Monthly Archives: March 2025

Full details and photos of Tamiya 56048 1/16 R/C M4 Sherman 105mm Howitzer (Mechanical Steering System)

Shipping dates and prices will be announced as soon as they are decided.
Length: 376 mm. Image shows assembled and painted kit.

The Sherman tank was a staple of the Allied effort in WWII, with a total of about 50,000 vehicles produced, among which were a host of different variants such as the M4 Sherman 105mm Howitzer, a variant used in fire support. The M4 hull featured rolled steel plates, and it employed a 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine in the rear which powered the front sprockets via a 5-speed transmission with reverse; the 105mm gun fired howitzer rounds, smoke rounds and incendiary ammunition. The late production vehicle had horizontal vertical spring suspension (HVSS) and 840 units were produced, providing infantry support and taking part in assaults on enemy strongpoints from Europe to the Pacific Theater.

Controlled Differential Steering System
In WWII, the average tracked vehicle used a clutch brake system, whereby the sprocket on the turning side was braked to create a difference in speed between the tracks and let the vehicle turn. While it did enable pivot turns on the spot by completely stopping one track, it required considerable skill to operate, not to mention the fact that it experienced mechanical power loss and a tendency to overheat the brakes. On the other hand, the M4 Sherman used a controlled differential system that braked a sprocket wheel via a differential gear: as the turning side track slowed, the other track sped up, leading to smooth turns and in one fell swoop both minimizing mechanical loss and negating brake overheating issues. This system was also employed on the M24, the M8, and the M2 high speed tractor, vehicles which all contributed to the eventual success of the Allied WWII campaign.

About the Model
This is a 1/16 scale R/C model assembly kit. ★Just like the actual tank, the model uses a controlled differential steering system. ★Metal components are used for drive sprockets, suspension arms and idler wheel bases. ★The horizontal vertical spring suspension (HVSS) uses metal coil springs. ★Pre-assembled plastic tracks use metal pins and connectors.

Mechanical Steering System
A differential gear transfers power from the Type 540 motor. When the tracks rotate at the same speed the model moves in a straight line, turning as the track speeds differ: transmitter commands cause servo movement, which in turn slows the turning side track via one of the brake discs in the differential. A planetary gearbox in the differential unit speeds up the unbraked track.

Specifications
★Length: 376mm, width: 183mm, height: 205mm. ★Type 540 motor ★ESC included for export.

Separately Required Items
★2-channel R/C system ★R6/AA/UM3 batteries for transmitter ★Battery pack & charger

Official product photos and descriptions of some upcoming Tamiya Mini 4WD releases

95689 Thunder Shot Mk.II Asia Challenge 2025 (MS Chassis)

To commemorate the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge 2025 (TMAC) which is planned in Taiwan in early summer 2025, this limited-edition release depicts our popular Item 18620 Thunder Shot Mk.II. It features a new color body (light smoke), MS chassis (light gray) with component parts (green), newly designed clear stickers and new packaging, which makes the car stand out!
• Mini 4WD model assembly kit. Length: 152mm, width: 92mm, height: 40mm.
• The MS chassis and A parts are molded in light gray and green plastic, respectively.
• The popular Thunder Shot Mk.II body is molded in light smoke plastic.
• Gloss-green plated, fin-type wheels are paired with black super hard low-profile tires which have “TAMIYA MINI 4WD / ASIA CHALLENGE / SUPER HARD” lettering print in white.
• Clear stickers feature a modern design which has Asia Challenge lettering and its year.
• Includes a Type 130 motor. The model features a 3.5:1 gear ratio.
• Two AA batteries are required (sold separately).
• A wide range of Grade-Up Parts is available separately to customize your car.

19024 Fun-Vroom (EZ Chassis)


This assembly kit is a beginner-friendly platform – called “Trail Mini 4WD” – with the newly designed EZ chassis – into the Mini 4WD model family. The kit ensures ease of assembly with a limited number of parts and does not require Mini 4WD track courses and high-level tune-ups. The first model features a body design inspired by full- size 4WD buggies which give the model a powerful image.
• The new EZ chassis features ease of assembly, and it is molded in tinted smoke-color plastic to make the inside structure visible.
• A central double-shaft motor (Type 130 motor) is used like Mini 4WD PRO kits.
• Cement and screws are not required. Side cutters and tweezers are the only required tools.
• Replace the battery from the chassis underside.
• Using only one AA battery (sold separately), the model moves at walking pace (1m in about 3.6 seconds).
• The model features a 50:1 gear ratio.

