Such a gorgeous and classic buggy, Fil, they don't get much better than this! Love the tyre sniff, you connoisseur! The quality of the components in this kit really shines through. I'm certain you are gonna have a blast with this one, dude - enjoy! 😎👌👍
There's just something about these old Kyoshos that really catches the eye, isn't there?!?! And I can't say no to a good tire sniff, haha! Cheers, Mark! 🍻
Intro is hilarious I do that to my kids all the time. I have this one as well with the Kyosho 240S brushless motor and ESC, and for some reason I felt the need to buy every single option part in the back of the manual from Japan. I can't believe how expensive it came out to. I should build it.
Haha, glad you like it, pal. There's a lot of Bill and Ted influence on my show. Haha. I hear ya on the $$$ hop ups. They're so nice, though! Totally worth it! 👌
@@poorboysrc You know Kyosho has always struggled with parts supply. It's never been their strong suit. One can go into any RC hobby shop in the world and find brand new Tamiya parts from the 80s. I could only get these parts in Japan. No US support whatsoever. I like Banzai and Plaza Japan.
Dude, it's SOO Nice! Funny thing is, I've had this kit sitting under my bench for about 8 months, just waiting in line to be built. Literally the weekend I build it, and start making YT vids on it, Kyosho releases the '87 Worlds Spec edition. What timing!
What a cool buggy, Fil! And a great job presenting it, nice idea with reading the description during the time lapse, Kyosho writes a lot in their product description, ha ha! It turned out really nice, I loved some of those close-up shots showing the gold and red and stuff, very nice! Now take it to the beach, get it scuffed up, get some sand on it, dude!
Thanks for the feedback, Mads. I really enjoyed making this video (despite some hardware issues). Fingers crossed the rain let's up, and I can go get it sandy! 😀
Coincidentally, I crashed my Avante. The lower rear link of the front suspension assembly busted and there was no 3D printing technology back then to provide any long term solution.
Another self confessed Tamiya fan boy here mate...... but you just can't beat this buggy, or any of the legendary series for that matter! The quality of the design and components is incredible, they look devine, and the driving experience is delightful!! Oh, and that distinctive kyosho belt driven sound is like music to your ears! I have the turbo optima, and it's probably my favourite buggy to drive! Have to agree with you regarding the instructions though mate, I thought exactly the same. Caught that cheeky tire sniff there Fil, no unboxing video is complete without the mandatory sniff..... although I must admit, kyosho rubber never quite delivers the same 'hit' as Tamiyas! 🤣 Looking forward to the running video, especially if it's anything like your BBX one! 👌 👍 👍 👍
I have yet to drive a belt-driven RC, so I'm really looking forward to this sound you speak of. Ah, I can't wait! And yes, I agree, Tamiya tires do indeed have a little more potent "bouquet" than Kyosho's. Haha! 😆👊🏼
@@poorboysrc You will love it mate trust me!! As for the tire sniffing..... Be careful dude, it's a slippery slope..... I have a large number of kits that remain unbuilt just so I can preserve that 'fresh tire' smell!! I sneak up into my hobby room at least once a week for a cheeky tire toot, shutting the door behind me for total privacy in my guilty pleasure! I even have a 'pong rating' system.... clod buster still remains at number 1 with a 9.5 out of 10! A fragrant initial hit of toxic dark rubber, followed by a nostalgic hint of eighties track day meetings, balanced out with a delicious but subtle latex undertone!! DELIGHTFUL!!! 😍 Gosh, rehab beckons I think! 😉 👍 👍 👍 😊
Yeah, I had to. I must admit, painting a body solid white felt boring at the time, but the decals really bring it to life. Fingers crossed the rain let's up and I can get it out for a spin soon. 👊🏼
I bought mine from Eliminatior months ago ( I live 5 minutes away lol) . I've been stocking up on all the Option House parts to do a top build like I had with the original I had back in the late 80's. Worst thing I ever did was sell my original. Just trying to get the universal drive shafts is all I need. Some Titanium rods would be nice, but I don't think they actually made any, they list them but impossible to get. I also bought the 240 Gold brushless for it!
