The
Top Force holds a special place in history as the 100th Tamiya RC
model. While the number 100 doesn't signify anything in
particular, the first 100 are traditionally considered as the Golden Age
of Tamiya and the most highly collectible. The 58087 Manta Ray from 1990 was the first to use the new DF-01 chassis. The 58100
Top Force followed only a year later and was also based on the DF-01
but with quite a few changes. The original plastic bathtub was
replaced with FRP (fiberglass) chassis plates as were the shock
towers. The gear differentials were replaced with ball
differentials and the suspension had more adjustability. This can
therefore can be considered a more deluxe version of the chassis.
The Top Force was re-released as 58362 in 2005 with minimal changes and quickly sold out. It came back as a limited edition kit (47350)
in 2017 which is the version I have. The 2017 version is the same
as the 2005 re-release except for the tires. The 2005 version
used the original "spire spike" tires, but these were out of production
by 2017 so instead my version uses the "square spike" tires from the
DF-02.This is a 4WD shaft drive buggy with four wheel independent suspension and oil shocks. I used a vintage Dynatech brushed motor to give it performance worthy of itself, and I'm glad I did. There's something special about the high pitched hum of a low turn brushed motor. It drives very well indeed with poise and stability, and the jumps are almost perfectly level. No complaints. I love the way it looks too. This is probably the lowest profile body in the Tamiya buggy lineup, and it features an undertray as well so the internal components are almost completely enclosed. The wing is pretty but fragile. Sadly, there is no room for a driver.
Update: This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire. It has not been replaced.
 Page 1: Assembly |
 Page 2: Final Photos |