Complete Guide to Kyosho Legendary Series Buggies : Scorpion, Optima, Javelin, Ultima 京商ビンテージシリーズ

Well, this is a video that has been over 2 years in the making! It all started when I picked up my first Kyosho Legendary Series buggy and then it went on from there. I sincerely hope you find the information useful. I tried to cram as much into it as possible!
If you have any specific questions on the buggies, leave a comment below and I will try to answer them.
I'd like to extend a big thank you to my wife, for not only putting up with me and this hobby, but also helping to film this video. ❤️ As you can imagine, this was quite an undertaking - transporting nine buggies to the park(s) over the course of two days it took to film this and then helping out with the filming too.
And for the first time, I've included footage of exactly how I film the buggies. The technique is well known and I certainly didn't come up with it! But I'm often asked how I get the running shots, so now you know. There is lots of running involved.😅 I have no doubt I get some strange looks from people as they seen a grown man running behind a "toy" car in a manner that resembles someone walking a dog...😂
If you enjoyed this video and found it useful, consider hitting that subscribe button. KZbin tells me most of the people watching my videos aren't subscribed. (What are you waiting for?! 😁)
In the past I didn't really put much weight on subscriber counts, but as my tiny little channel has grown I've noticed that more and more opportunities arise (or at the very least, more doors open). Certainly it will help me to bring more content to you, my viewers.
Well, that's all from me. I was hoping to take a break from editing for a while (this video took me...well, let's just say quite a few hours to edit.) But as I write this I'm preparing to head off to the Shizuoka Hobby Show early tomorrow and hopeful get some coverage for you.
So that'll be more editing tomorrow night then. 😅 All good fun. 👍
Stay tuned!
And, as always, thanks for watching.
Guide to choosing Kyosho's 2WD buggies:
• Complete Guide to Kyos...
• KCRC #2: Musings on th...
Guide to Kyosho's 4WD buggies:
• KCRC #3: Kyosho 4WD Op...
Running Videos featuring the Legendary Series:
• Kyosho Legendary Series
Kyosho's own video on the Optima Mid development:
• KYOSHO OPTIMA MID
RC Hobby Shed's In Depth comparison of the changes made to the Ultima:
• Vintage Kyosho Ultima ...
CONTENTS
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:45 - Quick Recommendations
00:04:02 - Overview
00:07:20 - Scorpion
00:09:24 - Beetle
00:09:55 - Tomahawk
00:11:41 - Optima
00:17:09 - Javelin
00:18:49 - Turbo Scorpion
00:21:29 - Turbo Optima
00:24:00 - Ultima
00:26:25 - Optima Mid
00:29:19 - Closing Thoughts

[@maxmoritz5065]

You get a fat kiss ❤❤❤ for preparing everything outside to take this Video of your collection. Thanks for that

[@hankadelicflash]

Ahhh, when off-road race cars looked like off-road race cars.

[@RAYROTHSTEIN66]

I grew up watching and then running these legends back in the 80's into the 90's, all of the performance machines were the ones to beat. It aas exciting watching who was going to have the world championship car after the season was over. Adults had formula one and nascar, we had the buggy championships as kids and young adults. My buddy always ran kyosho buggies, i ran associated, when he went to an optima, i went to a hotshot.. his always felt better in handling and durability. I stepped out of rc cars and went to planes, but breifly went back when tamyia had the tnx nito series, but left again. Now i want my childhood back and im glad both tamyia and kyosho are still doing old school re-release kits to bring back memories.

[@KaiCityRC]

It's great that other companies are following Tamiya's lead and re-releasing kits from long ago so that we can all enjoy them once again. 😊

[@inoxane]

Hello, thank you for this video. I discovered rc cars with an Optima from a friend when it just arrived in France. And since then I'm a fan of Kyosho. The Javelin is also my favorite of this series. Thank you again for this great moment

[@KaiCityRC]

The Javelin is one of my favorites too! 👍

[@63niceguyeddie]

Thank you so much for your video.....what a beautiful place to have to film these classics

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks!

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

Back in the day the Turbo Optima had a wider body for a 7 cell battery. It came with a "modified" motor and a speed control that could handle the extra current. Also in the box was bearings and a belt drive which were optional on the Optima and Javelin, and larger wheels. Lastly the shocks were larger in diameter and taller (making the shock towers larger as well) but they were still a locking collar and not threaded. Threaded shocks were available about a year later. I used to run my Optima with a Turbo Optima body with the Javelin inner roll bar underneath.

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

I really like the 48p gears over the old 32p. With 48p you can actively get any pinion as they are widely used today. I have the Turbo Scorpion, Tomahawk, Optima, Javelin and the Turbo Optima. When I was a kid I had the Optima but I bought a Javelin body and would run it as either one.

[@bobbyp1271]

Love this video. Brilliant overview and detail on the best rc car range ever put together in my opinion.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks!

[@michaelkraft5079]

Great video, as always. You manage to combine loads of information with stunning scenery and a very professional production. Kyosho can be very happy about this video. And it's so nice to see that this park seems to be maintained very well, I would love to visit this place at some point. I'm already owning seven of these, also because of your clips... Thanks for your great work!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for the kind words.😊 I'm still a novice when it comes to video production, especially editing. Final Cut Pro editing software is capable of so many things and it has been quite the learning curve! The park I visit most is very well maintained, but also very busy. On the first day of filming we had to wait for long periods of time because there were just so many people around. Sadly, a lot of the other parks I have access to are not so well kept, so during the summer months it can be difficult to run. Thanks for watching! 👍

[@quietrc]

Beautifully produced video. Great breakdown of all the buggies.

