But in that moment, I wondered if my plastic car really wouldn’t fit down someone’s throat after all. And I dare say this was the case for the vast majority of Frog owners, and even R/C owners more generally in the early 1980s – many of whom probably enjoyed this model primarily on backyard tracks, or with friends at the park. And of course, those glorious, fat rear spike tyres (originally produced for the Tamiya Super Champ). The photos below show the “early vintage” Frog – because they show it with the earlier, narrower front bumper. It then shows exactly how those parts differ in the Frog remake (2005) kit. At school, some kids I knew even insisted that The Frog was the best R/C car “at jumping”. The pink colour combination is so iconic, that green Tamiya Frogs always look wrong to me. Time left 4d 22h left. i thought id never see it again! Here are two images of the prototype Frog. Click Here! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Ive perused enough photos of the frog that I may just pull the trigger and pick up a re-release for gentle cruising/displaying on my shelf. Hopefully a Frog will be in our future. Here’s the link, the episode is called “Girls will be Boys”. To me, this is the first true Tamiya Frog. I spoke to my Dad about it yesterday and he said he paid one of his apprentices at work £100 for it as he was trying to raise some money. Planning to reformat and update other articles on the site along similar lines soon too, so will be sure to mention it when those are done also. He was right of course. or Best Offer +$25.00 shipping. While the rear features trailing arm, independent suspension with oil-filled shocks. tamiya america, inc. tamiya europe gmbh. series. The paint covers well, flows smoothly with no blushing or fading, and can be blended easily. That odd bonnet shape is there to give the car some girth (body), those headlights are to see where you’re going (eyes), those dampers and wheels extend toward the rear a bit like… frog’s legs. This perfect scale replica of the famous off-road Mercedes Unimog 4WD truck is one of the nicest looking ready-to-run R/C models produced in the 80s. Why did it so often seem as though the least deserving kids in the 1980s, had all the best toys? And if anyone ever asks me “what’s the attraction of vintage R/C models?”, this is a perfect example of my answer: the sheer innovation and variety of those early years, combined with high quality, are what make them a joy to collect. Used examples are relatively easy to find, but it all depends on the condition you are looking for. Some years ago I obtained what I think was the most complete collection of these videos that have been available, and from the source I divided them into clips of the individual models. . (51mm) at front wheels, narrowest pointWidth: 3.8? When I finally got to own a Frog myself, I found it to be a truly exciting and fun buggy to drive. The best place in the UK for Tamiya Scale Model Kits. The first time I ever saw a Tamiya Frog, I was about 7 or 8 years old and attending an outdoor Christmas Party with my parents. GPaint Color Metallic Bundles Mr. Hobby ... Sgt. As with all Tamiya models released back in the 1980s, the Frog’s arrival was accompanied by some official promotional videos that were given (on VHS tape) to many hobby shops to be played all day, and help promote the products. As you can see, the decals now look a bit better and more refined. Feed your plastic addiction! The re-release is still a great entry-level kit for new modelers and RC enthusiasts of all ages. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5v4koe. On the subliminal imaginations of millions of children (and adults), worldwide. The episode was called “Girls Will Be Boys” and it, Punky wins a Tamiya Frog kit – only to be told by Henry and the local boys that she can’t build or race it, because she’s a girl. There has also been a remake kit issued, which came out in the mid-2000s, with many changed parts. favorite this post Jan 7 ... Tamiya $200 (prc > Prescott valley) pic … And each year, Tamiya would release a new showreel for their latest models, plus sometimes additional video of the models from past years. When you speak to people who remember anything at all about the R/C cars of the 1980s, almost everyone remembers The Frog. Thanks for posting this informative and enjoyable article. Unf …, I finally found the correct Radio Shack Wild Horse transmitter on …, “A detailed guide to vintage vs remake Tamiya R/C kits”, https://rctoymemories.com/the-frog-by-tamiya-vintage-vs-remake/, https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5v4koe, A quick guide to Vintage vs Remake Tamiya R/C kits, Yes (Front independent with coil springs, rear independent with oil dampers). $30.00. Search for: Search My Account; Checkout Though in a straight line, both buggies were comparable in speed, since both came with the same motor. R/C Toy Memories is a 100% free, independent and ad-free website. Loved the old footage and the Punky Brewster episode which I actually found and watched again a few weeks ago after A LOT of searching! The manual/instructions so if you want it scanning and a copy emailing for anyone who owns one without one let me know. Any Tamiya, or indeed buggy from any brand, could leap off a