Tamiya Blackfoot
Posted: Mon May 12, 2025 5:54 am
In 1986 Tamyia unleashed one of the most popular models the company would ever create, a 1/10 2wd electric Monster Truck known as, the Blackfoot. Such a huge hit the Blackfoot was credited with starting what would become the 1/10 Stadium Truck racing class, all based on the humble beginnings of the Frog 2wd buggy which Tamiya wisely chose to pump up for monster duty. The Blackfoot was assembled with the same plastic space frame chassis, now molded in bright red plastic, and four-wheel independent suspension system with small front upper and lower control arms contrasted by large rear trailing arms. From there Tamiya molded new front uprights to add some height and width to the chassis’ stance and a tall plastic front shock tower that supported the extended length undampened coilover shocks. Outback the rear suspension would receive precious few changes beyond a pair horizontally mounted, and also undampened, coilover shocks. The Blackfoot would still rely on z-bend adjustable tie rods and ballcups run directly to the Kimbrough style servo saver, all placed ahead of the truck's electronics which were situated under a molded plastic cover. The bottom loading transverse mounted battery provided juice for the 540 powered pinion, counter, and bevel gear differential inside the metal side plated plastic transmission housing. Metal dog bones covered by rubber boots led to a set of car crushing 4.8in. diameter rubber All Traction Utility tires on single piece yellow plastic wheels. Towering over the competition was a highly detailed molded plastic Ford F-150 body with chrome grille and bumpers as well as a bed mounted roll bar, lights, large front brushguard, bushings, mechanical speed controller, Mabushi RS540 motor and Ramblin Ron Driver figure all included in the unassembled kit. This big wheeled version of the ORV chassis would see a long life under five future vehicles including the Monster Beetle, Mud Blaster, Brush Devil, Super Blackfoot and King Blackfoot: