Surf’s Up – A Bought Not Built Customized Tamiya Sand Scorcher

In the world of radio-controlled cars, few models evoke nostalgia and admiration as much as the Tamiya Sand Scorcher. A true icon of the hobby, the Sand Scorcher holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike. For Leigh Guarnieri, Associate Publisher of RCCA, his journey with the Sand Scorcher began with the purchase of the re-released Tamiya kit.

Two years ago, Leigh embarked on the build of his re-released Tamiya Sand Scorcher, but like many projects, it was shelved due to indecision over the paint scheme. However, fate intervened at the first annual event at Cotton’s RC Park in Florida. The gathering drew out plenty of the area’s RC diehards. One of the most interesting vendors there brought out some of the coolest customized RCs, which were quickly snapped up by showgoers.

SURF’s UP
On the second day of the show, Leigh encountered a stunning yellow Bug that caught his eye. This Bug was exactly how Leigh envisioned his Sand Scorcher should look. He showed it to Robert Pezza of Scale Rat and asked if he could duplicate the look. “You should just buy this one,” Robert said (with a quick laugh).

With that spontaneous decision, Leigh became the proud owner of a second Tamiya Sand Scorcher. While he typically enjoys customizing and building his RC cars, the Bug he purchased was exactly what he had envisioned, so it made a perfect addition to his collection.

During the event, Leigh found himself in need of quality photos of his new acquisition. Fortunately, the booth next to his belonged to JConcepts, which employs the talented photographer Rich Muller. He is the talent behind all those awesome event photos and product shots you see throughout the JConcepts website and on their social media. In front of Rich’s lens, Leigh’s Sand Scorcher was immortalized in a series of stunning photographs—which you see here, showcasing its custom paint job and attention to detail.

The build itself is straightforward, with stock components including a 2S Gens Ace LiPo battery, stock electronics, a standard servo (though Leigh humorously hints at the need for a Reefs 299LP), and a Futaba receiver.

However, it’s the custom paint and detailing that truly make this Sand Scorcher stand out. The patina and detail work are a testament to the talent of the builder, though their identity remains a mystery. Leigh asks that if the creator of this custom Bug is reading this story, please shoot us a message and take credit for it. He would like to see what else you have built.

From the surfboard accent to the meticulously detailed driver figure, every aspect of the Sand Scorcher reflects a labor of love. Leigh goes on to say that the figure would probably make Mark from Headhunter Studios proud. Leigh’s favorite touches include the matching wheels, the Baja Bug license plate, and the authentic-looking exhaust system, all of which add to the model’s charm.

Final Word
In conclusion, Leigh couldn’t be happier with his “Bought Not Built” Bug. It not only adds a unique piece to his collection but also sets a high standard for Scale Rat, who now has the task of creating a twin for this stunning Sand Scorcher.

Base Model
Tamiya Sand Scorcher (2010)

P/N: 58452-A
MSRP: $587
URL: tamiyausa.com

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Text by Jerry Tsai
Images by Rich Muller