by sunny on March 3, 2010
Here's something new for fans of older racers to watch out for: an upcoming Tamiya model of the 1971 East African Safari Rally superstar, the Nissan Datsun 240Z. If you're not familiar with that 6,200 km race, the #11 240Z basically took it all - Overall Victory, Class Victory, Team Victory and Manufacturers Championship, along with the hearts of every spectator looking on.
The Tamiya RC Datsun 240Z Rally Version is a 1/10th scale model that revives the legendary vehicle that both Herrman and Schuller drove during that period. Reproduction looks very good from the photos, managing to produce a really cool-looking vehicle that will continue to turn heads even to this day.
Available as a kit, the package includes a polycarbonate body (with bundled, non-applied stickers and masking seals), all the molded resin exterior components in the photo (including the front/rear bumpers, hood spotlights sans the LEDs and light cases), black offset wheels and Rally Block tires. A Type 540 motor and a TEU-104BK ESC comes with the box as well, although you'll have to purchase the 2-channel R/C system, battery pack and charger separately.
Not much info on the chassis, along with the rest of the parts, so it's best to wait for more details before deciding on this one. While I doubt this can stand up to HPI's awesome Cup Racer version of the same vehicle, the Tamiya RC Datsun 240Z Rally Car is easily the better-looking one. The scale reproduction is just hot. There's no exact availability date, although pre-orders are priced between $220 and $250.
by sunny on March 1, 2010
If you've been shopping for an eight-scale buggy, you must have come across the Tamiya TRF801X, the company's competition-level off-road kit. While we have heard some complaints about it (mostly the heft), our own experience was actually very satisfying.
There isn't much to distinguish it in the looks department, although we found it to be an attractive ride all the same. Building does require some amount of time (designed for advanced hobbyists, beginners will definitely find the manual a little lacking), although the decision to bundle screws with the parts that use them made sorting through the pile a heck of a lot easier (thanks for that, Tamiya).
Equipped with an anodized duralumin chassis and enclosed by a tough body shell, the TRF801X fosters dependable strength all while offering good mobility. It does feel a little hefty (while driving) compared to other top players in the class, which actually helps with stability, although it's nowhere near "tank-like" as some people have described.
Overall vehicle performance is great. The drivetrain is very smooth (Mugen-like quality), the acceleration is downright quick and handling is very forgiving. Driving it against other buggies, you'll notice the car practically saving itself while everyone else's vehicles are tipping over during corners and rough patches of ground. Jumps are a little harder, though, because of the weight, which tends to result in its falling nose-down a little more than other models in the same class. You should be able to iron it out with a little tuning, so give it time - this is the kind of ride that grows on you.
The Tamiya TRF801X 1/8 Off Road Competition Buggy is easily one of the best vehicles in its class. Like all top-of-the-line performers, it requires a little getting used to. The time you put in should be worth it, though.
Tamiya TRF801X Specifications:
Wheelbase: 320-327mm
Length: 495mm
Width: 307mm
Gear ratio: 11.34:1
Kit/RTR: Kit
Experience Level: Advanced
Items Needed for Completion:
- .21 Off Road Nitro Engine
- Tuned Exhaust System
- 2 Channel Radio System & 8AA Batteries
- High Torque Steering & Brake Servo's (2)
- 6V Receiver Battery
- Glow Driver
- Starter Box & Batteries
- Nitro Fuel & Fuel Bottle
- Paint for Body
- Charger for Reciever Pack & Starter Box Batteries
- Tires & Tire Glue
by sunny on February 14, 2010
Looking for something to add to your collection of high-performance GT replicas? The Tamiya Corolla Axio apr GT should ably hold its own among your favorites, recreating the multiple-time racing champion to gorgeous detail.
Dressed to look like the version that raced at the 2009 Super GT Round 3 in Fuji (GT300 class), the kit comes with an unpainted, lightweight, polycarbonate shell (with those sleek, aerodynamic lines copied to perfection) and a slew of authentic-looking decals. The resin side mirrors, rear wing and polycarbonate fender fins are all separately molded, providing intricate realism. Hopefully, you know how to paint your way to something that looks as cool as the photo above.
The Axio apr GT uses a two-belt-driven TA05 chassis, which has been evolved to race specifications for its latest iteration (ver. II). It boasts reduced width for better roll movement range during cornering, repositioned battery mounts for enhanced handling, separate suspension mounts for easier maintenance and a one-piece motor mount with cantilever center shaft.
It includes a Type 540 motor, which should provide ample push for the tracks. Other features include a four-wheel double wishbone suspension (with short, reversible arms and 1050 ball bearings for the upright), single-speed transmission, medium-type racing slick tires and six-spoke gun metal wheels.
You'll need to pick out a two-channel radio system, battery and charger to get your Tamiya Corolla Axio apr GT ready for racing. There's a whole pile of compatible hop-ups, too, which should help you render this beauty into a more competitive ride.
