Tamiya Boomerang

[Dangeruss]

In 1986 Tamiya decided to change up their 1/10 4wd electric off-road buggy platform, an action that resulted in, the Boomerang. A fitting name for the buggy as its deeply molded ABS plastic tub chassis was just one of the many differences that set it apart from the previous Hotshot, though the suspension and drivetrain would have it quickly come flying back to familiar territory. Apart from the blue plastic uprights and hub carriers the four-wheel independent suspension system with its long ball joint double a-arms up front would remain the same, with only a mild change to the shape of the double a-arms out back. Longer shock mounts would be fitted to the lower front a-arms to allow room for the bright yellow plastic bodied 0il-filled coilover monoshock with clip in spring spacers, while the rear would receive a blue plastic shock tower and a pair of those yellow oil-filled coilovers, all to replace the Hotshots more complex IFP dampers. Anti-sway bars were still utilized, but only up front, secured to the chassis with a shorter pair of blue plastic towers. A new sliding rack steering system with Kimbrough style servo saver used shorter adjustable tie rods with spherical ends for reduced bumpsteer, the mechanical speed controller and radio gear positioned just behind in the middle of the open chassis just above the externally mounted battery sitting transversely behind a hinged bottom loading battery door. The pinion, spur, and bevel gear rear differential as well as the double counter gear bevel front differential, cases and all, were pulled directly out of the Hotshot, though connected by a new and rather peculiar double eyelet rod for the center driveshaft. Dogbones connected to single piece white plastic phone dial wheels slipped inside the 12.50-20 Super Gripper R directional rear tires and 9.80-20 Supper Gripper R directional front tires. A new single seat lexan body with bolt on lexan wing adorned the Boomerang as did a large front bumper, tubular side battery guards, Tubular motor guard, mechanical speed controller, Mabuchi RS540S motor, a full set of bushings and an "Eager" Ted Edwards driver figure in the unassembled kit:

[Brendan2904]

This was a great build on the ReRe side. I wish I had an original. I am sure it would have been a blast to build and run.