TA04?? is it really worth the cost??

[pkny]

well well my time has come.... i plan to sell my ta03 and upgrade to a ta04 - for many obvious reason : looks better, performs better, and i dunno....

well i was wondering if anybody OUT THERE that owns a ta04 that would kindly tell me if its worth buying. i got a few questions to ask :
1. does it perform well?'
2. is it competitive out of hte box? w/ little modifications / addons
3. tunability? is it easy to tune?
4. is tamiya going to come out with upgrade parts for the ta04 - graphite chassis perhaps?
5. speaking of chassis - is the FRP chassis provided sturdy? i mean will it break if it crashes??

well thank you for reading my inquiry. and i would love a response. thx y'all

pkny

[steveb3]

Well lets see what the kit includes-
Carbon chassis and top plate
Full bearing set
Black 5-spoke wheels
Rubber reinforced slick tires w/molded innerfoams
Front and rear swaybars
112T, 120T, 128T spur gears
40T pinion gear
Plastic oil filled shocks w/gold medium springs
Middle belt tensioner
Adjustable body mounts
Adjustable turnbuckles
Steel dogbones
Front and rear adjustable ride height
Foam bumper
Front and rear ball diffs with aluminum outdrives
TA04 decal sheet
Instruction manual


I would say, hell no. Get a Team TC3, HPI Pro II, or a Street Weapon IWC...

over and out,

Steve

[riggy]

to answer your questions:

1. yes it performs 100% better than my ta03f and ta03rs. on par with any twin belt drive TC.

2. yes and no...for stock racing yes..for mod you need the one way diff and pulley (depending on track), universals for the front (which it only comes with dogbones), some weight loss (weighs around 1550gms depending on what electronics and body you use) and youre off.

3. yes..

4. yes.

5. yes the chassis is sturdy..wont break.

where i am its cheap..with the options i recommend it'll cost the same with a tc3 team or a yok mr4 herein malaysia.

[TC3 Mclaren F1]

just get a TC3 or MR4 or Street weapon. i think they have better performance.

[This message has been edited by TC3 Mclaren F1 (edited 11-05-2000).]

[Bydenso]

TA04 is crap? I say NOT!!!!!!!!! Part cost alot!??????? I SAY NOT! The cars you think are little costly? I THINK NOT! Its just bad??????? I THINK NOT!
The ta04 is a great car for the money, basing youe thoughts on the ta02 type cars is nt the same as the ta04 series.
Tamiya cars are better then ever before, so much pther companies are worried about what they are going to produce next! 414 junk I don`t think so!

[pkny]

thx y'all for replying my BBS. i appreciate all your opinions. thanx

pkny

[Bydenso]

Foke, hum, how do I put this. Been driving for 15+ years, Hum..... Driven everything from a yokomo, hpi, tamiya etc. I have a total of now 50+ cars. You? have A GRAND TOTAL OF 4 POST ON THIS FORUM. EITHER your a newbie or someone who is just hidding ( or have been kicked off). It seems that know nothing about Tamiya. I am Living and driving here in tokyo Japan! I see only what you dream about R/C. Calling me stupid really tells me your little understand about r/c let alone cost of the hobby. Do you really know what your talking about?????????? TC3, hum If I not wrong, they share those blue alum robs and shock bodies the same a Yokomo, thats because they are produced at the same plants. TA,ia a company. But don`t you know parts are starting to be made in china right? I really don`t like name calling or insulting remarks. But I keep forgetting that kiddies like you needs to say insults to make yourself look better.
Their are rules in this BB, READ THEM!

[JAnderson]

Well the TA-04 Rocks
We are comming out with many hop up parts
parts are always hard to find when new chassis' come out. Soon you will find more parts then you can break. It is a quick agile chassis and worth the money. new vehicles are being releases with the TA-04 chasis. e-mail me with any questions or check out www.tamiya.com (http://www.tamiya.com)

[Throtl Hapie]

You work for Tamiya?

Anyway...
The TC3: Hit a bump or something and there goes the crappy suspension arms.
TA04: Hit a bump and not a scratch.

Plus, the ta04 just came out, the price will go down, give it a while.

[JAnderson]

Yes I do Work For Tamiya America!

[Throtl Hapie]

Cool! You better not be lying! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif Anyway, can I have a ta03 carbon chassis?...

