The Hilux is another major milestone for Tamiya. Compared to it's periodic counterparts, it's massive, not so much in size as in weight. The entire chassis is of metal and the 3-speed gearbox is of course adding to the weight. The first thing you notice about the Tamiya Hilux is the stunning detailed body. In this case, it comes in two major pieces, the front with the cab and the rear section covering the radio box. The body is detailed, as usual, with Tamiya's attention to detail, there is even a cockpit with a driver. Looking at the exterior, you will also notice the nice looking wheels. Very nice rubber tyres, mounted on aluminium wheels, again mounted on very detailed hub where the fronts are working freewheeling hubs. One major problem on the original Hilux are the plastic inserts in the tyres. They are made of hard plastic, and in spite some attempts by Tamiya to make them softer, they make the Hilux bounce all over the place even on fairly smooth surface. The chassis are, like the SRB chassis actually constructed like the real thing. There are two main chassis beams running the entire length of the chassis, connected by several traverse beams. The axles are of cast metal making them strong but of course vulnerable for deformation if the impact is too violent. Tamiya fans have also seen that some of the castings are out of tolerance making the axle assembly difficult to impossible, depending on how bad it is. The gearbox on the other side has proven durable. If you take care of the spur gear while driving, the rest of the gearbox will last as long as the internal bonze bearings lasts. The model in itself was very expensive in the early 80's. In addition, you had to use three channels for steering, throttle and gearing, forcing most parents to fork out cash for a four-channel radio system. Before you were out of the local hobby shop, the staff would have reminded you that driving the Hilux on regular 1200mAh batteries would make little sense. The heavy model and the 540 motor would drain the 1200 faster than anything would. Of course, Tamiya knew this, and designed new, big 4000mAh batteries specifically for the Hilux and later Blazing Blazer.
Part no: 50023
Description: MABUCHI RS-540
Part no: 50160
Description: TRANSISTORIZED SPEED CONTROLLER
Rigid axle leaf spring
Rigid axle leaf spring
Part no: na
Description: NONE
Part no: na
Description: TYRE INCLUDED WITH WHEEL
Part no: na
Description: TYRE INCLUDED WITH WHEEL
Part no: 50162
Description: TOYOTA PICK UP TYRE WITH WHEEL
Part no: 50162
Description: TOYOTA PICK UP TYRE WITH WHEEL
All parts according to Tamiya Guide books, Tamiya manuals and Tamiya parts listings.