Futaba FXT: One of Two Futaba-Tamiya Collaborations
Some members are aware of the short-lived entry into their own R/C models by Futaba back in the mid 80's - early 90's. Some members are also aware that these were joint efforts of a partnership between Futaba and Tamiya and were both based on existing Tamiya models. For anyone who wasn't aware before, now you are!
The MORE common of the two such models is the FX-10, which was based on the Striker chassis with some modifications. The sides of the Striker chassis were shortened, a Lexan canopy was used instead of the hard plastic ones on the Striker and Sonic Fighter, the blue spoiler and accent parts from the Striker were changed to red and the wheels were given a slightly different spoke pattern. Other than that the FX-10 and the Striker are essedntially the same buggy. The arms, gearbox, tires, driveshafts, axles and outdrives, etc are all interchangeable!
The LESS common of the two, the FXT is a stadium truck based on the Stadium Blitzer, but actually a step up from the Blitzer in a number of ways including coming with an aluminum chassis, FRP shock towers, adjustable suspension arms, and a standard ball diff among them. Like the FX-10 however, the gearbox, tires and other misc parts are EXACTLY the same parts as on the Stadium Blitzer. Fascinating right?!
I recently got my hands on a NIB FXT kit, which I couldn't pass up. I'd previously gotten hold of a partly complete FX-10 NIB, which is also pictured here and which I've traded to markbt73 as part of a trade for a Clod and a Novak brushless system (excited for my first Clod!).
I believe this may be the first NIB FXT on TC! Can anyone confirm/disconfirm this?
Comments
Plopes
I really like this kit - These are very hard to find.
Thanks for sharing.
Max Power
Wow, great entry Beefy. I never knew the FXT even existed. Thanks for sharing these little gems!
MAD-BEE
Wow!!! Two very cool interesting kits Ben!
Very special! Nice one!
BeetleOne
I like them, specially the Stadium Truck! Interesting find! Never seen them before!
Thommo
The FXT looks to have the grey Super Astute dampers too. With an alloy tub, FRP shock towers, those great looking wheels and a ball diff, this thing is completely RAD !
Crash Cramer
I guess I never caught the FX-T was Tamiya based as it didn't resemble the King Cab or Hilux Racer and since I was getting less time in the hobby, I didn't pay attention to what was coming out then. Thanks for the lesson, I have seen plenty of these two, but didn't know all that much on the FXT and good luck on your Clod, er BEEFBUSTER.
beefmuffin
Thanks everyone! Yeah the Tamiya connection in the FX-10 is a lot more obvious. I wasn't totally sure in fact about the FXT until I dug around some more for confirmation and once you look closely at the gearbox and tires, especially given the collaboration on the FX-10, the Tamiya DNA can't be missed.
robertoro
WOW I`m very happy to see this car's on TAMIYA CLUB, in particular the FUTABA FXT, I have a project, but is not complete , I like this model, the chassis is in anodized black aluminium, and there are same carbon parts, very solid, is not bad , great cars .
gravetxt-1
You learn something new everyday I had no idea Futaba made kits in the past. Uber cool well done.
Novastar
I also had no idea about either of these two. Very interesting to know there's a step up from one of my favourites (Stadium Blitzer). Good to know they are out there !
beefmuffin
Thanks guys! I didn't realize how few people knew about these. Well, pretty cool, huh?
mongoose1983
I do remember them. They were a bit cheaper than Tamiya and their quality was very very good.
beefmuffin
I wonder if people back then realized they actually *were* Tamiya in all but name...?
Hotshot Hero
Very cool, I have an FX10 in great used condition and knew it had to be made by Tamiya as it was so close, but thought for years that it was a real good 'knock off'.. BUT this FXT is something else.. Why didn't mr T use an ali tub..?? I would love to buy this seeings it is on the bay, but no doubt will have a massive interest and go for a pretty penny.. We'll ee I guess.. Awesomes..!
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