[riggy]

Originally posted by fockewulf190:
Bydenso your just stupid. The TC3 is almost 100 dollars less and comes with more critical features (universals, turnbuckles), and the MR-4TC PRO has all the features (threaded aluminum shocks, graphite chassis - the 04 is fiberglass not carbon idiots!) for LESS MONEY.
Tamiya makes money be excluding the competition in their races, thereby inflating prices - that's the worst thing they can do for the hobby. Tamiya needs a good kick in the arse if you ask me!!!!!!

calling someone stupid doesnt make oneself clever. about the fact that tamiya makes a one make race makes it the closest racing you can ever see..where everone has nearly the same car..makes it thrilling and you can see some skillfull driving..anyway..DOESNT HPI ALSO HAVE THEIR HPI CHALLENGE WHERE ONLY HPI CARS ARE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE? if you want to enter open class competitions..there are tons..ROAR, NORCCA etc...so whats stopping anyone from entering them?

as for prices becomming inflated..its not too badly priced in japanese yen.

the tc3 is good..but we have the usual comments that it breaks easily...a good example would be the fact that there are tons of tc3 broken parts littered around the local track whereas the 4 ta04pro owners here (including myself have not broken a single thing to date)

the mr4 is so good that theres no point of questioning it..but then where's the fun if everyone drives the same car?..just imagine everyone driving a ford focus.

on the ta04pro..we've run it box stock without any changes cept for tires and still can keep up with any full universal, carbon chassis out there..its one of the smoothest twin belt cars out there...furthermore where i am..its cheaper than a mr4 pro or a tc3 team edition. i'd recommend it for tamiya build quality.

back to the argument at hand...PNKY, since you had a tamiya before this..try another one.. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[JAnderson]

I'm not lying, My e-mail is janderson@tamiya.com
No you can have free stuff LOL
as for the other post on calling people stupid I agree! also the TA-04 is built to be as bullet proof as possible. I have not had any complaints of breaking yet.
we had quite a few at out TCS nationals in CA. I have a personal web site: http://members.home.net/jaaw1/

[Bydenso]

Riggy, You Don`t see this person posting here anymore. So it seems that he hidding. Love tamiya like 90% of the r/c racers in Japan do.

[fockewulf190]

Ahaa, back again. It’s funny that people can take things so personally on chat boards – I love it!, and it works on so many levels. Just read the following carefully guys – and don’t forget to smile!!!!!!!

Back to the point I was making. For example, I just bought a TB-01, and they cost between 135-150 mail order. I bought it because MOST of the available races near me are TAMIYA ONLY. So the car costs about the same as a TC3. Bearings – none, universals – none, suspension slop – PLENTY – more than any other car I’ve built in my entire life and I’ve been in the hobby since I was 12. Instead of using the light-weight and advanced composites of Yokomo they use standard plastic. The freakin shock shafts are one-piece, including the piston, so changing damping is limited. It doesn’t even use suspension shafts, but instead uses long threaded screws. I’m sorry, but if you compare the features and the price, Tamiya is way outdated.

A perfect example is the Juggernaut 2 vs. the E-Maxx. They are light years apart in performance and design. If your interested in business - how companies succeed, and of course, how they fail – then you should look at what is happening with TAMIYA and TOWER HOBBIES. They both came to dominate the market with superior product/service, and now that they have are suddenly the most expensive in their respective fields. If you think Tower is cheap compared to other mail-order companies then you have been living under a rock and really are stupid (look at my other posts comparing tower hobbies). Think it over and reply. And no, none of you are that stupid, - no really. And as far as hiding HA, well I’d like to think that I have a life folks. Back to studying, so I probably won’t post for a while.

Tutellio Neighborenios,

Der Fockewulf

[riggy]

fockewulf: i am sorry you feel that way about tamiya..and is this your first tamiya car?

there are different philosophies to building a car...note how realistic a tamiya jug body is compared to the e-maxx or what so ever...note the realistic drivetrain..

outdated is arguable..look at the trf414, the realism in the tamiya isuzu mu and pajero jeep kits, their trucks and tanks kit not to mention any of their bodies for the rc cars..you dont see any other manufacturer reaching that level of rc realism.

...and on the shocks...only the tb01 doesnt have an adjustable shaft for the shocks..the ta04pro does have the option of different pistons that could be used and so does the ta03 ...it depends on the kit you buy.....tamiya comes out with so many kits..

and back to the question about what's failing or not..i think tamiya is brilliant in bringing various kits for all levels of RC fans out there...TL01 for beginners, tb01 for rally freaks, ta04pro, tb evolution, trf 414 for pros...i suppose you're just ticked off that you got a tamiya that did not suit your needs and did you "THINK it over" first before you posted in the first place? look at your statement about one make races first then "think is over and reply" please http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif .



[This message has been edited by riggy (edited 11-02-2000).]

[fockewulf190]

One, it’s obviously not my first R/C car as I’ve been in the hobby for almost 10 years and owned the third touring car ever made (MB Evo).

Yes, many manufacturers have things they do that no one else does. Who else but Traxxas could make the E and T Maxx. And as much as people snicker at Kyosho they’re probably the only R/C manufacturer that makes everything, even helicopters. And finally, yes, Tamiya has mastered ‘scale’ and redefined it, and that’s what they do better than anyone else.

You argue that Tamiya makes the TA-04 Pro and may come out with a hopped-up version. True. You say that these are competent race cars – Right again and I agree. What I’m getting it is that Tamiya, for all it’s great and unique products, cannot bring a competitive, all-out racing touring car to the market at a competitive price.

Another point I wish to make is that many (all) on this message board are treating Tamiya like Americans treated the “big three” in Detroit in the 80’s. There were better or equal products for less, but loyalty was more important to many than rationality.

Tamiya races are equal – Yes, but the consumer always benefits from competition, so why can’t I use an Eagle $25 aluminum motor mount. Instead I have to buy Tamiya’s for $35. See what I’m getting at folks, competition is good for the consumer.

I bought the TB-01 because, at least as far as weight distribution, center of gravity, and drive-train efficiency, it is inherently Tamiya’s best car. If Tamiya could bring a revised TB-01 to the market, with no suspension slop, full bearings, and ball diffs, and keep it the same price as the TC-3 I will eat my hat and shut my trap. But instead they WILL bring it to the market and it will cost 300 if were lucky.

Look folks, I just graduated from college, I’m in debt, the only races available are Tamiya races (mostly anyways).As consumers we should all be mad that other after-market companies can’t compete with – and force to bring down the prices – of Tamiya’s products. Think like a rational consumer.

Yes the TB-01 evolution and TA-04 are awesome cars, but I can buy a tc3 for $150 and a mr4tc pro for $210 – both good deals if you ask me. Unfortunately I will never be able to race these cars at a Tamiya race, and if I ran a similarly specked TB or 04 it would cost twice the price. That’s all I’m saying. Bring money into the situation and the variables change quite substantially.

BTW, please don't mix up it and is, especially when you quote me.

Der Fockewulf

[This message has been edited by fockewulf190 (edited 11-03-2000).]

[fockewulf190]

Want to get a message board going – just say something mildly negative about Tamiya.

[This message has been edited by fockewulf190 (edited 11-03-2000).]

[riggy]

yeah..it should be "it" not "is".. big typo there..anyway i somehow seem to note that you have not said anything about the other company's one brand race.

and yeah..saying something about tamiya does get any thread going..reason being theres so many tamiya owners who seem to be happy with their products...lets give an example of this fanatism..take the tifosi..the ferrari fans..when a new ferrari is launched in italy..the whole country rejoices..when ferrari wins a gp..church bells ring....the same goes to tamiya..when a new kit is launched..ppl buy em all up in japan....and its been more than 15 yrs since i started collecting/playing tamiya whether its model kits or RC..and i dont see their quality and innovativeness deteriorating..(cept for the juggernaut 1 fiasco ...hehehhaha)

hope this explains a little...i dont mind someone knocking tamiya as even goliaths need a good bashing..but calling someone stupid is unbecoming especially from someone fresh out of college. and if the comments you make were constructive in nature..then "stupid" people would also agree with you.

[Throtl Hapie]

Hmm, i've looked all over the internet and compared prices, and Tower Hobbies seems to be the cheapest. Sure, there is Nitro House, but they have a selection of like 12 products. Every other major mail order site doesn't beat tower's prices.

[JAnderson]

Would you like a response from TAMIYA? OK her it is. We are a Model/RC company that makes everything to scale! We do not cut costs to make things cheaper to sell more. we know our product is far superior in quality and realizm. Like it has been said before how come people do not collect, Traxxas, Hpi, Losi or any other man R/C cars?
I mean collect by buying and placing on shelf or paying hundreds of dollars above original costs! Also If you could buy a cheap yugo or a expensive sports car what would be your choice? We spend allot on licencing so that we can use Factory bodys with names unlike Traxxas! Our R/C vehicles are works of art so much that people buy extra lexan bodies to race and factory for display. I'm not mad just disapointed in the ignorance! one last thing, the Tamiya only races support the hobby buy putting driver against driver. If you race a Nikko against a losi or simiular car, is that fair?
NO, we put the winning behind the drivers skill on the track and set up! We use our parts only to make the vehicles the same.
we can not control aftermarket parts to make them match between Manufacturers. We can only control ours. I think its called a Tamiya race just because of that? Duh! yep thats why! If it was a race then you could use anything! Maybe move to Texas where traxxas is? maybe you could find just a regular race? I have no Idea?????