[@KaiCityRC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@RS-sv3bl]

Great video!!

[@uncletom1971]

.. and, your Javelin looks awesome! You nailed it with that white cage, red wing and black rims. Just dead cool! I'll do mine the same way.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! The white cage looks so much nice than the orange, personal opinion of course. 😁 When I get round to it I will be building the Carbon Spec Javelin. I finally have all the pieces ready, just no time for the build!

[@uncletom1971]

@@KaiCityRC I'm sure you'll nail that too. Looking forward to your next clip with it.

[@reitplace4765]

Great Vid, Just getting into Kyosho.. Thanks for sharing...👍

[@Mace1000S]

I had the bug, I raced the later version of the Ultima for a year And the Turbo Optima for a year But changed out for a FWD Yokomo for two years and the the first Losi buggy for two years then I moved to the first Losi truck and raced that for two years. Then moved to road racing. I raced in LA, Visalia, Fresno, Sacramento, and Modesto CA. It was a fun time.

[@KaiCityRC]

Kyosho’s were way beyond my means back in the day. I ran a Monster Beetle for fun and when I got into racing, I got my hands on a Terra Scorcher. It didn’t do so well against Optima Mids, Ultimas and Top Cats on an indoor carpet track, but it was fun! Good times!👍

[@porta_patrols]

so nice!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks!

[@fantasticplasticadventures]

This is very helpful. Thank you for making this!

[@KaiCityRC]

I am pleased that people are finding it helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting. 😊

[@gibsonpa]

Great video. Love these cars

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! 👍

[@rexrcs]

What an incredibly informative awesome video!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for the kind words. 😊

[@steelcityrc133]

Awesome 👍

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! 😊

[@djSmokeShow]

Wow, I really enjoyed this!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you!

[@stevekinser-wj6hz]

Great informative video, and now I want them all.

[@KaiCityRC]

They’re very addictive! 😅

[@Jay-vl6lp]

Thanks again for all your help and much needed advice David!!

[@Jay-vl6lp]

Hi again David! I have a dilemma. The Hobbywing quicrun 1060 brushed ESC arrived yesterday and i installed it to my Kyosho Optima but the connectors are different. On the back of the box it says, "QUICRUN WP 1060 BRUSHED SBEC T PLUG". Did I order the wrong one? Please help which esc model and series I should order. This doesn't have the white Tamiya connector that I'm used to to connect to the battery. Or do I just need an adapter? And with regards to the steering servo. I bought the Zoskay servo high torque metal gear 25kg/0.13s 6.8v. Is it normal that after I've installed the servo horn, the front wheels is hard to turn left or right by hand? It doesn't move freely is what I'm trying to say. The servo horn that I used is the one that came with the RC kit #25 (OT203-3 Futaba Kyosho). Thanks again!!🙂

[@christophe4604]

Great video, now I want them all!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! They're very addictive!

[@hunter71251]

Great video on Kyosho cars!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! 😊

[@paulnonaca964]

The black one looks cool

[@philipgreensmith1694]

Can I just say that I don't understand how your channel has less than 2000 subscribers 😢 You make really great content 👏 Keep up the excellent work 👍👌

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for the kind words. 😊

[@rossbyers1]

Hi David. Hi from Australia. Really appreciate you taking the time to unpack these wonderful creations. You present so well. What you’re doing is worth while. It makes happy to follow your rc journey.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Your support is very much appreciated. 😊

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I recently got the beetle. Although I burned up the torque tuned motor on 3s in grass, I love that car. It’s fast, fun and handles well. I would love to add a tomahawk to the collection one of these days .. they’re great cars

[@Toystheyrenot]

What a great video on the Legendary Series cars David! You are right in that it’s hard to stop at owning just one..😂 Thanks for putting it together. Very enjoyable to watch. 👍😊

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed. 😊 The Legendary Series should come with a warning label: ⚠️ Warning, Highly Addictive.

[@PeteWylieRC]

Wow you packed a lot into this video. Very comprehensive guide to these great cars. I've got the Turbo Scorpion and Beetle which are great 😁

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! The Turbo Scorpion is my favorite 2WD, and the Beetle just looks so cool. These Kyoshos are addictive, so I suspect it won't be long before you add a 4WD chassis to your collection too. 😁

[@rBlastFromThePastRc1356]

Thank you for this very interesting and comprehensive guide to the Legendaryseries David👍I enjoy and appreciate your videos very much.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for watching. 😊 Hopefully Kyosho will bring out more vintage buggies in the future!

[@tm_vis-rc]

Love it! Thanks so much for this! You’re work and dedication is awesome

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you!

[@tm_vis-rc]

Absolutely! also, feel free to check out my vids on my optima mid :) hope u like! @@KaiCityRC

[@jerrysmith7166]

man, nothing like these old buggies. Just the way they look is amazing

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! Kyosho made some fantastic looking buggies back in the day. 👍

[@aidanalunan56]

David, Great video and overview 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I’m sooo hooked on Kyosho and I’m building my collection.

