Hirobo Tomcat - Anyone? Anyone?

[Coelacanth]

Hi Guys,

I did a search of this particular section for "Tomcat" and was rather surprised to see no results whatsoever.

I remember in the mid-80's, working at the LHS, and the Hirobo Tomcat arrived. It was pre-built and very popular as an entry-level buggy back then, and it wasn't half-bad at all. It was also one of the earlier cars to use a belt-drive system, if I recall correctly. It was one of the cheaper buggies but feature-wise, it had a lot going for it. Oil-filled shocks, front & rear stabilizers, camber adjustments F & R were just some of the features that put it above cars like the Grasshopper & Hornet, Marui Galaxy/Hunter, etc...I remember selling those Tomcats like hotcakes, but can't recall ever seeing one running, and didn't know anyone who owned one. How did it perform, was the gearbox & belt system up to snuff?

Does anyone here own one? It would be kinda fun to soup one up with some modern-day hop-up parts.

[Bormac]

It's true you never see these around and can't say I've ever heard much of them. I'd like to see more on this car too.

[Lowgear]

I've never seen the box for one before... is that a sketch? Awesome

[purpletimbo]

I found you a pic of the actual car, that is a sketch I reckon
http://www.vintagercweb.com/tomcat/tomcat_promo.jpg
many thanks to vintageweb
Quite a few guys on Tamiyaclub own one, and list a Bearcat as well?

[Coelacanth]

I found you a pic of the actual car, that is a sketch I reckon
http://www.vintagercweb.com/tomcat/tomcat_promo.jpg
many thanks to vintageweb
Quite a few guys on Tamiyaclub own one, and list a Bearcat as well?

Yep, the box art is a sketch. IMHO, not the best way to market the product! But the same profile on Tamiyaclub where I got that box image has a picture of the actual car in the box. I'll try to find it...

I remember checking out the car first-hand when I worked at the LHS, and when you compared all the features with similar "bigger brand" cars that cost more, and the fact it was RTR, made it a hot seller with the entry level crowd. Parts availability--that was the thing that wasn't mentioned.

EDIT: Here's the pic.

[GJW]

pretty cool car in my eye's just for the fact that you don't see it much at all, love hirobo styling and will have to grab one one day

[Lowgear]

I didn't realize it until I just went and looked but they are still around: http://model.hirobo.co.jp/english/
They seem to make a little bit of everything if you look around the Japanese site.

[mrlexan]

I've got a box full of parts, don't think there is enough to build a car. I do wish there was though to be honest. I think they are kinda cool.

[GJW]

jay have you got a gear cover for a alien??