From The Archives: February 1987 – Blackfoot, Kyosho Turbo Optima, more…

From The Archives: February 1987 – Blackfoot, Kyosho Turbo Optima, more…

In addition to showcasing the rad fashions of the day via Chris Chianelli and friends, the February ’87 issue marked the debut of the then-new Tamiya Blackfoot. The mid-size monster went on to become a monster hit, and Tamiya has kept a ‘Foot in the lineup ever since (latest: the Blackfoot III), but only the original rolled out on the Frog chassis as seen here. Also featured: KO’s EX-5, and the promise of a “Lethal Grasshopper.” Sounds interesting…

RCCA_87

Blackfoot

Much mugging for the camera and pose-striking going on here, and if you were hoping for a heaping dose of 80s squiggles and confetti, you’re welcome.

 

BfootP3

Pleather pants, neon, animal prints…all hot looks even today, assuming you’re a member of LMFAO.

 

Optima

Ah, the Optima. Not the Mid mind you, but the OG model with the rear motor and no wing. This article reviews the juiced-up Turbo version, which featured a bunch of Option House upgrades but still spun its front and rear diffs with a wire chain. Yep, chain-drive was a thing in the early days of the 80s off-road boom.

 

Grasshopper

Lethal indeed. This Project Grasshopper featured “upgrades” that we don’t even count as good enough for stock parts these days–such as a 27-turn motor and a mechanical speed control. Gotta respect the Pinewood Derby paint job though…

 

Roger_Mears

This ad was an attention-getter in ’87. “Look how big that thing is!” Large to be sure, but low-tech. Think of the Raco Jac-Rabbit as Fred Flintstone’s Baja 5B.  

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Updated: July 20, 2015 — 4:17 PM
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