[@KaiCityRC]

They are addictive! 😁

[@banksy444]

Bro this is hands down THE BEST video on the legendary series hands shown and I haven't even finished watching it yet. Really informative THANKYOU! I'm getting back into RC wish I'd never sold all my gear (covid needed money) and I've got my heart set on a Kyosho retro buggy and haven't been able to decide. Beetle was my number 1 then the scorpion/scorpion turbo but I want them all honestly 😂 also vids just a really good watch, your camera work is great! Big ups

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! 😊

[@tomcook5813]

Fun watch, thank you. I just decided on the wild one buggy

[@KaiCityRC]

Good choice! 👍The Wild One oozes retro cool! I love my BHM edition. 😊

[@robbiebennie]

Fantastic video, loads of info without getting too technical and certainly helping me make my decision for my first kyosho purchase

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! 😊

[@Jaysqualityparts]

Great video David! Just received my first legendary series car but haven’t built it yet. The infamous Optima Mid. I like the longer videos Dave you’re very well spoken and it’s easy to learn about them so.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for the support! 😊 This has been my most challenging and involved video I've done to date. 😅 Good luck with the Mid build! 👍

[@Qthewingedserpent]

Another great video David, I agree with you that vintage feel is the thing that floats my boat!

[@KaiCityRC]

Yes! The Optima Mid and Ultima are great and I can really see why so many people love them. I raced against the them back in the day and always dreamed of owning one. But now I'm finding I prefer the vintage designs of the earlier buggies, despite them being less capable. I hope Kyosho bring back some more of the older buggies!

[@Qthewingedserpent]

@@KaiCityRC I recently got a vintage Kyosho Peanuts elec, think I prefer my original Scorpion, but the Peanuts does have a certain charm… The re releases are stunningly engineered in comparison to the vintage, fortunate to be able to compare 83 to 2014 with the Scorpion, even down to metal used the new ones are so much better.

[@DustyFingersRC]

Watched it all, enjoyed all the Kyosho video's you have done. What a fleet! I know you have said in the past you are not a painter but I do like the colours you have done, they all look great. Well done 👏🏻

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for the kind words. 😊

[@theoagrc]

Amazing David! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with the community dude 👍🏻👍🏻

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for watching! I'm a huge fan of the Legendary Series. I think some enthusiasts might be put of buying one because they're on the more expensive side of the spectrum and do not include a motor. Add to that for markets outside Japan, Tamiya's kits (usually) come with an ESC too, and I can see why people might be put off. But they are such lovely well made kits and I don't think anyone would be disappointed after buying one! 😊

[@theoagrc]

@@KaiCityRC just assembled my first! I am sure I will be back for more 😎

[@Jay-vl6lp]

Thank you David! I will follow your advice about using just a little on thread lock. I will just put the old swing shaft back and limit its turn on the remote. 🙂

[@thesillypig785]

I got a Javelin and recently added a Tomahawk to my collection. I love Kyosho's and specially the Legendary series. Now looking at the Beetle and wondering if I can mate the chassis with a Tamiya Beetle body :)

[@Dangeresque14]

I have the re-re Optima and Turbo Scorpion. I loved building both, but I was blown away by the quality of the Turbo Scorpion parts.

[@KaiCityRC]

The Turbo Scorpion was buy first Legendary Series build and likewise I was really impressed with the quality of the kit. They are on the more expensive side, but the cost is well worth it. And the fact they've been modernized to better handle modern electronics is a real bonus.

[@80srcfan71]

Incredible video, great commentary, information is it a premium, props to other channels on KZbin, this is my first time watching this channel, but I will be subscribing. Really well done my friend!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for the kind words. 😊 I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@rcalchemy766]

Happy Holidays Mate!!! This is my 3rd viewing!!! lol Absolutely EPIC...Cheers🏆💯🏁

[@KaiCityRC]

Wow, thank you! 😊 Have a great winter holiday! 👍

[@bijikedelai]

just purchased the Optima Re-re, this video keep me occupied while i waiting my package to come lol

[@CheckYourSheds]

Great video! I'm off to browse the hobby stores... just browse... honest.

[@bonjoe1758]

Very good buyers guide. I recently bought a scorpion, fit a brushless System in it and went to the beach. I was stunned how good the car drove through loose sand, the great suspension, it was absolutly amazing, these buggys do deliver.. the real weakpoint like you mentioned is the wheel-fitting situation.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! The suspension on the older 2WD buggies works really, really well and one of the things I really like about their design. 👍

[@RCplamodel]

Thank you for sharing a great video with a great car!!! ~~~^_^

[@AddamsPlayground]

Wonderful job on the video my friend! A great rundown of all the buggies and also wonderful shots of them running around as always! I agree with you pretty much across the board (keeping in mind I don't have them all yet)! I know you said it was a long video but I didn't even notice the time go by, great job!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks Addam! 😊 I contemplated splitting the video up into smaller parts, but I felt it would be better to keep everything in one (long) video. The Kyosho's are addictive and it's hard to stop at just one! 😁

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@KaiCityRC It was great and I am glad you kept in on video, I enjoyed it a lot!

[@philmoffett366]

Very informative video 👍 I have built and used and own all of the legendary series apart from the javelin and they are top quality rc buggies by far the best on the market and my favourite from all of them including tamiya’s rc vintage series is the optima mid😍 it is the coolest looking rc buggy that’s ever been designed followed very closely by the tamiya avante!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for watching and commenting. 😊 The Kyosho Legendary Series truly are fantastic RCs! 👍

[@BenJRC]

Thanks, only used to Tamiya I want to try Kyosho !

