready for collection. We will get your order organised as quickly as we can, but hang tight, we'll email you as soon as your order is ready to collect!

Step 5: Collect your order in-store

• You will receive a confirmation email once your order is ready to collect. Please bring the copy of your order confirmation email, plus some photo ID so that we can verify we are handing over your order to the right person! High value orders may need to bring some further verification however this will be outlined in an email if required.

If all the items are located in your preferred store, we will aim to have all Click and Collect orders placed before 1pm ready for collection same day.

If your order contains items that are located at another store or our distribution centre, we will do our best to have your order ready within 1 business day.

Once your order has been processed and is ready to pick up, you will receive an email saying you can head down. This is a separate email to the automatic order confirmation that you will receive as soon as you place your order on the website.

To ensure your order is ready for you, please wait for this email confirmation before coming to the store.

When coming to pick up your order please make sure you bring:

• A copy of your order confirmation email.
• The credit card used to make the purchase.
• A valid photo ID so that we can verify we are handing over your order to the right person! This photo ID must have an address corresponding to the address submitted on your order. To make sure we can match your address, please ensure you do not submit an order with a PO box, Parcel Locker or business address as your billing address.
• For high value orders, any additional verification outlined in an email from us.

You will be required to sign for your order on collection.

If you would like someone else to pick up your order please contact us prior to attempting to collect the order. We will let you know if your order is eligible based on order value, payment method, order verification, and the person's relationship to you. To collect the goods, we will still require a copy of your order confirmation email and the collecting person's valid photo ID if authorised.

Sometimes, items in your Click and Collect order may be damaged or missing and we will only find out when we pick your order. If this is the case we'll be in touch to let you know about the missing items and outline your options. We don't want you to miss out, so we'll do our best to look for more stock. Often, we'll be able to source more stock and have your order ready in a few days, but we're also more than happy to suggest an alternative or provide a refund.

We hold Click and Collect orders for 30 days after you receive your order collection notification. If you do not collect your order within 14 days we will try to contact you. 

After 30 days your order will be cancelled.

You can modify your Click and Collect order at any time. If you would like to make a change to your order please head over to Contact us and send us a message or give us a call!  

We offer limited shipping to New Zealand on the following product ranges through our website. 

Plastic Kits 
Jigsaws 

If you are interested in a product that is not in the above categories please head over to Contact us and send us a message or give us a call!  

Our customer support team will get back to you if we can facilitate postage of this item. 

Freight will be calculated at the checkout based on the total weight of your order. 

All orders will be dispatched with Australia Post. 

To check freight prices, add the items you are interested in to your cart, at the bottom right of the cart page you will find our shipping calculator. Add your postcode to find out what options are available to you.

Australia Post advised a transit time of 8 - 12 business days to New Zealand.

Stating that this does not include customs handling -when your parcel is with customs no changes will be made on your tracking number until it has been released.

For more details please visit Australia Post International delivery page: https://auspost.com.au/sending/send-overseas/international-delivery-times

A tracking number will be emailed to you on the day your order is dispatched. 

You will also be able to find your tracking number by viewing the order in your Account Order History when logged in to your account on our website.

Please be sure to check for regular updates on your parcel through our delivery partners website

Australia Post - https://auspost.com.au/mypost/track/#/search

Our parcels are not shipped internationally with signature on delivery required. 

If you would like to request this please head over to Contact us and send us a message or give us a call!  

If you change your mind within 30 days of receiving your items, then no worries, we will refund or exchange the item/s for you (your choice!) subject to the following conditions: 

A proof of purchase is provided. 

The item/s are in saleable condition, meaning

- The item is not damage
- The item is unopened
- The item has not been used
- The item has all original packaging including manuals, sticker sheets, accessories, and all seals and/or plastic wrapping is intact. 

It is within 30 Days of receiving the item. 

Postage costs will be at the returner’s expense, an item that is not received by us will not be eligible for a refund or exchange, for this reason we recommend sending your returns with registered post that has tracking.  

If the item is returned outside our Change of mind policy period, you will be required to pay postage to get the item back to you. 

Please head over to Contact us and send us a message prior to sending any returns so we can look out for your items and have any exchange items ready to send.

At this time our product prices are all inclusive of GST. 

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept all major credit cards, in addition to PayPal and Direct Bank Deposit. We unfortunately do not accept American Express.  

Buy Now Pay Later

We have a number of Buy Now Pay Later options available. View our Buy Now Pay Later FAQ for more details.

GST Pricing

All prices quotes on our website are in Australian Dollars, and include 10% GST. 

Bank Direct Deposit Details - 

BSB: 063 105
Acc: 1068 5226
Acc Name: Metro Hobbies Online

We offer a number of buy now pay later options including Afterpay, Zip and Paypal Pay in 4

To find out more click on a logo below

We do not offer in store laybys but have a number of Buy Now Pay Later options available including AfterPay & Zip.

As much as we would love not to have issues with fraudulent activity, it is sadly a part of online business and we have seen our fair share. In order to overcome this growing issue we have a process in place to ensure your protection and ours from fraudulent transactions. 

3D Secure

Our website is equipped with an additional layer of security for credit card payments, this is called 3D Secure. 

3D Secure adds an authentication step to the checkout of your cart, where a redirect will take you to the card issuers domain where you will be required to key in a pin or password either sent via SMS or email to verify your credit card. You will then be re-directed back to our website and your order finalised. 

Card Payments over the phone

The following process is required for some card orders placed with a credit card OVER THE PHONE. Our secure payment provider (PIN Payments) will add a unique 3 digit code in the description of your credit card transaction. This will show up on your online bank statement as shown below (where XXX will be 3 numbers unique to your transaction):

PIN*XXX Metro Hobbies Box Hill VI AUS

In example above pin required is 482

We require all customers making a payment via Visa or Mastercard for the first time to provide these three numbers for us to verify ownership of the account. Only you will be able to see these numbers by logging into your internet banking and viewing the description of the transaction. If you do not have access to online banking, you can also contact your bank who will be able to let you know the code. Please note this is not your personal PIN number or the card CCV. 

We want to despatch orders as soon as possible and will proceed with shipment as soon as you verify the code.

If this PIN is required for your purchase, our customer support team will contact you.

While not an option in the check out of our website, our Customer Support team are happy to arrange an order with you to pay via direct deposit. 

Please head over to Contact us and send us a message 

You will need to provide the following details

- Your full name 
- Postal Address
- Your best contact number 
- The items (including links or product codes) you are wishing to purchase. 

Our Support team will then come back to you with an invoice. 

Once you have made payment and it has cleared in to our bank account your order will be posted, or made available for Click and Collect

Standard Gift Card (In-Store Only)

This is a physical gift card that will either be posted out to you or you can pick up from any of our stores. This Gift Card can only be used in-store and does not work online at www.metrohobbies.com.au when entered at checkout. Present your In-Store Gift Card to our staff at checkout to redeem.

However our customer support team are happy to manually apply your gift card over the phone or via email if you are not able to make it into our stores.

• Gift Cards activated immediately are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
• This card cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or expired
• This card cannot be recharged, or redeemed for cash. 
• No change can be given, however the balance can be used for future transactions until $0.00 value is reached. 
• This card cannot be used for the purchase of further gift cards or gift vouchers.
• Gift Cards cannot be used to purchase on the eBay Metro Hobbies Store
   

eGift Card (In-Store & Online)

This is a digital gift card that will be emailed to you or your recipient instantly after purchasing. eGift Cards can be used both online and in-store. Just enter your unique eGift Card code at checkout redeem or visit one of our stores and present your email containing your gift card to our staff member at checkout.

• eGift Cards are activated immediately and valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.
• This card cannot be replaced if expired, lost or email containing was deleted.
• This card cannot be recharged, or redeemed for cash. 
• No change can be given, however the balance can be used for future transactions until $0.00 value is reached. 
• This card cannot be used for the purchase of further gift cards or gift vouchers.
• Gift Cards cannot be used to purchase on the eBay Metro Hobbies Store

Click here to see all Gift Cards available.

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

Metro Hobbies Standard Gift Cards can only be used in-store and do not work online. 

Present your physical Gift Card to our staff at checkout to redeem.

However our customer support team are happy to manually apply your gift card over the phone or via email if you are not able to make it into our stores.

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

Metro Hobbies eGift Cards can be used both online and in-store. Just enter your unique eGift Card code at checkout to redeem or visit one of our stores and present your email containing your gift card to our staff member at checkout.

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

Metro Hobbies Gift cards can be bought in store or online! See all available below.

https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/pages/metro-hobbies-gift-cards

All Standard Gift Cards and eGift Cards are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

Please ensure you are entering the correct code into the checkout. 

