The Tyco Super 4×4 Jeep is a radio controlled truck manufactured by Taiyo (Japan), and released onto the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1989.
Taiyo RC of Japan, who manufactured the Super 4×4 for Tyco, had a long history of radio control Jeeps, beginning with their 1980 Taiyo Off-Road Jeep Renegade. Throughout the 80s they sold various models under their own brand, as well as manufacturing for Radio Shack, Tomy, and of course Tyco.
The Tyco Super 4×4 was an evolution of their 1984 Taiyo Off-Road 4×4 Jeep with some minor aesthetic changes to make it look more modern, and easy to manufacture.
Features and Performance
The fact it is based on a chassis which has its roots in one of Taiyo’s first full function radio control cars from 1980 does weigh considerably on the Super 4×4’s performance.
Initially designed to hold 2xC batteries with an internal 9V battery for the car’s radio, the chassis was later upgraded to 3xC, and finally 4xC in order to support 4 Wheel Drive, while still keeping that internal 9V battery for the radio. As you might imagine, this adds ALOT of weight!
As a result, the truck is simply slow, and with a single motor driving all that weight through 4 wheels, its slow speed isn’t compensated with high torque – it has enough, just barely.
Does this make it a bad 4WD Truck?
Not at all, though its best you know what it is before you jump into it.
As a vintage radio controlled truck which just oozes character and nostalgia, it’s a brilliant journey back in time to before the 9.6V Turbo Jet Hopper / Turbo Hopper changed everything. It is early 80s radio control technology, and I was surprised how strong my memory was of how such cars behaved – it brought me right back instantly.
But if you’re looking for a good late 80s Monster Truck then this ain’t it – go and get yourself a 1987 Tamiya Clod Buster.
Recommendation
The Tyco Super 4×4 was heavily dated and underpowered upon its release 30+ years ago, impossible to compare with ‘modern’ Taiyo/Tyco designs of the time which were leaps and bounds ahead in engineering, torque, and speed.
Yet as an example of a typical mid-80s 4WD Radio Controlled car, one that was sold under half a dozen brands such as Radio Shack, Tandy, Tomy, and more, the Tyco Super 4×4 is charming, nostalgic, and truly a time capsule in early 80s R/C tech.
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