[@KaiCityRC]

Definitely! Give one a try! They're relatively expensive, but totally worth it! 👍 Be warned though, buy one and you'll almost certainly want to buy an other! 😁

[@stuartleckie]

Fantastic camera work. I raced Scorpions and Beetles BITD, lovely little cars. Modified the heck out of them, you could get them just under the magic 3lb weight limit. Recently built myself a hybrid of the Turbo Scorpion and Tomahawk from re-release kits. It’s a great car.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! I would have loved to get my hands on a Kyosho kit back in the 80's, but sadly they were way beyond my budget at the time! Superb cars even then. I'm so glad Kyosho re-released them now. 👍

[@crashsoome]

Now I wish I had all of these. Thank you for posting this 15:35 The only kyosho I have is from the 80's. Nitro truck think it was called Nissan hard body had a .10 size nitro motor. I always wanted the wild cat. Will be picking up few of these in the future thanks again

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for watching. 😊

[@Helghast73]

Superb roundup, the only problem is you’ve put 4 of these cars on my want list 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@KaiCityRC]

They are addictive!

[@user-qk5wz9rw4y]

京商は、いいラジコンですね。

[@zengo136]

Hi David This is Akira Kogawa It was very nice to see you at Shizuoka Hobby Show. Thank you for great videos!!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! It was great to meet you too! 😊

[@Fmandan77]

I enjoyed the video and suggestions, thank you. As a kid the only magazine full of models under my mattress was a Tower Hobbies catalog and I spent hours reading the advertisements and dreaming about each kit. I couldn't really afford any of the models and I was stuck with my Tyco Aerohopper that while fun was clearly a toy when compared to something like a Tamiya Fox Buggy. After I broke the A-arm on my Areo Hopper hitting a curb, I spent my lawnmowing cash on fixing up used RC cars which consisted of a worn-out Blackfoot and and hand-me-down RC10 gold-pan from a family member. I remember being intrigued by the Kyosho models. At 12 years old my Uncle noticed me walking around with my tower hobbies catalog and told me I could choose any model I wanted for my birthday. It was a dream come true, but what would I choose? Eventually I settled on the new electric USA-1 by Kyosho that just kept jumping out at me. In retrospect, I don't think the USA-1 lived up to Kyosho standards of quality as it was nearly all plastic and had a lot of issues with the steering linkages and other components that would pop-off or come loose. Still, I really liked my USA-1 and it was the first new RC vehicle I had ever built. Eventually I would go on to own a couple other RC cars after the USA-1, but I wouldn't come across another Kyohso vehicle until I bought a used 4wd Lazer from a neighbor kid. I was amazed at its smoothness and what seemed like a very solid build quality at the time. Since then I've bought a gas powered Inferno, which is built like a tank and has been very reliable. I'm highly considering buying a couple of these re-release models to build and toy around with. They'll spend a lot of time sitting on a shelf, but there's something about the throw-back look of these Kyosho models that brings me back to my childhood, a time when owning one was basically just a dream.

[@richarddiiorio9640]

I had a feeling I was going to buy the whole series. After watching this video. I must buy! Great video. Love Kyosho.

[@KaiCityRC]

They are addictive! Even though many of them share more similarities than differences (Scorpions & Beetle or Optima & Javelin) they all have their own charms. It's worth getting them all if you can! 👍 Though, not good for the bank balance! 😅

[@maxmoritz5065]

Me too. This will be an expensive journey

[@wadeskelton7585]

Epic video throughout David you’ve done Kyosho a true service here - I guess if I had to pick just one (I don’t have any of the legendary series cars) I’d maybe choose the optima 🤷‍♂️

[@KaiCityRC]

They're all great! The Optima is a good choice as it is possible to convert it into a Javelin if you wanted. Putting on a Turbo Optima body and wheels is pretty much a straight swap too. 👍

[@keithrx3c]

Great video David, all your buggy's look awesome and as you said, they're so much much better than any Tamiya buggy. I've got most of the off road Legendary Series buggy's apart from the Beetle and the Mid (I'll probably get a Mid one day). I've only built 3 so far (Scorpion/Turbo Scorpion and Javelin) but haven't completely finished or run any yet. Glad to see you used the proper front bumpers on the Optima/Javelin and Turbo Optima too instead of those other useless pieces of plastic (excuses for front bumpers). I don't know why people use them on these buggy's, it just makes them look incomplete and gives no frontal protection from impacts.

[@KaiCityRC]

Bumpers were not an option for me! With my driving, I need bumpers! 😁 Thanks for watching! 😊

[@rc-dom-uk]

I’m currently on 4. Ive just converted my Optima to a javelin . Bit expensive for the parts but the optima body is so hard to find and mine started to crack . Great overview and video😊👍

[@KaiCityRC]

😁Seems like you're also becoming addicted to the Kyosho Legends! Won't be long before you pick up number 5! 😅

[@rc-dom-uk]

@@KaiCityRC I’d love the mid but funds aren’t happening just yet 😂

[@kiwimark3875]

Brilliant video, thankyou. I was always a Tamiya kid so have naturally picked up the Tamiya Re-re's but have always looked at the Kyosho with envy. I'm heading to Japan for holidays in January and wanted to pick up some buggys to bring home. Any tips about where to pick up Turbo Optima, GForce Genovo etc.? I'll be in Tokyo and Kyoto. Thanks again for the video's, very well put together.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for commenting! 😊 I'm not familiar with Tokyo hobby shops, but a good place to start would be the Tokyo branch of Super Rajikon（スーパーラジコン) or Hobbyshop TamTam. Picking up a Genova would be pretty easy, as they usually in stock at most online retailers, so I'd imagine brick & mortar hobby shops have them too. But depending on timing, it might be harder to get a hold of a Turbo Optima. With all the Legendary Series, Kyosho tend to run off a batch, then they're in stock everywhere. But after a while pretty much everywhere will sell out, and you've got to wait for the next batch.

