Overview

The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special (TAM58365) is an iconic 1/12 scale RC monster truck that has captivated RC enthusiasts since its original release. This stunning updated version combines classic 1950s pick-up truck styling with the modern performance and eye-catching aesthetics that make it one of the most beloved models in the Tamiya RC car UK range. Whether you're a seasoned RC hobbyist, a weekend basher, or someone discovering the world of RC for the first time, the Midnight Pumpkin delivers exceptional value, genuine fun, and impressive off-road capability that will keep you entertained for hours.

What sets this metallic special edition apart is its premium black-metallic body finish combined with silver-plated wheels, creating a distinctly more striking appearance than the original version. The advanced vacuum plating technique used on the body and select parts (H and J) gives this model a professional, show-quality look that stands out on the track or in your display cabinet. The model retains all the popular characteristics that made the original Midnight Pumpkin a Tamiya favourite, including oversized monster tyres for aggressive off-road stomping performance, a wheelie bar for wild stunts, and a responsive 2WD drivetrain that's both fun and forgiving for drivers of all skill levels.

This is a genuinely good-looking and tremendously fun product that appeals equally to Midnight Pumpkin collectors and RC drivers seeking an affordable, well-engineered monster truck kit that delivers genuine performance. The unassembled kit format allows you to build and customise your model while learning valuable RC mechanics, making it an excellent choice for hobby builders who want to be involved in the construction process from start to finish.

Key Features

• Black-Metallic Injection Moulded Body — The pre-painted body shell features an advanced vacuum plating technique that delivers a stunning black-metallic finish, eliminating the need for painting and significantly simplifying the build process whilst creating a premium, eye-catching appearance that looks as good on display as it does on the track.
• Silver-Plated Wheels — The vacuum-plated wheels feature a striking chrome finish that complements the metallic body perfectly, giving the entire model a cohesive, professional appearance that makes it instantly recognisable and genuinely distinctive compared to standard RC monster trucks.
• ABS Box Type Chassis — The robust ABS plastic chassis provides excellent durability, rigidity and impact resistance during aggressive off-road driving, whilst remaining lightweight enough to maintain responsive handling and acceleration across various terrain types.
• Front Independent Swing Axle Suspension — The independent front suspension design allows each front wheel to move independently, absorbing impacts separately and maintaining superior traction and stability even when driving over uneven, rocky or bumpy off-road surfaces.
• Rear Rolling Rigid Suspension — The rear suspension features a solid rigid axle design that provides excellent load-carrying capability and maintains consistent traction during acceleration and braking, making the model extremely predictable and easy to control for drivers of all experience levels.
• 540 Type Motor Included — The brushed 540 motor is a proven, reliable powerplant that delivers consistent performance, excellent torque delivery and real-world runtime that ensures extended play sessions without requiring expensive motor upgrades.
• High Performance Electronic Speed Controller — The included 101BK ESC (electronic speed controller) provides smooth throttle response, reliable braking and reverse functionality, allowing you to control acceleration intuitively and manage speed safely across different terrain types.
• Monster Tyres for Off-Road Domination — The oversized monster tyres are purpose-designed for off-road performance, delivering aggressive grip on loose terrain, grass, gravel and dirt whilst providing the visual impact and stance that makes monster truck RC vehicles so visually distinctive and fun to drive.
• Wheelie Bar for Stunt Performance — The included wheelie bar prevents the model from flipping backwards during aggressive acceleration, allowing you to safely perform wheelies, stunts and dramatic launch manoeuvres that add an element of entertainment and visual excitement to your driving sessions.
• 14.7:1 Gear Ratio — The carefully engineered gear ratio provides an excellent balance between top speed and acceleration, delivering responsive mid-range performance that makes the model fun and engaging to drive across varied terrain without requiring excessive power consumption.
• 2WD Drivetrain — The two-wheel-drive system is simpler to maintain and repair than four-wheel-drive alternatives, making it ideal for builders and drivers who appreciate straightforward mechanics whilst still delivering genuine off-road capability and responsive handling characteristics.
• Unassembled Kit Format — The unassembled kit allows you to build the model yourself, providing a rewarding building experience that teaches valuable RC mechanics and assembly skills whilst allowing full customisation and personalisation of your finished model.

Technical Performance

The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special (TAM58365) is engineered with genuine attention to off-road performance and build quality that reflects Tamiya's decades of expertise in RC model engineering. The injection-moulded black-metallic body shell is constructed using PS plastic and combines premium aesthetics with practical durability, whilst the ABS box-type chassis provides a rigid foundation that resists flex and maintains structural integrity even during aggressive driving. The suspension architecture—featuring front independent swing axles and rear rolling rigid axles—creates a genuinely capable off-road platform that manages impacts smoothly and maintains excellent traction across loose, uneven and rocky terrain. The included brushed 540 motor delivers consistent torque and real-world performance that's perfectly matched to this scale and drivetrain configuration, whilst the high-performance 101BK electronic speed controller provides smooth, intuitive throttle response and reliable braking. The 14.7:1 gear ratio balances top speed with acceleration, ensuring the model remains fun and responsive to drive without excessive power demands. Battery compatibility includes standard 7.2V NiCd and NiMh stick pack batteries, making it economical to operate and easy to find replacement batteries from established UK RC retailers. The oversized monster tyres deliver the visual presence and genuine off-road grip that make this model so entertaining, whilst the included wheelie bar adds a practical safety feature that enhances stunt capability. This is a solidly engineered 1/12 scale RC monster truck that prioritises reliability, build quality and genuine driving enjoyment over complexity, making it an excellent choice for serious hobbyists and casual enthusiasts alike.

