Kyosho Optima

[Dangeruss]

In 1985 Kyosho debuted a model that would evolve across several iterations of ever-increasing sophistication; the 1/10 4wd electric off-road buggy they called, the Optima. This initial version was constructed with an aluminum frame and fiber reinforced molded nylon suspension, its chassis consisting of a simple pair of square tube aluminum spars and four end plates that attached to the buggy's nylon bulkheads, themselves bookended by an under guard up front and motor guard in the rear. Joined to the bulkheads was a 4-wheel independent lower a-arm and adjustable upper camber link suspension with red anodized, oil-filled, adjustable collar, aluminum coilover shocks supported by short alloy towers front and rear that also served as upper camber link mounts. A twin bellcrank steering system with threaded tie rods and built-in servo saver was positioned aft of the front bulkhead under the fiberglass radio plate that provided lateral support to the chassis as well as hold the transverse mounted battery and necessary electronics. Contained within the enclosed bulkheads of the Optima however was its 4-wheel drive system, which started with a rear mounted motor turning an adjustable slipper clutch equipped pinion and counter gear primary drive that acted directly on the bevel gear rear differential. A chain from the rear diff ran out of the rear bulkhead, forward into the front bulkhead, and around the front bevel gear diff. Steel dog bones played their role in transferring power out of the differentials, through bushing equipped aluminum knuckles up front, and plastic hub carriers in the rear, before spinning the three-piece directional spoke nylon wheels and spiked Sand Super tires. A Mabuchi RS 540 motor, mechanical resistor speed controller with three forward speeds, braking, two reverse speeds, and a step-down circuit, as well as a clear lexan body, driver to cover the electronics, and a large plastic front bumper were included in the kit, but a radio system and servos were not. The Optima was also sold by Graupner in Germany: