The Tyco Python is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo of Japan, and released in 1993 by Tyco in the American market, and other countries worldwide.
Released at the same time as the Tyco Fire Power, a missile launch truck which runs on the same chassis and shares the same model number, together with an exciting TV advertising campaign, the Python was an instant hit.
Development
When launching the projects that would ultimately produce the Python and the Fire Power, Taiyo and Tyco needed a reliable platform to build their gimmicks and gadgets upon. There would be enough risk with the various moving parts required to create the effects they wanted, and so ensuring that the platform they sat upon was reliable and as near risk-free as possible was crucial.
For this purpose, they would select the 1990 Jet Bandit chassis, a known reliable 'work horse' that had proven itself by 1993 with at least two years data on the return rate and potential points of failure. Plus, they'd already have the tooling and factory setup required to produce 50% of the product already, and so it was an obvious choice, allowing them to focus their time exclusively on the Python and the Fire Power's specific mechanisms.
Features
The Python's main drawcard, as seen in the advertisement, is the pop-up Python snake that would lift up when triggered via the controller, and squirt water using a built-in motor that pumped out water, the same as any electronic water pistol.
We're currently looking for a clean Python model, and once it's available we'll be writing (and YouTubing) more on this classic Tyco.
Gimmick or Glorious?
Some Taiyo and Tyco enthusiasts see these Tyco 'gimmick' cars as evidence of too much American influence on Taiyo, which ultimately caused its demise.
I respectfully disagree with that suggestion and believe these 'gimmick' toys are fantastic in their own way, bringing joy to millions of young people (and young at heart) worldwide while keeping the company relevant in a new age where traditional RC toys just couldn't compete against video games.
It's these 'gimmick' products which ultimately kept Taiyo in business throughout the 90s, able to release the Bandit, Fast Traxx, and the Radican series which most collectors agree are some of Taiyo's best.
Availability and Collectability
Whether you will enjoy the Python depends on your perspective, the type of collection you are building, and nostalgic value, however for most Tyco Collectors, the Python is fairly desirable. Thankfully there are usually a fair number around, though it is increasingly hard to find a NIB (new in box) model.
