Month: September 2024

The Untold Story Behind the Creation of the Tamiya Lunchbox and Midnight Pumpkin Mascot Logos

Behind-the-scene story of the creation of the Tamiya Lunchbox and Midnight Pumpkin mascot marks

Teruo Sahara introduces the behind-the-scenes story of the creation of the Lunchbox and Midnight Pumpkin mascot marks with illustrations. The story of the birth of this long-loved character is a must-see for RC fans.

Telly’s On The Road Again Vol.47, Time Travel! My Tamiya RC History

In the 1980s, I was completely immersed in RC car racing, and switched from window cars to 1/8th scale engine cars. In 1985 and 1987, I competed in the World Championships in Japan and California, USA, but independent suspension and 4WD were too much for me to handle, so I stayed away from racing after the US tour.


In the world of electric RC cars, off-road models were at their peak, and many variations were born, including not only buggy types but also rally cars and grasshoppers. In the 1980s and 1990s, it seemed like new cars were debuting almost every month in all genres, including racing sports, touring, formula, and off-road. Among these was the Lunchbox. High-level machines like the Hot Shot to basic 380 motor buggies, there was a big pre-model. The image of the popular practical monster machine, which was popular for its wild attractions such as lifting up one wheel during jumps, was well utilized, and was still selling well.

One day in 1987, I received an order to create a mascot character for a new model of this big tire. I remember being so happy that I was given a job by Tamiya-sama, whom I admire. The body of the car was reminiscent of a full-size Dodge, and its nickname was “Lunchbox.” It was probably a story about a lunch delivery service for Vanessa’s Lunchbox.

With a wink to decorated with stars and stripes, and her blonde hair fluttering, it felt like “Hi, Vanessa!” The thumbs-up Vanessa was combined with a bold color scheme like the orange and the 1960s, and the result was the best.

RGT Challenger PRO – Equipped with FOC Brushless Power System

Since its launch at the end of 2022, the RGT “Challenger” has gained widespread recognition in the market for its powerful configuration and outstanding performance. To further refine and enhance product performance, RGT has introduced the new FOC upgraded version, the “Challenger PRO,” to better meet market demands. The upgraded “Challenger PRO” features a Hobbywing FOC brushless system specifically designed for crawlers (WP Fusion BL SYS for Crawler-540Spec-RTR). It utilizes Field-Oriented Control (FOC) technology, providing strong low-speed torque and excellent linearity. The motor operates smoothly and quietly, offering superior waterproof and dustproof performance, making it capable of handling various weather conditions and terrains with ease.

Compared to the standard version, the PRO upgrade retains key features such as portal axle structure, two-speed transmission, DIG transmission disconnect function, front-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive modes, as well as a winch function. Additionally, the PRO version introduces an automatic rear anti-roll bar unlock design. The vehicle is equipped with five servos, all featuring metal powder gears. The steering servo has been upgraded to a 35KG full-metal servo. The front steering knuckle cover is made from brass for added weight distribution, and the new full-metal shock absorbers feature a nano-coating process on the shock shafts, ensuring greater hardness and smoother suspension performance.

EX86170PRO

Exterior Design:

The upgraded “Challenger PRO” retains the classic body design while adding cockpit and truck bed decorations. The body is coated using a multi-layer spray process, improving durability and reducing paint wear due to friction. The body is further reinforced with internal and external roll cage supports, offering strength comparable to hard-shell plastic.

FOC System Features:

  • Integrated ESC and motor design, significantly reducing size and weight for a cleaner chassis layout.
  • Strong low-speed torque and superior low-speed linearity, with quiet and smooth motor operation.
  • IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof system, providing excellent performance in all weather and terrain conditions.
  • Intelligent torque output and speed closed-loop control, offering cruise control and hill descent functions similar to real vehicles.
  • Multi-level drag brake adjustment, with maximum drag brake force approximately twice that of standard brushless systems, providing exceptional hill-holding capability.
  • Multiple protection features, including low-voltage protection, overheat protection, throttle signal loss protection, and stall protection.
  • Supports ESC parameter configuration using an LED programming card, with a dedicated parameter setting interface integrated into the switch for easier adjustments.

Transmission System:

  • Low center of gravity design with metal gears and a 45# steel reduction shaft, improving durability and reliability.
  • Two-speed high and low transmission, with a DIG rear axle lock function for tighter turning radius and front-wheel drive disconnect capability.
  • CNC machined motor mount made from 6061 aluminum, compatible with 17-21T pinion gears.

Front and Rear Axle Structure:

  • Portal axle design enhances ground clearance.
  • The axle housing gears feature CNC machined steel helical gears, raising the height of the front and rear drive shafts.
  • The portal reduction gears are made of powdered steel, with brass front steering knuckle covers for improved weight distribution.
  • The axle-mounted steering servo structure uses impact-resistant nylon for the C-hub and steering knuckles.

Servos:

  • Equipped with 5 waterproof 7.4V metal gear servos.
  • Steering servo upgraded to a 35KG full-metal servo.
  • 25KG 360-degree metal winch servo with a hidden conduit steel cable design. The stock winch cable can extend up to 90CM, supporting up to 15KG of pulling force.

