Manufacturing snafu will benefit Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 28, 2008 -- Opening the latest shipment from its favorite factory in China, the team at Hobby-Lobby International was eagerly anticipating the brisk sales its new red-and-silver radio-controlled (RC) fighter jets would generate. Those hopes were temporarily suspended, however, when the first fighter emerged from the box. It wasn't red and silver. They couldn't even fudge and call it salmon.

There were no two ways about it: Hobby-Lobby was in possession of hundreds of attractively pink F/A-18 "Viper" RC jet airplanes.

It didn't take long to realize there was a pink - er, silver - lining to the situation, though, said Hobby-Lobby president Jay Graves. The company decided to reduce the price of the planes and, at the same time, support a worthy cause. Hobby-Lobby International will donate a percentage of the sales of the "Pink Vipers" to the Nashville-based Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, which supports cancer research, education and patient and family services.

"This type of thing is a common occurrence for many small businesses when first building relationships with Chinese suppliers," Graves stated. "The Chinese manufacturers are excellent, but there can be communications and cultural barriers. We figured we'd make the best of the situation and donate some money for every Pink Viper we sell. Our entire team here at Hobby-Lobby is enthusiastically on board with the idea."

Aside from their unusual color, Hobby-Lobby's Pink Vipers offer the features Hobby-Lobby RC enthusiasts have come to expect. Each pre-painted plane is 37 inches long, with a 28-inch wingspan and a flying weight of 19.75 ounces. The ready-to-fly (RTF) version includes a 72-MHz transmitter, six-channel receiver, ducted fan unit, brushless motor, 20-amp brushless speed controller and an 18C three-cell 1300 mAh Lipo battery pack. The almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) version comes with all of the above, minus the transmitter and six-channel receiver.

In both the RTF and ARF versions, electronics come pre-installed with no soldering required. Hobby-Lobby recommends the Pink Viper for intermediate pilots. Customers who don't blush at the thought of the pink fighter jet will enjoy significant savings while supporting cancer research and education. Hobby-Lobby is offering $50.00 off the RTF version and $40.00 off the ARF version. Should customers want to repaint their pink jets, the company is including a set of decals with every plane.

"The Pink Viper flies like a much larger jet and handles the wind well," explained Graves. "The jet has plenty of power for rolls, loops and inverted flight. Both versions come with steerable nose gear. Take-offs are short and landings are slow and easy. The only reason for the price discount is cosmetic."

About Hobby-Lobby International

Hobby-Lobby International is a 43-year-old Tennessee-based company providing high-quality RC airplanes, helicopters and boats. To learn more, or to order a Pink Viper, visit Hobby-Lobby at http://www.hobby-lobby.com/pinkjet.htm or call toll-free, 866-WE-FLY-RC.