Blade helicopters
Blade's helicopter range explained, from the mCX to the Revolution 235 CP: who each model suits, spares availability in the UK and what we would buy.
15 guides
RC brands
Each brand page explains a maker's current range, its classic models, how easy spares are to get in the UK, and who its models suit. Brands that no longer have much of a UK presence are covered further down this page.
Align T-REX helicopters
Align's T-REX helicopters from the 450 to the 700: which are still supported, setup tips for older models and where to find spares in the UK.
E-Sky helicopters
The E-Sky helicopters that started thousands of pilots: Honey Bee, Lama and Belt-CP explained, finding parts today and what to buy instead.
Walkera helicopters
Walkera helicopters from the 4#3 and 4G3 era onwards: a model guide, finding parts and manuals, and how they compare with current alternatives.
OMPHobby helicopters
OMPHobby's direct-drive helicopters explained: the M1 EVO, M2 and larger models, who they suit, UK availability and spares.
Goosky helicopters
Goosky's S1, S2 and RS4 compared: performance, how beginner-friendly each is, UK spares, and how they stack up against OMPHobby and Blade.
RC ERA helicopters
RC ERA's gyro-stabilised scale helicopters, such as the C184 MD500, explained: what they do well, their limits and who they suit.
Syma helicopters
Syma's toy helicopters, from the classic S107 to current models: what you get for the money, durability, spares and when to move up to hobby grade.
E-flite planes
E-flite's planes explained, from UMX micros to stabilised trainers: who each suits, UK availability and spares, and how they compare with FMS.
FMS planes
FMS planes explained: the trainer and warbird ranges, build quality, UK spares availability and which models make sense as a first or second plane.
Volantex planes
Volantex's low-cost trainers and gliders explained: what you get for the money, durability, spares and when it's worth spending more.
Traxxas RC cars
Traxxas cars and trucks explained, from the Slash to the Maxx: who each suits, durability, UK parts support and how they compare with Arrma.
Arrma RC cars
Arrma's bashers explained, from the Granite to the Kraton: speed, toughness, UK spares and which model suits a first hobby-grade car.
Tamiya RC cars
Tamiya's kits and re-released classics explained: what building one involves, which models suit beginners and where to find parts in the UK.
HSP RC cars
HSP's budget nitro and electric cars explained: the common models, finding parts in the UK, reliability and what to buy instead today.
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How to use these pages
A brand matters most for one thing: spares. Every RC model needs parts sooner or later, so before you buy, check that the maker's parts are easy to get in the UK. Each brand page covers the current range, classic models you may find second-hand, common faults and how the brand compares with its rivals.
Helicopters: Blade for stabilised, easy-to-learn models; Align for the T-REX range; OMPHobby and Goosky for modern collective pitch helicopters; RC ERA for scale beginners' models; Syma for toys. For older models, see E-Sky and Walkera.
Planes: E-flite for stabilised trainers and UMX micros, FMS for good-value trainers and warbirds, and Volantex for budget models.
Cars: Traxxas and Arrma for tough ready-to-run bashers, Tamiya for kits and classics, and HSP for budget nitro and electric cars from the 2000s.
If you haven't chosen a type of model yet, start with the buyer's guides for RC helicopters, RC planes and RC cars.
Brands from the old RC Mods range
RC Mods sold parts for several makers that no longer have much presence in UK shops. If you've arrived here from an old link to one of them, this is what we know.
KDS
KDS was a Chinese helicopter maker best known for its 450-size models such as the KDS 450QS, plus larger Innova helicopters, and for tools and batteries sold under the KDS name. KDS 450s were budget rivals to the Align T-REX 450, and many parts were close to interchangeable. Today, parts mostly turn up second-hand. If you own one, the general advice in buying a used RC helicopter and after a crash: checks and repairs applies.
Salvation
Salvation was a brand of small toy coaxial helicopters, including the 3-channel Salvation 3 and the Salvation 12, sold in pairs as "battle helicopters". Like other toy coaxials, they were great fun indoors but not repairable in any meaningful way. For a modern equivalent, see best RC helicopters for kids.
Venom
Venom made the Night Ranger 3D, a small fixed pitch helicopter with lights, and RC Mods sold compatible parts and upgrades for it. The Night Ranger family was a popular step up from coaxials in its day. If you still have one flying, our RC helicopter troubleshooting guide covers the usual faults; for a replacement, a modern stabilised fixed pitch helicopter flies much better.
Edam
Edam made 1/8 scale on-road nitro cars, including the Edam Exer ready-to-run and the Razor Pro kit. They offered big, fast nitro on-road cars at a low price. Parts are now scarce; if you're keeping one running, see nitro vs electric RC cars for running costs and RC car maintenance for the basics.
Staying independent
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand on these pages, as our affiliate disclosure explains. Where we name a model as a pick, the page says whether that's from hands-on use or from specification and owner reports.