The Tamiya RC car thread
Discussion
Wildfire said:
It's been announced for May I think, but not Ti-screws a standard motor and a pre-painted shell and different decals. Bit like the Vanquish.
I'm just waiting on an Avante re-stock, although I have said no more builds until I finish my Manta Ray build.
This is where I got mine and they have them in stock. Not sure about duties to get it into the UK though.I'm just waiting on an Avante re-stock, although I have said no more builds until I finish my Manta Ray build.
https://www.modellbau-seidel.de/index.php?firma=Ta...
Great service from this store within Germany. Also Tamico is worth a look.
generationx said:
There is a huge amount of information and knowledge over at TamiyaClub if members here are unaware:
https://www.tamiyaclub.com/default.asp
If you are getting the "collecting" itch I advise you never, ever to visit that site.
Also do not go to ebay and type in tamiya because it leads to "ooh look <clicky>" and then a few days later "oh, a big box for me mr postman ? " https://www.tamiyaclub.com/default.asp
If you are getting the "collecting" itch I advise you never, ever to visit that site.
For bits there is this guy: https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/tonystamiyaparts and https://www.jk-rc.co.uk/ both are good at supply.
Meantime, if anyone has a street devil or a bodyshell (even the parma version), let me know
Edited by Crafty_ on Tuesday 26th January 13:02
I've got the original tiger stripes Escort Cosworth up in the loft that I bought in 92/93 I think. Great fun and spent a bit extra over the years getting it fully ball-raced, then a fancy (for it's time) electronic speed controller!
Fished it out the loft 10 years ago, replaced the battery and tyres and it still worked pretty well even though it's well beat up now.
When my son is old enough I will be investing in some Tamiya cars, even if just for me to play with!
I always wondered though, is there really a big difference between the Tamiya models and the likes from Kyosho and Schumacher? What really are the differences?
Fished it out the loft 10 years ago, replaced the battery and tyres and it still worked pretty well even though it's well beat up now.
When my son is old enough I will be investing in some Tamiya cars, even if just for me to play with!
I always wondered though, is there really a big difference between the Tamiya models and the likes from Kyosho and Schumacher? What really are the differences?
lufbramatt said:
It currently has the stock TBLE-02S ESC and the "Torque tuned" (25t silver can) motor. Want a bit more top end for use in bigger spaces than the garden.
The stock ESC supposedly can't cope with brushed motors lower than 25t but can handle brushless down to 10.5t. So I can't run a faster brushed motor without getting a new speedo too.
I've got a 11x2 Trinity in my CAT XLS and its plenty quick enough for me (and probably the transmission in the CAT!) so don't want to go mad with it.
Are you running LiPo?The stock ESC supposedly can't cope with brushed motors lower than 25t but can handle brushless down to 10.5t. So I can't run a faster brushed motor without getting a new speedo too.
I've got a 11x2 Trinity in my CAT XLS and its plenty quick enough for me (and probably the transmission in the CAT!) so don't want to go mad with it.
That speedo doesn't officially support LiPo as it doesn't have low voltage cutoff. But you can run 2S LiPo on them. I use one of these on the balance plug of the LiPo. When it sounds you should stop using it, as you shouldn't run LiPo's completely flat.
https://ebay.us/CFO0WP
I reckon simply switching to LiPo would give you all the performance increase you probably want.
If you want to go brushless, then just look for any sensored one. They will all fit. That ESC supports sensored, so might as well get one, you might need to get the correct length sensor cable.
There are sensorless brushless motors. These are less smooth to drive and are a bit more on/off feel in their power delivery, while a sensored motor is a lot more progressive and will drive more akin to a brushed motor.
I'd reckon a 13.5T brushless would likely suit this setup. But if you are on NiMh I think you might be disappointed with the brushless performance. Again switching to LiPo will make a big difference. You may need to re-gear with a different pinion gear if you go for a new motor.
I have a couple of these:
https://ebay.us/RW38jz
Although I'm sure they used to be about half the price.
ewant81 said:
I always wondered though, is there really a big difference between the Tamiya models and the likes from Kyosho and Schumacher? What really are the differences?
Certainly in the case of Schumacher buggies, less plastic. They were always more focused on racing and were always higher spec materials and design - composite materials, ball race diffs, metal bodied shocks etc. Of course you paid for it, they were (and are) x2/3 the price of the average Tamiya car until you get in to stuff like the egress/top force evo etc which are more on par.Then again, back in the day Jamie Booth had plenty of success racing a manta ray, which (I believe) then led to the top force car, bsed on the mods he was doing for the track.
Tamiya are mostly operating on past glory - you have the collectors and then people like some on the thread who buy what they had/wanted as a kid for their own kids. Tamiya do the odd new model here and there but regularly do re-releases of older cars (and re-releases of the re-releases..).. I guess they're selling what people want..
If you look on ebay, the price some rough old cars pulled out of a loft go for is surprising, especially rarer stuff like a TA02SW chassis. There is clearly a pretty big market for them, despite the criticism then and now of the product..
I've built a couple of Schumacher kits. Harder to do a good job of building them but compared to Tamiya they are lighter, more efficient transmissions, less slop in suspension pivots. More places to go wrong.
Tamiya rely a lot on injection moulded components, which can be heavy, are more flexible and often have lots of play on pivots. but do mean that it's pretty hard to go wrong with them.
My belt driven TA-03R had 3 heavy steel layshafts, an idler gear, a belt and heavy gear differentials. The Axis in comparison had a single layshaft and two belts, which turned 2 ball differentials. Much lighter, lower centre of gravity and more responsive.
But Tamiya are a great building experience, nice clear instructions and the models have loads of charisma- everyone knows Vanessa's Lunchbox or Wild Willy.
One thing that can be annoying with Tamiya is they will often have a weak point in the transmission somewhere that means you end up having to buy an expensive bag of parts just to replace one gear that keeps stripping, for example. Feels like they spend so much time making the things easy to build that they don't quite engineer the things properly to stand up to being used. Most of the time they are pretty bomb proof though.
Tamiya rely a lot on injection moulded components, which can be heavy, are more flexible and often have lots of play on pivots. but do mean that it's pretty hard to go wrong with them.
My belt driven TA-03R had 3 heavy steel layshafts, an idler gear, a belt and heavy gear differentials. The Axis in comparison had a single layshaft and two belts, which turned 2 ball differentials. Much lighter, lower centre of gravity and more responsive.
But Tamiya are a great building experience, nice clear instructions and the models have loads of charisma- everyone knows Vanessa's Lunchbox or Wild Willy.
One thing that can be annoying with Tamiya is they will often have a weak point in the transmission somewhere that means you end up having to buy an expensive bag of parts just to replace one gear that keeps stripping, for example. Feels like they spend so much time making the things easy to build that they don't quite engineer the things properly to stand up to being used. Most of the time they are pretty bomb proof though.
My folks couldn't afford one for me and my two brothers at the time, so I watched some mates play with them from the sidelines, aching to own a Sand Scorcher or a Hotshot. I'm still in touch with one of my school pals who must have at least 20 Tamiya RC models.
I've now got a 5yo son who is loving his Monster Jam El Toro Loco RC monster truck - I was going to wade in and buy him a Tamiya but thought it would likely be too fast for him and he wouldn't appreciate the build.
So I'm just biding my time until I can get him one that both of us can enjoy building and using. I also noticed on the Tamiya Facebook page that they have released the Mk 2 Escort rally car, coming later this year in a clear lexan body, so you can paint it in your RAC Rally livery of choice. Where do I sign!?
This is the painted bodyshell one.
https://www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk/Cars/By-Manufa...
Not sure why they have chosen to go with non-authentic 4WD though
I've now got a 5yo son who is loving his Monster Jam El Toro Loco RC monster truck - I was going to wade in and buy him a Tamiya but thought it would likely be too fast for him and he wouldn't appreciate the build.
So I'm just biding my time until I can get him one that both of us can enjoy building and using. I also noticed on the Tamiya Facebook page that they have released the Mk 2 Escort rally car, coming later this year in a clear lexan body, so you can paint it in your RAC Rally livery of choice. Where do I sign!?
