TL-01
Il telaio TL-01 è stato messo in vendita in diverse versioni, che differivano per la configurazione delle sospensioni:
– TL-01: versione progettata per auto da turismo,
– TL-01LA: versione ad alte prestazioni progettata per auto da turismo,
– TL-01B: versione con bracci di sospensione estesi per buggy e
– TL-01RA: versione per auto da rally.
Tutti i telai, indipendentemente dalla configurazione, condividono principalmente:
– Parte A, codice 50735, che comprende la parte centrale del telaio, costituita da 2 + 1 gusci in plastica, e
– Parte G, codice 50738, che sono gli ingranaggi differenziali.
– Part E, code 50855, refers to the four towers used to mount the body shell.
The common features of all models are:
– Monocoque chassis made of two shells, integrating the front and rear gearbox housings,
– Permanent all-wheel drive system with an axle connecting the front and rear,
– Rear-mounted motor positioned on the left side,
– Integrated battery compartment located centrally and transversely within the chassis,
– Front and rear bevel gear differentials,
– Independent double wishbone suspension on all four wheels and
– Coil spring shock absorbers.
The code for the three components that make up the chassis is 50735. On the market, two different solutions are available. These two versions differ in the presence of two slots on the lower part. The front slot (highlighted in the red box in the image on the right in the first row) allows access to the steering linkage, while the rear slot (highlighted in the blue box in the image on the right in the first row) provides visibility of the receiver’s position. The images on the left show the chassis in its initial version, while the images on the right depict the updated version.
Several accessories have been released for sale, designed to enhance performance. Some of these accessories have later been used in other chassis such as TA-01, TA-02, TA-03, TA-04, FF02, M-03, M-04, TT-01, GF-01, G6-01, WR-02, MF-01X. The main accessories are:
– 53218 “Touring Car Hard Joint Cup Set For Gear Diff. TA01/TA02/TL01”
– 53300 “Turnbuckle Tie-Rod TL-01” The set consists of a few parts that can easily be found
– 53301 “Stainless Steel Suspension Shaft Set TL-01/FF02/WR-02/M03/M04”
– 53303 “Adjustable Upper Arm TL-01” The set consists of a few parts that can easily be found
– 53322 “Hollow Carbon Gear Shaft TL01”: It is possible to build a drive shaft starting from a carbon tube with an outer diameter of 5 mm and an inner diameter of 3 mm.
– 53323 “Carbon Prop Shaft TL01”: It is possible to build a drive shaft starting from a solid carbon tube with a diameter of 5 mm; in this case, in addition to cutting the tube to the correct length, it is also necessary to drill two holes for the gears.
– 53324 “Stabilizator set TL-01/FF-02” which becomes the 53517 “TL-01LA Stabilizer” set for the TL-01LA chassis
– 53331 “Light Weight Chassis Kit TL-01” characterized by a light gray color, reducing the weight of the central chassis by 30 grams compared to the standard one
– 53342 “Speed Tuned Gear Set TL-01” The gears are black compared to the white used for standard ones
– 53345 “Toe-In Rear Uprights WR-02/TL-01”
– 53346 “Quick Release Battery Holder TL-01/M-03”
– 53418 “Universal Shaft For TL-01” Alternatively, the previous 53115 “Skyline Gt-R Universal Shaft” set can be purchased
– 53523 “Aluminum Front Upright Set M03/M03L/M04L/TL-01”
– 53569 “Clamp Type Alum Wheel Hub”
– 53571 “TRF Dampers Fluorine Coated”
– 53596 “Aluminum Servo Stays (Short) TT-01/TT-01E/TA-03/TA-04”
In the image below, the items have been arranged starting from the first on the left of the first row, moving to the left and downward so that they correspond to the list above.
