The Nikko Big Homer was a small 1/16 scale radio controlled car manufactured by Nikko (Japan), and released in the US, UK, and other countries worldwide in 1988. It was a popular and versitile chassis that was redesigned with many different bodies and style combinations over the years, such as the Nikko Stinger and Nikko Black Stalker (RDC-18230) and the Nikko Cyclone (RDC-18240).
A versatile chassis
This was a popular and versatile chassis that sold at a value price, encouraging Nikko to make good use of it by re-releasing the car under many different guises.
This included the:
- Nikko Night Stalker
- Nikko Cyclone
- Nikko Black Stinger
- Nikko Stinger (restyle)
The original Big Homer was Made in Japan, while the others were Made in Singapore, and Made in Malaysia.
In Italy the Big Homer was released by GIG as the Achilles, after the hero of the Trojan War in Homer's Illiad. Yes, as in 'Achilles heal'. I wonder if the Homer reference was intentional. Funny Italians ;)
In the 1991 Nikko Catalog we can see the Stinger, Cyclone, and Big Homer advertised alongside each other.
Was it released in 1984 or 1988?
I have seen several listings of the Night Stalker being sold as the 1984 Nikko Night Stalker, however I do not believe this is the correct year.
Most likely what is happening is sellers look for a year on the car or packaging, and see 'Copyright Nikko 1984' on the back of the controller, when this is likely just when Nikko registered a particular trademark, not when the car was release.
In 1984, two years before the 1986 Nikko Turbo Panther and 1986 Taiyo Jet Hopper, toy grade R/C cars were still slow, crunchy geared models of real life cars, not the slick aerodynamic buggies like the Night Stalker.
Features and Performance
The Big Homer was intended to be a value buy, a small toy-grade R/C car that provided bang for buck, similar to Taiyo and Tyco's range of 6.0V Jet Turbo cars.
Specifications:
- 1/18 Scale
- 6 x AA Batteries providing 6V (NiCd)
- Front and Rear Suspension / Shock Absorbers
- Low and High Gear
- Rubber Off-Road Tires and Chromed Wheels
- Large and wide front bumper made of a flexible plastic (perhaps nylon)
- Big Homer and Night Stalker featured a low profile aerodynamic body
As was the fashion at the time!
Looking at the battery tray and underside of the chassis we can see this was a relatively simple, value based car
Availability and Collectability
The Big Homer, Night Stalker, Cyclone, and Stinger series of Nikko RC vehicles are not especially popular today amongst collectors generally, however there are plenty of nostalgic commentators who owned one, or desired one as a child that will want to own one of these cars, if they can find one.
As for whether or not you'd find one, the availability varies depending on model it seems.
- Big Homer seems to be fairly easy to find both in western online stores and in Japan
- Nikko Stinger is also fairly easy to find
- Night Stalker is harder to find, but still pops up occasionally
- Cyclone is fairly easy to find in low numbers
If you're looking for one in the best possible condition, I'd recommend checking out online auctions in Japan, with near new used models coming up occasionally which look virtually brand new.
wpDiscuz
