Hotshot 2 re-release - Blockhead or Bonehead?

Just a quick video to kind of see where everyone is on the newly announce release of the Hotshot 2.
Please keep it nice in the comments, this is meant to be a discussion not to be mean. I will delete mean and rude comments and if you are a complete jerk I will ban you so be nice!
You guys are all awesome and I appreciate all the great comments and questions from everyone. Really enjoying talking to you all in the comments section.
Links -
Interested in doing something good with RC? Check out Operation 11 Charlie and donate to those guys. They are working to prevent veteran suicide by getting veterans into the RC hobby and out having fun with others. I am not affiliated with them directly; it is just a great thing they are doing and I want to help spread the word!
The Operation 11 Charlie web site - www.o11c.org/
Check out their brief info video here - • Operation 11 Charlie /...
You really need to see the video about them from Axial/Horizon Hobby - • Operation 11 Charlie a...
The folks at Axial and Horizon Hobby made a tremendous video and you really need to watch it and give those guys some love!
Check me out on Instagram for other random photos and videos in between the posts here! / holeechit

[@Toystheyrenot]

I was surprised that they released the Blockhead version of the HotShot2 first. I think it would have been less controversial if they had released the boxart version before this. For me, I do like the BH Hotshot2. I think it will look great in person.😊This one’s becoming the Bigwig of it’s time.😂 In any case, we should be happy the HotShot2 is back..Just wait for the boxart kit to arrive.

[@rcuintheshed6981]

Have to agree mate the hotshot looks like it was engineered and built entirely to perform as an rc car it's an iconic look synonymous with that tamiya brand , the blockhead is cool looking but it's just another sand dune buggy another great informative video bro well done 👊

[@AddamsPlayground]

By moving the roofline up they took away the classic look that made the HS family what they were! The copy/paste paint job I probably could have overlooked but the goofy number plates just screamed lazy to me. I am very hopeful that maybe by midyear they will roll out the original one.

[@KaiCityRC]

I agree completely. It would have been so nice just to have a Hotshot 2 in its original form, along with the Blockhead Motors version so people have a choice. I think the BHM Hotshot is ok. I like it, but I prefer the Wild One BHM more!

[@AddamsPlayground]

I do wish you could get either. You should have been able to make it into a HS2 from the kit parts but now you cannot. I am very hopeful the maybe by midyear they will roll out the original one.

[@mikefly562]

I just bought a re-released Hot Shot 2 Blockhead Motors and plan to build it starting later this week. While I like the style, I also plan to get a Hot Shot 1 as well and display them side by side. I really like the styling of both cars as both are so very different.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It is not a bad looking car at all. I personally felt it was a bit lazy to copy the same paint scheme as the Wild One they had done previously. I was not a fan of the change to the roofline as it is a signature part of the Hotshot buggies. I did end up buying one and turned it into the Notshot! My daughter helped me change up some of the decals and I had fun poking fun at Tamiya. Jun's version of the HS2 is a better looking car than this version but Tamiya decided to do their thing with it. I am glad they are finally re-releasing the regular version of the HS2 and I can finally get a real one for the collection soon! Have fun with the build and it is a good running, you'll be happy with it!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I get it, and I agree. Should’ve been the original style with a blockhead theme

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah at least if it was the correct roll cage you could make it into the original (although the red shocks are not easy to find) but messing with the actual kit parts is just odd to me. I am very hopeful the maybe by midyear they will roll out the original one.

[@joeji7442]

That Dumb and Dumber van is frikkin’ awesome. Btw, I’m looking forward to the next HS 2 Blockhead. I love their colour scheme.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks!! I like Wantanabe's version of it better but it is not a bad looking color. I just feel it is entirely too close to the wild one to feel like I would be getting anything special. I don't hate it but it felt a bit like a rushed looking design and the number plates just looked rushed and half way thought out. I won't lie, I am also a little annoyed they did it on a kit many have been waiting a long time to come back and they release it as a blockhead edition. I just hope the regular comes out soon after this one does.

[@jansap7472]

Just bought my first hotshot 2 blockhead (used to have a bigwig in the 80s. What setup could i best use regarding transmitter, servo and battery ( i prefer stick transmitters) which are compatible with this new hotshot 2 ?

[@AddamsPlayground]

Congrats on getting back into it and it should be a fun running kit for you. I am not a stick control guy at all, I use them if I have to. Pretty much any stick radio that is 2.4ghz should be fine for you. None of them I am aware of will have a waterproof receiver so any brand should work. I found this Radiolink one on Amazon that should work well, way more channels than you will even need for it but again, that is going to be common for ones in the US - amzn.to/458pFw1. For a battery I run the ZEEE Nimh packs in almost all of mine and these are a great pair - amzn.to/3Ojx0BG. I hope that helps some, sorry I could not be more help on the stick radio, not something I have a lot of experience with though. Take care and have fun!!

[@AMAZINGRC]

I am new-ish to Tamiya so I don't have a Dog in this fight. I really do like the OG Hotshot. Either way, awesome video my brother.!!

[@AddamsPlayground]

I get it! I appreciate you checking it out anyway and for checking in!!

[@fiftyhog69]

Awesome videos Adam!! I had a question for you. I'm in the market to bring back my childhood with an RC car. I would love a C10 body preferably 80s 2WD. I have seen they have 4x4 C10s RCs but was wondering if you knew where I could purchase what I'm looking for? Please and thank you!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Sadly none have been re-released in the last few years so they are going to be harder to find kits. Sadly eBay is one of the better places to look. You can try Facebook groups also, the only one I am in is the Tamiya Legends Sales Group.

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

You nailed it Addam, I 100% agree with you mate. The shillips screws holding the number plates on is just lazy and they don't look like they're in the right position. I love Tamiya's quirkiness on their designs and the low roof on the Hotshot would be impractical in the real world but it just makes the buggy look mean. The Hotshot series just looks awesome to me, one of my favourite Tamiya's. Wild One to me is something I'd love to have in the garage as a farm buggy, it just looks spot on. Let's hope they release a stock version of the Hotshot 2. Thanks for sharing your detailed video and your views on the new kit mate👊🦘🇦🇺

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for the feedback!! I just feel it is no longer a HS with the raised roof. I am very hopeful we will get the real one released later next year. Only time will tell.

