A better way to describe R/C kit variants
On this website (and others), collectors of vintage R/C cars have over the years tried to categorize “variants” of vintage R/C cars as “Mk1, Mk2, Mk3” etc.
This approach has proven popular, and it works OK for vintage RTR (ready-to-run) models. But it’s actually very misleading for kit-based models. So I’m now scrapping it for those, in favour of a simple naming convention of “Early”, “Mid” and “Late”.
Here’s why…
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.
Looking like a smaller version of the more expensive 1/10 scale buggies, yet still quick for it’s 1/16 scale, it was a big seller both in Japan and abroad. It even had it’s own TV commercials and was a direct rival for Taiyo’s Jet Hopper, released the same year.
Technotoy/Nikko Alaska Polar-Expedition Mercedes Unimog (1984)
This model was based on Nikko’s 1983 Mercedes Unimog 4WD, but this edition was released later and only sold in Europe under Technotoy/Nikko branding. And instead of being a Paris-Dakar Rally racing vehicle, it’s a 1984 snow expedition transport – complete with gorgeous livery, a cargo trailer, and (would you believe) optional snow chains?
Proof once again that no other era can touch the 1980s, for toys.
16 Classic Vintage R/C Tyres
One of the most appealing parts of any model R/C car, are the tyres. And vintage R/C cars have some pretty interesting and unusual ones.
Let’s look at a selection of classic 1980s R/C tyres, back when the hobby was still young and free and the cars were designed to look realistic, fun and exciting.
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