Dragon and Jr time frame questions

[Saito2]

Does anybody remember if the the Jr versions of the Thunder Dragon and Fire Dragon were released before the 1/10th scale versions? I vaguely remember seeing them on hobby store shelves first. The reason I ask is it might explain a question I had about the Jr version since I was a kid. I always wondered why the Jr versions did not have accurate front suspensions (two upright "coil springs" vs "CVA type", mono and twin upright respectively). If the Jr versions did come to market first, they might depict them as the optional  body sets (which appeared first) on a Hornet-type chassis.

[Mokei Kagaku]

As I've collected the Mini 4WD's since the beginning, this is something I've been aware of and the Thunder Dragon Jr. and Fire Dragon Jr. indeed depict them on the Hornet chassis.

Release dates: 

 

Thunder Dragon Body Parts Set (for Hornet): April 1987

Thunder Dragon Jr.: December 1987

Thunder Dragon: March 1988

 

Fire Dragon Body Parts Set (for Hornet): November 1986 

Fire Dragon Jr.: June 1988

Fire Dragon: April 1989

[Saito2]

Thanks for clearing up that age old question I had Mokei. You truly are an indispensable source of knowledge on this forum.

[iluvmud]

So cool.. never knew that!! I bet those must be super rare to find!

found this cool pic though- from the TC site no less!