This is the painted bodyshell one.
https://www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk/Cars/By-Manufa...
Not sure why they have chosen to go with non-authentic 4WD though
300bhp/ton said:
Are you running LiPo?
That speedo doesn't officially support LiPo as it doesn't have low voltage cutoff. But you can run 2S LiPo on them. I use one of these on the balance plug of the LiPo. When it sounds you should stop using it, as you shouldn't run LiPo's completely flat.
https://ebay.us/CFO0WP
I reckon simply switching to LiPo would give you all the performance increase you probably want.
If you want to go brushless, then just look for any sensored one. They will all fit. That ESC supports sensored, so might as well get one, you might need to get the correct length sensor cable.
There are sensorless brushless motors. These are less smooth to drive and are a bit more on/off feel in their power delivery, while a sensored motor is a lot more progressive and will drive more akin to a brushed motor.
I'd reckon a 13.5T brushless would likely suit this setup. But if you are on NiMh I think you might be disappointed with the brushless performance. Again switching to LiPo will make a big difference. You may need to re-gear with a different pinion gear if you go for a new motor.
I have a couple of these:
https://ebay.us/RW38jz
Although I'm sure they used to be about half the price.
thanks for the link, for the sake of 30 quid I think I'll give one a go. I think the specs on the ESC are 60amp continuous so that motor looks like it will work ok.That speedo doesn't officially support LiPo as it doesn't have low voltage cutoff. But you can run 2S LiPo on them. I use one of these on the balance plug of the LiPo. When it sounds you should stop using it, as you shouldn't run LiPo's completely flat.
https://ebay.us/CFO0WP
I reckon simply switching to LiPo would give you all the performance increase you probably want.
If you want to go brushless, then just look for any sensored one. They will all fit. That ESC supports sensored, so might as well get one, you might need to get the correct length sensor cable.
There are sensorless brushless motors. These are less smooth to drive and are a bit more on/off feel in their power delivery, while a sensored motor is a lot more progressive and will drive more akin to a brushed motor.
I'd reckon a 13.5T brushless would likely suit this setup. But if you are on NiMh I think you might be disappointed with the brushless performance. Again switching to LiPo will make a big difference. You may need to re-gear with a different pinion gear if you go for a new motor.
I have a couple of these:
https://ebay.us/RW38jz
Although I'm sure they used to be about half the price.
Am running Nimh currently. Once Covid bu**ers off I really want to enter the CAT in some vintage race meetings so will probably invest in a LiPo setup for that (need a better charger, safety bags etc). But it's more than I want to spend at the moment for the sake of messing around up the fields with my lad.
lufbramatt said:
It currently has the stock TBLE-02S ESC and the "Torque tuned" (25t silver can) motor. Want a bit more top end for use in bigger spaces than the garden.
The stock ESC supposedly can't cope with brushed motors lower than 25t but can handle brushless down to 10.5t. So I can't run a faster brushed motor without getting a new speedo too.
My son's DT03 Racing Fighter runs a 13.5t sensored brushless motor (a Trackstar from Hobbyking) with the stock TBLE02 ESC, but still mostly NiMH batteries for simplicity. With a 19t pinion to take advantage of the much greater torque, it's a fair bit faster than standard - roughly the same speed as my Blitzer running 2S LiPos and a Torque Tuned silver can. Putting a LiPo in the DT03 makes it really fly, but you're then into faffing about with a low voltage buzzer or a new ESC with a low voltage cutoff, as well as the hassle of storage charging the LiPos as you're probably aware.The stock ESC supposedly can't cope with brushed motors lower than 25t but can handle brushless down to 10.5t. So I can't run a faster brushed motor without getting a new speedo too.
My logic was to go brushless first (not forgetting the gearing), then if that isn't fast enough you're on the slippery slope to a new ESC and LiPos, but you haven't wasted anything.
pete said:
My son's DT03 Racing Fighter runs a 13.5t sensored brushless motor (a Trackstar from Hobbyking) with the stock TBLE02 ESC, but still mostly NiMH batteries for simplicity. With a 19t pinion to take advantage of the much greater torque, it's a fair bit faster than standard - roughly the same speed as my Blitzer running 2S LiPos and a Torque Tuned silver can. Putting a LiPo in the DT03 makes it really fly, but you're then into faffing about with a low voltage buzzer or a new ESC with a low voltage cutoff, as well as the hassle of storage charging the LiPos as you're probably aware.
