Tamiya 30th Anniversary Buggy Champ remote control car

By Jamie Fretwell

August 2009

If you remember the Tamiya Rough Rider remote-controlled car, this modern re-release of the Seventies classic will be right up your street.

The 30th Anniversary model carries the Buggy Champ name – that’s what it’s called in its Japanese home market – but the display box features Rough Rider stickers. Major changes over the original include the introduction of encased wiring and reinforced suspension. In most other respects, though, the 1:10-scale Tamiya is largely unmodified, and on our test track it proved easy to operate.

Remote control cars are supposed to be about fun, and over loose dirt it never failed to raise a smile. Put the collector’s item on hard surfaces such as tarmac, however, and it’s a different story – as the high centre of gravity makes body roll an issue.

Attempt to change direction quickly, and it can end in an embarrassing tumble. This wouldn’t be so bad if scratches and scuffs didn’t show up on the body – although it didn’t detract from the fun we had.

Included in the box are the car, radio, battery and charger, and if any bits break you can replace them through Tamiya’s extensive spares department.

 * Contact: 01908 605686, www.tamiya.com

 * Problems: Not suited for tarmac use, body shows signs of damage.

 * So why buy? Great retro styling, fun on dirt, uprated suspension, spares are readily available.

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