The central chassis, Part A, is available in three versions:
– Code 50735: standard chassis, available with or without slots for inspecting the steering linkage and receiver
– Code 53331: lightweight chassis in light grey
– Code unknown: released exclusively on the Japanese market, transparent chassis in the basic version without the two slots (see image below)
The following models were released for sale featuring the TL-01 chassis:
– Calsonic Skyline GT-R, model number 58191, released in 1997 and available until 2000
– Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI Bosch, model number 58195, released in 1997 and available until 2001
– Toyota Celica GT-Four 1997 Monte Carlo, model number 58201, released in 1997 and available until 2003
– Peugeot 406 ST, model number 58212, released in 1998 and available until 2002
– Ford Escort WRC, model number 58216, released in 1998 and available until 2000
– Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV Monte Carlo, model number 58219, released in 1998 and available until 2004
– Ford SVT F-150 Lightning, model number 58222, released in 1998 and available until 2005
– Pennzoil Nismo GT-R, model number 58223, released in 1998 and available until 2000
– Subaru Impreza WRC, model number 58226, released in 1998 and available until 2002
– Ford Mustang Cobra, model number 58228, released in 1998 and available until 2003
– Castrol Mugen NSX, model number 58233, released in 1999 and available until 2003
– Lexus IS 200, model number 58237, released in 1999 and available until 2003
– Schlesser Buggy Megane, model number 58238, not released for sale; information is unclear, possibly due to licensing delays or commercial agreements
– Ford Focus WRC, model number 58241, released in 1999 and available until 2002
– Mercedes CLK-GTR Original-Teile, model number 58244, released in 1999 and available until 2000
– Lexus GS400, model number 58251, released in 1999 and available until 2003
– Calsonic Skyline GT-R R34, model number 58255, released in 2000 and available until 2002
– Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM 2000 Team D2, model number 58260, released in 2000 and available until 2003
– Opel V8 Coupe, model number 58263, released in 2000 and available until 2005
– Toyota Castrol Tom’s Supra 2000, model number 58264, released in 2000 and available until 2003
– Subaru Impreza WRC 2001, model number 58273, released in 2001 and available until 2002
– Porsche 911 GT3 Cup V.I.P., model number 58283, released in 2001 and available until 2002
– Nissan 350Z, model number 58287, released in 2001 and available until 2004
– Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge, model number 58289, released in 2002 and available until 2005
– Ford Focus RS WRC 2002, model number 58292, released in 2002 and available until 2004
The TL-01 family is undoubtedly the most versatile and widespread, offering numerous variations. It is a less performance-focused evolution of the TL-01LA chassis, which will be discussed later. The wheelbase of this chassis matches that of the TA03 at 257 millimeters, slightly shorter than the TA01 and TA02, which measure 260 millimeters.
The TL-01 chassis is designed for touring cars, with its key components including:
– Non-adjustable steering rods (highlighted in red in the image, showing the right steering rod)
– Non-adjustable upper suspension arms (highlighted in light green in the image, showing the upper arm of the left rear suspension)
– Short lower suspension arms composed of two pieces (highlighted in blue and orange in the image, showing the two parts that form a lower arm— all four arms are identical), Part C, code number 50737
– Shock towers with a single attachment point, meaning suspension play is not adjustable
– Front hubs with a C-shaped section (highlighted in light blue and pink in the image, showing the right front hub and C-section respectively)
– Rear hubs (highlighted in purple in the image, showing the left rear hub).
Both the front and rear hubs are extended to compensate for short suspension arms, Part B (code number 50736).
– Long screws securing the suspension to the main body, acting as hinges (highlighted in dark green in the image, showing the two rear suspension screws)
– Identical plastic front and rear bumpers (highlighted in brown and burgundy in the image)
– Track wheels and tires
– Four body posts for a road-style shell
It is possible to convert the TL-01 chassis into TL-01LA, TL-01B and TL-01RA versions by swapping various components, as the central chassis structure remains the same. To convert a TL-01 chassis into a TL-01LA, there is a set that includes all the necessary parts: code 53467 “Long-Span Suspension Arm TL-01/FF-02.”
TL-01LA
The designation “LA” stands for “Large Arm,” as the suspension arms are the main difference compared to the standard TL-01 version. The following models were released for sale featuring the TL-01LA chassis:
– Beams Integra, model number 58293, released in 2002 and available until 2009
– CLK-DTM 2002 AMG-Mercedes, model number 58296, released in 2002 and available until 2005
The wheelbase of this version remains unchanged at 257 millimeters. The TL-01LA chassis is designed for high-performance touring cars, with key components including:
– Adjustable steering rods (highlighted in red in the image, showing the right steering rod)
– Adjustable upper suspension arms (highlighted in light green in the image, showing the upper arm of the left rear suspension)
– Extended lower suspension arms, compared to the TL-01 chassis, made in a single piece, Part M (code number 50966)
– The suspension geometry follows a construction philosophy similar to the TA04 and TRF414 chassis.
– This design allows for greater shock absorber travel and adjustable wheel camber, specific to the TL-01LA.
– Shock towers with a single attachment point, meaning suspension play remains non-adjustable.
– Front hubs (code 50964, highlighted in blue in the image, showing the right front hub) with C-section design (code 50963, highlighted in pink in the image, showing the right front C-section)
– Rear hubs (code 50965, highlighted in purple in the image, showing the left rear hub)
– Both front and rear hubs have been redesigned from the TL-01 version to improve performance and accommodate long suspension arms without altering the overall width.
