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Instant Wheelies & 4WD Fun! Tamiya Lunchbox Mini SW-01 video review by RC Driver



Tamiya continues to wow their fans with fun RC vehicle releases and their latest, the Tamiya Lunchbox Mini has action and excitement written all over it. Take a look at the latest play on the classic Lunchbox. This iconic van body has been placed on a new SW-01 Star Unit 4WD chassis. The compact chassis is filled with gears to drive the front and rear. A unique steering system integrates into the suspension so it leans toward the inside of the turn when steering. This is a full build up RC model and you will need to supply the electronics. Once you’ve assembled the truck you’ll have a blast learning the Lunchbox Mini’s quirky driving traits and when you’re ready for a change of pace, option parts are available too. We’ll show you some of those options in this video.

OPTIONS
Upper Arm Connectors: 54898
Bearing Set: 54900
370 Sport Tuned Motor: 54860
Spring Set: 54899
NOTE: After this video was made, we found that the Lunchbox Mini with the Option Upper Arms installed will turn even tighter at lower speeds on smooth surfaces.

Soure: RC Driver YouTube channel

Tamiya Mini 4WD Chassis Select Guide


Check the compatible parts and machines for each chassis!
We will introduce in detail each type of mini 4WD chassis that can participate in the Mini 4WD official competition. You can check the information of the corresponding upgrade parts and which chassis is used for which kit. Please help find your new machine and consider your machine settings.
※ Number of published specifications may change by kind of roller or tire.
※ The upgraded parts displayed in “Supported parts” may be limited in usable parts depending on the combination with the chassis (Example: Only pinion gears can be used among gear sets). Please also check the item of “Supported chassis” listed on the explanation page of each upgraded part.

Midship layout chassis with double shaft motor

  • MA chassis
    MS chassis monocoque aero type. In addition to low center of gravity, we adopt chassis design conscious of air flow. High performance chassis equipped with six rollers as standard and with improved side expandability. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 156mm / total width: 97mm / wheel base: 80mm / tread: 59.5mm / weight: 125.9g / ground height: 2.2mm / gear ratio: 3.5 1 
    ※ When low height tire · alkaline battery mounted

  • MS chassis
    A triple nose / center / tail chassis with direct drive by a double shaft motor. The box structure is strong against twisting and boasts high rigidity. Favorable 80mm wheelbase at the corner. 

    [Specs (example of N-02 unit)] 
    Total length: 152mm / total width: 92mm / wheel base: 80mm / tread: front 67 / back 69mm / weight: 124.7g / ground height: 4mm / gear ratio: 4: 1 
    ※ Large When diameter tires and alkaline batteries are installed

Stable driving at the center of gravity forward, front motor chassis

  • FM-A chassis

    FM-A chassis A chassis
    with a front motor layout that incorporates an aero design. Since the center of gravity is located on the front of the vehicle body, it is possible to run with a sense of stability even on a course with many ups and downs. 

    [Specs] 
    total length: 150mm / full width: 97mm / Wheelbase: 83mm / tread: 60mm / Weight: 117 g / ground clearance: 2.5mm / gear ratio: 3.5: 1 
    ※ small diameter low-height tire (26mm) · alkaline batteries when worn

  • Super FM chassis


    Evolution of the super FM chassis FM chassis. In addition to the improved bumper strength, the bottom of the chassis is designed with the aero effect in mind, and it also has a motor cooling duct. Rear roller stay first adopted. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 144mm / total width: 90mm / wheel base: 83mm / tread: 64mm / weight: 117.2g / ground height: 5.5mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4: 1 
    ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery mounted

  • FM chassis

    FM chassis
    A chassis created from the new concept of mounting a motor on the front. Center of gravity balance from the front demonstrates running stability in the technical course that continues up and down. 

