There's no mistaking the Tamiya Baja King for any other buggy: with its retro-modern "tube-frame" body, motocross-style "exhaust pipes" and spikier tires than Lord Humongous's cod piece (you'll have to rent "The Road Warrior" for that reference), Tamiya's newest 4WD off-roader is sure to get a few double-takes at the track. The Baja King is the second "Baja" model to be built on Tamiya's sedan-based TL-01B chassis (the Baja Champ was the first). Its simple, tough and inexpensive design is easy to build and a blast to drive, making the Baja King a terrific kit for first-time builders and for anyone looking for a nearly indestructible play machine. Does that sound like you?
KIT FEATURES CHASSIS. The Baja King uses the same monocoque-style main chassis as Tamiya TL-01 sedans; the TL-01B version simply adds longer suspension arms to the formula, and that's what earns it the "B" for "buggy." The chassis is split along its centerline—clamshell-style. The steering servo and transmission gears are enclosed by the halves when assembled, and the shock towers, suspension mounts and gearboxes are integrated into the chassis; this greatly reduces the Baja King's build time and parts count. In keeping with the King's play mission, the chassis accepts only stick packs; the pack slides through a slot in the chassis, and a pair of "outriggers" holds it with body clips.
DRIVE TRAIN. A shaft-driven, full-time 4WD system turns the Baja King's spiked tires, and it's a typically rugged setup. Tamiya's time-tested 5-gear differentials at both ends are linked to the stub axles by plated-steel dogbones. The front and rear gearboxes are joined by a 5mm steel shaft that is far stronger (and far heavier) than necessary—but better to be too strong than not strong enough! Bevel gears link the shaft to the gearboxes, and the rear gearbox is home to the included 540 stock motor. Three motor positions are molded into the chassis and are labeled to match pinion size—19, 21, or 23 teeth. The Baja King includes a 19-tooth pinion for the highest final gear ratio, and that's a good move for an off-road car. Plastic bushings are used throughout, but I upgraded to a set of Acer Racing ball bearings.
INCLUDED ELECTRONICS. Like so many Tamiya kits, the Baja King includes a closed-endbell, 27-turn 540 motor and a 3-step mechanical speed control. I opted for an electronic speed control instead (see "Building and setup tips"), but I did install the kit motor, which is a good match for the car.
DATA CENTER VEHICLE TYPE 4WD: electric buggy, entry-level kit BEST BUYER: First-time builders and anyone looking for a super-tough play car KIT RATINGS: (poor, satisfactory, good, very good, excellent) Instructions: Excellent Parts fit and finish: Excellent Durability: Excellent Overall performance: Good (very good, if you forgive the bouncy ride) SPECIFICATIONS MANUFACTURER: Tamiya MODEL: Baja King SCALE: 1/10 PRICE: $95 varies with dealer DIMENSIONS Wheelbase 10 in. (254mm) Width 9.7 in. (246mm) WEIGHT Total, as tested 53 oz. (1,503g) CHASSIS Type: Monocoque-style Material: Molded plastic DRIVE TRAIN Type: Enclosed gearbox Primary: 32-tooth spur gear/19-tooth pinion Transmission: ratio 4.45:1 Final drive ratio: 7.49:1 Drive shafts: Steel dogbones Differentials: Bevel gear Bearing type: Plastic and metal bushings SUSPENSION Type: Lower H-arm with fixed camber links Shocks: Friction damper with coil spring WHEELS Type One-piece, 2.2-inch plastic TIRES Hard-rubber spike tread ELECTRONICS Radio: Not included Speed control: 3-step mechanical Servos: Not included Battery: Not included Motor: Mabuchi 540 stock
The Baja King’s short, touring-length friction shocks are holdovers from the TL-01 sedan. Fixed camber links make the suspension settings goof-proof.
Left: Super-tough C-carriers and steering knuckles from Tamiya’s Manta Ray/TA-series cars give the King all the durability it needs to shake off first-timer abuse.
Right: The Baja King uses the same monocoque-style main chassis as Tamiya TL-01 sedans
