Tamiya's TRF501X Buggy on production! Soon

[Captain Harlock]

If you go to the american web of Tamiya, you'll find that they've already listed the buggy within the wide list of mid level buggies. No info on release date, yet.
I hope it'll be very soon.

[jimmy]

Tamiya TRF501X will be in shops 1st December - bit of a surprise since a final version still hasn't been shown! (losi wheels, bj4 parts etc - surely not going to feature on the final car?????)

[PaulRotheram]

Aye, seems abit early for release.. surely they cant get new parts machined and moulded this early? :confused:

[jimmy]

The cars they ran a few weeks ago, at the worlds warmup, were using lots of parts from other manufacturers.. so, it would be amazing to see it come out so soon with their own parts.. Surely can't leave much room for testing the new parts can it ?
:confused:

[Southwell]

Tamiya have a lot of resources i would bet, they could prob develop the parts and chuck out the kits faster than most manufacturers.

[jimmy]

For such a large brand, they surely deserve a better (UK) importer. They don't even have a website for goodness sake.:flower:

[Southwell]

o0ple importers LTD? :bom:

[jimmy]

hey theres an idea! :p

[DCM]

they do have a website, but you have to be a trader to get into it.

Tamiya are looking at pricing and release dates at the moment, already they have changed to 'global release' not, this is when it comes out the factory. But te UK distributor just isn't interested in anything but the RTR and budget cars.

[jimmy]

I'm not sure when its released, but it will be in the shops 1st december.. thats what the shops have been told anyhow.

I emailed Tamiya UK (hobbyco) today, to ask about the car and whether they would be bringing it in. I will see what they have to say.

[DCM]

I'm not sure when its released, but it will be in the shops 1st december.. thats what the shops have been told anyhow.

I emailed Tamiya UK (hobbyco) today, to ask about the car and whether they would be bringing it in. I will see what they have to say.

They do know about it, just got to speak to the right person

[jimmy]

"pete", I got his email address off the tamiya eurocup site. I just wanted an official word, if they had one. I won't be asking them for a "review copy" or anything silly like that.:p

[PaulRotheram]

There's nowt silly about review cars :p

[jimmy]

very true! :p I should have it just after release. all being well.

[Rob Fitzgerald]

So when are you doing it then Jimmy ?

www.greytamiya.co.uk ?

[jimmy]

I'm getting it from Japan. And will review it as soon as I get it, early december all being well.

I always try to support UK importers and you'll not see mention of where the review car was obtained if I bought it. So the 501x will come from the same place the ZX5 and Tamiya Mini Frog came from, both obtained long before the UK importers had them and after trying, and failing, to get some help to review these cars.:)
(its the only way I can review the cars as an individual)

[PaulRotheram]

Should'nt matter where it comes from.. the companys should be thanking Jimmy for taking the effort to review their cars. Jimmys review alone kicked started the ZX5 craze, and makes people decide which car they wish to choose as shown by comments on the forum, and billions of fan mails :p

[jimmy]

nah, they can ignore me if they want, to be honest I don't mind anymore. I never expect help.

[DCM]

the problem with reveiws, is companies expect at least a neutral reveiw, preferably a positive one, and they don't like faults/issue's being aired on a public test.

Hobby Co aren't the best out there, but then RC is a small section of their market, and have, to an extent, ignored it due to the amount that is sources overseas. With the new pricing structure filtering down, kits will be cheaper here in the UK allowing shops to be more competitive.

[Nick Goodall]

I'm getting it from Japan. And will review it as soon as I get it, early december all being well.

I always try to support UK importers and you'll not see mention of where the review car was obtained if I bought it. So the 501x will come from the same place the ZX5 and Tamiya Mini Frog came from, both obtained long before the UK importers had them and after trying, and failing, to get some help to review these cars.:)
(its the only way I can review the cars as an individual)

I agree with Paul, especially as nobody's being particularly forth-coming with offering help - why worry about saying where you got it from?

Name and shame lol :D

[jimmy]

I have to say, the reviews I have done supported by the manufacturers, JConcepts, XFactory etc. They have just been happy to have a review on my site and never mentioned anything.
Needless to say, even if I buy a car myself, it is useful to get technical help or advice / interviews with the companys. But generally, if they don't want to help with a car they will not help in any other way either, thats true in 100% of cases so far.
I can give examples of companys that have asked me to give favourable reviews, but there are none of those companies products reviewed on this website :)

[DCM]

I can give examples of companys that have asked me to give favourable reviews, but there are none of those companies products reviewed on this website :)

HEEHEE

[stefke]

I'm getting it from Japan. And will review it as soon as I get it, early december all being well.



jimmy,

would you care to share the address of the japanes shop you pe-ordered the TRF501 from ? I've had enough with the ZX5 after it blew another bevel gear and two shockseals today. I guess it's just not made for high grip astroturf tracks. :mad: So i'm in the market for another 4WD for 2007 and I like the look of the TRF501.

[jimmy]

PM sent! :)

[DI Joe]

All,

Found this site whilst browsing (ok, whilst searching for 501).

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/news/news0611/news1.htm

It would seem to indicate that its 79800 Yen (thats £360) and would be released in Jan. It had better be something special for that!!!!!

[kentech]

....

[jimmy]

quote


As posted previously the TRF501X will be released December 2nd, list price is 79800 yen. Price in shops will be considerably lower.

The production version TRF501X is currently displayed at the Hobby Show in Japan. All Tamiya now...suspension, dampers etc. Tamiya wheels with Losi front hex and Associated style rear.

Here are some pics.

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/photo/49401.jpg (http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/photo/49401.jpg)
http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/photo/49401_3.jpg (http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/photo/49401_3.jpg)
http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/hsphoto/prs/SANY0112.JPGhttp://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/hsphoto/prs/SANY0108.JPG
http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/hsphoto/prs/SANY0120.JPG


More here:

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbysho...ews1.htm#49401 (http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/news1.htm#49401)
http://www.pro-s-futaba.co.jp/hsphoto/prs-1.htm
http://www.hobby-one.co.jp/hobby/ta.htmlhttp://www.oople.com/forums/images/misc/progress.gif [/URL]


end quote








Very nice, its lost a little bling but still looks great.
It doesn't appear to have vertical camber link adjustment front or rear, inside or out. but from the looks of it, those inner camber link braces look like they can be raised / lowered which would be a nice feature and make for quick and easy changes.
The wheels front and rear look like exact copies of losi front and proline rear wheels which isn't a surprise - I just wonder what fitment they use. I'd guess the same as their predecessors.
This certainly looks like the best Tamiya 4wd ever made, with the possible exception of the Avante maybe (for sheer coolness).
I can't wait to try fit these parts to my bj4 and see if it works! haha

I might have to order the one way


btw, that new DF03 shell looks cool also.

[URL="http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/photo/58380.jpg"]http://www.tamiya.com/japan/hobbyshow/report/photo/58380.jpg (http://www.oople.com/forums/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=13717)

btw, why'd you delete your post kentech ? just wondered

[DCM]

I am a little unsure on the F1 inspired DF03 shell, but the 501X just looks sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet....