– Pins with C-ring washers, securing the suspension to the chassis, acting as hinges (highlighted in dark green in the image, showing the two rear suspension screws)
– Front plastic bumper, different from the U-shaped rear panel in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (F.R.P.) (highlighted in brown and burgundy in the image)
– Track wheels and tires
– Four body posts, the same as the TL-01 version
This variant enhances suspension flexibility while maintaining the TL-01 chassis’s structural integrity!
The TL-01LA chassis is an upgraded version equipped with accessories to enhance the performance of the TL-01 chassis. Provided all necessary components are available, a TL-01 can be converted into a TL-01LA. Conversely, if one wants to reduce performance, converting it back is also possible.
TL-01B
The “B” stands for Buggy, indicating that the chassis was adapted for off-road use by modifying the suspension, which is the primary difference from the TL-01 version.
– The width of the TL-01B chassis is 250 mm, compared to 189 mm for the TL-01.
– The wheelbase increases by just one millimeter, reaching 258 mm
The following models were released featuring the TL-01B chassis:
– Baja Champ, model number 58221, released in 1998 and available until 2005
– Baja King, model number 58301, released in 2002 and available until 2008
This buggy version brings a new dimension to the TL-01 series, making it more versatile across different terrains!
The TL-01B chassis is designed for off-road vehicles, with key components including:
– Non-adjustable steering rods (highlighted in red in the image, showing the right steering rod), extended to accommodate the new suspension
– Extended upper suspension arms, non-adjustable (highlighted in light green in the image, showing the upper arm of the left rear suspension)
– Extended lower suspension arms, composed of two pieces (highlighted in blue and orange in the image, showing the two parts that form a lower arm—all four arms are identical), Part C, code 0005688. These suspension arms are exclusive to TL-01B
– Shock towers with a single attachment point, meaning suspension play is not adjustable
– Special front hubs for off-road use (code 0445572) with C-section design (same as TL-01 Part B, code 50736, highlighted in light blue and pink in the image, showing the right front hub)
– Rear hubs, identical to those on the TL-01 (Part B, code 50736, highlighted in purple in the image, showing the left rear hub)
– Screws securing the suspension to the central body at the rear (highlighted in dark green in the image, showing the two rear suspension screws) and U-pin at the front (highlighted in yellow in the image, within the outlined section). Screws and U-pin act as hinges
– Front plastic bumper, composed of two parts (highlighted in light and dark brown in the image) and rear U-panel in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (F.R.P.) (highlighted in burgundy in the image)
– 4WD buggy wheels and tires
– Four body posts for a buggy-style shell
Provided all necessary components are available, it is possible to convert a TL-01B into a TL-01 and vice versa.
TL-01RA rally arm
As with other models, the RA designation stands for rally and represents a version that Tamiya released to commemorate Subaru’s outstanding performance in rally racing. Compared to the previous year’s 2004 Impreza model, it features numerous improvements, including refined body aerodynamics, an upgraded boxer engine and enhanced suspension. The Impreza demonstrated exceptional performance, particularly on gravel and rough tracks in locations such as New Zealand, Greece, Japan and Italy. Petter Solberg secured his third victory at the Rally of Great Britain in Wales. In 2005, Tamiya released model 49352 Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 to celebrate these victories and to address the growing demand for rally-inspired remote-controlled cars capable of off-road performance. The TL-01RA is a special version of the TL-01 chassis featuring large studded tires for optimal driving on gravel and rough terrain. The following model was released featuring the TL-01RA chassis:
– Stadium Raider, model number 58246, released in 1999 and available until 2005.
The TL-01RA chassis is designed for off-road vehicles, with key components including:
– Non-adjustable steering rods (highlighted in red in the image, showing the right steering rod)
– Non-adjustable upper suspension arms (highlighted in light green in the image, showing the upper arm of the left rear suspension)
– Short lower suspension arms, composed of two pieces (highlighted in blue and orange in the image, showing the two parts that form a lower arm—all four arms are identical), Part C, code 50737
– Shock towers with a single attachment point, meaning suspension play is not adjustable
– Front hubs with C-section design (highlighted in light blue and pink in the image, showing the right front hub)
– Rear hubs (highlighted in purple in the image, showing the left rear hub)
– Both front and rear hubs are extended to compensate for short suspension arms, Part B, code 50736
– Screws securing the suspension to the central body, acting as hinges (highlighted in dark green in the image, showing the two rear suspension screws)
– Identical plastic front and rear bumpers (highlighted in brown and burgundy in the image)
– 4WD buggy wheels and tires
– Four body posts for a van-style shell
