Team Associated RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald Edition: A Small RC Buggy with Big History

By: Michael Snedden   On: 3 September 2026 

The new Team Associated RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald RTR is a compact 1:28-scale Ready-to-Run electric buggy inspired by the iconic RC10 Brian Kinwald Edition.

It comes fully assembled with a 2.4GHz transmitter, integrated rechargeable battery, USB-C charging cable, realistic rubber tyres and a pre-printed Brian Kinwald RC10 replica body.

At just 143mm long, it is designed as a fun, compact RC buggy for Team Associated fans, RC10 collectors and anyone wanting a small Ready-to-Run car with genuine racing heritage.

What Is the Team Associated RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald Edition?

The RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald RTR is a miniature tribute to one of the most recognisable cars and drivers in Team Associated history.

Rather than being just another small RC buggy, it recreates the look of the RC10 Brian Kinwald Edition in a compact 1:28-scale Ready-to-Run format.

Team Associated officially announced the model in August 2026 as a scale replica of the iconic RC10 Brian Kinwald Edition Kit.

That makes it especially interesting for:

• Team Associated fans
• RC10 collectors
• Brian Kinwald fans
• Vintage RC enthusiasts
• Hobbyists wanting a compact indoor or small-space RC buggy

Who Was Brian Kinwald?

Brian Kinwald was one of the most influential drivers in RC racing.

His career began in the late 1980s, and he became closely associated with Team Associated during a period when competitive off-road RC racing was developing rapidly.

One of his biggest achievements was winning the 1993 IFMAR 2WD Off-Road World Championship.

But Kinwald's influence went beyond race results.

Team Associated credits him with contributing to car setup, suspension development, drivetrain refinement and the wider technical evolution of competitive RC racing. He was also known for sharing knowledge and helping other racers improve.

That history is what gives this RC28 release much more significance than a normal small-scale RTR car.

A Miniature RC10 Tribute

The visual appeal of the RC28 ZOOM is one of its biggest attractions.

The buggy comes with a fully pre-printed and decaled RC10 replica body styled around the Brian Kinwald edition.

That means there is no painting, cutting or decal work required before driving.

The body is already finished and designed to capture the look of the full-size RC10 tribute car.

For collectors, that makes it an easy display piece.

For drivers, it means you can simply charge the battery and start using it.

Ready to Run Straight from the Box

The RC28 ZOOM is supplied as a Ready-to-Run model.

Team Associated includes:

• RC28 ZOOM buggy
• 2.4GHz transmitter
• Integrated rechargeable battery
• USB-C charging cable
• Fully finished body
• Realistic wheels and rubber tyres

There is no kit assembly required.

The integrated battery is charged through the included USB-C cable, making the model especially simple to own and use.

How Big Is the RC28 ZOOM?

This is a genuinely compact RC buggy.

Team Associated lists the following dimensions:

• Scale: 1:28
• Length: 143mm
• Width: 86mm
• Wheelbase: 101.5mm
• Weight: 76.2g

That compact size makes it very different from a traditional 1:10-scale RC10.

It can be used in much smaller spaces and is far easier to store and transport.

Is the RC28 ZOOM 2WD or 4WD?

The RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald Edition is 2WD.

That fits neatly with the heritage behind the model because Brian Kinwald's famous 1993 IFMAR World Championship victory was in the 2WD off-road class.

The model uses a compact electric drivetrain designed for smooth recreational driving rather than the complexity of a large competition buggy.

What Type of Terrain Is It Designed For?

Team Associated classifies the RC28 ZOOM as an off-road buggy.

It uses an off-road stance and rubber tyres, but its small size means you should still match the terrain to the vehicle.

It is better suited to relatively smooth areas and small obstacles than deep grass or very rough outdoor terrain.

Good uses can include:

• Smooth indoor floors
• Garages
• Patios
• Smooth concrete
• Small RC areas
• Light off-road surfaces

The compact scale is part of the fun, but it naturally has less ground clearance than a much larger RC buggy.

