Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition TAM58546

Overview

The Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition TAM58546 is a striking reimagining of one of the most iconic and recognisable radio control vehicles ever produced. This limited edition 1/12 scale RC monster truck assembly kit captures the unmistakable boxy minivan silhouette that first captured enthusiasts' hearts when it was originally released in 1987, now finished in a bold deep black colour matched with eye-catching black wheels. Whether you're a seasoned RC hobbyist looking to add a classic to your collection, a beginner seeking an engaging project, or simply someone searching for a fun and capable RC car UK that stands out from the crowd, the Lunch Box Black Edition delivers on every front. The elevated stance, oversized monster tyres and classic proportions make this RC van instantly distinctive whether displayed proudly on a shelf or driven across rough terrain in your local park.

Designed as an unassembled kit, this model delivers hands-on enjoyment for enthusiasts who value both the build process and authentic off-road performance. The Lunch Box concept itself is brilliantly simple: the name refers to the vehicle's boxy shape, which resembles a Japanese lunch box (bento), and this four-square form has proven timeless in appeal. The Black Edition presentation transforms this classic design with a modern aesthetic, making it equally at home as a display piece or as a working off-road performer. With its lightweight yet durable ABS bathtub frame construction, sealed gearbox protection, and intelligent suspension geometry, this is a ready to build RC model that punches well above its weight in terms of capability and character.

This 2WD brushed RC off-road vehicle is perfect for those who appreciate engineering excellence combined with unmistakable personality. The Lunch Box has always been celebrated for delivering fun, reliable performance without unnecessary complexity, and the Black Edition maintains that philosophy whilst offering a fresh visual identity. If you're searching for an RC car that's equally at home at a display gathering or tackling garden terrain, the Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition is a conversation starter that genuinely delivers on performance as well as style.