[@rcaficionado]

Excellent video! Really appreciate the time and effort put into creating this. Tons of really good information about each buggy and I really enjoyed watching the running footage while listening to your descriptions. Thanks! Was it difficult to get all the buggies out to the park for the group shots?

[@KaiCityRC]

😁 Yeah! Carrying nine buggies from the car park to the grass area took several trips back and forth. Thankfully my wife was helping out. The whole video shoot took a while to put together - charging multiple batteries, moving from one location to another, etc. And the parks were really busy on those days, so it was tricky to film without having many people in the shots. It was fun though and great to run all of them back to back.

[@kylehamilton7952]

Fantastic video great cinematography full of great information I was just curious what are your thoughts on team associated

[@KaiCityRC]

I think they look great. 👍 I’ve personally never owned one, and they don’t seem to be very popular in Japan, but at some point I’d like to add one to the collection.

[@csj9619]

The Beetle is a kit I've always thought was super cool, but haven't owned myself. If I decide to purchase a new R/C, it would be between this, the Tamiya Blitzer Beetle and the Kyosho MadVan. The WL Toys 1/14 buggy is one I've been tempted to buy, but the price has doubled since first seeing it.

[@oliverstoys8411]

Awesome breakdown and video production👍🏻, btw what are the camera you are using? I have re release turbo scorpion, optima mid and vintage optima salute with xr10 just stock esc/ 13.5 brushless sensored system, love my kyosho cars and definitely fun RC👍🏻.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! Camera is a Go Pro! 👍

[@oliverstoys8411]

@@KaiCityRC thanks 😊

[@minibikeaction4266]

Wonderful video, your stiff is pretty nice, can I ask what weight oil you use in the rear shocks on the Tomahawk?

[@KaiCityRC]

It's been a while since I built it, but I'm pretty sure I went with the kit oil.

[@juliusdream2683]

I like that beetle.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks!

[@alfredyost7972]

Awesome video!! My favorite 2wd Kyosho is the Scorpion. I live in the USA. When the Scorpion first came it out a long time ago, Kyosho was not known in the USA. So, it was released under the Cox Scorpion. However, all of the parts had the Kyosho name all over them. I originally had one of these Cox/Kyosho but sold it on eBay many years ago. I was so happy to see that Kyosho re-released the Scorpion again. Of course it did not have the Cox name on it. The re-release does have the red bottom loading shocks which are not very good. This is what the original Scorpion had. I got some Kyosho top loading shocks which work much better. I do have a re-lease Ultima 2wd buggy which I did this time install the bottom loading red shocks. They do work but I do not like them. My favorite Kyosho 4wd car is Optima Mid. I had an original one but sold it. I wish that I did not. I now have the Kyosho Optima Mid re-release kit. I have not yet built it will soon. Thoughts?

[@KaiCityRC]

I'd say get that Mid built! 😁 The re-released Mid is very good and you won't be disappointed. The kit shocks work well too! I agree the kit shocks on the Scorpion etc aren't the greatest, but they are period correct I guess. I've not had any issues with mine, though I've heard quite a few people say they're prone to leaking. The HG shocks I installed on my Scorpion or the Gold Shocks I fitted to my Ultima are much better. 👍

[@alfredyost7972]

@@KaiCityRC I definitely am going to build my Optima Mid next. I did get the kit the extra decals too.Thoughts?

[@milehighspeedrc8412]

Great video. Quality of the video is super, that must take a ton of work to get those running captures. How in the world do you stabilize the camera??? Great info on these wonderful cars as well. I found my old turbo optima mid se in the basement and got it back up and running. Thing is in mint condition and was so much fun to make that video. I went and bought the optima re-re to put beside it in the collection as I used to drool over that car night after night in the tower hobbies catalog.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I use a Go Pro Hero 9 on a monopod. The Go Pro has very good stabilization even when running behind the buggies. 👍

[@Mrtrc33]

Great video David 👌 really good reviews. I'm collecting originals . these legendary series are so good tho 😎 I switched over from Tamiya back in the 80's . There so much better. But I still like Tamiya's tho 👌

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks! I would love to add an original to my collection one day. But they tend to go for big money and I really don't have the space at home to display them! 😅

[@nellyandthepolski]

Great video and love the buggies. Can I ask what colour that is on the Turbo Optima, the metallic grey looks amazing!

[@KaiCityRC]

Tamiya ps-63 bright gunmetal. 👍

[@Pablo668]

Fantastic vid and talk. Scenery is just beautiful. I miss Japan now :( The only Legendary series I have is an Ultima, which is my favourite. I have a Scorpion and an Optima that are a Frankenstein mix of old and re-re parts.I'd have all of the legendary series if i could.

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for the kind words. 😊 I'm based in Yamanashi, so quite a way from the big population centers. The scenery here is fantastic, though it has changed a lot in the last 20+ years. When I bought my first Kyosho re-re, the Turbo Scorpion, little did I know I would become addicted to them! It has taken a while, but I've been very fortunate to be able to collect them all. 😊

[@Pablo668]

@@KaiCityRC Yamanashi is right next to Fujisan isn’t it?

[@KaiCityRC]

@@Pablo668 That's right! I can just about see Fuji from my window.

