VehiclesTamiya The Fox (1985)

- Scale
- 1/10
- Drive
- 2WD
- Max LiPo
- -
- Power
- -
Background
The Fox belongs to Tamiya's mid-1980s two-wheel-drive buggy range. Its narrow monocoque chassis encloses the radio equipment, while a separate rear gearbox drives the rear wheels. A transverse front damper and two rear oil dampers give it a recognisable silhouette before the body goes on. The original factory instructions identify this edition as kit 5851, also catalogued as 58051; Novafox 58577 is a later revision. Factory model information (opens in a new tab). Assembly manual (opens in a new tab).
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The original assembly uses jointed rear drive shafts and a mechanical speed controller operated by a second servo. The manual provides separate mounting arrangements for 15T normal and 18T high-speed gearing. Those details matter on a restoration because the later Novafox uses dogbone drive shafts and an electronic speed controller arrangement. Matching the body shape alone is not enough when ordering drivetrain or radio-mounting parts. Factory model information (opens in a new tab). Assembly manual (opens in a new tab).
Its enclosed construction makes the condition of the equipment inside worth checking before a first run. Follow the original chassis-opening and linkage instructions when preserving period equipment. The rubber motor bag is a conditional part: the manual restricts its use according to the installed pinion. A modern runner and an original restoration can therefore need different electrical choices even when their finished bodies look similar. Factory model information (opens in a new tab). Assembly manual (opens in a new tab).
Specifications
| Spec | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | ||
| ||
| Class | Buggy | |
| Drive | 2WD | |
| Build | Kit | |
| Scale | 1/10 | |
| Part number | 58051 | |
| Drivetrain | ||
| ||
| Pinion | 15TStock | Stock |
| Spur | Not published | |
| Axle drive, front | UnpoweredStock | Stock |
| Axle drive, rear | DrivenStock | Stock |
| Transmission & axle, front | Not applicable | |
| Transmission & axle, rear | Not published | |
| Final drive, front | Not applicable | |
| Final drive, rear | Not published | |
| Axle coupling | Not applicable | |
| Wheels & tires | ||
| ||
| Tire diameter, front | 83mmSingle report | Single report |
| Tire diameter, rear | 82mmSingle report | Single report |
| Tire width, front | 23mmSingle report | Single report |
| Tire width, rear | 34mmSingle report | Single report |
| Rollout, front | Not applicable | |
| Rollout, rear | Not published | |
| Power | ||
| ||
| Motor | Not published | |
| Motor shaft | Not published | |
| Battery | Not published | |
| Stock motor | RS-540SStock | Stock |
| Motor size | 540 typeStock | Stock |
How to read these figures
- Only the driven axle supplies a motor-to-wheel calculation. Unpowered wheels have tire dimensions but no drive ratio.
- Stock is as the vehicle ships.
- Calculated is worked from the stock figures on this page rather than stored beside them, so the two cannot drift apart.
- Single report uses one outside source. It is useful as a starting figure, with the source and calculation described in the note.
- Not applicable means the vehicle does not come with it, like the motor on a roller or the tires on a race kit.
- Not published means it exists but no source we could find prints it.
Service reference
Checked task pages, documented requirements and recorded factory fluids for this model. Follow the manufacturer's procedure for the exact assembly and revision.
MotorReference
Motor mount and pinion installation
The Fox (1985) exact kit 58051; original/reissue equipment kept distinct
Motor mount and pinion installation reference for this numbered factory edition. This does not prescribe a replacement interval or identify an owner-selected electronic component.
- The Fox (1985) factory assembly manual, PDF p. 12 (opens in a new tab)Assembly drawing, not a rebuild procedure. Document: Tamiya 58051 The Fox (1985).
Documented parts and requirements
No separate parts, tools or prerequisites have been indexed for this task. Read the cited reference before starting.
This is a partial service reference. Check the cited instructions for the full procedure and configuration-specific requirements. Mechanical tasks may need additional parts, quantities and reused hardware beyond the items listed here. Manual reviewed 2026-10-16.
ShocksReference
Oil damper assembly
The Fox (1985) exact kit 58051; original/reissue equipment kept distinct
Oil damper assembly reference for this numbered factory edition. This does not prescribe a replacement interval or identify an owner-selected electronic component.
- The Fox (1985) factory assembly manual, PDF p. 8 (opens in a new tab)Assembly drawing, not a rebuild procedure. Document: Tamiya 58051 The Fox (1985).
Documented parts and requirements
No separate parts, tools or prerequisites have been indexed for this task. Read the cited reference before starting.
This is a partial service reference. Check the cited instructions for the full procedure and configuration-specific requirements. Mechanical tasks may need additional parts, quantities and reused hardware beyond the items listed here. Manual reviewed 2026-10-16.
DifferentialsReference
Differential assembly
The Fox (1985) exact kit 58051; original/reissue equipment kept distinct
Differential assembly reference for this numbered factory edition. This does not prescribe a replacement interval or identify an owner-selected electronic component.
- The Fox (1985) factory assembly manual, PDF p. 11 (opens in a new tab)Assembly drawing, not a rebuild procedure. Document: Tamiya 58051 The Fox (1985).
Documented parts and requirements
No separate parts, tools or prerequisites have been indexed for this task. Read the cited reference before starting.