Don't worry it happens! Make sure to include any letters or words, be mindful of lowercase and uppercase letters and enter the code exactly the same.

For example: EXAMPLE123 OR example123 OR ExAmPle123

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

In-Store Gift Cards and eGift Cards are non-refundable items. They can not be cancelled or refunded under any circumstance. In-Store Gift Cards and eGift Cards cannot be exchanged for cash or any other tender.

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

In-Store Gift Cards and eGift Cards cannot be exchanged for cash or any other tender. Once a Gift Card has be used to the balance of $0.00 it is invalid and can be thrown away or deleted. You cannot recharge or add value to an existing gift card.

If you have any other questions about Gift Cards and eGift Cards please contact our customer support team.

Your Metro Hobbies Physical (red) Gift Card can be used both in store and online! 

Your gift card's unique four-digit number can be found on the back of the card as seen below:

In order to process this at checkout online, you will need to enter "XXXX" before the gift card's unique four-digit number. 

Using the example above, you would add this gift card to your purchase by entering the following: 

eg.             XXXX4827

Note there should be no spaces between the X's

If you have any issues with processing your Physical Gift Card online, feel free to reach out to our customer support team and we'll be happy to assist! 

We are big on happy customers, if you are unhappy with the product you have received or there is a problem we want to help. We recommend reading through our returns and warranty information found here and our terms and conditions prior to shopping with us so you know what to expect and your rights under Australian Consumer Law. 

As a consumer you are entitled to consumer guarantees as outlined by the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Likewise, if the item you have received has a major fault you are entitled to request a replacement or refund. If the fault does not amount to a major fault, you are entitled to have the faulty parts repaired or replaced.

If you change your mind within 30 days of receiving your items, then no worries, we will refund or exchange the item/s for you (your choice!) subject to the following conditions:

• A proof of purchase is provided.
• The item/s are in saleable condition, meaning
  • The item is not damage
  • The item is unopened
  • The item has not been used
  • The item has all original packaging including manuals, sticker sheets, accessories, and all seals and/or plastic wrapping is intact.
• It is within 30 Days of receiving the item.

Postage costs will be at the returner’s expense, an item that is not received by us will not be eligible for a refund or exchange, for this reason we recommend sending your returns with registered post that has tracking.

If the item is returned outside our Change of mind policy period, you will be required to pay postage to get the item back to you. 

Please head over to Contact us and send us a message prior to sending any returns so we can look out for your items and have any exchange items ready to send.

We do not offer change of mind returns on the below:

• Faulty Radio Control Cars, planes, drones, boats, and helicopters. For
• Faulty Radio Control Products please follow our Warranty Procedure
• Faulty Train Sets or Locomotives. For Model Railways Products please follow our Warranty Procedure
• Faulty Slot Car Sets or Slot Cars. For Slot Car Products please follow our Warranty Procedure
• DJI Products that has been activated or seals broken on the box.
• Unsealed consumables (Paints, Glues, Thinners etc)
• Gift Cards

We have several checks in place to make sure you get the items that you are after and they reach you in good order. Damaged and defective items must be assessed by our customer support team before a refund or replacement can be issued. 

If an item you have received is damaged please Head over to Contact us and send us a message. Please be sure to send a photo of the item, the box it was sent in and the damage along with your order number. The customer support team will try and resolve any issues as quickly and painlessly as possible. 

Note: damaged boxes or product packaging is not considered to be a damaged product.

If you would like to request a return, head over to Contact us and send us a message

Please provide us with your Invoice/Order number, the reason for your return and your desired outcome.

Our customer support team will get back to you with a product returns form to fill out and send back with your item/s so when they arrive back with us, we know who it is for, what it is and most importantly how to get in touch with you.

We make sure your orders are securely packed to avoid damage in transit. If you have the box and packaging your order arrived in, please pack it up as you received it and send it back to us. 

Alternatively please ensure when you are returning products to us, they are placed in a carton and secured with packaging (Tissues, Newspaper etc).  

Please include in the box along with your order a copy of our returns form.

We know there is nothing worse than missing pieces! 

If your item has arrived and something is not there, please head over to the Metro Hobbies Support Centre and select "I have an issue with my order"

Please provide your order number and details about what is missing and our customer support team will get back to you ASAP. 

For Missing Lego Pieces see: The Lego set I have received is missing a part, What can I do? 

For details about Missing Puzzle pieces see also : The puzzle I have received is missing a piece, what can I do?

There is nothing worse than completing your puzzle only to find there is a piece missing. If this has happened to you and you have checked your surrounding area to make sure it has not gone astray, please reach out to our customer support team with your order number and a photo of your (almost) completed puzzle. From there they will contact the suppliers to source a replacement piece or replacement puzzle for you.

Lego are so confident that their sets are 100% correct that they are happy to sort out missing pieces with you directly. Follow this link https://www.lego.com/en-au/service/replacementparts and Lego will arrange to send you the parts you need.

If you have received the wrong item in your order, please contact our Customer Support team as soon as you can with your order number and details of the item you have received in error. 

Our support team will work to resolve this with you as quickly as they can.

We are big on happy customers and we understand no one likes a faulty product, so we want to ensure any warranty assessments are resolved quickly. 

We have put together a guide for the quickest processing of your warranty. 

All products are covered by a Consumer Guarantee and against manufacturing defects and workmanship for a set period determined by the individual manufacturer. This cover applies only when products are used in line with manufacturer's guidelines for the purposes they were intended (i.e. the defect was not your fault). 

Details on the manufacturer’s warranty period for your product can be found either in the manual/instructions. 

If you are having issues with an item you have purchased and believe it to eligible for warranty repair/replacement or refund, please head over to contact us and send us a message, we will require:

1. Your invoice or Order number
2. A clear photo or video of your item and the problem area
3. A detailed description of the issue
4. An overview of your item’s history of use and background

Many manufacturers have local dedicated support centres who are equipped to be able to handle faulty products and technical advice in a more timely manner. In certain circumstances, or depending on where you live, we may forward your product to a support centre or ask you to forward your product directly to the support centre for their assessment. 

Postage required to get the item back for assessment is at your expense, we will cover the return postage to get the repaired or replaced item back to you. If a refund is provided instead of a repair/replacement we can reimburse you for the incurred postage costs if you are able to provide a copy of the receipt. 

From here, their service technician will assess the product and will determine if the item is covered by warranty and if so, advise on a repair, replacement (or part replacement) or refund. 

Please note that Metro Hobbies will not issue a refund or exchange under the following circumstances:

• If the product is outside the warranty period
• If the product is faulty but has not yet been assessed by the local distributor
• If the product is faulty and deemed to have been not covered by warranty.
• If you changed your mind after using the product. 
• If you found the same product cheaper somewhere else. 
• If you decide you did not like the product or had no use for it.
• If you caused the fault.
• If you asked for a service to be done on the product in a certain way against our advice or were unclear about what you wanted.

Remember we are here to help, so if you have any questions about your purchase please feel free to ask. 

For more information in relation to consumer rights and guarantees, please refer the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) website: 

https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/warranties

Traxxas is the one of the toughest and bestselling names in Ready-To-Race® nitro and electric radio controlled (RC) vehicles, but sometimes things can go wrong. 

We understand no one likes warranties, so we want to ensure your warranty assessment is resolved quickly. We have put together a guide for the quickest processing of your warranty. 

Traxxas electronic components are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. The chassis and driveline (including the motor) are only covered against manufacturer’s defects in materials, workmanship or assembly when they are new (before being used). For a detailed explanation of what is covered by warranty, please refer to the manual included with your vehicle.

If you believe the issue falls within Traxxas warranty, we recommend emailing service@southermodels.com.au the following:

• A copy of your invoice, 
• A clear photo of your vehicle and the problem area,
• A detailed description of the issue.

Alternatively, you can send this information along with your vehicle to:

From here, a service technician will assess the vehicle and will determine if the item is covered by warranty and if so, advise on a repair, replacement (or part replacement) or refund. 

If you prefer Metro Hobbies handle the warranty process, please feel free to provide the required information to us and we will liaise with Southern Model Supplies. We do note however this may add to additional time to your warranty claim. 

Please note that Metro Hobbies will not issue a refund or exchange under the following circumstances:

• If the vehicle is faulty but has not yet been assessed by a Southern Model Supplies service technician.
• If the vehicle is faulty and deemed to have been not covered by warranty.
• If you simply changed your mind after running the vehicle. 
• If you found the same vehicle cheaper somewhere else. 
• If you decide you did not like the purchase or had no use for it.
• If you misused a product in any way that caused the fault.
• If you asked for a service to be done on the vehicle in a certain way against our advice or were unclear about what you wanted.