[craigosh]

ooo offroad TRF shocks.... hopefully as easy to put together as the onroad ones...

Wonder if the front arms'll fit the BJ4WE... might be tougher than the jconcepts ones.. :D

[jimmy]

at least with the bj4 if you crash it into an immovable object, you always know whats broken before its happened, and you can fix it in a couple of minutes.
but I'd still prefer some bendy wishbones that absorb a little impact - I will certainly try them on the bj anyway! :D

[telboy]

wow, that shell looks awesome!

Those tamiya designers certainly know how to knock up a lovely shell don't they!

[ramblinman]

Awesome, my next buggy will most probably be the TRF....but i wont be able to make a decision till ive seen what the Hotbodies one looks like :( ....its all so exciting...there is so many buggies around at the moment!

[craigosh]

A nice close up of the shocks here http://yaggy.exblog.jp/
Little bit Losi little bit Associated/Yok...

Wonder how long till they make an all plastic version of this!!??

[kentech]

btw, why'd you delete your post kentech ? just wondered

I just moved it to the other 501X thread as that was the original one and had more info in it. So that's why I deleted it from this one... :)

[jimmy]

Ahh right ,I had already replied so didnt notice your post in the other thread since this thread was on top (ooh, how complex!)

anyway, looks ace. I ordered the one way today also - oh, and the mad df03 buggy - need to sell my impact now I guess.:)

[stefke]

OK. I'm officially on the pre-order list for the TRF501. Thanks Jimmy :thumrigh:

Jimmy, are you sure the center oneway isn't included ? Looking at the pics, I see something very similar to the Yokomo BX center oneway.

[jimmy]

Yea the 501X might well have a centre one way, hope so. But I was refering to the one-way diff thats shown in one of the photos - unfortunately I can't get a price on it at the moment but it should be released with or just after the car.

[telboy]

where you gettin 'em from? I've noticed that R10 have now sold out.

[jimmy]

pm sent

[Jimbo]

Three words
Losi Front Wheels! On a show car this close to production has to be a good thing...

[jimmy]

Well it doesnt have Losi wheels on it now in the latest "production" photos - but they are exact replicas from the looks of it. and proline b4 wheel replicas at the back.

[dallasv8]

is there any new photos floating around?

[jim76]

Three words
Losi Front Wheels! On a show car this close to production has to be a good thing...

I hated Losi front wheels! the hexes were too small and rounded easily. I copied Bathy and put a longer drive pin in and cut notches in the rims. problem solved.

[Chris Doughty]

Three words
Losi Front Wheels! On a show car this close to production has to be a good thing...

and if its a Tamiya that will hopefully drive the rest of the market hard.

we will hopefully see pre-mounted wheels/tires soon!!!

that would be HEAVEN!

just imagine, standardized wheel fitments for all 4WD cars and all 2WD rear axles!!! pre-glued tires YES YES YES!!

[jimmy]

I can't say ive ever rounded some of the dish wheels with proper hex patterns. maybe I'm not quick enough ?? :)

[stefke]

And spec tyres like this. :D

[jim76]

I can't say ive ever rounded some of the dish wheels with proper hex patterns. maybe I'm not quick enough ?? :)

outdoors i didn't have a major problem, but on high grip like carpet i rounded quite a few.

[barnyard]

i've rounded off loads of the wheel hex's norally on about the 4th set of tires but have found the ballistic wheels to last much better.

The only problem is the ballistic wheels don't look as good as the losi.


Does anyone know how well the yok wheels hold up in comparisson?

[super__dan]

i've rounded off loads of the wheel hex's norally on about the 4th set of tires but have found the ballistic wheels to last much better.

The only problem is the ballistic wheels don't look as good as the losi.



Agree 100%

[stegger]

found this on rctech;)

Production version will have kick-up angle steering bellcrank system (Prototype had flat one).

[jimmy]

Hey buddy, I've just been in that thread in rctech posting newer photos! what a coincidence! :p

Those photos are still using a lot of prototype parts and non-tamiya parts.
The final version of the car is this one here
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1228&page=3

And it should be released in about 2 weeks from today.

[stefke]

And it should be released in about 2 weeks from today.

Two weeks and counting !! I'm on the RC-champ pre-order list.
Since I've sold my ZX5 a month ago, I've been without a 4wd and I'm experiencing some symptoms similar to the period when I had just quit smoking. :D

[stegger]

Hey buddy, I've just been in that thread in rctech posting newer photos! what a coincidence! :p

Those photos are still using a lot of prototype parts and non-tamiya parts.
The final version of the car is this one here
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1228&page=3

And it should be released in about 2 weeks from today.

Are you getting one jimmy to review? i so want one of these for next year, but my head say's the BX. It's been a while since i raced offroad i can't wait to come back:cool:

[jimmy]

yea I sure am mate. I am buying it early december when its available. Wish I could ask Tamiya guys about it but its like a crazy iron curtain - so I will have to make up their answers! :p

[FifteenthNeo]

There is a price listed at tower hobbies for this buggy of $559 "Limited Run"
Seems a comparable price compared to the rest of the competition.

[jimmy]

Thats the first time ive seen this "limited run" thing, on the tower page. Wonder if that is true, or they just made it up :confused:

[DCM]

they do their TRF tourers as 'limited runs' but that means thousands, lol, and a an upgrade in about 9-12 months

[jimmy]

not looking forward to painting that shell, beat myself up if I do a crap job of it and it looks a hard one to paint as its so mad !

[DCM]

Let me spray it Jim... LET ME, probably be the only one I will ever get to spray!!!

[FifteenthNeo]

Really wanted to treat myself to a real nice buggy and I have held off mainly to not being able to come to a definate conclusion. See this buggy has not helped the slightlest.

[Elliott Hopkins]

From the video I've seen of it, the 501x looks damn fine.

Elliott.

[PaulRotheram]

Video?? links, ok tyyy :D

[Elliott Hopkins]

It's a video from the worlds track, possibly taken during the warm up.

Sadly it's on my hard drive. So if anyone can think of a way of getting it off there, it's all yours.

Elliott.

[DCM]

www.photobucket.com might be able to host it, just got to register it

[Elliott Hopkins]

It's not uploading.

[jimmy]

This the one where its on its own, another car or two going round but not on the pace ? not racing, just practicing ?
Ive seen it online at a couple of places, I will try find the link

[Elliott Hopkins]

That's the one Jimmy. The link I got it from is dead.

Elliott.

[Captain Harlock]

Guys, I'm sorry to change the topic.
Jimmy, I need to know if you have any information about the ProRacing Evo4-RB buggy.
It incorporates the same parts of the Tamiya TB-Evolution IV, but modified for buggy racing.
Are they gonna release it anytime soon, or is the project has been cancelled completely?

[jimmy]

it was racing the other week - I don't remember if it was last weekends regional or a few weeks ago. Last time I spoke to them, they were still planning their improvements.
I don't think the cars will ever be for sale, just for their team to run.