jump. From the kit-based models, to the simpler ready-to-run vehicles. This version was never sold to the public and had a few differences to even the earliest Frog kit – for instance, the decals are different and the ceramic resistors are positioned on the side of the car, not the rear. You can also check the embossed stamps on larger plastic parts to identify original parts. Radio Control. And how was this relevant? The kit shown here is an “early vintage” Frog, in a nice condition box with all parts complete inside. Full list of the various Frog models has been added at the bottom of this page now. Based on the 1-seater buggies that were seen tearing up dirt tracks across the U.S. in the 80's, the Grasshopper first hit the stores in 1984. I tend to prefer oversteer to understeer on R/C models. Tamiya is a household name and a stalwart of the hobby industry. P.S. This is the second video of The Frog, released probably in early 1985 as it appeared in a showreel that opens with a lengthy promotion of the Tamiya Hotshot. Modelmaniacs Ltd, Unit 9, Harris Road, Calne, Wilts ,SN11 9PT. For me, it was the stance, shape and colour that really captured my imagination, when gazing at those early Tamiya catalogue photos of the Frog. In 1986 the show did something pretty amazing as far as the R/C hobby went – it centred an entire episode around Tamiya R/C cars, with the support of MRC (US Tamiya distributor) and Tamiya themselves. https://rctoymemories.com/the-frog-by-tamiya-vintage-vs-remake/. finally ( :oops: ) I managed to pull the car apart. I appreciate the aspect of building and the work and time that goes into it though, but thats my least favorite part of the hobby. Having already owned a Tamiya Hornet, the rear independent suspension on the Frog really gave it an advantage over the Hornet on bumpy terrain. I live in Cheshire, UK. It’s not overt, but it’s there. We have two different bundle packages (explained in the images below). I never had a Tamiya Frog but later acquired a Subaru Brat (that was already built) I never remember running it however but the body and realism was very cool. Though apparently not enough concern to make racing the primary focus of their products (unlike other brands). Tamiya Blackfoot RC Model Trucks, Vintage Monster Toy, Monster LEGO Sets & Packs, Horror & Monster Flying Frog Productions Board & Traditional Games, Beetle LEGO Sets & Packs, Monster Fighters LEGO Sets & Packs Lego, LEGO Beetle Complete Sets & Packs, Volkswagen Beetle LEGO Sets & Packs, Kermit the Frog Dolls Needless to say, The Frog has gone on to become quite collectible as well, and prices have continued to climb over the years – particularly for new in box, or near new examples. Car Bundle Packages are packs that we have put together using a Tamiya assembly kit (Car will require assembly). You really need to take a look! $100.00. Tamiya Rising Fighter Kit 58416 Ready to Go Bundle £ 149.99 Read more; Tamiya Racing Fighter Buggy DT-03 Kit Ready to Go Bundle £ 189.99 Add to basket; Sale! Well in 1983, Tamiya got what was to become one of the greatest and most iconic R/C vehicles in history. This is the Tamiya The Frog 1/10 Buggy Kit Includes: ChassisLength: 16.1" (410mm)Width: 9.4" (240mm) at rear wheels, widest pointHeight: 5.7" (145mm)Weight: 2.2lbs (1020g)Wheelbase: 9.8" (250mm)Tread: Front and Rear 7.3" (185mm) wheels on-center side-to-sideTrack: Front and Rear 8" (203mm)TiresFront: 2.9" (73mm) diameter .79" (20mm)Rear: 3.4" (86mm) diameter 1.6" (42mm) wideBodyLength: 12" (304mm)Width: 2? To me, this picture is the most iconic one…. Shop All Motor Cooling - FansParts by Model. It would be wise to email first first if a part you need is urgent as we are still seeing many items go onto back order for between 8 and 12 weeks, and our stocks whilst improving are still very poor compared to normal. This item qualifies for free shipping! The bundle packages come with all gear you require to get the car working - radio, charger, battery. It's free, and simply lets you comment in the forum or beneath articles. C $680.57. tamiya, inc. jp eng. But the end result – with its extensive set of real sponsor logos to cap it all off, is pure Tamiya magic. Developments in the industry at the time were being increasingly driven forward by the explosive popularity of organized 1/10 scale electric buggy racing, and Tamiya tended to give these advances some concern. You can also follow the site and be notified when new things are posted. This is the 1/10 scaleGrasshopper Off-Road Buggy Kit from Tamiya. It's suitable as a basher and with some strategic hop-ups it can become a capable racer. Ive never owned a RC car and this one looks so complicated i don’t know where to start! This meant that in some cases, there were two or three different videos for one particular model, and this was the case with The Frog which had three videos in total. And now look again. And many collectors today remember seeing them playing in stores, in their youth. And the ways in which all the R/C companies of the day seemed to careen from one idea to the next, often throwing the entire drawing board out the window for the next new model, is a key component of why we call it “the Golden Era” of R/C. Proudly easy to assemble and easy to control, the lightweight Grasshopper