TQ R/C & Hobbies

Following a first unofficial image of Tamiya’s TA07 Pro club-level touring car the Japanese manufacturer now officially revealed the all-new on-road platform. The kit makes use the lower TRF419 suspension with the chassis being a totally new design featuring a composite chassis plate to which an outer frame connects. The goal is to achieve optimised flex characteristics, compared to the class-standard tub chassis, while offering an easy to build and maintain platform. The transmission of the TA07 Pro is of a 1-belt design that allows to shift the motor and layshaft mount forth and back in order to alter the car’s overall weight distribution with the kit offering three different positions with a mid, mid-rear and rear motor position being possible. Other features of the Pro kit include high-performance TRF shock absorbers, TRF driveshafts as well as a range of blue anodised option parts such as ball studs, turnbuckles, and motor mount. More information and images will become available in time for the release.

Hot on the heels of the Tamiya TA07 Pro come first official images of Tamiya’s TRF419X and TB Evo.6 MS competition touring cars. Starting with the latest incarnation of the TRF419, the “X” variant is in development for some time now with the factory team having used prototypes of the car at several occasions such as the ETS and AOC races. The vehicle is a redesign of the TRF419 and it will feature updated front and rear bulkheads, a new motor mount as well as refined materials and component shapes in various areas. New for the “X” are also newly-designed low-profile big bore shock absorbers, new rear uprights, a multi-piece aluminium and carbon fibre servo mount as well as the 2.15mm carbon fibre main chassis and 2.0mm upper deck. The kit is set for a release at the end of June.

Pro-Line have introduced the 1973 Ford Bronco rock crawler bodyshell for 12″/305mm wheelbase rigs. Capturing the overall essence of the original Bronco the body features a detailed grill, headlights, body moulding trim and that distinct Bronco look. The body fits trucks such as the Axial SCX10 and Vaterra Ascender and it comes clear, including window masks and a comprehensive decal sheet.

To sum up our exclusive series of stories on Xray’s all-new RX8 2016 1/8th nitro on-road kit, including the making off part 1 and part 2 as well as the exclusive interview with designer Martin Hudy, we now have all details and images of the company’s all-new top-of-the-foodchain 1/8th kit available. The 2016 specification car received a massive make-over that starts with the all-new aluminium backbone in the form of full aluminium bulkheads, layshaft and radio plate mounts to ensure a strong yet lightweight framework while still allowing maximum flex characteristics for increased traction. Beside the bulkheads also the suspension mounts are made up using aluminium for maximised precision and durability.

Team Associated are currently working on their new Stealth low-profile 3-gear gearbox for the B5M mid motor buggy. A design that’s around for some time, the low-profile gearboxes are a common sight in the 2WD class when running on high to very high bite astro and carpet surfaces and so far only aftermarket conversion kits are available for Team Associated’s B5M buggy. The issued images show a prototype made up using rapid prototype parts with the actual gearbox expected to be of a standard black colour. We bring you more information on the transmission as soon as they surface.