XR311 Combat Support Vehicle
History & Significance
Released 16 December 1977, the XR311 was Tamiya’s first RC vehicle with a real suspension system rather than a rigid chassis, and is generally cited as Tamiya’s first true off-road buggy — based on the real FMC XR-311 military combat support vehicle. This foundational suspension design is considered a precursor to Tamiya’s later buggy chassis lines.
Chassis Engineering
Aluminium/duralumin chassis frame with a rear-mounted Mabuchi RS-540 motor driving the rear wheels (2WD). Independent double-wishbone suspension with torsion bars at both ends and soft pneumatic tyres — a first for Tamiya. A documented weak point on the original kit was the plastic torsion bars.
Variants & Re-releases
Reissued 27 September 2000 and again in 2012 at the same price point; the two reissues are essentially identical to each other, updating the original with metal torsion bars and improved double-wishbone geometry while keeping the 1977 military styling.
Manuals
Restoration Guide
On an original 1977 example, the documented weak point is the plastic torsion bars; pneumatic tyres and other period rubber/foam components are also typical age concerns on surviving originals. The 2000/2012 reissues are more recent and generally easier to source spares for.