Specifications
- Length: 14.7 in (373 mm)
- Width: 7.4 in (188 mm)
- Height: 4.8 in (122 mm)
- Wheelbase: 10.1 in (257 mm)
- Weight: 2.3 lb (1060 g)
- Requires: 2-channel radio with 1 servo, ESC, Paint, 6-cell NiCd/NiMH battery with standard connector and AC/DC peak charger
by sunny on February 8, 2010
As another one in a long line of Tamiya reissues, the Tamiya Boomerang definitely deserves the new leash on life. Like the original Hotshot-based model, the revived buggy is a kit, albeit featuring enhancements that make it both easier to assemble and more fun to ride.
Let's face it. Many of us buy reissues for the meaning they used to have for us. For one of my friends who bought one, a second-hand Boomerang is the first RC he ever owned and this re-release brings that timeless, classic look back to its full glory. The soft edges, the craft-like shape and that big-ass rear wing are all recreated with precision - just beautiful.
The older Boomerang had parts that were a pain in the neck to put together. This new 1/10th scale model kicks that complication to the curb and turns in easy-to-assemble parts. Paired with improvements on the chassis, gearbox, suspension and drivetrain, as well as new placement for the drive shaft, this 21st century model takes everything up a notch.
Power is funneled to the vehicle by a Type 540 motor with TEU-101BK ESC, churning out reliable speed while showing it off your favorite local tracks. Control is a breeze, regardless of skill level. Considering you're probably better now compared to when you were a pimple-faced kid, I have high hopes. All the enhanced parts do make for a better-performing ride, especially during actual runs and turns.
You won't likely be leaving people in the dust with the Tamiya Boomerang, but you'll be driving straight to a trip down memory lane. For many, that should be enough reason to get one. You'll need to purchase a two-channel radio system, battery pack and charger to complete the ride, by the way.
by sunny on January 27, 2010
For a while, Tamiya's Midnight Pumpkin became a popular staple in the RC monster truck scene. Which is why it wasn't a surprise when they relaunched it again (some time ago) using the exact same branding with a slight twist.
The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special bears the same 50s truck aesthetic as the original, but comes with silver-plated chrome wheels and a pre-molded black metallic body (the rest of the vehicle, however, remains the same). These spit-shiny parts are latched on using what Tamiya claims to be an "advanced plating technique." With giant oversized tires and a pre-furnished body, it looks even more striking than the original.
A strength-laden ABS box-type chassis (same as the Tamiya Lunch Box) serves as the base for the Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special, just like the original kit. Configured to survive a pounding, it should provide ample stability and protection, keeping your drivetrain and electronics safe through grinding action under unstable conditions. It comes equipped with a wheelie bar, ready to help you through difficult jumps and cringe-worthy stunts.
Sporting a Type 540 Motor, the Midnight Pumpkin should deliver ample power, whether you're bashing in the backyard or showing off to a larger audience. Other details include a rear wheel drive, rigid suspension (both front and rear) and 101BK electronic speed control.
Looking for something both good-looking and fun? The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special should easily fit the bill. If you're a little older, there's a good chance it will bring back memories in torrents too.
Specifications:
Length: 385mm
Width: 290mm
Height: 260mm
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Motor: Type 540
Remarks: 7.2V running battery and alkaline batteries for the transmitter not included.
by sunny on January 25, 2010
An off-road vehicle built to strut its stuff in competitive buggy races, the Tamiya Keen Hawk serves as an attractive "alternative" for fanatic dirt drivers the world over. If you're familiar with Tamiya's Dark Impact, this vehicle is largely a rebranding (with mere minor differences) - albeit, an exciting one, nonetheless.
Sporting an awkward-looking pre-trimmed shell, crowned by a large rear wing and attention-grabbing white wheels, this buggy brings along an unusual appearance that you're likely to either love or hate. It comes as a kit (assembly time of give or take 5 hours), with logos and decals bundled in the package (no paint, though). Some folks say it brings a slight resemblance to F1 racers, although it's really a distinct-looking ride all on its own.
Use over rough and uneven landscapes will allow the Keen Hawk to demonstrate the durability inherent in its DF-03 chassis, which fosters an excellent functioning balance. Before this 1/10th scale off-roader was released, Tamiya hasn't had a racing-capable buggy in a long time, making it an eventful release of sorts.
It ships with a Type 540 motor, which should make for respectable speeds during use. The layout of the car is very interesting, with the battery pack down the center and the transverse-mounted motor just behind it. This keeps the weight at the center line, allowing you to achieve optimal leveling while performing jumps. Cornering is predictable but fair, grip is a little lacking and the shocks require a bit of tuning. You will likely want to take advantage of upgrade options if you want to post top results in actual competition.