Why the Integrated Battery Is Convenient

One particularly beginner-friendly feature is the built-in rechargeable battery.

You don't have to remove a battery pack each time you want to charge the car.

Instead, connect the supplied USB-C charging cable.

For a compact casual RC vehicle, that keeps ownership simple and reduces the amount of extra equipment required.

Is the RC28 ZOOM a Collector Model or a Driver?

It can be both.

Collectors will appreciate:

• The Brian Kinwald connection
• The RC10 replica body
• Team Associated heritage
• Limited-era styling

Drivers get:

• Ready-to-Run convenience
• 2.4GHz radio
• Rechargeable battery
• Rubber tyres
• Small-scale RC fun

That combination is probably what makes this model particularly appealing.

You don't have to choose between putting it on a shelf and driving it.

Is It Suitable for Beginners?

Yes.

The RC28 ZOOM is far less intimidating than a large high-speed brushless RC vehicle.

Its Ready-to-Run format means there is also no need to understand motors, ESCs, radio installation or battery compatibility before getting started.

That can make it a good introduction to RC for someone who simply wants to charge a vehicle and drive.

More experienced hobbyists may buy it for entirely different reasons — particularly the RC10 and Brian Kinwald connection.

Why This Release Matters to Team Associated Fans

Team Associated has a long history in off-road RC racing, and the RC10 is one of the company's most important platforms.

The Brian Kinwald Edition represents a particular period of competitive RC history.

By recreating it in the RC28 ZOOM format, Team Associated is effectively combining:

RC racing history + collectability + a simple modern RTR format.

That makes it accessible to people who may never own or race an original vintage RC10.

How Does It Compare with the Standard RC28 ZOOM?

Team Associated also produces a standard RC28 ZOOM inspired by the RC10 Classic Kit.

The Brian Kinwald version uses the same compact RC28 concept but gives it the distinctive Brian Kinwald RC10 replica body and historical connection.

For someone interested primarily in driving, either version provides the compact RC28 experience.

For collectors and Team Associated fans, the Kinwald edition has the stronger story.

How Much Does the RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald Edition Cost?

Campbelltown Hobbies has announced the new model at $109.00, SKU ASS20172.

As with any new release, pricing and availability can change, so check the current Campbelltown Hobbies listing before ordering.

Team Associated lists the model as a new release with expected availability in early September 2026.

Summary

The Team Associated RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald RTR is much more than a small remote control buggy.

It combines:

• 1:28 scale
• 2WD electric drivetrain
• Ready-to-Run setup
• 2.4GHz transmitter
• Integrated rechargeable battery
• USB-C charging
• Rubber tyres
• Pre-printed RC10 Brian Kinwald replica body
• Genuine Team Associated racing heritage

For RC10 collectors and Team Associated fans, the Brian Kinwald connection gives it genuine historical appeal.

For everyone else, it is simply a compact, easy-to-use RTR buggy that can be charged and driven without assembling a kit.

At $109, it looks like a very accessible way to own a small piece of Team Associated history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scale is the Team Associated RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald Edition?

It is a 1:28-scale RC buggy. Team Associated lists it at 143mm long and 86mm wide.

Is the RC28 ZOOM Brian Kinwald Edition Ready to Run?

Yes. It is supplied fully assembled with a transmitter, integrated battery and USB-C charging cable.

Is the RC28 ZOOM 2WD or 4WD?

It is a 2WD electric RC buggy.

Does the RC28 ZOOM need a separate battery?

No. It has an integrated rechargeable battery that charges using the supplied USB-C cable.

Who was Brian Kinwald?

Brian Kinwald was one of the most influential RC racers of his era and won the 1993 IFMAR 2WD Off-Road World Championship. He was also known for his technical contribution to RC setup and development.

Is the RC28 ZOOM suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its Ready-to-Run setup, integrated battery and compact size make it much simpler to start with than a competition-level kit.

Is this the same as the original RC10 Brian Kinwald Edition?

No. It is a compact 1:28-scale tribute/replica, not the original competition RC10 kit.