Overview

The Tamiya Lunch Box 1/12 Scale Electric 2WD RC Monster Van Kit (TAM58347) is one of the most iconic and beloved RC vehicles ever created, first launched in 1987 and now back in this fantastic re-issue. This classic creation combines nostalgic charm with genuine off-road performance, making it the perfect choice for RC enthusiasts of all ages who remember the original or are discovering this legendary model for the first time. Whether you're looking for a fun weekend basher, a conversation-starting display model, or a genuine RC car UK that delivers laughs and smiles in equal measure, the Lunch Box is the ultimate choice for anyone seeking something genuinely different from the standard RC monster truck offerings.

What makes the Lunch Box so special is its uniquely boxy minivan body, which sits tall over massive 115mm diameter monster truck tyres, creating an instantly recognisable and hilarious silhouette that turns heads wherever you take it. The shock-resistant styrol body is mounted on a lightweight and durable ABS bathtub frame, giving you a vehicle that can take serious punishment while remaining relatively light and easy to handle. This isn't just about looks either—the Lunch Box is engineered to deliver genuine off-road capability with its sophisticated suspension system, sealed gearbox, and included Type 540 brushed motor with electronic speed controller. The sides of the van provide a blank canvas for your own custom paint designs, making each Lunch Box truly unique and personalised to its owner.

Perfect for anyone wanting to step into the world of ready-to-run RC vehicles or experienced hobbyists looking for a fun project build, the Lunch Box assembly kit comes with everything you need to get building straight away. This is an unassembled kit that requires construction, but the straightforward build process makes it accessible even for newcomers to the RC hobby, while the quality components and engineering appeal to seasoned enthusiasts. With its proven track record, enthusiastic community support, and endless upgrade possibilities, the Tamiya Lunch Box remains one of the best RC monster vans available for pure fun and entertainment value.