Overall, the Tamiya Keen Hawk is a fair choice for a racing buggy. It's far from the best in the land, but remains a competitive starter kit that you can build on for a sharper edge down the line.
Specifications:
Length: 387mm
Width: 250mm
Height: 132mm
Lowest Ground Clearance: 24mm
Wheelbase: 272mm
Weight: 1140g
Tread: (Front) 217mm, (Rear) 203mm
Tire Width/Diameter: (Front) 33/87mm, (Rear) 43/87mm
Frame: Monocoque Bathtub
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front & Rear Ball Diff
Steering: 3-piece Tie Rod
Suspension: 4-wheel Double Wishbone
Damper: (Front) CVA Oil Damper Mini, (Rear) CVA Oil Damper Short
Gear Ratio: 9.17:1
Motor: Type RS540
Speed Controller: ESC
by sunny on January 25, 2010
While the original Abarth 500 (which debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show) wasn't quite a sight to behold (especially for SUV-loving Americans), it was a mighty impressive ride, packing near-200 bhp in such a small package. Tamiya, no doubt, realized this when they decided to produce a scaled RC version of the vehicle in the M05 Abarth 500 Assetto Corse RTR.
An expert-built, 1:10 scale replica, the model attempts to intricately capture the limited-edition compact racer, of which only 49 examples were ever made. It mirrors every aspect of the original's exterior, sporting a beautifully-designed polycarbonate shell that you can decorate with an included sticker sheet. Even the funny-looking side mirrors and spoilers are copied to size, along with eye-catching 11-spoke white wheels, threaded 60D radial tires and add-on LED lights (the latter needs to be bought separately).
Built around the durable and lightweight M-05 chassis, the car is finely-tuned to foster both a low-center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution for improved handling. It features a Type 540 motor, 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension (for road-hugging performance) and 3-piece steering linkage (for turning corners at high-speed).
Tamiya calls the model "sharp and courageous," which should prove a good way to describe it. With that kind of styling and from what we've seen of M-05, it may very well be accurate. All electronics are factory-installed (motor, gearbox battery pack, receiver, servo and ESC) and it comes with a wheel-trigger type transmitter. Hop-ups are aplenty, too, so you won't have that difficult a time making this sleek mini into a monstrous...ummm...mini.
The Tamiya XB Abarth 500 Assetto Corse should prove a good ready-to-run RC for enthusiasts of all levels, as well as collectors interested in reproductions of limited-edition cars.
Specifications:
Length: 365mm, Width: 170mm, Height: 142mm
Wheelbase: 225mm
Tread (Front and Rear): 138mm
Front mounted motor front wheel drive
3-Bevel Differential Gear
3-Piece Steering Linkage
Front and Rear Double Wishbone Suspension
Front and Rear Friction Dampers
Gear Ratio= 5.8 :1
Tire Width/Diameter (Front and Rear): 25/59mm
Requires 8xR6/AA/UM3 Batteries for Transmitter.
by sunny on January 24, 2010
Bringing classics to life was never a better idea than when Tamiya decided to reproduce the Porsche 935 Martini, a gorgeous addition to Tam-Tech Gear's growing roster of on-road beauties. Built ready-to-run, they faithfully recreated the vehicle's distinct aerodynamic lines with downright impressive details.
The kind of car you can look at all day, this 1:12 scale model should leave you admiring its contours for hours on end. It's tough to look away from the polycarbonate body shell with a Martini lacquer finish that's fully furnished with a complete set of racing logos and decals. It's not just an RC model, it's a fine piece of art - just like its full-size counterpart.
Built on top of a lightweight, low-center GT01 chassis, the Porsche 935 Martini should exhibit an uncanny flexibility and durability during its on-road runs. A horizontally-installed Type 370 motor, rear wheel drive and optimally-tuned transmission should help ensure balanced handling through high speeds and difficult turns. Features include independent front and rear wishbone suspension (with front dampers), reverse body mounts (to preserve the lines), 64 tooth spur gear and 16 tooth pinion gear.
Electronic components and mechanical tuning be damned, though, this is a car you buy for those impeccable lines. Like I said, the TT-Gear Porsche 935 Martini is a car you'll lovingly look at as much as drive. There aren't many cars that can match up to the styling of this 1976 Porsche and Tamiya captures all of that into a compact classic. An absolute must-have for anyone who loves their classic racers.
Specifications:
Length: 355mm
Broad: 167mm
Height: 107mm
Wheelbase: 190mm
Trace: F 129mm, R 138mm
Wheels: Breite/Durchmsser: F 20/54mm, R 25/55mm
Chassis: strengthened Monocoque framework chassis
Drive: Rear propulsion with horizontal installed engine
Differential: Kugeldiff.
Steering element: 3 teiliges Tie Rod system
Suspension: Front and tail double wishbones
