TOP Models Hybrid
- dinglem
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TOP Models Hybrid
Well i am putting this in the 'Other Makes' category as it could actually fit into several sections.... mainly RC10, but also has some Traxxas and Losi parts! I have seen reference to a few of these on RC10talk before, but never thought i would ever be lucky enough to actually find one.
It is a TOP Models Hybrid - a car i first avidly read about in the March 1993 edition of Radio Race Car magazine. I loved the floro on white, and always wanted one. They were only sold in small numbers over in the UK at that time, so are very very rare today.
This is a lucky garage find which found its way to me yesterday. I must say i got it for an absolute steal, and it seems to have all of the original and rare parts, lots of RPM including the chassis and wishbones (thankfully not dyed!), MIP 'cup' UJ's, the 2.2inch HPI rims, Stealth box, and even two pairs of varying strength Losi springs. The guy i bought it off purchased it directly from TOP Models and that probably explains why it hasn't really been too molested. The only thing i can see if the trimming of the battery tray, but that was to aid saddle pack wiring and will also help me fitting Lipo batteries so i am not at all concerned about that. Love that is still has all of the features specific to the car, shocks, tie-rod set and so on, and the main things is that impossible to find original TOP Models bodyshell.
It looks incredible. Just a quick clean up and scrub down for starters before i see what needs further attention. When it is done I will add some more pictures.
It is a TOP Models Hybrid - a car i first avidly read about in the March 1993 edition of Radio Race Car magazine. I loved the floro on white, and always wanted one. They were only sold in small numbers over in the UK at that time, so are very very rare today.
This is a lucky garage find which found its way to me yesterday. I must say i got it for an absolute steal, and it seems to have all of the original and rare parts, lots of RPM including the chassis and wishbones (thankfully not dyed!), MIP 'cup' UJ's, the 2.2inch HPI rims, Stealth box, and even two pairs of varying strength Losi springs. The guy i bought it off purchased it directly from TOP Models and that probably explains why it hasn't really been too molested. The only thing i can see if the trimming of the battery tray, but that was to aid saddle pack wiring and will also help me fitting Lipo batteries so i am not at all concerned about that. Love that is still has all of the features specific to the car, shocks, tie-rod set and so on, and the main things is that impossible to find original TOP Models bodyshell.
It looks incredible. Just a quick clean up and scrub down for starters before i see what needs further attention. When it is done I will add some more pictures.
CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Late '92 ad.
CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- works92
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Wow, what a find !!
Exactly the kind of cars I was dreamin' on at this time.
Thank's for sharing.
Maye one day I 'll find my ultra molded too, who knows
Exactly the kind of cars I was dreamin' on at this time.
Thank's for sharing.
Maye one day I 'll find my ultra molded too, who knows

- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Quick wipe down to check the chassis over and it looks really clean already!

CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
I'd read on another thread on this forum that Brian Stacey actually added a mod to limit flex a the rear end of these, by placing a very thin carbon fibre sheet at the rear end beneath the Stealth box on his car, so i was very pleased to see this when the gearbox was removed for cleaning! It looks to be really thin, probably 2mm or less.
CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
After a little more cleaning I have started with a few decals on the TOP Hybrid. The Mr.V on the wing is a tribute to the late Dave Vine, former owner of the TOP Models shop, and the TOP Models sticker on the rear is an original I managed to get hold of from the current owner of the same shop.
It transpires that only 20 of these TOP Models 'kits' were ever sold. They never came with an official decal set, instead they just used their own TOP Models Missile motor and battery stickers on the shells. I have fitted a TOP Missile motor which I restored recently and once I have refurbished the original shell I shall be adding some of the Missile stickers that I have been fortunate enough to be able to gather up.
It is getting there anyway....
It transpires that only 20 of these TOP Models 'kits' were ever sold. They never came with an official decal set, instead they just used their own TOP Models Missile motor and battery stickers on the shells. I have fitted a TOP Missile motor which I restored recently and once I have refurbished the original shell I shall be adding some of the Missile stickers that I have been fortunate enough to be able to gather up.
It is getting there anyway....
CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Managed to have a bit of a go at a simple white touch up job....
CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Haha... I don't know what you mean

CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Still taking pictures

CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
- dinglem
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Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Just to round this post off (well, before I put any more electics in), here is a quick summary of the TOP Missile 15Triple motor restoration I completed to go with this car. It seemed only fitting to fit an original TOP motor, but they are few and far between so finding a good one was virtually impossible. I found a beater, then sourced a load of original TOP Models stock motor parts, plus an original can decal, and then sent the can off for a re-powder coat. The can has had the magnets re-aligned and zapped, com skimmed and new serrated brushes fitted.
I have already posted this on my 'Old School Horsepower' thread, but it was quite a transformation!
I have already posted this on my 'Old School Horsepower' thread, but it was quite a transformation!
CAT SWB&XL, Meteor (x3), RC10 custom, RC10 Graphite, Goldpan, 870c (x2), Works 91, Samurai, Pro Radiant (x2), Mini Mustang&Maxima, Mid Turbo, TOP Hybrid , Coyote, Hot Trick Optima, Supercharge, Brimod, 'Rory Cull' Hotshot, SRB.
Re: TOP Models Hybrid
Where exactly does the carbon fiber plate begin at the rear, just behind the bulkhead? Beautiful car!!!!
- coxbros1
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