by sunny on January 15, 2010
The Nismo Festival has always attracted the best vehicles from all over the world. That's why it's no surprise when RC manufacturers sift through the ranks to find inspiration, such as what Tamiya did when they produced the Nismo Coppermix Silvia. Popularized in television and movies, this model is the closest you can get to own this classy rendering of a mean drifting machine.
To realistically mimic the refined look of its full-scale counterpart, Tamiya's 1/10th scale comes with a stylish polycarbonate body kit and a full set of decorative parts. Built for Tamiya's drift-spec TT-01 assembly kit, it features separately-molded side mirrors and rear wings, apart from a host of eye-catching options (such as front and rear LED lights, all black wheels and more).
Boosting both the vehicle's looks and performance, the provided 4WD shaft driven TT-01 bathtub frame chassis mounts both the battery and the motor close to the ground. The result is a lower center of gravity that allows for uncanny balance and superb handling while hitting difficult drifts. You don't have to be a pro to look like a pro and this car sure goes a long way at helping you on that end.
It features a powerful 540 Sport-Tuned motor and TEU-101BK ESC, providing top drifting speeds without losing much control even during unusual transitions. There's a wide variety of tune-up parts, too, in case you're going after an even more faithful mirror of the street-legal drifter's performance.
Like its real-life counterpart, the Tamiya Nismo Coppermix Silvia is a heck of a car. It looks amazing, drives great and will leave your friends drooling with envy without even trying.
Specifications:
540 sport tuned motor
Bathtub chassis
Front and rear sealed differentials
Aluminium heat sink
Drift tyres
Special suspension tuning
Full ball bearings
CVA mini shock dampers and short springs
TEU-101BK forwards and reverse Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
Kit includes 4 LED lights to depict head and tail lights, (white headlights x 2, red tail-lights x 2)
Add the TLU-02 Light Control Unit (53937) for greater control of light operations
by sunny on January 14, 2010
First released in 1987, the Tamiya Lunch Box Off Road RC Van wasn't only well-loved for its quality RC performance - people embraced it for its built-for-camping appearance too. It's those same qualities that gave the monster van's reissue such a welcoming reception.
The ready-to-run 1/10th scale is, to put it mildly, a bona fide attention getter anywhere you take it. Sporting a family/delivery van aesthetic while running on humungous truck tires, it's a mesmerizing looker that's both scary and amusing at the same time. With its huge front grille, massive front and rear bumpers, an inimitable yellow finish and cheesy painted designs, it's like watching Godzilla slipping on a banana peel (you just don't know whether to laugh or be terrified).
Despite the somewhat friendly appearance, the XB Lunch Box features a shock-resistant styrol body, fitted along an ABS box-frame chassis that boasts both lightweight and durable characteristics. Many who have driven the vehicle give props to both its balance and handling (with those tires, it should), especially over unusually rough terrains.
Want to terrorize other cars in your backyard? Tamiya threw in a wheelie bar so you can perform two-wheeled stunts and crushing jumps with a flick of a finger. Power is provided by a Type 540 motor, with crafty maneuvering facilitated from the Expec SP RC unit (with electronic speed control). All internal components are protected in a sealed gearbox, so don't be afraid of dirt and grime - just keep running everything over.
Want big fun? Go big with the Tamiya XB Lunch Box, an RTR monster van that combines nostalgia, mayhem and kitschy looks all in a single...mmm...box.
Specifications:
Length: 385mm
Width: 290mm
Height: 225mm
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Motor: Type 540
7.2V racing pack and alkaline batteries for transmitter sold separately.
by sunny on January 12, 2010
Tamiya’s reissue of the popular Grasshopper will surely take you back down memory lane to the fun off-roader's heyday in the mid to late 80s. Whether you're old enough to have enjoyed that or are so young you're wondering, "What the hell is the 80s?", the 21st century version of the comebacking 1/10th scale retains the same ease of assembly and manageable controls that helped the original make its mark.
Sturdiness has always been one of the Grasshopper's foremost characteristics. This remake is no different, as it includes a robust ABS resin bathtub frame shell. This time, however, you get to customize your machine's looks, as Tamiya leaves the painting and decorating squarely in your hands.
With a frame boasting a strong monocoque chassis, the vehicle exhibits drivetrain stability, allowing it to suck up harsh beatings under many driving conditions. This versatility is further aided by the realistic three-piece type wheels that allow capable handling of varied landscapes. Corrugated front and paddle-type back tires provide the necessary grip strength, apart from completing the off-roader's old school buggy appearance.
An entry level performer that's guaranteed to excite, it bellows satisfactory power and acceleration from the included 380 motor with electronic speed. You'll need to complete the kit with an accompanying radio, battery and charger, though, before taking it to the test.