[Throtl Hapie]

By the way, I am going to make my ta03 a fiber glass chassis (I am buying a piece 8x15" from Tower Hobbies 22 bux!). I want to know if the ta03f pro is lighter then the regular one, because it used fiber glass and I am going to try to make one with the same look.

Anyway, what do you do at Tamiya J Anderson?

[This message has been edited by Throtl Hapie (edited 11-03-2000).]

[Bydenso]

Focker, well I am sorry. But you feel that way. But after dealing with Tamiya products and driving for them I say this. The are the best when it comes to product service and parts. Riggy I am on your side.

[JAnderson]

Happy,

The pro is lighter than the regular chassis
and has hop ups!

I am the East Coast Sales Rep.

If you need any thing further,
janderson@tamiya.com

my web site is below http://members.home.net/jaaw1/

[Throtl Hapie]

w00t yip! And it's Hapie to you!

[JAnderson]

Sorrie about the Happie thing, LOL!

[Throtl Hapie]

It's Hapie you fool! j/k http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif
Nice web site, too bad it's slower then a TA04 (ohhh! j/k http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif). Seriously, many of the pic links to larger images don't work, and the site in general is slowwwwwww. Please fix that!

[riggy]

bydenso: thanks for the support!

janderson: i agree with you too ..ehhehehe

hapie: gee..wouldnt it be easier if you bought a frp conversion set from tamiya?

[This message has been edited by riggy (edited 11-04-2000).]

[Throtl Hapie]

No! I really don't care about the price (I saw 28 bux for it on a California RC ad), but making my own would be cool. I could make any shape I want or style, and I will have a big piece 8"x15", and I would have a lot left over (I made a design and calculated the amount i'd need: no where near 8x15). I could probably make shock towers for my old buggy and up the resail value.

[TC3 Mclaren F1]

ok tamiya ***** just face it they don't want ((((((((((((((((((( GOOD ))))))))))))) cars race in their races because they would loooooooooooooooooosssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeee. no one on this message board makes any sense except the people who like the TC3 because its obvious that people like me tell the facts and people who baught a really bad car can't face it that they got ripped off and payed for something they wish they didn't get and they really wished they baught a TC3 or a Street weapon. so they keep saying something thats not true even after someone has just proven that that is not the truth. and your wrong about the parts laying over the track im sure that the parts that are laying on the track are from the TA04 and they just say they are from a good car. because they hoped they weren't from their cars . and the parts aren't made in china ASSOCIATED is an american company and most of the good comanies are in america. and if the TC3 you got there does break thats probably because you bashed them with a sledge hammer. and another thing learn how to spellllllllllll

[riggy]

gee..must be tiring typing without any full stops or pauses. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

and the tc3 while IMHO is good..needs more help in the crash test development.

[Throtl Hapie]

Learn to spell? Isn't that ironic, you can't even spell bought!

[mike]

I think the TA04 is a good move for tamiya, but what do i know i don't own a TC3 i own a yokomo, but what is really strange is how the yokomo shocks look alot like associated shocks, whats with that?,
In rc car on page 47 of the april 2000 issue is a picture of gene husting with thunder tiger president Aling Lai, the story is about how rc10gt rtr's are manufactured in taiwan(china),but this couldn't mean ae has products made in china, but what do i know i don't own a tc3, but i do own a broken control arm from one that i picked up off the track.

[Bydenso]

TC3 Mclaren F1, do you REALLY know anything????? After sending YEARS 15+ I have learned that "F-U-N" is what counts not the amount you SEND. Now In Japan, the TC3 cost around 33,000 YEN! or $310.00. Now you tell me fine me, is it worth it? I say hack no! Tamiay which is known for the after care and high level of quility! Yes! Quility! Is far better then anything TA makes, ANs o` yea TA parts are starting to be be made in china. Thats you can`t SAY IS NOW. LOOSEN UP DUDE!