    [Specs] 
    total length: 132mm / full width: 86mm / Wheelbase: 83mm / tread: 64mm / Weight: 113 g / ground clearance: 7mm / gear ratio: 5: 1,4.2: 1 
    ※ large-diameter tires, alkaline battery is installed

Mini 4WD standard style, rear motor chassis

  • AR chassis A
    highly rigid chassis with excellent serviceability. Adopted 6 rollers for the first time, and the battery is also low. 82mm wheelbase machine with extensive side expandability. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 155mm / total width: 97mm / wheel base: 82mm / tread: 67mm / weight: 123.5g / ground height: 5mm / gear ratio: 4.2: 1 
    ※ When large diameter barrel tire · alkaline battery installed

  • VS Chassis
    A matured high-performance chassis of 80 mm short wheelbase type that is lightweight and compact with a small turn. Excellent maintainability with hinged gear cover and battery holder. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 145mm / total width: 90mm / wheel base: 80mm / tread: 64mm / weight: 113.8g / ground height: 5mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4.2: 1, 4: 1 
    ※ large diameter tire · alkaline When the battery is attached

  • Super TZ-X chassis

    Super TZ-X Chassis
    An expanded version of the Super TZ. We adopt screw hole addition of front bumper and 2 point stop type rear stay. Medium wheel-based high-speed stable type. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 148mm / total width: 90mm / wheel base: 82mm / tread: 68mm / weight: 115.4g / ground height: 5mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4: 1 
    ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery mounted

  • Super TZ chassis

    Super TZ chassis
    82 mm medium wheel base chassis with excellent stability at high speeds. It features a flat chassis underside that lays out the battery at a low position. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 147mm / total width: 90mm / wheel base: 82mm / tread: 68mm / weight: 117.6g / ground height: 5mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4: 1 
    ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery installed

  • Super XX chassis

    Super XX chassis
    Super X enhanced and expanded. It features a nose guard that enables a wide range of roller settings. It boasts outstanding stability such as further strengthening of rigidity and functional enhancement of side stays. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 153mm / total width: 98mm / wheel base: 84mm / tread: 70mm / weight: 119g / height above the ground: 1.9mm / gear ratio: 3.51 
    ※ When equipped with a small diameter wide tire alkaline battery

  • Super X chassis

    Super X chassis
    A wide tread and long wheel base chassis with a 72 mm shaft. Body rigidity is also high and stability is high. The motor can be attached and removed from the lower surface of the chassis, and the rear stay has two points. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 156mm / total width: 92mm / wheel base: 84mm / tread: 70mm / weight 111.8g / ground height: 5.2mm / gear ratio: 5: 1.4: 1  
    ※ When small diameter wide tire · alkaline battery installed

  • Super 2 chassis

    Super 2 chassis
    Evolution of the super 1 chassis. A chassis with enhanced bumper rigidity and enhanced expandability. Full-featured battle equipment such as turn-type switches, 2-point fixed rear stays, and screw-type covers. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 150mm / total width: 97mm / wheel base: 80mm / tread: 64mm / weight: 115g / ground height: 5.3mm / gear ratio: 4.2: 1 
    ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery mounted

  • Super 1 chassis


    Evolution of Super 1 chassis Zero chassis. Stiffness is improved according to speeding up, and the side stay can be detached. The full cowl type is combined with a small diameter tire to form a low center of gravity chassis with a height of about 3 mm. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 131 mm / total width: 90 mm / wheel base: 80 mm / tread: 64 mm / weight: 111.5 g / ground height: 5 mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4: 1 
    ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery mounted

  • Zero chassis

    Zero chassis
    A low center of gravity chassis that uses a helical crown gear to lower the mounting position of the motor or battery. As the wheel base is short, cornering performance is high. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 131 mm / total width: 86 mm / wheel base: 80 mm / tread: 64 mm / weight: 109 grams / ground height: 5 mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4.2: 1 ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery mounted

  • Type 5 chassis

    Type 5 chassis The
    bottom of the chassis is finished to be flat and the aerodynamic effect is high, and the thickness of the main body is reduced to achieve both strength and weight reduction. Long wheel base specification with excellent running stability. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 132 mm / total width: 86 mm / wheel base: 82 mm / tread: 64 mm / weight: 113 g / ground height: 6 mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4.2: 1

  • Type 4 chassis

    Type 4 chassis
    Based on the type 2 chassis, the battery mounting position is lowered by 2 mm to lower the center of gravity. As the wheelbase is long and the center of gravity is also backward, it is excellent in high-speed stability on straight. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 128mm / total width: 86mm / wheel base: 82mm / tread: 64mm / weight: 112g / ground height: 7mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4.2: 1 ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery installed

  • Type 3 chassis

    Type 3 chassis
    Type 1 on-road specification chassis. The height of the ground is high, so the range of setting is wide and it can be driven regardless of the road surface. Drilling is added to the motor cover etc. 