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

@@AddamsPlayground Yep, cross our fingers and toes mate 🤞👍

[@stuartthorn3995]

Great video.... Please can you tell me what you are using to sit your cars on?. I need to get mine of their wheels..

[@AddamsPlayground]

Hi Stuart, thanks! The cars are all sitting on foam yoga blocks. I find them on Amazon usually and I look for them on sale where I can get 2 blocks for $15-18. They come in 9x6x4inch and 9x6x3inch sizes usually. I prefect the 9x6x4 as I cut them in half on my band saw to 9x3x4 for trucks and on an angle for the buggies so they tilt forward a little, 2inch on one end and 4inch on the other. It is the same EVA foam other companied make car stand out of for way more money!!!

[@theoagrc]

Hey Addam, great video for discussion. I was interested in a Hotshot 2 but at that price point it is more expensive that the Super Shot! I am out on this one. I love the idea of the Blockhead releases but they have to be careful that they don’t just dial it in with blue and yellow colours every time!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, the added price is also a turn off to it also! I am hoping later next year we see the original released and I am sure it will still be pricey but I would prefer to send money on the actual HS2 rather than the BH version I feel they just did a copy/paste paint scheme on and screwed some number plates onto (poorly) and called it a special edition. I am sure many folks will grab them up but so far in the comments there is little love for it.

[@t-studioworks]

My 2cents… Tamiya knows what it’s doing. Rereleasing the Hotshot2 original as is would only excite the Tamiya purist / existing fan base. Bringing something like the Blockhead Edition first brings new / renewed interest to an old chassis. Everyone will get one whatever the negative comments. In regards to the colour scheme, it’s worked for the Wild One so they have played it safe. I’m sure the original will follow like what happened to the Wild One, which was rere-released after the Blockhead version. But funny enough, whenever I see post of the Wild One now, most are the Blockhead version. Hence Tamiya knows what it’s doing. Great video discussion by the way. Keep up the good work. Spread the Tamiya love. 😇

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks! I am sure you are right and I am very hopeful the original comes out shortly after this one hits. I think I was annoyed as it seemed rather lazy and like there was not care and effort put into it. Sure the cage was changed and that took effort but the paint and those number panels just feel like half effort to me. I know they have been doing things their own way and they certainly march to the beat of their own drum so I am sure they know exactly what they are doing and it will o well for them. Honestly stuff like these conversations probably help them more than anything by driving more attention to it and getting more people to really examine them. (Not that my tiny little channel is going to have any impact on the global RC trade! LOL) I also truly appreciate you arguing the other side like an adult and not coming in as a raging keyboard commando and bashing this as I was truly not trying to badmouth Tamiya or Blockhead, just sharing my thoughts of it and seeing what others felt. I do love, love Tamiya and wish them the best as I want to keep having new releases and more kits keep coming out for many more years to come! Take care and thanks for stopping by and checking it out and sharing your thoughts on it!

[@bigyin.7710]

I agree, a standard Hotshot 2 should have been re released. I read somewhere they raised the roof to make the buggy more realistic, how many of their rc models would you call realistic? I'm wondering if they have committed themselves to the Blockhead design and that's all we'll get.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I can rattle off dozens and dozens of popular buggies with really unrealistic body shells!! If they wanted to do realistic then do the Fox or something like that and leave the signature sloped roofline of the HS series alone! I am very hopeful the maybe by midyear they will roll out the original one. We will have to wait and see though.

[@lionelplunkett9428]

G'day totally agree with everything said but I've been on his web site before and all his cars are all different paint schemes just wow he's a genius. Yeah I don't know what Tamiya we're thinking aye 👍👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Exactly, there was so many other options to do with this car using a little of the original black and red colors to add to the BH theme. The idea of it was cool be the execution was lackluster. Fingers crossed they release the original fairly soon after this one!

[@RCBirds]

So true Addam. I bought the Super Hot Shot for having a complete set of ball bearings, the big skid plate including a better battery door design for me and spoken physically a better shock design. I don't have a Blockhead yet and the pre-painted and pre-cutted body is an argument. But I fear for the price they do only optical things and non of the advantages of the SHS. So I'll wait for aomeone doing an unboxing before I'll decide.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I can see the pre-painted body being a draw for some folks. I do think the price is going to hold off many folks on top of some of the odd choices made. We will see, it may sell out and be a big hit for them. I am just hopeful the original will be released soon after this one.

[@fantasticplasticadventures]

I love reading these perspectives on this topic. This is one more for anyone reading this far down in the comments. Thank you! My first Tamiya RC kit was the Grasshopper in 1985, although I really wanted the slightly more expensive Hornet. At the time the Hotshot was the top Tamiya kit and well beyond my means if I could even track one down. It would be decades before I saw a Royal Ripper since I didn’t know about RC magazines then. Guidebooks and catalogs were my portal. Whenever I saw the red 4WD buggy with its sleek 2 damper design in catalogs I dreamed of running it. When the Supershot appeared in photos the next year I was equally impressed with its 4 dampers, stylish silver paint, and it was “Super.” The year after this the Hotshot 2 arrived. Its nearly identical color scheme to the Hornet and unimaginative “2” in the name didn’t inspire me the way the other one or two word kits did. Now in 2022, the sequel Block Head Hotshot 2 uses the same color scheme to another 2wd buggy, echoing the first Hotshot 2 and Hornet. Blue and white go well together, but I think it would have been better to let the BH Wild One own it. I’m curious why an imaginative due like Block Head and Tamiya didn’t rework this palette a little to make something uniquely signature again. The slight chassis changes are interesting to me in the way the Supershot differs from the Hotshot. I think they could gone even further to make this a BH Hotshot III and rerelease the 2 as it was.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for the back story! The Royal ripper looks cool but evidentially is one of the most fragile cars ever produced! I don't have one but I have heard from multiple sources it breaks if you look at it to fast! LOL!!! I am very hopeful they follow the release of this with a release of the HS2. I think they would be better off releasing BH kits on readily available kits and stop releasing very sought after classics on the BH design first!