That's a super cool kit, I have been watching vintage racing that come up on one of the speed challenge channels. Would be nice to have one but super pricy over a Tamiya Vintage Dragon and other series.
Yeah, you definitely pay for the Kyosho rere's. They do use some top-notch materials, though. Kind of like building (and paying for) a Top Force from Tamiya. 👊🏼
Thanks for the awesome feedback, my friend! Appreciate you taking the time. I've got a running video of this buggy set to air tomorrow, I hope you'll like it. 👍🏻
@poorboysrc yes absolutely I am hoping Tomorrow they get here.. Canada always takes the longest to get them 😢 I'm looking for a kyosho gold fantom if anyone has one... to be honest I really dont buy re release kits I'm into original vintage I got a few hundred cars all different brands but these were a couple I just had to have... now saying I dont buy re release I shouldn't because I do have a few that I bought over the years but now I kinda wish I would have bought at least 1 of each just to have lol
Awesome build ! This car drives beautifully, a mix of smoothness and sharpness (short wheel base). I put an undertray on mine to be on the safe side. You may also watch the belt tension 😉 Can't wait for the driving video 👍Thanks
@poorboysrc I think at first I was on the 3rd notch. But after a while (3-4 Lipo), it was cracking when braking on grass. Out of lazyness, I went for the max (10th notch), but could probably turn it down to 8. I read a trick that, if needed, you can use the Optima belt, which has 1 less tooth. That's a trial-and-error depending on many factors (power, surface, driving style, ...) 😉
Do you use a loudness meter when mixing your audio? If you don't, youlean loudness meter works great and is free! Gets all your audio the same volume. Cheers!
If you're after the most power? I'd go with a 3100kv (ish) brushless motor, 3S, and a Hobbywing 10bl120 esc. That's going to be very powerful, probably 50mph (ish) but could also expose the antiquated design to failure. I don't know how well the belt drive will survive that kind of juice. 🤷♂️
@@poorboysrc I guess I asked poorly. When I used to race in the late eighties, there was no such motors. We used to run modified motors in 4x4 electric classes, like the Reedy gold dot. So my question was “what is the most powerful motor and ESC that they would use in an IFMAR competition?”.
Phil, the optima mid you built is no longer available. Your's has the blue decals. However, you can still get the optima mid as you said just no blue decals. I think the blue decals allow you to turn your optima mid into a turbo optima mid. Thoughts?
I purchased mine from Eliminator-RC, and I just double-checked, and they do have more still in stock, which I believe should be the exact kit I purchased, which would contain the extra set of blue decals, and black wing. I'm going to need to order another body from TBG, so I can have the Turbo Optima Mid look. 👊🏼
@@poorboysrc If you can still get the Optima Mid with the blue decals that would be great. I got one but could not find another one. Also, RCmart might still have the original Optima mid body. I got one from them. Of course it will not have the blue decals, but you do not need those anyway. Thoughts?
Good question. I'm not exactly sure, I don't have any to test with. But I can say that it does come with 48p gears, which should open the doors to more gearing options.
I don't plan on changing the tires, but if I were to, I'd go with a more modern rim and tire combo. The 12mm hexes are pretty much standard for 4wd buggies. So just match the offset, find a tire/rim combo you like, and you're set. 👊🏼
They have a Kyosho shop here in Malaysia but its out of stock atm but I have an issue I am buying too much and Im only here for work oneday when I move home it will be ashipping container of rc stuff.