    [Specs] 
    Overall length: 127 mm / Overall width: 86 mm / Wheel base: 80 mm / Tread: 64 mm / Weight: 115 grams / Ground height: 9 mm / Gear ratio: 6.4: 1, 5: 1 * When large diameter tires and alkaline batteries are installed

  • Type 2 chassis

    Type 2 Chassis The
    first chassis developed for on-road competition. Large diameter slick tires and guide rollers are standard equipment. The length of the wheel base is straight and advantageous. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 128mm / total width: 86mm / wheel base: 82mm / tread: 64mm / weight: 113g / ground height: 8mm / gear ratio: 5: 1, 4.2: 1 ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery installed

  • Type 1 chassis

    Chassis
    modeled as a junior version of the Type 1 Chassis RC Off Road Buggy. Tires and gear ratio settings are also suitable for off-road driving. 

    [Specs] 
    Total length: 127 mm / total width: 80.5 mm / wheel base: 80 mm / tread: 64 mm / weight: 109 grams / ground height: 10 mm / gear ratio: 11.2: 1, 6.4: 1 
    ※ When large diameter tire · alkaline battery mounted

Triple Wheel Fun – The Tamiya T3-01 Dancing Rider

When Tamiya presented the new T3-01 platform, with it´s first model of the series, the Dancing Rider, we almost couldn´t believe, that there´s still a company, who has still the courage to bring such a nice and well designed fun model into the sometimes more and more boring world of RC-Cars. But Tamiya did it. The T3-01 seems to be very successful, especially in Japan, which you can also see on the wide range of Hop Ups which are available now from Tamiya and other well known aftermarket parts manufacturers.

The T3-01 is such a cool and innovative vehicle. One, who is also able to bring more people of allo ages again to this beautiful hobby. The “Dancing Rider” replicates a delivery trike, widely seen, making deliveries in Japan.

Another version of the “Dancing Rider” is also on the market for a while. The “Dual Rider”, which comes with a very nice, more futuristic body, beautifully designed by the well known “pdc designworks” studio. In the past, they also did the Tamiya “Dual Ridge” and “Dynahead” body.

A great new feature of the new “Dual Rider”, is the completely new designed driver figure (also designed by “pdc designworks”), which we appreciate a lot. We love the “Wild Willy” style driver very much. But over the years, something new is very welcome here. This figure can be built in 3 very cool Helmet versions, and looks very “japanese”. It can also be found in the “Comical Hornet” WR-02CB kit, and is also available as a separate kit. We choose this new figure for our little “Dancing Rider”. We also modified the chassis with some new available Hop Up Parts. The chrome plated B-Parts, from which we only use the front fork, or the new “caramel block” front tire, which we combined with the M-chassis rally block tires. A full set of ball bearings, and a rear FRP sway arm.

The body is painted, using a bright “copper” tone, which looks incredible in the sun. Grab yourself a T3-01. It´s more fun, than you can imagine. Especially, when racing with your friends. We will wait now for the newly presented Tamiya SW-01 Mini Lunch Box. Another nice and new innovative concept.

 

Flashback Friday – Tamiya Mokei Thunder Bolt from 1961

I have kept you waiting so long, it is resuming research in earnest. Our laboratory has been delayed in updating for about 1 year due to the editing of “Tamiya model whole job”, but for the time being we will update mainly the information compiled in the editing course. Tamiya ‘s first term kit “Thunderbolt” that we switched to a plastic model maker will be picked up this time.

Release is about June 40, 1961, almost 40 years ago. Speaking half a year ago from that Panther Tank’s release, you will find out how old it is. In May 1960 Tamiya launched the first plastic model battleship “Yamato” but lost to rival Nichimo and have a big deficit. The situation that I could not recover monetarily for a while, and I had to return to the wooden model against the era, I am familiar with the “Tamiya model work”, but the first story made by Styrofoam kit made into a product by struggle High-speed “boat is also released in June 1961, exactly this” Thunderbolt “is a product of a difficult age.

