The Tamiya RC car thread
Discussion
It’s my son’s 9th birthday on Sunday and I’ve decided to buy him his first proper RC car. Stock is/was extremely limited here in Aus which has made it very tricky finding something suitable.
I ended up going for this:
https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58511titan...
It’s based on a DT-02 chassis, I’ve bought a lipo battery and a Futaba 3PRKA receiver which has reasonably good reviews for the price.
I’ll wait and see how it runs before deciding whether to upgrade the motor to a brushless one, I’m hoping he really enjoys it!
I ended up going for this:
https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58511titan...
It’s based on a DT-02 chassis, I’ve bought a lipo battery and a Futaba 3PRKA receiver which has reasonably good reviews for the price.
I’ll wait and see how it runs before deciding whether to upgrade the motor to a brushless one, I’m hoping he really enjoys it!
Oh boy, I have got to to stop looking at forums and videos. I've already ordered a steel pinion, bearings, blitzer wheels and tyres and the uprights needed, upgraded the esc so I can eventually run a brushless.
That's more than enough for his first rc. It's a slippery slope once you start finding what you can add/change.
That's more than enough for his first rc. It's a slippery slope once you start finding what you can add/change.
RiseUp said:
Oh boy, I have got to to stop looking at forums and videos. I've already ordered a steel pinion, bearings, blitzer wheels and tyres and the uprights needed, upgraded the esc so I can eventually run a brushless.
That's more than enough for his first rc. It's a slippery slope once you start finding what you can add/change.
That's more than enough for his first rc. It's a slippery slope once you start finding what you can add/change.
RiseUp said:
Oh boy, I have got to to stop looking at forums and videos. I've already ordered a steel pinion, bearings, blitzer wheels and tyres and the uprights needed, upgraded the esc so I can eventually run a brushless.
That's more than enough for his first rc. It's a slippery slope once you start finding what you can add/change.
The thing is, it all feels so 'cheap' when compared to a real car...That's more than enough for his first rc. It's a slippery slope once you start finding what you can add/change.
For sometime now (probably due to this thread!) I have been fancying splashing out on the Tamiya Monte Carlo Impreza.
I wanted to get it from Jadlam as I seem to recall the owner is on PH, but they have been out of stock for ages, it seems the same problem everywhere else I’ve looked as well. Are there Tamiya supply issues due to COVID or something?
I wanted to get it from Jadlam as I seem to recall the owner is on PH, but they have been out of stock for ages, it seems the same problem everywhere else I’ve looked as well. Are there Tamiya supply issues due to COVID or something?
Hunky Dory said:
For sometime now (probably due to this thread!) I have been fancying splashing out on the Tamiya Monte Carlo Impreza.
I wanted to get it from Jadlam as I seem to recall the owner is on PH, but they have been out of stock for ages, it seems the same problem everywhere else I’ve looked as well. Are there Tamiya supply issues due to COVID or something?
Demand coupled with production and shipping delays I should imagine.... Same as lots of other things. I wanted to get it from Jadlam as I seem to recall the owner is on PH, but they have been out of stock for ages, it seems the same problem everywhere else I’ve looked as well. Are there Tamiya supply issues due to COVID or something?
People are spending more on hobbies and past times..... Me for example - at least an extra 150 a month, And potentially you.......
Is it the TT02 Subaru you want? - my local dealer has 1 left at £124.00 delivered (I will pm you)
Just massive increase in demand due to people being stuck at home and kids being off school. The whole hobby trade has had a massive increase in sales over the last year. Couple that with worldwide logistics being in a huge mess making it hard to get containers of stuff shipped around the world meaning everything is delayed.
Nothing gets the nostalgia flowing like a Tamiya.
I started off with a Midnight Pumpkin when I was a boy and then moved onto a Manta Ray.
A couple of years ago I got my young lads into them, however they don't seem to hold the same excitment over them as I did back in the day which is a shame, anyway I've enjoyed getting back into them and it's gone slighly out of control.
