Grasshopper
History & Significance
The Grasshopper (kit 58043) was released by Tamiya in 1984, the same year as its stablemate the Hornet, and quickly became one of the best-selling entry-level R/C buggies of the era thanks to its light weight, simple assembly, and easy handling. Kit 58346 is Tamiya’s 2005 re-release of the original, keeping the same basic design available to new builders.
Chassis Engineering
The Grasshopper uses a lightweight “bathtub” style chassis that gives easy access to the radio equipment. Suspension is independent at the front via coil-over oil dampers, with a rolling rigid rear axle driven through a sealed rear gearbox and differential — a simple, durable 2WD layout typical of Tamiya’s mid-1980s off-road buggies.
Original 1984 kit used a 2-channel AM radio and a 540 motor; the 2005 re-release (58346) is sold as a kit without electronics, intended for use with any standard 1/10 surface radio system.
Variants & Re-releases
Originally released as kit 58043 in 1984. Reissued in 2005 under kit number 58346, which remains in Tamiya’s catalogue today. A separate ready-to-run “Grasshopper II” and other visually similar variants have been sold under different kit numbers.
Restoration Guide
The most common failure points are the plastic gearbox casing (can crack with age or heavy use) and the front suspension arms. Both are still available as genuine Tamiya spare parts under the original part numbers, since the model remains in production. Foam tyres/inserts perish over time on original 1984 kits and are usually the first thing to replace on a vintage build.
A third-party review of the current Grasshopper reissue (kit 58346), showing the finished model and running footage.