Key Features

• Classic Boxy Minivan Body Design — The instantly recognisable boxy van shape sits high over monster truck wheels, creating an eye-catching and utterly unique appearance that's guaranteed to get attention at the park, on the beach, or anywhere else you choose to drive it. This isn't a serious race machine—it's a comedy of proportions that makes people smile every single time.
• Big 115mm Diameter Monster Tyres — Fitted with substantial 71mm width tyres, these massive wheels provide dynamic running on even the toughest of surfaces, from grass and gravel to sand and obstacles. The large contact patch ensures excellent grip and the ability to tackle genuine off-road terrain with confidence, whilst the height gives the vehicle an imposing and distinctive stance.
• Durable 2WD Chassis with Box-Type Frame — The robust two-wheel drive chassis features a box-type frame design that provides structural rigidity whilst remaining lightweight enough for responsive handling. Two-wheel drive is perfectly adequate for off-road fun and delivers a more forgiving driving experience than four-wheel alternatives, making it ideal for builders of all skill levels.
• Front Independent Swingarm Suspension — The front suspension uses independent swingarms rather than a solid axle, allowing each front wheel to move independently and maintain better contact with uneven ground. This engineering choice significantly improves off-road performance and ride quality compared to simpler suspension designs.
• Rear Rolling Rigid Suspension — The rear suspension employs a rolling rigid design that balances durability with performance, perfect for the bashing and off-road use this vehicle is designed for. This proven suspension geometry has stood the test of time since the original 1987 model.
• Sealed Gearbox with Differential Gear — The sealed rear gearbox houses the differential gear and protects it from dirt, sand, and debris during off-road running, ensuring longevity and reducing maintenance requirements. The sealed design means you can enjoy mud and water crossings without worrying about internal component damage, though basic rinsing and maintenance is always recommended.
• Wheelie Bar for Stunt Driving — A rear-mounted wheelie bar is included, enabling wild stunt driving and the massive wheelies that the Lunch Box is famous for. The wheelie bar prevents the vehicle from flipping over backwards when accelerating hard, giving you the confidence to really exploit the van's entertaining driving characteristics.
• Metal Plated Components — Front grille, side guards, front and rear bumpers, and friction dampers are all constructed from metal plated parts, adding durability and a touch of realism to the model. These components protect the ABS body during impacts and bumps whilst giving the vehicle a more finished appearance.
• Type 540 Brushed Motor — The included Type 540 brushed motor provides reliable power delivery with smooth acceleration characteristics perfect for fun driving. Brushed motors are proven, easy to maintain, and readily available, with countless upgrade options available if you want to increase performance later.
• Electronic Speed Controller Included — The model comes equipped with a high-performance electronic speed controller that manages motor power delivery and enables smooth acceleration and deceleration control. This integrated component is essential for responsive and predictable driving characteristics.
• 3-Piece Assembly Wheel Design — The three-piece assembly type wheels add extra realism and a more finished appearance compared to single-piece alternatives. These wheels are built to handle the stresses of off-road running and can accommodate bearing upgrades if you want to improve performance further.
• Shock-Resistant Styrol Body — The body shell is manufactured from shock-resistant styrene plastic mounted on the ABS bathtub frame, meaning it can withstand impacts and minor crashes without permanent damage. The white ABS plastic body arrives unpainted, providing a perfect canvas for your own creative custom paint schemes and designs.
• Steering Rod with Ball Adjuster — The steering linkage incorporates a ball adjuster, allowing you to fine-tune steering geometry and response to suit your driving style and the terrain you're operating on. This simple adjustment system makes it easy to dial in the perfect handling characteristics.
• Ball Bearing Compatible Front and Rear Axles — Both the front and rear axles are compatible with optional ball bearings sold separately, meaning you can upgrade for reduced friction and improved performance when you're ready. This modular approach lets you start with friction bearings and upgrade later if desired.
• 1/12 Scale Dimension and Weight — Measuring 385mm in length, 290mm in width, and 225mm in height with a total weight of 1560g, this is a genuinely substantial model that feels real in your hands. The 1/12 scale size strikes the perfect balance between impressive presence and manageable portability.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Lunch Box 1/12 Scale RC monster van is engineered with proven suspension geometry and materials that have been refined and validated since the original 1987 release. The front independent swingarm suspension and rear rolling rigid suspension work together to provide a compliant ride that can handle genuine off-road terrain, whether you're driving through parks, across grass fields, or over beach sand. The sealed rear gearbox is a crucial engineering feature that protects the differential gear from the ingress of dirt and sand, which is especially important if you plan to take your Lunch Box to challenging outdoor environments. The Type 540 brushed motor paired with the included electronic speed controller delivers smooth, predictable power delivery with excellent throttle response, making it easy to modulate speed and perform controlled wheelies and stunts. The vehicle's relatively tall stance over the 115mm diameter tyres gives it genuine ground clearance for off-road running, whilst the boxy body design means the centre of gravity is higher than conventional RC vehicles, which contributes to the Lunch Box's notorious tendency to wheelie—something that's part of its charm rather than a flaw. The ABS bathtub frame provides a lightweight yet rigid chassis structure that can flex slightly during impacts without permanently deforming, and the metal-plated bumpers and guards provide genuine impact protection for the body shell. The overall engineering philosophy prioritises fun, durability, and ease of assembly over pure speed or racing performance, making this a thoroughly accessible and enjoyable RC experience for builders and drivers of all skill levels.

What's in the Box

• Shock-resistant styrol body shell (white ABS plastic, unpainted)
• ABS bathtub chassis frame
• Complete front and rear suspension assemblies with swingarms and rolling rigid design
• Sealed rear gearbox with differential gear
• Type 540 brushed motor
• Electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Rear-mounted wheelie bar
• Metal-plated front grille, side guards, and front and rear bumpers
• Friction dampers (metal plated)
• 115mm diameter tyres with 71mm width (monster truck tyres)
• Three-piece assembly type wheels
• Steering rod with ball adjuster
• Hardware pack with fasteners
• Comprehensive assembly instructions
• Full decal sheet for body customisation

What You Need to Complete

• Radio control system (2.4GHz recommended for UK use) with receiver
• Servo for steering control
• 7.2V NiMH battery pack or compatible LiPo battery (2S recommended)
• Battery charger suitable for your chosen battery type
• Transmitter batteries (AA alkali batteries for standard radio systems)
• Paint and paintbrush or spray paint for body customisation (the white ABS plastic requires painting for the finished look)
• Optional: ball bearings for front and rear axles (sold separately for improved performance)
• Optional: upgrade shocks and dampers for improved suspension performance
• Optional: upgraded motor for increased speed and wheelie capability