Most anyone with an interest in RC can find something to appreciate in the Tamiya Grasshopper. Whether it's the nostalgia of a classic model, the accessibility of the vehicle or the thrills of an old school buggy, it's an attraction that's bound to pique your curiosity - even for just a short while.
Specifications:
Length: 389mm
Width: 223mm
Height: 135mm
Weight: 830g
Motor: 380 type motor (can upgrade to 540 type motor, sold separately)
Transmission Type: Rear 2 Wheel Drive
Independent swing axle front suspension, rolling rigid axle rear suspension, friction dampers
Sealed rear gearbox
3-piece assembly wheels/rims
Straight ribbed racing front tires
Paddle rear tires
Front and rear axle are compatible with ball bearings (sold separately)
by sunny on January 11, 2010
The Tamiya BMW E30 M3 Sport Evo is one of the most good-looking model street cars we've seen from the Japanese manufacturer. Designed to take on the exciting drifting scene, it marries the M3's classic looks with up-to-date modern technology.
According to Tamiya, a seemingly incessant craving among BMW fans prompted the company to bring the beloved vehicle (which saw production between 1986 to 1992) into a drifting-focused RC kit. The set comes with a clear body shell that you can finish according to your liking, allowing you to keep it in the same classy form or decked out in a funky, modern design. To achieve an even more realistic look, Tamiya put in two working 4mm white LED lights.
Built on the same platform as the E30, the M3 features a TT-01D drift spec Type E-chassis to keep your model ride stable through sharp spins and abrupt maneuvers. BBS silver wheels and strong Super Driftech tires (made from a long-lasting resin and rubber compound) should see you through extended drifting action.
The RS-540 sport-tuned motor, with TEU-104BK ESC and aluminium heat sink, will ably feed you big bursts of power as you push the model to the edges of its abilities. Tamiya also enlisted a specially-tuned suspension, adjustable upper arms and CVA mini-shock dampers to help deliver the handling prowess you'll require.
You'll need to complete the required radio system, battery pack, and charger to hit the tracks on the Tamiya BMW E30 M3 Sport Evo. Beyond that, though, this gorgeous scale should be ready to burn the road as soon as you finish assembly. It's definitely one ride that everyone, from hardcore enthusiasts to dabbling collectors, can appreciate.
by sunny on January 8, 2010
Some RC "monster trucks" are difficult to distinguish from erstwhile run-of-the-mill bashers. Team Losi's Rammunition Monster Truck, on the other hand, can't go by any other name.
In close-up photos, there's little to tell the 1/18-scale from the Hall Bros' full-scale version of the monsterized Dodge Ram Heavy Duty. It's that realistic down to the last bit of competition graphics. Officially licensed by Dodge, it features an extra-reinforced shell, two-tone wheels and oversized tires that bring the popular monster truck to your backyard.
Is it monster strong? The machine’s aluminum, dual-deck chassis and wide-track suspension (4-wheel independent) provides the model truck with the kind of stability and durability you expect from a high-level monster truck. Expect it to foster smooth operations, regardless of terrain conditions you put it through.
What about performance? Sporting a commanding Frenzy 370 engine at the helm, you can expect dominating power whether you're showing off its bashing potential or racing with other gigantic rides. Heck, even the Hall Bros approved it for racing. It comes with a synthesized radio system, rechargeable battery and charger for full control without interference and longer hours of fun driving. Other features include dual-steering servos and oil-filled shocks.
Ready to show off its big moves right out of the box, the Losi Rammunition Monster Truck lets you experience the popular Monster Jam staple in miniature form. It supports a wide range of custom parts, too, allowing you to tune it for even more torque and power when needed. And once you see how fun this thing plays, that's probably what you'll end up doing.
Specifications
Type:Mini Monster Truck
Scale:1/18
Length:10.6 in (271 mm)
Width:8.2 in (209 mm)
Wheelbase:7.2 in (185 mm)
Weight:2.2 lbs. (1000 g)
Chassis:Dual-Deck Aluminum
Suspension:4-Wheel Independent
Tire Type:Monster Truck
Motor or Engine:Frenzy 370
Batteries:Included
Charger:Included
by sunny on January 7, 2010
With the continuing popularity of short-course RC racing, plenty of sub-par performers are staking their claims at the market. As such, it's becoming vital to go after quality when looking for a model to invest in. The HPI Racing Blitz is a truck we won't think twice about recommending, though.
Elegant and stylish, the Blitz comes with a pre-trimmed Maxxis ATTK-10 body shell that's pre-painted and decorated out of the box. It comes in two colors (either predominantly orange or predominantly black). I heartily recommend the latter (not pictured).
