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Tyco Taiyo Collectors is a resource for enthusiasts of 80s, 90s, and 00s toys produced by Tyco®, Taiyo (Japan), Metro RC, Dickie Toys, and others, and is not affiliated with any toy company.

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Latest Articles

1989 Taiyo Mini Typhoon (Japan)

BRANDYEARMODELPOWERSPEEDDRIVEAVAILABLEMINT VALUE*RATINGCOMMENT
taiyo logo very small198989079.6VTurbo8xAA Vsml 14km/h
9mph
Hover
Used:
Common

NIB:
Occasional
value25 50
4.3 out of 5
Just like its bigger brother, in a small but still powerful package. Potentially better than the original?
Rating
4.3
out of 5
Review CommentJust like its bigger brother, in a small but still powerful package. Potentially better than the original?

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SPECIFICATIONS

ScaleDiff.Made inMotor
TBANoneJapanUnknown
SteeringSuspensionControllerFreq.
ActiveAir Cushion N - Chrome LED​Silver(40Mhz)

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MODEL REVIEW

The Taiyo Mini Typhoon was a radio control hovercraft released in Japan in 1989, and later sold in various other countries under Tyco, Metro, and Dickie Toys brands.

Performance

Despite the smaller size, it still packs the full 9.6V punch, and comparable 14km/h top speed (regular Typhoon 15km/h).

Also like the full size models, it continues that lovely feeling of flying sideways towards some object at speed, frantically flicking all the sticks and switches, realising that hovercrafts have no brakes, and maybe that’s why we’re not all driving hovercrafts around town in the 2020s!

Better than the originals?

Personally I like these Mini versions better than the original size. Why? Well, they both look and perform similar to the full size models, but in a more compact form, use less batteries (so you can play longer)… what’s not to like? Well there’s a couple of differences.

  1. Controller does not have a switch for the main fan, so as soon as you turn the vehicle on, it will start blowing its skirt and hovering. Personally I don’t find this to be a big deal, though others may.
  2. You can’t control one fan while leaving the other stopped. Instead, it will automatically blow the other fan in the opposite direction, to increase the turning effect. Personally I find this to be beneficial, however others looking for more delicate control prefer the full size version for this reason. Thanks to @casethecorvetteman for pointing this out.
  3. Smaller lift motor. As a smaller model, the lift motor is also smaller which can be an issue in some conditions. Indoors? Maybe not so much. On water? Definitely.

Other variants

The Typhoon came in many shapes and sizes, here are others you may enjoy reading about.

Availability and Collectability

The Taiyo Mini Typhoon is fairly common to find on Japanese auction sites, though as with all Taiyo / Tyco models it is becoming less common as more collectors buy and keep them locked up.

As for whether or not they’re collectable… Toy of the Year 1988? Of course it is! Okay that was the full size version, but for me, same same.

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    VALUE / PRICE HISTORY

    Average Price

    $143.50

    Highest Price

    $429.00

    This average price is based on 9 sales we have recorded (max 10 shown).

    DatePriceConditionTypeTitle
    19 Dec 2023$73.25UsedBuyTaiyo r/c mini typhoon hovercraft operation confirmed amphibious
    24 Nov 2023$99.95UsedBuyLook!! Taiyo tyco 2700-49 rc mini typhoon hovercraft used once to test (3batt)
    03 Sep 2023$116Brand NewBuyTaiyo tyco 2700-49 rc mini typhoon hovercraft - new open box
    03 Sep 2023$116Brand NewBuyTaiyo tyco 2700-49 rc mini typhoon hovercraft - new open box
    03 Sep 2023$116Brand NewBuyTaiyo tyco 2700-49 rc mini typhoon hovercraft - new open box
    07 Jul 2023$20UsedAuctionTyco mini typhoon 2 remote control rc 1991 9.6v vintage taiyo
    20 Jun 2023$429Brand NewBuy1990 taiyo tyco rc mini typhoon hovercraft - new open box- very collectible
    24 Mar 2023$167.99UsedBuy It NowVintage 1980's taiyo japan r/c mini typhoon hovercraft 9.6v nmib tyco nikko
    24 Mar 2023$150Brand NewBuy It Now1990 taiyo tyco rc mini typhoon hovercraft - new open box
    Prices in USD. NIB = New In box, MIB = Mint in Box, EC = Excellent Condition, VGC = Very Good Condition, GC+ = Good condition plus, GC = Good condition, PC = Poor Condition. With Controller = Car with controller. With Box = Box, Car, and Controller. We make all efforts to ensure data is accurate, but cannot guarantee it is.

    DISCUSSION

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