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There were two parts to Project Optima. Part 1 was from December 1987 and Part 2 was from February 1988. Scans are attached.

Regards,

Robert

Thanks a lot man!

These articles were awesome (in a funny kinda way). What happened to all the magic that these cars and articles used to ooze? I remember the first project Optima article hitting the news stand and I was absolutely captivated by this new creation sporting a very hot looking truck body (well it was hot to me-LOL). I loved both of these articles and with the second build and its 'TRI-DIR-COMP' chassis componants- WOW!
I just love it!

bormac wrote:These articles were awesome (in a funny kinda way). What happened to all the magic that these cars and articles used to ooze? I remember the first project Optima article hitting the news stand and I was absolutely captivated by this new creation sporting a very hot looking truck body (well it was hot to me-LOL). I loved both of these articles and with the second build and its 'TRI-DIR-COMP' chassis componants- WOW!
I just love it!

I agree 100%. Back in the day I drooled over RCCA. For some reason, this article always stuck in my mind. Maybe it was all that gold on the chassis with those sweet wheels. Or maybe because they make it look soo fun to drive. I don't know, I'm just glad this site exsist for people who love the vintage stuff like I do. Thanks again Robert for posting this soo quickly.

You're very welcome. I always loved those articles too. I even wanted to do the heavy metal project with my Turbo Optima, but never did get to it. Maybe someday...after I do the 15 other projects I have lined up.

I have a set of those tecnacrafts maybe I will need to do up a build like that.

murphy3428 wrote:I have a set of those tecnacrafts maybe I will need to do up a build like that.

Nice! Man I can never find Technacraft or Sees wheels. I would love to put a set of rims on all my buggies.

I actually purchased that body for my Optima after reading this exact article. Great memories.

I have to agree too, there wwas just something about them, maybe because we were all younger then?? LOL! I love going back and reading all those vintage articles, I'm going through a bunch of all R/C Model car ones at the moment.

So does any have the full collection of RCCA to date?? I think I'm only missing 2, the 2nd issue and one issue from this year

Yes it was this article! Awesome!

RichieRich wrote:I actually purchased that body for my Optima after reading this exact article. Great memories.

Same here. It got pretty trashed.

Interestingly, my Zebra Optima with a 6-cell pack only weighs 1742 grams, compared to the lightweight RCCA Optima (which weighs 1644 grams). Less than 100 grams difference...and that's with bigger modern 2.2" rims & tires installed, to boot.

The truck-bodied Optima in part 1 weighed almost 2013 grams.

I remember those pictures like it was yesterday. I must have read that issue 1,000 times. I thought it was so cool to have a truck looking buggy. I was never a big fan of the clumsiness of the likes of the blackfoot. This was the ticket to a truck able to handle.

I know this is a bit of an old thread...dead for 13 years...but I'm looking for a bit of help making a dream come true.

I am trying to build a replica (and a few tributes) of the December 1987 RCCA Project Optima truck. Pargu builds several Tecnacraft replica wheels, but not these. I wrote him and he said he is interested in reproducing them, but I need to see if I can find an original to use as a sample. I don't need a complete set. One wheel would be fine. It doesn't even need to be in great shape.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. The picture of that truck in that air has been etched into in my memory for almost 40 years...probably the most significant example of radio control photography excellence in my opinion.

Here are pictures of the wheels:

Also, I know this is in the Ad Scans section but it was the best thread I could find.

Mods, please let me know if it would be better if I create a new thread in my hunt for an original wheel for a sample...I was unsure where was best to post.