Monthly Archives: December 2007
Musica ’07
Thought I would gather some of the best music of 2007 since it’s the last day of the year.
Enjoy…and Happy New Year to all of you ❗ 8|
http://www.youtube.com/p/916F5EE450AFE842
Some more music, not 2007 edition, that you should also listen to…
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 8
Here are a couple of pictures of the TRF416 with electronics installed.
I decided to install the new Speed Passion GranTurismo ESC in my TRF416 together with a Speed Passion Double 1,500,000uf Super Capacitor. I have run the GT speedo with various different motors, both sensored and sensorless now and I’m super happy with it.
The other components are a Speed Passion Competition 3.5R motor, Digipeak IB4200WC battery, Futaba S9550 servo and Futaba R603FS receiver.
The Speed Passion GT ESC, as well as Feigao and Exige ESC’s are now available at Racing Factory.
You can click on any of the following pics for a large version.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 7
A couple of more pictures of the TRF416 almost completely assembled.
You can click on any of the following pics for a large version.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 6
Some pictures of the TRF416 almost completely assembled.
You can click on any of the following pics for a large version.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 5
Most of the suspension on the TRF416 is all new. The reversible lightweight suspension arms first introduced on the TB Evo IV in 2004 is retained, as is the inner and outer hinge pins, but the rest is new.
The major change necessitating new parts is the use of larger more reliable 5x10x4mm bearings. These requires new front and rear uprights, C parts and wheel axles/driveshafts. One major advantage this brings besides improved reliability is les play. This is also acheived due to better made uprights and wheel axles.
Overall the improved suspension gives a very positive impression.
Front uprights, C-parts and driveshafts assembled with superb fluorine tubes and ball connectors.
You can click on any of the following pics for a large version.
Chassis with front and rear suspension attached.
A good example of the constant search for slight improvements is the new black coated TRF dampers.
Even though the TRF dampers have been the standard by which others are measured for years, Tamiya does not stop improving them. This latest version has a new even slippier coating for less friction. It also seems that the white plastic rod guide parts have been slightly improved. Obviously the dampers come with TRF 3 hole pistons, ti-nitride shafts, and low friction o-rings.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 4
The steering system of the TRF416 has been completely re-designed compared to the latest 415 versions, although you could perhaps say that the basic principle has remained.
The steering arms are now much shorter and higher up, while the steering bridge is mounted from the underside of the arms. In addition the steering assembly is now fastened to the upper deck with only 1 screw thanks to the new A support bracket. This gives improved flex characteristics while also making adjustments much easier. You can now only remove three screws and slide out the whole assembly to make ackerman adjustments, without having to worry about any shims or spacers on the steering arms.
Overall the new design is much more adjustable for different conditions and should be a clear improvement on the track.
You can click on any of the following pics for a large version.
Steering system.
The TRF416 uses a much longer upper deck compared to the TRF415MSX and MSXX, while still keeping it super low. This has been acheived by the clever motor mount giving room for the upper deck.
In addition the upper deck is fastened with 4 screws front and rear for better tweak resistence and more consistent performance.
I used steel screws to fasten the upper deck for an even more secure fitting.
This picture shows how the upper deck mounts to the middle bulkheads and routes around the clever motor mount.
The upper deck now mounts to the front bulkhead with 4 screws as well while there is one central screw for the steering system.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 3
Finally time to actually start bolting things to the chassis. The finish of the blue anodized aluminium parts is absolutely amazing, the precision of the machining work nothing short of remarkable.
You can click on any of the following pics for a large version.
Rear bulkheads, motor mount and middle right bulkhead.
Front bulkheads, steering posts and drivetrain installed.
The TRF416 uses an aluminium layshaft with larger 18T centre pulleys, either side of the spur gear. A front one-way comes standard wit´h a front 37T one-way pulley in the same low friction material as the diff and centre pulleys. The drivetrain is extremely free.
Absolutely beautiful blue front bulkheads and new rear front suspension mount.
Rear bulkheads.
Front view of the slim and compact TRF416 chassis.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 2
Next step as always preparing the carbon fibre parts.
This for me is the most boring part of building any carbon fibre car, and also the step that takes up most time. At the same time it is however very rewarding when you’re done and have superd looking edges on all components!
Here are all the carbon parts for the TRF416 unprepared. You can clearly see the long upper deck.
Prepared parts.
Tried to keep and organized work area during the build.
Ti and alu screws, organized by size.
The first step in the actual assembly of the 416 is the new rear diff. The rear diff has been improved in a lot of ways, and is now surely one of the best diffs available in any touring car.
New 37 teeth low friction diff pulley using 12 diff balls for improved consistency and durability.
New diff joints, diff rings and diff bolt and T nut.
New rear diff assembled with great looking and smart JAAD Racing diff covers. The diff is very smooth and feels very solid. The fact that it’s now adjustable from the outside without any disassembly is another superb feature.
TRF416 – K Photo Review – part 1
The TRF416 is definitely one of the most eagerly awaited touring cars, having been rumored or speculated about since the time before the TRF415MSX was released in 2005.
With the TRF415 having set the standard for the touring car chassis of today, it was going to be a hard act to follow for Tamiya. There was never any doubt that a 416 model would eventually be released by Tamiya, the question was just when, and how different to the TRF415 series it would be.
As it turnes out the TRF416 really is a totally new car, with very few components or measurements carrying over. The car might look quite similar to some, but start looking at the details and you can’t (I certainly can’t!) help being impressed by the endless significant improvements.
The work of the Tamiya Racing Factory division is reminiscent of how a high-end real racing team constantly develops their racing cars from year to year. As one generation of chassis reaches its limits, it’s time to start a with a completely new design – the TRF416.
I usually take my time when I build my cars, but this time I decided to go even further. I even had the car at home for a few days, box still unopened, as I waited for the Christmas holiday to take my time and build the 416.
This is where I started. I planned to build the 416 standard with the exception of the following parts.
– Ti and Alu screws
– RW Supa Lite 79T 48P spur
– Fluorine Coated Alu Ball Nuts and Connectors for the dampers
– JAAD ceramic diff balls, thrust bearing and diff covers
As always the Tamiya kits comes beautifully boxed.
Parts now separated withing the box.
Lots of blue stuff. 😉
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