Kyosho Baja Beetle

[Dangeruss]

In 2001 Kyosho updated their 1/10 4wd Nitro powered Field Baja Beetle and renamed it simply, the Baja Beetle. Simplicity was one of the biggest features of the new Beetle as Kyosho equipped this latest model with their Easy Touch Start System that made firing up the new, larger, fan cooled GS15R engine as easy as touching a battery mounted contact to the motor using the included clip on Easy Start harness. The remainder of the vehicle went largely unchanged however as it still sported a full-length aluminum plate chassis with side rail kickups and the undermounted four-wheel independent lower a-arm and fixed camber link suspension for maximum ground clearance. Avoiding obstacles was the job of the offset steering servo actuated twin bellcrank steering system with built in servo saver and adjustable tie rods while a brace of oil-filled plastic bodied ring lock coilover shocks and plastic shock towers that just peeked above the chassis absorbed all the hard landings. The suspension attached to split case sealed gearboxes at both ends, each containing a bevel gear differential driven by a pair of dogbone driveshafts from Kyosho's QRC transmission. Operated by the throttle servo, a pull or push of the throttle trigger would engage either forward or reverse in the transmission which extended down through the chassis and spun the driveshafts. Interestingly a braking system was fitted to the Baja, however both the QRC and the brake could not be used at the same time as one had to be disconnected for the other to work. Though, once power had been funneled through the drivetrain it was sent out by a set of metal dogbones to the 2.4 inch single piece plastic wheels and spiked rubber monster truck tires. A flip top gas tank, sealed radio box, front and rear bush guards, spring loaded camlock body mounts and clear lexan body were also included with the unassembled kit, which was sold less electronics and radio: