Tamiya The Hornet 1/10 2WD RC Buggy Kit – 58336

The Tamiya Hornet is one of the most famous RC buggies ever produced. Originally introduced in 1984, it helped bring affordable hobby-grade off-road RC racing to a huge audience and remains one of Tamiya's most recognisable models.

Tamiya 58336 is the re-release of this legendary 1/10 scale 2WD buggy, retaining the lightweight ABS bathtub chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, sealed gearbox and classic Hornet styling while using modern electronic speed control.

Legendary Tamiya Hornet

The Hornet became famous for combining simple construction, light weight and lively performance at an affordable price.

Its straightforward design also makes it an excellent introduction to building an RC car. For experienced enthusiasts, it offers plenty of nostalgia and the unmistakable driving character of a classic rear-wheel-drive buggy.

Lightweight ABS Bathtub Chassis

The Hornet is built around a durable yet lightweight ABS resin bathtub chassis with integrated side bumpers.

The uncomplicated chassis design keeps weight down while providing good protection for the electronics and drivetrain. Tamiya lists the complete buggy at approximately 874g.

Rear-Wheel Drive

A rear-mounted RS-540 brushed motor powers the rear wheels through a simple and reliable 2WD drivetrain.

The rear motor position places useful weight over the driven wheels, while the lightweight chassis gives the Hornet its characteristic responsive and entertaining handling.

Sealed Gearbox with Differential

The rear gearbox is fully enclosed to help protect the gears from dirt, sand and other debris encountered during off-road running.

A differential is incorporated into the gearbox to allow the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds while cornering.

Classic Hornet Suspension

At the front, the Hornet uses independent swing-axle suspension with friction dampers.

The rear features Tamiya's distinctive rolling rigid axle suspension with oil-filled dampers. It's a simple arrangement by modern standards, but it's an important part of the original Hornet's character.

Oil-Filled Rear Dampers

The rear suspension is equipped with oil-filled dampers, helping control the movement of the rear axle over bumps and jumps.

The front uses simpler friction dampers, keeping the overall design lightweight and easy to assemble.

Classic Off-Road Tyres

The Hornet uses different tyre designs front and rear.

The narrow straight-ribbed front tyres provide directional control, while large spiked rear buggy tyres generate traction for the rear-wheel-drive drivetrain. The three-piece wheels reproduce the distinctive appearance of the original Hornet.

Polycarbonate Hornet Body

The unmistakable Hornet body is manufactured from lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate.

Once painted and finished with the classic Hornet graphics, the black-and-yellow racing scheme produces one of the most recognisable looks in Tamiya RC history.

RS-540 Motor Included

Unlike the Grasshopper's smaller 380 motor, the Hornet comes with a more powerful RS-540 brushed motor.

This gives the Hornet stronger performance while retaining a straightforward brushed power system that's easy to operate and maintain.

Key Features

• Tamiya The Hornet
• Item Number: 58336
• 1/10 scale electric RC buggy
• Re-release of the legendary 1984 Hornet
• Rear-wheel drive / 2WD
• Rear-mounted motor
• Lightweight ABS bathtub chassis
• Sealed rear gearbox
• Differential gear
• Independent swing-axle front suspension
• Rolling rigid axle rear suspension
• Friction front dampers
• Oil-filled rear dampers
• Straight-ribbed front racing tyres
• Spiked rear buggy tyres
• Classic three-piece wheels
• Durable polycarbonate body
• Reinforced resin front bumper
• RS-540 brushed motor included
• Compatible with optional ball bearings
• Straightforward assembly and maintenance
• Ideal for beginners and classic Tamiya enthusiasts

Specifications

Brand: Tamiya
Part Number: 58336
Model: The Hornet
Scale: 1/10
Vehicle Type: Off-Road Buggy
Drive: 2WD / Rear-Wheel Drive
Motor Position: Rear
Length: 400mm
Width: 230mm
Height: 150mm
Weight: Approx. 874g
Chassis: ABS Resin Bathtub
Front Suspension: Independent Swing Axle
Rear Suspension: Rolling Rigid Axle
Front Dampers: Friction
Rear Dampers: Oil-Filled
Motor: RS-540 Brushed – Included
Body: Polycarbonate
Completion Level: Assembly Kit

What's Included

• Tamiya Hornet 1/10 RC assembly kit
• ESC
• Polycarbonate Hornet body
• ABS bathtub chassis
• RS-540 brushed motor
• Oil-filled rear dampers
• Front and rear wheels
• Ribbed front tyres
• Spiked rear tyres
• Decal/sticker set
• Assembly instructions

Required to Complete

Depending on the electronics supplied with your particular kit, you'll require a suitable 2-channel transmitter and receiver, steering servo, 7.2–7.4V drive battery and compatible charger, plus transmitter batteries, polycarbonate paint and normal RC assembly tools.

One of Tamiya's Most Iconic RC Buggies

The Tamiya 58336 Hornet remains popular because of its simplicity. It's light, easy to build, easy to maintain and genuinely fun to drive.

It also makes an excellent first RC kit for someone wanting to learn how a hobby-grade RC car goes together. For long-time enthusiasts, the combination of the classic Hornet body, three-piece wheels, 2WD drivetrain and 540 motor provides a strong dose of 1980s Tamiya nostalgia.

Tamiya continues to categorise 58336 as one of its official Re-issue R/C Cars.