Kyosho Tomahawk rere'd

[scootmike 36]

I would REALLY be surprised if they did a Sidewinder as I believe it was a Cox only model.

[Wandy 1596]

Prediction: I think the Optima will be re-released in 2016, or maybe 2017. I think it will be belt driven, not chain. There is a reason why the re-release of the Scorpion includes an improved gearbox using 48P gears and stock gear differential: Mild brushless motor support and lessons learned over the years. A belt is more efficient and can handle brushless power just fine, yet still be "hidden" away so it is not obvious that the re-release is different from the original.

I think Kyosho will call it the "Optima 2016" even though it will have a belt, rather than re-release the Optima Mid, etc.. The Optima started it all and Kyosho will want to keep it vintage. The original body will be used with perhaps minor tweaking. Likely a slipper will be added, like markbt73 said, and it will accommodate LiPo packs. Kyosho will say "It represents the styling of the original release, but with modern updates and improvements for today's electronics." Which is perfect because it will be just like the Scorpion 2014.

Then, in 2017 (or 2018), the Javelin will be released. Same basic chassis design as the Optima. The roll cage will be updated with tougher plastics to withstand rollovers better. Multiple roll cage colors will be offered as options.

I think that will conclude Kyosho's re-release plans. All of this is part of Kyosho's 50th anniversary, so re-releasing anything newer like the Ultima series would not be enough of a differentiator when compared to today's Ultima's. I mean, my Turbo Ultima looks a lot like the Ultima RB6 with the body off. Too similar to bother re-re'ing.

You may well have it spot on with regards to how a Optima & Javelin re-release will come about, however I'm not convinced it will end there.

As has been pointed out above, it could all come down to how well the current re-releases are going down in terms of sales and also how Kyosho's brand image is being enhanced....or diminished...by actually bringing them back.

Personally, I think Kyosho have belatedly cottoned on to the fact that they can do something interesting & special with the vintage stuff, with the challenge being to make metal based buggies perform to a standard that is very close to the modern, current day tech that uses plastic & carbon fibre. With that in mind, there is a strong case to be made for the re-release of the Optima & original Ultima chassis'. There is also a possibility that the SWB Mid could be considered as it's main backbone is an aluminium chassis plate.

The original Lazer represents the beginning point of where the old tech was ushered out so I am not sure if they could justify bringing that one back since, as you point out, it could be seen as too similar to modern tech. Maybe, just maybe, though they could re-introduce it as the one last re-release "hurrah". I think that would be nice.

So here's what is feasible, IMO.

Turbo Scorpion - December 2015

Optima - June 2016

Javelin - December 2016

Optima Mid - June 2017

Ultima Mk1 - June 2018

Lazer Mk1 - December 2018.

That's enough to satisfy the demand for the most popular vintage Kyosho buggies. The remainder, ie Rocky, Progress etc can then become the collectors items.

[Klausen 1235]

I'll will be happy with that plan Wandy. Would like Kysoho to rere the full Mid series though.

[Raman36 1802]

Wandy,

I like your plan, I also like the fact that you left off the Sidewinder. I do hope they don't bother with it, especially if it delays the re-re of an Optima!

I too was wondering if Kyosho going to do anything for the Shizouka show. Last time I checked was about two weeks ago and nothing! Today I checked and found the Tomahawks return.

I think for December they should release the Turbo Scorpion as the finale of the circuit 1000 and in conjunction re-release the Optima.. It's asking a lot, but then again it's Christmas.. Little boys that grew up to be men need their toys!

[Raman36 1802]

The body really is from the original mould. It had two dimples on the roof for the original mount clip

[Wandy 1596]

I like that they have included the "dummy" heatsink, in the same way that Tamiya did with the re-re Hotshot. It looks really great.

[Klausen 1235]

This is gonna be good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dPMLA6UfxjA

[Wandy 1596]

Oh yes.

I do love Kyosho's videos. The Scorpion vid was superb and this one is rather good too.

By the way, I enquired with Banzai if they were taking pre-orders for this kit and they said that they weren't because they could not even guarantee they would be getting any stock, since they were told that the kit will be a "very limited production" item. Read into that what you will.

[Wandy 1596]

A couple of early photos from Shizuoka.

[BigSteve 152]

This is gonna be good.

I like it.

[steelo 104]

Please Kyosho...for all that is holy, re-release the Optima!

[Klausen 1235]

A couple of early photos from Shizuoka.

I want those posters.

[Raman36 1802]

Oh yes.

I do love Kyosho's videos. The Scorpion vid was superb and this one is rather good too.

By the way, I enquired with Banzai if they were taking pre-orders for this kit and they said that they weren't because they could not even guarantee they would be getting any stock, since they were told that the kit will be a "very limited production" item. Read into that what you will.

Banzai said the same thing for the scorpion release

[Wandy 1596]

Banzai said the same thing for the scorpion release

Not to me they didn't. I was allowed to pre-order two of them.

[Raman36 1802]

I didn't bother, price in the U.S. was just as good.

I'll probably order from Amain again.

[Wandy 1596]

More photos from Shizuoka...

Modelsport's pre-order price is 26% higher than that of the Scorpion & Beetle.... http://www.modelsport.co.uk/kyosho-tomahawk-2015-2wd-buggy/rc-car-products/389664 ...why that is I have no idea but I hope it's not replicated at the Aisan stores.

[Raman36 1802]

Apparently they feel that removing the plastic tub and adding an aluminium servo plate, 4 posts and a graphite radio plate, anodising the shocks red costs 26% more

[SupraChrgd82 1434]

Agreed. It's too mch like the Scorpion and Beetle to justify dumping another wad. I'm holding out for the next re-re. (Please be the Optima...please...please....)

[Raman36 1802]

Just noticed that the beetle did cost more than scorpion

[madmickmalone 79]

Standard practise, slowly increase prices, if the optima is re-released , i suspect the price to be also higher.

[Raman36 1802]

Listed on Towerhobbies for $249

[Champ85 620]

Bleh. $15 more than the Beetle was. What justifies the increase? I'll wait until it drops a bit before pre-ordering.

[Raman36 1802]

Come in champ, less means more lol

I have mine in cue at Tower, using a club coupon it came to $215 shipped. I don't think I'll find a better price than that

[Raman36 1802]

$1 = 124.10 yen. Makes my itch to order something from Japan. Shame the Tomy is not listed there

[steelo 104]

I'd love to see a re-release of some of the Kyosho vintage motors to keep the cars as nostalgic as possible. I remember my father's Optima with the 360 Gold motor and man, that thing flew.

It would also be really cool to see a vintage vs modern buggy race of similar classes with pro drivers to see how far r/c cars have come in the last 20 years. It would be amazing to see a 4wd Optima or Javelin with the custom long spiked tires go against some of the modern day 4wd's on a dirt track. I'm willing to bet with some tuning, they could be competitive as long as you keep the motors comparable.