[@uncletom1971]

You really have an awesome collection of classic Kyoshos there. I only have the Javelin and Scorpion, both re-re ofcourse. I wonder, would you recommend me getting the Turbo Scorpion although I alread have the 2014 Scorpion? I noticed that the main differences, besides certain cosmetics, are the wheels and a somewhat longer wheelbase. Is that all?

[@KaiCityRC]

YES! 👍 But from a self-confessed Kyosho Legendary Series Addict I think you're asking the wrong person!! 😁😅☺️ Seriously though, you should get the Turbo Scorpion. The differences are subtle, but there are enough to make it interesting. Longer wheelbase, wider tread, wheels, tires, larger shocks & stays to name but a few. And if you still aren't convinced, I'd add that eventually Kyosho will stop making these re-re's (for whatever reason) and once that happens they'll be much harder to find and probably more expensive when you do. 👍

[@uncletom1971]

@@KaiCityRC Thanks. I see your point.

[@clearstream67]

Enjoyed the video. I have an original Kyosho Salute. It uses the same wonderful chassis as the Turbo Optima. Wonder if it'll ever get re-released.

[@KaiCityRC]

I hope so!

[@clearstream67]

@@KaiCityRC : Mine hasn’t run in about 20 years. It’s mechanically all there so I’d like to restore it a bit. I would need all new electronics and I’m afraid modern LiPos and motors would grenade the 33 year old transmission. So, after your guide, I’m looking at getting the new 60th Anniversary Optima Mid kit and make that my primary runner. I still want to get the old chain drive Salute going for old time sake. Any thoughts on suitable motors/escs?

[@angelounson2175]

Brilliant video! I am a Tamiya collector and you just convinced me to seriously consider Kyosho. That said, I am into Kyosho 1/8 nitros. Can you do a video covering the Inferno series and variants?

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for watching. Unfortunately I don't have very many nitro RCs. Back in the mid 2000's I ran a TR15 Stadium Force, Inferno ST, Savage 4.6 and Tamiya TNX 5.2 among others. But lack of places to run them ultimately saw me move away from nitro in favor of electric. Right now the only one I have left is the TNX, plus a handful of nitro touring cars.

[@ea1972]

Great video!! Where are these beautiful parks located??

[@KaiCityRC]

The parks are in Yamanashi, Japan. 😊

[@beechjet400xp]

Awesome video and good looking buggy's. That is a beautiful place, mind sharing where it is? Would love to visit one day!!

[@KaiCityRC]

Yamanashi, Japan. 👍

[@beechjet400xp]

Thanks!

[@sonicplayroompiano4302]

Great cinematography mate. Where is this beautiful park? I just finished my Tamiya Hotshot 2 Blockhead buggy and love it. I've only ever built Tamiyas so am really keen on building my first Kyosho. They look sick and I've always been intrigued by the brand. I'm thinking Turbo Scorpion 🦂. Great video mate 👍

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! The Turbo Scorpion was my first vintage re release Kyosho and it got me hooked. Highly recommended! 👍 The park is in Yamanashi, Japan. 🇯🇵

[@RS-sv3bl]

Hi David - these videos are great and I'm so sold on getting a few of these cars myself. I am already well down the path of a 'Pro-Spec' Javelin (have bought all the carbon parts, all the gold anodised parts and shocks, black wheels, white cage). I have bought 2 motors (also want a Turbo Scorpion - please stop spending my money!). 1 motor is the 240s Gold 13.5T, the other the 15.5T 240S for 4wd. Am also thinking about the Fantom to come under the wing in time. Originally thinking 13.5T gold motor for the gold Javelin to match the color scheme - will it be too much in terms of speed in your opinion? Or just gear it down? Then thought to use the 15.5T for the Turbo Scorpion, but it turns out the 19.5T meant for 2wd has a higher rpm than the 15.5T! Confused! Can you help me match the 2 motors, and thoughts on the next motor to get if I got the Fantom? My other thought would be 15.7T for Javelin, 13.5 for the Fantom and buy the 19.5T for the Scorpion a-la Kyosho recommendation. Hope that made sense as I'd value your thoughts 👍 Cheers!

[@KaiCityRC]

Hi there! Either the 13.5T or 15.5T 240S will work fine in the Javelin. 👍 You can run anything from a 16T to 30T pinion, so there's plenty of room to adjust the gearing to match your needs. If you're fitting the gold anodized parts from the Turbo Optima, then I'd go with the Le Mans 240 Gold (but I am biased 😁) It just looks so good. 😎 You might also want to consider picking up the HD slipper pads, and Kyosho recommends the MCN Spur gear too. Though, that can be very hard to find at times. As for the RPM differences between the 15.5T and 19.5T 240S motors, my guess would be the 15.5T is tuned for better torque output at the expense of RPM. I'd personally go with the 19.5 in the Scorpion to be honest. It's a vintage design and although the transmission has been updated to handle higher powered motors, the suspension remains decidedly old school! I run the relatively slow 30T brushed Le Mans (I'm a bit old school myself 😅) and find them to be adequate for my needs when running the standard 6.9:1 gearing. Not fast, but not 540 silver can slow either. Sorry, I can't really help with the Fantom as I don't have one and it's been quite a few years since I ran any on road chassis. (very few places to run on road around here). I will say that if you get the 60th anniversary version, then there's really only one choice for the motor: GOLD! 😁 Hope that helps! Good luck with the Javelin build! It will look awesome when done I'm sure! 👍

[@RS-sv3bl]

Thanks so much David - really appreciate the detailed feedback. You’re very lucky with your collection. I think I’m in a good place. Love these cars!