This is a partial service reference. Check the cited instructions for the full procedure and configuration-specific requirements. Mechanical tasks may need additional parts, quantities and reused hardware beyond the items listed here. Manual reviewed 2026-10-16.
Steering servoReference
Steering servo and linkage installation
The Fox (1985) exact kit 58051; original/reissue equipment kept distinct
Steering servo and linkage installation reference for this numbered factory edition. This does not prescribe a replacement interval or identify an owner-selected electronic component.
- The Fox (1985) factory assembly manual, PDF p. 5 (opens in a new tab)Assembly drawing, not a rebuild procedure. Document: Tamiya 58051 The Fox (1985).
Documented parts and requirements
No separate parts, tools or prerequisites have been indexed for this task. Read the cited reference before starting.
This is a partial service reference. Check the cited instructions for the full procedure and configuration-specific requirements. Mechanical tasks may need additional parts, quantities and reused hardware beyond the items listed here. Manual reviewed 2026-10-16.
No factory fluid grades are recorded here. That does not establish whether this vehicle uses oil, grease or friction components.
Manuals & assembly references
Indexed tasks link to checked physical PDF pages. Other links open full documents. Tasks and rebuild requirements not shown here still need review.
Build and setup
Factory setup guide for this configuration.
Decide whether this Fox will retain its period electronics before rebuilding the enclosed chassis. The original instructions use a steering servo and a separate servo for the mechanical speed controller. An electronic conversion needs its own controller and battery instructions; the original NiCd battery references do not establish a modern LiPo rating.[1] Exact numbered factory assembly manual (opens in a new tab)[2] Factory design history and exact reissue context (opens in a new tab)
Use the motor-mount spacer position for the actual pinion. The original manual identifies 15T as normal gearing and 18T as high-speed gearing, with separate arrangements for the optional intermediate sizes. Keep the normal setup for the first run and confirm that the gears turn freely before changing the ratio.[1] Exact numbered factory assembly manual (opens in a new tab)[2] Factory design history and exact reissue context (opens in a new tab)
Read moreRead less about build and setup for The Fox (1985)
Inspect the original jointed rear shafts and their pivots before ordering drivetrain upgrades. Novafox uses a different dogbone arrangement, so its shaft alone is not evidence of a complete conversion for an original Fox. Rebuild the original oil dampers as shown and check the linkage and servo neutral while the chassis is open.[1] Exact numbered factory assembly manual (opens in a new tab)[2] Factory design history and exact reissue context (opens in a new tab)
Observe the original motor-bag restriction. The manual limits the rubber bag to its stated wet or muddy configuration and prohibits its use with 15T through 17T pinions. It is a conditional period part, not a general-purpose waterproofing upgrade.[1] Exact numbered factory assembly manual (opens in a new tab)[2] Factory design history and exact reissue context (opens in a new tab)
Option suppliers
OEM parts
Ball Bearing Set (4 pcs.)
Subaru Brat 540 Pinion Gear Set
Buggy Pinion Gear Set (13T, 14T)
Buggy Pinion Gear Set (15T, 16T)
Buggy Pinion Gear Set (17T, 19T)
Plastic Bearing
Planetary Gear, Differential Spur Gear, Counter Gear, Bevel Gears
Switch Arm
Servo Joint
Servo Seal Rubber
RS-540SD Black Motor Sprint
RS-540SD Black Motor Endurance
RX-540SD Technipower Motor
RX-540SD Technituned Motor
Motor Mount Spacer
RS-540S Motor
Wheels & tires
5Front Wheel
Rear Wheel
Rear Tire
Front Tire
Tire Blister
Upper Chassis, Lower Chassis
Body
Wing
Body Mount
2mm x 4 Round Head Screw
2mm x 6 Round Head Screw
2mm x 10 Round Head Screw
3mm x 6 Round Head Screw
3mm x 10 Round Head Screw
3mm x 15 Round Head Screw
3mm x 20 Round Head Screw
3mm x 8 Countersunk Head Screw
Unclassified
56A Parts
B Parts
C Parts
D Parts
F Parts
S Parts
R Parts
Z Parts
117 collected part numbers. Collected . Unmarked parts are recorded listings, without a claim about factory installation; optional and upgrade listings are tagged. Key assemblies include recorded gear and shock identifiers. Open a part for its listing sources.
Assembly diagrams 7 views
About these specs
Supplied brushed-motor Kv is unpublished.
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- The original factory setup uses mechanical speed control.
- An electronic conversion requires a controller and battery selected for the installed motor.
Sources
3 source links for this model.
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- Manuals and parts lists.
- Individual part and electronics specifications.
Links open in a new tab.
Maker documents
1- The Fox (1985) assembly manual (Tamiya PDF) (opens in a new tab)Supports 9 specifications · Background 1parts list Exact numbered edition; original printed part-code format retained.Used forMain specsMotor shaftSizeBattery fitWheel hexFluidsElectronicsServicePowerBackgroundBackground 1
Parts and electronics
2- Factory design history and reissue context (opens in a new tab)Supports 2 specifications · Background 2Tamiya JapanUsed forMain specsWeightBackgroundBackground 2
- Car.asp (opens in a new tab)Supports 2 specificationsForum postUsed forDrivetrainWheels & tires
