The 58075
Terra Scorcher, released in 1988, was the third model released on the
new 4WD Thunder Shot chassis in only a year. But while the other
two were the same model with different bodies, the Terra Scorcher was
basically a deluxe version of the chassis. Most obviously, it
changed the front suspension to have two independent shocks instead of
one shared shock. Less obviously, it added a standard rear sway
bar, full ball bearings, front universal axles, and adjustable upper
control arms. The model was re-released in 2020 as set 47442
which made a couple of additional upgrades including CVD axles all
around, turnbuckle links instead of threaded rods, and a machined
aluminum motor mount. Oddly, the price didn't really seem to
reflect the more premium nature of the set. I paid around the same
for this model as the 2021 Thunder Dragon.This model has four wheel double wishbone suspension. The main chassis is a bathtub type with front and rear modular gearboxes which assemble to it. The suspension arms are made from a softer blue plastic to absorb impacts, but the upper arm are now adjustable links. The shocks are early plastic CVA oil filled type, though the front shocks are of a slightly different style. There is a front and rear sway bar supplied as stock. Like most early buggies, there is a driver included. Unlike the other Thunder Shot chassis cars, this one has a rear wing.
As described previously, this is a great chassis with much improved handling over the Hotshot. It would have been almost a perfect Hotshot successor if it were not for the weak A5 part which had never been corrected, even after decades of production. Luckily, aftermarket upgrades to fix the problem are readily available.
I wanted this to be a bit special so I replaced the silver can with a hotter, but still reasonable Sport Tuned motor and went up one tooth to a 16T pinion.
Update: This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire. It has not been replaced.
 Page 1: Assembly |
 Page 2: Final Photos |