[TC3 Mclaren F1]

uhuh dam straight whats going on. hey guys i just gotta say that i didn't do it

[TC3 Mclaren F1]

Originally posted by TC3 Mclaren F1:
ok tamiya ***** just face it they don't want ((((((((((((((((((( GOOD ))))))))))))) cars race in their races because they would loooooooooooooooooosssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeee. no one on this message board makes any sense except the people who like the TC3 because its obvious that people like me tell the facts and people who baught a really bad car can't face it that they got ripped off and payed for something they wish they didn't get and they really wished they baught a TC3 or a Street weapon. so they keep saying something thats not true even after someone has just proven that that is not the truth. and your wrong about the parts laying over the track im sure that the parts that are laying on the track are from the TA04 and they just say they are from a good car. because they hoped they weren't from their cars . and the parts aren't made in china ASSOCIATED is an american company and most of the good comanies are in america. and if the TC3 you got there does break thats probably because you bashed them with a sledge hammer. and another thing learn how to spellllllllllll

i did not type any of this i just found out that someone that i know at school got my password and is typing bad stuff acting like i hate tamiya when i really have a tamiya car the TA03 dude. sorry that all of you guys got all mad and stuff its not my fault

[riggy]

my..what a merry bunch we are....

http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Bydenso]

Yea Sure! And I believe in santa.

[riggy]

see? what a merry bunch we are..tamiya rules. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[fockewulf190]

Apparently no one read my previous messages and I am just wasting my time trying to reason logically with people consumed by irrational and emotional attachments. I never said Tamiya was bad, either as far as quality or performance. But if you look at the FACTS that I laboriously cited Tamiya is expensive for the features that you get when you compare them to the competition [for example see what I posted regarding the TB-01]. If you can not deal with this fact than perhaps you should just create a separate board for Tamiya nuts. I like Tamiya, but when consumers stop going for the best product at the best price, one of two things will happen: either quality will go down or price will go up. Tamiya’s quality remains among the best in the industry, HOWEVER their prices are no longer competitive for touring cars that are designed for pure competition. And I mean cars that can compete with the MR-4TC and TC-3, which combined have taken – particularly the MR-4TC – virtually every national and international title, AND cost considerably less.

I have built and driven an MR-4TC, a TB-01, three TA-03’s (one DJ and two Pro’s), a TA-01, and many more RC cars. If you don’t think that Yokomo’s quality is among the best then you haven’t built one or read any of the articles in R/C car action covering their products, which they still manage to sell at a reasonable price. At one point you could buy an MR-4TC from Hobby People for $135. That includes a car with industry setting quality (again, this is beyond dispute), full bearings, full universals, two ball diffs, turnbuckles, and materials made from a high quality composite, now compare that to the TB-01 I wrote about and built (previous discussion), and please, actually think about everything I wrote on this board. Tamiya is NOT bad, they just need to sell their high-end touring cars at more competitive prices.

If you can’t think of an intelligent, sound, coherent, and RATIONAL counter-argument, then please, by all means, don’t waste my time and go back and study for that 8th grade algebra test.

Der Fockewulf


[This message has been edited by fockewulf190 (edited 11-07-2000).]

[This message has been edited by fockewulf190 (edited 11-07-2000).]

[aspiringrcracer710]

LOOK YOU BUNCH OF BABIES!!!!!! Tamiya is good. WHat was David Jun driving when he won at the Road Course Nats a few years ago, TAMIYA! Who has probably the best cars for beginners as well as seasoned veterans, TAMIYA! Who believes in getting people involved in RC by having their own national racing series (HPI jumped on this bandwagon), TAMIYA!! So if you want my opinion, TAMIYA is just as good as anyone else. It all depends on the driver whether or not the car is actually good. So you TAMIYA bashers just SHUT YOUR STINKIN MOUTHS AND GET WITH THE PROGRAM!!!!!!!

And I commend all you guys who support guys like JAnderson at Tamiya America. Mr. Anderson, keep up the good work!

[riggy]

hmm.. you have a point there....but when you have a ta04pro costing a little less than a mr4tc over here (depending on where you shop)..i suppose its all down to the distributors where youre at.....

but i'd put the tb01 (basic kit) to be a mid-range tamiya car with lots of potential...i'd go get a tb evo given a choice...i'd also have to add that the mr4tc is made out of a plastic/carbon mesh which is cheap to produce therefore bringing the cost down...if you notice the carbon plates tamiya makes their chassis (for the trf ta03s or the 414) you'd see the quality...take a look at the kyosho tf4 or the tech racing hr4 (not the rosso)chassis..full carbon, and these cars are not cheap....either on par with the tamiya in japan or cost more( esp the hr4 when it was first launched in early 1999 i believe list price was 59,000 yen!) now who actually said open class cars are cheap?