Remember we are here to help, so if you have any questions about your Traxxas vehicle please feel 1free to ask. 

For more information in relation to repairs and replacements under warranty, please refer to the following website: 

Consumer Affairs Victoria:

https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/products-and-services/refunds-repairs-and-returns/warranties. 

ACCC:

https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees/warranties

Consumer Advice - PLE1ASE READ CAREFULLY! 

Thank you for selecting this CARRERA® Radio Control product or Slot Car Set. Carrera® has a history of selling their products in the European, USA and UK markets, where consumers demand the highest quality! 

If, for any reason you cannot get your RC vehicle or Slot Car Set to operate correctly, please send an email to the address below, and let us assist you in getting your set performing correctly. It may not always be necessary for you to return the item/s to the place of purchase.

Please use the same email address for replacement of Contact Brushes for Slot Cars. 

PLEASE CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE in AUSTRALIA BELOW…

Email: sales@zimbler.com.au

Or write to: Carrera® Service Centre Zimbler Pty Ltd PO Box 2 KEW VIC 3101

Phone: 03 8481 1088

Please do not forget to provide your return address and/or contact details so we can help you.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Carrera® products are produced to a technically high standard and made for both beginner and enthusiast alike and as such should be handled with care at all times. 

Please take note of all information in the instruction booklet supplied. 

All parts are carefully tested before assembly; however they may be subject to technical change by Carrera to improve the quality and performance of the product. 

Should there be any defects, the following guarantee conditions apply: 

The period of the guarantee applies for 12 months from date of purchase. The guarantee covers demonstrable defects of material or production, excluding parts subject to wear and tear, such as motor brushes, wheels and related power pick-up shoes and defects caused by improper use or intrusion of others. 

Reparation may only be affected by an authorised company.

Packing and transport costs are excluded from the guarantee cover, these must be borne by the purchaser. All claims for the cancellation of sale, reduction of purchase price or damages are excluded.

Validity of the guarantee:

You are entitled to claim for guarantee only with the supply of the sales receipt, tax invoice or similar proof of purchase.

The RC Vehicle or Slot Car Set must have been used according to the instruction manual.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.  You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage.  You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. 

Rechargeable Batteries:  

Always recharge the battery immediately after use to prevent it becoming too deeply discharged.  Recharge the battery occasionally (suggested 2-3 months).  Failure to treat the battery correctly can lead to it becoming defective.  Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged by adults.

Below are the warranty periods for our biggest brands as outlined by the manufacture.

Please also ensure you have read our warranty procedure

Arrma - Limited 2 Year - https://www.arrma-rc.com/en/ara-bs-warranty.html
Auscision - 12 Months
Axial - Limited 2 Years - https://www.axialadventure.com/axi-bs-warranty.html

Blackzon - 3 Months 

Carrera - 24 Months
DCC Concepts - 12 Months - https://www.dccconcepts.com/warranty-and-support/

ECX - 12 Months

E-Flite - 12 Months

Element RC - 3 Months

ESU- 2 Years - https://www.esu.eu/en/support/warranty-repair

FMS - 90 Days - https://www.fmshobby.com/pages/warranty-policy

Futaba - 12 Months - https://www.futaba.com/termsandconditions/

Hobbywing - 180 Days

Hornby - 30 Days

HPI - 2 Years- https://www.hpiracing.com/guarantee

Huina - 12 Months - https://huinaconstructiontoys.com/pages/faq

Irun RC - 2 Years 

Iwata/Sparmax/Anset - 12 Months

Kato - 60 Days - https://katousa.com/kato-limited-warranty/

Kyosho RC - 90 Days - https://kyoshoamerica.com/warranty
Losi / TLR - Limited 2 Years - https://www.tlracing.com/tlr-bs-warranty.html

Maverick - 90 Days

MJX- 90 Days

NXE - 30 Days

Proboat - 12 Months - https://www.proboatmodels.com/prb-bs-warranty.html

Savox - 18 Months - https://www.savoxusa.com/pages/warranty-information

Scalextric - 30 Days

Sky RC - 12 Months

Spektrum - 12 Months - https://www.spektrumrc.com/spm-bs-warranty.html

Tamiya - 90 Days

Traxxas - 30 Days - https://traxxas.com/support/Traxxas-Warranty-Service

We are happy to service, repair or upgrade any hobby product we sell.

These services are performed our Service Technicians and are required to be booked in to ensure you are getting the best person working on your product. We do not perform on-the-spot service, installations, repairs or upgrades. 

Our Pricing

• $30 Booking Fee per item (This payment is taken when your item is booked in and required for all repairs)
• After assessment hourly rate - All services, repairs or upgrades are charged in 15 minute intervals at $15 per interval. This does not include any replacement parts, AA or AAA batteries or fuel if required, these will be added to your invoice as separate items. 
• Cleaning Fee - $15 per 15minutes of cleaning required- if the item you have dropped off requires cleaning before we can commence your repair 

Here are a few of our other service prices

• Soldering - Each item requiring soldering will be a minimum of $5 excluding plugs
• Decoder Fitting - Minimum $15 excluding the price of the decoder

Our turnaround times vary depending on demand and in some cases, we may be required to send your product back to the manufacture for assessment. For more information about warranty assessment click here

If you would like to request a repair, head over the  Metro hobbies Support Centre and select "I would like to request a repair" and our service team will get back to you.

The voltage in LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries is determined based on the number of cells they have and we can easily identify this by referring to the "S" count. 

Each LiPo cell is rated at 3.7v so a 2S LiPo means it's a 2 cell battery and 7.4v, a 3S is 11.1v, 4S is 14.8v and 6S is 22.2v. 

For more info tune into our video below as RC Expert Vas explains the basics of Milliamps, C ratings, cell sizes & more. 
 

RC batteries can get expensive so it's worth investing some time to learn how best to look after them and charge them properly. 

Batteries can be volatile and dangerous, so be sure to read the below so you can get the maximum life from your battery and most importantly, avoid damage or injury. 

Here are some battery safety tips

• All batteries (including AAs), should be disconnected & removed from your RC models when not in use. 
• Batteries should never be stored while still connected to an RC model or charger. 
• Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries can be volatile. If a LiPo battery is drained completely flat or even bellow 3.2v per cell, it may not take charge again. LiPo batteries should be stored at 3.8v per cell to maximise their life. Many chargers offer a "storage charge" function to achieve this. 
• Any impact sustained to your RC model from a collision can cause damage to a battery and render it unsafe. Careful inspection for damage before and after use is essential. 
• Always charge and store your batteries away from heat, humidity and flammables (such as wood, cloth and carpet). 
• It's recommended that you always charge LiPo batteries in a Lipo-safe Bag
  https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/products/irunrc-lipo-safe-bag-flat-pouch-230-x300mm
  https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/products/irunrc-lipo-safe-bag-box-style-185-x-75-x-60mm

Don't forget, we are here to help so let us know if you have any questions!

Different battery types require different chargers or charge settings. Make sure your battery is suited to your charger and you have the right charge setting prior to charging your battery. 

Most quality chargers will have the required settings to accommodate your battery type and voltage. Whilst some LiPo batteries can be charged at high rates, the safest rate is 1C - 1 amp for every 1000mah of your battery. For example; a 3000mAh battery should ideally be charged at 3 amps. This will yield approximately a one hour charge time. 

Here are some charger safety tips

• Designate a safe, clean, non-flammable surface to setup your charging area (such as away from wood, cloth and carpet). 
• Before using or charging a battery inspect the battery for any signs of damage, deformity or swelling. Any evidence of the abovementioned and the battery may not be safe to use and should be disposed of safely. 
• Double check the polarity is correct when connecting your battery (red wire to red, black to black) 
• Do not charge batteries when unattended or leave on charge for extended periods of time. 
• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your battery and charger before getting started.

Don’t forget, we are here to help so let us know if you have any questions! 

The "mAh" (Milliamp Per Hour) number usually found on the face of the batteries is referring to the capacity of the battery. In simple terms, this is the "fuel tank capacity" - the bigger this number, the more run time you will have from your RC. However, it's important to note that as the number increases, so does the battery size and weight. This is important to remember when it comes to battery tray dimensions (will the battery actually fit in the RC) and it will also influence flying weight and center of gravity in aircraft, and weight bias in boats and cars.

LiPo batteries will have a discharge rating and this is noted on the battery label as a "C" rating (25C, 30C, 50C, etc). In simple terms, the C rating is like a "fuel pump" - the bigger that number is, the better the fuel pump and the better the battery will perform. 

