Besides the Tamiya Avante, probably the most beautiful and most famous Tamiya 4WD buggy of the 80s, there were also three other buggies in this series of cars. We all know the Egress, as it was the last “expansion stage” of the Avante before the scepter was handed over to the “Top Force Evolution”.
The two “entry-level models” in the competition, the “Vanquish” and the “Avante 2001”, were somewhat in the shadows.
Both models were technically almost identical and should be suitable for entry into the rc racing competition.
The use of a plastic tub chassis kept costs down. The “Vanquish” in particular was able to shine visually.
And this one has now been reissued as “VQS”. Naming rights have probably forced Tamiya to change the name to “VQS”.
Nonetheless, one of the most beautiful Tamiya buggies of the late 80s era. This buggy combines a beautiful classic color scheme with a very modern futuristic styled body, as well as, given the Hotshot and Thundershot series of vehicles, much more modern technology.
The “new” VQS kit comes with a pre-painted body, which allows the inexperienced model maker in particular to complete the model much faster.
We are particularly pleased about the improvements Tamiya gave the “VQS”. CVD’s front and rear, as well as the aluminum milled steering knuckles at the front were taken over from the Avante and Egress. In addition, the buggy is practically completely equipped with ball-bearings. Only 6 small ball bearings still need to be added.
Tamiya also has made a very nice bonus for the “VQS”. The “VQS Hi Cap Damper Set 47455”. We all know and love these dampers from the 80s. Also suitable for many other cars of that time. We have also equipped our “VQS” with the new Hi Caps. Visually and technically a real pleasure.
Overall, we went the classic way with our example. A Tamiya Super Stock BZ brushed motor and the Tamiya Hi Torque Servo Saver complete the car.
As with every Tamiya car, building it was a real treat. And the builder is rewarded with a beautiful model after completion.
We at TamiyaBlog are very happy about this iconic re-release. A real beauty, the new Tamiya “VQS” (2020)
Many thanks to Dickie Tamiya and Tamico for providing us with the Tamiya “VQS” kit.
About the names of the re-released RC buggies, some can keep the original names (eg. “Hotshot”, “Bigwig”, “Avante”, “Egress”) while some others have their names changed (eg “Super Hotshot”, “Nova Fox”, “Super Storm Dragon”, “VQS”)
Don’t quite understand the notion “naming rights have probably forced Tamiya to change the name to ‘VQS'”, isn’t that all these RC buggies are Tamiya’s own creation, and how come these authentic names are subject to rights restriction? Someone else had registered these names already so that Tamiya can’t use them again?
Or just a wild guess, is it because Tamiya wish to make a clear distinction between the old ones and the new ones of the same RC buggies so that it creates a slightly modified name for them? Maybe an effort to keep the old vintage kits more valuable in the market?
As a Tamiya fan who witnessed the first release of these RC buggies in 1980-90s, I would prefer to see the re-released kits keep their original names, though — eg. I don’t quite understand why “Supershot” have to be renamed “Super Hotshot”.
Love the vanquish. Had the original with adspec system in it and the great dyna tech 01r motor. It was a blast. Now, to the new version. Still love it, and want to get one after sitting on the fence for some time. But it will never be the same though. Only visually. The 80’s is sadly long gone. My childhood is long gone. Only memories left. Well That’s life. So will the new VQS bring home the exitement I had as a teenager? No. But here is what I need to do. Think about the year I’m in now. 2021. The VQS is still genuine Tamiya. Not some China knock off. So I need to create new memories with the VQS or other newer Tamiya cars. But I will put a propper adspec system in it, and a Dynatech motor and have some fun🏁❤️