Tamiya Boomerang vs Tamiya Bigwig: Hotshot Family Chassis Comparison!

Рет қаралды 18,080

5 жыл бұрын

What exactly are the differences between the Tamiya Bigwig and the Tamiya Boomerang? Both classic members of the iconic Tamiya Hotshot 4WD Buggy Family from the mid-1980s. Here is a visual companion to that question. You can find more written information and a complete list of the Hotshot Family below.
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1985-1987 The Tamiya Hotshot Family
1) The Tamiya Hotshot 1985 (58047)
2) The Tamiya Supershot 1986 (58054)
3) The Tamiya Boomerang 1986 (58055)
4) The Tamiya Bigwig 1986 (58057)
5) The Tamiya Hotshot II 1987 (58062)
6) The Tamiya Super Sabre 1987 (58064)
1987-1989 The Tamiya Thundershot Family (Extended Hotshot Family)
7) The Tamiya Thundershot 1987 (58067)
8) The Tamiya Thunder Dragon 1988 (58073)
9) The Tamiya Terra Scorcher 1988 (58075)
10) The Tamiya Fire Dragon 1989 (58078)
2005-2018 The Tamiya Hotshot/Thundershot Re-releases
1) The Tamiya Thunder Shot 2005 (58361)
2) The Tamiya Hotshot 2007 (58391)
3) The Tamiya Fire Dragon 2008 (58403)
4) The Tamiya Boomerang 2008 (58418)
5) The Tamiya Hotshot 2007 Metallic 2011 (84265)
6) The Tamiya Super Hotshot (Supershot) 2012 (58517)
7) The Tamiya Bigwig 2017 (47330)
The first six core members of the Hotshot Family are all build up around the drivetrain and gear boxes of the original Hotshot. When comparing some of the members you will find a lot of differences in chassis and suspension components (like a Boomerang vs a Bigwig). When comparing others the differences are minimal (like a Boomerang vs a Super Sabre).
The four Thundershot Family members are all build up around the Thundershot chassis, gearboxes and drivetrain. The gear boxes and drivetrain are very similar to the original Hotshot, but it does include some changes. The differences between the four Thundershot members are essentially only a difference of front suspension, body and wheels.
The two models featured in the video is the original Tamiya The Bigwig 1986 (58057) and the the re-release Tamiya The Boomerang 2008 (584168). Admittedly it would've been nice to compare an original to an original or a re-release to a re-release, but at the same time this comparison shows a few interesting things: Like, did you notice the difference of the blue plastic color? Not sure if the original just has faded or if it actually was made in another blue tone. You can also see some of the other differences, like the original drive shafts (dogbones) on the Bigwig compared to the ones used on the Boomerang re-release (and Bigwig re-release).
Note that this particular Bigwig is not 100% original. It has none of the original electronics (motor/MSC) and over time I've replaced certain of the black plastic parts (and gears) with the newer 2017 plastic. Obviously it is not box art either. I bought it second hand and when it arrived it was surprisingly equipped with a brushless motor. That was too tempting for me and the result was a lot of breakdowns and repairs (see previous videos).
The Boomerang 2008 re-release (58418) is the new 2017 edition, and it is equipped with the stock motor and is 100% box art. I have however added a few ball bearings (it is supplied with partial ball bearings) and a 15T Steel Pinion (it is supplied with 13T and 15T aluminium pinions). See the full "unboxing, building, testing and running" videos for more.
Feel very free to ask any questions related to the Bigwig and Boomerang in the comment section! I hope either I or any of my Tamiya enthusiast-friends and subscribers that regularly visit the comment section will be able to answer it!
Watch the full video of the two off road runs featured in this video here:
Tamiya The Boomerang Maiden Off Road Run: • RUNNiNG the Tamiya Boo...
Tamiya The Bigwig Brushless GPS Speed Test & Off Road Run: • Tamiya BiGWiG 1986: Bi...
You can find much more information and specifications in my previous videos with the Tamiya Bigwig and the Tamiya Boomerang (and the Tamiya Thundershot). Please visit my channel or my playlist "Tamiya Hotshot Family". I am quite sure other members of the Hotshot Family will be added in the future!
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Nordic RC Visions Statement:
This video features homemade footage of my own radio-controlled units, the Tamiya Boomerang (Tamiya 58418) and the Tamiya Bigwig (Tamiya 58057), from my personal RC model collection. All rights reserved.