Keep in mind that power is drawn from the motor of the RC depending on load, voltage, weight, gearing, etc., it's not the battery that pushes the power to the motor. 

This means that using a high C rating battery in a basic power system won't necessarily make it faster or more powerful, but will allow for a more constant power delivery, keep battery temps down and may even increase run times. However, using a low C rating in a high performance power system will actually hinder performance, stress out the battery which will increase battery temps and can reduce run times. 

There are usually battery recommendations available when buying any RC, but you can always contact us for suitable batteries if in doubt.

RC Driving tips! Believe it or not, there is more to driving an RC car than just starting it up and flicking the switch. Learning the fundamentals are essential for beginners and even advanced drivers, and practice makes perfect (or close to it) to avoid mishap or even damage to any RC car, regardless of the level of complexity or power. Vasco walks us through the basic skills (as wells some basic physics lessons!) you need to be familiar with when it comes to driving, and its a handy video tutorial to keep returning to to keep enjoying this awesome hobby!

 

All RC vehicles are unique in how they operate, and while some may have similar inner workings, the overall experience of using the RC requires different skills and judgements.

RC planes are great fun, but piloting skills do not happen overnight. To develop your skills and grow an eye for RC flight, you've got to start with the right first steps. In the below video Vasco walks us through all the basics needed - from the right RC aircraft types, as well as a look at a modern flight simulator to help you get into the air! 

With the right training and practice, you will have a chance to progress from a beginner to ace!

Because of RC aircraft’s unique flying experience and delicate nature, a great way to practice operating planes is through a model-plane flying simulator. These simulators assist in feeling comfortable flying, and even prevent future crashes.

Check out our range of Simulators here

We have access to the full range of spares and accessories for the brands we support. 

If you are unable to find the part you need on our website please contact our Customer Support Team with the part number your require and our team will work to source this as quickly as possible.

In the video below Vasco tells us more about storing your RC Car

It is important to maintain your boat properly to prevent any water that does get in to your boat while it is in use from causing damaging. It is also important to lubricate the driveshaft after each use, so it’s well worth getting yourself some marine grease, found here.

Don't forget to always remove the batteries before getting started and make it a routine!

Below Ryan takes us step-by-step through keeping your RC boat in service

You might think that shock absorbers exist in your RC simply to look good, however they play a key role in making sure that your car or truck can drive with ease over rough terrain and bumps. They also keep your vehicle’s steering, handling, and throttle in check.

It’s important that your RC’s shock absorbers are maintained well to prevent any future breakdowns and keep your truck running smoothly. To keep your shock absorbers in check, start by disassembling and cleaning them. Then, unscrew the absorber’s cap and pour out the old oil inside, being sure not to lose track of the rubber diaphragm. Then it’s as simple as filling the absorber with new oil and removing air bubbles, before screwing the cap back on and giving the outside of the unit a wipe. 

You can get your own RC oils and lubricants here

Ryan takes us through step-by-step how to maintain your RC car or truck’s shock absorbers here

RC aircraft is quite unique in it’s playability, given that it can fly far above the ground. This comes with risks that are uncommon with RC trucks and boats, the main one being crash landings. Further, RC aircraft are constructed with more lightweight materials to assist gliding, making crash landings quite destructive. 

Repairing RC aircraft can be simple, using foam-safe glues such as Foam2Foam, found here 

Collided with something when running you car? We have all been there! 

A Common problem with RC cars is, if you do hit something hard the weight of the car can shift the motor which might result in the gears either becoming unmeshed or meshed to tightly together.

Simply remove the motor cover and by feeding a piece of paper between the spur gear and the pinion you will be able to tell if the gears are either too lose or too tight.

In the video below Ryan takes us through this easy way to check the gears on the motor after a crash to avoid damaging the motor or stripping your gears.

RC vehicles go through a lot of roughhousing in their day-to-day life, so reinforcing the polycarbonate shell is always a good idea. To strengthen areas of your RC shell, you will need some basic mesh, found in most hardware stores, and some Deluxe Materials Body Armour, found here

To reinforce, target the key area/s of vulnerability in the shell, such as the front or back of the vehicle. Place a small amount of mesh onto the inside area of the shell. Then, it’s as easy as applying some Body Armour to the mesh and spreading it around the area. Be sure to wear gloves when handling Body Armour.

Here’s a video with step-by-step instructions on strengthening your RC shell

Due to constant wear and tear, RC Car steering servos can sometimes fail. On the same vein, many basic RC cars will require upgrading when you would like to enter a competition. In the video below Ryan takes us through how to replace your cars servos!

We see it all too often: you’ve bought a ready to run RC truck but it’s just not bashing the way it should be. Ryan’s here in the Metro Hobbies workshop to tell you not to fret, because this problem is nothing a new set of tyres can’t fix! When things aren’t running smoothly, it can generally be brought back to the tyres – if their texture doesn’t suit your terrain, the performance is not going to be optimal. Ryan shows what texture of tyre is best for what surface, before guiding us through the easy but fiddly process of gluing your new tyres and prepping your wheels for some epic bashing. It’s time to DIY and upgrade your RC to suit your needs!

A brushed motor works on a simple 2 phase (negative and positive power supply) DC power system and a brushless motor works with a 3 phase (A, B & C cables) system that also requires the use of a ESC (Electronic Speed Controller).

A brushed motor will require more maintenance, will wear out its brushes through use over time and will produce less power than brushless motors. Although brushed motors were once all that was used for every RC from the beginner hobbyist to the podium of world champion drivers' cars, today they are mainly used in entry level RC products to help keep costs down. These motors can't usually be serviced and so once they die, a replacement is the only way to get your RC running again. With that said, there is still a place for brushed motors in the hobby and that is mainly in RC crawlers. In this genre, there are still quite a few high spec motors available that can be serviced and rebuilt if required.
In the video below Ryan takes us through the best way to clean and maintain a Brushed Motor

Brushless motors are a very different product and have allowed the hobby to expand and grow in areas that would never have been possible with brushed motors. Genres like quads/drones, EDF jets and large scale electric RC were never possible before brushless motor tech advanced to where it is today. These motors produce a lot more power due to their efficiency, require very little maintenance and come in various sizes and specifications that have made them the perfect choice for pretty much every type of modern RC product depending on the scale, speed, voltage and budget required.

 

This is the most common question asked by customers wanting to get into RC aircraft. Mode 1 has the throttle stick on the right hand side and Mode 2 has the throttle stick on the left hand side of the transmitter. There is no right or wrong when it comes to picking a mode, but once you have learnt one way, it is hard to swap, it's like writing with your left hand if you are right handed.

RTF - Ready To Fly

This term is used when the aircraft is complete with all electrics installed and will include radio, receiver, battery and charger. (Some assembly may still be required)                                                                                               

BNF - Bind And Fly

This term usually relates to planes supplied by Horizon Hobby where the aircraft comes with all the electrics installed and includes a Spektrum receiver. The user will need to purchase (or have) a compatible Spektrum radio and bind the radio to the aircraft. (Some assembly may still be required)  

PNP - Plug And Play

This term will apply to the majority of RC planes on the market today where the plane is supplied with all electrics installed, but will require receiver, radio, batteries and charger. (Some assembly will be required)                                   

ARF - Almost Ready To Fly

This term refers to an aircraft that is supplied without any electrics or engines, and the user will need to purchase all remaining components to complete the aircraft. These types of kits are usually suited to more advanced hobbyists who either want to spec out a model to their liking and/or enjoy building and tinkering. Please note: it's important to check manufacturer's required items and "suggested items" to complete any aircraft. All aircraft are different and will have different required items. (Assembly will be required for ARF models)

Check out our video below where RC Expert Vas explains everything you need to know about RC Aircraft Acronyms and Terminology.

Unfortunately there is no golden rule that can be applied to give an estimate on run time for any particular RC as there are too many variables to consider. While one person might get 10 minutes, another might get 15 minutes or more with the same RC set up depending on how it's driven and the terrain it's being driven on. However, once we determine a run time estimate for an RC using a particular battery, we can then estimate the run time with different or higher capacity batteries.

The term "RTR" refers to any (usually) land or water based RC that is supplied fully assembled with radio and receiver installed, thus making it "Ready to Run". However, simply having "RTR" printed on the box doesn't necessarily mean that everything is included and in most cases, batteries and chargers will be required. 

It's important to check if there are any additional items required with the RC in question. 

For more information watch our video below to get a more detailed understanding of Ready-To-Run, Rolling Chassis, RC Kits and Almost-Ready-To-Run vehicles.

 

While RTR refers to "Ready to Run", a KIT is referring to any RC that comes unassembled and will require all electrics to complete it. In some cases, wheels, tyres and bodies are not included either, so it's always important to check what the KIT in question requires.

