This Tyco Rebound 4x4 is a radio controlled four wheel drive vehicle manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and distributed in Europe and other countries worldwide in 1994. It is a variant of the original 1994 Taiyo Rebound 4x4 released in Japan, later distributed in the United States and other countries as the 1996 Tyco Rebound 4x4, which many more people will be familiar with.
Features and Performance
The Rebound 4x4 runs on four powered wheels, with tank-like 'slip steering', meaning it will go virtually anywhere, go over anything, and if it fails and flips over, it's still going to be fun.
The unique design of the Rebound allows it to run on both sides - upside down, or normal way up. On one side is a blue Pickup Truck style vehicle, and on the other a Scorcher-like futuristic design.
It's just so fun to drive!
One of the most fun little R/C cars you'd ever drive, the Rebound is more than the sum of it's parts. But why?
It's the large, air-filled tires, balance, and design symmetry... it's a pleasure to drive and reacts well to inputs. Even smacking into a wall or a rogue kitty and/or wife won't usually phase it (the wife is usually not impressed though) and it will keep scooting around, looking for the next object to try and jump over or bounce off.
This particular version is sold only in Europe, and had very unique packaging in that both sides of the box have a window, one revealing the red side, and one the blue underside of the car. Awesome!
There were several packaging styles in both the US and Europe for the Rebound, with a few of them shown below.
Powertrain
Powered by 2 x Mabuchi RS260 Motors, these remain plenty of fun to drive even today. Despite having just 6.0 Volts power it has more than enough grunt, and will soon have you flipping up walls, jumping off cardboard ramps and all together having more fun than you'd expect with a 30 year old toy.
The below shows someone upgrading the motors to Brushless, though we can also see the original RS260 motors.
Availability and Collectability
You can pick-up a fairly used/scratched Rebound 4x4 cheap off eBay, though versions in good condition (especially with box) are becoming hard to find, and prices are getting a tad crazy.
Still, these are rugged little units. Out of all my Taiyo and Tyco Vintage RC collection, the only one I feel safe giving to my 5yo to play with is a Rebound, as I know its virtually indestructible, not too fast, very forgiving with those huge air filled tires, and just heaps of simple fun.
If you don't yet have a Rebound in your collection, I'd recommend it, easily in the Top 20 Best Toy R/C of all time.
