Overview
The Tamiya Lunch Box is one of Tamiya's most beloved classic creations, originally released in 1987 and cherished for decades for its unique appearance and entertaining R/C performance. This iconic model features a boxy minivan body raised up over massive monster truck wheels, creating a one-of-a-kind vehicle that grabs attention wherever you drive it. The combination of quirky styling and genuine off-road capability has made the Lunch Box a fan favorite that continues to delight RC enthusiasts of all ages.
What makes the Lunch Box truly special is its ability to perform thrilling wheelies. The rear-mounted motor and wheelie bar work together to let you pull the front wheels off the ground during hard acceleration, adding an extra dimension of fun to every drive. The generous side panels of the van body also serve as a blank canvas for your creativity—paint your own original designs to create the ultimate conversation piece! This 2005 re-release stays true to the original's charm while incorporating subtle improvements.
Key Features
- Classic 1987 design beloved by generations of RC enthusiasts
- Unique boxy minivan body mounted on monster truck wheels
- Wheelie-capable design for exciting stunt driving
- Included wheelie bar prevents over-rotation
- Massive 115mm diameter tires for dynamic off-road performance
- White ABS body ready for custom painting
- Yellow ABS wheels for distinctive appearance
- Sealed gearbox protects differential from dirt and debris
- 540-Type motor included
- Front and rear axles compatible with ball bearings
Chassis Features
- CW-01 chassis with durable box-type frame
- 207mm wheelbase for stable handling
- Rear-wheel drive 2WD configuration
- Front independent swing arm suspension
- Rear rolling rigid suspension with coil springs
- Fully enclosed gearbox with built-in differential
- Steering rod with ball adjuster for precise control
- Compatible with CVA dampers (sold separately)
- One-piece wheel design for durability
- Simple, easy-to-assemble construction
Design Heritage
- Original Lunch Box released in 1987
- One of Tamiya's most iconic and recognizable RC models
- 2005 re-release maintains classic appeal
- Instantly recognizable silhouette loved worldwide
- Perfect blend of fun and functionality
Performance Benefits
- Big 115mm tires tackle rough terrain with ease
- Wheelie capability adds exciting stunt potential
- Sealed gearbox maintains performance in dirty conditions
- Differential gear aids smooth cornering
- Ball bearing compatible for improved efficiency
- CVA damper compatible for enhanced handling
Usage Notes
- Suitable for on-road and off-road surfaces
- ABS body requires Tamiya TS spray paints
- Large body panels perfect for custom artwork
- Practice throttle control for consistent wheelies
- Recommend ball bearings for smoother operation
- CVA dampers available as optional upgrade
Technical Specs
| Specification |
Value |
| Scale |
1/12 |
| Length |
385mm |
| Width |
290mm |
| Height |
225mm |
| Wheelbase |
207mm |
| Tread (Front) |
212mm |
| Tread (Rear) |
216mm |
| Ground Clearance |
38mm |
| Weight |
1560g (without RC equipment) |
| Tire Diameter |
115mm |
| Chassis |
CW-01 |
| Drivetrain |
2WD Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Differential |
Gear type (sealed) |
| Suspension (Front) |
Independent swing arm |
| Suspension (Rear) |
Rolling rigid |
| Gear Ratio |
14.7:1 |
| Motor |
540-Type |
What's Included
- CW-01 chassis kit with all hardware
- White ABS Lunch Box body shell
- Yellow ABS one-piece wheels (4)
- 115mm diameter tires (4)
- Wheelie bar assembly
- 540-Type motor
- Sticker/decal sheet
- Assembly instruction manual
Needed to Complete
- 2-channel radio system (transmitter and receiver)
- Steering servo (standard size)
- Electronic speed controller (ESC)
- 7.2V battery pack (NiMH)
- Battery charger
- AA batteries for transmitter
- Tamiya TS spray paints for ABS body
- Basic hobby tools for assembly
Summary
The Tamiya Lunch Box is a timeless classic that continues to bring joy to RC enthusiasts worldwide. First released in 1987, this iconic monster van combines unique styling with genuine off-road capability and wheelie-popping fun. The boxy body mounted on oversized wheels creates an instantly recognizable silhouette, while the generous side panels invite creative custom paint schemes. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or introducing a new generation to the hobby, the Lunch Box delivers pure RC entertainment with its combination of quirky charm and capable performance.