@poorboysrc it's a long way from Kuala Lumpur to Canada. The shipping would be a lot. At the end of the month, Im going to Canada and America want a 1/5th scale, but the shipping cost is more than the baja buggy 😪🍻
Such a gorgeous and classic buggy, Fil, they don't get much better than this! Love the tyre sniff, you connoisseur! The quality of the components in this kit really shines through. I'm certain you are gonna have a blast with this one, dude - enjoy! 😎👌👍
There's just something about these old Kyoshos that really catches the eye, isn't there?!?! And I can't say no to a good tire sniff, haha! Cheers, Mark! 🍻
Intro is hilarious I do that to my kids all the time. I have this one as well with the Kyosho 240S brushless motor and ESC, and for some reason I felt the need to buy every single option part in the back of the manual from Japan. I can't believe how expensive it came out to. I should build it.
Haha, glad you like it, pal. There's a lot of Bill and Ted influence on my show. Haha.
I hear ya on the $$$ hop ups. They're so nice, though! Totally worth it! 👌
@@poorboysrc You know Kyosho has always struggled with parts supply. It's never been their strong suit. One can go into any RC hobby shop in the world and find brand new Tamiya parts from the 80s. I could only get these parts in Japan. No US support whatsoever. I like Banzai and Plaza Japan.
@@goldenmanuever1176 x2 for Plaza Japan, they're great!
If I didn't have this one with all the options, I'd get that green Optima Mid ’87 WC Worlds Spec 60th Anniversary. Most excellent!
Dude, it's SOO Nice! Funny thing is, I've had this kit sitting under my bench for about 8 months, just waiting in line to be built. Literally the weekend I build it, and start making YT vids on it, Kyosho releases the '87 Worlds Spec edition. What timing!
IT is a super cool kit and one on my to-get list for sure (that list is ridiculously long)! It turned out looking awesome!
Haha, I feel ya, Addam. The perpetual "to buy" RC list is real. I feel your pain! 😆
What a cool buggy, Fil! And a great job presenting it, nice idea with reading the description during the time lapse, Kyosho writes a lot in their product description, ha ha! It turned out really nice, I loved some of those close-up shots showing the gold and red and stuff, very nice!
Now take it to the beach, get it scuffed up, get some sand on it, dude!
Thanks for the feedback, Mads. I really enjoyed making this video (despite some hardware issues). Fingers crossed the rain let's up, and I can go get it sandy! 😀
They are a nice car. I drove mine once! Crashed. Now it sits on the shelf next to the Avante, gathering dust!
Oh no! That's too bad, Nick. But I'm sure it looks amazing up on the shelf. 👌
Coincidentally, I crashed my Avante. The lower rear link of the front suspension assembly busted and there was no 3D printing technology back then to provide any long term solution.
Another self confessed Tamiya fan boy here mate...... but you just can't beat this buggy, or any of the legendary series for that matter!
The quality of the design and components is incredible, they look devine, and the driving experience is delightful!! Oh, and that distinctive kyosho belt driven sound is like music to your ears!
I have the turbo optima, and it's probably my favourite buggy to drive!
Have to agree with you regarding the instructions though mate, I thought exactly the same.
Caught that cheeky tire sniff there Fil, no unboxing video is complete without the mandatory sniff..... although I must admit, kyosho rubber never quite delivers the same 'hit' as Tamiyas! 🤣
Looking forward to the running video, especially if it's anything like your BBX one! 👌
👍 👍 👍
I have yet to drive a belt-driven RC, so I'm really looking forward to this sound you speak of. Ah, I can't wait! And yes, I agree, Tamiya tires do indeed have a little more potent "bouquet" than Kyosho's. Haha! 😆👊🏼
@@poorboysrc
You will love it mate trust me!!
As for the tire sniffing.....
Be careful dude, it's a slippery slope..... I have a large number of kits that remain unbuilt just so I can preserve that 'fresh tire' smell!!
I sneak up into my hobby room at least once a week for a cheeky tire toot, shutting the door behind me for total privacy in my guilty pleasure!
