The Taiyo “The Fast Traxx” is a radio controlled car manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released onto the Japanese and western markets sometime around 2008.
There is very little information available on this Fast Traxx re-release, and what we do know comes from some barely accessible archives that will soon disappear altogether, so we’re pleased to document what we know here.
The last days of Taiyo
By 2008 Taiyo R/C was long past its prime. The creator and CEO of the company Shohei Suto had passed away (or was on his death bed), the company itself had been sold to SEGA Japan who would soon liquidate the company in an effort to remain solvent during the Japanese economic crisis of 2009, and their close links to Tyco USA who had ushered in a 2nd Golden Age for Taiyo in the mid 90s were also long gone and absorbed into a soulless Mattel.
There was not much left to do but try to use existing once successful properties to try and re-ignite sales.
Cash grab or genuine improvement?
Despite the little information we have, there are signs that a genuine effort was made to do the product justice, and even improve it somewhat.
Updated features and specifications:
- Nickle-Metal-Hydrate (NiMh) batteries which have no ‘memory’ effect of the Ni-Cd originals
- LED Lights on the bottom providing a glowing effect
- ‘Suspension’ is mentioned as a feature, but it’s unclear if this is an upgrade
- Updated Stickers
- Updated ‘Rubber’ controller antenna that won’t break as easily as originals
Other than that, it appears to be the same 9.6V ‘Turbo’ powered futuristic racing ‘tank’ as the original however without more photos or first hand experience it’s hard to tell.
Recommendation
Is there a market for this item? I believe yes, but only amongst dedicated Taiyo or Tyco collectors, especially those who have a particular interest in the original Fast Traxx and/or the last days of the Taiyo company. How much its worth depends on how much they want it. I’d estimate perhaps half the cost of a similarly conditioned original, which for a mint boxed Fast Traxx is still quite a reasonable sum.
As for whether you can actually find one.. we’d assume Japan is the first place to look.
Should you have more/better photos or updated information, please comment below or contact us!
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