[@stevenzacharakis]

I got my eye on a turbo scorpion atm. But the tamiya BBX is in my radar too... how would you rate the bbx in comparison to the scorpion? The kyosho quality seens like it's on another level whilst the tamiya praise is distracting lol. Great vid 😀

[@KaiCityRC]

Thanks for the comment. I don't have a BBX (yet!) so I can't really give you a fair comparison of the two. Kyosho's vintage buggies are mostly metal and are of a very high quality, whereas the BBX uses a lot of plastic. I've read it is of a higher quality than most other Tamiya kits. The BBX comes with alloy dampers and a slipper clutch too. Tough to say which is the better buggy (for the money).

[@Jay-vl6lp]

Hi there David. Are all your Kyosho RC's have the dean type connectors for the ESC and battery? I'm just wondering if you didn't use Tamiya connectors for any of your RC's. Thank you again!

[@KaiCityRC]

Yes, the first thing I do is replace the Tamiya connector with a Deans one.

[@bradkalman2353]

Don't forget there's so many different trim levels of the I wish they would bring all of those out.

[@stephenpheonix6549]

What an awesome video! Thanks for making this. It brought back so many nostalgic memories of building and racing these kits when I was a kid. 🙏🏼👍🏼😎 Where are these kits available nowadays?

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. 😊 I'd imagine most hobby shops around the world will stock some or all of them, though they do tend to go in and out of stock from time to time. Check out your local online retailers. 🙂

[@stephenpheonix6549]

@@KaiCityRC Thank you I've checked out a few local hobby shops and found one.

[@uncletom1971]

Also I'd like to ask about the rear tires of the Scorpion and Tomahawk. Mine seem to have cracked over just a couple of years standing on the shelves. Is that normal? And would there perhaps be an alternative tougher tire from another kit from any manufacturer that would fit the old rims?

[@KaiCityRC]

Interesting.🤔 None of mine have cracked despite (sadly) spending most of their time on a shelf. I do run them as often as I can though! I think that helps. Kyosho offered two sets of rear tires: SCT002MB are the kit supplied "medium" rear tires. There is also SCT002SB a soft compound set. Likewise the fronts are available in hard (kit), medium and soft. I'm not aware, at least over here, of any other maker offering tires for the Scorpion sized wheels. There probably are though! I'm no expert, but I guess cracking could also be caused by environmental factors such as heat, cold, exposure to sunlight, etc. Most of my collection sits in the dark in a cupboard, so very little light. No tire damage on any of them. But interestingly in the same cupboard the unused foam air filter in a nitro car disintegrated into nothing in 10 years! 😩

[@uncletom1971]

@@KaiCityRC 😆yeah, these air-filters do get pulverized in time, on my motorcycles as well. The Scorpion kit comes with the medium hardness rear and front tires, I had to get the softer front tires separately. I was satisfied with the rear tires but now as they've cracked I ordered new ones, also medium, I'll see how they hold up. I guess it could be due to my Scorpion's tread width overlaps the shelf some on the edges, thus putting uneven load on the tires.

[@MP-lo8kc]

Fantastic video David. It’s always a pleasure watching your videos and learn thanks to your enthusiasm and incredible knowledge. I’m back in the hobby since last year after 36 years. I started with a rere Hotshot and then step be step I learned about the existence of the legendary series of Kyosho. In the meantime I built both the Optima Mid and the Turbo Scorpion and in the next days I should receive the Javelin. I plan to build it with a white cage and black wing with gold suspensions. The idea is to put in it a Hobbywing brushless combo 10,5t. Do you think it can handle the power? Looking forward to your next video. Greetings from 🇨🇭

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment.😊 One of my first re-releases was a Hot Shot (and Frog). The Javelin is one of my favorites and with a white cage, looks absolutely amazing. 👍 I believe it won't have any issues running that power. I personally haven't ran a 10.5T motor. My Turbo Optima runs a 13.5T and that is plenty fast enough for my needs. I would recommend using the belt drive. Also it would be wise to replace the slipper pads with the heavy duty ones (#SCW021) and if you can get a hold one of, the upgraded spur #OTW126 would be a good idea. Also wouldn't hurt to have a few pinions to hand to adjust the gearing if necessary.

[@MP-lo8kc]

@@KaiCityRC thank you David. I just placed my order and also added the universal drive shaft. By the way, The Frog was my very first rc car back in the 80s!

[@pandroidigital]

Awesome video! Scenery is 🔥 Where is this?

[@KaiCityRC]

Yamanashi, Japan.

[@Dangeresque14]

The Lazer CVDs will also work on the optima if you place some shims or washers between the carrier and the wheel hex pin. The "dogbone" portion of the cvd is the correct length but the stub axle portion is a little too long, hence the need for shims. I found these easier to get than the universals.

[@KaiCityRC]

Great tip! That's some really useful information. 👍 😊 Getting a hold of the universals is next to near impossible. When they come back in stock, you've got to be real quick!

[@Dangeresque14]

@@KaiCityRC I finally have some universals, but the Lazer CVDs are working so well I plan on running them until something breaks. I've been a little tougher on the optima then I have meant to be (accidentally completely submerged the car and crawled out of a puddle in a field) and they are still going strong!

[@trampk8572]

Nice weather and great video David san.😊 You lined up so many rc cars in the park. It looks very tough to carry from the parking lot. Did you use the trolley ? or your wife ?😆

[@KaiCityRC]

No trolley! 😅 My wife kindly carried the buggies from the car to the park. Then carried them around while I filmed! 😊 Thank you for watching! 😁 It was a shame you were not able to enter the Grasshopper race the other day. Hopefully next time!

