Rough Rider
Model Number: 58015
Released
1-NOV-79
Drive
Rear 2wd
Suspension
Swingarms rear w/torsion bars, trailing arms front with hairpin springs, oil filled metal dampers
Chassis Description
fibre glass plate, waterresistant radio box
Body Type
Hard white plastic
Motor
RS-540S
Original Price
18000 Yen
Width
210mm
Length
400mm
Height
150mm
Wheel Base
250mm
Weight
2,100 grams
Scale
1/10th
Tires
front:Semi pneumatic rubber tire
Rear:Semi pneumatic rubber tire
The first of the Racing Buggy series, and truly a landmark car in Tamiyas history, brought radio control cars to the masses. (Original description by Stulec52)
Reviews
PeteC
Fond memories! My first real RC car was a Rough Rider, somewhen back in the early 80s. My dad bought it for me, second hand (as most things were for us...). It was missing a bodyshell and had Sand Scorcher rear tyres, but the shorter front bodypost. It came with the standard Acoms set, and a 6V pack.
After weeks of saving pocket money, I bought a Rought Rider bodykit, 2 new rear tyres and a 7.2V pack (not all at once!!), and my 'hunk of junk' became the real deal, just like on the box! (blue/white).
I never did fix the problem it had of jamming in reverse though... I guess it must have been a faulty speed controller, or even servo. I remember getting through about 3 rear bumbers because of the car flying full speed backwards into the driveway curb
I don't know where my sudden craving for owning a RR again has come from recently, but it's been strong! Over the last few weeks I've been keeping eBay online I think
I've now got a RR, good condition but to be stripped down and rebuilt, and also a Sand Scorcher shell and pieces.
I great car, the Rough Rider will always be my personal favourite simply because that's what I had!
bholio
Rough Rider is a cool car. My first RC from back in the 1980s. Mine hasn't moved under it's own power since 1996. This car has the same chassis as it's more famous cousin, the Sand Scorcher as well as the nearly-forgotten F150.
) made holes in the radio box to make it easier to recharge the battery. You should consider NOT doing that.
With the exception of the body and radio box, there is virtually no plastic on this car. Almost everything is metal, attached to a fiberglass chassis plate. The main components of the car are very durable. It's heavy.
If you are actually going to run one of these (or a scorcher/F150), the biggest problem is the radio box. When used with the original speed control, receiver battery pack, and hump-back 7.2V battery there is no room to spare, and it is very hard to properly close the lid. Lots of people (like me
NIB replacement bodies are very expensive, but seem to come up on ebay every 2 months or so. Radio boxes are also expensive. Almost all chassis parts interchange with the Scorcher and F150.
If you are twiddling with yours, be careful you do not strip the tiny holes in the front suspension arms where the hex 'nubby-bolt-thingies' go to attach the arm to the car. This is very easy to do (don't ask me how I know this).
Shodog
This buggy is a fun car to drive. While it will never compare to the likes of an RC-10 or a losi XX, it is still entertaining. The suspension is limited. The rear torsion bars are very stiff. Traction is limited with the stock rear tires. The radio box is fairly sealed, i wouldn't call it water proof but definetly water resistant. Driving one of these will make you appreciate just how far buggy technology has come.