For more information watch our video below to get a more detailed understanding of Ready-To-Run, Rolling Chassis, RC Kits and Almost-Ready-To-Run vehicles.

 

Stripping spur gears is common when running radio control cars. Going hard on acceleration and/or hard on brakes on an RC car will generally cause this to happen, just like a real car. 

They are designed as a give point in the driveline so other more expensive components (like diffs and driveshafts) don't fail so often.
While a stripped spur gear is not covered under warranty on an RC car, the good news is the parts are usually inexpensive so you will be back up and running in no time. 

If you need a replacement spur gear or any other part for your car please contact our Customer Support team with a part number (found in your car manual) and they will get back to you with price and availability.

So, you want to start modelling and are looking at getting a Supermarine Spitfire Mk1 but you’re staring at all the different versions with following in the description 1/144, 1/72, 1/48, 1/32, 1/24 and you’re wondering what does this mean? 

This number ratio found in the description of a model kit product is the scale and simply put, scale means size. 

The first number on the left is representative of the item (usually 1) and the number on the right is how many times large the original object is by comparison. 

So, using the actual size of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk1 we can work out roughly the size of the plastic model kit as seen below.

1/1 (Actual size in real life

Thankfully most of the time kit manufactures put the size of the built model on the box so we don’t always have to do the math! 

Usually when it comes to scale, the larger the scale, the more individual pieces are needed so while the overall model will be larger with say a 1/32 scale kit, the parts that make up that model will be smaller as therefore are more detailed. 

If you are new to Model Aircraft Kits, we recommend starting with 1/72 scale kits.

If you are looking at Land Military kits like Tanks or Military Vehicles we recommend 1/35 scale kits.

Plastic model kits require a basic set of tools to complete them including paint and glue. 

We have put together a list below of our recommendations for everything you need:

Glue - Revell Cement Professional Glue

Hobby Knife - Excel 16020 K-18 Grip On Knife with Safety Cap Black

Sprue Cutters - Excel Soft Grip Sprue Cutters/Nippers

Paint Brushes - Hobby Basics Paint Brushes

Tweezers - Hobby Basics Fine Curved Point Tweezers

Abrasives - Hobby Basics Sanding Sticks

The colour of the paints required will depend on the kit that you are purchasing. Guidelines on which paints will be required for your kit will be included in the instruction manual.

If you are new to modelling we would recommend using Acrylic paints

Unless otherwise specified all our plastic model kits require paint and glue to complete. 

You can learn more about what you need to finish your kit here

Unfortunately we are unable to source replacement parts or sprues for plastic model kits. We recommend contacting the manufacturer directly.

Gundam is a Japanese animated military fiction series featuring giant robots or mecha with the name "Gundam"

The animated series has been around since 1979.

Gundam Models are produced by the Japanese toy company Bandai. 

Often referred to as Gunpla (GUNdam PLAstic Models) the term was originally was coined for Gundam models kits but Is now often used to describe most Bandai model kits

Grades are a bracket used to classify and easily Identify major differences between Gunpla kits 

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the most common Grades 

Entry Grade (EG): The newest series In Gunpla, Entry Grade Is a great point to jump Into If you’re wanting to get a start in the hobby but have had no experience in such things before, the kits are very simple, with only a few runners In the box they can be completed In under an hour and the finished products are Incredibly good for a kit coming In under $20. 

High Grade (HG): What many consider the “standard grade” sitting at 1/144 scale (approx. 13cm) and a great way to begin the hobby If you are after something quicker but still with a good amount of detail at a lower price, also has the widest range of model kits so If It’s In Gundam media It’s probably available! 

Master Grade (MG): Coming In at 1/100 scale (approx. 18.5cm), these kits are bigger and pack in more detail, often having Inner frames and a multitude of accessories, hand options for dynamic posing and scaled pilot figures make these a fan favourite! 

Full Mechanics: Not coming in under any Grade these kits are at the same scale as an MG (1/100) but they lack staples of that Grade such as inner frames or dry transfer decals, the kits are generally done as Mobile Suits that are more niche or part of a team comprising of multiple different mechs 

Perfect Grade (PG): The ultimate Gunpla model kits, boasting a huge number of parts with extreme detail, these kits come In at a gargantuan 1/60 scale (approx. 30cm) and are more of an event to put together than a model kit! They have articulation enough to be able to display In just about any pose and make a fantastic centre piece for a collection!

Gundam/Gunpla models are snap fit meaning they do not require any paint or glue! 

Our recommendation would be the humble “Nipper”, or side cutter - they are the hobbyists bread and butter and the only tool you need to build just about any Gunpla kit. 

There are other tools that are Invaluable for model building, these Include a craft knife (aka hobby knife), sand paper of various grits, files, hobby mat, tweezer, etc.

You can view all our Hobby Supplies here

Looking at getting into airbrushing and don't know where to start?

We can help! 

What are you wanting to paint? 

We sell a great range of airbrushes and compressors that are ideal for Plastic Modelling, miniatures, or small scale painting.

While our airbrushes and compressors aren't suitable for airbrushing your real car, they certainly can manage your 1/24 scale replica! 

So which airbrush and compressor should you buy? 

We recommend a Dual Action Gravity Feed Airbrush and Airbrush Compressor with Holding Tank

You can view the Airbrush here and the Compressor here

This airbrush is a great starter set and includes 3 types of needles and tips.

In the airbrush when you get it home is a .3 needle and tip, which will be used for most of your airbrushing.

The set also includes

• 2 fine needle and tip (for smaller detail)
• .5 heavy duty needle and tip (covers a larger surface area)

It is important to remember not to mix up needles and tips, each needle must match corresponding tip.

These airbrushes are easy to clean, just make sure the right thinners/cleaners are used with the right paint. When starting out we recommend you use the same brand of paint and thinners.

Make sure you clean between colours with some thinner then end of the session do a full clean of the airbrush. 

A cleaning pot is a great tool to help with the clean-up and for holding your airbrush when actually airbrushing.

The compressor comes complete with pressure gauge and water trap. Even when running this compressor is very quiet. The benefit of compressor with a holding tank is that the compressor will only run until the tank is full, then switch off. When the pressure drops the compressor will turn on again to fill the tank. Compressors without a tank will constantly run and will overheat and need time to cool down. Compressors without holding tanks also have a less consistent flow of air which can mess with the finish when doing fine work.

When setting up to airbrush, attach the gun to the compressor, turn on the compressor and then once the tank is full set the pressure. For most paints the ideal pressure 20PSI at the tank which will drop to 8-12PSI once you start the gun (depending which needle is in use) Pressure is adjusted on the gauge with the black twist handle, either up or down when the tank is full.

What paints are best to airbrush? 

It is important you have the correct paint, some art/craft paints can't be airbrushed using our products.

When starting out we recommend starting with Acrylic Paints (water based) for ease of use and they are easier to clean up. However, any of the paints types we sell are ok to use and it may depend on what paints you are already using if you started with hand painting. You can learn more about paint types here. 

How thin should your paint be? 

You want your paint to have the consistency of milk. Some paints will be airbrush ready, but for most paints you will need to thin them down.

A good starting point is 50% thinner to 50% paint. We recommend spraying some through the airbrush onto a piece of paper or cardboard to check if it is working well, before spraying directly onto the item you are working on. You want the paint to have a consistent flow and even coverage. 

Where are you wanting to paint? 

Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, we would usually recommend outdoors. If you would prefer to stay inside, we strongly urge you to consider getting a spray booth. Check out our Hobby Basics Portable Spray Booth here.

Single-Action airbrushes have a nozzle that you adjust to set the spray pattern. This means the air will pass through in this spray pattern whatever you do. To achieve a different size spray pattern with a single-action airbrush you have to stop and adjust the nozzle. You have one trigger that controls both air flow and paint flow at a non-variable rate. 

Double-Action airbrushes allow more control over what is coming out of the airbrush. Air passes through when you press down on the trigger. You can control how much air feeds through by depressing the trigger to different levels. Pulling the trigger back while pushing down then starts to draw paint through, again at a variable rate. While these factors have an effect on the spray pattern, most double action airbrushes also have different needle and nozzle sizes available to further control this. 

In the video below Max tells us more about the differences between Single Action and Double Action Airbrushes

Normally, it is recommended to clean out your airbrush with the same thinners you originally mixed your paint with. However, sometimes dried paint can be a little stubborn to remove, especially in hard to reach areas inside your airbrush.