Пікірлер: 93

@dpdiver1 28 күн бұрын

My dad bought me the big wig for Christmas when I'm guessing I was in the third grade coolest present ever! Wish I still had that thing

@barnoldo2877 Жыл бұрын

I wish we had these as kids!! Me and my friends were the poor kids with Nikko's🙋

@NordicRC Жыл бұрын

Ahh me too back in the 80’s. Not poor, but didn’t know there existed other RC cars other than what was available at the local toy store. But I sure had fun with my Nikko Turbo Panther and Bandit.

@sullybiker6520 3 жыл бұрын

I love my re-re Hotshot. It's heavy, over-engineered and needs a lot of love, but it's been very solid, nothing's broke, and it's very stable and forgiving to drive. Just don't jump it. And yet I can see the improvements in these two, especially the full width battery tray covered by the undertray, which I really dislike about the Hotshot (the battery is very exposed to stones/rocks/tree roots). Also the electronics box (identical to the Supershot) on the re-re is still horrible. I really want a Boomerang. It looks like it fixes all the shortcomings of the original design.

@jamescunliffe9872 3 жыл бұрын

Hey! Someone took the 8.4v battery alongside the rx540vz technigold !

@NordicRC 3 жыл бұрын

Hi James. Yeah, the Bigwig I got was a cheap second hand. It had a brushless motor instead of the technigold when I received it :-)

@johno9507 Жыл бұрын

My parents bought me The Boomerang (because I'm a Aussie, why else) for my 10th birthday in 1987, that car stood up to some major abuse. 🙂🇦🇺

@NordicRC Жыл бұрын

Must be fun with a Boomerang Down Under! Yeah, great icon. I bet you had fun with it back then.

@nemesis8664 5 жыл бұрын

They are so cool and lovely...Really like them. In fact i like everything Tamiya has to offer in rc scene. Some people look Tamiya owners/collectors over the shoulder and understimate them as real rc enthusiasts cause our cars aren't fast as hell or run on 3s, 6s, 8s batteries, don't have state of the art overpowered electronics and super-durable hyper-complicated drivetrains.... Well i got something for them, something unbeatable; Nostalgia, good chilhood memories and the knowledge that we own something that defined the path back in the day. All the modern crappy high-tech rc cars came from one single major reference; Tamiya rc's. Great video as always sir,thanks for sharing!

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, there's something about the Tamiya aura and atmosphere that just can't be explained. The designs, looks and history mixed up all in one. I love both modern and the classic RCs. They can't really be compared. They do something differently and one should definitely get them for different reasons. I see a lot of people trying to compare the modern models to the old ones, but it really shouldn't be done. They are a world apart. And yes, all this classic Tamiyas , together with some others like Kyosho etc., is the historical soul of today's RC scene. These where the ones that started it all, made it popular and developed the hobby and scene. I'm glad there are lots of other top brands today too though. Thanks a lot for the interesting comment, Jordi. I enjoyed reading it and I'm glad we still are a lot of people in the hobby that are able to enjoy these classic and iconic models for what they are :-)

@brucebenner7606 3 жыл бұрын

great video now after seen this i would get the Bigwig over the Boomerang 4 things better shocks better cover over the battery and 3 is no dirt goes through the window on the body 4 is the dirt is less to get on the motor buy the look if this thanks

@NordicRC 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Bruce. Yeah, good points. For me, the Boomerang just seems a little more nimble and sparky.

@UncleBobsRC 3 жыл бұрын

Love those old Tamiya buggies now, i didnt years ago, my ego i guess, just in the past 2 years i been getting back into the rc hobby, started 30 plus years ago, so now i find me self fixing what i have and getting new Tamiya kits. Good stuff, Keep up the good work.

@NordicRC 3 жыл бұрын

Nice! Welcome back to the hobby, mate!