A couple of lockdown projects, replicas of my real cars, both on TT-02 chassis, the Brat is drift spec with a gyro.
Others in the fleet, the Unimog is a basher and takes a load of abuse from the youngest one.
I plan to restore this Stadium Blitzter and have managed to get new wheels, tyres shell etc.
I still wish it was the Monster Racer though.
Another lockdown project, an L&L bodyshell on an FF-03 front wheel drive chassis.
I also recently splurged on this, just need to build it, I can't resist so there's no way it's staying NIB.
I'm finding real enjoyment now in trying to build cars that you would like to own with the correct wheels, colour etc, it's much easier nowadays with the amount of accessories, shells etc.
It's a great hobby.
I started off with a Midnight Pumpkin when I was a boy and then moved onto a Manta Ray.
A couple of years ago I got my young lads into them, however they don't seem to hold the same excitment over them as I did back in the day which is a shame, anyway I've enjoyed getting back into them and it's gone slighly out of control.
A couple of lockdown projects, replicas of my real cars, both on TT-02 chassis, the Brat is drift spec with a gyro.
Others in the fleet, the Unimog is a basher and takes a load of abuse from the youngest one.
I plan to restore this Stadium Blitzter and have managed to get new wheels, tyres shell etc.
I still wish it was the Monster Racer though.
Another lockdown project, an L&L bodyshell on an FF-03 front wheel drive chassis.
I also recently splurged on this, just need to build it, I can't resist so there's no way it's staying NIB.
I'm finding real enjoyment now in trying to build cars that you would like to own with the correct wheels, colour etc, it's much easier nowadays with the amount of accessories, shells etc.
It's a great hobby.
Caddyshack said:
Nice.
What benefit is the gyro on the drift spec? I used a gyro on heli’s to hold it straight, I assume the gyro lets you get it to an angle and hold it there?
It automatically adds opposite steering lock when the rear steps out but to be honest, I don't really see much difference.What benefit is the gyro on the drift spec? I used a gyro on heli’s to hold it straight, I assume the gyro lets you get it to an angle and hold it there?
I don't know too much about how the pro drifters set them up and how they drive to take advantage of them, I just thought it would be a fun thing to try.
If you hold the car in your hand and twist it left / right the steeing moves to compensate.
Ritchie335is said:
Caddyshack said:
Nice.
What benefit is the gyro on the drift spec? I used a gyro on heli’s to hold it straight, I assume the gyro lets you get it to an angle and hold it there?
It automatically adds opposite steering lock when the rear steps out but to be honest, I don't really see much difference.What benefit is the gyro on the drift spec? I used a gyro on heli’s to hold it straight, I assume the gyro lets you get it to an angle and hold it there?
I don't know too much about how the pro drifters set them up and how they drive to take advantage of them, I just thought it would be a fun thing to try.
If you hold the car in your hand and twist it left / right the steeing moves to compensate.
Joining this thread late, but lurking for a while.
Cracking thread to start op. Nice to read about others experiences. Some nice tales and superb cars.
My/our story started late 90's when my pal suggested we get RC cars and go do a bit of racing. Good idea we said. 4 of us were really keen.
So we head out to Stonehaven race day where the local club have a track. Started talking to some guys and watched a couple of races. Great day by the way. Afterwards we sat down for a pow wow and a couple of beers, and before long we all came to the conclusion our pockets were no where deep enough. There was also the sad realisation we would probably be humiliated come race day.
The 4 of us decided we could still buy cars on a budget, have a get together on a Sunday and race each other. Great stuff.
Quickly found a location whilst collecting a parcel from the local pickup, drop-off Post office. Lovely car park, newly tarred. Sloped too for a good view. Email to the Director and we have permission for a Sunday evening, such a lovley chap.
My cousin at the time worked in a model shop and suggested I come have a look at the Tamiya range of cars the had in stock. Family discount a bonus. So the Tamiya TL01 chassis came in relatively inexpensive. Quite a few different shell options. Lots of hop up parts available too. Few more beers and we all agree to buy the same car. Upgrades unlimited, but we all buy the same battery packs.
