Tamiya Lunch Box 2WD 1/12 Electric Monster Truck Kit

Ok so this was my first ground up build that being said I do own several other RCs that I have upgraded and so on. Very easy straight forward build except the wiring for the electronics are way to short and the on/off switch can not mount where/how it’s intended. The plastics used are on the cheaper side. I checked a lot of review videos before purchasing. I guess for the money it’s ok. Definitely not as great as reviewers make it out be. It looks really cool but lacks durability to be a Basher without significant upgrades. I payed $142 then bought paint $12 , transmitter $50, battery $35. $239 all in. You can get a Traxxas stampede RTR for $199-$239. Which will out perform the lunchbox in every category. I know it’s nostalgia thing but I think it could be made with better quality parts for the same money? I did enjoy the build and had planned on getting the Blackfoot, monster beetle and pumpkin as well but the crappy plastic parts are giving me reservations now?
Might be better off just buying the bodies and fitting them to a better built chassis? I checked into upgrades and to go all aluminum you’re gonna spend $400-$600 not sure it’s worth it to me? Still it was a fun build

This is the toughest rc car that was designed in 1987.

I stayed away from building on because it seemed dated.

It’s super easy to build and other then bearing it doesn’t need anything else.

This is the perfect car if your into modeling since it a super nice hardbody. It’s also great for a first kit or if your bored of everything else on the market.

It’s poor handling and bouncy suspension is what this so charming about this truck. It’s pure fun and looks really go while driving.

You can check out me sending mine off a big dirt jump @philsrcgarge on Instagram.

After picking up on you’ll mostly get another and also have to pick up a midnight pumpkin.

I built my first Lunch Box over 30 years ago, shortly after my first RC10. It was my favorite toy, topping my Nintendo. I love it now as much as I loved it then. It's what brought me back into the hobby. It's no match for today's kits, but it's still fun as hell. With its sizable hop-up market, you can dial in this little van to your driving style (I've got two, one running brushed and the other brushless), though you'll never completely shed its DNA of wheelies and top-heavy tumbles. I'm hoping to get my kids into the hobby with their own Lunch Boxes in the near future and keep the love in the family.

The Tamiya Lunch Box is a must build for both new and old RC car fans! Its a classic. Its an easy relaxing build straight out of the box and fun to drive. Great project car for parents and kids. Just follow the plans, which are easy to understand, and in a few hours you're off and running. The body comes white, so if you want another color you will have to paint it. Check the internet as there are lots of "how to" videos for painting the Lunch Box.There's a learning curve to driving it though as it wants to bounce, roll, and tumble...which is part of its charm. I'd highly recommend getting some bearings and oil filled shocks and build the car with those in hand straight away rather than retro-fitting them later. There are tons of aftermarket parts available for the Lunch Box (decals, bumpers, braces, light kits, body slap mods that are much easier then the 5th shock mod) so look around and customize your monster van. Highly recommended!!

Came well packed and fast. The kit went together well. Already did some upgrades during the build including ball bearings for the gearbox and wheels. The lunchbox 1/12 is plenty strong and looks like it will take a lot more bashing sessions. I did find that the servo saver broke rather quick that came with the kit, so I suggest making sure you have a stronger one ready to replace it or build it with a different brand/material one.

A great original Tamiya monster truck! I always wanted one as a kid, so when the re-release came out (2002) I grabbed one as soon as I could! 20 years later. Crashes, scratches and repairs. This truck has stood the test of time! Still love ripping this little van around. Completely stock suspension and motor. I'm on my second tamiya silver can 540 motor. First one lasted over 15 years! I've got the original box full of collected spare parts plus a Midnight Pumpkin body. This truck will probably last 100 years! No joke. Four stars because the body mounts break if you run it hard. Easy fix. A little tougher with the Ford F100 body.