The sight of those two RC automobiles collectively conjures up nice reminiscences in lifelong RC obsessed followers corresponding to myself. We’re certain that, if you happen to’re a toddler of the ’80s or ’90s who grew up with RC in your youth, you’d agree.
Tamiya has been producing fun-to-build and much more fun-to-drive RC automobiles for the reason that pastime’s earliest days. Well-known for his or her off-road buggies and vans, Tamiya’s ’80s-era RC automobiles had been a large leap above the toy-grade RCs that graced retailer cabinets at that cut-off date. Iconic fashions corresponding to Grasshopper, Hornet, Lunch Box and Midnight Pumpkin—simply to call a number of—had been the foundations on which many an RC hobbyist began and constructed upon his or her obsession.
Tamiya’s nostalgic RC kits are so well-liked that the corporate nonetheless sells lots of the similar automobiles right now. In truth, Tamiya’s re-releases have been a smashing success worldwide as evidenced by their ramped-up releases of previous favorites. Up till lately, these kits had been relegated to those that take pleasure in constructing their automobiles. While assembling your individual automotive or truck is a enjoyable and worthwhile exercise, we now dwell in an age the place RTR, or able to run, automobiles are all the trend.
Tamiya’s X-SA kits are enjoyable to change. If you look carefully, you’ll be capable of spot quite a lot of modifications that we made to our Lunch Box.
SEMI-ASSEMBLED
There are deserves to each assembly-required and pre-assembled RC kits. Assembling your individual equipment means that you can study concerning the internal workings of the automobile and arms you with the information that if something breaks on it you’ll know precisely methods to repair it. An RTR, however, takes you straight into the motion as quickly as you possibly can unbox the automobile and cost up its battery. Tamiya now gives a bridge between the built-it-yourself equipment and an RTR. The model’s newest line of RC automobiles are referred to as X-SA, which stands for Expert-Semi-Assembled.
Assembly kits are a giant a part of what Tamiya is all about, however the firm additionally understands that some lovers might not have the time or confidence to tackle the entire meeting of an RC mannequin. To bridge that hole Tamiya has give you the X-SA collection, which includes a absolutely assembled and arrange chassis together with a totally painted physique with marking stickers already utilized. Tamiya even contains its TEU-105BK ESC (digital pace management). All you might want to do is to supply an RC transmitter (radio controller) and set up a receiver, steering servo and a charged-up battery pack and also you’re able to drive.
Tamiya’s X-SA kits may be left inventory for loads of enjoyable and are a fantastic jumping-off level for individuals who want to modify them. We put in a number of hop-ups in our Hornet.
Tamiya’s X-SA collection automobiles are excellent for brand new hobbyists who’re simply moving into RC however nonetheless wish to do a few of the ultimate meeting work. Think of the X-SA as a 90% full RTR—only a few ultimate meeting steps and also you’re out the door and working your RC. Best of all, these semi-assembled kits had been constructed by the specialists at Tamiya so you possibly can relaxation assured that they’re achieved proper.
X-SA kits come pre-assembled and solely require electronics to get working.
Tamiya’s skilled painters deal with the paint and bodywork so you will get straight to driving.
“Tamiya’s X-SA collection automobiles are excellent for brand new hobbyists who’re simply moving into the RC pastime.“
NOSTALGIC LINE UP
X-SA fashions embrace Tamiya’s longtime favorites, the Hornet off-road buggy and Lunch Box monster truck, as featured right here. The collection additionally contains one other well-known off-road buggy, Grasshopper, and monster truck, Midnight Pumpkin, in addition to the extra trendy Racing Fighter buggy and small-scale Lunch Box Mini. It’s arduous to decide on simply which one to take house with you. We skilled the identical wrestle, which is why we ended up that includes two automobiles on this article.
X-SA kits include clear directions and all of the elements you want for ultimate meeting.
Steering elements come zip-tied in place and solely await a servo to be put in.
“RC automobiles are supposed to be loved whereas they’re driving round, however they’re enjoyable to have a look at and acquire, too.“
FINISHING THE BUILD
As already talked about, the X-SA kits come pre-assembled and embrace an ESC. All you might want to do is present an RC controller, receiver and steering servo for ultimate meeting. In typical Tamiya style, the corporate contains well-illustrated directions and all the pieces you might want to assemble the equipment minus very fundamental instruments corresponding to a screwdriver and plastic facet cutters.
The equipment comes with all of the elements you want, plus each the full-length directions and an X-SA-specific meeting information. We gathered our equipment, which consisted of a KO Propo EX-II transmitter, an identical KO Propo receiver and a KO Propo servo, and set to work. Along with the included Tamiya ESC, set up of this stuff went easily and all the pieces match completely. We’d say that the meeting could be straightforward to sort out for even the greenest RC novices. Rolling up your sleeves and getting some work achieved in your equipment is gratifying and does provide you with a way that if something had been to go mistaken you’d know methods to deal with it.
We like how Tamiya’s specialists accomplished the our bodies. To be trustworthy, we don’t assume we ever had a greater completed physique. The paint is ideal and so is the decal utility. For lifetime followers, these X-SA kits reveal one other side to the enjoyment of RC. We’re speaking about gathering and displaying.
COLLECTORS REJOICE
Yes, RC automobiles are supposed to be loved whereas they’re driving round, however they’re enjoyable to have a look at and acquire, too. It’s one factor to gather an unassembled equipment that sits in its field, however there’s a complete different degree of enjoyment if you see an expertly constructed equipment on show. For these in search of a Tamiya manufacturing facility accomplished automobile, the X-SA is a godsend. We need to admit that we’re planning on shopping for the X-SA Grasshopper simply to placed on our shelf, with no intention of including electronics to it or driving it. We simply need it to look fairly, sitting on show.
The Hornet or the Lunch Box? It’s a tough option to make.
Here’s a glance beneath the physique of the Lunch Box. Its confirmed chassis is as straightforward to work on as it’s to drive.
Kit Options
Tamiya X-SA Hornet
Type: Semi-assembled Kit
P/N: 46703
Scale: 1/10
Price $254
Includes: TEU-105BK ESC, further elements, four-way wrench
Requires: 2-channel radio, steering servo and seven.2-volt battery pack and suitable charger
TAMIYA x-SA Lunch Box
P/N: 46701
Scale: 1/10
Price $279
Includes: TEU-105BK ESC, further elements, four-way wrench
Requires: 2-channel radio, steering servo and seven.2-volt battery pack and suitable charger
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re an RC beginner or a longtime Tamiya-phile, the X-SA collection of kits gives one thing for everybody. The automobiles are iconic and enjoyable to drive and have been the foundations for a lot of RC lovers for the higher a part of 4 a long time. There’s a motive they’re nonetheless round and loved the world over. We’re excited concerning the X-SA collection for his or her drivability in addition to collector and show causes. We can’t get sufficient of those kits and we’re certain you gained’t be capable of, both.
Source:
Tamiya USA tamiyausa.com
Text and Images by Jerry Tsai