you pay for what you get..check out a tamiya universal joint and compare...i've smacked a few of these when i was beginning how to drive and 95% of the time they come out okay.

anyway...even yokomo said that the mr4 was their lower line car and that the yr4 was still their top of the line tourer..unfortunately (or fortunately for the mass market) masami drove rings round the competition with the mr4...relegating the yr4 to virtual nothingness....

i believe tamiya could have come up with making those composite material cars..but note one thing....tamiyas might be plastic..but ever notice how the tl01/ffo2/tb01/ta03 doesnt flex much even when its made out of full plastic? there's no need to go composite when it comes to tamiya IMHO...what do you think?

anyways...how are you doing in the tamiya races with your tb01?

[riggy]

i'd like to add that i believe in rc or any other hobby..there isnt such thing as a rational consumer! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Bydenso]

Well fock, it appears again that your over your head in this issue again. Bad mouth tamiya or any other company just tells others that you amounts of real r.c smarts one has. Tamiya does have the best service in the industy better then TA or HAHAHHAHA Yokomo ( yea try getting yokomo here to support there tech support. Here its a big joke.) After ruuning for around 5 different teams tamiya, yokomo, etc. I seen almost anything possible.

[hpiguy]

The Yokomo girls in the DEC issue of Xtreme R/C are hot.

http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

Oh yeah and the Sky Hotel in Japan bites the big one. Cockroaches, tiny rooms and bathrooms the size of closets. :0

[Bydenso]

Welcome to Japan http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif Where the size of the rooms are tiny, and so are the women.

[riggy]

japanese girls are tiny...but they sure look good (refering to the umbrella girls at the jgtc events held recently in sepang) http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[fockewulf190]

Riggy,

Thank you very much for the well thought out feedback.
You made some great points, especially the fact that Tamiya is cheaper than Yokomo in many areas (unfortunately not for me!), and that although Tamiya uses plastic it’s high quality plastic. I also want to note that the stock TB-01 Chassis is surprisingly light and stiff. And as far as durability goes, yes, Tamiya is number 1. Regarding your question on the TB-01 I haven’t gotten a chance to race it competitively – not much winter racing in Sunny (sarcasm!) Seattle!!!

Again, to everybody, I just want to restate that I never said Tamiya’s quality was anything but among the best in the industry.

HERE’S MY PROPOSAL TO TAMIYA: Make a TB-01 with a fiberglass chassis (the plastic one allows no motor access), full bearings, and ball diffs. Also take out some slop – that’s it, you don’t even have to include turnbuckles or universals – and sell it for $150. That would be enough to compel me to stop complaining and buy one of your products – like I haven’t bought enough already.
What do you guys think about my proposal for a TB-01 Pro version with the above specifications??

BTW: wow! how do you get a TA-04 pro for less than a Yokomo. 100 yen to a dollar right (yes, I’ve been to Japan). Maybe you can buy one for me!

[riggy]

hmm...i've had friend or two from japan quoting the ta04pro to me at 17,800 yen at some hobby shops...thats cheaper than the mr4tc (r or rr version not pro) quoted at around 18000-19000yen..this would be cheaper..of course...here in malaysia where i am at the 04pro is selling for 850..the mr4tc is selling for 950, 1150 for the tc pro..thats in Malaysian Ringgit...so i guess i am lucky in a way.

the tb01 costing usd 150 could happen if

1. it doesnt have a licenced bodyshell so that they dont have to pay any royalty for the design..but then it wouldnt be a tamiya without one...of course they could sell a rolling chassis...

2. the tb01 is actually a great improvement in terms of ball bearings... the raybrig nsx2000 kit comes with 4 bearings for the gear diffs and it also comes with the lightweight diff gears for the diff and the aluminium propshaft...what one would need is just 9 more bearings to get it race ready...

3. i dont think much is needed for the tb01 to be competitive...just get the nsx2000 kit, slap in the bearings..set the camber, toe etc...and a 12turn motor and when up against a kawada sv10...its able to keep up, thru the straights and corners... that's my opinion of how good the box stock tb01 can perform....basically yeah..it would look good with an frp chassis..but its a capable car...as it is. (this is from my own personal experience playing around with a friend and his sv10 running an 11turn double motor. the only add on was a one way diff for the front...i was even running the gear diff at the rear)

[foo]

The tb01 idea.. that's the tb01 evolution model that Tamiya has on their website (marked as coming soon) isn't it?

