BlackSeaRC
Rock Stacker
Maybe considered a crawler when the early Tamiya 3-speed pick-ups were released, but nowadays it has to be classified as a scale-realistic trail truck with limited off-road ability. This is my Toyota Tundra High-Lift that I bought at the end of 2008 and spent quite a lot of time building. It features a lot of old-tech, which is not surprising as it can trace its roots back to the first Tamiya Toyota Pickup released in 1981. A key feature is the 3-speed transmission plus it also uses solid axles, leaf spring suspension and full-time 4-wheel drive. Differentials can be locked with pins to improve off-road ability but the truck is hindered by low ground clearance and stiff suspension. The chassis has considerable weight to it but it is more for fans of vintage nostalgia as it cannot compete with modern crawlers with plush multi-link suspension set-ups. In true Tamiya style, the price is also substantial to get the truck up and running. The video below shows the truck along with the CCP Acoms Techniplus-4 FM 40MHz 4-channel RC system:
If you like the concept of the High-Lift but without the high prices, then another option is the Chinese clones made by HengGuan. I also have one of these that cost around 40% of the price of the Tamiya truck. This version is the HG-P417 Middle East 4x4 Pickup with Toyota Hilux body and presented in a camouflage paint scheme along with military accessories. It uses many of the same chassis parts as the Tamiya kit but it comes as a RTR truck with basic HG brand electronics. Multi-mode 4-wheel steering is also included. If you are interested to compare the two, see the series of videos below for reference, including detailed overview, functional and performance testing, plus an off-road driving adventure by the river:
BlackSeaRC
If you like the concept of the High-Lift but without the high prices, then another option is the Chinese clones made by HengGuan. I also have one of these that cost around 40% of the price of the Tamiya truck. This version is the HG-P417 Middle East 4x4 Pickup with Toyota Hilux body and presented in a camouflage paint scheme along with military accessories. It uses many of the same chassis parts as the Tamiya kit but it comes as a RTR truck with basic HG brand electronics. Multi-mode 4-wheel steering is also included. If you are interested to compare the two, see the series of videos below for reference, including detailed overview, functional and performance testing, plus an off-road driving adventure by the river: