Tamiya GR Yaris. 4WD???

[rodericb]

So Tamiya has created a kit for the GR Yaris but unfortunately has based it on the M-05 chassis - which is front wheel drive. A bit strange but probably not as bad as the MX5 kit which uses the same chassis but anyway..... The M-06 chassis is rear wheel drive but the GR Yaris is four wheel drive.

Looking back through the Tamiya chassis on here: https://tamiyabase.com/chassis I see that the TA-02 chassis is four wheel drive and has roughly the same wheelbase as the GR Yaris kit - the GR Yaris having a 239mm wheelbase and the TA-02SW chassis has a 236mm wheelbase. It was used in some Porsche 911 kits. The CC01 chassis is 242mm and is used in SUV kits.

Is it a thing to mix and match Tamiya parts to build something such as a four wheel drive GR Yaris?

[rodericb]

Thanks all, it looks like I've got a few options!

[rodericb]

Okay I've finally bitten the bullet - today I purchased a MF01X based MB G Wagen to get that MF01X chassis. It'll take a few days to get here but that's okay as I'm not in any rush. I'll get a GR Yaris body shel from somewhere and some wheels and tyres. I got one of those little Tamiya "slot car" GR Yaris's a few weeks ago too. Now to get an airbrush kit so I can paint the shells Feverish Red!

[rodericb]

Ordered Yaris body, some wheels and a MF01X ball bearing kit on Friday.



Here's a video on youtube of one which someone did earlier: https://youtu.be/I2e-5V-Ygjs

[rodericb]

As Jon Bon Jovi once said - whoah oh, we're halfway there....




The only other Tamiya I've ever built was a TA01 Celica many years ago. This one seems not as well thought out for maintenance. I don't have a servo for the steering so I'm wondering if I'm going to need to pull half the car apart to get it in.

[rodericb]

Okay, if you do build an MF01X car then ensure you've got the servo at the start of your build as you'll have to take half the car apart to put it in if you don't do so when the instructions tell you to!

Got the radio gear for it yesterday (Tamiya three channel) and all that remains is to paint the body, glue the tyres onto the wheels and get a battery. Regarding the battery, do I need to use a NiMH battery or can I use a lithium battery? What are the advantages with a lithium battery? The car is running the standard motor and speed controller.

[rodericb]

Whoops I saw your reply a bit late. I have a 5000mah nimh battery and charger now. Anyway, battery and charger arrived yesterday I charged it up and put it in the car to try it out. Another trap for young players is that you should set up the failsafe. I found out what happens when you have the car on but turn the transmitter off ha ha. Luckily the closest wall was only about five feet away but it did pick up quite a bit of speed in that distance!

I put some inserts into the tyres (pool noodle foam) and glued the tyres onto the wheels last night. Gave the car a bit of a run on the street this morning and it hoots along. I have soft tyres and they grip pretty well. I have to move the steering servo horn one notch as it's not centred.