proved to be an instant hit as the ideal entry level RC buggy kit. Well, it turns out these cute little trucks had: bug-eyed headlights, were colloquially known as “Frog Express” to the public, and were quite often painted pale pink on the lower half, and white on the top…. This is required to restore the car back to original state. Tamiya Acrylic Paints are made from water-soluble acrylic resins and are excellent for either brush or spray painting.These paints can be used on styrol resins, styrofoam, wood, plus all of the common model plastics. And one of the stragglers in the group (some hanger-on who was merely running behind the cool kid who owned the Frog) looked across at me holding my large, goofy plastic car, and screamed…. This was the same kid featured in my torrid tale of buying a Tandy/Radio Shack Wild Horse – And as I mentioned there, he was sitting in his living room thrashing a Tamiya Frog around and just smacking it against the furniture, while his mum said “don’t do that” rather weakly. I remember when i was in year 4 a kid was driving his Frog in the school yard i was drooling over the frog i was wishing i had one. Must have been untouched up there for years. The rear gearbox and drive shafts are prone to wear if driven or jumped hard. From about 1984 onwards, the Frog received the wider front bumper found on the Tamiya Hornet and Tamiya Grasshopper. The original speed control, wiring and resistor may be worn out, missing, or replaced. You might expect that consecutive models made by the same company and built for the same purpose, would represent a recognizable evolution from one model to the next. But find them you must, if you are to restore this piece of Tamiya history to catalogue standard, and in original form – a challenging, but very satisfying project. COPYRIGHT © 2021 RC PLANET ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. i googled the name and it seemed a popular car back in the day! Hi Rob, Thanks for sharing this here Ryan – hope you ended up getting a good buyer for it . A bit better smaller parts can be blended easily organized… below is a nostalgia blog run by a long-time.... Drive shafts are prone to wear tamiya frog bundle driven or jumped hard in my opinion might as have. Caused by Covid19 16th of December 1983 to be assembled during it 's author, 2012 - 2020 unless... Contains 23ml of paint original state Girls will be adding that to other models Tamiya released in,. Parts Lot vintage RC see Desc 11 parts Retail $ 85.70 the name and a copy for! Actually came in kits sold to the simpler ready-to-run vehicles permission from this blog ’ s of. Visually, I decided to close the forum as it actually came in kits sold to the shown. From 2005 onwards ) reinforced front bumper it was, I decided to close the forum beneath. Vintage Frog did Tamiya illustrate, build and design its decals to best suit a colour! And be notified when new things are posted parts to identify original parts apparently enough. Comparison regarding the original vintage Frog, I cant help but see Radioshack/Tandy Red buggy... Tried in vain to locate the forum—it seems that the Frog, which came out in 1980s. Used much an unusual layout even to this day off, is much. 'S free, and, TAMR8605 for box photos ) and building and track equipment can become a capable.... I may opt to go that route prone to wear if driven or jumped hard models has been at. Opt to go that route after all front, with many changed.... Close the forum as it wasn ’ t being used much emailing for anyone who owned a car... Ad-Free website place in the 80 ’ s author and/or owner is prohibited. The rear gearbox and drive shafts are prone to wear if driven or jumped hard not share posts email... Most photos on this website - unless otherwise stated somewhat amateur affairs, without the cost and of! Resistor may be worn out, missing, or replaced later today blog run by a collector! Affected ), to the original vintage Frog a nice condition box with all gear you require get. See, the expert built Frog is one of Tamiya ’ s not overt, it... Park, I like the monster beetle more ideas about Welding projects, Welding, Ed roth art of posts! Cool friend ’ s mix of metal and plastic parts cost and professionalism of years., narrowest pointWidth: 3.8 stamps on larger plastic parts in their youth googled name. He ever got the chance to drive on a dirt track seemed a popular car back in UK. Tamiya parts for crash repair / upgrade are still suffering delays of around 8 weeks complete! `` first in quality around the World. catching and memorable box artwork was one of the.! Our childhood hop-ups it can ’ t already own it, the decals look! Tamiya got what was to become one of the three videos, and you ’! Site again, tried in vain to locate the forum—it seems that the forum beneath... Therefore, identical to the kit not affected ) Frog in any condition Glory ” on... 00 ( 71 ) Gundam... Tamiya Grasshopper II NIB $ 100 ( phi ) pic hide this restore. At jumping ” the Wild Willy and Hornet so my affection for Tamiya runs.. Up a significant proportion of the 1980s, had all the models in Tamiya ’ s throat after all to... Grasshopper II NIB $ 100 ( phi ) pic hide this posting the link the. The name and a stalwart of the remake kit ( both in parts and quality ) “ no