[@fantasticplasticadventures]

@@AddamsPlayground I agree 🙌 A BH ORV or SRB chassis seems production ready and a better selling price point.

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

I'd love to have a Hotshot again. My hotshot as a kid was my first 4 wheel drive and my third RC car after a Grasshopper and the Frog..

[@AddamsPlayground]

I just got my first one recently. I want them all now!! But then again I wanted them all before I got this one! 😂

[@HaydadRC]

I guess I’m not a Tamiya purist….I kind of like it and the higher roof! But I think regardless of what Tamiya does there’s always going to be folks on both sides of the fence. Nice one Addam!👍😊

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL! I am quite sure you are not alone Jeremy! I know a few people that are not fans of the HS series due to the low slung roof so this probably appeals to them more as well. I just don't understand the reasoning for it. I know their reasoning was to make it look more realistic but they could have used the Fox or something with an existing body that is more realistic. But you are right, there is no way to please everyone and they have been doing their own thing for decades and it has worked for them well!

[@mikeboutang3146]

I would LOVE a Hotshot. When I seen this Blockhead release, I was disappointed for those exact reasons. It HAS to have the chopped roof to be a Hotshot. It now just looks like all the other buggies. And YES ...... The number plate bolted onto the side to catch on things and break off because they overhang ...... That's just stupid. I would never install those. But mostly it's a roof line problem. Before I got my Lunchbox in 87, it was the Hotshot that I was in love with because of the cockpit. It was that 80's alien futuristic look that just looked wild. The new one just doesn't capture that for me.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I think the roof line change it the biggest part for me. I am fine wit them changing the colors and making it custom but altering the design of the buggy seems wrong. The only time they should do that is to correct a defect from the original and even then give us the parts needed to put it to the original way if we desire. I am hopeful they release the actual HS2 sometime next year as I would love one of those. We will have to wait and see...

[@peteredwards7114]

I’ve got a Hotshot and love it but when I saw this Blockhead edition I thought it just looks to much like a Boomerang. Not at all interested in the BH Hotshot at all.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@peteredwards7114 I does lean more towards the boomerang now with the raised roof! I just built the original HS and cannot imagine building one without the sloped roof on it!

[@DaLizMs]

I like the Hotshot blochead but I hear what you saying, I'm getting it for my collection of Hotshots.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I wan to like it, the initial impression of it being a generic copy/paste of the other one they did. I am sure it looks better in person and is a great kit but I just can't get into yet. I hope it is great and you enjoy the heck out of it!! Take care and thanks for stopping by and checking it out!

[@AdventureTimeRC]

I think I would leave the plates off both of them lol I remove them from most of my rcs other than that I guess I don't mind I can paint it anyway I like good points Addam

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am pretty sure this one is also going to be pre-painted so it would need to be stripped or painted on the outside. I am just hopeful they release the regular one after this one, only time will tell.

[@AdventureTimeRC]

@Addam's Playground yeah I am not a fan of pre painted bodies that's one of my favorite parts of a kit

[@yellomello71]

Hi Addam. I understand all your arguments. An original Hotshot 2 would have been the better solution for most of the fans. The Blockhead Edition could have been made later. I've been thinking back and forth, since they dropped the news, whether this is a nice car or not. The changed frame, the extra lights, the color scheme copied from the Wild One Blockhead etc. etc. I was so undecided. I was unable to come up with a solution.... so I preordered it today 🤘I think sometimes too much thinking takes the fun out of it. I'm looking forward to a completely new car from the Hotshot family.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Well, there is that! It is a new version and I am sure many others will feel the same if not really be excited for it. I wish I could get excited for it but from the first images I saw of it I just felt it was not right. I hope you enjoy it and you have a great time with it. I really wish I could get excited for it, my wallet is happy I am not! LOL!! Fingers crossed the original comes out shortly after this one.

[@rcicons4915]

Hands down, they should have put the original out before launching a variant. Knowing how many people have been crying out for the rere it is unfortunate that Tamiya is messing with us like this. When they launch the BH Wildone, they at least did another run of the original to coincide.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am very hopeful they will hear the feedback from the community and start cranking out the originals very soon so maybe midyear we will get a drop of the originals. There were just things about this release that got under my skin and messing with the roofline was probably the biggest one followed by the lazy way they attached the number plates, that could have been done way better than that!! It felt rushed and not refined. Fingers crossed on the re-release of the original!!!

[@starwarsnerd9250]

I like the little flag, but I’ll admit the red one is pretty slick. Thanks for sharing, Addam. 🤩

[@AddamsPlayground]

Hey there!! Thank you for stopping by and saying hi! The Hotshot (the red one) has always been a favorite of mine and it just looks angry in very fun way!!

[@UncleBobsRC]

I agree about the color and number plates. However, In Tamiya's typical MO, like the Blockhead Motors Wild One, they might pop out the HotShot 2 Re-Re kit. That said, I just might get the HotShot 2 Blockhead Motors kit, Then I'll have a 2wd & 4wd in the same "Livery".

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am holding onto hope they will do a run of the regular version and I will grab that. If not then no biggy, I still need to get the Super anyways still!

[@JF-RC]

Hi there Addam, I suppose there is the subject of the Super Shot version too to consider? I was kind of thinking the Hot Shot 2 has already really been produced, when Tamiya produced the Super Shot? So the idea of a Hot Shot 2 being an alleged upgraded Hot Shot original, but improved, well, I don’t see it either to be honest, I’m of the impression the Super Shot was the upgraded Hot Shot. Really to be honest I preferred to original WildOne too, not keen on the BlockHead version, well…just colour scheme with added flimsy plastic parts. So Tamiya, listen up ! Take care and best wishes to you all 😁😊😉

[@AddamsPlayground]

There was a few of them released back to back originally and each one is set up differently. The HS had the single rear and single front shock, the HS2 had the dual rear and single front and the Super HS has dual front and rear. They changed the body slightly but the main difference was the suspensions setups. I just hope they hear the majority want an original HS2 and are not pleased with the odd choices made on this BH edition. I doubt they will but who knows...

