BIGWIG: The real ones (from PPIHC)
Status: Real car / Reference
Date: 11-Dec-2010
Comments: 30
Well, here's a story about the 1:1 BIGWIG buggies:
Not many people outside the United States knows much about the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race, that is held at Pikes Peak Colorado, since 1916 (Okay, RAYMAN011 doesn't agree). Technically, this race is an annual automobile & motorcycle hillclimb to the summit of Pikes Peak (that's the reason why this race is also known as the 'race to the clouds'), a distance of 19.99 km (12.42 miles) over 156 turns, climbing 1,439 meters (4,721 ft) from the start at Mile 7 on Pikes Peak Highway at 2,862 meters (9,390 ft) on grades averaging 7% over both gravel and paved sections.
Well, one of the categories at Pikes Peak is the 'open-wheel'. Tamiya released in 1986 a special open-wheel buggy (based on the real ones that raced Pikes Peak) to celebrate their 10th anniversary of making R/C models.
*********
IF YOU OWN A BIGWIG, MAKE SURE TO JOIN OUR 'BIGWIG OWNERS & ENTHUSIASTS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP'. ALL BIGWIG FANS ARE WELCOME! :)
Here's a video of the actual race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZKyoxxNBus
1
SWEET!
From a 1986 official TAMIYA publication:
1
Also from the 1986 official TAMIYA publication:
Two examples:
The paved section:
Newer versions:
Newer versions:
Another newer version:
If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
The 10th anniversary car is READY. What a legend!
Comments
Kokuzu
Then i seem to built the exemption. German Rally Worlld Champion Walter Roehrl atomized all Champions when he rocketed uphill with his Audi S1 in 1987. the race is covered in youtube.
mongoose1983
@ Kokozu: That's true, Matthias!
henrikw
I would like to join the wig-sig Erich
How's the resto comming btw? I think these pic's just refuled my urge to finish mine 
mongoose1983
@henrikw: I'll keep you informed if I can find more TCers interested in joining the BIGWIG S.I.G.
No restoration work yet. I expect to receive the replacement parts by mid/late January 2011 to start it.
henrikw
damn postal service
but yes do keep me updated!
CASE1
great pics, thanks for sharing!
Wyoming
Great shots, I have driven up Pikes Peak a couple of times (at normal car speeds) as it is just a few hours away from me.
Fernado Alonso
Wow very nice info an pictures
Good luck with the Big Wig SIG>
Cheers Alex
7.2inchdriver
awesome pics, i love that race.
slimmy
So thats what a big wig was pattern after. Wow.
mongoose1983
@ slimmy: Yep. And it's not a guess. Tamiya acknowledged it back in 1886. There is a small Japanese book from Tamiya that is called 'That's technical RC'. Some of these pictures belong to that book.
Tjaard
Hi Eric, count me in for the Bigwig Club!! Btw, an I helpc you with some Boomerang parts?? I have several left over from my resto which has been finished earlier this year. Be glad to help you - since I still owe you the Boomerang diver cage.... ;-((
Rayman011
Pikes Peak is very well known outside the U.S.A. as a matter of fact. Maybe you should change your description.
mongoose1983
@Rayman011: there you go, read again mate.
mongoose1983
@Tjaard: Hiya Danny. I have not seen my cousin in about a year now, but will contact him for his birthday later on this month. I don't have a Boomerang myself, so I first have to ask him if there is any parts that his buggy is missing nowadays.
Rayman011
Haha funny mate.
Rayman011
The last image you have there is the EV Sports Concept HER-02 which is an electric buggy that has Sanyo batteries.
mongoose1983
@Rayman011: Wow! I did not know that. It's the only picture I found of it. I got curious about it because of the lines of its design resembling the older ones.
SB_Aust
Mint pics. Thanks!
Naxman
Great vintage pics! Count me in, on the Wig-SIG!
Rayman011
Yeah, I'm in
JWeston
Fantastic photos! Tamiya, please release some vintage style buggies!
Tjaard
Sorry Eric, I meant to say that I have BIGWIG parts left over from my resto. Let me know waht you need. Rgrds, Danny
Origineelreclamebord
That's so cool! I never knew the Bigwig was sort of based on a real car :O
mongoose1983
We now have the BIGWIG S.I.G. on! We expect every owner and enthusiast of this particular Tamiya model to join the group and share some pictures and info.
Singleseven
Really interesting post Eric, good luck with the SIG.
def4x4
Wish i coudt drive there one´s in my life, great track and cars!
Chicago Bob
If you want to drive one, or this track, get Dirt or Dirt 2 and an Xbox 360.
SteveU30
Great pics! Is everyone forgetting that the Pikes Peak car on Grand Turismo was THE best car to own on the whole game? I think this game was responsible for making the Pikes Peak race famous world wide too!
mongoose1983
@SteveU30: Thanks! I did not know that.
Want to leave a comment?