In conclusion, this “Thunderbolt” is the second work of a shining plastic model product following the battleship “Yamato” in Tamiya. Tamiya who lost after the business failure of the virgin battle ship “Yamato” could not set out the second work of the plastic model requiring a huge initial investment in the mold and replaced the boxed battleship “Musashi” (1960/10 ) And “Baby Truck” (1961/05) in the mold we received from the toy maker, we will barely connect the intention to switch to the “new material” plastic model. In the meantime, we continued to announce new products of wooden models of tanks and cars one after another. In the January 1, 1961 issue of Japanese Model Newspaper, Tamiya model teaching material company president Yoshio Tamiya said “… It is not an exaggeration to say that it is at a crossroads for wood manufacturers by the current plus offensive …. Please continue to look forward to my wooden model for a long time in 1961 … “and I feel the sense of urgency in the end.

And almost one year after the release of the battleship “Yamato”, this Thunderbolt will be released to the world. For the battle ship “Yamato” which is the first work of the complete Tamiya original, the second work in a situation where failure is totally unacceptable has become a copy kit is an unreasonable story from the point of the initial investment amount . It was the monogram “firebolt” that became the basis. There is a thing that is compatible with the Nautilus submarine of Marsan around here, but Tamiya has made its own major improvement on the driving system. The original of the monogram was also made of plastics, but the grip power is much different, replacing it with a real rubber tire. Furthermore, although the original uses propulsion by corotorion or solid fuel (!) As propulsive force, this is improved to the driving form using TKK Mabuchi 15 motor and gear box which Japan boasts boast. In the advertisement of those days, I sang up a high degree from the original (though most kids did not even know its existence) that “rubber tires fit in plastic foil caps and around good-fit legs around the style” Gear, Mabuchi Motor No. 15 AA 3 dry cell battery with 2 trios, the power surface is perfect. “We will show you the confidence of the part cultivated with the wooden model.

Actually Tamiya has modeled over this “firebolt” for over a year. It appears in the wooden model “Firebird” which was released in September 1960. As I already had the all-plastic model battleship “Yamato” in the world, it seems that this wonderfully designed “firebolt” was naturally developed in the same form, but for the reasons stated above it is obviously impossible to comprehend that it is inevitably a wooden model itself I made it into a kit. With a wooden model with difficult curved surface processing, its reproducibility did not wait for a theory, probably it was released with a desperate thought, it also appears in a box painting. Unfortunately we do not own this wooden model “Firebird”, but we have exhibited both boxes and finished items at the Tamiya History Museum in Shizuoka and introduced it to p154 of “Tamiya Model Task 2” So please have a look if you have one.

Let’s return the story to “Thunderbolt”. The book “Tamiya model whole job” is a book that sticks to putting all of the kit’s “finished product” and “box art”, but “finished goods” of this Thunderbolt is not in Tamiya History Museum in Shizuoka. So my assistant handmade a kit owned by our laboratory. It was supposed to keep the basic principle of editor-in-chief of Hirano “painted painted to tell the state of the time, without remodeling”, but sometimes you have to put a decal on the top and bottom of the body, putty putting and surfacer (In this respect, Saji 1 of p147 which is the work of the editor-in-chief of Hirano leaves the original completely and is a wonderful thing with things finished with delicate painting).

Deadline On a night when it is dangerous, Mr. Takami of the product which is in the cat which praised its purpose and assembled his own kit pleasantly, he visited with “Bluebird” which is not in the history hall again, It became a commemoration shoot of. After that, after finishing the studio shooting, when the next “Tamiya model whole job 3” visit to Shizuoka, the assistant himself brought it and decorated it in a corner of the historic hall show window. Is drawing to their close one of your helps was the in and feel the moment of bliss (* ^ _ ^ *)

By the way informed of the pagination of the “Tamiya model all work 2” when I was in the kit production, this “Thunderbolt”, ” Bluebird ‘finished color photos are too big compared to other kits so we protested to Hirano Editor-in, “I’d like to stick to one series with a double-page, this book has too much information Since I’m stuffed, I’ve been impossible at various places in the page layout, but I just wanted to stick to this page as a conscience as editor-in-chief “and it is up to it. Um, that ‘s why I did not become a big picture because my family made it separately.

By the way, there are excellent courses in contemporary Mini 4WD and Dangun Racer, and old slot racing cars had a wonderful course, but as a way to play this straightforward single spear sudden monk Speed ​​Record Breaker, Is introduced. Actually, the kit has mold threading holes for rotation for the left side and straight for the lower part of the car body. How many children really played like this? It is an interesting place.


Source in Japanese language