Key Features

• Limited edition black minivan body with pre-painted finish — The factory pre-painted black ABS plastic body offers a bold visual identity straight from the box whilst simultaneously providing a pristine canvas for custom detailing, personal artwork and creative designs. The flat side panels of the minivan shape are ideal for adding your own decal work or paintwork, making each completed build a truly unique conversation piece that reflects your individual style.
• 1/12 scale lightweight and durable ABS bathtub frame construction — The ABS bathtub frame design provides a perfect balance between durability and weight management, ensuring confident off-road driving performance whilst remaining lightweight enough for enthusiastic bashing and regular use without excessive wear. This construction method has proven itself across decades of RC use and remains one of the most effective designs for genuine off-road capability.
• Front independent swing axle and rear rolling rigid suspension with coil springs — The sophisticated suspension geometry balances independent front suspension with a rolling rigid rear setup, creating improved stability and control on uneven surfaces. This combination delivers predictable handling whether you're navigating rocky terrain, grass fields or indoor surfaces, whilst the coil springs provide excellent shock absorption for rough ground.
• Sealed rear gearbox with three-bevel differential gear system — The sealed gearbox design protects the internal differential mechanism from sand, stones and debris encountered during off-road running, extending component lifespan and maintaining smooth cornering performance in demanding conditions. The three-bevel differential ensures even power distribution to both rear wheels for balanced acceleration and turning capability.
• Oversized 115mm diameter monster tyres with 71mm width — The commanding monster tyres deliver enhanced ground clearance, impressive off-road traction and a visually striking stance that immediately captures attention. The 115mm diameter and 71mm width dimensions provide genuine all-terrain capability whilst the tyre's shallow centre of gravity aids stability during rapid cornering and emergency manoeuvres.
• Eye-catching black wheels and three-piece assembly design — The black wheels complement the black body for a cohesive visual package, whilst the three-piece assembly design adds impressive realism and authenticity to the overall appearance. This construction method also allows for easier maintenance and customisation of your wheels if desired.
• Metal plated front grill, side guards and bumper components — High-quality metal plated parts on the front grill, side guards and both front and rear bumpers add durability and a premium polished finish to key visual elements, enhancing the custom van aesthetic and protecting chassis components during contact with terrain or obstacles.
• Friction dampers on both front and rear suspension — The friction damping system provides controlled suspension movement without the need for traditional oil-filled shock absorbers, offering a straightforward yet effective approach to suspension tuning that requires minimal maintenance whilst remaining reliable in muddy or sandy conditions.
• Wheelie bar compatibility for dynamic acceleration tricks — The integrated wheelie bar enables dramatic wheel-lifting acceleration for fun, dynamic driving experiences when grip levels are sufficient. This allows experienced drivers to perform impressive stunts and entertaining manoeuvres, adding an extra dimension of enjoyment to your RC sessions.
• Type 540 brushed motor with ESC speed controller included — The proven Type 540 brushed motor configuration delivers reliable, linear power delivery with excellent low-end torque characteristics ideal for off-road driving. The included electronic speed controller (ESC) provides smooth acceleration control and reverse capability, making this ready to run RC model straightforward to operate from the moment you've completed assembly.
• 14.7:1 gear ratio for balanced acceleration and top speed — The carefully calculated 14.7:1 gear ratio strikes an excellent balance between acceleration response and top speed capability, ensuring the model remains fun and responsive in virtually all driving conditions without excessive power demand or battery drain.
• Two-wheel drive rear-wheel drive configuration — The 2WD drivetrain keeps the design simple, lightweight and easy to maintain whilst still delivering genuine off-road capability. This time-proven configuration reduces complexity and mechanical noise whilst maintaining excellent traction on various terrain types.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition represents over three decades of proven engineering excellence, combining essential off-road capability with unmistakable character that makes it instantly recognisable on any terrain. The chassis employs an ABS bathtub frame measuring 385mm in length, 290mm in width and 225mm in height, with a wheelbase of 207mm and track measurements of 212mm front and 216mm rear. This compact yet spacious proportions create a vehicle that's substantial enough to handle genuine terrain challenges yet remains completely manageable for indoor displays or confined spaces. The vehicle weight is approximately 1560g excluding RC mechanicals and battery, creating a mass distribution that benefits from the low centre of gravity provided by the large 115mm tyres. The Type 540 brushed motor works in conjunction with an electronic speed controller to provide smooth, controllable power delivery across the full acceleration range, from gentle cruising to full-throttle off-road attacks. The 14.7:1 gear ratio has been carefully selected to balance acceleration response with overall mobility, ensuring adequate torque for hill climbing and rough terrain whilst maintaining respectable top speed capability. The sealed rear gearbox design with its three-bevel differential mechanism proves absolutely crucial for off-road durability, preventing sand and small stones from entering the drivetrain during use on challenging ground. The front and rear friction dampers provide progressive suspension movement control without requiring oil changes or complex maintenance routines. The steering tyro-rod design is split into two sections for improved articulation and turn-in response, whilst the combination of front swing-axle independent suspension and rear rolling rigid suspension with coil springs creates a balanced platform that handles both high-speed runs and technical terrain with equal capability. Build quality throughout is exceptional, with metal-plated components on the bumpers, grille and guards adding durability and visual appeal, whilst the pre-painted black body finish requires no painting work yet remains receptive to custom decals and detailing.

What's in the Box

• Pre-painted black ABS plastic minivan body shell
• ABS bathtub frame chassis with integrated main frame
• Front swing axle independent suspension components
• Rear rolling rigid suspension with coil springs
• Type 540 brushed electric motor
• Electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Black wheels (three-piece assembly type) with 115mm diameter tyres (71mm width)
• Sealed rear gearbox with three-bevel differential
• Wheelie bar for rear suspension
• Metal-plated front grill component
• Metal-plated side guards (bumpers)
• Metal-plated front bumper
• Metal-plated rear bumper
• Front and rear friction dampers
• Two-section steering tyro-rod assembly
• Specialised decal sheet for customisation
• Assembly hardware and fasteners
• Instruction manual with assembly guidance

What You Need to Complete

• FineSPEC 2.4G Electric RC Drive Set (radio transmitter, receiver and servo)
• Four AA batteries for the transmitter
• Rechargeable battery pack (typically 7.2v NiMH or equivalent)
• Battery charger suitable for your chosen power system
• Acrylic paint for the body (optional – the body arrives pre-painted black but may be painted for higher quality finish if desired)
• Assembly tools including screwdrivers and pliers

