The Taiyo Type-90 Battle Tank is a radio controlled tank manufactured by Taiyo Toys (Japan), and released by Taiyo into the Japanese market in 2007.
Features and Performance
A re-release / re-design of the original Taiyo Type-90 Battle Tank which we've not yet covered here at Tyco Collectors, but we do have the US version, known as the Tyco Tiger Tank.
While this one looks the good, and has an upgraded controller with a much newer 2007 build (vs late 1980s!), the reduced specifications do make this a slightly different offering.
Where the original used 4xC size batteries and a proper firing Airsoft tank cannon (possibly the reason for the large C batteries!), this version uses just 2xAA for the main tank, a paltry 3.0 volts, and some kind of flashing light system on the turrent. Bummer!
Collectability and Availability
While I have seen the original 1980s Taiyo Tiger Tank a few times over the years, this is the first time I've seen this 2007 Type-90 version, so it seems there's not too many around. And with the owner of the one in the photo advising he's going to throw it out if somebody doesn't buy it, there may soon be even less!
So why would you want it? Well, it was made in the late 2000s, so will be in far better condition than anything from the 1980s, and with a manufacture date of 2007 this was one of the final products Taiho released before they were unceremoniously broken up and disbanded by Sega Toys in 2008.
That, and there's nothing quite like a freshly boxed 2000s era Taiyo. It's peak Japanese toy industry, and if my bank balance will allow, I'll be doing my best to save this one before the owner unceremoniously trashes it too!
