Tamiya Mitsubishi Pajero Metaltop Wide

Photo gallery samples

Visit the full Tamiya Mitsubishi Pajero XC / CC01 gallery >

JANG's Impressions

If you like the idea of a scaled-down, RC version of an offroad-capable passenger vehicle, you probably like Tamiya's Pajero Metaltop on the XC chassis, now called the "CC01." From the outside, when properly finished, it looks like a scale model, save the overly tinted windows that hide the lack of interior details. Underneath, independent front suspension and a 4-linked solid axle rear bring together the best of two worlds, affording a smooth, oil-dampened ride in addition to a surprising amount of usable wheel articulation.

The tires are wide and moderately soft, with a decent scale pattern of tread, but on a typical lightweight 1/10th scale RC these would be not so great in the grip department (as discovered on the Blazing Star). However, the tall tub chassis thick ABS body bring enough weight down on all four corners to provide a respectable amount of traction, well-matched to the size of the vehicle and its usable speeds. For more traction still (but a little less steering), an optional set of parts is included with the kit to completely, yet reversibly lock the rear diff.

Granted, this is no racing truck, at least certainly not in the traditional RC sense of the word. The tires are hard enough in the sidewalls that if your speed approaches 10mph and you're not on asphalt, the Pajero is going to be jolted around quite a lot. Also, all of that weight up high is no friend in turns. However, if you look at this beautiful machine and think about racing, well, I'll just come right out & say it -- you're crazy! The Pajero is for anyone who wants to experience true scale trail driving adventures with a scale-realistic vehicle on scale-realistic terrain. In its element, it can provide endless hours of serene, low-adrenalin enjoyment.

Building & Tips

See the Tamiya Pajero build thread on the forums for all of my comments during the build process plus a selection of photos as I went along.

• Note that everything about the re-release #49490 chassis is identical to the original, with just one exception. They've flipped the suggested steering servo mounting direction and included a longer link for more consistent steering action in both directions with less chance for binding. Follow the instructions in the separate thin instruction addendum sheet they include.

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