The Nikko Super Fox 4WD was a 1/14 scale radio controlled car produced by Nikko (Japan), and released into the Japanese market, and others worldwide from 1986. It was also sold in some markets as the Mascot 4WD.
Features and Performance
The key features of the Super Fox 4WD / Mascot 4WD are as follows:
- 1/14 Scale
- Top Speed of 25km/h or 15.5mph
- 8 x AA Batteries (9.6V NiCd)
- Dual Rail Four Wheel Drive (see photos)
- Front and Rear Suspension
- Two Speed Gear Box
- Active Steering
Accelerator and Steering control separately - Pistol Grip Controller
Note there are some White Super Fox 4WD and Red Mascot 4WD, however these are very uncommon compared to the black Super Fox 4WD.
Motor Package
There is no comment on the packaging or the Nikko Catalog mentioning what motor the car uses, so we must assume there is only a single motor (despite 4WD) and that motor must be relatively small? Which is curious, since the car is able to go 25km/h or 15.5mph it's no slouch. I'd estimate a single Mabuchi RS-380. If it had dual motors, then more likely two RS-280 however it would surely mention in marketing if it was dual motor. Do you know what motor is inside the Super Fox / Mascot? Let me know in the comments!
Unique Dual Rail Four Wheel Drive
The 4WD system used two steel rails on each side of the car, similar to non-RC 4WD toy layouts, and relatively unique in the Nikko/Taiyo/Tyco radio control world.
The benefit of this design is that it does'nt get in the way of the battery compartment, however usually designers would simply use a single rail which runs straight through the middle of the battery compartment, making inserting batteries a little more difficult. Additionally with two rails you'd have to imagine the torque was maintained and less stress would be present compared with a single rail system. Was it better? No idea!
Availability and Collectability
There seems to be plenty of black Super Fox 4WD available online, however if you're looking for a White, Red, or Mascot variant you'll have a harder time as I did'nt come across these nearly as often as the black original.
Collectability will depend on personal taste, and whether you woned one of these as a child, since there is nothing especially stand out about this car, though I do very much enjoy its overall 80s Japanese Futuristic design, particularly the flat white rims and pointed shape.
Also consider Japanese variants if you're unable to locate a good one in western countries. Typically used models bought from Japan online will be in far better condition than the typical one bought in US/UK.
