by sunny on February 8, 2010
As another one in a long line of Tamiya reissues, the Tamiya Boomerang definitely deserves the new leash on life. Like the original Hotshot-based model, the revived buggy is a kit, albeit featuring enhancements that make it both easier to assemble and more fun to ride.
Let's face it. Many of us buy reissues for the meaning they used to have for us. For one of my friends who bought one, a second-hand Boomerang is the first RC he ever owned and this re-release brings that timeless, classic look back to its full glory. The soft edges, the craft-like shape and that big-ass rear wing are all recreated with precision - just beautiful.
The older Boomerang had parts that were a pain in the neck to put together. This new 1/10th scale model kicks that complication to the curb and turns in easy-to-assemble parts. Paired with improvements on the chassis, gearbox, suspension and drivetrain, as well as new placement for the drive shaft, this 21st century model takes everything up a notch.
Power is funneled to the vehicle by a Type 540 motor with TEU-101BK ESC, churning out reliable speed while showing it off your favorite local tracks. Control is a breeze, regardless of skill level. Considering you're probably better now compared to when you were a pimple-faced kid, I have high hopes. All the enhanced parts do make for a better-performing ride, especially during actual runs and turns.
You won't likely be leaving people in the dust with the Tamiya Boomerang, but you'll be driving straight to a trip down memory lane. For many, that should be enough reason to get one. You'll need to purchase a two-channel radio system, battery pack and charger to complete the ride, by the way.
by sunny on February 5, 2010
During the time of its release, the Losi XXX-CR 2WD was among the cream of the crop in the field of competition-ready buggy racers. A couple of years after that, it remains relevant in the scene - a credit to the innovations it brought forward in delivering a high-level of racing experience.
Available as a kit, the model comes with a lightweight, lowered body shell, which makes for improved drag and a lower center of gravity. It also includes a multi-element rear wing system, which incorporates two wings (a wide wing and a smaller one on top of it) in one, providing high-speed stability. Want even more aerodynamic handling changes? Install the bundled front wing and feel the difference in steering response.
The XXX-CR comes with a composite, non-graphite (EA3) chassis, a durable foundation that holds the vehicle together. It uses Losi's VLA suspension technology, featuring optimized travel and plenty of tuning possibilities. You'll see it in action first-hand as you watch the buggy work through jumps and carve through turns with unflinching stability.
One of Losi's biggest selling points for this car is its predictability. True enough, this has been proven by hobbyists again and again - this is a dependable racer that will respond the way you tuned it to. Other features include a low-maintenance differential assembly, a three-gear transmission, a new bellcrank system and Red compound tires (Big Shot at the rear and extra-wide in front).
A guaranteed performer, there are few buggies that have really seen and done it all as much as the Losi XXX-CR 2WD. If you like tried and tested, this is absolutely the way to go.
Specifications:
- Type:2WD Competition Off-Road Buggy
- Scale:1/10
- Length:15 in (381mm)
- Width:9.875 in (251mm)
- Wheelbase:10.5 in (266mm)
- Weight:Varies with battery and equipment used
- Chassis:Team Losi Racing's EA3 composite
- Suspension:4-Wheel independent
- Motor or Engine:not included
- Speed Control:not included
- Radio:not included
- Servos:not included
- Batteries:not included
- Charger:not included
- Gear Pitch:48
- Wheel Size:2.2 in
- Kit/RTR:Kit
- Shock Type:Hard-anodized threaded aluminum, oil-filled, Ti-Ni shafts
- Body:Buggy-type with multi-element wing, clear polycarbonate
- Ball Bearings:Complete (includes rubber sealed bearings)
Needed to Complete
6-Cell battery pack
Charger
Motor with pinion gear
2-Channel surface radio system with steering servo
Electronic Speed Control
Modeling tools
Polycarbonate-compatible paint
by sunny on January 25, 2010
An off-road vehicle built to strut its stuff in competitive buggy races, the Tamiya Keen Hawk serves as an attractive "alternative" for fanatic dirt drivers the world over. If you're familiar with Tamiya's Dark Impact, this vehicle is largely a rebranding (with mere minor differences) - albeit, an exciting one, nonetheless.
Sporting an awkward-looking pre-trimmed shell, crowned by a large rear wing and attention-grabbing white wheels, this buggy brings along an unusual appearance that you're likely to either love or hate. It comes as a kit (assembly time of give or take 5 hours), with logos and decals bundled in the package (no paint, though). Some folks say it brings a slight resemblance to F1 racers, although it's really a distinct-looking ride all on its own.
Use over rough and uneven landscapes will allow the Keen Hawk to demonstrate the durability inherent in its DF-03 chassis, which fosters an excellent functioning balance. Before this 1/10th scale off-roader was released, Tamiya hasn't had a racing-capable buggy in a long time, making it an eventful release of sorts.
It ships with a Type 540 motor, which should make for respectable speeds during use. The layout of the car is very interesting, with the battery pack down the center and the transverse-mounted motor just behind it. This keeps the weight at the center line, allowing you to achieve optimal leveling while performing jumps. Cornering is predictable but fair, grip is a little lacking and the shocks require a bit of tuning. You will likely want to take advantage of upgrade options if you want to post top results in actual competition.
Overall, the Tamiya Keen Hawk is a fair choice for a racing buggy. It's far from the best in the land, but remains a competitive starter kit that you can build on for a sharper edge down the line.
Specifications:
Length: 387mm
Width: 250mm
Height: 132mm
Lowest Ground Clearance: 24mm
Wheelbase: 272mm
Weight: 1140g
Tread: (Front) 217mm, (Rear) 203mm
Tire Width/Diameter: (Front) 33/87mm, (Rear) 43/87mm
Frame: Monocoque Bathtub
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front & Rear Ball Diff
Steering: 3-piece Tie Rod
Suspension: 4-wheel Double Wishbone
Damper: (Front) CVA Oil Damper Mini, (Rear) CVA Oil Damper Short
Gear Ratio: 9.17:1
Motor: Type RS540
Speed Controller: ESC