My logic was to go brushless first (not forgetting the gearing), then if that isn't fast enough you're on the slippery slope to a new ESC and LiPos, but you haven't wasted anything.
sounds exactly along the lines I was thinking My logic was to go brushless first (not forgetting the gearing), then if that isn't fast enough you're on the slippery slope to a new ESC and LiPos, but you haven't wasted anything.
one of these?
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-trackstar-13-5...
Yes, exactly that one. I originally bought the Trackstar 80A ESC / 13.5t motor combo to go in my CAT XLS, but upgraded that to a 10.5t so my son got the 13.5 as a hand-me-down. The Speed Passion sensored motors are good cheap options too if you don't need cutting edge performance; both my CAT and Ultima run a SP 10.5t with the same Trackstar 80A ESC.
Crafty_ said:
Certainly in the case of Schumacher buggies, less plastic. They were always more focused on racing and were always higher spec materials and design - composite materials, ball race diffs, metal bodied shocks etc. Of course you paid for it, they were (and are) x2/3 the price of the average Tamiya car until you get in to stuff like the egress/top force evo etc which are more on par.
Then again, back in the day Jamie Booth had plenty of success racing a manta ray, which (I believe) then led to the top force car, bsed on the mods he was doing for the track.
Tamiya are mostly operating on past glory - you have the collectors and then people like some on the thread who buy what they had/wanted as a kid for their own kids. Tamiya do the odd new model here and there but regularly do re-releases of older cars (and re-releases of the re-releases..).. I guess they're selling what people want..
If you look on ebay, the price some rough old cars pulled out of a loft go for is surprising, especially rarer stuff like a TA02SW chassis. There is clearly a pretty big market for them, despite the criticism then and now of the product..
So quite a big step up in quality and price. With the Tamiya kit I can still remember the enjoyment in building it, so I can totally believe they are banking on the experience rather than competitive development.Then again, back in the day Jamie Booth had plenty of success racing a manta ray, which (I believe) then led to the top force car, bsed on the mods he was doing for the track.
Tamiya are mostly operating on past glory - you have the collectors and then people like some on the thread who buy what they had/wanted as a kid for their own kids. Tamiya do the odd new model here and there but regularly do re-releases of older cars (and re-releases of the re-releases..).. I guess they're selling what people want..
If you look on ebay, the price some rough old cars pulled out of a loft go for is surprising, especially rarer stuff like a TA02SW chassis. There is clearly a pretty big market for them, despite the criticism then and now of the product..
I think the memories associated with mine means that it has now become a battered shelf queen.
lufbramatt said:
thanks for the link, for the sake of 30 quid I think I'll give one a go. I think the specs on the ESC are 60amp continuous so that motor looks like it will work ok.
Am running Nimh currently. Once Covid bu**ers off I really want to enter the CAT in some vintage race meetings so will probably invest in a LiPo setup for that (need a better charger, safety bags etc). But it's more than I want to spend at the moment for the sake of messing around up the fields with my lad.
LiPo really is the way IMO.Am running Nimh currently. Once Covid bu**ers off I really want to enter the CAT in some vintage race meetings so will probably invest in a LiPo setup for that (need a better charger, safety bags etc). But it's more than I want to spend at the moment for the sake of messing around up the fields with my lad.
Hobbyking are usually pretty good for prices. Just check the dimensions of the batteries and make sure you understand things like 2S/3S and C ratings.
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/batteries-chargers/bat...
Charging bags are fine and you'll need them at an event, but tbh you can probably get away without at home. Just use common sense and don't leave them unattended when charging. Also worth getting a volt checker for a couple of quid (the alarm I linked to earlier on ebay would do and is only £4).
As for chargers, lots of choice, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get something usable.
Something like this for £25 would be fine:
https://ebay.us/dp9dXc
This thread needs to come with a warning...