Purchases
Me, Ford Focus Martini WRC.
Simon, Ford Escort Cosworth WRC
Malky, Subaru Impreza WRC
Stoopy, Renault Laguna Touring car
Later would have my son involved. Ford Mondeo Touring car
Absolute fantastic times. Brilliant laught, but very competitive at the same time. Any upgrades were kept totally secret from each other. Till the beers started flowing....
We kept this up for a couple of years before family, other commitments slowly disbanded our merry band.
Forward time and a socially distant get together reunion the what happened to the cars is mentioned. Myself and Simon still have everything. My cousin is up for a blast, and has just got a cracking deal from eBay for a TL01. Malky is in the throw's of purchasing from eBay. Sadly don't see Stoopy anymore, but we have the makings of a Sunday evening blast again.
Here's my one, just pulled from the loft couple of days ago. Just waiting on a new shell, wheels and tyres to arrive. Away to start recommissioning tomorrow.
Upgraded
Fully Ball Raced
Lighted Chassis
Carbon propshaft
Carbon gear shafts
Dampers. Forget which ones
Medium anti roll bars
Adjustable camber and steering rods
My plans for future hop ups. And if anyone can recommend a good place other than eBay, much appreciated.
Looking into batteries for us all. I also see the charger/ discharger tech has come along way.
I need a better steering servo. Again please feel free to recommend.
Upgraded drive shafts.
Gear and diff sets
Hubs and suspension arms
I plan on keeping the motor and speed controller for now.
Would love to hear any suggestions for hop ups on the chassis/ suspension etc.
Crikey I never set out to post all that. I'm sober as well. Will try and keep you all posted with progress reports
Edit. Spelling mistake
Cracking thread to start op. Nice to read about others experiences. Some nice tales and superb cars.
My/our story started late 90's when my pal suggested we get RC cars and go do a bit of racing. Good idea we said. 4 of us were really keen.
So we head out to Stonehaven race day where the local club have a track. Started talking to some guys and watched a couple of races. Great day by the way. Afterwards we sat down for a pow wow and a couple of beers, and before long we all came to the conclusion our pockets were no where deep enough. There was also the sad realisation we would probably be humiliated come race day.
The 4 of us decided we could still buy cars on a budget, have a get together on a Sunday and race each other. Great stuff.
Quickly found a location whilst collecting a parcel from the local pickup, drop-off Post office. Lovely car park, newly tarred. Sloped too for a good view. Email to the Director and we have permission for a Sunday evening, such a lovley chap.
My cousin at the time worked in a model shop and suggested I come have a look at the Tamiya range of cars the had in stock. Family discount a bonus. So the Tamiya TL01 chassis came in relatively inexpensive. Quite a few different shell options. Lots of hop up parts available too. Few more beers and we all agree to buy the same car. Upgrades unlimited, but we all buy the same battery packs.
Purchases
Me, Ford Focus Martini WRC.
Simon, Ford Escort Cosworth WRC
Malky, Subaru Impreza WRC
Stoopy, Renault Laguna Touring car
Later would have my son involved. Ford Mondeo Touring car
Absolute fantastic times. Brilliant laught, but very competitive at the same time. Any upgrades were kept totally secret from each other. Till the beers started flowing....
We kept this up for a couple of years before family, other commitments slowly disbanded our merry band.
Forward time and a socially distant get together reunion the what happened to the cars is mentioned. Myself and Simon still have everything. My cousin is up for a blast, and has just got a cracking deal from eBay for a TL01. Malky is in the throw's of purchasing from eBay. Sadly don't see Stoopy anymore, but we have the makings of a Sunday evening blast again.
Here's my one, just pulled from the loft couple of days ago. Just waiting on a new shell, wheels and tyres to arrive. Away to start recommissioning tomorrow.