[dallasv8]

http://tamiyaclub.com/CS/forums/thread/182019.aspx there is a video link on this page if that helps

[Elliott Hopkins]

That's the dead link. Shame.

Elliott.

[woOdy]

It looks good going round the WORLDS track but its on its own and nothing to conpair it too. Want to see it go on a UK track. Looking at the photos of the front end, it looks like you cant raise/lower the front camber link ball studs? Wots that about?:confused:

[jimmy]

nah woody, the camber links look GREAT ! you raise or lower the alloy bar which holds both camber links ! I think that is pretty cool.

You'll get a drive of it soon, I will doubtless be over to test it at bury metro in a couple of weeks or so

[woOdy]

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200610/19/13/a0035013_223816.jpg
show me how you can raise or lower this camber link ball stud?

[jimmy]

on the inside ?

or stick a bj4 hub on it

[dallasv8]

try to right click and save the vid, i just done it and it worked for me.

[kentech]

The TRF501X is currently undergoing final testing in Japan. At the JMRCA Expert TC champs at Yatabe last weekend Tamiya had both Marc Rheinard and Hupo Honigl present.

Marc was racing at the JMRCA race but apparently Hupo had come along just to test the 501X together with the TRF designers and Marc.

Here's a bad quality picture taken in the pits at Yatabe.

http://data2.blog.de/media/216/981216_56fa1fadb3_o.jpg

http://kentech.blogs.se/

[jimmy]

COoool!!!!

Marc is a great driver. I saw hupo had tamiya stickers everywhere at the euros, was that from some touring car thing or was he lying in wait with the durango until he could get a 501X ?


I asked Tamiya UK and Tamiya USA for help with Q&A to make an interesting review - unfortunately as is common with these big fellas they ignored me. So, does anyone know who I might be able to contact ?

Hupo seems a good guy and he said he really liked my website, maybe he can tell me some things- Does anyone have an email address for hupo ?

[kentech]

Hupo has been running for the TRF team in touring cars since early 2006 (I think) so most probably he already knew about the 501 when he signed for Tamiya... He will probably be the number one name for Tamiya in Off Road in Europe unless they're signing some other TOP driver.

Don't have his email address.

[FifteenthNeo]

jimmy, check your pm in box

[stefke]

Are there going to be 2 versions ? ? ? ? Look at the prices. there must be a difference or is it just a normal price and a pre-order price ? If it's the latter, I'm lucky to have pre-ordered one. :D

http://sv09.wadax.ne.jp/~rc-champ-jp/cp-bin/oscommerce/catalog/default.php/cPath/113?osCsid=9a5f1f6fa2ed09115287965d5683d2ee

[jimmy]

Champ always have prices like that, I cant read so Im not certain but some of the other kits like this have extras like ESC, or complete electrics.
I would guess the higher price is a deal price with it all.. but suffice to say with champ you only ever need to worry about the lowest price.

Champ are helping me with the DF-03 review so I am more than happy to say I am getting both my Tamiya buggys from them next month.

[Elliott Hopkins]

I've been to the R/C Champ Advisor shop in Akiharbara, Tokyo. It is packed with all kinds of model stuff. I bought a nice KO servo from them. They don't speak English in there so that was a bit difficult.

Everyone should go to Japan.

Elliott.

[jimmy]

Their shop(s) look amazing! really would love to go. Might not know what the hell to say to them but hey.

[winehundred]

Are there going to be 2 versions ? ? ? ? Look at the prices. there must be a difference or is it just a normal price and a pre-order price ? If it's the latter, I'm lucky to have pre-ordered one. :D

http://sv09.wadax.ne.jp/~rc-champ-jp/cp-bin/oscommerce/catalog/default.php/cPath/113?osCsid=9a5f1f6fa2ed09115287965d5683d2ee
Maybe an epoxy and a carbon version, as they did with the Top-Forces?

[sim]

Champ always have prices like that, I cant read so Im not certain but some of the other kits like this have extras like ESC, or complete electrics.
I would guess the higher price is a deal price with it all.. but suffice to say with champ you only ever need to worry about the lowest price.

Champ are helping me with the DF-03 review so I am more than happy to say I am getting both my Tamiya buggys from them next month.

Jimmy is right. I was at their Tokyo store in June and asked about why they had 4 prices for the DF-03. They had 4 packages. One was just the kit, another was with aftermarket titanium screws thrown in, one was RTR, and one more I forgot but basically they mix and match to come up with their own combo deals.

There is one guy there that spoke English when I visited. That store is huge like a supermarket for R/C gear and they even have baskets by the door as you come in.

[winehundred]

2 recent pictures from a great belgian site :

http://nondidju.e-bulles.be/d/16737-1/World+2006+_247_.JPG
http://nondidju.e-bulles.be/d/16739-1/World+2006+_248_.JPG



http://nondidju.e-bulles.be/v/Modelisme+rc/Races/Electriques/

[Dunc]

vBulletin
Are there going to be 2 versions ? ? ? ? Look at the prices. there must be a difference or is it just a normal price and a pre-order price ? If it's the latter, I'm lucky to have pre-ordered one. :D

Hi all, this is my first post so be gentle! :D

By the way, great site Jimmy (reviews are top notch too, clearly a lot of time and effort dedicated on your part). Just finished my first year back in the sport after a university enforced sabbatical. Currently running an X10, but can't wait to get my hands on the TRF501X!

Anyway! I threw the text through Google translator (and emailed RC-Champ to check), but as I understand it the higher priced kit comes with the front one-way unit, a Tamiya Volac MS speed controller (a rebranded KO Propo VFS-1 as far as I can tell) and a set of Proline tyres. The cheaper price is for the kit only.

Hope that helps.

[jimmy]

Is that a Champ deal or a Tamiya deal - i cant imagine its a tamiya bundle ?

I asked champ about the one way and they didnt know a release date, I might have to get in touch and make sure its ordered.

Oh and welcome!!!! :) always room for more Tamiya fanatics! :)

[Dunc]

Thanks, Jimmy. :)

I suspect it is an 'RC-Champ only' bundle. Especially considering what others have said regarding the DF-03.

I've not ordered anything yet, I'm waiting until I can get hold of a comprehensive list of components - that way I can order some spares at the same time.

[kentech]

Here's a scan of an article about the 501X development from the latest issue of RC Sports magazine.

http://kentech.blogs.se

Check this link if you want the picture in full size (1600x1200):
http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/keokeokeo/imgs/a/9/a913a8ca.JPG

http://data2.blog.de/media/436/992436_13810cdbdc_m.jpg

[Gayo]

That rear wing is :wtf:

[Andy Moore]

That rear wing is :wtf:


werd.....besides it the JConcepts just extended upward. :p

[Colinevan]

Tell you what, i reckon spares are gonna be a nightmare at launch. :wtf:

Tamiya Uk , really do need to get more involved, I can honestly say that at CML etc you actually speak to someone who knows what you are on about.

I remember ringing up and asking about the 501, spoke to 3 different people who kept on asking me is it a touring car :confused:

I am very keen to buy a 501, but am sadly going to wait till an official car appears and see whether i can get some parts that are prone to breaking.. knowing me id better buy another car lol. ( i currently have 2 Lazer zx5's and 2 rc10 b54's lol )

Col.

[DCM]

I think, you got to appreciate where Hobby Co are coming from, they deal with a WIDE range of products, and ask them anything to do with the run-of-the-mill Tamiya stuff, they are well clued up. But like anything NEW from Tamiya, until Tamiya 'officialy' release anything, nobody knows about it in there, till then.

As for spares, they are easy(ish) to come by elsewhere....

[neiloliver]

What happened to RIKO? or have I been out of the loop for a while?

[DCM]

not sure on that one.

[Tony Gray]

I have a 501x on pre-order, but I sure hope it performs like nothing else, because that bodyshell and wing is easily the ugliest thing I've ever seen...

Did somebody say squashed cockroach maybe?

[neiloliver]

your right, buggies made to look like wings or with a low roof always look daft. think of bigwig, predator, topforce (i think?) X Factory cars, keen hawk...

Classic lines are always best. Original CAT, Optima, Lazer...

I am sure someone will bring out a nice body shell for you...!

[Elliott Hopkins]

http://www.rc-champ.co.jp/501_49401.jpg
(originally posted by DJTheo on Tamiyaclub.com)

[jimmy]

Yeeeehaaaaaawwww

[stefke]

JIPPIEEEE !!

Did any of my fellow pre-orderers got a mail from RC-champ ?

[jimmy]

Not yet. I do have other (stocked) items on order though as well.

[Tony Gray]

Mines the 3rd from the left in the second bottom row... Hee hee

Hey my car is coming from rc-champ so it'll be there!

[jimmy]

my car says hi to your car.... oh dear, are we a bit sad drooling over boxed toys ?



nah

[stefke]

Do I see my name on the 2nd box from the right on the top row. :D

I'm guessing there are a lot of eager people here ;)

[Bathy]

That looks like my order of 250 to me... sorry guys! :D

[stefke]

Just got an email from rc-champ to make the payment !

Now it's just waiting for the postman ! Being without a 4WD for 3 months is just to long ! :D

[jimmy]

*refresh*

*refresh*

*refresh*

*refresh*

WHeeeeeere iss eeeeeeeeet !!!!!!!

:D

[usagi]

Just recieved email conformation of shipping on mine from rainbowten...:)

All I need now is a brushless setup for it...:cool:

See you guys on the trackside soon.

[DCM]

Can I build one for someone?? go on, please....

[jimmy]

Post some pics up when you get them guys!:)

[Dunc]

That looks like my order of 250 to me... sorry guys! :D

My 'new thread sense' is tingling:

"TRF501X, such a good car I bought 250..." :D

(See Bathy's thread in the Yokomo section if this makes no sense!)

[stefke]

Can I build one for someone?? go on, please....

You wish !!!! :D

[DCM]

how much is the car costing from RC-Champ chaps?

[Dunc]

how much is the car costing from RC-Champ chaps?

Currently, £1 is approximately 230 JPY.

RC-Champ are charging 46,085 JPY
(http://sv09.wadax.ne.jp/~rc-champ-jp/cp-bin/oscommerce/catalog/default.php/cPath/113?osCsid=9a5f1f6fa2ed09115287965d5683d2ee)

This works out to around £200 (assuming my maths is correct! :) )

[Tony Gray]

There's gonna be a competition here to see who gets theirs first...

And I think its closer to Australia than the U.K. so I might win!

[bender]

There's gonna be a competition here to see who gets theirs first...

And I think its closer to Australia than the U.K. so I might win!

True ;)

Mine's paid for, so with any luck I'll have it in my hands on Wednesday next week :D

Tamiya have already put up a blank setup sheeton their website - and I've already started on an editable version.

[kentech]

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/49401trf501x/index.htm

..for pictures and details of the production spec kit.

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/49401trf501x/chassis.jpg

[stegger]

Bender can take the credit for this on RCTECH.
SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!!!:cool: :cool: :cool:

[bender]

Bender can take the credit for this on RCTECH.
SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!!!!:cool: :cool: :cool:

Actually I can't!

I got that link from page 9 or 10 of this thread ;)


I've already finished the editable setup sheet. Just have to put it on my website now.

edit: Just got an email from champ - mine is on it's way!!

[Elliott Hopkins]

That is one sexy car.

[jimmy]

sniffle

COME ON CHAMP
:o

[stefke]

Jimmy,

Are you telling me RC Champ hasn't mailed you yet as you were the one that started the whole pre-order thing ? :wtf:

I don't want to rub it in, but I received a message from Champ mine is on its way. :D

[jimmy]

lol, that is pretty much what im saying yeah! haha.

imagine if because I told a few people where I was getting mine- that champ have now sold them all!! I would cry.

[Bathy]

Out of interest how much, including shipping and import tax are people paying for these? I'm interested in getting one see, be wude not to have a few more cars! :eh?:

[jimmy]

can I request that you wait until I have mine on the way bathy! :( *sob sob*

[Chris Doughty]

Out of interest how much, including shipping and import tax are people paying for these? I'm interested in getting one see, be wude not to have a few more cars! :eh?:

you could just order some Tamiya TRF stickers and put them on one of your BX's :p

[jimmy]

haha
it would be the same thing!

[bender]

I think mine worked out to about US$440 including shipping to Australia.

Champs mail service can be a bit expensive, I suppose it's the price you pay for very quick service ;)

As for TRF stickers on a Yokomo :rolleyes:


That would be like thinking the Super Aguri and Renault F1 cars have the same level of workmanship, afterall they look similar ;)

[woOdy]

How cool does this car look!!!!! WOW. Looks better than the Yok.

[jimmy]

Don't do it woody, dont upset bathy.

I trust you'll be up for some driving of it then ?

[woOdy]

No. I just want to know who import it and an email to them please?

[jimmy]

You can try hobby company, [email protected]
They are "Tamiya UK"

[stegger]

Imagine the price of the car in this country:wtf: OOOoooccchhhhh

[jimmy]

I was told their world wide prices were coming inline with each other more, but not sure how true that is.

[DCM]

£355, but I think the trouble is, still, companies like RC-Champ can afford to go buy in bulk and at distributor prices and sell to the public direct.

[stegger]

£355, but I think the trouble is, still, companies like RC-Champ can afford to go buy in bulk and at distributor prices and sell to the public direct.
£355:o in this country? that would be bareable

[DCM]

and I reckon you could get it for less, once they pick up, more agressive marketing.

[dtech]

Hi all.
Ive been looking around the site for the past month or so trying to decide what buggy to buy. Decided on the 501 x so figured this would be the best place for a first post. Been racing on road for a while and want to get offroad.

Jimmy - Great site!

Looking forward to talking with everyone. Thanks for all the info so far.

TRF 501X is on its way as of this morning.

[jimmy]

Welcome!

Am I the only one who hasnt got one, despite putting in my preorder months ago ? :eh?:

[stegger]

Will have to wait and see weather people like this over the BX (SORRY TO DISAPPOINT BATHY:D ). But i already own a TRF MSX and i would love to have this:cool:

[FifteenthNeo]

Welcome!

Am I the only one who hasnt got one, despite putting in my preorder months ago ? :eh?:

Join the club mate:(
Anyone want a modded/hopped up Dark Impact :eh?:

[DCM]

I could be tempted by a 3Racing converted DF03......

[STEWART]

Hi guys just got my TRF 501X very nice i must say, no tires but that is to be expected, will tell more as i build.:)

[jimmy]

get some photos up mate!

and welcome!

[Bathy]

Will have to wait and see weather people like this over the BX (SORRY TO DISAPPOINT BATHY:D ). But i already own a TRF MSX and i would love to have this:cool:

Its ok, I've already had mine turn up, it looked at me funny so I chucked it in the bin... BX is best :)

[Elliott Hopkins]

The funniest thing I've seen a Yoke BX do, is at the CML track Rd 1 a certain superfast team driver accidentally gets his car hooked up on a track marker, he blips the throttle to free it as you do and the top links pop off. It was right in front of me and the marshall passed it over to me to pop them back on, 'oh the back ones hang off the bottom I see'. Much faffing later the car is back on the track.

Still a nice car and boy is that guy fast.

I really like the ball ends with the TAMIYA name imprinted in them.

Elliott.

[STEWART]

Just tried the Tamiya rims on my XXXCR and they seem to fit perfect both front and rear, which is very good news, lots of options very impressed.:)

[bender]

Just tried the Tamiya rims on my XXXCR and they seem to fit perfect both front and rear, which is very good news, lots of options very impressed.:)

No time for mucking about with rims Stewart, start posting pics ;) :D

[Tony Gray]

Damn Bender, you're closer to Japan than I am so you'll get your car first.... Dettmann will just have to wait.....

[bender]

I didn't know that Graeme "dungers" Dettman still raced!

And actually you're just as likely to get yours first - everytime I order something os from Japan it goes to Sydney airport first, then up to Brisbane :wtf:


Ok, my setup sheets are on my Dark Impact site here:

http://web.aanet.com.au/fir/dark/setups.htm

Just read the notes about the differences between the 2 versions;)

[Tony Gray]

Dettmann can never quit..... And the old bugger is STILL fast! Even with his DF03.

Luckily the 501 is a little out of his price range or that'd be it for everyone I think.

[stefke]

I Feel sorry for you Jimmy. :(

After all, you put me on the RC Champ track.

Mine is between Japan and europe now. :D

question : Does anybody know if the spur is 48dp or the Tamiya metric pitch ?

WHERE ARE THOSE PICS !!!! :mad:

[STEWART]

Sorry for no pics but no camera , the spur is a 96t 48p . By the way i am from Canada , i guess the country furthest away gets them first lol?

[woOdy]

Jimmy, you need to get onto them to see if your order went through and if so, where is your confirmation?:confused:

[HairySteve]

The Hobby Co rep told me the UK shipment would be here by the end of the week (ie yesterday) or by early next week so hopefully mine will be here by tuesday or wednesday :D There are only 10 coming into the UK on the first batch and when I ordered mine on wednesday they'd already sold 6 of them (mine was lucky number 7:cool:) At least 1 of my mates who I race with is very interested in seeing mine and possibly getting one himself, probably off fleabay though as usual with him :rolleyes: Pie Man who I also race with is in the market for a new buggy to replace his ageing XXX4 and nearly strangled me when I showed him pictures of the TRF501X cos he now wants one as well! :p The only problem being his wife who won't let him spend that sort of money on a "toy"... :rolleyes:
-Steve

[Dunc]

Steve,

How much are HobbyCo charging for the TRF501X in the UK?

Thanks,

Andy.

[kentech]

It's not mine.... :(

Just found these pictures on the web.

[jimmy]

:( :(

[Colinevan]

Steve,

How much are HobbyCo charging for the TRF501X in the UK?

Thanks,

Andy.

Id be curious as well, as i was told a uk price was going to be around £340.

Is this close??

Thanks

Col.

[DCM]

according to my source, I think rrp is about £355.

[darren]

While I have always been a die-hard X10 fan, I picked one up - other than the box being a complete WASTE OF SPACE, the product looks nice. Lots of blue too. The kit seems to be a hybrid of YOK/BJ4WE/ORIGINAL. THe body is killer too. Good thing I already have saddle packs! I will get some photos when I can - now its off to walmart to get some christmas gifts!

[HairySteve]

I figured out that the rrp is around 380 but that was a very quick (and probably totally inaccurate) calculation :rolleyes: I'd imagine most of the interweb places would do a certain percentage off (as usual, trying to undercut us shops who actually have a shop and have overheads and staff to pay... :rolleyes:) I'll let you know what I figure out the retail price at whren mine turns up later this week - I hope it gets here tomorrow!! :D
-Steve

[jimmy]

well, mine is finally paid for, they actually sent me an email saturday but since I dealt with them at work I only got it today. oops. I also have the oneway diff coming, cool!

[bender]

Just checked on my local post office site - apparently delivery was attempted today at lunchtime, pity I was at work :mad:

Oh well, at least I know I'll have it in my hands tomorrow afternoon.

[woOdy]

Any idea when yours is coming Jimmy?

[jimmy]

nope :( should of been here this week, but at least it will give me some time to get other stuff done I guess. Wont be racing it this coming weekend though!

[woOdy]

Thats just not the attitude to take. It should be possitive thinking. I will be racing this weekend. If you dont think it will happen then it wont.;)

[usagi]

Just checked on my local post office site - apparently delivery was attempted today at lunchtime, pity I was at work :mad:

Oh well, at least I know I'll have it in my hands tomorrow afternoon.



Yipppppppppeeeeeeeee.........just got mine :D

[Elliott Hopkins]

The shock angles remind me of the Avante family of cars, with the fronts laying more flat than the rears.

Elliott.

[Chris]

Is it possible to use the old tamiya rims (topforce) with this car?

[stefke]

Is it possible to use the old tamiya rims (topforce) with this car?

Propably not. It uses EA/Losi type wheels. A good thing for most racers.

[rado-steve]

Ordered mine on Friday, just got in as one of the last Pre-Orders! Any know of spares available yet, just my luck to go out and bust a wish bone :eh?:

[jimmy]

Hiya mate, and welcome.
I'd give them a email and ask them, I would guess that spares would be out later, I mean, a week or two after the car. but thats just a guess - might be out now!

last time I asked they didnt have a release date or price on the oneway diff, but when I got my confirmation today the oneway was on there. so they have some hopups / spares for sure.

[stegger]

Rainbow ten have them listed here:cool:
http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/

[rado-steve]

Cant abide rainbow 10's website, pain in the frickin' ass!!! Plus too damn expensive lol! I'll just email champ!

