The Tyco Maxx Traxx is a radio controlled toy produced in cooperation with Taiyo Toys (Japan), and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1995.
Following the major global success of the original Tyco Fast Traxx / Taiyo Fast Traxx in 1990, the company would go on to produce several off-shots that followed a similar concept. This included the Monster Traxx, Super Fast Traxx, Half Traxx, among others.
Features and Performance
This latest 'Traxx would extend the tracks in another dimension, transforming from a flat tank-like tread pattern into a triangular shape, creating multiple surfaces on which it could travel.
Powered by a 6.0V Jet Turbo battery pack and 2 x Mabuchi 260 motors, it has less power than the original 9.6V Fast Traxx however it still would have maintained plenty of speed for the more toy-oriented audience it was aimed at, particularly considering this model was focused more on younger kids, performing stunts, driving upside down and upright.
Made by Taiyo?
Unlike the Monster Traxx that would be released a year later, the Maxx Traxx has plenty of signs that it was designed and manufactured by Taiyo Toys (Japan), despite it (unusually) not being mentioned on the box.
The biggest giveaway are the traxx themselves, which are identical to the Fast Traxx pattern, size, and materials. The same for the wheels, which are'nt identical to the Fast Traxx wheels but are intended to look similar to them. Finally, the unusual curled antenna style, the decals (eg. 'no step'), battery compartment, and of course the patented Taiyo 6.0V Jet Turbo battery pack itself all together suggest this is a Taiyo product.
Recommendation
Fitting into the 'gimmick' category of Tyco R/C models, these are toys that have a specific feature of interest, usually strange or unique, that's designed to capture attention from the buyer in a market that had lost the bulk of its market share to home game consoles.
That being the case, the Maxx Traxx does its job well, its gimmick actually works, and it's fun to drive. Would I take it over the original Fast Traxx though? Never!