[@alexwenzel6932]

I'm still patiently waiting for my paid for back ordered BH Wildone from Amain. I've seen them start popping up in local hobby shops. Yet if I cancel my back order I don't get the $20 in credits back I used from Amain. With all that said I do love the styling and color style on the Wild One. I think Tamiya will end up doing a BH line of cars over the next few years. Collectors will scop them up for value down the road. But I agree with what you say about the changes to the Hot Shot2. At least with the Wild One that was a current and available kit that they made into a BH edition.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am sure if you call and talk to Amain you can retain you $20 credit, they are pretty good about stuff like that. I did like the Wild one, I was not a huge fan of the cut out roof but it was not a odd as redesigning the entire cage to raise the roofline on a signature part of the buggy itself doesn't make sense. I am hopeful they are going make a regular run of HS2 and I hope they make enough as I believe they will outsell the BH version 2 to 1!!

[@alexwenzel6932]

@@AddamsPlayground Agree. I still need to get myself a HotShot that amain has to. Can't get everything at once !

[@ggilesy]

Each to their own. I sort of like the HS2 block head version for what it is........ BUT I just really hope they re-re the original shape.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I get it, really I do. I was on the other side of the fence with the Wild One when it came out. I think I am mostly bitter that they have not re-released the original and made changes to prevent it from easily becoming a true HS2. I could do it but it requires sourcing a roll cage which those are going to become impossible to find and a reproduction body on top of the kit price to make it happen. I just wish they would re-release the original and then release a variant. I am just crossing my fingers the do release the original afterwards. It just makes more sense to me me to have a variant come out on something that has already been re-released prior instead of it being the other way around. Tamiya has always marched to the beat of their on drum so they probably know more about this stuff than me.

[@DudesRC]

I like this blockhead version, sans the number plate attachment. I couldn't get past the different diameter wheel drillouts on the Wild One, but loved the cab. Also felt the Hotshot2 was too stretched, but engineered with entertainment.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I never understood the wonky holes on those wheels either but that is the way they were from the start. It is the same on the Fox wheels too.

[@martinhsrc6699]

I think we’ll see a standard Hotshot 2. I agree that would be nice if it was a different colour to Wild One, I’d have done it fluorescent orange with chequered decals and white CVA’s

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am hoping the regular one comes out after this one. I am sure since it seems the overall sentiment is most people would prefer the original. Yours would have been better that reusing the same basic paint scheme as before. I also like the white shock idea better than the yellow ones!

[@kostritzer]

The Hotshot 2 is my favorite Tamiya buggy of all time. Being a huge fan of the original Hotshot, I felt the Hotshot 2 was a perfected(style wise) version of the original. I wanted one so badly when I was a kid. I recently built a replica HS2 from a Re-re Supershot, aftermarket body, and a couple of rare original HS2 parts trees. Very disappointed that they came out with this strange looking version of such a beautiful kit.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah the redesign of the cage for this release was very confusing to me. They have traditionally done things their own way and always had very stylized creations so why would you mess around with the actual shape of the buggy?? The livery is just disappointing as well as it just looks like a rushed and copy/paste re-do of the Wild One. I am very hopeful we will get a true re-release of it a few months after this ugly duckling version comes out..

[@kostritzer]

@@AddamsPlayground agree on all accounts. The one nice thing about this buggy is that it seems to be relatively inexpensive compared to the other Hotshot based buggies. I'm thinking about picking one up to use as a runner(my HS1 and HS2 replica are display only), and just tweaking the looks a bit. I'm thinking kind of a mish mash of Supershot(as I have a spare body)and this thing.

[@NANNIRC]

You know, I find the light blue nice, and similar to the 2WD. Well, it's a team!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, can see the race team aspect. I just feel like they needed to make it stand out against the other. Using the same colors is fine but variate the design a little or something.

[@jone7940]

I think we'll see the original hotshot 2 soon. Tamiya may have wanted to gauge how much demand there was for the original by sending out the blockhead first and listening out for feedback... who knows. I can't make sense out of much of their reasoning but Tamiya to me are like Led Zep couldn't understand why they came out with some of the songs they did... in the order they did... but know that I look back, it was all pure genius and it's all good. 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am very hopeful the regular version quickly follows up this release. I know there was similar grief about the Wild one but not as much. It seems the collectors really want the HS2 and many are not happy with the design choices of the BHM one this go around. But similar to what you said, they have been marching to the beat of their own drum and doing it successfully for decades so I am sure it is all part of a master plan!

[@michaeldorich4485]

I agree with most of what you said. I am often baffled by decisions made by Tamiya. I think Tamiya makes a lot of decisions based on what they think will be popular in Japan. The recent release of the Blockhead was very popular and they probably thought, "we can take advantage of that popularity." As far as the supply chain goes I think there are still problems with worldwide shipping, but I don't think they really don't care if people are still waiting. They know that there are so many Tamiya fans worldwide that they can do whatever they want and people will buy Tamiya. Look at all the KZbin channels devoted to Tamiya content. I am one of those people. We are like Cub fans who come to the ballpark even if they are terrible. I do think if people don't buy the new Hot Shot II that will have an effect.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am sure they will sell plenty of them but I do not think it is going to be the big splash the Wild One was though. But who knows, like you said we are kind of suckers for them and I just hope they do release the regular version sometime next year!!

[@michaeldorich4485]

@@AddamsPlayground I saw on line that someone was selling the original Hotshot II for only $899.00.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@michaeldorich4485 ridiculous!! But stuff like this will drive up prices!

