When it comes to vintage kit-based R/C models from companies with a past history in plastic models, many people think only of the red and
Nikko Turbo Panther (1986)
The Turbo Panther was Nikko’s perfect little R/C buggy for 1986 – probably the peak year of the R/C buggy craze, when they were among the hottest toys in the world.
Lost Hobby Shops: Dick Smith Electronics
This month, Australia loses another “hobby” store when Dick Smith Electronics shuts it’s doors for good, after 48 years. I really enjoyed visiting DSE stores
Retro-mania and the race for original 80s toys
It’s no secret that there’s a booming market out there for retro items, particularly toys. A lot of companies are remaking products or brands as
Tomy Radica A Lancia Stratos (1978)
A 1/12 scale R/C model from Tomy that you’ve probably never heard of before, the “Radica A Lancia Stratos” was a 70s kid’s chance to drive the legendary Stratos rally car.
What are your Christmas R/C memories?
In the spirit of the festive season, perhaps it’s time I dedicated a page to everyone else’s R/C car memories (not just mine)… What memories
Christmas shopping at Tandy in the 1980s
Christmas shopping in Australia back in the 1980s meant summertime, heatwaves, flies, Westfield shopping centres, the hope that Santa had received my letter, and last
Why “sealed” vintage Tamiya kits may not be what they seem
Most vintage Tamiya R/C kits are in boxes where you can take the lid off, see what’s inside, and enjoy looking at all the cool
The R/C cars of the film “Malcolm” (1986)
In 1986, a low-budget Australian comedy called Malcolm featured a Tamiya Sand Scorcher R/C VW buggy in what you might even say was a “Supporting
Gama/Matsushiro Toyota Land Cruiser (1984)
Tiny but quite sophisticated, the Matsushiro Toyota Land Cruiser even featured a little driver who would “steer” the car as you drove around.
Why buy the Tamiya Monster Beetle remake?
Another year, another batch of Tamiya R/C model remakes, as the company continues it’s policy of remixing it’s past hits and tapping into nostalgia. Tamiya
Technotoy/Nikko Alaska Polar-Expedition Mercedes Unimog (1984)
A 1984 snow transport complete with gorgeous livery, a cargo trailer, and optional snow chains… a dream R/C vehicle in 1984.