I even have a 'pong rating' system.... clod buster still remains at number 1 with a 9.5 out of 10!
A fragrant initial hit of toxic dark rubber, followed by a nostalgic hint of eighties track day meetings, balanced out with a delicious but subtle latex undertone!!
DELIGHTFUL!!! 😍
Gosh, rehab beckons I think! 😉
👍 👍 👍 😊
@@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC hahaha, well written, James. You need to write a novel: "Confessions of a tire sniffer." 😆
@@poorboysrc
Sadly mate, this is a totally true confession! 🤣 😂 🤣 😂
👍 👍 👍
@@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC haha, love it! 🤣🍻
cool, i used to race an Optima Mid custom special back in the day.
They're beautiful buggies!
Next years speed run car Excellent kit!
Haha, 100mph belt driven Kyosho! 🤣
I’m in! Got one of these on the shelf! Already brushless.
What a great looking buggy! I am looking forward to a beach video
I might have a chance to get out in the next day or so. Fingers 🤞
Dude, you have a great collection.!
Thanks dude! 👍🏻😉
Busy building mine, just love these old school buggy's...👌
Niiiice, have fun! Are you going white or yellow with your body paint color?
@@poorboysrc i will be doing the white, box art....👍
@@mariusmarais8329 nice! I just had to, too. It's so iconic.
Stunning Fil! You went with the iconic white paint job I see 😎 Can’t wait to see how this beautiful RC drives pal.
Yeah, I had to. I must admit, painting a body solid white felt boring at the time, but the decals really bring it to life. Fingers crossed the rain let's up and I can get it out for a spin soon. 👊🏼
I bought mine from Eliminatior months ago ( I live 5 minutes away lol) . I've been stocking up on all the Option House parts to do a top build like I had with the original I had back in the late 80's. Worst thing I ever did was sell my original. Just trying to get the universal drive shafts is all I need. Some Titanium rods would be nice, but I don't think they actually made any, they list them but impossible to get. I also bought the 240 Gold brushless for it!
That sounds awesome, man. I'd love to see it when you're done! Shoot me some pics at poorboysrc78@gmail.com
That's a super cool kit, I have been watching vintage racing that come up on one of the speed challenge channels. Would be nice to have one but super pricy over a Tamiya Vintage Dragon and other series.
Yeah, you definitely pay for the Kyosho rere's. They do use some top-notch materials, though. Kind of like building (and paying for) a Top Force from Tamiya. 👊🏼
These are such great looking buggies
They sure are, Thad! 🤤
Awesome build! I love my Mid. It’s A great handling buggy. Enjoy the drive!👍😊
They sure are nice to look at, aren't they? We've got rain coming today, so the run will have to wait another day. 😭
Dang!!! She is pretty!!!! I remember seeing these and the Javelin at the hobby shops and wanting one!!! Great vid!!!👍👍👍
Thanks, man! Yeah they sure do catch the eye. Just a perfect stance on them. 👌
I love the Kyosho reres
Me too! They're so nice!!! 🤩
Love the video and the channel nice work
Thanks for the awesome feedback, my friend! Appreciate you taking the time. I've got a running video of this buggy set to air tomorrow, I hope you'll like it. 👍🏻
Hey that looks epic Fil what a lovely kit! Great info and I like that you included the obligatory tyre sniff 🙂 Looking forward to my Ferrari 😁👍👍
The tire sniff is mandatory, it sets the mood for a good build. Lol!
What color Ferrari are you thinking? British racing green? 😆
@@poorboysrc oh can I have a red Magnum PI one please? That would be smashing 😁👍
That's my first choice, too! Haha!
Awesome build Phil, glad you went with those colors! It looks epic!🤜🤛👍
Thanks, brother. I'm happy with the cors, too. Painting a body straight white seems boring, but the final product is 👌
Dream car for sure.. Thanks Phil great video..