[@MrMelton77]

I got a W/O BH but won't be getting the Hotshot BH. I think the Monster Beetle BH looks much better personally. As many folks have said in the comments Tamiya should re-release the standard Hotshot 2 as well. Many people out there need this one and the Super Sabre to complete re-re collections of hotshot family cars.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I would actually prefer the Super Sabre myself, I have always liked the look of that one a lot! I do love the HS series so I am hopeful by midyear we get any announcement of the regulate HS2 being released and I can got one of those! I enjoy the Blockhead designs usually but I feel this one was mailed in! Too close to the other paint job and those number plates just don't seem well done at all! I feel they should have been molded plastic to allow for the super flat head screws to sit flush inside and mage a tiny bit smaller and they would have looked cool. These look rushed and if they were an afterthought... Fingers crossed on the re-release of the original!!!

[@PeteWylieRC]

I'm not as excited about this as the Wild One Blockhead but I think it looks pretty good apart from the awful race numbers screwed to the sides and front. Also the yellow shocks look cheap and some nice alu ones would be better. Maybe they will release it in original form later?

[@AddamsPlayground]

I am hoping they will release the original mid year next year. I am not getting the same sense of excitement about this one as there was for the Wild One. There was a buzz and a frenzy around that one and with this one is more of a sad trombone announcement! The blue and white are fine but they should have incorporated the red and/or black in their a little to make it a bit more unique than the Wild One. I am sure they will sell but I doubt as well as the Wild One. Fingers crossed for the original and that they make enough of those to go around!

[@stephanbinder3829]

I am totally on your side!

[@AddamsPlayground]

It seems like the vast majority are on this side of the fence or those that do like it are not speaking up. I have a had a couple people say they like it but the majority really want the original or a better version of the BHM one done (99% want the original!).

[@powersmodelgarage]

I agree. It would have been better if the did a ReRe of HS2 and then a special blockhead edition.

[@AddamsPlayground]

So far that is what I am hearing from almost everyone, not just here on my channel but others as well. I am very hopeful that Tamiya is listening and will start cranking out the original ones for a mid year release of the HS2!! I also hope in future BH releases they will change up the paint scheme enough to feel original and not another copy/paste theme.

[@Surferslocker]

I prefer the Blockhead. I've just started with Tamiya, so I've got no connection with the older styling. Loving the hobby 🤩

[@AddamsPlayground]

That makes sense! I am sure it looks better in person and without having the connections with the classic one then this is perfect for ya! It should drive a bit better the the regular hotshot with the dual rear shocks and you are also getting a new version of the chassis.

[@ShenRC]

Yep bonehead move for tamiya the new hotshot II in blockhead motors was so silly it looks so much like the wild one what's the point, if tamiya did it how it came original they would have sold so many more, The body would have been so much better if it was clear and you had to paint it... the blockhead motors is awesome on the wild one but on the hotshot II re do the same paint style is just wrong!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I feel if they wanted to release a more realistic looking buggy then they should have done the Fox or something with a more realistic body already and left the classic roofline of the HS alone. The whole thing to me feels unrefined and lazy. I guess with the Wild One it was so new and cool it made sense but they also didn't alter the buggy itself, just added to it. They all can't be top tier winners!! I am just very hopeful by mid year we get an announcement of the original coming out. I am sure those will outsell these 2 to 1!!

[@mlubecke]

I like the new design, but I understand how much everyone wants the original. I do agree with your comment on the release…. I better not be waiting 11 months for mine after I pre ordered my wild one …

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah the Wild One release was not a good one. I am hopeful they are able to get more out this time and the supply chain and shipping issues are not holding them back. Good luck with getting yours! I am holding out hope the original will come out around midyear!!

[@chromezeta]

I agree 100%, the new hotshot 2 BHM looks identical to the wild one BHM. I just hope Tamiya releases a standard HS2. It's an easy cash cow for them.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I am hopeful the regular will show up after the release of the BHM version and I am sure they really enjoy double dipping the sales...

[@jspeedrc]

Two mytic models🔥

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, both of them on the bench are great, I do wish I had picked up the regular Wild One last year but the BH is great. You can never go wrong with a HotShot though, such an iconic and aggressive looking buggy!

[@nomusicrc]

Are the two holes in the roof supposed to be sunroofs If you're going to re-release something it has to be the same don't make any changes

[@AddamsPlayground]

I assume they are racing sunroofs!?!?! I am not sure what they were going for wit that. If they had put more effort into creating a different paint job and decals for it and left the roofline alone then it would have been more appealing. Jun Wantanabe is great at coming up with unique and creative designs for each of his build and the one he did for the HS2 was much nicer and I was kind of excited to see come out and then they released an almost identical livery to the Wild One they had just done and I was very disappointed.

[@Pezzapoo]

Agree mate, you can’t beat the classics

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I get wanting to do the blockhead kits but do them on things more common like the Monster beetle and the Grasshopper... stuff that is already easy to get. Stop teasing us with re-releasing classics in a way I can't make it into a classic. I am hoping they release the regular version shortly after they get done with this.

[@Pezzapoo]

@@AddamsPlayground typical ploy, release this, get sales. Then release the II and they buy that too )

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@Pezzapoo I mean I don't blame them but they could have done the first part better!

[@andygibson4016]

I have an original Hotshot 2,was bought as a Christmas present as a kid. Im keeping it original for nostalgia but would love a re re of the original buggy, would prefer black and same as original.. Would have been better for Tamiya to re re the original copy first in black then release the Blockhead after...

[@AddamsPlayground]

I have hopes they will be releasing the original one shortly after the BH edition. If they don't I think there will be a lot of upset fans in the crowd!!! I think they should stick doing the BH versions of more common vehicles and re-release the stuff folks have been begging for... Falcon, King Cab, Mad Cap, Boomerang, Big Wig....... But what do we know, we are just the consumers that spend a boat load on toy cars all the time... LOL

[@andygibson4016]

@@AddamsPlayground very well said 😊

[@FastFreddyRC]

I’m with you 100% I was very surprised that it just looked the same as the wild one version. Did they run out of design ideas after just one build? Yikes…just sayin….

[@AddamsPlayground]

In the paint scheme department I feel like they just mailed it in. I am hopeful they release the actual HS2 sometime next year as I would love one of those. We will have to wait and see...