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Lunch Box suitable for beginners and first-time RC builders? — Yes, absolutely. The Lunch Box is classified as Skill Level 2, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to RC car building. The assembly process is straightforward with clear instructions, and the vehicle itself is very forgiving to drive. Many experienced RC enthusiasts specifically recommend the Lunch Box as a perfect first project, and numerous reviews confirm that builders of all ages and experience levels have successfully completed and enjoyed this model. The durable design can take plenty of bumps and crashes whilst remaining fully functional.
• What battery does the Tamiya Lunch Box need, and how long does it run for? — The Lunch Box is compatible with 7.2V NiMH battery packs or 2S LiPo batteries, both of which are commonly available and affordable options. The specific runtime depends on your battery capacity and driving style—larger capacity batteries (typically 3000mAh or higher) will give you 30-45 minutes of continuous running, though actual runtime varies based on how aggressively you drive. The electronic speed controller included with the kit is designed to work safely with these voltage ranges.
• What makes the Tamiya Lunch Box different from other RC monster trucks? — The Lunch Box is utterly unique in its design philosophy. Rather than chasing speed or racing performance, it prioritises entertainment value and character with its unmistakable boxy minivan body sitting over monster truck wheels. This unconventional proportioning creates a genuinely funny appearance and distinctive driving characteristics, particularly the notorious tendency to perform wheelies at almost any throttle setting. It's not designed to be the fastest or most capable off-roader—it's designed to make people smile every time they see it in action, and it succeeds brilliantly at that goal.
• Can the Tamiya Lunch Box handle water and mud? — The sealed rear gearbox design is specifically engineered to protect the differential gear during off-road running in wet and muddy conditions, so you can confidently take your Lunch Box to muddy fields or splash through shallow water crossings. However, like all RC vehicles, it's important to rinse the model with fresh water after muddy use and allow it to dry properly before storage. The metal-plated bumpers and guards provide additional protection during rough off-road use.
• What suspension upgrades and modifications are popular for the Lunch Box? — Many builders upgrade the front and rear shocks with adjustable oil-filled alternatives (commonly 75mm front and 85mm rear aluminium shocks), which dramatically improve handling and reduce the bouncy ride that comes with the standard friction dampers. Other popular modifications include replacing the body mounts for improved durability, reinforcing the gearbox and axle areas, and upgrading to a Sport Tuned motor for increased wheelie capability. The Lunch Box has an active community with numerous well-documented modifications available online.
• Can I upgrade the motor for better performance? — Yes, one of the great advantages of the Lunch Box is that it's fully upgradeable. Many builders step up to a Tamiya Sport Tuned motor or equivalent third-party alternatives to increase speed and wheelie capability without breaking the transmission. The Type 540 motor size is a standard in the RC hobby, so you'll find countless upgrade options available. As one reviewer noted, a Sport Tuned motor provides noticeably more punch whilst remaining reliable and compatible with the standard drivetrain.
• How realistic does the model look when painted and completed? — The Lunch Box has a distinctive and somewhat cartoonish appearance that's part of its appeal—the proportions are deliberately exaggerated and humorous. When properly painted with custom designs using the included decal sheet, it becomes a genuinely impressive display piece that looks great in any RC collection. The three-piece assembly wheels and metal-plated components add realism, and the overall quality of the mouldings and materials is excellent for a kit at this price point.
• Is the Lunch Box available in different colours or special editions? — Yes, Tamiya offers several variants of the Lunch Box including the black edition (58546) and collaborations with other Tamiya models. However, the standard model comes with a white ABS plastic body specifically designed as a blank canvas for your own custom paint schemes, which many builders consider the best option as it allows complete creative freedom.
• What is the 2WD drivetrain like compared to 4WD alternatives? — The rear-wheel drive 2WD design means the Lunch Box won't have the same traction and climbing ability as four-wheel drive models, but this is entirely intentional. The 2WD layout contributes to the entertaining driving characteristics and the tendency to wheelie, it simplifies the mechanics and maintenance, it reduces weight, and it's more than adequate for genuine off-road fun on grass, sand, and moderate terrain. The steering rod with ball adjuster allows fine-tuning for improved handling.

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 Tamiya, Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. 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 1/12 Scale Electric 2WD RC Monster Van Kit – TAM58347 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 store — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.