Thanks, Paul. 👊🏼
Great video mate and cool Car 😊
Thanks, pal! 👊🏼
I'm waiting for my kyosho ultima jj replica and Optima mid 87 worlds cant wait
Oh dude, two beauties! Nice choices, man. I bet you're beyond stoked! 👍🏻
@poorboysrc yes absolutely I am hoping Tomorrow they get here.. Canada always takes the longest to get them 😢 I'm looking for a kyosho gold fantom if anyone has one... to be honest I really dont buy re release kits I'm into original vintage I got a few hundred cars all different brands but these were a couple I just had to have... now saying I dont buy re release I shouldn't because I do have a few that I bought over the years but now I kinda wish I would have bought at least 1 of each just to have lol
sweet looking rc,great build and review,would love to have one one day
They really are eye-catching, aren't they? I'm working on the beach running video edit as we speak. 😁👊🏼
Great kit! Came out great!!
Thanks, pal! 👊🏼
Awesome build ! This car drives beautifully, a mix of smoothness and sharpness (short wheel base). I put an undertray on mine to be on the safe side. You may also watch the belt tension 😉 Can't wait for the driving video 👍Thanks
The under tray is a good idea. How tight (or loose) do you recommend the belt to be? The assembly guide instructions had it very loose.
@poorboysrc I think at first I was on the 3rd notch. But after a while (3-4 Lipo), it was cracking when braking on grass. Out of lazyness, I went for the max (10th notch), but could probably turn it down to 8. I read a trick that, if needed, you can use the Optima belt, which has 1 less tooth. That's a trial-and-error depending on many factors (power, surface, driving style, ...) 😉
@@coygtrc good to know, thanks for the info. I've never driven a belt driven car, so this is new territory for me.
Did you custom make your undertray from a sheet of lexan?
There an awsome kit, and go great on the track, esp if you fit the long wherl base conversion 👌
I am tempted to try it on our local indoor offroad/carpet track. They start racing soon, and I can see this buggy just tearing through the jumps. 😁
@@poorboysrc its great on a twisty track, the swb helps a lot, but they can be a little twitchy on big bumpy tracks 👍
Do you use a loudness meter when mixing your audio? If you don't, youlean loudness meter works great and is free! Gets all your audio the same volume. Cheers!
Right on, appreciate the tip. I'll look into it!
Great job, Fil. Looks to be a better deal for me than TD4 for me. Getting close to a top 10 Christmas gift idea's ..... no..... too soon......😂
Haha, never too soon for Christmas ideas!
TD4 Super Avante is ABS plastic(???!!!)
Optima Mid is aluminum and fiberglass (I think), so it is premium in my mind; TD4 is not.
That looks great.
Thanks, pal! 👊🏼
Cool car. I remember these
They're true RC classics! 👍🏻
Great car and build Fil. When will my Ferrari arrieve?
Thanks, Dirk. Just need another 999,995 subscribers in the next 3 months, and you can put that Ferrari on order. Just send me the bill. 😆👊🏼
Pull it apart and return it. The 30643 Optima Mid ’87 WC Worlds SPEC 60th anniversary limited edition has just been announced!!!
I know! What timing! 🤦
Good excuse to buy another kit 😆
@@Nixxtrr you said it! 🤣🍻
What would you advise to have the most powerful Optima Mid with brushless motor, ESC and LIPO batteries?
If you're after the most power? I'd go with a 3100kv (ish) brushless motor, 3S, and a Hobbywing 10bl120 esc. That's going to be very powerful, probably 50mph (ish) but could also expose the antiquated design to failure. I don't know how well the belt drive will survive that kind of juice. 🤷♂️
@@poorboysrc I guess I asked poorly. When I used to race in the late eighties, there was no such motors. We used to run modified motors in 4x4 electric classes, like the Reedy gold dot. So my question was “what is the most powerful motor and ESC that they would use in an IFMAR competition?”.
