Kyosho

Japanese scale model manufacturer

Kyosho Corporation (京商株式会社) is a Japanese company based in Tokyo, which operates internationally under the name KYOSHO. The company's main office is located in Chiyoda, and the production headquarters are located in Atsugi, Kanagawa. Established in October 1963, Kyosho created its first trademark radio controlled model car in 1970, being one of the oldest RC makers in Japan, and producing a wide variety of products, including cars, airplanes, helicopters, and boats. Kyosho also produces highly detailed die cast model cars, which production started in 1992. Its major competitor in the RC automobile market is Tamiya. Kyosho has avoided direct competition against Tamiya in the hobby grade RC cars market since the 80s and 90s, where Tamiya was most active, focusing instead on designing professional 1/8 scale racing buggies, Mini Z series, and RC helicopters. The company is best known for the Inferno, its 1:8 scale competition buggies; Mini Z series, and RC helicopters, but it also produces remote controlled bipedal robots in the Manoi series.

During the 1980s, the 1/10 scale electric off road car (buggy) was immensely popular, leading to the release of several different models. Many of these models have retained popularity, even after going out of production.

Kyosho started selling the DASH 1 in 1970, accepted widely in the industry as the first RC car made in Japan. There were three body styles to be chosen from; the most popular racing machines in the Japanese Grand Prix: the Porsche 917, Lola T70 and McLaren Elva. The bodies were vacuum molded, a totally new innovation in RC cars at the time. The DASH 1 was priced at 23,000 yen, not including the engine. Engines used were still the imported 19 class VECO (West Germany) and K&B (U. S. A.) marine engines with a Perry Carburettor and Kyosho's Fuel Stopper and a car muffler.

In 1971 the DASH 2 targeted at beginners (price: 16,500 Yen) was released. The DASH 1 used a two piece chassis, but the DASH 2 had a one piece chassis and the engine was only at a slight front angle. In addition, the SUPER DASH (price: 26,000 Yen) was released as a competition level machine.

The DASH 3 and the DUNE BUGGY were released in 1972, starting the buggy racing phenomenon.

This was the first electric off road car sold by Kyosho. A motor was placed on the PeanutBuggy, which had previously been sold as an engine car. It was sold for 9,800 yen at the time.

A 2WD off road car with a RS540 motor in the rear. The frame was that of the Alpine A310. Uses a double wishbone for front suspension, and a semi streaming arm for rear suspension. The cars aluminum frame and rear design were passed on to the Scorpion. Sold for 16,000 yen at the time.

Since 1992, Kyosho has specialized in creating high end collector's grade Die Cast Car Replicas. Kyosho offers a wide array of scale replicas and car makers. Kyosho's main competition comes from companies such as AUTOart, Minichamps, and Hot Wheels. Kyosho is also the official manufacturer of BMW Authorized scale replicas sold exclusively through BMW Dealerships. As of January 2008, their online catalogue includes approximately 1000 die cast cars and accessories.

The 2000s saw a shift toward the growing hobby of radio controlled model aircraft and the creation of almost ready to fly models. One such model, the "Phantom 70," is a quarter scale replica of the Aberle Phantom biplane. Based in Fallbrook, California USA, the full scale Phantom was built by Aberle Custom Aircraft and sponsored by Kyosho during the 2007 Reno Air Races. The plane set a biplane class speed record in 2004 with a top speed of more than 241 mph. A new record was established in 2006 with a speed of 251.958 mph.

Since rival company Tamiya renewed the production of popular classic models such as the "Frog," "Grasshopper," "Hornet," and "Hotshot," many fans hope for Kyosho to do the same with its own classics. However, the company has already gotten rid of most of the old frame casts, making prospects of renewed production costly and difficult. During the Shizuoka Hobby Show in May, 2006, Kyosho introduced "Optima" and "Turbo Scorpion" in its new "Miniature Racing Buggy series". Though only 10 cm in length, these die cast pullback toys feature exactly the same package design as the original RC kits.