Category Archives: Reviews

Created to conquer – The Tamiya VQS (2020)

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.

Just add some electronics & go! Tamiya 46701 Lunch Box X-SA video review by RC Driver



Here’s a true classic in the RC world, the Tamiya Lunch Box. This iconic custom RC van is easily recognizable and a favorite among many RC enthusiasts who have been in the hobby for a long time. In the past this RC was offered as a kit and then a Ready To Run and even a special edition offering. Now, it’s available in another form, an X-SA kit. X-SA stands for Expert Semi-Assembled which means the Van arrives professionally built and detailed from Tamiya with motor and ESC also included. All you need to do with this kit is install a radio system, servo, battery and go! Pure Tamiya RC fun is right at your finger-tips with this easy to finish kit. In our review we go over the kit’s features, it’s assembly and take it out for some old school bashing fun. Want to experience some of the best of RC’s past? The Tamiya Lunch Box X-SA might be the ticket.
Source: RC Driver YouTube channel

Satoshi Maezumi (Paisen RC) video review of the Tamiya Lunch Box



The lunch box, named after the “lunch box” that carries lunch, is a particularly popular machine among the big tires. In spite of its comical appearance, it speeds up and you can enjoy a very powerful run.
It is an all-round, highly runnable machine with agile movement and handling.
In addition to the XB finished product that can be played right out of the box, the conventional assembly kit is also on sale. You can purchase it at your local hobby shop or RC specialty store.
Souce: パイセンRC (Paisen RC) YouTube channel

Legendary RC car returns with updates! Tamiya VQS 2020 4WD off-road buggy video review by RC Driver



Tamiya continues to bring back some classic kits that old school RC fans really want, the latest the Vanquish, but as the VQS. The Tamiya VQS is very closely based on the Vanquish, but has a few tweaks to bring it up to 2020 specs. Sure you still get that sleek buggy styling, the unique 4wd driveline, the streamline suspension set-up and tires that can tear up a dirt field. But the changes are in the name, electronics, and a few other tweaks. If you remember the Vanquish and always wanted one, you need to check out the VQS. If you’re just into unique RC cars and fun building experiences, then the VQS is right for you too. In this video, Greg goes over the details of the buggy and takes it out for a drive in the dirt. By the end of the video you’ll see this fun all around RC kit perfect for any Tamiya fan!
Source: RC Driver YouTube channel

Dragons never die – Return of the Tamiya Super (Storm) Dragon

We, the TamiyaBlog team have always been big fans of the Japanese comic-inspired Tamiya dragon buggies. The Fire Dragon in particular is one of our favorites.
So the Super Storm Dragon is one for us too.
In the 1980s the Super Dragon was only a body set for the Hornet and Thunder Shot chassis.
Now the dragon is back as a complete kit on a classic Hornet chassis.
As with some of the new kits, the body is also pre-painted and only needs to be decaled.
As you have noticed, the name has also changed. Possibly because of licensing problems.
But Tamiya helps us here with the stickers. You can cut the “Storm” out of the sticker, and so you have a “Storm Dragon”. The number 18 stickers on the side from the original release are also included in the sticker sheet.

Building was a real joy. You feel like a kid again, building your first Tamiya Off Road Racer.
We have installed a classic black Sport Tuned motor, a complete set of ball bearings and classic aluminum rim covers in our Super Dragon for that special custom look.

We really love this car. It brings back so many great memories from the 1980s, the golden era of the Tamiya RC cars.
Enjoy the Super Dragon!
We are really looking forward to the comeback of the Tamiya Fire Dragon.

Many thanks to Dickie Tamiya and Tamico for providing us with the Super Dragon kit.

Tamiya TT02S vs M05RA RALLY – Audi Quattro vs Renault 5 Turbo gravel rally run video



Video description:

Hi there! My friend Rob had just finished his new rally car, the Tamiya Renault 5 Turbo on the M05-RA FWD chassis, so we thought it would be fun to put it through it’s paces with my Tamiya Audi Quattro A2 on the 4WD TT02-S chassis. We went to our favourite gravel rally circuit and gave them a few laps in each direction around the course.

The M05RA struggled to get going on the gravel surface, hampered by it’s un-damped suspension, but once up to speed it was surprisingly nimble in the turns! The TT02 carried an onboard camera for some interesting action shots, and we had a great time running and filming these RC cars.

PLEASE NOTE: This rally run was just for fun, and is not intended to indicate which is the best, we just thought you Tamiya enthusiasts would enjoy seeing two very different RC rally icons running together!

Both Tamiyas are stock, apart from:
M05RA – full ball bearing conversion
TT02-S – Rally Block tyres and a no-cost mod to the lower suspension arms to give increased travel and ride-height. See the mod here.

Many thanks to Rob (of Rob Brennan RC) for making this film with me – visit his fantastic channel here.
Thanks for watching, wishing you all fun RCing! 🙂

Source: Mark Bryan RC YouTube Channel