@MarkBryanRC 5 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for providing my weekend "nerdy Tamiya" fix, Mikael!!! Always good to see these beauties in close-up detail, super comparison my friend! :-)

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

He he, yes, this is as nerdy as it gets 😂 Thanks a lot for watching, Mark. I was just telling Omar that if one finds himself watching more than 30 sec of this video, one got the Tamiya virus 😉

@MarkBryanRC 5 жыл бұрын

@@NordicRC Yeah, Mikael - we got it so bad that I think we are incurable!

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

If that is so, we are so lucky 😍

@hoodnut197 5 жыл бұрын

I have just ordered a bigwig, it was way out of my reach as a kid I had to settle for a lunch box that my dad bought me, he made it look like the A Team van.

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Nice with a new Bigwig. Would love a re-release myself. The Lunch Box is iconic too. Love them both :-) Thanks for watching, Hoodnut.

@wereallydontknowwhatweredo5038 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! Love the history class! I learned a lot! I do have a question for you; which one do you like better? Make more of these videos. I have limited knowledge of Tamiya history. Excellent job!!👍👍👍😃😃😃

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Ha ha, "history-class". That was a good one, but I think you nailed it. I just can't help getting consumed into the Tamiya RC history. Exploring the chronology and history of the different Tamiya families. Love it :-) Thanks a lot for watching my Tamiya history-class, bro :-)

@fullborev8906 4 жыл бұрын

Nice comparison. Well done! And, I like both... just need to get them for my collection.

@NordicRC 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mr.! Yeah classic Tamiyas. I have a lot of others that I need to get too ☺️

@SANDSCORCHER 5 жыл бұрын

My favourites were always the Supershot and the Bigwig 😎👍🏻 They were just a little bit special for various reasons, not least the performance. When it was a new car, the Bigwig utilised some next level tech, with not only the funky steering and aerodynamics, but the latest and greatest iteration of the Tamiya's gold motor family, plus the very significant 8.4 volt battery. A very fragile but extremely special and very fast car when it came out. Mine is currently meditating in it's own little museum (cabinet) 😆👍🏻 I need to buy some spare parts whilst they are readily available, so I can risk running it again I think😁 Your video has really inspired me to dig the old girl out and get some use out of her. Thank you so much for sharing😎👍🏻

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Cool you still have yours! Yeah with the Technigold and room for an 8.4v battery, 4WD, rear/front double wishbone suspension, rear/front dual oil filled shocks etc. the Bigwig must really have been something in 1986. I am glad I inspired you to get it out running again. Running this old Bigwig, with it’s old and worn brittle plastic, left me to change parts every single time I have had it out running though 😉 A re-release would do much better, but it also provides a fun and cool atmosphere running the original, despite the broken parts.

@schuttrostig5729 5 жыл бұрын

verry nice, but i miss the "bumpsteer comparison". Also I would like to see an empty weight list for them all, that is only with motor without esc/servo/reciever/battery. originally both had Mechanic Speed Control, but did they have the same controler included in the box or was it updated / stronger on bigwig?

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Schutt. Yeah, agree, that would be interesting, but Tamiya has already supplied the info: "Boomerang (2008) Weight: Approximately 1160g (w/out R/C unit, battery)" and "Bigwig (2017) Approx Weight: 1,340g (excludes R/C equipment)". The Bigwig definitely feels a lot heavier, both holding it or/and running it. I'm not sure which MSC they originally came with.

@isaaclyonsf1 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Brilliant editing, your knowledge of tamiya really shows👍 like the music too btw.

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for the kind feedback, Isaac. I still need some better in-door-lighting I think for these kind of videos. I mainly use the information about Tamiya from the internet when it comes to these families of buggies where I only have a few of them. But I hope to get more and start producing knowledge about them myself. Bigwig vs Boomerang was a good start ☺️

@isaaclyonsf1 5 жыл бұрын

@@NordicRC 👍

@AdventureTimeRC 5 жыл бұрын

Great video i really like the way the hot shot looks your knowledge of tamiya s is impressive👍👍💣

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, my friend. Ahh, I mainly use the internet for information, since I actually had no Tamiyas in the 1980s. But it’s great fun learning about and exploring the different kind of ‘families’ from the 80s. Thanks a lot for watching, bro.