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition suitable for beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The Lunch Box is renowned for being an excellent entry point into RC hobbies due to its straightforward construction, simple 2WD drivetrain and proven reliability. The Skill Level 2 rating indicates it's more accessible than advanced competition models whilst still offering genuine satisfaction through the build process and driving experience. Beginners appreciate the Lunch Box because it doesn't overwhelm with unnecessary complexity, yet still delivers engaging off-road performance. Parents often choose this model for introducing children to the RC hobby, and many adult beginners find it an excellent first project that teaches fundamental assembly and driving skills.
• What battery does the Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition need? — The model requires a rechargeable battery pack; typically a 7.2v NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) pack is recommended, though compatible battery alternatives may be used depending on your preferred power system. You will also need four AA batteries to power the radio transmitter. It's important to source a battery charger suitable for your chosen pack type, and many RC enthusiasts find it worthwhile investing in a dedicated RC charger rather than standard AA charging solutions for optimal performance and safety.
• What makes the Black Edition different from the standard Lunch Box? — The Black Edition represents a special limited release featuring a factory pre-painted black body and matching black wheels, creating a cohesive modern aesthetic that contrasts with the classic bright colours of earlier Lunch Box versions. This colour scheme gives the model an aggressive, contemporary appearance whilst preserving the iconic boxy minivan silhouette unchanged. The mechanical specifications remain identical to other Lunch Box variants, so the differences are primarily visual rather than performance-based, making this edition especially appealing to collectors and those seeking a distinctive alternative to standard colour options.
• How difficult is the assembly process? — The assembly difficulty is rated as Skill Level 2, indicating it's straightforward yet still rewarding. The ABS plastic bathtub frame is easy to work with, and the design has been proven and refined over decades, with comprehensive instructions provided. Most enthusiasts find assembly takes several hours of focused work, depending on experience level. The process is genuinely enjoyable rather than frustrating, and completing the build yourself creates a special connection to the finished model that ready-to-run alternatives cannot match. Many builders find the assembly experience as enjoyable as actually driving the completed vehicle.
• Can I customise the Lunch Box Black Edition with my own designs? — Absolutely – this is one of the Lunch Box's greatest strengths. The large flat side panels of the minivan body act as an ideal canvas for personal artwork, custom paint schemes or vinyl decal designs. The model arrives with a specialised decal sheet included, providing authentic design options, but many enthusiasts use these as inspiration for creating fully unique colour schemes. The pre-painted black finish provides an excellent base for additional detailing, whether you prefer subtle racing stripes or completely custom artwork. This customisation aspect makes each completed Lunch Box Black Edition genuinely individual and reflective of the builder's creativity.
• What type of terrain can the Lunch Box handle? — The Lunch Box Black Edition is specifically designed for off-road terrain and excels across a wide variety of surfaces. The 115mm monster tyres with their substantial tread pattern provide excellent traction on grass, dirt, sandy soil and rocky ground. The sealed gearbox protects internal components from sand and stones, making off-road use worry-free. The suspension geometry, combining independent front swing-axle suspension with rear rolling rigid design, delivers stability and control on uneven surfaces. The Lunch Box genuinely thrives on rough, challenging terrain and is far more capable than its fun appearance might suggest, proving repeatedly that authentic engineering excellence need not compromise on personality or character.
• How does the wheelie bar enhance driving experience? — The integrated wheelie bar enables dynamic, entertaining driving techniques when sufficient grip is available. With careful throttle control on grippy surfaces, the wheelie bar allows front-wheel lift during rapid acceleration, creating impressive visual effects and adding an entertainment dimension beyond simple point-to-point racing. This feature appeals particularly to younger drivers and those seeking playful, trick-focused driving rather than competitive speed runs. The wheelie bar is integrated into the design and requires no additional installation, ready to enhance your driving enjoyment immediately upon completion.
• Is this a ready-to-run or assembly kit? — The Lunch Box Black Edition is supplied as an unassembled kit, meaning you receive all components in component form and must assemble the model yourself. This differs from ready-to-run (RTR) models which arrive pre-assembled. Whilst assembly requires time and basic tools, it's considered part of the appeal by most enthusiasts, offering genuine engagement with the hobby and deeper understanding of how the vehicle functions. The assembly difficulty is reasonable for the scale, and the instructions are comprehensive and straightforward.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Tamiya Lunch Box Black Edition TAM58546 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.