RC10Talk - The Net's Largest Vintage R/C Community

Hi Guys,

I did a search of this particular section for "Tomcat" and was rather surprised to see no results whatsoever.

I remember in the mid-80's, working at the LHS, and the Hirobo Tomcat arrived. It was pre-built and very popular as an entry-level buggy back then, and it wasn't half-bad at all. It was also one of the earlier cars to use a belt-drive system, if I recall correctly. It was one of the cheaper buggies but feature-wise, it had a lot going for it. Oil-filled shocks, front & rear stabilizers, camber adjustments F & R were just some of the features that put it above cars like the Grasshopper & Hornet, Marui Galaxy/Hunter, etc...I remember selling those Tomcats like hotcakes, but can't recall ever seeing one running, and didn't know anyone who owned one. How did it perform, was the gearbox & belt system up to snuff?

Does anyone here own one? It would be kinda fun to soup one up with some modern-day hop-up parts.

It's true you never see these around and can't say I've ever heard much of them. I'd like to see more on this car too.

I've never seen the box for one before... is that a sketch? Awesome

I found you a pic of the actual car, that is a sketch I reckon
http://www.vintagercweb.com/tomcat/tomcat_promo.jpg
many thanks to vintageweb
Quite a few guys on Tamiyaclub own one, and list a Bearcat as well?

purpletimbo wrote:I found you a pic of the actual car, that is a sketch I reckon
http://www.vintagercweb.com/tomcat/tomcat_promo.jpg
many thanks to vintageweb
Quite a few guys on Tamiyaclub own one, and list a Bearcat as well?

Yep, the box art is a sketch. IMHO, not the best way to market the product! But the same profile on Tamiyaclub where I got that box image has a picture of the actual car in the box. I'll try to find it...

I remember checking out the car first-hand when I worked at the LHS, and when you compared all the features with similar "bigger brand" cars that cost more, and the fact it was RTR, made it a hot seller with the entry level crowd. Parts availability--that was the thing that wasn't mentioned.

EDIT: Here's the pic.

pretty cool car in my eye's just for the fact that you don't see it much at all, love hirobo styling and will have to grab one one day

I didn't realize it until I just went and looked but they are still around: http://model.hirobo.co.jp/english/
They seem to make a little bit of everything if you look around the Japanese site.

I've got a box full of parts, don't think there is enough to build a car. I do wish there was though to be honest. I think they are kinda cool.

jay have you got a gear cover for a alien??