Kyosho Turbo Optima Gold 4WD Electric Off-Road Buggy Racer Kit
About this part
Premium Four-Wheel Drive Classic Buggy
This is the Kyosho Turbo Optima Gold 4WD Off-Road Buggy Racer Kit. After the dynamic impact of the Optima was felt across the R/C racing scene, the Turbo Optima launched in 1986 as the strongest machine in the series. In addition to larger diameter tires, large capacity pressure shocks, front & rear stabilizers and Le Mans 240S motor, the immortal Turbo Optima was modernized for 8.4V power and makes its debut as the 7th model of the vintage series.
About the Optima Gold
Hardware
Designed for optimal performance and ease of maintenance, featuring full ball bearings with 18 high-quality bearings, ensuring smooth movement and minimizing drive loss. Additionally, hex screws are used throughout the model, facilitating easy maintenance and providing durability during intense use. This hardware setup enhances the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle, making it a top choice for hobbyists.
Chassis
Equipped with a versatile FRP radio plate compatible with major brand ESCs (speed controllers), providing flexibility in electronic component selection. The rear hub carrier offers three toe angle settings (0°, 1°, and 2°), adjustable by inserting different bushings, allowing for fine-tuning of the buggy's handling characteristics to suit various track conditions and driving styles.
Drivetrain
The robust 4WD belt drive system, ensures efficient power transmission and enhanced durability. The drive system to be converted to chain drive with the purchase of an optional chain. Aluminum hex wheel hubs are securely fixed using set screw pins. Additionally, the buggy is equipped with sintered metal counter gears, which offer increased strength and longevity for demanding off-road conditions.
Features:
- While a faithful reproduction the original Turbo Optima, each key performance component has been revised for compatibility with modern power sources.
- 4WD belt drive. Pulley for chain is also included in the kit so purchase of an optional chain can change the drive system.
- Equipped with FRP radio plate that is compatible with major brand ESC’s (speed controllers).
- Three toe angle settings ( 0°, 1°, 2°) can be used by inserting different bushings into the rear hub carrier.
- Aluminum hex wheel hubs are be securely fixed with set screw pins.
- Equipped with sintered metal counter gears.
- Full ball bearing specifications (18 bearings).
- Includes separate driver figure with helmet and polycarbonate body.
- Battery holders are compatible with various modern batteries and secured with hook and loop straps for easy removal of battery.
- Hex screws used for assembly provide secure construction.
Includes:
- (1) Turbo Optima Gold Kit
- (1) Body and Driver
- (1) Decal Sheet
- Assembly tools
- Shock oil
- Grease
Needed To Complete:
- 2 channel R/C system (servo x 1, ESC x 1)
- 540 size motor (27T-20T recommended)
- Battery (7.2V NiMh battery or 7.4V Li-Po battery)
- Battery charger
- Paint and tools for body painting
- Batteries for transmitter
- Assembly Tools
Specifications:
| Length | 15.5" (395mm) |
|---|---|
| Width | 9.6" (244mm) |
| Height | 4.7" (120mm) |
| Wheelbase | 10.2" (260mm) |
| Weight | 56.4oz (1600g) |
| Gear Ratio | 9.24: 1 |
*Tech Note: RC Kits are unassembled Remote Control Models that require assembly, electronics, and other provided items. Photos of assembled kit are for illustrative purposes only. For a complete list of needed items to drive this kit please see the list above.
Manuals:
User Manual
CA Residents Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov Details...Reviews5.0 · 5 reviews
I am beyond excited for this. I’m 55 yrs old and scared to death to tell my wife I bought this haha. Thank you so much Amain Hobbies. Nothing but the best service. I can’t say enough.
I'm leaving a review for how amain helped out with this product. When I received it, it came missing a part for the differential, which was really irritating for how much I spent on the kit. I initially wrote a negative review, and was then contacted by amain about the issue. I told them that I had found a part that worked at a local hobby store, but had to spend an additional $15 to fix the problem. They were very apologetic and gave me a store credit to compensate for my troubles. I was really pleased with their customer service and will continue doing business with amain.
This is probably one of, if not the best vintage kit out there..A joy to put together and Kyosho just killed it with the gold. Only wish they did the top deck in gold as well, as this is purely a shelf queen kit and more is better in this case. I also opted for the ladder chain to get a more retro feel. But overall you will jot be disappointed. It is a must have for any vintage or RC fan. Hope they do another kit like this.
Fabulous 4WD buggy kit, I have built a number of Tamiya kits over the years and the Kyosho DuneMaster. This was my first foray into the legends series of kits from Kyosho and I was not disappointed. This is a really intricate and fun kit to build out of the box. I loved the pre-cut masking for body painting, excellent quality of parts and great fitment overall. I would say this is a bit more of an experienced level kit, I would not recommend it for a beginner. Another thing I noticed is you really want to take your time a bit more with Kyosho kits in general there are special instructions you do not want to skip over.
I'm like every other middle aged man buying this because he couldn't have one when it was originally out. It's a beautiful kit, and a heck of a lot of fun to put together. It's not as much fun to take apart if you need to replace something, but that's the hobby. I built this to be a runner, and when I did that, I broke some parts, but eventually got it dialed in enough to keep the wheels down on an outdoor track. It keeps up surprisingly well with a brushless motor, and it's maybe the best looking RC buggy of all time. I'm happy to have it on my shelf, but also to know that I can put it through its paces when I feel like it. Grab it if you want it. It's worth it.
Reviewers consistently praise the Kyosho Turbo Optima Gold kit's appearance, nostalgic appeal and build enjoyment, with several noting good part quality and fitment. Reviewers describe it as more suited to experienced builders than beginners, and advise taking care with the special instructions. One reviewer reported a missing differential part, which the seller resolved with store credit after contact, though the reviewer still spent extra to fix it. One reviewer built it as a runner and broke some parts before tuning it, and reported it runs well with a brushless motor. Some reviewers mention keeping it as a display piece. Reviews are all from the same variant and are generally positive.
- + Attractive gold styling and nostalgic appeal
- + Enjoyable build with pre-cut masking
- + Good part quality and fitment
- + Runs well with brushless motor
- − Missing differential part in one kit
- − Less suited to beginners
- − Difficult to take apart for repairs
- − Parts may break during running