If Riggy is right with that 17,800 yen quote, then the tb01 evo could most likely be released for us150.... in Japan anyway..
but them's the breaks. Japan is physically closer to Australia (where I am) and is cheaper to mail order stuff from than the US.

Everything is overpriced locally..
Here in Aus, a TC3 racer edition (not the team edition) will cost you AU$600 if you buy it from the hobby shop. You guys should be thankful! :-)

btw, riggy, you gotta send me the address of some of those hobby shops! The cheapest I've seen a ta04pro for is 22000 yen..

[riggy]

foo: the tb01evo does not count as it costs more than usd150! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

the argument was for a cheap tb01.

saw it in a few of my japanese mags AND was lucky to have a friend or two in japan who are willing to shop around for these kind of stuff....they're selling the TA04Pro in singapore for usd160!..that's confirmed cos one of the ppl here got it for that price.

i'm at work now..i'll give you the phone number when i go home and check the mags....

[foo]

thanks Riggy..

I thought the tb01 evo hasn't been released yet. So how do you know how much it will cost and whether it will be under US150? http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/confused.gif
Or does it look like it will be expensive with all those items in it?

Will it be better than the ta04 pro? Because if not, nobody will buy it if its more expensive! http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

Maybe you could give me the address of some of those Singaporean shops.. I could get some relatives to check it out for me.. http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[riggy]

the tb evo would cost about usd 370 at least thats why i said that it doesnt answer the question....its already launched in japan..should reach malaysia/singapore in a few weeks time.

i'll look up the addresses when i reach home or ask a friend of mine when i see him later this week.

[Bydenso]

Thr TB01 EVO is out here in Tokyo. for arounf 26,000 yen not bad.

[steveb3]

God this message annoys the heck out of me.

[JAnderson]

Due date for TB evo is NOV. Sug Rtl 647.00 USD.
What the Street price is depends on Tower!

[riggy]

foo: looked thru one of my japanese mags... too bad i dont understand japanese that well..try faxing this *** hobby shop.

champ rc adviser

tel no. 06-6702 8870/8871
06 6702 8872

dont know whether the 06 is their IDD zone number...
they list the ta04pro at 17300yen.

[Bydenso]

riggy, I am confused? the Ta04 tub is around 14,500 yen the ferrari one is 16,500 to 17,50o yen and the tb01 evo is around 23,000 yen? or so.
But in the usa the tb01 evo is what price> street cost 600.00! god the crazy!!

[riggy]

bydenso: the ferrari one costs more becoz of this few additions:

1. it comes with the 2mm offset (means *new*) 24mm rims with the 24mm type a tires...the other new tub chassis (loctite skyline) comes with the stock 26mm rims and tires (means *standard and cheap*)

2. the ferrari kit comes with 6 bearings for the whole drivetrain..while the skyline kit comes with no bearings at all...

3. the royalty tamiya has to pay to ferrari for the usage of the body could be an effect of the difference in price also.

about why the tb evo costs so much in the states is that pricing is up to the local distributor there (tamiya america) i suppose they add like 30% for freight, 10% for taxes, 40% the difference that the hobbystore can mark up their prices (and its from this portion that hobbystores play around with prices)...thats why the tb01 evo costs so much.....this thing happens in all industries..its all about economics..but i pity the comsumers in the end....we're lucky we live in places where tamiyas can be bought cheaper than most...and especially you..you live in japan!!!!!!

[Bydenso]

Riggy I know that of the ta04 ferrari. Rember I live In tokyo http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif Look at my bio http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

As for the EVO, I know I know I know! taxes!:0
But still the cost is really crazy.
I thought you did`nt understand thats why I asked if wereyour confused http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif I know alot about tamiya i used to drive for them http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks guy http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[riggy]

bydenso: heh..well..was just telling you how manufacturers set their prices...i dont htink its all taxes..its what some ppl call the margin of profitability ..sad isnt it

[Bydenso]

Riggy well thats the true. The fact of the matter with tamiya nd hpi stuff is the jack up prices the so called division( hpi ) claims thats differnt in the usa and Jpan. yea right http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[foo]

Thanks Riggy!

