We aim to create a page and database entry for every model number.
TAIYO until 1999:
Model No. 8714-49 is a 1987 model, 14th design, 49Mhz version.
TAIYO 2000-2007
Model No. A211-27 is a 2002 model, 11th design, 27Mhz version.
TYCO
Apart from the obvious frequency (-27/-49) addition to the end of each model number, there isn't an obvious pattern or progression by year like with Taiyo.
If you DO know of a pattern, comment at bottom of the page!
Where do I find the model number?
We recommend using the "No." (Taiyo) and "STK NO." (Tyco) from the box, rather than the manual or car itself. This is purely based on our experience of researching several hundred models in detail.
The manual is another source, however you need to ensure it's original, and verify it against the model number on the box. Occasionally Taiyo (Japan) would ship European models with manuals that contained Japanese model numbers.
Taiyo 9134
Taiyo 8777
Tyco 2848-27
Tyco 2335-49
Taiyo Model Number from Barcode
All Taiyo R/C have the model number embedded in the barcode.
Look at the last 5 digits of the barcode. The model number is the first 4, and disregard the 5th.
Model numbers from the Manual
Some Taiyo products have a manual with a detailed model number.
Assuming you're sure the manual you got with your item is original (and not from another item to make a complete set), then it can tell you more about your item.
Taiyo R/C model number 8764, the Outlaw Sprinter. In this example, the model was released in 1987, however this is the 1988 (88) model. Usually where the last characters (in this case '4') is the region (such as ITY Italy, W.G West Germny) however we've not worked out what the '4' is despite being common.
Tyco R/C model number 2600-27 (27Mhz), 2600-49 (49Mhz). Tyco models numbers give less detail, only specifying the model and frequency.
Why do some model numbers have multiple pages/entries on your site?
Tyco would sometimes share the same model number between a 'set' of cars (eg. Baja Bandit, Bandit, both 2603-27) despite the bodies being different, and we want a page for every unique model.
Taiyo would often share the same model number between the original Japanese version of a vehicle (Made in Japan), and Global versions (Made in Singapore, Indonesia) despite them having different packaging, livery, frequencies, and sometimes slightly different specifications (active steering, passive steering).
For these models, we try our best to separate them each into their own page and database entry so you can more accurately identify any item you're looking at, based on the confirmed samples we have here.
'Hidden' Model Numbers
Often the designers would hide 'Easter Eggs' on the model graphics.
Eg. the cars model number as part of the number plate or other graphics is common on Taiyo cars.
Can you see any similarity between the USS Enterprise and the Fast Traxx?
"Incorrect" model numbers
We have often found "incorrect" and duplicate/multiple model numbers on European Taiyo models.
As is normal throughout the world, all electronic devices such as TVs, laptop computers, appliances, etc. must be tested by local government authorities (or authorised agents) to ensure they do not cause electromagnetic interference with other devices. If you've ever taken apart a game console, you'll notice they're always enclosed in a metal cage - this is why. Electronics which are specifically designed to emit radio frequencies, such as Radio Control Cars, are tested even more thoroughly.
It's our theory that this is why we find multiple model numbers on Global / European Taiyo R/C models. Based on the evidence, we believe that this was an intentional strategy by Taiyo to limit the number of models they'd need to have tested and registered with European government authorities who regulated radio frequency emitting devices. Rather than Taiyo having every new model each year (30+) checked and registered by the various governments in each country, they would simply have one model registered per radio frequency and radio hardware design.
Example A
In the Example A below, we have a 1990s Porsche 911 Cabriolet (Model 9031) with the model number for the 1986 Jet Hopper Mk1 on its body (8635), along with a registration number. Likely these both used the same frequency, and/or radio hardware.
Example B
Reinforcing this theory, we have Example B, a Jet Hopper II (Model 8867) with a sticker indicating the frequency, and an obvious model number 8868 (Aero Jet Hopper) on its box. The Aero and Jet Hopper 2 shared the same radio gear, and with the Aero being registered and released first, all other models with that radio gear (including Jet Hopper 2) would need to carry its model number on the packaging, and sometimes on the car itself.
That's all for now. If you have any further information, or corrections to information here, we'd love to hear from you!
Please comment below, or contact us.
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