[HairySteve]

Jimmy, where are you getting your front 1-way from and how much is it costing you? I asked Hobby Co if they had them in stock and the part number didn't even come up on their computer. :( The UK ones should be in Hobby Co's warehouse later this week so I should have mine late this week or early next week. I hope they get spares for them as well, if not I might go on ebay and pick up a complete car for spares, or wait til jr-rc breaks a couple of kits for parts :)
-Steve

[Dunc]

Deleted....

[jimmy]

Hey up, its best we don't really discuss this sort of thing on an open forum for obvious reasons.
Champ are very helpful and polite.

[jimmy]

hey steve, I am getting the oneway from Champ - I do not have a part number when I asked for it, and didn't even know it was in until I saw my bill.

[Dunc]

Hey up, its best we don't really discuss this sort of thing on an open forum for obvious reasons.
Champ are very helpful and polite.

Fair play Jimmy, I thought I was probably treading on thin ice with that one!

My experience with RC Champ has indeed shown them to be a helpful and polite bunch.

Just a couple more weeks and I'll be getting that order in ASAP :)

[Dunc]

Front one-way: #53951

Try here:

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=53951

[bender]

:D Mines arrived!!!

Don't know how I'm going to concentrate on work when I have a car to build ;)

[Tony Gray]

As has mine...dead heat.

[jimmy]

please contain your excitement, since mine is still on the way :( haha

PHOTOOOOSSSS

In the photos of jasons car in china, the rear arms look a lot like the b4 / bj4 ones.

[Bathy]

http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=246

Ha ha class... Tamiya, the poor mans BX :D <only joking>

[DCM]

aaawww man.... I WANNA http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=49154

[stefke]

http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=246

Ha ha class... Tamiya, the poor mans BX :D <only joking>

Do I see this correctly : is there going to be a re-issue of the original Hotshot ? :o

Now a re-issue Avante (not the 2001 version) and my Classic collection is complete !

[usagi]

please contain your excitement, since mine is still on the way :( haha

PHOTOOOOSSSS

In the photos of jasons car in china, the rear arms look a lot like the b4 / bj4 ones.


The rear arms are exactly the same as the b4 in size and geometry &
the front arms are the same as the bj4....both have different hole sizes for the tamiya hingepins.

[jimmy]

Cool! hehe.
I thought the front arms had changed in look, but from the photos they tooo look similar.

makes for an interesting comparison anyways

[LEGEND]

how much does the TRF501X cost in pounds anyway cause on the website it works out around £400. :confused:

[rado-steve]

Do I see this correctly : is there going to be a re-issue of the original Hotshot ? :o

Now a re-issue Avante (not the 2001 version) and my Classic collection is complete !

Hotshot, where you get that from??? There is a Manta Ray and a Topforce!

[rado-steve]

how much does the TRF501X cost in pounds anyway cause on the website it works out around £400. :confused:

Hello to You Leg-End! Should have mine down the warehouse on Sat :)

[rado-steve]

please contain your excitement, since mine is still on the way :( haha

PHOTOOOOSSSS

In the photos of jasons car in china, the rear arms look a lot like the b4 / bj4 ones.

Just checked Parcel Farce Track and Trace, Mine is at the International Hub awaiting............Frickin' Customs Charges! The Robbin' Tw@ts! :mad:

So should have it tomorrow (Wed)

[stefke]

Hotshot, where you get that from??? There is a Manta Ray and a Topforce!


http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=246

Images around '30th anniversary", 2nd row, 1st pic from the right.

[Tony Gray]

Got part of it done......

[kentech]

COoool!!!!
Hupo seems a good guy and he said he really liked my website, maybe he can tell me some things- Does anyone have an email address for hupo ?

I just noticed this for you Jimmy while checking out RC Infos' report from last weekends Carpet World Cup in Switzerland. :)

http://www.rcinfos.com/2006/2006_12_05_touring_carpet_world_cup.php?pub=1

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c99/kentech/carpet_world_cup_7251.jpg

[jimmy]

haha, well spotted!!!! :D Hupo knows where it's at.

[stegger]

If your name isn't down for a 501x in this country you won't be getting one according to the HOBBY Co. The first batch of 10 or so are all called for:( rrp was about £380....

[jimmy]

10 ! lol... not confident on selling them then ? :eh?:

[bender]

Well mine is about 3 quarters finished, only have the front steering hubs, shocks, radio installation, and body/wing to go.

The quality of the kit (as expected) is fantastic. The detail on some of the machined pieces is superb :)

There is plenty to like about this car: steering setup is very smooth and slop free, the anti-squat adjustment on the rear is neat and well thought out, there are plenty of tuning options, overall the car just looks right and you can clearly see the effort Tamiya have put into the design.

Some interesting points are:

No sealed bearings - Admittedly the rear wheel and diff outdrive bearings are very well protected but where I race a few sealed bearings would have been good.

The shock caps have a bleed hole in them with screws supplied but the manual doesn't mention using installing the screws - close inspection reveals that the bleed hole doesnt project into the inside of the cap - not sure if this is an error or that Tamiya simply removed that feature.

A new grey carbon plastic is used for much of the new parts like shock cartidges and caps etc. The composite used for the arms is very stiff.

Inner camber link mounts can be raised and lowered using spacers (as guessed earlier by Jimmy).

Both front and rear hubs have an internal spacer between the wheel bearings like Losi, so you can tighten the wheels right up without fear of binding the axles.

2 different size pulleys are used for the diffs, a white TA05 pulley in the rear, and a smaller black 415 pulley in the front - meaning that the front wheels are driven faster than the rear. It also looks to me that it would be possible to build the diffs with either gear, giving various underdrive/overdrive options.

The diff rings are bigger than those used on the Tamiya tc's - and they aren't locked onto the diff outdrives.

Speaking of outdrives, the diffs themselves feel quite heavy, but I noticed on one of the new parts spures an extra diff nut retainer which is too wide to fit into the outdrive slots - I'm guessing that in the future there will be an alloy diff with blades option.

Both front and rear bulkheads overhand the chassis - with an angled skid plate (rear) and bumper (front) then attached to close off these areas, also giving a bit more ground clearance too. It means that the back of the chassis is not going to get damaged in any hard landings off jumps.

The wing mounts are quite flexible and are supplied with these wedges that can be turned around to vary the wing angle - nice:)

I'm looking forward to building the shocks - from the design and quality they look like they could be the new standard to which other off road shocks are judged by.


That's all for now. I have to say this has been the most enjoyable car to build :)

[jimmy]

great stuff mate, let us know how you get on. I have never built top-line tamiiya shocks, I have some of the optional tamiya df03 ones waiting for the keen hawk review which I have to say look very nice - I wonder what resources these guys must have to just go and make even more shocks!

[Dunc]

Good info there, Bender.

Makes me want my own even more now :)

Just a quick question:
Does the rear differential have a similar screw on cover as the front? None of the pictures I've seen give a good enough view.

