M-02
The M-02 chassis represents an evolution of the M-01 chassis and was released for sale only 6 months later, in mid-1995. There are three variants in this family that differ based on wheelbase. The following models are part of this family:
– Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR Berlina Corsa, model number 58158, released in 1995 and available on the market until 1999, M-02 chassis version with a short wheelbase of 210 mm.
– Renault Alpine A110, model number 58168, released in 1995 and available on the market until 2000, M-02 chassis version with a short wheelbase of 210 mm.
– Volkswagen Beetle, model number 58173, released in 1996 and available on the market until 1999, M-02L chassis version with a long wheelbase of 239 mm.
– Honda S800 Racing, model number 58175, released in 1996 and available on the market until 2000, M-02 chassis version with a short wheelbase of 210 mm.
– Eunos Roadster (known as Mazda MX-5 or Miata in Europe), model number 58180, released in 1996 and available on the market until 2000, M-02M chassis version with a medium wheelbase of 225 mm.
– Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, model number 58187, released in 1996 and available on the market until 2002, M-02M chassis version with a medium wheelbase of 225 mm.
– Porsche Boxster, model number 58197, released in 1997 and available on the market until 2000, M-02L chassis version with a long wheelbase of 239 mm.
– Mercedes-Benz SLK, model number 58202, released in 1997 and available on the market until 2000, M-02L chassis version with a long wheelbase of 239 mm.
– Porsche 911 Carrera, model number 58208, released in 1998 and available on the market until 2000, M-02L chassis version with a long wheelbase of 239 mm.
The M-02 chassis is the rear-wheel drive version of the M-01 chassis, sharing all its parts. It is possible to modify a chassis from M-02 to M-01 and vice versa simply by swapping the parts between the front and rear sections. When reversing the drive configuration, it is necessary to reverse the direction of the electric motor: forward gear for the front-wheel-drive chassis corresponds to reverse gear for the rear-wheel-drive chassis.
For this reason, Tamiya launched a special motor at the time: Acto-Tuned M Special (code 53251). There are two reasons why they released this motor:
– It is possible to select the rotation direction based on the type of drive of the car, whether front (M-01) or rear (M-02).
– This motor is shorter than a standard 540 equivalent motor. The motor installation in the M-01 and M-02 chassis is very external, so the motor’s weight tends to unbalance the center of gravity. A shorter motor improves the vehicle’s dynamics.
There are three versions of the chassis belonging to the M-02 family, differentiated by wheelbase length:
– The chassis with standard wheelbase length is designated by the code M-02.
– The chassis with intermediate wheelbase length is designated by the code M-02M.
– The chassis with long wheelbase length is designated by the code M-02L.
The M-01 and M-02 chassis are the first in a long series of chassis released by Tamiya, maintaining the numbering logic established by these two models: odd numbers after the “M-” prefix (01, 03, etc.) indicate front-wheel drive, while even numbers (02, 04, 06, etc.) indicate rear-wheel drive.
Starting from the M-03 generation, the odd-numbered chassis and their even-numbered counterparts only partially share components. For instance, the suspension arms of the M-03 chassis are the same as those of the M-05 and the M-03/M-04/M-05/M-06 chassis all share the same gears, which are available in “standard” (white) and “reinforced” (black) versions. It’s clear that Tamiya is continuously refining and improving its chassis through gradual evolution.
The M-01 and M-02 chassis share the same monocoque structure with a double central shell, but they offer different driving experiences. The rear-wheel-drive chassis provides a more precise driving experience, especially in cornering. Technically, the difference in driving experience is due to the steering system’s play. When drive and steering are both on the same axis (front), the slack in the linkages and steering rods amplifies, resulting in imprecision. This situation improves when the drive is at the rear and the steering at the front.
These front-wheel-drive models represent a significant innovation for Tamiya. Numerous advertisements have been published by Tamiya and its importers worldwide in specialist magazines. Below is a technical illustration of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA with the M-02M chassis and a photo of a Honda S800 racing from Tamiya’s guide book.
The M-02 chassis is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with the following main features:
– The chassis is made of plastic, consisting of two shells that combine to form a central structure. On this central structure, the rear motor group with gears, the front suspension group with steering, the battery, electronics and the four suspensions are installed. Tamiya achieves three different wheelbases by changing the subframe, which alters its length and consequently the overall dimensions of the model. The relevant part is the “A” component, identified by the code for standard wheelbase 50651 (highlighted in red in the image), code for medium wheelbase 50716 (highlighted in orange in the image) and code for long wheelbase 50697 (highlighted in green in the image).
– The central module houses the battery and electronics; this part remains unchanged across the three sets, while the length of the rear spacer varies.
There is a special accessory released in a limited edition: a chassis in dark green color. It consists of two parts:
– Code 49044, defined as “M-Chassis, A Part, Moss Green”, shown on the left in the image below.
– Code 49045, defined as “M-Chassis, B Part, Moss Green”, shown on the right in the image below.
It is available only in the short-wheelbase version.
– A 540 motor installed at the rear of the chassis.
– A gear differential equipped with three satellites; there is also a ball differential available as an accessory to enhance performance, with the code 53070 “Manta Ray ball differential set.”
– Four independent suspensions, with a single front shock absorber and a single rear shock absorber installed horizontally.
– The ability to reverse the position of the battery and electronics by rotating the central shell; this modification alters the weight distribution and therefore the vehicle’s handling.
– The ability to switch the drive configuration from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive by transferring the steering components from the front suspension to the rear suspension. To perform this modification, it is necessary to change the length of the servo arm that operates the steering.
To enhance performance, several accessories are available:
– To speed up battery replacement, the quick-release set code 53238, described as the “M-Chassis quick release battery holder,” was released.
– In terms of handling, the M-01 chassis is characterized by a high level of body roll, which can make fast driving difficult. To improve roll stability, the dual stabilizer bar set for the front and rear, code 53239, described as the “M-Chassis front and rear stabilizer set,” was introduced.
– To quickly cool the motor, the L-shaped aluminum plate set with finned heat sink, code 53241, described as the “M-Chassis Aluminium motor heat sink,” was released.
– To improve road-holding, the high-performance damper set with code 53155, described as “low friction aluminium damper set (1 pair – 2 pcs),” was released.
– To enhance traction, the universal shaft set with integrated constant velocity joint, code 53205, described as “M-chassis universal shaft set (1 pair – 2 pcs),” was released.
– To reduce play in the suspension, the aluminum king pin set, code 53157, described as “aluminium king pins (4WD- TA02/FWD – RWD 4 pcs),” was released.
– To minimize play in the steering linkage, the aluminum steering set, code 53253, described as “M-chassis aluminium racing steering set,” was released.
Re-Release
Tamiya has released several reissues in other families:
– Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR Berlina Corsa, model number 49083, released in 1998 and available on the market until 1999, M-02 chassis version with a short wheelbase of 210 mm; complete model with electronics.
– Porsche Boxster, model number 49085, released in 1998 and available on the market until 1999, M-02L chassis version with a long wheelbase of 239 mm; complete model with electronics.
– Mercedes-Benz SLK, model number 49086, released in 1998 and available on the market until 1999, M-02L chassis version with a long wheelbase of 239 mm; complete model with electronics.
Condensed Catalogue
In 1998, a catalogue is available listing all spare parts and accessories to enhance performance.
