RPS Yokomo YZ-834B
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2020 7:39 pm
I've recently become interested in early Yokomo products and was lucky enough to score an RPS Yokomo YZ-834B off eBay. It is a bit of a rough example, but a survivor nonetheless.
Almost as important as the car itself is the documentation that came along with it. What the documents show is the confluence of Japanese and US manufacturers/distributors in the early days.
Again, I'll preface everything I am saying with I am brand new to early Yokomo research but it does appear as if RPS was acting solely as a distributor for Yokomo, specifically the YZ-834B. Likely this car began life as an "RPS Yokomo 4 Wheel Drive Kit" from "RPS Distributing", part number 'RPS 01'. Included price/parts list is dated "August - 1984". Interestingly, the only other "RPS" specific products listed are 'RPS 50', 'RPS 51', and 'RPS 51', all bearings kits respectively.
However, it is also possible this car was purchased via Delta Mfg. as included documentation states that "Delta Mfg. Now Distributing Yokomo 1/10 Offroad Racecar". "Delta Manufacturing Inc." catalog/price list reveals Delta part# 16401 for the Yokomo YZ-834B kit priced at $150.00. Additionally, there are many Delta specific upgrade parts listed for this car, some of which are on the example car pictured below. I will attempt to call out these parts in the pictures to follow. This list is dated "DECEMBER 1985".
It is evident Delta played a significant role (arguably more than RPS?) early in this cars product development in the US.
As I continue researching it will be interesting to see how much Delta influence was carried over to the 'RPS SE' released later.
Almost as important as the car itself is the documentation that came along with it. What the documents show is the confluence of Japanese and US manufacturers/distributors in the early days.
Again, I'll preface everything I am saying with I am brand new to early Yokomo research but it does appear as if RPS was acting solely as a distributor for Yokomo, specifically the YZ-834B. Likely this car began life as an "RPS Yokomo 4 Wheel Drive Kit" from "RPS Distributing", part number 'RPS 01'. Included price/parts list is dated "August - 1984". Interestingly, the only other "RPS" specific products listed are 'RPS 50', 'RPS 51', and 'RPS 51', all bearings kits respectively.
However, it is also possible this car was purchased via Delta Mfg. as included documentation states that "Delta Mfg. Now Distributing Yokomo 1/10 Offroad Racecar". "Delta Manufacturing Inc." catalog/price list reveals Delta part# 16401 for the Yokomo YZ-834B kit priced at $150.00. Additionally, there are many Delta specific upgrade parts listed for this car, some of which are on the example car pictured below. I will attempt to call out these parts in the pictures to follow. This list is dated "DECEMBER 1985".
It is evident Delta played a significant role (arguably more than RPS?) early in this cars product development in the US.
As I continue researching it will be interesting to see how much Delta influence was carried over to the 'RPS SE' released later.
Anyone know what 'Fast Track Racing' might be a reference to?