[@bradkalman2353]

I wonder what happen if you put the g14 motor in there that's from the four-wheel drive muscle cars.

[@jerrysmith7166]

i know these are on another level, but i just picked up an all original cosmo with lots of spare (new old stock) parts even the original futaba magnum radio. 50$ theres probably 200$ in spare parts. got a pretty good deal

[@KaiCityRC]

Wow! You got a great deal there. 👍 The Cosmo maybe mostly plastic, but it’s still a great buggy with a lot of charm. They’re very hard to find now. Congrats on the purchase. 👍

[@jonasholm5486]

Does the Optima Mid body fit on the Ultima chassi or any other model in the series? (I love the Optima Mid body, but might prefer 2wd)

[@KaiCityRC]

But to me, it looks like the Mid body would fit the Optima chassis with some minor alterations. Fitting it to the Ultima chassis would require a lot more work due to how the stock Ultima's body mounts to the chassis.

[@uncleraymond]

Beautifully done! I was sweating when I watched you drive these along the bridges... man, what if it falls over! Haha... btw, how do you film those "car chases"? With a camera mounted on another car or some other method? (Update: Ok you use an action camera attached to a monopod! Haha I was too excited and commented before I finished watching everything!)

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you! I have a video on explaining how I shoot my running videos. It was my first time in front of the camera, so the presentation is a little clunky! 😅 Link is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/babalGmMeZWrhLM

[@uncleraymond]

Ok, thank you for sharing! I want to work towards more polished videos and your advice really will help! Already subscribed. Thank you!

[@KaiCityRC]

Thank you!@@uncleraymond

[@enricovr83]

Hello Kai, where do you get parts for these cars? I have the Turbo scorpion and now i just bought the Bettle, and I´m having a hard time trying to find wheels for the beetle.

[@KaiCityRC]

I'm in Japan, so getting parts is somewhat easier. (usually!). Many model shops stock parts for the Legendary Series. It is also possible to order from Kyosho directly via their online store. That said, parts tend to go out of stock quickly and remain difficult to find until Kyosho run off another batch. If you're in the UK, try kyoshospares.co.uk.

[@kidShibuya]

OT but this park is beautiful, doesn't look like its in Tokyo? I would love to travel and check it out.

[@KaiCityRC]

It's in Yamanashi, Japan.

[@Jay-vl6lp]

David, is it ok to use a brushed ESC such as the Hobbywing Quicrun 1060 with the T-Plug and pair it with a brushless motor like the Kyosho Le Mans 240S for 4WD 15.5t? I saw some articles online saying you have to use a brushless esc with a brushless motor or vice versa.

[@Jay-vl6lp]

I know that you mentioned in your other video "Legends 4WD" that you used a Kyosho Le Mans ESC to go with the Kyosho Le Mans 240S Brushless motor for your Optima Mid, did you also use the same type of ESC for your Optima and Turbo Optima? If not, can you tell me what brand & model of ESC's you used to pair with your G15 (Optima) and Kyosho Le Mans 240 Gold (Turbo Optima)? Thanks a bunch David!!

[@KaiCityRC]

Hobbywing 1060 can only be used for a brushed motor. My Kyosho buggies use one of two setups: Either Le Mans 240 ESC and brushless Le Mans motor or a Hobbywing 1060 and a brushed motor (eg. G15, G2X, G22 etc) If you plan to run only brushed motors, the 1060 is fine. If you want to run brushless, you'll need a brushless ESC. Doesn't have to be Kyosho, but as their Le Mans ESC is small and fan less, I went with that. Hope that helps. 👍

[@Jay-vl6lp]

Thanks David!

[@bradkalman2353]

Hey David I don't think they're finished bringing out new ones of the old ones.

[@KaiCityRC]

I certainly hope Kyosho will continue to bring out more buggies in the Legendary Series. Anything would be nice, but one of the older chassis would be great! 😊

[@VUO4E]

For those considering a box-art Optima: 2/3rds of the body is covered with stickers so it's pretty heavy (53g). Some stickers in specific areas are very difficult to apply perfectly. The rear part above the motor is a patchwork of yellow stickers, nearly impossible to get perfect. So if you're going box-art, you might want to consider using paint..(especially for the rear part) because the sticker sheets provide both options.

[@KaiCityRC]

Great advice! I'm not that great at painting, and when I first saw the decal set for the Optima I thought "wow, no need to mask and paint all that yellow!" But then you look at what's involved in applying those decals and the angles involved...and yeah, going box art can be a challenge! 😅 The Turbo Scorpion's blue decals are almost as bad! But, to be fair, it's nice that Kyosho provide the decal option. 👍

[@VUO4E]

@@KaiCityRC As you explained very well, the quality of these Kyosho's is simply incomparable with anything Tamiya offers -even if my Astute comes close. But as I was working on the body, I repeated over and over "the body/stickers should have been made by Tamiya"... The stickers are very "all or nothing" - corrections are very tricky without ripping them. True, I've never seen another brand offer both options on the sticker sheets. My Optima will end up as a hybrid: full stickers except for the yellow rear end : for those who are looking for the "right yellow" : I did some tests and I found that 3-4 layers of Vallejo Acrylic polyurethane Candy Yellow, backed with Tamiya white (for lexan) is "as near as makes no difference". Keep up the good work :)