The
original 58016 Sand Scorcher was released in 1979 based on the SRB
(Special Racing Buggy) chassis introduced the same year. It was
re-released in 2010 as 58452, the version I have. The SRB is
really something special. Not only is it the first RC buggy chassis
ever, but it is virtually all made from metal. The bottom plate is
fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), but all the suspension and gearbox
components appear to be cast aluminum. The wheels are an
innovative 3-piece beadlock design. The hard body was originally
styrene, but the updated version is ABS. The model includes a
driver and a simulated engine exhaust for detail. The electronics
are all sealed in a clear plastic case which sits centered on the
chassis. This is a rear wheel drive buggy without any differential
so handling can be exciting. The front suspension is independent
trailing arm type and the rear is independent swing arm. This
means the rear camber changes with suspension travel. This is
actually how the real original Volkswagen Beetle suspension
worked. The shocks are oil filled, a first at the time.
Unlike most Tamiya kits it does not use a 6-cell stick battery pack but a
smaller, almost square pack. I had to get creative to find
something
that would fit.This is an old design and can't be expected to compete with anything modern in terms of performance, but in terms of innovation and appearance it still stacks up very well. It looks amazing with that two-tone paint job and hard shell, and the tires look just like something you might see bouncing along the beach. I did a few things to make it even better. On the box it shows a metal tube front bumper but what actually comes in the box is a straight bar. I found a box art style bumper at Rcchannel.com and they had some other goodies too like a conversion to a real double wishbone rear suspension. To top it all off I added some 3D printed parts from Knight Customs. These include a highly detailed engine and a driver figure printed in full color from sandstone. I love the result.
This thing is fun to drive. It handles like a pig and bounces all over the place, but that's just perfect for an old Beetle beach buggy. The only problem is that it's so nice I have to be careful not to roll it over. There is no need for any hopped up motor in this one, the silver can 540 is just right.
Update: This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire. It has not been replaced.
 Page 1: Assembly |
 Page 2: Upgrades! |
 Page 3: Final Photos |