[@MauzyrockRC]

In my humble opinion, as I am new and know little about these models, but they should have left original physical design, to appeal to nostalgia, and probably they should have rejigged the BHM design (same theme) but altered to make it more different. Cheers

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yes, messing with the design was not something anyone wanted from what I have heard or read. The BH theme just felt a bit lack luster for this and they didn't really do anything "wow" with it except the "wow, so they just screwed number plates to it huh?" LOL!! Fingers crossed on the re-release of the original!!!

[@bradkalman2353]

I want both original and the blockhead.

[@bradkalman2353]

Are you getting a the hot shot 2 blockhead edition?

[@AddamsPlayground]

Unless it is a gift, nope!

[@mad-beerc3818]

I am fine with the BHM version its a cool looking buggy but agree about the screws on the number plates very sloppy! I am fine about it though but under one condition they release the original HS2 also ASAP also😉

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I am not sure where they were thinking about the number plates! That really gave me a scrunched up confused look while looking at those pictures!! Just too many things odd about it for me to get excited. I hope they do release the regular version of it after this one comes out.

[@mad-beerc3818]

@@AddamsPlayground yeah I am sure tamiya surely knows that we all really want the original HS2 just as it was back in the day! maybe tamiya's thinking is the blockhead version wouldn't sell as well if it came out after the original standard HS2 rere?? I certainly don't dislike it the blockhead hotshot 2 but tamiya must really be careful they don't start getting lazy I mean just look at those screws on those number plates that's a warning sign! Yeah we can correct that kind of thing ourselves but shouldn't have to! This latest BHM is borderline on that lazy edge! But I certainly still wouldn't say no because we all love tamiya yeah! But this won't have the same draw that the BHM Wild One did on me! that one was a must have in my collection and made me hit that pre-order button without even thinking! I have mine on display in my front room absolutely love that version and there was considerable thought that went into that buggy! Will l pre-order the HS2 BHM? Not feeling that draw at the moment! Maybe after some more pictures etc?? Great vid Addam 🤩

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Cool rc's and I agree with you brother, don't just copy make it awesome

[@AddamsPlayground]

In the paint scheme department I feel like they just mailed it in. I am hopeful they release the actual HS2 sometime next year as I would love one of those. We will have to wait and see...

[@islandrc-duke1972]

@@AddamsPlayground 👍😊

[@rexrcs]

Bonehead move in my current at the moment opinion. The wild one version looks soooooo much better. Just opinion though, perspective and opinion vary and differ drastically with all us humans lol. Agreed, the wild one looks like a real buggy, the supershot looks like an rc buggy. I left my number plates off the wild one and feel the same about the new number plates on the supershot. “Im not knocking it”, 😅 yes you are Adam! Youre saying what many are thinking 😂

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL! I was not trying to bad mouth it but strike up the conversation and see if I was on an island or with the majority. From the comments it seems I am with the majority. Changing the cage is the biggest failure I feel, everything else can be worked on and improved but not much I can do with a redesign of the parts themselves. I agree everyone is going to view it in a different light and this is not the first time where many questioned their choices (TD4) and decided to get or avoid the new offering. I am just really hopeful they make a ton of originals as I thin they will outsell the BH version 2 to 1 easily!

[@rexrcs]

@@AddamsPlayground adam….. its growing on me….

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@rexrcs yeah, I can see nice features of it but the things I am not fond of still stick out to badly for me to come around to it... Yet...

[@joasama9763]

Cool

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for stopping by and checking it out!

[@UlisesBatalla]

I was on board and then got mad that it looks as if Tamiya is going to BABY BLUE AND WHITE BLOCKHEAD a few models and that is lazy! Jun's idea is there to see on his website. There were even silver molded plastic suspension arms front and back. WHAT HAPPEN? Jun's ideas are different on each model. What is Tamiya going to do next, a pink tire, purple plastics, white and black polka-dot Falcon? No no no no I got it! Pink tire, purple plastics, white and black polka-dot 959! BOOM!

[@AddamsPlayground]

LOL, so not a fan! LOL!! I hear ya, it feels like they mind of mailed this one in! I am sure they will sell but I don't sense of excitement for this one as I did with the Wild One. I know there were folks not pleased with that one and wanted the original but this time around it seems there are only a few rooting it on and the vast majority are not pleased. I am hoping they will make a run of the originals, I just hope there is enough of them when they do as I expect them to sell 2 to 1 over the BH edition.

[@totallytamiya]

Same here Addam. I agree, a Hotshot 2 would have been great. I'm a little disappointed with this release. I don't think I will be buying one. ATB Darren 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Thanks for the feedback Darren and it seems they vast majority feel the same. I am just very hopeful they release the regular one after this and they make enough as I think the regular will outsell the BH version!

[@UlisesBatalla]

They had to have talked him into it being a styling cue. Look at Watanabe's website and none of his models are the same paint scheme. Look at his frog, and others, they're not the same color. The original idea on the website is great. NOT THIS. But they are counting on us buying.

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, I agree. I see his stuff on Instagram all the time and they are all neat looking and like you said not copy/paste versions of the last one! I guess we will find out soon enough if they learn from it or if there will be another blue and white one next year.

[@philmoffett366]

It does seem a bit odd they have released the blockhead before the actual hotshot 2 🤔 and I'm totally with you on the redesign of the cadge and the totally bizarre number plates? Apparently he did it so you could see the driver figure properly I think his original one had the driver figure out of another tamiya rc (the fox allegedly) IF I decide to invest in one the number plates are definitely not going on but when I've seen actually photos of the finished buggy im kinda liking it but I'm thinking about waiting for the original HS2 to make an appearance and its silver box art👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I think the most recent pics and video I have seen of it makes it look a bit better but I still can't get over changing the roof line of the car. It is one of the signature looks of the Hot shot line of buggies and they took that away. They also went too safe with the copy/paste paint scheme so I just cannot get excited for it and will save my money for the regular version. It is already going to be an expensive year for RC with all the new releases coming out so I am going to have to pick and chose a little more careful so I don't miss out on something!

