I was excited by some of the newest RC helicopter additions at my local hobby shop but my wife gave me this look that basically said "no new helicopters until you master the ones you already own." Which is why my #4 resolution is "to learn how to become proficient at flying RC helicopters." I'm actually pretty good at flying my little Havoc Helis and Twin Thunder toy RC helicopters around the kitchen and living room. But I'm still trying to master my hobby-grade Blade RC helis. I understand the basic flight controls but need more practice (and more windless days).

• Flying Toy and Hobby RC Helicopters
• Learn to Fly With RC Flight Simulation Software

How proficient are you at flying RC helicopters and how long did it take you to get to that point?

The third resolution in my top 10 resolutions for RC enthusiasts is to "buy at least one new hobby-grade RC this year." One of the hot RCs burning up the tracks where I live is the Traxxas Slash. It's a 1:10 scale electric short course race truck that dwarfs other 1:10 scale trucks with its whopping 13.2 inch wheelbase. You need a big track when a bunch of these big boys get together.

Traxxas makes this one for both novice and experienced drivers by adding a Training Mode that limits throttle until you feel more comfortable behind the wheel (or behind the transmitter). Ready-to-run, it also comes ready for various optional upgrades (such as brushless system) when you're ready to take it to the next level. If this is your first hobby-grade RC, it's a good choice because you two can grow together.

Here are some reviews and owner comments:

• RC Car Reviews - Traxxas Slash: Great cons: 1) you need to buy batteries; and 2) not equipped with a beer cooler.
• SearchWarp.com Traxxas Slash, the ultimate RC truck on the market Review - Not an in-depth review but a 3/5 rating from an enthusiastic owner who calls it a "wonderful peculiar truck."
• Xtreme RC Cars - Traxxas Slash - Here's a good look at several aspects of the Slash with ratings of mostly 8s & 9s.

Ready for a new hobby RC but a little shy on cash after the holidays? You can snatch up this one for a great low price of around $200US. Take a look at the Traxxas Slash (Buy Direct).

The second resolution in my top 10 resolutions for RC enthusiasts is to "buy at least one new RC toy this year." I recommend starting with a new toy this month. In a few more months you'll have forgotten you already fulfilled that resolution so you have no excuse to buy the next cool toy you see. And so and so on til the end of the year. Yeah, that's the way my mind works! So, in honor of my stepson who isn't in a tank unit but is in the military (close enough) I'm suggesting a few military-related RC toys. Consider:

• Megatech Mega Missile Launcher Tank (Buy Direct) - It has flashing lights and sounds, rotating turret, and best of all -- 10 foam missiles that you can launch one at a time or all at once.

• Airsoft RC German Tiger Tank (Compare Prices) - This 1:16 scale model shoots airsoft pellets. Do we see a trend here with RCs that fire real projectiles. Yeah, that's another way my mind works!

The first resolution in my top 10 resolutions for RC enthusiasts is "to take good care of any and all RCs I currently own." I must confess that I've not been as diligent as I tell others to be. Right now I have a few RCs that could benefit from some more care and maintenance. I'm also helping a friend get his neglected RC back in running order. However, most of my non-functioning vehicles are that way due to some missing or broken parts I've not yet replaced (it happens no matter how well you care for a vehicle) rather than neglecting everyday after-run maintenance chores. Those I am good about doing. How are you at keeping up with the up-keep?