HPI teamed up with Maxxis International for this one, crafting a nasty-looking ride that can strike fear in the heart of everyone taking the dirt tracks with you. It uses collision-ready nylon plastic on all critical areas of the truck (e.g. arms, bumpers) for better survival, an extra-long chassis for stability (based on the E-Firestorm) and chassis braces (both front and rear) for maximum component protection. Want durable performance against the toughest competition? Can't go wrong with that as a starting point, whether you're a beginner or a skilled enthusiast.
A powerful, 540-size Firebolt 15T motor runs inside the hood, giving the Blitz its quick acceleration and race-worthy top speed. The performance is adeptly aided by the brushless-ready transmission (tunable by swapping out oil weights), Maxxis Trepador tire design and 3-degree rear toe block for all-around masterful handling. Other features include rubber-sealed ball bearings, captured hinge pins, quick-mounting batteries and TF-1 radio.
Designed for all skill levels, the HPI Racing Blitz 1/10 Off-Road Short Course Truck is an excellent racer that can withstand a lot of torture on and off the tracks. It offers a flexible room for upgrades, allowing you to tune it to new heights of performance when needed.
Specifications
Type: Off-Road Short Course Truck
Overall Width: 296 mm
Wheelbase: 329 mm
Overall Length: 548 mm
Overall Height: 184 to 200 mm (adjustable)
Transmission: Full-metal gear, pre-filled silicone oil
by sunny on December 20, 2009
Getting into RC racing requires a good amount of time and practice. For those looking to get a rather smooth headstart, the Tamiya Mad Bull is an excellent kit to score with its simple operation and worry-free assembly.
Out of the box, the electric buggy's PS-injected molded body comes pre-finished, managing to capture a sporty, off-road truggy appearance. Looking ready to rock as soon as hits ground, the RC comes with a sturdy-looking frame, big 115-mm tires sporting chunky lug patterns and burly chassis components.It isn't the most realistic-looking scale in one of the busiest RC markets, but there's enough aggressive cues to make it an exciting ride.
Why do we recommend the Tamiya Mad Bull for beginning racers? The 540 Type motor pre-installed in the kit is easily one of the most dependable in the market. More importantly, it's geared precisely as starter equipment, providing worry-free assembly, accessible handling and easy control. That means you can get your kit, put it together and hit the tracks the very same day, without having to suffer through much of a learning curve.
Like all entry-level buggies, it's a perfect car to bash around with. Affordably-priced and with spares easily available, you won't have to think twice about putting it through the grind. The DT-01 chassis also makes for a fair amount of upgrades, such as electronic speed control, which should help extend your vehicle's life after you grow past your novice abilities.
RC owners typically have strong feelings about their first cars. I have no doubt you'll grow the same fondness for the Tamiya Mad Bull.
Specs:
Vehicle Type: Off-Road
Power Type: Electric
Body Type: Truck-Monster
Scale: 1/10
Build Type: Kit
Drive Type: 2 WD
Shocks: Coiled spring friction
Weight: 2.87 Lbs. (1302 g)
Chassis Length: 15.75 inches (400 mm)
Chassis Width: 12.40 inches (315 mm)
Chassis Height: 5.91 inches (150 mm)
by sunny on December 6, 2009
The early part of 2010 should prove an exciting one with the re-emergence of the cult favorite Tamiya Off-Road Racer Sand Scorcher. First released in 1979, this 30th anniversary model will look to capture the hearts of old and new fans alike - and there's a good chance it will.
Capturing the curvy look and layout of the original Sand Scorcher, the upcoming model boosts a number of improved features, including a detailed hard-plastic body and a reinforced 2mm-thick FRP main frame. The front tires are ribbed, while the rear tires are paddled, same way as its old incarnation. It's a well-made scale that's bound to reignite your passion for VW Bajas.
Tamiya is claiming improved performance with the soon-to-released desert racer. Powered by a pre-installed Type 540 motor, they just might be right. With full ball bearings (to reduce friction loss), new die-cast suspension arms and top-of-the-line stock parts that are tuned to perform in today's racing conditions, it's one fitting way to celebrate a classic. It's using a chassis based on the Buggy Champ, which means versatile upgrade options (especially if you own both) if you wish to race it in serious competition.
While staying faithful to the well-loved, original design, this reissue of the Tamiya Off-Road Racer Sand Scorcher brings the Baja classic to the modern times with handpicked, finely-tuned parts. Even if the actual performance may still be up in the air, it's a beautiful vehicle that's bound to peel cash away from my wallet when it does come out - probably yours too.
Specifications:
Not yet available
US $309.90
