Tamiya Subaru Brat Review
The early 1980’s was a great time for RC enthusiasts. Or even better for young teenagers like me. Especially if you were able to own a Tamiya Subaru Brat. I call the Brat the confused car. Is it a pickup, is it a car. Is it for off road, or on road. It was all the above, or at least it could be. The Brat was first released on July 30th, 1983. The first Rc car from Tamiya to use the ORV (off road vehicle) chassis. Or space frame.
Since the original was released back in 1983 there have only been 3 new re-releases of the Brat. A metallic edition in 2011, a blue edition in 2019, and the one I have released in 2007, which is an updated version of the original. With a few changes. The original had a manual speed control. The re-releases come with an ESC (electronic speed control). The 380 brushed motor was replaced with a 540, and the hex rear drive train was replaced with dog bones. The Subaru Brat comes with 2 body types. A traditional white hard plastic body, with a driver like the original, and a polycarbonate body like most RC cars of today. The body of the Brat sits high on the chassis, with decent ground clearance. 4-wheel independent suspension keeps this car going over most terrains. With front double wishbone and rear trailing arms. Diaphragm type oil shocks and coil springs in the rear. The Tamiya version of the Brat is a 2wd, unlike the real 4wd car from Subaru that it was modeled after.
The Tamiya Brat is a 1/10 scale kit so you will need some things to complete this build. First up you will need a radio transmitter, and a receiver. At least 2 channels. Don't forget the batteries for the transmitter. According to Tamiyas website at the time I am writing this article the Brat is now being shipped with a Hobbywing 1060 ESC, so you can use NiMH (nickel metal hydride), or 2s-3s Lipo (lithium polymer) batteries with a Tamiya connection for the car. When I built mine, it came with a TBLE-04s ESC. It did not work properly when I installed it. I contacted Tamiya, and they sent me the Hobbywing updated speed control rather quickly. Also, you will need a servo to steer the car. Finally, you will want to paint your RC car. Since there are 2 bodies you will need 2 different types of paint. Tamiya has PS paint for the polycarbonate body, and TS paints for the hard plastic shell body. I have yet to paint my Brat as you can see from my pictures. I am going to do the hard body with some custom color special decals I ordered from MCI racing. MCI Racing is an amazing company that does stock or custom stickers for all types of RC. I will leave a link. As for the polycarbonate body, let me know your ideas. Maybe I will use one of them.
The Subaru Brat is a one-of-a-kind RC car. It brings back so many memories of times with my friends as a young teenager racing around. The repairs and modifications also seemed endless, but fun. At the time I am writing this the Brat is selling for $197.40 on Tower hobbies or Horizon hobby. Tamiya America has it listed at $310.00 USD. In my opinion They are a little pricey. But some say that the fun you can have with this car is priceless.
What colors should I use?
Give us some design ideas.
Post in the comments below.