15545 26mm Tires/Carbon Wheels Hard/Sm Dia/Low Profile Gray

Use this tire and wheel combination to fine tune your Mini 4WD machine to the track!
• Hard Small Dia. Low-Profile Tires (26mm/Gray) x4
• Carbon Wheels (Dish, for Super X & XX Chassis) x4
• Hard small diameter low-profile tires feature a lower grip and are molded in gray.
• Y-spoke carbon fiber reinforced wheels retain shape more effectively and reduce car bouncing.
• Hard tire compound.
• Compatible with Mini 4WD PRO and Mini 4WD cars with small diameter tires. (Please note that some chassis and bodies may require modification.)

15546 31mm Tires/Carbon Wheels Lg Dia/Low Friction/Arched

These are Mini 4WD optional tires fitted on V-Spoke wheels. Use them to tune your Mini 4WD machine to the racetrack.
• Large Dia. Low Friction Arched Tires (31mm) x4
• Carbon Wheels (V spoke) x4.
• Low friction tires feature a lower grip characteristic on track. Fit them to front for smooth cornering, or rear to shorten jumps.
• V spoke carbon fiber reinforced wheels retain shape more effectively and reduce car bouncing.
• Hard tire compound.
• Compatible with Mini 4WD PRO and Mini 4WD cars with large diameter tires. (Please note that some chassis and bodies may require modification.)

15547 Spike Tire/Wheel Set EZ Chassis

This spike tire and wheel set is for use on the new EZ chassis (used on Item 19024 Fun-Vroom). The set can be used to boost the uphill performance of the EZ-Chassis when transversing obstacles.
• Spike tires (black, elastomer) x4.
• Wheels (gun metal, polypropylene) x4.
• Dedicated wheels which are compatible with hex shafts of Trail Mini 4WD kit. (Not compatible with hex shafts of Mini 4WD race cars.)
• These tires boost performance on slopes and rough terrain.
• Compatible with EZ chassis cars. (Please note that some bodies may require modification.)

95683 HG Alum Ball-Race Rollers LW 13mm Tapered (Ringless)

These HG 13mm Tapered Aluminum Ball-Race Rollers (Ringless) feature an innovative design that utilizes holes to restrict extra weight. Their tapered shape helps the car get back on the course when it goes over course.
• Lightweight 13mm Tapered Aluminum Ball-Race Rollers (Ringless) x2 *New shape with holes.
• 2x8mm screws x2
• Roller Spacers x4
• Built-in 520 ball bearings.
• Saves roughly 20% weight compared to Item 95497.
• Item 95497: 0.97g / Item 95683: 0.77g (Weight is per one roller with built-in 520 ball bearing.)
• Compatible with Mini 4WD PRO and Mini 4WD cars.

95684 Multi Roller Setting Stay HG Carbon (3mm) Asia Challenge

To commemorate the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge (TMAC), this limited-edition product takes our popular HG Carbon Multi Roller Setting Stay (3mm) (Item 95258) and adds green color Asia Challenge graphics to celebrate the occasion.
• HG Carbon Multi Roller Setting Stay (3mm) Asia Challenge (Green Logos) x1.
• The lightweight carbon fiber stay has increased rigidity.
• This stay features green Asia Challenge and Tamiya logo print for a special look. (Do not use cleaners as they will damage the printed area.)
• Attachment holes are provided for 9mm, 13mm and 19mm rollers, offering plenty of setup options! (Use with separately sold option rollers.)
• Can be attached at both front and rear.
• Includes screws, nuts and washers for attachment.
• Compatible with all Mini 4WD and Mini 4WD PRO cars. (Please note that some chassis and bodies may require modification.)

95685 HG Carbon Rear Stay 3mm Asia Challenge Green Logo

To commemorate the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge (TMAC), this limited-edition product takes our popular HG Carbon Rear Stay (3mm) (Item 95259) and adds green color Asia Challenge graphics to celebrate the occasion.
• HG Carbon Rear Stay (3mm) Asia Challenge (Green Logos) x1
• The lightweight carbon fiber stay has increased rigidity.
• This stay features green Asia Challenge and Tamiya logo print for a special look. (Do not use cleaners as they will damage the printed area.)
• Attachment holes are provided for 13mm, and 19mm rollers, offering plenty of setup options! (Use with separately sold option rollers.)
• Includes screws, nuts and washers for attachment.
• Compatible with MA, MS, VZ, FM-A, AR, VS, Super-II, Super X, Super XX and Super TZ-X chassis cars. (Please note that some chassis and bodies may require modification.)