Thanks.

Oh, and I'm sure everyone would appreciate some piccies when you're done... :)

[bender]

I'll try to take some pics this afternoon, however my camera sucks at close-ups :( (every time I decide to buy a new camera - I buy a new rc car instead!)

Both gearboxes have a screw on cover that also has the anti-roll bar mounts attached.

[jimmy]

I'd really like to see how the camber adjustment works and also the slipper. is there a centre one way ? it looks a similar arrangement to the BX with a nut at either end of the layshaft.

For close ups keep the camera further away but crop in close in photoshop or whatever afterwards. ? I can't say im totally the opposite but I've not bought new cells or motors for a LONG time because I spend all my dosh on the cameras.

[bender]

Attached are 3 pics from the manual showing the slipper, camber mount, and shocks.

[bender]

slipper ;)

[Elliott Hopkins]

Is the chassis based around the TA-05 motor and battery layout?

Elliott.

[kentech]

Is the chassis based around the TA-05 motor and battery layout?

Elliott.

The only thing carried over from the TA-05 is the drivetrain concept of equal length belts as far as I can tell.

[kentech]

TRF501X Manual:

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/rc/rcmanual/trf501x.pdf

[Bathy]

Been looking the instructions for this car… I think Yokomo would have a strong case in a court of law lol… shocking rip-off!

That said it should be a really good car, as the Yok is ace.

[jimmy]

looks great, but yes a bit of 'borrowing' going on there :D

Can I borrow your spare BX bathy ? I will send some dough for postage! :)

[ongbenghui]

Been looking the instructions for this car… I think Yokomo would have a strong case in a court of law lol… shocking rip-off!

That said it should be a really good car, as the Yok is ace.

silly idea... what happen if Tamiya buy Yokomo ? after all, Tamiya
is a big company many times the size of Yokomo.

[LiamD]

Been looking the instructions for this car… I think Yokomo would have a strong case in a court of law lol… shocking rip-off!

That said it should be a really good car, as the Yok is ace.

Didn't another company (Tech Racing perhaps?) design the car, then sold it to Yokomo and Tamiya? Apparently, Yokomo just sold it as the designers intended, but Tamiya decided to "refine" a few bits.

Tamiya have done it before with the 415 touring car - which Tech Racing desgined, and then sold on as the MY-02.

[jimmy]

I dont know what Tech racing have to do with the 415 but I heard they did the original 414 or whatever it was called ?
I'd highly doubt Tech had anything to do with this car or the yokomo

[LiamD]

Tech Racing definitely did the 415 - google pics of the MY-02 and you'll see what I mean.

I don't know what happened with Yokomo and Tamiya buggies, but it's just a story I heard!

[jimmy]

I dont take much notice of touring cars but I can honestly say I dont see any more similarities between the two as between the xray or rdx or yokomobd or cyclone and the Tamiya 415. they are all the same design from what I can see. There are probably others that I dont know about with the same design also.

Tamiya bought the suspension parts for the prototype from JConcepts directly, then they made their own versions for the final car. I dont really see an overall design that they could possibly have bought, they just nicked it.:D

[LiamD]

I'll keep schtum until I see Steve's 501!

Regardless... it's a cool looking bit of kit! The shell looks awesome in those promo pics, and if they go well it might tempt me to 4WD racing... :D

[Bathy]

looks great, but yes a bit of 'borrowing' going on there :D

Can I borrow your spare BX bathy ? I will send some dough for postage! :)

Yup, I'll send without wheel huh as you'll have them I'm sure, I need to clean one up nice for yah. PM me your address and I'll send it up next week... make sure Vicky 'the destroyer' Story doesn't touch it ha ha <joke> ;)

[DCM]

Tech Racing do the machining work for Tamiya, and the prototyping of the TRF cars, thats about as far as it goes.

[HairySteve]

I have no idea why Hobby Co only brought 10 TRF501's into the country, when I ordered mine 6 had already been sold and they'd only been announced a couple of days earlier. I reckon Hobby Co made a bit of a mistake only getting 10, considering how (comparitively) well priced the buggy is, and how eagerly anticipated it's been especially since the Shizuoka pictures found their way onto the net. I was expecting the kit to be the wrong side of 500 quid and once I found out it was nearer 350 I said to hell with it, get me one!!! :D I hope it gets here soon... :cool: I'm liking the look of the in progress build pics and scans of the instructions, if the shocks are anything like (or better than) the DF-03 upgrade shocks they'll be fantastic shocks. One of my mates who I race with has a set of those on his Academy SBV2, and wants another set for his Sand Viper (:rolleyes:) that he bought yesterday cos he wanted a cheap and cheerful 2wd to race with... :D
-Steve
PS has anyone checked what pitch the spur gear is, is it 48DP or is it "metric 48" (0.5 mod) like the DF-03 uses? Also are there any spur gear options listed or included? I race in a small village hall (average lap time of about 15 seconds) and we run reeeeeallly odd gearing in there... :rolleyes:

[Chris]

The body doesn't fit :(

I cut the trim lines according the manual and make the holes where they should be but the rear hole won't fit the body post.

[jimmy]

I read it was 48dp but it could be a lie! haha. Where did you order your car from steve, just go to a shop and ask them to get it ? or ?.
HobbyCo have been naff at replying to emails so im surprised you got one! :eh?:

[Dunc]

The parts list at the end of the manual describes the spur gear as "48 pitch spur gear (96T)."

I presume this implies pitch as in diametric pitch (DP). Considering the market the car is aimed at I'd be surprised if they used MOD over DP.

However, this is just an assumption on my part - can any owners confirm?

[HairySteve]

Jimmy, I might just so happen to work in a model shop... ;) I've known the hobby co rep for ages and he knows I'm into my 1/10 electric off road, he did me a good deal on my DF-03 and a ton of spares for it. He came into the shop grinnign like a cheshire cat the other day and said "I've got something to show you which you might be interested in", and brandished a couple of pics and some spec lists of the TRF501 under my nose. :) It took me all of 5 minutes and a phone call to the boss (so he knew it was for me and not for stock, so he wouldn't sack me when he saw the invoice! :D) to get my one ordered up. :) I'm really looking forward to building this thing, a couple of the guys I work with are green with envy and they haven't even seen it yet... :D
-Steve

[rado-steve]

I'll keep schtum until I see Steve's 501!

Regardless... it's a cool looking bit of kit! The shell looks awesome in those promo pics, and if they go well it might tempt me to 4WD racing... :D

Now Then, Got It today, It'll be down the W/house on Sat :cool: At what stage of construction I don't know LOL!!!

