The Metro Fast Traxx was a radio controlled vehicle manufactured by Taiyo of Japan, and released in Australia by GTI / Metro in 1991.
Following the success of the 1986 Metro Jet Hopper in Australia, GTI’s relationship with Taiyo continued, with numerous other models released, but few as popular as the original. That was until Fast Traxx.
If you were a kid at the time, you remember the commercial!
Features and Performance
With 2 x Mabuchi 280 motors running on 9.6v it’s got plenty of go, probably too fast for zipping around the house, and better in the backyard, or dirt track. That said, modern RC hobbyists (like myself) spoilt by brushless motors running on Lithium batteries (which are violently fast, to the point of risking injury) need to keep in mind – this is a toy from 1991.
Of course, that does’nt stop people from adding Lithium Polymer batteries, Brushless Motors, and making it into a rocket ship, but we’re here to talk about the original model.
With mountains of torque it will try to climb over just about anything to the point of flipping over, and if you’re not sure where to go next, just flip the controls in opposite directions and you’ll do a spin so fast it feels like it’s about to take off. It’s a classic Racing Tank design, so good they’re making clones of this design 30 years later.
Available in Red and a Fluro Yellow, I’m yet to find photos of a mint condition Metro Fast Traxx and its box, but I’m still searching!
Recommendation
Finding an actual Metro RC model will be tough. I had a difficult time even finding photos of this Australian classic. Those who just want a Fast Traxx, regardless of packaging, are recommended to find these more common models:
Internationally, there are also several exciting variants, such as:
- 1990 Taiyo Fast Traxx PickUp
- 1991 Taiyo Fast Traxx Eliminator
- 1992 Tyco Fast Traxx Pickup
- 1996 Tyco Monster Traxx
As you can see, there’s no shortage of Fast Traxx variant, and all of them (even the Mini Traxx) are heaps of fun!
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