Land Cruiser is a name that needs no introduction. This line of vehicles, produced by Toyota, has been the go-to choice for adventurers since its inception. The Land Cruiser, often likened to a Toyota Jeep, made its debut in 1951, with production commencing in 1954.
What’s fascinating about the Land Cruiser is its incredible diversity. You’ve got models with folding soft roofs, hard roofs, station wagons and utility vehicles, making it a versatile option for various terrains and uses. In fact, in many places the term “Land Cruiser” has become synonymous with off-road vehicles.
The earliest Toyota off-road vehicle was known as the BJ, featuring a 75-horsepower Type B 3.4-liter engine. When the Type F 3.8-liter engine replaced the Type B, it gave birth to the FJ. Yes, FJ stands for a “Jeep” equipped with a Type F engine, and it’s this FJ legacy that’s at the heart of the FMS Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 RS.
This Toyota FJ40 crawler comes fully built and detailed. Details include a hard plastic body, accurate badging and LED lights.
MEET THE FJ40
The Toyota FJ40 is a collective name for the Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series, produced from 1960 to 1984. This iconic series is roughly divided into three categories: BJ40/41/42 (short wheelbase), BJ43/44/46 (middle wheelbase), and HJ45/47 (long wheelbase). Among them, the single-row two-door version is the most popular and most widely recognized.
This single-row two-door FJ40 has an unparalleled reputation among off-road enthusiasts and is a classic that collectors eagerly seek out. In head-to-head competition with other globally renowned off-road models from the same era, such as the Jeep CJ, Land Rover Defender, Ford Bronco and International Scout, the FJ40 never takes a backseat.
The FJ40 rides on 1.9” all- terrain tires, ensuring a firm grip on various trails.
SCALE REALISM
Let’s shift our focus to the star of the show, the FMS Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 RS. This ready-to-run (RTR) radio-control crawler comes fully built and detailed to properly pay homage to the beloved FJ40. It features an ABS plastic hard body that perfectly replicates the iconic shape and details of the real deal and a set of functional LED lights.
What also sets this RC vehicle apart is the level of detail baked into it. The left and right doors can be opened, and they use the same metal hinge structure as the real FJ40, only scaled down. The roof is also removable, allowing you to transform it into a compact pickup truck for added versatility.
If it’s interior detail you’re looking for, FMS proudly serves it up in copius amounts. The FJ40’s interior is one of the most realistic we’ve seen.
Details aren’t limited to the interior, just look at the screws, hinges and simulared rivets on the FJ40’s exterior. It’s impressive isn’t it?
A quick look inside the crawler’s interior, reveals a superbly detailed interior complete with soft rubber front seats and foldable rear seats. That’s not all—pop the hood and you’ll discover a high-quality brushed ESC and a receiver, all neatly tucked away under the FJ’s realistic hood.
SCALE CAPABILITY
The FJ40 rides on 1.9” all-terrain tires, ensuring a firm grip on various trails. The four-link suspension system provides a larger shock absorber stroke, enhancing its crawling ability. With sturdy metal trapezoidal beams, this RC vehicle boasts a solid structure that can tackle extreme road conditions with ease.
Mechanically speaking, this RC crawler is no slouch either. It features a robust steel C-channel frame, a four-link suspension, a full set of ball bearings for smooth operation and a capable brushed 35T 550 motor that provides the power you need to conquer rugged terrain.
“This ready-to-run (RTR) radio-control crawler comes fully built and detailed to properly pay homage to the beloved FJ40.”
The real FJ40 uses leaf-spring suspension, and for those who seek the utmost in scale accuracy, you can equip the chassis of this FMS model with an optional leaf-spring suspension as well. The leaf springs are available separately from FMS, but for those who adhere to authenticity the conversion may be well worth the effort.
While this FJ40 is a crawler, we would suspect that it isn’t going to conquer any serious crawling competitions. That said, that isn’t the point of this highly detailed replica. It’s made to look and act as real as possible and it does that in spades.
The rear door opens and the rear seats can be folded up, just like in the real FJ40.
The seats are plush and the dashboard is packed full of detailed features.
A powerful FMS 35-turn burshed motor comes standard.
We’ve always wanted an FJ40, now we can have one, only it’s 1/10-scale.
FMS 1/10 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 RS VEHICLE SPECS
P/N: FMS11035RSYL
MSRP: $349.99
URL: fmshobby.com
Scale: 1/10
Chassis: Steel C-channel frame
Shocks: Coilover shocks
Suspension: 4-link
Drive System: 4WD
Body: ABS hard plastic
Wheels: 1.9 plastic
Tires: 1.9 all-terrain
Motor: Brushed 550
ESC: 40A brushed, waterproof
Transmitter: 2.4GHz transmitter
FINAL WORD
The FMS Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 RS is more than just an RC vehicle; it’s a piece of off-road history that you can take with you on your adventures. With its exceptional attention to detail and rugged on-trail performance, it’s a great acquisition for Toyota fans and off-road enthusiasts alike.
We are already impressed with the static model-like precision that FMS puts into their RC vehicles, but to see their detail treatment places on a giant 1/10-scale RC is very impressive indeed. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention this RTR’s price. At $350, the value for this large and highly detailed vehicle is impressive to say the least. Get ready to hit the trails and experience the best of both the past and the present with this iconic go-anywhere RC vehicle.
Text by James York
Images courtesy of FMS
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