[HairySteve]

I just had a quick squint through the instructions on Tamiya's website, and considering this is supposed to be a competition kit, there is virtually no setup info at all! No mention of the adjustments I could see in the kit (eg the spacers under the top arm mounts or above the rear lower hinge pin mount) just a brief "trying to teach granny to suck eggs" section on "if your car doesn't go, make sure the battery is plugged in" and a bit about what camber and toe in do. Please someone write a decent setup guide for this thing! (and other 1/10 electric buggies) :D
-Steve

[jimmy]

Insider knowlege steve! nice one! :D

I noticed this screw kit from CHAMP, not sure what it is, looks to be possibly aluminium and titanium mix for different areas of the car (alloy for the unstressed parts I guess)

http://sv09.wadax.ne.jp/%7Erc-champ-jp/cp-bin/oscommerce/catalog/images/TRF501_640.jpg

there are a few too many steves on this thread, its confusing, what is it about steves and tamiyas ?

[bender]

The spur gear is a proper 48dp - 96T. The car also includes a 17t pinion.

The internal ratio is 2.25:1

Finished building the shocks last night - they are damn smooth!

An update from my previous post about the shock caps - Having used AE shocks in the past I know how much better they felt once you put yokomo caps on them so you could use the bleed screw.

So I thought I'd have a look at the Tamiya caps and see what's required to use the bleed screw. Inside the centre of the cap is a small indentation - I simply drilled though this with a hand drill (2mm bit) and discovered that after only a few twists it pushed through to the end of the existing bleed screw hole :)

Now it was possible to use the bleed screw correctly - as seen on the prototype cars, and it made the shock feel really nice - I'm not sure why Tamiya didn't pre drill the hole as standard :o

As for the design, all I can say is that like touring cars, there is a basic layout that is proving most effective overall since the time of the XX4 - that is saddle packs right at the back, and motor towards the front.

What manufacturers like Yokomo, JConcepts, Tamiya etc have done is refine the basic layout, and re-route the drivetrain for better efficiency than the XX4.

Tamiya might have copied the "concept" from Yokomo/J Concepts, but once you build this car you'll notice all the little details which make all the difference ;)

[bender]

A couple of pics. Sorry about the quality :(

Still need to finish the front steering hubs.

[bender]

Another,

[bender]

last one ;)

[DCM]

Jim, it is just Steve's have good taste :D

Wish I bought one now :(

[Chris]

Nobody having troubles with the rear body post?
It won't fit the rear hole of the body...

@bender: Which screws are used for the bleed screw hole in the shocks?

[bender]

Nobody having troubles with the rear body post?
It won't fit the rear hole of the body...

@bender: Which screws are used for the bleed screw hole in the shocks?

When you've finished you'll find you have 4 or 5 of the little M2 X 6mm Socket head screws - they are the bleed screws.

Mine is now finished (chassis anyway) so a few more comments:

Chassis looks like it has plenty of room until you start fitting radio gear!
The suggested layout puts the rx on the servo side with the esc behind the motor - you'll need a bloody small esc to do that.

For best balance, both the rx and esc need to be on the servo side - trouble is you need to leave a space behind the servo to access the bottom motor screw. And then you run into space problems again!

The pinion must be put on the motor before it is installed in the car cause once it's in you don't have enough room to silde a pinion on :o

I had a little trouble with the steering hubs binding - it seems the holes in the hub in which the kingpins screw in aren't perfectly straight, and the kingpins themselves appear to be very slightly too long.

After a bit of work chamfering all the holes on the c-hub and leaving a 1mm gap between the kingpin and the steering hub, everything seemed ok.

Not too keen on the standard screws either, which I admit was a problem on my 415 and Evo5 too. The hex isn't cut very deep so it's quite easy to slip the driver in the screw head - at least with the countersunk screws. It doesnt help when you're also screwing into very hard plastic!

I ended up ruining my Hudy driver on the screws and stripped a couple - previous experience with these screws tells me that getting them out of the alloy parts is going to be a pain.

I think I'll need to get a better screw set.

Other than that everything went fine - car certainly looks the business - unfortunately for me it will be quite some time before mine gets run as I need to get my spare esc fixed before I can run it :(

[Chris]

Does anyone compared the tamiya springs with the asso springs?

Which spring rate does they have?

[Tony Gray]

Benders done all the chassis talk, so I went in a different direction.. Here's the first painted bodyshell. Couldnt be bothered coming up with something new and innovative for the first shell, so I went for a slight variation on the box art.
Be warned its a pig to duplicate and the 501 shell is just slightly annoying to paint...

[jimmy]

That looks ace mate, I was thinking of doing something similar mainly because I'd be scared of it looking terrible with something different haha. it looks really good with this paint job.

[kentech]

A few more pics here:

http://kf2205.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/

http://blog.livedoor.jp/keokeokeo/

[Tony Gray]

Jimmy I do have some other ideas for paintwork but the car is getting its first run tomorrow at our last major event for the year and for this first time out the 'box art' paint will have to do.
I think I'm also secretly hoping that someone does an aftermarket shell too because I still think this one looks pretty crap....

[HairySteve]

Mine should be here tomorrow! :D There was a bit of a mix up at hobby co, mine accidentally got deleted off the order but I managed to get one sent out for 9am delivery tomorrow morning. Excellent. :cool: I'm going to get a spare body, undertray and wing for mine and give them to our resident airbrush wizard for painting, I'll do the shell a plain colour for now. Does it come with window masks? :confused: I hope so. Can someone explain about these bleed holes to me, I think I know how to do them but I'm not sure. Do you fill the shock right up, leave the bleed screw out and push the piston all the way up til oil comes out the hole, then bung the screw in? Sorry for the silly question but I've only done shocks with rubber diaphragms in the top :D
-Steve

[Tony Gray]

No window masks.......

[HairySteve]

Oh well, masking tape and scalpel time...
Unless... Jimmy...???? ;)
On a (slightly more) serious note, when are the drivers name stickers going to be available again as I wouldn't mind a few for my new shells for the TRF and DF-03 :D Also thinking of getting an X6 for the 2wd season next year, one of my mates has an old B4 in parts I can use to build up the rest of the car :) Anyone know where I can get an X6 conversion kit in the UK?
-Steve

[jimmy]

Lesro import/sell the X-6 conversion in the UK

I will indeed make some window masks as soon as I get the car mate. As for name decals I do them still, just not got a form online (I have a new one ready but time prevents me putting it up.)

Will PM you with some info tho :).

[HairySteve]

Cheers for the PM Jimmy, I just got back to you ;) Have you got any contact info (email or phone number) for Lesro? I won't be getting the X6 this side of chrimbo, I need to get round my mate's place and see exactly what else I need to get to make the car up. I think he said it needs a set of shocks... :rolleyes:
-Steve

[Tony Gray]

Just need some round black things and its ready to go for tomorrow...

Sometimes you ask yourself though, is a 3.5 brushless enough?

[bender]

Tony,

What servo are you using?

Ive got a GM one in mine and it just takes up too much space.

I need something around the size of a Futaba 9550 but with more torque

[Tony Gray]

Mine has a 9550, figured it was worth a try as its worked fine in my other play cars this year (DF03, Cat 3000, Pred)

And Dettmann hasnt complained which is what I go by...:D

TG

[FifteenthNeo]

Would the Yokomo shell fit the 501???????