[riggy]

bydenso: sigh..thats life..oh yeah..the tb evolution just arrived at the local distributor..looks good...comes with all the goodies...but the price is crazy..around 600 US dollars!..but if i were to get one from them it'll cost me around US500.00. I could get one ordered from a LHS which orders from hongkong...that'll bring the price down to US350.00 approximately....looking at the car its all top grade carbon fibre..from shock stays to the chassis plates..beautiful adjustable shocks and all....worth the cost if i get it an the LHS not the distributor...but i'd not run it..its a collector's item car.

the tao4 tub chassis also arrived....the modena...might buy it and keep it as part of the collection.

foo: for the tamiya distributor in singapore, try TAI SENG LTD. i think their address is listed in the tamiya website dealers/agents list.

[TC3 Mclaren F1]

ok every thing has gone downhill. lets see here we got stuck up people who paid for something they don't like. if you guy's really want a tc3 just order it from america its cheaper here. you get it you best be usin good stuff cause its not a cheap car ment for cheap equipment. it is by far the most advanced touring car in the world. and if you do not believe me or anyonelse then just shhhhhhhhh up. i really dont car who says what or how much it costs it the principle that a bunch or babies/and beginners get together to try a prove it out that there car is better. if you want truth you do not go to an argrument. just forget argrueing and find out the facts not whats happening at your local place. you look at the **** facts from the company the performance of the veichle. you go to a car dealer and test a car, then you go to another dealler and test another car you like it better right you keep test driving cars till you find the best one that you like who cares about whats the best and worst, it matters what you like better. check it out i got a RC10T2, the T3 has been out for a while but i still think my T2 is better and more fun to drive. but it didn't matter that the T3 is better it's that i felt more comfertable with my T2. see stop argruing over the stupidest thing and find the facts what do you like better. but still the people with the higher performance car win. ????????????????????? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm TC3 BETTER than ALL

[riggy]

Originally posted by TC3 Mclaren F1:
ok every thing has gone downhill. lets see here we got stuck up people who paid for something they don't like. if you guy's really want a tc3 just order it from america its cheaper here. you get it you best be usin good stuff cause its not a cheap car ment for cheap equipment. it is by far the most advanced touring car in the world. and if you do not believe me or anyonelse then just shhhhhhhhh up. i really dont car who says what or how much it costs it the principle that a bunch or babies/and beginners get together to try a prove it out that there car is better. if you want truth you do not go to an argrument. just forget argrueing and find out the facts not whats happening at your local place. you look at the **** facts from the company the performance of the veichle. you go to a car dealer and test a car, then you go to another dealler and test another car you like it better right you keep test driving cars till you find the best one that you like who cares about whats the best and worst, it matters what you like better. check it out i got a RC10T2, the T3 has been out for a while but i still think my T2 is better and more fun to drive. but it didn't matter that the T3 is better it's that i felt more comfertable with my T2. see stop argruing over the stupidest thing and find the facts what do you like better. but still the people with the higher performance car win. ????????????????????? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm TC3 BETTER than ALL

if i were to stoop down to your level i'd end up saying as some of us old timers say.." throw away a tc3 and get a yokomo mr4..they are the best coz they won the worlds recently." so how can you say that the tc3 is better than all?

i also remeber at the recent reedy race a jimmy jacobson came in second with a tamiya..behind a yokomo..so again..is the tc3 better than all?

i remember a guy at a stock race once racing a tamiya TL01 beating the crap out of 2 fully optioned kyosho tf4 type r and comming in third behind 2 yokomo mr4 ....so again..is the "better" car all that important and not the driver?

once again...think before you type first of all you say you "beginners" should go try before condemn but you end up saying something ridiculous like "tc3 is better".

i think as what was once posted in another thread these newcomers give the hobby a bad name..they think that the tc3 invented the rc genre or is the best in the world (coz its the only rc they bought)and they cannot seem to give proper advise just STATEMENTS THAT SAY.."BUY A TC3 THE OTHERS ARE JUNK"...all the current crop of tourers yokomo mr4, AE tc3, ta04pro, the axis2, even the venerable street weapon are great cars in the hands of some drivers...

before you try the other cars and not only look at your composite chassis tc3.....do not overtly critizise unless you actually make sense...heck..even barry baker, who drives a composite graphite chassis yok mr4, likes the trf 414.

oh yeah...none of my cars are better than any other cars..theyre either on par or enjoyable to drive..but i'd say most ppls attitude here are better than yours. even fockewulf makes more sense.


[This message has been edited by riggy (edited 11-12-2000).]

[Bydenso]

Riggy, I don`t know what`s eating at F1, but he as confusing as hack.
You can not conpare the tc3 to the tra04pro. its crazy.

[Throtl Hapie]

Riggy layed the smackdown! w00t
No, I don't like "pro" wrestling.