Cat Racer 18090: A First-Buyer Checklist
Cat Racer 18090 is a complete Super-II Mini 4WD assembly kit with a pre-assembled, painted cat driver. Tamiya lists a blue ABS chassis, white A parts, yellow V-spoke wheels, light-blue large arched tires, 5:1 gearing and a motor. Its published finished size is 150 × 97 × 50 mm. The first purchase decision is simple: confirm the exact box, bring two AA cells, and plan a careful build on a suitable course.
Know what comes finished
The cat figure is pre-finished; the vehicle is not. The kit includes stickers for logos and cat-fur motifs. Tamiya's product photo shows an assembled and painted example, so it should not be read as a promise of paint in the box. Read the instruction sheet before shopping for optional tools. A tray for small parts, a suitable cutter used by an adult and a safe work surface make the first session easier.
Check the Super-II build
Follow the kit's sequence for gears, motor, axles and wheels. Verify the supplied 5:1 arrangement against the instructions instead of copying a ratio from another Super-II car. Seat the large arched tires evenly on the yellow wheels. Before fitting batteries, spin the wheels by hand and ensure the cat body does not contact a tire. The motor must be correctly seated and the gear cover fully closed.
Prepare the first outing
Use two separate AA/R6/UM3 batteries and an appropriate Mini 4WD track. Make several stock runs and inspect wheel seating and rear-stay fasteners afterward. Record any derailment at a particular track feature before choosing an upgrade. The 50 mm official height is for Tamiya's finished configuration; measure your own car if decorations or hardware alter it.
Check current availability and the exact variant on the product listing before ordering.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is the cat figure supplied painted?
Yes. Tamiya specifies a pre-assembled, painted cat driver.
Does the Cat Racer use an MA chassis?
No. Item 18090 is a Super-II kit.
Sources checked 26 September 2026: https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/18090/index.html, https://www.tamiya.com/english/mini4wd/regulation.htm. Recheck product availability before ordering.