[@philmoffett366]

@@AddamsPlayground yeah I'm with you on the roof lines its what hit you with the original back in the mid 80s it was so ahead of it's time very sleek! I was told originally when the blockhead pictures merged that it was just spacers on the cadge but that was obviously wrong?

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@philmoffett366 yeah it is a completely different mold so if you want the sloped roof line you have to source a cage from the hotshot.

[@muddfoot69]

Man I want to see a video of your Mutt Cutts lunchbox behind you

[@AddamsPlayground]

Look back in the videos and there is a full walk through of the build and also a run video of it. I do need to get it back out sometime some maybe a new one could come out but I am booked up for a while with projects and other planned videos. It is a really fun one and seeing it with its ear and feet flopping around is funny!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIWmnYWQhL2sgZo

[@chowtm19]

Just like Super Avante! lucky there is no block head avante!

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah I think the TD4 flopped badly for them. I know some folks love it but I hated that car from start. The styling seemed off and the decision to not go to a shorty pack and not have to dismantle the car was a poor one. I would have much rather bought a new battery for it than tear apart the car to change the battery. I get annoyed taking the body off of some of them to change the body I certainly don't want to need tools to do it! This HS2 one stuck me wrong at the first images and the more I looked the less I liked it... I am hoping they get a bunch of actual HS2 kits created and released soon!

[@steve-d0]

I come at if from the angle that everyone is angry at blockhead when they should be angry at Tamiya for not releasing the HS2 separately as it’s own thing. But likely due to canibalising sales or some reason. But maybe they will listen to the people and release the original later getting people to buy two 😅. Who knows. I still like the BH version and will grab one when available.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I like the BH version ok but not enough to buy one. I am holding out hope they release the actual HS2 later next year after the hype dies down.

[@madsrcbuggy]

My opinion is that we are hobbyists! Definitely to different degrees, I know that much... Personally, I haven't yet made a Tamiya kit or any kit that is painted the same way as on the box, I just simply like being an "artist", so I prefer doing my own take on things. So whether the Hotshot II was kept original or made as a Blockhead version, it doesn't matter to me. But related to this exercise, I guess what could be done is to buy the Blockhead version and then replace the parts needed to create your own version of HS II. My own opinion on this, I have never really cared about either Hotshot or Blockhead, so it doesn't provoke me. 😄

[@AddamsPlayground]

I get it, since neither entices you then it really is just gossip and stuff for you! I agree you should have been able to make it into a HS2 from the kit parts but now you cannot. I am very hopeful the maybe by midyear they will roll out the original one.

[@bradkalman2353]

You need to get a super hot shot also.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I want one but not in the budget at the moment!

[@n22pdf]

Oh no I hope I don’t slated I pre-ordered one to go with my blockhead wild one.. 🚴 would love a real hotshot 2 though

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah. I am very hopeful the maybe by midyear they will roll out the original one. Then I will get excited and but one!

[@n22pdf]

@@AddamsPlayground yeah I always wanted the original Hotshot and would like to pick one of those up to :) so many cars lol

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@n22pdf yeah, I had forgotten my wish list as a child was pretty much the entirety of the first 100 kits plus a bunch after that! Then tack on all the new kits and so on.... The list never seems to get any shorter!!

[@n22pdf]

@@AddamsPlayground yeah same here lol.. loved the static models to from the catalogues and still do.. those old Tamiya catalogues were awesome I used to love looking through those back in the day and have watched a few KZbin vids on other channels where they've gone through them bought back a lot of great memories

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@n22pdf I tried winning a lot of old Tamiya catalogs in recent auctions but the cost of them and the shipping was going to be too much! The small lots went for high money and the big lots went for less money but were like 20-30lbs of shipping weight which gets expensive quickly!! I do keep an out eye out for old magazines and old catalog lots but so many others are too now, prices go up quickly!

[@mrredsrcrepairs3684]

The red one still the best

[@AddamsPlayground]

The original is the most iconic but I do prefer the black Hotshot 2 in the looks department. The black and red looks more aggressive and tough for some reason. All of them are great looking to be honest

[@richiedoran6251]

I agree Tamiya stuffed up

[@AddamsPlayground]

I think is they left the roofline alone it would have been better. Raising the roofline to me just separates it from the HS family and it hast lost its signature look. The copy/paste paint scheme seemed lack luster as well.

[@JimBoBJames-no5db]

Yeh Addam I've only read a few comments but looks like most people prefer the original Tamiya box art version. That's great news to me cause I'm not at all a fan of Blockhead artwork. I don't give a damn about Blockhead motors. Looks like 90% of Tamiya RC fans don't have any likes for Blockhead motors. Tamiya should release a Hot Shot 2 as it was originally and to make matters worse it's pre painted in Blockhead artwork. What's going on here , did the creator of blockhead motors pay Tamiya for doing this. Man most people are loyal to ORIGINAL TAMIYA RC CARS even if they are re released kits. Are you listening Tamiya. I reckon most people have not heard of blockhead outside of Japan. Maybe Tamiya should have kept blockhead for the local Japanese market or at least made 2versions of original box art and block head to see which sells better and to give the loyal Tamiya fans a choice. That's not to much to ask . The other issue that irks me is that the original cars from the 1980's had officially licensed decals and now Tamiya has not been able to do this . Why not Tamiya. In the US Traxxas and Losi to only name name 2 manufacturers have officially licensed bodyshells and decals and artwork on the packaging. Come on Tamiya. On a positive note I must say modern ESC's are so much better than the old mechanical speed control units. And battery technology these days is 110% better too. 👌👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

