The Nikko Dandy Dash is a 1/10 hobby grade radio controlled car manufactured by Nikko (Japan), and released into the global market in 1988 by Nikko as their first foray into premium competition ready radio controlled models.
There are many incredible looking examples of the Dandy Dash online that people have built, here's a couple I found for sale at the time of writing...
Nikko enters the stadium
The year 1988 during the Golden Age of Toy R/C, industry giants like Nikko, Taiyo, and Tyco were flourishing financially and eagerly pursuing their next market breakthrough.
In an unexpected move that surprised dedicated hobby-grade R/C enthusiasts, Nikko R/C of Japan – a company primarily known for toys and toy-grade R/C vehicles – ventured into the world of hobby-grade and competition-level R/C. While racing innovations had influenced features in their previous models, these new releases would be their first products designed from the ground up as more than just toys.
To cater to different skill levels and budgets, Nikko introduced three variants:
- The Dandy Dash: Aimed at beginners
- The Super Swift: Designed for intermediate drivers
- The Nikko Brat: Engineered for serious R/C hobbyists
The Dandy Dash would come with an unpainted (clear) Lexan body, as is typical in hobby grade kits even today, allowing the buyer to paint and customize the look of their car, with stickers fit to the inside to help accentuate the lines and identify it as a Dandy Dash.
The box itself notes that the Radio Controller (Transmitter) and Servos were "Sold Separately", however as per the photo above, and below (manuals) there is evidence that there were packs with both the Dandy Dash car, and the Discovery IP II radio transmitter sold as a kit.
Features and Specifications
Basic specifications as shown...
- Large 1/10 Scale Hobby Grade
- 4WD with belt drive system in plastic cage connecting front and rear
- Came mostly built, with transparent Lexan body needing paint and (included) stickers
- This entry level model included a basic mechanical speed controller that was actuated by a servo
- Brushed Mabuchi RS-540SH motor
- Dual Differentials (Gear type)
- Coil spring over oil filled dampers
- Dog bone drive-shafts, bushings, and some ball bearings
That list looks pretty high-spec, so why was it the beginners model? The use of more bushings, more plastic parts (inc. suspension components), no anti-roll bars, no torque splitter. But still, for Nikko this thing is luxury!
Upgrading the Dandy Dash to the Nikko Brat
One reason why the Dandy is so popular is perhaps because it's a required "part" to build a Nikko Brat. No, not that Nikko Brat from 1996, we're talking about the 1989 Nikko Brat Hobby Grade buggy, the absolute #1 most pro-level car that Nikko would ever produce, and sadly, never did again.
An article will be written on this particular model, but here's some pics. Essentially you took a Dandy Dash or Super Sprint, and the Nikko Up Go kit, and produced this monster...
Availability and Collectability
The Dandy Dash and all of the hobby grade Nikko cars are highly collectable and in great demand due to the history and nostalgia factor, but they're also just great cars. They look fantastic, and if you were crazy enough to run one, it would run great!
Add to that the fact you need a Dandy (or Super Sprint) to create Nikko's best ever car means these will continue to be in high demand, at least until the Up Works conversion kits run out - and that might be soon, given I've not seen one for sale for at least 3-4 months. Most likely they're already stocked up with collectors, so you may need to join group such as TYCO RC COLLECTORS and ask around if you're looking.
Thankfully it is still possible to find the Dandy Dash itself, almost 40 years later. Used of course, but many sold have been in reasonable condition, though not cheap - around $500 USD plus. Parts availability is also reasonable, with new lexan bodies, motors, suspension parts, some original / official, and others reproduction.
wpDiscuz
