Tamiya Sand Scorcher 2010 1/10 Off-Road 2WD Racing Buggy Kit (Unpainted)
About this part
Vintage Racing Buggy Style with Modernized Performance
The Tamiya Sand Scorcher 2010 1/10 Off-Road 2WD Racing Buggy Kit brings back one of the most iconic off-road buggies ever released, faithfully preserving the spirit of the 1979 original while incorporating refined components throughout. This re-release maintains the classic layout and distinctive Volkswagen-licensed body that made the Sand Scorcher a fan favorite. Molded in white polystyrene for custom paint work, the detailed hard body recreates the buggy seen in the one-make race at the Baja 1000 in California. Its rear-wheel-drive chassis and durable construction deliver the aggressive driving performance that defined the original.
About the Sand Scorcher 2010
Classic Design Reimagined
The Sand Scorcher's body captures the unmistakable silhouette of the Baja-inspired racer, complete with molded details that reflect the original's charm. The officially licensed Volkswagen shell offers a sturdy platform for custom paint schemes, while the included Type 540 brushed motor provides dependable power for off-road running. Large rear rubber tires and narrow front tires contribute to its authentic stance, giving the buggy a purposeful look that matches its performance.
Durable Chassis Engineering
A two-millimeter-thick fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) plate reinforced with aluminum forms the backbone of the chassis, balancing strength and flexibility for stable handling. The four-wheel independent suspension uses a front double trailing arm and rear swing axle setup, supported by die-cast suspension arms and oil dampers for smooth movement over uneven terrain. Full ball bearings reduce friction throughout the drivetrain, and a clear plastic box cover protects electronics and battery components from dirt and debris.
Off-Road Performance Heritage
Mounted on three-piece center-lock wheels, the Sand Scorcher's grooved front tires and ribbed rear tires provide excellent traction across loose surfaces. The metal gearbox paired with the 540 motor ensures reliable power delivery, while the included Hobbywing THW-1060 ESC offers modern control in a vintage-inspired platform. Every element of the kit reflects Tamiya's commitment to honoring the original design while enhancing durability and drivability for today's builders.
Features:
- Officially licensed Volkswagen hard body
- Two-millimeter FRP chassis with aluminum reinforcement
- Four-wheel independent suspension system
- Die-cast suspension arms for durability
- Oil dampers for controlled off-road movement
- Metal gearbox paired with Type 540 motor
- Three-piece center-lock wheels
- Grooved front and ribbed rear tires
- Full ball bearings throughout the drivetrain
Includes:
- (1) Sand Scorcher 2010 1/10 Off-Road 2WD Racing Buggy Kit
- (1) Hobbywing THW-1060 ESC w/Tamiya Connector
- (1) 540-Size Brushed Motor
- (4) Wheels & Tires
- Product Manual
Needed To Complete:
- (1) 2-Channel Transmitter & Receiver
- (1) Steering Servo
- (1) 2S Shorty LiPo Battery (7.4V) (96x47x25mm)
- (1) Compatible Battery Charger
- Paint for Body
Specifications:
| Scale | 1:10 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 2WD |
| Power Source | 2S LiPo |
| Length | 15.75in (400mm) |
| Wheelbase | 9.84in (250mm) |
| Width | 9.06in (230mm) |
| Height | 7.09in (180mm) |
| Weight | - |
| Assembly Level | Kit |
*Tech Note: RC Kits are an unassembled Remote Control Model that require assembly, racer selected electronics, and other racer 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 · 7 reviews
I have my original from late 70’s. I’m hoping to build this one, and have the part numbers needed to repair my original of parts are available, if not, I’ll just be bringing back 40 year memories and that works for me as well. It was one of my first hobby type RC vehicles. Was really into slot cars back then, but free driving was way funner. This kit appears to be the same, but I haven’t built it yet, just opened it up to drool a little.
Great kit, excellent quality, challenging… highly recommend the item and AMainhobbies. Lightening speed shipping and excellent customer service. Outstanding in every way!
Two years after I bought this kit and I finally got a chance to build. In the past a few days, I managed to have the chassis built, completed electronics setup, and spray painted the body with Tamiya French blue. Overall it’s a bit of joy and satisfaction when putting things together. The only issue I had was the rear tires assembly, which you can’t find a clear instruction online, and the drawings didn’t warn you that the tires have to be mirror installed. It took me an entire afternoon to have the two rear tires assembled. For those who are first time builder and looking for a hint, here’s hints for you: 1. Make sure the two rear tires are mirrored, it doesn’t matter which one is which as long as they are not assembled in the same forward directions, it’s going to be a loyal pain if you try to disassemble if you made a mistake. 2. Place the tires in the hot water for about 5 minutes, use paper towel to wipe dry the tires before putting the rims in. 3. Wear cut resistant glove on your dominant hand. 4. Place the rim perpendicular with the hole of tire, tier is at the bottom, the rim on the top. Press really hard make it like you try to push the entire rim through the holes. 5. When the rim is half way inside of the tire, try to fit the larger side with strips inside of tire first, e.g. if the setup has the lager side of the rim on the left hand side when sitting on the tire, try to press the rim on the right side to make it rotate 90 degrees clockwise at the vertical plane. Keep on pulling the tire on the right hand side from inside to allow the smaller side of the rim slides into the tire, similar like you putting on socks on the feet. 6. Do not lubricate the tire or the rim, because traction is friend. Overall, the effort pays back, and if you want try something easier to build but with the same chassis mechanism, try the rough rider (buggy champ), which IMO, has the same level of fun to build, but less hassle.
Building this brought back memories. It was a delight to assemble, and nearly everything is made of metal. It’s beautifully designed, and the instruction manual is excellent.
Fabulous Bug! Love it. This is the best think that Tamiya has put out.
All seven reviews are five-star and from verified owners of the unpainted Tamiya Sand Scorcher 2010 kit. Reviewers consistently praise the build quality, the largely metal construction, the clear instruction manual and the vintage-styled design. Several mention nostalgia for the original late-1970s Sand Scorcher. One builder reports that the rear tire assembly was difficult because instructions did not clearly show that the two rear tires must be mirrored, which took a long time to sort out. Shipping and customer service from the seller are also praised. Reviewers note the build is tedious and time-consuming, which many see as part of the appeal. Several reviews focus on the seller rather than the kit itself, and none describe on-track performance.
- + Excellent build quality
- + Nearly all-metal construction
- + Clear instruction manual
- + Nostalgic vintage design
- − Rear tire assembly instructions unclear
- − Tedious, time-consuming build