@christophercoconis2575 5 жыл бұрын

Great comparison of these two iconic buggies Mikael!! Always a fan of the Boomerang and Super Shot going to have to get them sometime soon:)

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yeah, I’m a big fan of the Boomerang too. Both when it comes to performance and looks. Even though the Hotshot isn’t as capable as the Boomer, I would love a re-release of that one some day ☺️

@theibault 5 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent comparison my friend! Very thorough and usual. I love seeing buggies from the same family lined up next to each other. I'm such a Tamiya addict lol. 👊

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Omar! Me too. Just love discovering differences/similarities inside the different families. For historical reasons, but somehow one learns a lot about a Boomerang when seeing it together with a Bigwig for an example. A difference makes one notice things. And boy, it’s nerdy. I think one good way to find out if one already has the Tamiya-virus or are in danger of getting it is when one watches more than 30 seconds of a video like this 😉😂

@theibault 5 жыл бұрын

@@NordicRC I was already infected so I can't test out your hypothesis lol.

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the virus got you early in life. Lucky you ☺️

@tiborvon 5 жыл бұрын

I have no idea which is the best. I knno nothing about Tamiya. But what i do know is that i would be happy with either of these cars and that you are not to bad at making and editing videos buddy lol top stuff 👍👍

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Tibor Von Thanks a lot for the nice feedback, Tibor! Warms my heart when spending so much time editing ☺️ Yeah, these are two beautiful and important buggies from the RC hobby history. I guess it’s more of a aesthetical personal choice, which one is the best, but I do love envistigating the Tamiya history and discovering mechanical and aesthetical differences of the historical line-ups. It’s a very nerdy Tamiya-thing, he he ☺️ Thanks a lot for watching, bro.

@tiborvon 5 жыл бұрын

I think we sre all nerdy on here lol

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Ha ha, yeah, well said :-) Just different sub categories of nerdyness :-)

@hollyhillrc 5 жыл бұрын

I'm a Nerd, and proud of it ha ha ha ; ))

@tiborvon 5 жыл бұрын

Lol @ Derek

@hollyhillrc 5 жыл бұрын

I think there are a few things that are good and not so good about both models. The things that I like about the Bigwig are it's funky looks, the little scale details like the engine and exhaust pipes, and the battery protection. The things I don't like so much are the front shock angle, or lack of it, and its wheels. I like most things about the Boomerang, but my biggest irritation with this buggy (and also my Hotshot) is the way the battery lead sticks out the side. I cannot seem to find a way to hide it. These of course are just my own personal opinions, and I definitely wouldn't let any of them defer me from owning any of these iconic Tamiya RC's. Great video Mikael. I really enjoy watching all of your comparison videos. I find them interesting and informative my friend : ))

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for watching, Derek! A bit of nerdyness this one ;-) I must say my favorite is the Boomerang. The shape. Like a Boomerang. Everything is just so perfect about it. I do not think the front mono shock is a great option, but it looks rather 1980s :-) So much in love that I forget all about wires sticking out and I forget about all the hard brittle plastic it is made of. But yeah, I prefer the wires hidden too. Makes me want to get a Hotshot like yours. I think I am a bit biased too, since the Boomerang is my "own" re-release, home-build, and the Bigwig is an old second hand. Some day (though probably far into the future) I will probably have all four members of the Hotshot family. Then it is time for a new video. Would love to see your Hotshot on your channel again. Beauty :-)

@TheTruthHz 5 жыл бұрын

Hey guys, I have always been a Tamiya fan and started with a Falcon back in the 80's. Since then I have owned several but got out of the hobby in my mid 20's. I've just recently been drawn back in and got the beautiful Avante re re, simply because I couldn't afford it in my youth. Out of the Hotshot, Boomerang and Bigwig which do you recommend? I have to admit to a soft spot for the aesthetics of the Hotshot and Boomerang but understand that that it is probably the superior in handling. I look forward to your replies.