Brands like Tamiya, Gunze and AK Interactive have specially formulated thinners to remove all the gunk. Hobby Supplies Paint Thinners 

Although these airbrush cleaners are made for general purpose cleaning, use with caution and make sure you have sufficient ventilation as they can be harmful to breathe in. All thinners and cleaners will also cause rubber seals to deteriorate over time, so with frequent use they may need to be replaced.
Airbrush Cleaners

Airbrushing is a great way to improve the look of your paint job, it makes getting a smooth finish, shading, and camo patterns much easier. Depending on what you want to achieve, there are a couple of standard types of airbrush to look at: 

Single Action: These have a nozzle that you adjust to set the spray pattern. Air will then pass through in this pattern whatever you do. There is one trigger that controls both air flow and paint flow at a non-variable rate. 

Dual Action: A separate mechanism controls air and paint flow in a dual action airbrush. Generally, pushing down on the trigger allows air to start flowing, and pulling back on the trigger gradually feeds paint through. Most also allow you to change nozzle and needle sizes between uses to give you even more control over spray pattern. 

Gravity Fed: A cup on top of the airbrush is filled with paint, which feeds down through the airbrush thanks to gravity. To change colours you need to empty the cup and thoroughly clean the airbrush. Depending on colours used this may include taking apart the gun to clean individual parts.

Suction Fed: A jar under the airbrush is filled with paint and has a hose that sucks paint up into the gun when in use. It is easier to switch between colours as generally less thorough cleaning is required. 

Our recommendation for most beginners is a dual action gravity fed airbrush, these give you a good balance between control and ease of use. Our top recommendations are below: Hseng Dual Action Gravity Feed Airbrush Kit (Plastic Body) or Iwata HP.CN Neo Series Gravity-Feed Dual-Action Airbrush 

You will also need a compressor. We carry models both with and without holding tanks. Generally a compressor with a tank is recommended. This means that when the tank reaches your set pressure, the compressor will cut out and you will work from the stored air while it lasts. The machine doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain pressure, and you get more consistent results. Our recommendation for a compressor is linked below: Hobby Basic Airbrush Compressor with Holding Tank 

One of the most important things to remember when using an airbrush is that it requires cleaning and maintenance after each use. Some airbrush cleaner, Q-tips and paper towels are a perfect starting point as they have a low chance of damaging the delicate inner workings of the airbrush. An airbrush cleaning pot, which doubles as a stand, is also recommended to make the process easier and safer. Over time you will also need to replace o-rings, as cleaners and some paints cause them to deteriorate.

A quick look at how the correct paint consistency needs to be when using any airbrush. Too thick will mean that the paint will not flow at all, too thin will mean that there will hardly be any pigment, resulting in a semi-opaque finish.

Along with reference guide on how airbrush paint flows when mixed correctly from a double action airbrush.

Choosing the right paint for your model is an important step in the build process. So what's the difference between the paints available? 

Acrylics 

Acrylic paints are the more common and most popular type of paint for modellers. Most acrylic paints are water based meaning they are easy to clean with water and non-toxic. Some are alcohol based and can be cleaned with either water or an appropriate thinner.

They are excellent for hand brushing and dry quickly. Adding a medium called Retarder will slow down their drying time giving you more time to adjust and blend the paint.

For first time modellers acrylics are the most suited 

https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/collections/hobby-supplies-paints-acrylic

Enamels 

Enamel paints are oil based, they are durable but are toxic compared to acrylic. They tend to dry rigid and are best suited if you intend to handle your models frequently. Because they are slow drying, they tend to show less brush strokes as they generally self level. Unlike acrylics, enamel paints need a toxic enamel thinner for general clean up.

https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/collections/hobby-supplies-paint-enamel

Lacquers

Lacquer paints are solvent-based. Although lacquer paints are not suited for hand painting, they are excellent for airbrushing. When dry they are the most durable of the three types of paint and also dry the fastest. They have become very popular with modellers in the past few years due to their increasing ease of use with high quality thinners and broad range. Being the most toxic of all the three types, it is strongly recommended that you have a sufficient amount of ventilation and air flow when working with lacquers. We strongly recommend you wear a respirator if you intend to use toxic paints! 

https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/collections/hobby-supplies-paint-lacquer

Before starting your kit, the first step is to remove the parts from the plastic sprues.

There are many schools of thought about the best, cleanest way of cutting model kit parts of the the runners, (or in model kit parlance: the sprue). Of course, the best advice is to never twist the parts off. Most modellers agree the old way of using a hobby knife to slice down into a part may not be the best as well, especially if you have a very small part, or very thin plastic parts which may bend. And for younger modellers, a sharp knife always needs supervision. 

The answer is a hobby sprue cutter. These are very different from wire cutters as they are fine, sharp and straight edged. They are so precise and even, that when the jaws clamp together they neatly cut the plastic from both sides. 

Even so, with these tools there is a chance the part may be twisted when cutting, especially larger parts. To this end, the best way is to cut away from the part, on a segment of the runner. This keeps the main connection point undamaged, and takes the weight off the sprue side. 

So when you clean up the attachment points after the part is free, its a nice, neat slice! 

Looking for sprue cutters? Check out our range here : metrohobbies.com.au/spruecutters

Extra thin glue can be a good choice for fine or delicate parts, where strength is not necessarily important. Because it is so thin, this glue will run everywhere if not used carefully and sparingly.

Our modellers have provided a couple of examples of times to use extra thin cement below:

• On large parts like fuselages, wings, hulls or where a strong join is required, use a thicker cement such as Revell 39604 or Tamiya 87003 first for the main bond, then go over the join line with the extra thin cement to improve the bond.
• On smaller parts such as cockpits or accessories, the extra thin cement can be used on its own. Dab the area with small amount of cement, place the parts together, then dab more cement around the joint, capillary action will allow it to seep into the join.

In the video below Glen talks all things sticky!

While super glues can be used on plastic, it is not recommended to use them for a whole kit build. They are however useful for gluing metal and resin, either to each other or to plastic parts. Super glues come in 3 main viscosities

• Thin, which can be used in a similar fashion to extra thin cement (link to relevant question). It is a quick setting glue with some strength, especially useful for photo etch parts. 
• Medium viscosity is a staple, and very useful for areas that need strength, or hard to bond areas. It can be used as a tacking glue for difficult joins to help create a stronger bond. Once set normal glues can then be used to full the gaps as an excess of superglue can be tricky to clean up or cause damage over time to parts. 
• Thick super glue is useful for large areas that require a strong bond, and is also a handy gap filler when parts don't line up quite right. It is also our glue of choice for resin models. 

Avoid using super glue on clear parts as most CAs will cause fogging, unless otherwise specified. An activator can be used to speed up the drying time of super glue. These are available as a spray or brush/dropper. While helpful for faster drying, activators can affect clear parts and react with some paints. Wash off any excess activator with soap and water before painting over the area. 

Super glue debonder is also available, however breaking bonds becomes more difficult the longer the glue has had to set, so this is best used early on. 

Finally, once opened super glues have a fairly short shelf life. This can be extended by keeping them in a cool, dark place. Some of us even keep them in the fridge, if you do this just make sure it is in a sealed bag or container, as leakages can occur.

Not all glues dry clear, using some glues on clear part, such as windows and canopies, will cause a fogging/blooming effect that is almost impossible to fix  

For this reason some brands have glues to avoid this from happening, check out the collection below for glues we would recommend for clear parts

Testors Glue and Window Marker 
Microscale Micro Kristal Klear
Deluxe Materials Glue 'n' Glaze

Japan's Gunze Mr Hobby had been producing hobby paints for scale models for over 40 years, and has evolved into a superb line of supplies which cater for all skill levels of hobbyists - from beginner to expert - with excellent results. 

In the video below, Glen walks us through all the basics you need from the Gunze Mister Hobby line - from Aqueous Acrylic Water-based paints to Mr Color Lacquer paints, as well as the thinners and primers you will need to use them. There's quite a range, so tune in as he walks us through the essentials of what's available!

To see the entire line from Gunze Mr Hobby:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/colle...

Find all the Aqueous Acrylic paints here:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/colle...

Shop for those durable Mr Hobby lacquer paints:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/colle...

That excellent line of metallic lacquers can be found here:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/searc...

Gundam lacquer colors, both in spray cans and bottles, can be found here:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/searc...

All the thinners you need can be found here:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/colle...

See the extensive line of primers from Gunze Mr Hobby here:
https://www.metrohobbies.com.au/colle...

The best way to clean lacquer paints is by using lacquer based thinners.  Most paint brands that manufacture lacquer paints have their own lacquer thinners for this purpose.  However, we advise using lacquer thinners with caution as it can quite corrosive.  AK Interactive's High Compatibility Thinner is an excellent option to clean lacquer based paints as it not as harsh as some others.

