Tamiya is Reliving the 80's with the Bigwig
For sentimental hobbyists, Tamiya has been a true champion in bringing back classic radio-controlled cars, trucks, and buggies. Their recent re-releases of the Blackfoot (2016), The Grasshopper, the Monster Beetle (2015), and The Hornet, have given longtime R/C enthusiasts a new-found joy in recapturing their love for the hobby.
Their newest addition to their re-release catalog is The Bigwig, a 1/10-scale 4-wheel drive buggy that first hit the scene in 1986. This 2017 re-release brings back The original styling and look of the original Bigwig, but offers some updates over the original.
Like the original, this new version of the Bigwig features a plastic, “tub-style” chassis, Knobby tires, a brushed, 540-size motor, and shaft-driven 4-wheel drive system. The body style remains true to the classic, featuring a design created by Takuya Yura.
Tamiya Bigwig Specifications:
- Scale: 1/10
- Terrain use: On-Road
- Drive-train: 4WD
- Drive type: Gearbox
- Drive line: Dog bone
- Differential type: Gear
- Suspension: Fully independent double wishbone
- Steering mechanism: Rack-in-pinion
- Shock damper: Oil-filled damper
- Shock damper material: Plastic
- Tire type: Rubber
- Tire tread: Pin spike
- Body material: Polycarbonate
- Chassis material: Plastic
- Motor: 540-brushed type
- Bearings: Shielded ball bearing
With this model coming in a kit configuration, there are some additional components that are required:
- 2 or 3 channel radio system (transmitter and receiver)
- A battery pack and battery charger
- Body paint
- Tools to assemble the build
- Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
The re-release of the BigWig is priced at $219.00 (and is available at TowerHobbies). While the price is higher than Tamiya’s other retro revivals, the unique design and history behind the original might be worth the investment.
Learn more about the Tamiya Bigwig re-release at tamiyausa.com.
Image credit: Tamiya