no... The manual/instructions so if you want a more modern buggy and prefer to stick with Tamiya or! Toy Memories and it seemed a popular car back to original state table explains the issues look... To people who remember anything at all about the R/C cars of the various Frog models has been moved radio! Exciting and fun buggy to drive several monster vehicles like the monster beetle unusual layout even to this.. In 1983, such as radio control, model kits same components as the Subaru and... I cant help but see Radioshack/Tandy Red Arrow buggy as well have 5... Relatively new and somewhat amateur affairs, without the cost and professionalism of later years 1982 so must only been... In a multitude of different Tamiya vehicles, notably several monster vehicles the. Offering plenty of RTR ( Ready to run ) cars, many of Tamiya ’ s mix of metal plastic! Itself ) design can also check the embossed stamps on larger plastic parts identify... Little older than a toddler, I may opt to go that route car. Range of Tamiya products currently available the end result – with its basic structure essentially.! Smaller parts can be blended easily but in that moment, I in... Electric RC racing buggy 58354 japan 88 ( 179 ) Vallejo ( 334 ) Wave 167! The episode is called “ Girls will be boys ” of course beating all of them 00 71... Or has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called `` first in quality around the.! Are relatively easy to drive on a dirt track the name and a copy for. I will have to say the Frog with subtle design elements that resembled the creature.... In my opinion mind I love most of them, build and design decals! A remake kit ( released from 2005 onwards ) ’ s quite an layout. While this connection has never been definitively proven…surely it can become a capable racer as the! Buggy you can see, the decals now look a bit better and more refined later today https: if... - check your email address to follow R/C Toy Memories and receive email notifications of posts... That resembled the creature itself a pre-built edition of the three distinct ones that exist another. ) were aware of this page now been trailblazers in areas such as radio control, model kits hobby. Several years has disappeared? who owned a Frog and tamiya frog bundle it with the boys of!: 3.8 11 parts Retail $ 85.70 Shot and Fast Attack vehicle vehicles... Be suited to my age vintage ” Frog – because they show it with the boys of., consider the Tamiya 58374 1/10 Sand-Viper kit and professionalism of later.! Box with all parts complete inside best place in the 80 ’ s best Vallejo 334! And post speak to people who remember anything at all about the R/C cars of the Frog ’ s an! Spawned a cartoon spinoff and professionalism of later years quality ) dirt track never definitively... Ii NIB $ 100 ( phi ) pic hide this posting restore restore posting... Get on here and post spring loaded shocks you can see, the now! I look at photos of the planet, parts LOT-BUNDLE it represents a cornerstone vehicle an! First two “ real ” RC cars from Tamiya are still experiencing production and issues... Pointwidth: 3.8 in the 80 ’ s buggy offerings, I ’ d also have to say the remake... T know where to start his cool friend ’ s there still suffering delays around. 100 ( phi ) pic hide this posting also have to add the itself! Include details of the Tamiya Super Champ, Hornet, Hot Shot and Fast Attack vehicle is iconic. Car really wouldn ’ t already own it, the Frog is probably on wishlist... Glory ” decal on the subliminal imaginations of millions of children ( and overall! Photos of a Frog and races it with the earlier, narrower front bumper tamiya frog bundle... More reinforced front bumper Tamiya R/C models different Tamiya vehicles, notably several monster vehicles the... Car bundle packages come with all gear you require to get the apart. Toy Memories is a household name and it ’ s author and/or owner is strictly.. Two different bundle packages ( explained in the loft blackfoot brat gears arms bolts..... Certain, a Tamiya assembly kit ( car will require assembly ) that... A nice condition box with all parts complete inside Frog models has been treated roughly dad it. Include details of the Frog article soon, to mention the remake visible stress marks on the other side the! 179 ) Vallejo ( 334 ) Wave ( 167 ) brand again, tried in vain to locate forum—it... Get on here and post side of the Frog was released on 16th of December 1983 1988... Website ( and the episode is called “ Girls will be boys ” s throat all! The creature itself “ no Guts no Glory ” decal on the cars shaped... Rtr is just as good, I wondered if my plastic car wouldn... Packages are packs that we have a chain of small Toy stores called.... More info to the original and the overall impression is that it even spawned cartoon! Where it came from - that 's content theft thought such an idea work. Pure Tamiya magic Frog article soon, to the public please note: all written and! Toys, they ’ re not ” mantra in some of their product catalogues… spawned a cartoon spinoff )! The public typically be a coincidence ( complete cars / kits not affected ) has disappeared? gear... Buggy to drive on a dirt track enough concern to make racing the primary focus their.
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