We carry the most popular scales at Metro Hobbies. These are OO, HO and N scale. These scales a represented as follows:

• OO is 1:76 scale (76 times smaller than the prototype)
• HO is 1:87 scale (87 times smaller than the prototype)
• N is either 1:148 scale or 1:160 scale (148 or 160 times smaller than the prototype)

Gauge is the width of space between the rails of the track. OO and HO use the same gauge and all N scale models use N gauge track. These gauges are as follows:

• OO/HO gauge is width of 16.5mm
• N gauge is a width of 9mm

HO scale and OO scale run on the same track, and all types of N scale run on the same track.

Hornby track is compatable with certain ranges of Peco track. The Peco Setrack range of products is directly compatible and uses the same track geometry as Hornby, the Peco Steamline Code 100 range of products will also connect with Hornby track but rail joiners will need to be purchased separately.

While HO and OO scale are very similar there are slight differences between the two. The models in HO are 1/87 scale and is generally used for models of American, European and Australian prototype. The models in OO 1/76 scale and is generally used for British prototype models.

The trains in both HO and OO scale run on 16.5mm gauge track so both can be used interchangeably.

DC

DC controllers change the amount of current supplied to the track, which in turn changes the speed and direction of your locomotives. All trains on the same track will be fed power at the same rate.

The pros of DC are that it is very easy to set up. Just put the track together, attach the power, and away you go! 

The cons are that you can’t move one train at a time on the same track. Additionally, every locomotive motor uses power at a different rate, so they will all move at different speeds.

DCC

The DCC system uses small computer boards, known as decoders, to control each locomotive directly. The power is always running to the track and the decoders determine the amount of power the motor receives, and how fast and the direction a locomotive will go. The decoders are linked to a command unit, which sends signals to tell the locomotive what you want it to do.

The pros of DCC are that you can control any train easily, and even run multiple trains on the same track. The decoders can also talk to speakers which you can install in your locomotives. This allows you to access all kinds of sounds, such as steam chuffs, diesel engines, whistles, horns, and many more!

The cons of DCC are that it is more complicated to set up compared to DC, as power needs to be sent to all tracks all the time. It is also more expensive, as the equipment has greater features and functions. The decoders also add cost to each locomotive.

DCC Fitted refers to a loco that comes factory fitted with a DCC decoder. 

DCC Ready means the loco is ready to be fitted and has a socket for a DCC decoder.

For real world trains, narrow gauge refers to track which has less than 1435mm (known as Standard Gauge) between the rails. Examples include, but are not limited to, Puffing Billy, the Ffestiniog Railway (Wales), the Talyllyn Railway (Wales), and the 1067mm (3’ 6”) railways in QLD, WA, SA, and TAS.

For model trains, this depends on your scale. Often the track used for narrow gauge in one scale is the track for the scale size below it. For example, HO scale narrow gauge trains usually run on N gauge track.

Narrow gauge models use a combination scale code. The three most popular are On30, Hon30, and OO9.

On30: O scale, narrow gauge, 30” (2’ 6”) gauge for the prototype
Hon30: HO scale, narrow gauge, 30” (2’ 6”) gauge for the prototype

As with standard gauge models, the British do things differently.

OO9: OO scale, 9mm (N scale) track gauge

Narrow gauge has the advantage of being able to realistically fit a lot of track and scenery into a small space. They were built with tight corners and to travel over rugged terrain, so a small layout will look like the real thing!

The frog refers to the pointed crossing point of the two rails in the middle of a turnout. As this is common to both of the two tracks the power in this section of the track either needs to be switched when the turnout is changed or electrically insulated from the rest of the point. Electrofrog refers to when this section of track is live and the power needs to be switched, and insulfrog means this section of track is insulated.

Code is the the height from the base to the top of the rail in thousandths of an inch. The most common codes of track are code 100 (.100 in) for HO scale and code 80 (.080 in) for N scale. Track must be of the same code to connect together otherwise there will be a difference in height and your rails will not line up properly.

Rolling stock is passenger carriages and goods wagons that are pulled by a locomotive.

Taking care of your model locomotives can be tedious, however regular maintenance can make all the difference in your model’s well-being.

To consistently keep your model running smoothly, it’s as easy as regularly oiling the moving parts of the train, such as the axles. It’s also important to keep your tracks clean, which can be easily done by rubbing solvent with a cloth onto the railway. Get your own model-grade oil lubricants and solvents here 

Model trains can be better maintained by simply handling them with more care.

Always be sure to hold your trains by the body work as opposed to the wheels to prevent bending important parts of the train’s working.

Looking to get a slot car set? We've got you sorted!

We would start by asking you to answer these three questions:

1. What is the age of the user(s)?
2. How much space do I have?
3. What style of car(s) am I after?

Answering these questions is a great starting point and should help to point you in the direction of the right set!

Metro Hobbies stocks the two largest slot car brands in the world, Scalextric and Carrera. Both brands have a great range of sets, cars, and accessories. Most of the time choosing between the two comes down to personal preference and the type of cars which you are after, however we have put together a helpful comparison of what each brand has to offer to make your choice a little easier!

• More affordable
• Smaller track width- better for smaller spaces (Track lengths vary from set to set)
• Easy to assemble 
• Better range of Aussie Cars!
• Can come with or upgrade to App Race Control (ARC) – Connects to a smart device for race times/lap counts and more! Learn more about ARC here
• Speed Limiters on controllers (Available with Most Sets -look for the below image) 
  
• Multi Track Layout out of the box (Available with Most Sets -look for the below image)
  

Scalextric Range:

- My First - 1/64 scale, Ages 3+
- Micro Scalextric –1/64 Scale, Ages 4+
- Scalex43 – 1/43 Scale, Ages 6+
- “Standard” Scalextric-1/32 Scale, Ages 5+

View our Scalextric Range here

• Premium Range on the market
• More detail in their cars
• Easy to assemble
• Wider Track in the Evolution and Digital range called Mega Tracks, fits up to 1/24 scale (Track lengths vary from set to set)
• Super Mario licensing
• Wider Digital Range (Click here for the difference between analogue and digital) 
• The Legend of Ferrari Available Exclusively from Carrera
• Large Digital Range
• Save space with Carrera Go!! at 1/43 scale is great when you don't have as much space for the Evolution or Digital Carrera Set range ( and the 1/32 Scalextric range)
• Carrera Go!! Range has loops and Fly Over (Wall Turn)! Due to its size this is the only range with these features

Carrera Range

- First – 1/50 Scale, Ages 3+
- Carrera GO!! – 1/43 Scale, Ages 5+
- Carrera Evolution & Carrera Digital – 1/32 Scale, Ages 8+

View our Carrera Range here

Things to keep in mind once you have your set!

• Keep the track clean! Pet hair, carpet fibres and dust can get caught in the track and cars.  This can cause the motors to burn out or wheels to stop turning.
• Braids/Contacts (found on the underside of the car they make contact with the metal strips on the track) are a wear and tear item and will need replacing over time. Learn more here
• Do not drag the cars backwards, this will fray the braids
• The cars need to be driven and the driving style might take some time to master. Going full throttle around a corner will cause the cars to flick and crash straight off the track

In simple terms, an analogue controller is programmed to one lane on the track so that so that in controls the car in that lane. Cars on an analogue set cannot change lanes.
In a digital set, the controllers are programmed to a digital chip inside each car which meaning multiple cars can run on the same lane. This will then allow lane changing at specific lane change sections and of course overtaking. 

Yes, however some modifications may need to be made to the guide blades to suit the track you are running the car on. Only analogue cars in the same scale are interchangeable. 

For the best results we recommend sticking to one brand, any modifications made to the cars might void warranty. 

Extra track, cars and accessories are available for Carrera Go!!!, Carrera Evolution, Carrera Digital, and standard size Scalextric tracks. 

Check out our range here

Yes, There is a switch on the underside of the car that will allow you to use the car on Evolution track.

Yes, however you will need a digital chip installed into the car.  

Sometimes it may require soldering the new chip into the car, other times is may be as simple as plug-and-play for Scalextric Cars that are digital plug ready (DPR)

Simply put, wired controllers use a coil type cord that protrudes from the hand controller to the track, with the cord being approximately 40cm long coiled (approx 1.5 metres extended).  This system guarantees an uninterrupted connection.  This is great if you plan to keep your track to within a diameter of 10m.  However, if you plan to expand the track to a greater diameter, then it’s recommended to go wireless.

Going wireless gives you total freedom to move about the track and get right in close to the action.  Using a 2.4ghz signal gives an operating range of up to 15m.   Though the controllers need to be charged, they will give you up to 8 hours of play time.