Additional Features:

  • Remote-controlled electric unlock anti-roll bar design, enhancing turning stability when locked, reducing body roll, and increasing suspension travel when unlocked for improved off-road capability.
  • Realistic full-metal shock absorbers with nano-coated shock shafts for increased durability and smoothness.
  • 1.9-inch electroplated wheels with a realistic design, with wider and deeper-treaded tires for improved crawling performance.
  • Full-metal gears and high-precision sealed bearings, along with steel central CVD shafts, ensuring smooth drivetrain performance without concerns of gear stripping or axle breakage.
  • The PRO version features a new matte paint finish, providing scratch resistance and easy cleaning. The new version also includes interior cabin details and truck bed decorations, available in two colors: Dark Rock Gray and Army Green.

RGT “Challenger PRO” Specifications:

  • Model Number: EX86170PRO
  • Product Name: Challenger
  • Description: 1/10 Electric Off-Road Vehicle
  • Length: 502mm
  • Wheelbase: 313mm
  • Width: 258mm
  • Height: 246mm
  • Ground Clearance: 70mm (chassis), 54mm (axle housing)
  • Drive Modes: Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive
  • Departure Angle: 30°
  • Approach Angle: 80°
  • Front/Rear Speed Ratio: 6.60%
  • Departure Angle: 70°
  • Wheels (Diameter/Width): 120mm / 45mm
  • Gear Ratio (Low): 49.8:1 (front), 53:1 (rear)
  • Gear Ratio (High): 26.3:1 (front), 28:1 (rear)
  • Gears: Full metal
  • Motor/ESC: Integrated FOC system
  • Motor: Brushless / 1800kv
  • ESC: Brushless / 40A
  • Steering Servo: High-pressure full-metal 35KG servo
  • Battery Recommendation (not included): 2S-3S LiPo or 7.2V NiMH
  • Winch Servo: 360-degree digital metal gear 25KG
  • Winch Cable: 0.8mm diameter, 90CM long
  • Remote/Receiver: 2.4G / 8CH
  • Auxiliary Servo: 7.4V / 9G (metal powder gears) 3P
  • Battery Recommendation (not included): 2S-3S LiPo or 7.2V NiMH
  • Body Color (Matte): Dark Rock Gray, Army Green

Tamiya Porsche 956 Gr. C

A few days ago, RCFans reported that Tamiya was planning to release a classic RC car model, the Porsche 956 Gr.C with product number 47508. Now, the detailed information about this new car has been officially revealed, leaving no doubt about everyone’s love for Porsche!

Tamiya Porsche 956 Group C

Today, Tamiya officially announced that they will launch a brand new product at the end of October 2024 — a 1/10 scale RC model of the 1982 Porsche 956 Group C race car. This new body shell, created from an entirely new mold, will be mounted on an easy-to-assemble ABS bathtub chassis, which features a space frame and FRP plate construction. This design has been previously used in Tamiya’s other Group C models. This is a new release from Tamiya, not a reissue of the 1/12 RM model.

The unique long-tail body, front and rear light cases, and wing are all separately molded in polycarbonate, and the car is equipped with black ABS plastic side mirrors and wing stays. The chassis, based on an ABS bathtub design, combines front and rear space frames with FRP plates to create a composite structure that provides a solid foundation for a smoothly operating suspension system, resulting in a responsive and agile driving experience. The new car comes with a Sport-Tuned motor (configurations may vary by region) and features a direct drive setup. The gears and pinions are connected by a ball pressure plate differential, ensuring smooth cornering performance.

The front wheels use enclosed dish-style hubs, while the rear wheels feature a five-spoke design, both paired with high-grip sponge tires (wheels require painting). This 1/10 scale RC model assembly kit has a length of 483mm, width of 207mm, height of 108mm, and a wheelbase of 270mm. The product number is 47508.

Power HD Releases TDS-2 Servo Specifically Designed for Drift Cars

Power HD has launched the TDS-2 servo, engineered specifically for drift cars. This servo features a full-metal casing and comes in black, purple, and red, allowing users to match the servo with their chassis color scheme.

The TDS-2 servo is equipped with steel gears and has minimal gear backlash, meeting the high-performance demands of advanced users. Its powerful anti-shake function and strong torque output provide optimized data support when used in conjunction with the new G2 gyro, making it ideal for drift cars. The TDS-2 is compatible with a voltage range of 6.0-8.4V, delivering 25.0kg of torque and a response speed of 0.09 seconds at 8.4V. Weighing in at 61 grams, this servo also supports parameter adjustments using the Power HD programming card (PG-CB63).

Power HD G2 Gyro: Adjust your car’s angle via the CH4 channel on the receiver without altering the gyro gain. The gyro also allows for direct adjustments to damping and user priority settings, giving users the flexibility to customize their experience. The G2 gyro has a smaller profile compared to the G1 model.

TDS-2 Specifications:

  • Torque (6.0V): 18.0 kg-cm (250.0 oz/in)
  • Torque (7.4V): 22.0 kg-cm (305.5 oz/in)
  • Torque (8.4V): 25.0 kg-cm (347.2 oz/in)
  • Speed: 0.13 sec (6.0V) │ 0.10 sec (7.4V) │ 0.09 sec (8.4V)
  • Operating Voltage: 6.0 ~ 8.4V
  • Weight: 61g (2.15 oz)
  • Bearing Type: Dual Ball Bearings
  • Motor Type: Coreless Motor
  • Gear Type: Titanium & Steel Gears
  • Operating Temperature: -20℃ ~ 60℃
  • Working Frequency: 1520μs / 333hz
  • Dimensions: 41.0 x 20.0 x 29.0 mm (1.61 x 0.79 x 1.14 in)