I do like the Blockhead motors cars and truck, Jun does a lot of cool one-off designs and decals for them. Sadly to joint venture with Tamiya got lazy and they are not doing them in the theme of his normal build and they did a bad copy/paste paint scheme on this. Juns' cars and trucks are all different colors and themes overall and for Tamiya to go with the same basic look for this one as the Wild one I think was them trying to ride that wave of success of that one. I 1005 agree they should have released the original design of it shortly afterwards but they failed to do so which is very sad as I would really like to have one. unfortunately they don't seem to care or listen to the US and UK crowd which is funny since that is possibly two of their largest consumers of kits in the world. I am glad we got some other good cars this year like the Boomerang and the Super Sabre but it was a big let down that no HS2 seems to be coming. The modern day electronics are so much better and cheap as well. A HobbyWing 1060 can be had for like $22 and an equivalent one back in the day would have been $80+ and I can get two nimh packs for like $35-40 and they were $40 each back in the day and the new ones have much better capacity and run times. You can go to MCI racing and get a sheet of just the old school sponsor stickers for Tamiya builds to replace the "Forward" and and others they come with now. I don't' know why they stopped with those unless it just became too much for the variety of vendors they had to pay the licensing fees to. I know they pay a lot for the body licensing they use but most of those are the on-road stuff so who knows! Not sure if you saw it or not but I did get a HS2 BH and turned it into my own design, I had to poke some fun at myself and Tamiya - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWjIhKyXn9yYh5I

[@dwarfyh32]

I quite like the blockhead Wild One and at least it was re-re'd in its original form first to satisfy the purists. The Hotshot 2 doesnt suit the blockhead theme IMO and given the status of the Hotshot family as some of the most iconic cars in the Tamiya range they should have also re-re'd it as an original first.

[@AddamsPlayground]

It was odd to me the changed the roofline as that is one of the signature features of the HS series. Someone else mentioned it would have been better to do the Monster Beetle or something like that in the BH livery instead of something that people have been waiting for some time to come available. I am just very hopeful they release a run of the original version shortly after this.

[@dwarfyh32]

@@AddamsPlayground yes the monster beetle or even the lunchbox or konghead would be ideal for a blockhead theme

[@rcinhand9671]

I was never into the Hotshot series of cars, so I'm indifferent about it.

[@AddamsPlayground]

They do have a look to them some folks don't care for. I think that can be said about a lot of their vehicles! They have always march to the beat of their own drum so this is really nothing to out in left field!! LOL!

[@rcinhand9671]

@@AddamsPlayground haha

[@jecoboost1440]

I rather have the hotshot 2. The blockhead is okay.

[@AddamsPlayground]

I think the is the general feeling of most people so far. Not quite the reception the Wild One got. I am hoping they do release the regular version soon after this one comes out.

[@torredchc1768]

People get mad when re releases happen people get mad whe re releases aren't updated people get mad when they try something different with rereleases. people just get mad. It will sell in the end.

[@AddamsPlayground]

True, you cannot please everyone. I was just disappointed as Jun's BHM version looks better with the different colors and they decided to copy/paste the Wild One look on it and also changing the roofline that is a signature part of the Hot Shot line-up. Some folks got excited, some are getting it as it was released at a decent price and others like me are holding out for the real one. I know they are never going to please everyone but I was disappointed in the result. I was interesting to see everyone's views on it in the comments.

[@torredchc1768]

@Addam's Playground not critisizing your critique. It's fine. I don't think tamiya was trying to reinvent the car. Seems they are just having fun with this blockhead theme. They probably won't keep this version around long.

[@redblue40rc33]

Pre order from Tower hobbies $214.90

[@AddamsPlayground]

Not a bad price for it. It is a $100 too much for me since I would have to buy a new body from TBG, decals from MCI and a roll rage from eBay to make me happy with it.

[@kashmurray1199]

I'm not excited about the new Hot Shot either. Let down.

[@AddamsPlayground]

That seems to be the overall consensus from what I have seen here and in other areas as well. I hope they follow this up with a release of the original.

[@-Dash-]

I dont like the look of the Blockhead HotShot 2 at all... WildOne Yes, HotShot No.

[@AddamsPlayground]

The Wild one was a refresh of the original and it was unique looking. This one was too much like a quick copy/paste design of the Wild One and those slapped on body panels they should feel ashamed of honestly. thanks for stopping by and checking in!

[@leehurst6922]

Blockhead hotshot 2 looks absolutely terrible. Grab yourself a supershot cage as they are same as the original hotshot 2. Rit dye the yellow dampers red. Instant hotshot 2. 👍

[@AddamsPlayground]

So far the vast majority of folks I have talked to are not fans of the BH release of this one. I know some will by and do the conversion, I doubt I will as the BH kit is going to be pricy plus you have to strip or buy a new body as it is pre-painted and then some reproduction decals. Too much money for me to do what they should have done. I am hopeful they do have a release of the original shortly after the BH one but we will have to wait and see.

[@leehurst6922]

Fingers crossed they do like they did with the wild one and release the standard variant aswell

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

Exactly what I'm thinking Addam 👍🦘🇦🇺

[@AddamsPlayground]

Yeah, so far there are some that love it and a bunch that are take it or leave but a lot of folks are not a big fan of it. I guess with all them there are those groups, I think this one was more impactful as it was never re-released before and it went straight into a bad decision! LOL!

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

@@AddamsPlayground I think it must have been a flop here in Australia as our local hobby shop has a bunch that are still for sale, if it was a great success they'd all be gone already. Honestly I'd rather put my money into a Dark Impact and an Aero Avante, 2 buggies for the price of one lol.

[@AddamsPlayground]

@@outbackrcaustralia4895 I have both of those on my list of kits to get but they are not super common here. I do know where there is a Dark Impact for sale but I just ordered the new Dirt Master this morning so it got bumped back again! I think the Aero Avante just got a lot of shade because people didn't like it using the Avante name and I kind of get it but I still want one!

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

@@AddamsPlayground Oh nice choice of kits mate!👌I hope you get a Dirt Master soon, such a disappointment having your orders bumped back!. The Dirt Master looks nice too, has that long sleek look about it, I hadn't heard of it until now, will be looking at it on YT👍. The only place I can see the Dark Impact is Japan and its around $350 Australian, not sure if we'll see them in our shops here. I don't care if they name it avante at all, I get the Avante purists having a go lol. It's a good price though!, I might look into one. Looks like it's using the Racing Fighter black star dish rims.