The Tyco Super 4x4 Jeep is a radio controlled truck manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released onto the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1989.
Taiyo RC of Japan, who manufactured the Super 4x4 for Tyco, had a long history of radio control Jeeps, beginning with their 1980 Taiyo Off-Road Jeep Renegade. Throughout the 80s they sold various models under their own brand, as well as manufacturing for Radio Shack, Tomy, and of course Tyco.
The Tyco Super 4x4 was an evolution of their 1984 Taiyo Off-Road 4x4 Jeep with some minor aesthetic changes to make it look more modern, and easy to manufacture.
Features and Performance
The fact it is based on a chassis which has its roots in one of Taiyo's first full function radio control cars from 1980 does weigh considerably on the Super 4x4's performance.
Initially designed to hold 2xC batteries with an internal 9V battery for the car's radio, the chassis was later upgraded to 3xC, and finally 4xC in order to support 4 Wheel Drive, while still keeping that internal 9V battery for the radio. As you might imagine, this adds ALOT of weight!
As a result, the truck is simply slow, and with a single motor driving all that weight through 4 wheels, its slow speed isn't compensated with high torque - it has enough, just barely.
Does this make it a bad 4WD Truck?
Not at all, though its best you know what it is before you jump into it.
As a vintage radio controlled truck which just oozes character and nostalgia, it's a brilliant journey back in time to before the 9.6V Turbo Jet Hopper / Turbo Hopper changed everything. It is early 80s radio control technology, and I was surprised how strong my memory was of how such cars behaved - it brought me right back instantly.
But if you're looking for a good late 80s Monster Truck then this ain't it - go and get yourself a 1987 Tamiya Clod Buster.
Recommendation
The Tyco Super 4x4 was heavily dated and underpowered upon its release 30+ years ago, impossible to compare with 'modern' Taiyo/Tyco designs of the time which were leaps and bounds ahead in engineering, torque, and speed.
Yet as an example of a typical mid-80s 4WD Radio Controlled car, one that was sold under half a dozen brands such as Radio Shack, Tandy, Tomy, and more, the Tyco Super 4x4 is charming, nostalgic, and truly a time capsule in early 80s R/C tech.
