Tamiya Super Champ

[Dangeruss]

In 1982 Tamiya released the Super Champ as an improved version of their 1/10 2wd electric buggy. The final model to be underpinned by the SRB platform the 'Champ catered to the growing contingent of 1/10 electric off-road racers. While still sporting a fiberglass chassis and all metal construction for its gear case, twin trailing arm front and swing arm rear suspension systems Tamiya made a significant number of enhancements to their original design. Riding on a new fiberglass chassis plate the 'Champ dispensed with the previous clear plastic electronics box in favor of a lighter fiberglass radio plate for mounting the receiver and redesigned resistor style three step mechanical speed controller. The steering servo was moved forward and rotated, attaching to the main chassis at an angle, allowing a shorter steering rod to turn the revised central mount bellcrank, its coil sprung servo saver and spherical tie rods replacing the old ring sprung servo saver and ball cups. The suspension received attention to the springs as well, while the hairpins used for the front would be carried over unchanged the rear suspension abandoned its torsion springs for a single aluminum bodied coilover mono shock with remote reservoir. Chassis and suspension handled Tamiya turned to upgrading the driveline with hardened steel universal joints, new Super Gripper 16.5-15 spiked rear tires and 4.50-15 Smoothee front tires from the Sand Scorcher wrapped around the Rough Riders grey three-piece plastic wheels. A new blue molded hard plastic single seat buggy body, grey plastic front skid plate and bumper ends from the Sand Scorcher, and an aluminum rear guard to protect the Mabuchi RS540 motor would finish off the unassembled kit:

[Dustydrone]

Great write-up!

I was 13 when I saved up enough money to buy this kit. It's actually kind of wild to think back on how this single purchase developed skills that would guide me down paths in both my personal and professional life for the last 42+ years.

I have 2 ebay finds in my collection. One will stay as is in all It's leaking dirty Glory and the one without decals is going to get a proper rebuild. I also have a nib Fighting Buggy that will be built after I retire

Thanks again for the great write-up!
Alan

[Dangeruss]

Always welcome! Nice buggy's too, dig the idea of leaving one in as ran condition... every spec of dirt is a memory.... until one day you look at it and say, "I don't remember it being that dirty"