95686 Lp Tire/A-Spoke Wheel Set Sm Dia/Black Plated Asia Challenge

This limited-edition product commemorates the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge (TMAC). The set includes black-plated A-spoke wheels for a stylish look, and small diameter low-profile hard tires.
• Small Dia. Low-Profile Hard Tires x4
• Black Plated A-Spoke Wheels x4
• Black plated A-spoke wheels are paired with green elastomer, hard low-profile tires.
• The tires have “TAMIYA MINI 4WD / ASIA CHALLENGE / TMAC” lettering print in white. (Do not use cleaners as they will damage the printed area.)
• Compatible with Mini 4WD and Mini 4WD PRO cars with small diameter tires. (Please note that some bodies may require modification.)

95687 Hyper Dash Motor Pro Asia Challenge

This limited-edition release of the double-shaft Hyper-Dash Motor PRO (Item 15375) has a label and packaging commemorating the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge (TMAC). It is a balanced, high-performance motor for advanced Mini 4WD PRO racers. It is at home on a range of courses, from twisting and turning technical ones to straight-dominated speed layouts.
• This motor increases car speed and requires an advanced machine setup.
• Silver carbon mixture material brushes ensure both electrical efficiency and durability.
• The motor label is gold and black, and the end-bell red.
• Input voltage: 2.4-3.0V.
• Torque at recommended load: 1.4-1.9mN-m.
• RPM: 17,200-21,200.
• Current consumption: 1.6-3.0A.
• Compatible with Mini 4WD PRO cars only.
• Use with 8T pinion gears (sold separately).

95688 HG Alum Ball-Race Rollers 19mm Ringless/Green Asia Challenge

This limited-edition product is based upon our popular HG 19 mm Aluminum Ball-
Race Rollers (Ringless) (Item 15464). It commemorates the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge (TMAC) which features cool green graphics.
• Aluminum rollers with built-in 520 ball bearings x2
• 2x8mm screws x2
• Spacers x4
• These aluminum rollers have “MINI 4WD ASIA CHALLENGE” lettering and Tamiya logo print on a green background. (Do not use cleaners as they will damage the printed area.)
• Compatible with Mini 4WD and Mini 4WD PRO cars. (Please note that some bodies may require modification.)

Trail Mini 4WD Kumamon Version (15th Anniversary) under development


Length: 130mm. Image shows assembled and painted prototype.

This upcoming Trail Mini 4WD car assembly kit will commemorate the 15th anniversary of Kumamoto Prefecture official character Kumamon’s birth. ★The Fun-Vroom cockpit has been updated with a roll cage roof that lets you see Kumamon at the steering wheel. ★Stickers are included for various graphics including the 15th anniversary bonnet logo. ★The Kumamon driver figure comes pre-assembled and painted.

Further information will provided in the upcoming weeks and months.

Trail Mini 4WD
Tamiya announced the first Trail Mini 4WD at the 2025 Spielwarenmesse: Fun-Vroom. The EZ chassis is powered by a single R6/AA/UM3 battery and runs at a leisurely speed. A simple assembly process requires neither screwdrivers nor grease.

Tamiya official release list April 2025

RC Models
42390 TRF421 Aluminum Lower Deck
51751 1/10RC Audi 90 Quattro Racing Spare Body Set
57941 1/10 RC XB Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (TT-02 chassis)
58745 1/10 RC Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) (TT-02 chassis)
58746 1/10 RC Peugeot 306 Maxi (BT-01 chassis)

Scale Models
24371 1/24 Toyota GR Supra Custom

Mini 4WD
15545 Super X/XX Hard Small Diameter Low Height Tire (26mm/Gray) & Carbon Reinforced Wheel (Dish)
19024 1/32 Van Brun (EZ chassis) (Scheduled for release in 2025)
95682 MS Color Chassis Set (Fluorescent Orange) Mini 4WD Station
95681 MS Chassis Reinforced Gear Cover (Fluorescent Orange) Mini 4WD Station