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english
version
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Kyosho 1:9 EP/GP 4Runner
- Pajero - Pathfinder/Terrano
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Considering
my inquiries, this series appeared around November/December
1991 in the modeling magazines. Representing more than a half-hearted
attempt in putting a real scale offroader on its feet, or
more on its wheels. This series has been produced with an
electric motor, as well as with a glow plug engine.
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This
vehicles are really impressive, its scale 1:9, therefor more
than 21" long. The substantial use of fiber reinforced plastic
over the whole chassis resulted in a low overall weight, at
about 5 lbs. 2 ozs. for the electric powered version and 5
lbs. 15 ozs. for the gas powered version. This low weight
even enables the electric vehicle with its 540 motor doing
spectacular performance, and for those who weren't satisfied
with only on motor, could bolt on a second one. The models
concept allowed to do so.
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Left
picture: The Kyosho 4Runner as shown in the 1994 catalogue.
For an enlarged view, click on the picture.
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The
models have a rigid rear axle with a bevel differential, mounted
to the chassis with four control arms and one stabilizer.
The front axle is featuring an independent suspension with
two A-arms on every side, here is a bevel differential working
too. Both axles are supported by coil springs with integrated
damper dummies. In the electric version motor power is transmitted
from the motor to the counter gear, and from there with a
toothed belt to the center differential. And like in real
off road cars, the axles are driven by two shafts from the
center differential. In the first gas powered version motor
power has been transmitted with a variable controlled transmission
to the center differential. Later on, the costly CCVT-transmission
has been replaced by an automatic 2-speed-transmission with
a disc brake.
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The
detail-mania didn't stop at the chassis. It even features
mold-on fenders at the rear, as well as separate mounted fenders
at the front. At the rear of the chassis one found two hooks
to tow loads, now it makes sense, why this vehicle could be
equipped with two motors. It couldn't have nothing to do with
the maximum speed, that is high enough, even with one engine.
The whole thing is running on well profiled tires mounted
on aluminium-like-looking plastic rims. Last but not least
has the chassis been topped with a polycarbonate body with
molded add-on parts, like mirrors and bumpers. Give it a good
paint job and it could hardly be distinguished from the original
car.
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Right
picture: The Kyosho Terrano/Pathfinder with and without body.
The electric version looked lavish void on the chassis, which
has been similar for the electric and the gas powered version.
For
an enlarged view, click on the picture.
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Admittedly
it could not beat the scale appearance of Tamiya's Bruiser,
but the gap is pretty close. And the little lack of details
has been equalled by the 4Runner's striking perfomance. Runs
with full throttle on sandy or small graveled areas are making
an terrific fun, since this model offers a good control even
when it is drifting. Travelling through rough terrain needs
some far-sighted behaviour, since the model loose traction
when one wheel is loosing the ground, due to the three differentials.
A small advantage for the Bruiser with it's larger tires and
his rigid, locked rear axle.
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At
the end of the 90ies, the model vanished from the shelfes
of the hobby shops. Considering the always positive responses
to this model, where I appear with it, I find the decision
of Kyosho hard to understand. But being asked for the price
of that model, is offering me astonished faces and the recognition,
how to explain the end of the production. At a contemporary
price of about 350$ for the electric- and 500$ for the gas-powered
version, that has been a lot of bucks.
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Left
picture: The Kyosho Pajero from the 1996 catalogue.
The scale-like-appearance really pays off in this picture.
For
an enlarged view, click on the picture.
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Today,
when I am "strolling" through the auction websites, and see
how rare a 4Runner, a Pathfinder or Pajero is offered, I am
aware, why Kyosho discontinued this kits. Although I am pitied
about that fact, since vehicles with an own character are
hard to find this times. Today uniformed chassis are dominating
the market, where the companies can offer 5 to 8 different
body types. From the financial point absolutely comprehensible,
but why has it not been realized with the 1:9 EP/GP-chassis
in the off-road car sector? New models appear every year even
here. Just imagine this superb chassis with a 2000 Jeep Cheerokee
body, that would have been a real hit.
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technical
data: |
length:
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530
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mm
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width: |
219
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mm
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height: |
227
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mm
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wheelbase: |
295
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mm
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tread: |
171
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mm
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tireØ |
100
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mm
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tirewidth |
40
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mm
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weight |
2.300
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g
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5
lbs. 2 ozs.
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Right
picture: A 4Runner running wild, from the 1994 catalogue
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For
all who are interested in the technical aspects, find
a link here to a parts breakdown of the 1:9 EP chassis.
Please
note, that loading times may be increased due to the
picture sizes.
Please
click on the picture to get to the link.
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All
pictures are copyright of
Kyosho Co., Japan
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