Upgraded
Fully Ball Raced
Lighted Chassis
Carbon propshaft
Carbon gear shafts
Dampers. Forget which ones
Medium anti roll bars
Adjustable camber and steering rods
My plans for future hop ups. And if anyone can recommend a good place other than eBay, much appreciated.
Looking into batteries for us all. I also see the charger/ discharger tech has come along way.
I need a better steering servo. Again please feel free to recommend.
Upgraded drive shafts.
Gear and diff sets
Hubs and suspension arms
I plan on keeping the motor and speed controller for now.
Would love to hear any suggestions for hop ups on the chassis/ suspension etc.
Crikey I never set out to post all that. I'm sober as well. Will try and keep you all posted with progress reports
Edited by Sub5 on Tuesday 9th March 23:56
Edit. Spelling mistake
Edited by Sub5 on Wednesday 10th March 00:06
Sub5 said:
Stonehaven
Great story, I'm about 15 minutes from there you so If you fancy another car or 2 on the grid, give me a message. 
I remember running an old IC Kyosho Rampage down there around '93/94.
As for hop-ups, try Timetunnel Models (North Berwick) or Modelsport, also RCJaz and Euro RC are worth a look.
Team Blue Groove for bodies and MCI for Repro decals.
Banggood is pretty good for cheap servos, motors etc if you're careful what you buy I hear.
After building my DT03 over Xmas and having a bit of fun with it, I've now finished recommissioning my Baja 5b clone after 12 years of sitting in my dad's shed. I know it's not a Tamiya, but thought I'd share a picture.
For those that dont know, it's a clone of a HPI Baja 5B, so 1/5 Scale with a 23cc 2 stroke engine. It's good fun, but bloody noise, so need to find somewhere out if the way to use it. I certainly can't just cross the street and blast it around the library carpark like I do with the DT03! Now that's finished, after spending more money than I can to admit to the wife, I might start fiddling with the DT03 again. Now the weather is breaking a bit I can get out a bit more with my 4yr old and get him driving properly, so when lock down is finally over we can get out and have some fun.
For those that dont know, it's a clone of a HPI Baja 5B, so 1/5 Scale with a 23cc 2 stroke engine. It's good fun, but bloody noise, so need to find somewhere out if the way to use it. I certainly can't just cross the street and blast it around the library carpark like I do with the DT03! Now that's finished, after spending more money than I can to admit to the wife, I might start fiddling with the DT03 again. Now the weather is breaking a bit I can get out a bit more with my 4yr old and get him driving properly, so when lock down is finally over we can get out and have some fun.
gazzarose said:
After building my DT03 over Xmas and having a bit of fun with it, I've now finished recommissioning my Baja 5b clone after 12 years of sitting in my dad's shed. I know it's not a Tamiya, but thought I'd share a picture.
For those that dont know, it's a clone of a HPI Baja 5B, so 1/5 Scale with a 23cc 2 stroke engine. It's good fun, but bloody noise, so need to find somewhere out if the way to use it. I certainly can't just cross the street and blast it around the library carpark like I do with the DT03! Now that's finished, after spending more money than I can to admit to the wife, I might start fiddling with the DT03 again. Now the weather is breaking a bit I can get out a bit more with my 4yr old and get him driving properly, so when lock down is finally over we can get out and have some fun.
Like that a lot! I've always fancied a large scale,however I just can't justify the cost for the amount of use it would get.For those that dont know, it's a clone of a HPI Baja 5B, so 1/5 Scale with a 23cc 2 stroke engine. It's good fun, but bloody noise, so need to find somewhere out if the way to use it. I certainly can't just cross the street and blast it around the library carpark like I do with the DT03! Now that's finished, after spending more money than I can to admit to the wife, I might start fiddling with the DT03 again. Now the weather is breaking a bit I can get out a bit more with my 4yr old and get him driving properly, so when lock down is finally over we can get out and have some fun.
MCI decals can scale up, it would be cool make a large tamiya replica if you could get a body similiar, like a hotshot style for eg.
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