This Taiyo Jet Hopper MK3 (Global) is a 1:16 scale radio control car released into the European and other English/French speaking markets in 1987.
It is the international version of the original Taiyo Jet Hopper MK3 (Japan).
The last of the 'original' Jet Hopper chassis cars, it is largely unchanged, keeping all the important features that made it the game changer of the 80s, while improving on some areas which were a weakness with the MK1 and MK2.
Why buy a Jet Hopper MK3 instead of a MK1 or MK2?
While it may be nice to consider owning the original MK1 or MK2 Jet Hopper, it's becoming very difficult to find one in good condition today due to the tires on these early models having problems with the rubber compound used in the tires that degraded (virtually melted down into clay) over the last several decades.
And while it can be easier to get a Japanese MK1 or MK2 version (Taiyo Jet Hopper), often these have what I call 'passive' steering, where the steering servo only activates when the car is moving forward or backward, making turning in a smaller area more difficult. Not a problem if you're looking to display, but for those who want to run their models, it can be a little annoying.
Features and Performance
With an increased top speed of 27km/h, far better active steering, and improved tires (among other changes) the MK3 is the best of the original.
Complete feature set includes...
- 9.6V 'Turbo' 8xAA Battery Power
- LED Power Light
- *Improved Off-Road Front and Rear Air-Filled Tires
- *Active Steering (does not require driving forward to turn)
- *Improved Top Speed of 27Km/h (17mph)
- All Round Shock Absorbers
- Solid front bumper
- Spare tire on rear
- 2-Speed Gearbox
*designates new for this model
While the original Taiyo Jet Hopper MK3 is Made in Japan, as is typical for international releases, this 'Global' (English) model is Made in Singapore to the same high quality standards.
Availability and Collectability
If you only buy one Jet Hopper for your collection, in my opinion you should make it the MK3.
Not only does it have the best performance and features, but the materials used for the front/rear tires have stood the test of time better. Certainly it's still possible to get a MK3 that has the rubber compound in the tires deteriorating, though it's just less common than other models from my experience - the tire design changed, and thus the tire material may have been improved.
It may be less common than the MK1 and MK2 models though, simply due to the huge volumes of cars that were sold during the initial craze for these 'dynamic' RC toys in the late 80s, but look long enough and you'll find a MK3, especially if you frequent Japanese auction sites.