However, no matter if you choose wired or wireless, you can only have a maximum of six controllers at one time. 

The cutting-edge ARC system connects your Scalextric layout with your tablet or smartphone. ARC allows you to create races, keep track of times, share races times with friends and much more. There is even fuel and tyre simulation while racing!
 

Slot cars are strong units, however for the best performance it’s important to conduct routine slot car maintenance.

One of the main issues with slot car well-being is things like fluff and hair getting caught in the cars’ axles. This can result in the cars slowing down and not racing to their full capacity. This can also accelerate the motor of the slot cars burning out. This can be solved by unscrewing the bottom of your cars and using tweezers to extract any fluff/hair build up in the inner workings of the car.

Another common concern with slot cars is whether or not the track is as smooth and optimal as possible. The optimisation of your slot car track can be easily fixed by regularly oiling your cars’ mechanics as well as the track itself. You can find your own hobby-grade oil lubricants here

In the below videos Ryan takes us through how to care for your Slot car

Here we have Ryan explain an often asked question for many a slot car novice: how do you replace slot car metal pickup braids? These metal "fibres" are essential for slot cars to operate at its best. They are responsible for the seamless transfer of electrical power from track to the car's motor, very much like how electric model trains do. But unlike trains, cars go through track at much faster speeds. This causes friction which inevitably wears down the braid ends.

Ryan explains the difference between the two major brands - Scalextric and Carrera, as well as the subtle differences between the scales. Tune in and learn this fascinating aspect of high speed slot car racing and go beyond the box!

Getting into the hobby of model car collecting can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With so many models, size and brands out there the question is where to start. 

Firstly, what scale. Now you don’t need to stick to any particular scale but sometimes space for the collection can be a limiting factor and sometimes some models are only produced in certain scales.

To look at different scale’s sizes click here 

Once you have an idea of scales the biggest question is what are you most passionate about? The best way to start collecting is to collect one type first. Are you passionate about Australian road cars? The ATCC/Supercar’s series? Formula 1? Sports cars/Supercars/Hypercars? 

Expanding into different ranges is one of the most exciting things about the hobby but starting small and specific is the best way to find what you really want in your collection. 

Some major brands in the model car industry and their specialty are:

Now when you hear diecast models, everyone always assumes metal. This is because for years the majority of companies in the industry built models using the die casting method of putting molten zinc alloy into a mould. So, the words die-cast became synonymous with metal model cars. But the industry has grown and now the market is filled with resin and composite models. 

Most diecast metal models have opening parts like doors, bonnets and boots and produce a very realistic looking and feeling model. 

Resin model 99% of the time are sealed body, meaning that they do not open, but the resin moulds allow for some of the highest level of detail. 

Composite models are all produced by Autoart. Autoart has shown that ABS composite material to be an ideal material to form the body of a model car. They contain fully opening body’s and high levels of detail throughout. 

The material the model is made from should never deter you from buying! For example, some models may only ever be produced in resin as it is cheaper to make the moulds and therefore not as many cars need to be produced. This will therefore mean that models that would never have the popularity to be produced and cover the costs of a diecast metal model will have the opportunity to be produced

So, you’ve started collecting and you’re trying to figure out why after a period of time some cars are 5 times their original value. Well, that comes down to a few things: 

Firstly, production numbers, many cars come with what is called a certificate of authenticity (COA) which is a numbered certificate that tells you how many of that model were built.  Some cars that have a low build number become hard to find and supply just doesn’t meet demand which makes values skyrocket. 

Drivers also play a massive part in values; some collectors try to collect every car a driver has raced or every livery and this make the lower production model hold and increase value. 

The best way to avoid this is by pre-ordering, pre-orders insure you get a model upon release. Some models double in price upon release as people who did not pre-order something that is highly popular try to get their hands on it and are willing to pay the higher price to get this model. 

Not all cars have a COA, some company’s like Minichamps number the cars on there display bases and for example will say 1 of 626 and will not be individually numbered

Your most common 3 scales in the world of model car collecting are 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64.

These scales refers to how many times smaller the model is to the vehicle in real life - the larger the number the smaller the model. 

For more information about Understanding Scales here 

Diecast Car Scales:

• 1/12 scale - approximately 34cm long
• 1/18 scale - approximately 25cm long
• 1/24 scale - approximately 19cm long
• 1/32 scale - approximately 15cm long
• 1/43 scale - approximately 10cm long
• 1/64 scale - approximately 7cm long

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We have become aware of a recent compliance issue with the following ECX RC AMP Range of Vehicles.

The Recalled Products include:

ECX AMP DB RTR - part code ECX03029AUT1 and ECX03029AUT2

ECX AMP MT RTR - part code ECX03028AUT1 and ECX03028AUT2

ECX AMP MT Assembly Kit - part code ECX03034

ECX Brutus Monster Truck RTR - part code ECX03055

ECX Replacement Slipper assembly – part code ECX1024

These vehicles include the ECX1024 ECX Slipper pads. The Slipper Pads contained inside the vehicle have been tested and traces of asbestos have been discovered.

Supplied nationally through hobby stores 1 June 2016 – 11 June 2021

What to do: Owners of affected vehicles must not open their vehicles and are required to complete the form below.

OMP Recall Form: https://talk.omp.com.au/p/5DIB-3LP/ecx-amp-series-recall

OMP will be touch and will instruct with further information on on the recall.

More Details:

Defect: The slipper pads in these vehicles contain chrysotile asbestos. Asbestos fibers may be released from the slipper pad in the vehicle through friction and users may be exposed to asbestos fibers if the vehicle is disassembled for repair or maintenance. 

Hazard: If asbestos fibers are released into the air and breathed in, they can cause serious medical conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

Supplier: For further information or to contact OMP about returning a vehicle, phone (08) 8186 0899 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm CST), complete the form available at https://www.omp.com.au/contact or email customerservice@omp.com.au

Recall adver...

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1. The KBD20 voucher promotion starts on Thursday 6th June 2024 9:00am AEDT and ends on Tuesday 11th June 2024 11:59pm AEDT. Items are available to purchase both online or in-store during standard trading hours while stocks last.
2. The voucher applies to items in stock and orders with a minimum spend of $100. It does not apply to Pre Orders or Coming Soon items.
3. The discount code “KBD20” must be applied at the time of checkout either online or in store. We cannot go back and amend a sale once complete.
4. Includes sale items
5. All sales are final.
6. Excludes purchase of Gift Cards
7. All items are advertised in good faith to be available at time of the offer. However, unforeseen problems or unexpected demand may occasionally result in stock being unavailable. While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy of all prices and descriptions, Metro Hobbies reserves the right to correct any errors and adjust prices, especially for GST, customs duty or other statutory charges that are out of our control.
8. Items are subject to availability.
9. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
10. This voucher is not applicable to items purchased before or after the promotion dates listed above.
11. Metro Hobbies reserves the right to withdraw the voucher at any time during the voucher period. Metro Hobbies’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Metro Hobbies reserves the right to change the terms and conditions from time to time to reflect changes to the law or changes to our services. We request that customers review the terms on a regular basis.

1. The EOFY sale promotion starts on Saturday 22nd June 2024 9am AEDT and ends on Sunday 30th June 2024 11:59pm AEDT. Items on sale are available to purchase both online or in-store during standard trading hours while stocks last.
2. The promotion applies to full price items and in stock. It does not apply to items already marked down, Pre Orders or Coming Soon items.
3. The discount code “SHOPEOFY” must be applied at the time of checkout either online or in store. We cannot go back and amend a sale once complete.
4. All sales are final.
5. All items are advertised in good faith to be available at time of the offer. However, unforeseen problems or unexpected demand may occasionally result in stock being unavailable. While great care has been taken to ensure accuracy of all prices and descriptions, Metro Hobbies reserves the right to correct any errors and adjust prices, especially for GST, customs duty or other statutory charges that are out of our control.
6. Items are subject to availability.
7. No minimum spend
8. Excludes shipping
9. Excludes Gift Cards
10. Cannot be combined with other offers
11. This promotion is not applicable to items purchased before or after the promotion dates listed above.
12. Metro Hobbies reserves the right to withdraw the sale at any time during the sale period. Metro Hobbies’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Metro Hobbies reserves the right to change the terms and conditions from time to time to reflect changes to the law or changes to our services. We request that customers review the terms on a regular basis.

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5. The code has been entered incorrectly. Don't worry it happens! Ensure you have correctly entered the code, including any letters or words, be mindful of lowercase and uppercase letters and enter the code exactly the same.
For example: EXAMPLE123 OR example123

If you have any other issue please contact via phone (03) 9890 1144 email support@metrohobbies.com.au and one of our friendly staff will assist you with your query.