What's in the Box

• Pre-painted injection-moulded black-metallic body shell
• ABS box-type chassis frame
• Front independent swing axle suspension components
• Rear rolling rigid axle suspension components
• 540 type brushed motor (included)
• 101BK electronic speed controller (ESC)
• Silver-plated chrome wheels
• Monster tyres
• Wheelie bar assembly
• Transmission components with 14.7:1 gear ratio
• All structural and mechanical parts required for assembly
• Assembly instruction manual

What You Need to Complete

• Radio control system (2.4GHz recommended for modern standards, typically a 3-4 channel surface transmitter and receiver)
• Servo motor (surface servo with approximately 6kg torque recommended)
• Battery (7.2V NiCd or NiMh stick pack format, 1500-3000mAh capacity recommended for extended runtime)
• Battery charger (suitable for NiCd or NiMh batteries)
• AA alkaline batteries (4x for radio system transmitter)
• Optional: ESC programming card if you wish to adjust controller settings
• Optional: Spare motors, ESCs, servos and batteries for extended running sessions without waiting for recharges

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special suitable for RC beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The model features Skill Level 2 assembly complexity, which means the build process is straightforward and manageable for builders with basic RC assembly experience. The 2WD drivetrain is simpler to understand and maintain than 4WD alternatives, the brushed motor is reliable and easy to troubleshoot, and the overall mechanical layout is intuitive and logical. The off-road performance is forgiving and fun rather than demanding, making it excellent for drivers learning RC vehicle control fundamentals. However, you will need to source additional components (radio system, servo, battery, charger) to complete the kit, so budget accordingly.
• What battery does the Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special need? — The model is compatible with 7.2V NiCd or NiMh stick pack format batteries, typically in 1500-3000mAh capacity ranges. These are affordable, readily available from UK RC retailers, and perfectly suited to this motor and ESC combination. The stick pack format means the battery slides directly into the chassis with minimal modification, making battery changes quick and straightforward. Avoid attempting to use LiPo batteries unless you have previous experience with this chemistry and understand the safety requirements, as the stock 101BK ESC may not be optimised for LiPo operation.
• What is the difference between this metallic special edition and the original Midnight Pumpkin? — This updated version features an eye-catching black-metallic body finish achieved through advanced vacuum plating, silver-plated chrome wheels for visual impact, and vacuum-plated parts H and J that give the model a premium appearance. The original Midnight Pumpkin used standard painted finishes. Mechanically and functionally, both versions share the same platform, suspension design, drivetrain configuration and performance characteristics. The key difference is purely aesthetic—this metallic special edition is specifically designed for collectors and drivers who appreciate the more striking, show-quality appearance. Internally, parts remain identical to the original kit, with only the new packaging and cosmetic upgrades distinguishing this limited version.
• How long will the battery last on a single charge? — Runtime typically ranges from 20-40 minutes depending on driving style, battery capacity, terrain type and temperature conditions. Aggressive acceleration and constant full-throttle driving will reduce runtime, whilst smooth, controlled driving extends it. A 3000mAh battery will generally provide longer runtime than a 1500mAh capacity, but will take proportionally longer to recharge. Most UK RC enthusiasts invest in two or three batteries to rotate charges, allowing continuous play sessions without extended waiting between runs.
• What is the top speed of this model? — Exact top speed specifications are not provided by the manufacturer, but with the stock 540 brushed motor, 14.7:1 gear ratio and 7.2V battery, realistic top speed is typically in the region of 15-20 mph (24-32 km/h) depending on battery charge level, terrain conditions and motor condition. The model prioritises fun, control and off-road playability over outright speed, making it highly entertaining and accessible for drivers of varying experience levels.
• Is this model waterproof? — The stock 101BK ESC is not fully waterproof, so you should avoid deliberate water crossings or wet conditions that might introduce moisture to the electronics. However, light splashing from puddles or dewy grass is generally tolerable. If you regularly drive in wet conditions, you may consider upgrading to a waterproof-rated ESC, but this is an optional modification rather than essential maintenance.
• What tools and skills do I need to build this kit? — Basic RC assembly requires simple tools including a Phillips head screwdriver, a hex wrench set (typically included with the kit or purchased separately), and possibly a small flathead screwdriver for adjustments. No soldering is required as the motor and ESC are pre-wired and ready to connect. The instruction manual provides step-by-step illustrations, making the build process logical and manageable for anyone with moderate mechanical aptitude. Most builders complete assembly in 3-6 hours depending on experience and attention to detail.
• Can I upgrade components later? — Yes, the Midnight Pumpkin platform is well-established in the Tamiya RC community with numerous aftermarket parts available from UK retailers. You can upgrade the motor, ESC, servo, suspension components, wheels and tyres as your skills develop and your budget allows. This makes the model an excellent long-term investment that grows with your hobby.

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 Midnight Pumpkin Metallic RC Pickup Truck Kit 1/12 Scale – TAM58365 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.