Hello everyone, and welcome to a brand new series on the blog! I’m calling it my “Return to RC” journal.
I’ve decided to dive back into the wonderful world of radio-controlled cars, a hobby I was passionate about as a kid. And for the very first step on this new journey, I’ve chosen a true legend: the iconic Tamiya Grasshopper.
I’m about to purchase this kit and finally fulfill some childhood dreams. As I get reacquainted with the hobby, there’s no better place to start than with this perfect entry-level machine.
Overview: The Car That Started It All
The Tamiya Grasshopper is one of the most famous 2WD off-road buggies in RC history. Released in May 1984, its legacy endures to this day. It is celebrated for its simple, durable, and incredibly easy-to-assemble design, making it the definitive “first car” for millions of hobbyists worldwide.
Simple yet Charming Specs and Features
The beauty of the Grasshopper lies in its simplicity. It features a lively rear-wheel-drive (2WD) system and a unique rigid axle rear suspension. This setup gives the buggy a fun, bouncy, and engaging driving characteristic that is all its own. The chassis is a tough and lightweight ABS plastic bathtub frame, built to handle beginner driving with ease.
Key Specifications
| Length | 389mm |
| Width | 223mm |
| Height | 135mm |
| Weight | Approx. 830g |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Motor | 380-Type Included |
The Grasshopper’s Place in Tamiya’s Legacy
The Grasshopper is a cornerstone model that vastly expanded the RC hobby’s reach. By offering an authentic RC experience at an affordable price, it lowered the barrier to entry. It’s no exaggeration to call it “the legendary entry model.” Its incredibly successful platform spawned a whole family of beloved vehicles, including the Hornet, the Lunch Box, and the Midnight Pumpkin.
A Uniquely Japanese Phenomenon
In Japan, the Grasshopper’s fame was amplified by the popular monthly manga magazine, “CoroCoro Comic.” The car was frequently featured in a series called “Radicon Boy” (RC Boy), where it was portrayed as a heroic machine capable of amazing feats. This exposure turned the Grasshopper into a cultural icon for an entire generation, making it the dream machine that every kid wanted.
The Road Ahead: An Adult’s Customization Plan
One of the biggest reasons I chose the Grasshopper is the joy of “growing” the car with countless available hop-up parts—something I couldn’t afford to do as a child.
My plan is to start with the essentials:
- Upgrading from plastic bushings to a full set of ball bearings.
- Replacing the standard friction shocks with CVA oil-filled dampers for better handling.
Down the line, I’d love to install a more powerful motor. The journey of slowly evolving this machine is what I’m most excited about.
Conclusion: A New Dream Begins Here
So, this is the partner for my return to the RC hobby. The Tamiya Grasshopper marks the beginning of a new chapter of fun and learning. I plan to document the entire process right here on the blog—from the unboxing and build to the first run and every upgrade along the way. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
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