Phil, the optima mid you built is no longer available. Your's has the blue decals. However, you can still get the optima mid as you said just no blue decals. I think the blue decals allow you to turn your optima mid into a turbo optima mid. Thoughts?
I purchased mine from Eliminator-RC, and I just double-checked, and they do have more still in stock, which I believe should be the exact kit I purchased, which would contain the extra set of blue decals, and black wing. I'm going to need to order another body from TBG, so I can have the Turbo Optima Mid look. 👊🏼
@@poorboysrc If you can still get the Optima Mid with the blue decals that would be great. I got one but could not find another one. Also, RCmart might still have the original Optima mid body. I got one from them. Of course it will not have the blue decals, but you do not need those anyway. Thoughts?
I just checked, rcmart does have the Kyosho optima mid body but is low in stock.
Does it accept aftermarket spur gears like kimbrough?
Good question. I'm not exactly sure, I don't have any to test with. But I can say that it does come with 48p gears, which should open the doors to more gearing options.
Why is it an “upgrade” to replace the original aluminum shock towers with FRP shock towers? Is FRP any better than aluminum?
I wouldn't consider FRP shock towers an upgrade over aluminum. 🤷♂️
I knew you'd sniff those tires!
Hahaha, I'm becoming addicted. 🤣
@@poorboysrc I was born without olfactory bulbs, so I am entirely unable to smell my rc car tires. or anything else.
@@PsychoticBovine oh man, that's too bad. Sorry to hear that, man.
it is what it is.....
What do you do for tires? I am having trouble finding decent 1.9” tires for them..
I don't plan on changing the tires, but if I were to, I'd go with a more modern rim and tire combo. The 12mm hexes are pretty much standard for 4wd buggies. So just match the offset, find a tire/rim combo you like, and you're set. 👊🏼
Did all the kits come with both sticker sets?
As far ad I know, Joe, all the rere's come with both sticker sets. 👊🏼
@@poorboysrc My Mid did not come with a second set of decals or extra wing I think it only came with the first production run of the rere
Did you ever see Brice’s videos of his baja 5 b that loos like a giant optima
No, I haven't. I'll have to check it out.
They have a Kyosho shop here in Malaysia but its out of stock atm but I have an issue I am buying too much and Im only here for work oneday when I move home it will be ashipping container of rc stuff.
Clean them out!!! Hahaha! 😆🍻
@poorboysrc yeah should have a yard sale but I live in a condo ha 🍻
@@kanenstuff send them all to me, I'll keep them safe for you. 🤣🤣🤣🍻
@poorboysrc it's a long way from Kuala Lumpur to Canada. The shipping would be a lot. At the end of the month, Im going to Canada and America want a 1/5th scale, but the shipping cost is more than the baja buggy 😪🍻
Not too late? Is this a limited release?
Yeah, it's a re-release. Typically when they're gone, they're gone.
@@poorboysrc Ohhh crap 😬 When was the last release? Will it be gone for like 5 years?
@@SirSavesALot1977 this release came out about a year ago. Once inventory is gone, they may never release them again. So grab one now, if you can. 👊🏼
@@poorboysrc Ok thanks!
Man that’s nice! Awesome build buddy! And it’s belt driven!🤔🤔🤔…. I wonder how fast it can go😬😬😬😂 jk good stuff buddy👊👍👍
Kyosho says it can handle brushless systems, so I dropped in a 15.5T Kyosho Le Man's motor. Let's see what happens. 😆🍻
my 60th anniversary jj replica kits came in today ❤ very excited for these ones
Niiiiice, Ryan. Have fun with the build, my man! 🍻
your video is SO washed out/overexposed it makes it pretty much unwatchable
Definitely no love for that filter from the viewers. It looked decent on my monitor when editing, but on my TV it's no Bueno. Live and learn. 👊🏼
@@poorboysrc oh man, you chose that? damn. lmao
@@dirtrider88 sure did! Haha!