The list currently stands at
TT-02 911 RSR
Monster Beetle
My boy has a Rising Fighter that we built during lockdown
M-05RA (Bought as it needed painting to give me something to do)
Used DT-03 with lots of nice hop-ups, not sure what to do with this yet
TT-02B Neo Scorcher which is brushless and great fun
I think I'm done, but I do like the look of a Blitzer Beetle and the spare brushless motor that I have in the box of RC 'stuff'
The list currently stands at
TT-02 911 RSR
Monster Beetle
My boy has a Rising Fighter that we built during lockdown
M-05RA (Bought as it needed painting to give me something to do)
Used DT-03 with lots of nice hop-ups, not sure what to do with this yet
TT-02B Neo Scorcher which is brushless and great fun
I think I'm done, but I do like the look of a Blitzer Beetle and the spare brushless motor that I have in the box of RC 'stuff'
ewant81 said:
So quite a big step up in quality and price. With the Tamiya kit I can still remember the enjoyment in building it, so I can totally believe they are banking on the experience rather than competitive development.
I think the memories associated with mine means that it has now become a battered shelf queen.
To be fair, the Tamiya models that come with a body are usually not aimed at the professional racers and cater more to kids/nostalgia/occasional RCers.I think the memories associated with mine means that it has now become a battered shelf queen.
Their TRF range of chassis is the professional option and some have even won world championships (some 1/10 touring car IIRC).
Little to no plastic and big bucks, £500+, no body, motor or electronics (and even tyres I think)
Its probably the size of the body shell - M-05 chassis (yaris) is 210mm. Their 4x4 chassis are 257mm, so you'd have to stretch the yaris in odd ways to make it fit those - and then it'd probably be too wide.
The M-05 is 12 years old, this is what we mean by Tamiya recycling.. new body on an existing chassis.
The Mk2 escort has the same issue - they don't have a rwd chassis that would work, especially not a tarmac car.
Speaking of the mk2, you can get bodies from https://landlmodels.co.uk/collections/rally-car-bo... (when in stock) - will fit a TT01/02 etc chassis. There was a guy on ebay selling basic tt02 kits with that body and a big set of wheels for £2-300+
The M-05 is 12 years old, this is what we mean by Tamiya recycling.. new body on an existing chassis.
The Mk2 escort has the same issue - they don't have a rwd chassis that would work, especially not a tarmac car.
Speaking of the mk2, you can get bodies from https://landlmodels.co.uk/collections/rally-car-bo... (when in stock) - will fit a TT01/02 etc chassis. There was a guy on ebay selling basic tt02 kits with that body and a big set of wheels for £2-300+
300bhp/ton said:
lufbramatt said:
thanks for the link, for the sake of 30 quid I think I'll give one a go. I think the specs on the ESC are 60amp continuous so that motor looks like it will work ok.
Am running Nimh currently. Once Covid bu**ers off I really want to enter the CAT in some vintage race meetings so will probably invest in a LiPo setup for that (need a better charger, safety bags etc). But it's more than I want to spend at the moment for the sake of messing around up the fields with my lad.
LiPo really is the way IMO.Am running Nimh currently. Once Covid bu**ers off I really want to enter the CAT in some vintage race meetings so will probably invest in a LiPo setup for that (need a better charger, safety bags etc). But it's more than I want to spend at the moment for the sake of messing around up the fields with my lad.
Hobbyking are usually pretty good for prices. Just check the dimensions of the batteries and make sure you understand things like 2S/3S and C ratings.
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/batteries-chargers/bat...
Charging bags are fine and you'll need them at an event, but tbh you can probably get away without at home. Just use common sense and don't leave them unattended when charging. Also worth getting a volt checker for a couple of quid (the alarm I linked to earlier on ebay would do and is only £4).
As for chargers, lots of choice, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get something usable.
Something like this for £25 would be fine:
https://ebay.us/dp9dXc
I have some brand new, sealed Sunpadow shorty (so will fit most things) 2S LiPos on eBay at the moment but I am tempted to keep them.
Bought a truckload of them the other day and then found a load I had bought from Hobby King a while back and never used.
Edited by dom9 on Tuesday 26th January 14:03
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