@shamuscoghlan 4 жыл бұрын

I have a Super Saber that I recently got back after 30 years in a box in Canada. Been sourcing parts and got some alloy parts for the Suspension Bigwig conversion. However I seen some Yeah Racing alloy suspensions. What series is compatible as this I can't get clear. Also which LiPO will fit. Already had a prop shaft between the differentials ordered that was the wrong size (hop up blue). Motor is Hobby Wing with the 120A ESC.

@NordicRC 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a treasure from the Golden Days. Hope the restoration and conversion (and afterwards running) will be great. Be careful with the brittle 30 year old plastic.

@shamuscoghlan 4 жыл бұрын

@@NordicRC He will not get any racing or jumps. Sort of more like an "old timer" with a modern engine and parts that can go fast on the Sunday ride. I think a Team Associated build will be the modern day build for the extra stuff. Keep up the videos.

@NordicRC 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a cool Sunday runner. And thanks, Shamus.

@BasBoyRC 5 жыл бұрын

The Boomerang is the best but the Bigwig body is quirky. But the suspension on the Bigwig front the shocks are to vertical and the pain to put the battery in.

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the Boomerang has much better performance in my experience. Even with that bouncy front mono shock ☺️ And yes, I think the vertical idea of the Bigwig shocks is okay, but they are mounted way too close to the chassis/body. They could work so much better if moved outside on the arm with wider shock towers. The battery compartment isn’t that convinient but it actually has good room (length wise) since it was designed for that old 8.4 Tamiya battery.

@Bormac073 4 жыл бұрын

LIKED and SUBSCRIBED. Great video. Thank you.

@NordicRC 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, bro!

@UncleBobsRC 3 жыл бұрын

same here!!!

@ShenRC 5 жыл бұрын

😁Great video!

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Shen RC Thanks, Steve!

@paulbutcherrc809 5 жыл бұрын

Those cars are awesome look solid

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! They are awesome - not the most durable, but 'solid' in so many other ways :-)

@gavg1034 5 жыл бұрын

Very nice indeed, nice comparison video...thanks 👍

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Gav! Always a pleasure to see you here.

@gavg1034 5 жыл бұрын

Nordic RC Visions thank you kindly, and I'm sure I speak for many of the rc enthusiast's on here when I say we really appreciate the time and effort you put into the videos for us all to enjoy. 👍👍

@rcpatapouf 5 жыл бұрын

You'r the best bro

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks ☺️ Glad you liked the video,

@billc8971 5 жыл бұрын

great video

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and the comment, Bill!

@Remoteaddicted 5 жыл бұрын

That was a super nice video with a co.parison of two beauties. I'm Team BigWig 👍👌

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Charlie! I'm Team Boomerang, but I think I am a little biased since my Boomerang is my own re-release (which I prefer) and the Bigwig is an old second hand. I think it's only natural to feel a bit more for the ones one has build oneself :-)

@misterarnaud3807 5 жыл бұрын

VERY VERY VERY GOOD VIDEO !!!!!!!

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Mr.! Glad it was useful.

@ishtiaqahmed3629 5 жыл бұрын

Both are beauty 😘

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, definitly. 1980s beauties both of them ☺️ Thanks a lot for watching, my friend.

@maximumrpm1868 5 жыл бұрын

Nice

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, buddy!

@maximumrpm1868 5 жыл бұрын

No problem bro I try to stop in on as many videos as I can cuz you definitely do a good job

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for the kind feedback and support, bro. Appreciate it! I do my best and I love being here on youtube among fellow-hobbyist-friends. Pleasure is all mine :-)

@maximumrpm1868 5 жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you mean I'm coming up on my one year anniversary most of my stuff is from Beyblades but I'm working on making more RC videos I have quite a few of those up I'm working on some four wheelers and Airsoft but mostly it's just Beyblade and rc but I know what you mean this is great fun

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, a lot of fun :-) Sounds like you got some cool different stuff going on. Those Beyblades sound like fun :-)

@Pablo668 5 жыл бұрын

Ha ha cool. I have a Boomerang, it's ok, I haven't driven it much yet though. It looks much bouncier on the front end than the Bigwig.

@NordicRC 5 жыл бұрын

He he, yeah, the idea of the mono shock was abandoned by Tamiya again for good reasons I think. Still lokks great and classic with that mono shock. Thanks a lot for watching, Pablo.