The First Pixel

Kyosho Ultima

The original 1/0th scale R/C car, Kyosho Ultima, was released in 1986.  It won the 1/0th scale off-road electric World Championships in 1987.  You can watch a video of it.

Kyosho re-released this model in 2019, Kyosho EP 2WD Kit Ultima (part 30625).  It is the 8th model of the “Kyosho Vintage” re-releases, which is a part of their legendary series.

Tools to Build Kyosho Ultima

I bought the following items to help build the Ultima Re-Release, with my review of each.

• Metric tool set
  • Amazon.com: Dewalt – Screwdriver Bit Set with Nut Drivers, 71-Piece (DWMT73808)
  • Recommended to have a single set; convenience for varying sizes.
• Desk Lamp
  • Amazon.com: JolyJoy – Modern Architect Table Lamp with Clamp, Swing Arm, LED, 9W Eye-Care Dimmable Light, Timer, Memory, 6 Color Modes
  • Highly recommended!  Bright light on a good background is crucial.
• Pliers for Shock Absorbers
  • Amazon.com: BTG – Multi-function Shock Absorber Pliers Ball Head Pliers Clip
  • Recommended for ball joints.
• Curved Scissors & Hole Cutter
  • Amazon.com: FFCC – RC Body Reamer Hole, Curved Scissor & Straight Scissor RC Car Body Mounting 3pc Combo Set, 0-14mm Hole
• Tweezers
  • Amazon.com: Kaverme – 6PCS Precision Tweezers Set, Upgraded Anti-Static Stainless Steel Curved of Tweezers, for Electronics, Laboratory Work, Jewelry-Making, Craft, Soldering
  • There are possibly better options, but it appears everyone has difficulties with C-clips.
• Plastic Piece Cutter
  • Amazon.com: Stedi – 4.7-inch Model Nipper, with Sharp Thin Blade and Blade Case Plastic Model Tools, Sprue Cutter
  • Highly recommended.

Things Needed to Run Kyosho Ultima

The kit does not come with the following.

I have recommendations for each.

• Electric Motor
  • Amazon.com: Kyosho – Le Mans 240S Brushless motor 19.5T 2WD (part 37031)
    • 240S was a reference to the running time of the motor.  240 seconds = 4 minutes.  The entire race would need to complete in 4 minutes.
• Electronic Speed Control (ESC)
  • rcMart.com: Kyosho – Le Mans 240S 60A, Max13.5T, ESC w/ 200mm Sensor Cable (part 37051 or part 37051B)
  • Different models may (part 37051) or may not (part 37051B) include a 200mm Sensor Cable.
  • Hard to find.  Not possible to order from Kyosho Japan, and Kyosho America is out of stock.
• Sensor Cable
  • Amazon.com: Daily Mall – 2x Hobbywing RC Model Car Brushless ESC Motor Sensor Cable Wire Harness 200mm
  • You may already have one with your ESC.
• Servo (steering)
  • AMain Hobbies: Kyosho – Perfex KS-5031-09MW Metal Gear Servo (KYO82273, part 82273)
• Receiver
  • Amazon.com: Kyosho – Syncro KR-331 Receiver (part 82135)
• Radio Transmitter
  • 2-channel minimum.
  • 1st for ESC (throttle/brake)
  • 2nd for Servo (steering).
• Battery
  • LiPo (lithium polymer) 2S or 3S battery.
    • LiPo 2S, 3S, 4S, 6S, 8S batteries are counts of 3.7V (Volt) cells.
    • 2S = 7.4V.
    • 3S = 11.1V.
    • 4S = 14.8V.
    • 6S = 22.2V.
    • 8S = 29.6V.
    • Kyosho Ultima will support 2S or 3S.
  • NiMH (Nickel-metal hybrid) are also possible.
    • 6-cell or 7-cell classic batteries that were used on the original 1986 Ultima.
    • LiPo is recommended, as it is newer technology.
    • Each cell is 1.2V.
    • 6-cell = 7.2V.
    • 7-cell = 8.4V.
    • The original Kyosho models often had a “Turbo” version (e.g. Turbo Ultima, Turbo Optima) which were meant to be stronger to withstand the 7-cell packs.
• Charger
  • A cheapest, reasonable charger:
    • Amazon.com: Spektrum – Smart S150 AC/DC RC Battery Charger, 1x50W: SPMXC1070
    • Caution: it does not have storage charge mode (unless you have a Spektrum Smart battery), therefore you need to discharge it completely, then charge it on your own timer for storage charge.
  • Decent charger:
    • Amazon.com: Spektrum – S1200 G2 AC 1x200W Smart Charger, (SPMXC2020)
  • Make sure the connections (EC3/IC3 or EC5/IC5) matches the battery and connections inside the car.
• Paint (for Lexan Body)
  • Unsure if these are the correct colors, but this is what I bought:
    • Black: Tower Hobbies: Duratrax – Polycarb Spray, Basic Black, 4.5 oz
    • White: Tower Hobbies: Duratrax – Polycarb Spray, Bright White, 4.5 oz
    • Red: Tower Hobbies: Duratrax – Polycarb Spray, Racing Red, 4.5 oz
    • Orange: Tower Hobbies: Duratrax – Polycarb Spray, Fluorescent Orange, 4.5 oz

Media

Kyosho Ultima website:

• Japan: 1/10th EP 2WD Kit Ultima (Part 30625)
• America: 1/10th EP 2WD Kit Ultima (Part 30625)

Kyosho YouTube:

• Kyosho Corporation
• Return of the Legend! – Kyosho Ultima