3LikesTRF101
06-23-2013, 04:00 AM
#226
IMO TRF's marketing team seems to have done a half baked job with their product launch. They managed to build the hype but forgot about launch and distribution. Which is probably just as important as building the hype.
They need to learn marketing strategies from Apple and Samsung.
They need to learn marketing strategies from Apple and Samsung.
06-23-2013, 06:28 AM
#227
Prior to ordering a TRF101 from a domestic online merchant, I noticed Tamiya USA had the TRF 101 listed as contact your hobby store. I contacted the distributors that my LHS use; the distributors would not confirm they were going to carry the TRF101.
I realize that RC F1 is a small class, but other new kits are listed for pre-orders weeks/months before release. However this kit seemed to be ignored despite the amount of online interest.
I realize that RC F1 is a small class, but other new kits are listed for pre-orders weeks/months before release. However this kit seemed to be ignored despite the amount of online interest.
I'm sure TA is bringing in a fair amount of kits but also Major dist support has been lacking for Tamiya kits the last few years. They don't stock near the amount of sku's of Tamiya product like they used to. I'm sure in part to all of their own OEM lines or consolidation of who is actually distributing kits
06-23-2013, 11:00 AM
#228
TRF 101 Build - Steps 1-10
After watching Le Mans this morning, I got motivated to continue the build.
Please note the following:
Parts for the rear shaft assembly. The inner diff housing comes premounted on the carbon fiber shaft.
Steps 1-10 completed
Close up of the rear end assembly
Photo of Step 8
Please note the following:
- Carbon reinforced parts were used instead of the kit supplied plastics
- Titanium and aluminum fasteners will be used everywhere.
- Carbon reinforced side links are directional. If they don't pop onto the pivot balls easily, flip them over.
- Additionally, the titanium 2x6mm screws will go through a side link hole easily and bite into the other side. Position the side links so that the screw head is on the outside.
- Ideally, the assembly consisting of rear lower brace, side links, pivot ball, center pivot, and lower deck should be as straight, smooth, and as slop free as possible. Take time when tightening screws to ensure that they don't bind any movement. F1 guru Rob King (aka robk) has an excellent video demonstrating his process in his rcF1blog website. Again, take time adjusting screw tightness.
- My US kit (purchased domestically) has a production issue. I've sent a message to the mother ship and hopefully I was just an unlucky lottery winner with this kit.
- Assemble the rear pod on a flat surface. Make sure the left and right motor mount as well as rear bulkhead plate are as straight as possible.
- When attaching the rear shaft, a microscopic amount of side to side play is desireable. Certainly less than 0.1mm, as little as possible to prevent the bearings from binding. Adjust as necessary before fully tightening the grub and cap screw that holds the left wheel stopper.
- Some one mentioned how the 101's rear end retains the same width as the older cars. The new car uses new parts.
- A spur gear adapter and an extra 12x8mm bearing is included in the kit. The manual (step 8 shown below) instructs the use of a 96 tooth spur, 12 3mm bearings, and the spur adapter.
- Leave the differential somewhat loose and do not fully tighten. Adjust differential tightness after break-in at the track.
Parts for the rear shaft assembly. The inner diff housing comes premounted on the carbon fiber shaft.
Steps 1-10 completed
Close up of the rear end assembly
Photo of Step 8
06-23-2013, 12:38 PM
#229
^Thanks for the tips! Can you expand on the production issue?
06-23-2013, 01:12 PM
#231
It's rare for there to be anything wrong with a Tamiya kit. The production issue was with hole that wasn't counter sunk in the rear plate. I was able to fix it with a dremel, and as I was putting it away, found my counter sinking bit 
Oops!
I'm not sure if the kit comes with wheels, and to be honest I haven't dug too deeply into the box
.
Oops!
I'm not sure if the kit comes with wheels, and to be honest I haven't dug too deeply into the box
.
06-23-2013, 01:32 PM
#233
Tech Master
rtypec,
What camera are you using and is it a homemade light box that your shooting in?
What do you do with all your builds? I'm guessing your collection must be massive!
What camera are you using and is it a homemade light box that your shooting in?
What do you do with all your builds? I'm guessing your collection must be massive!
06-23-2013, 01:59 PM
#234
The stable is rather large as I tend to keep everything, but not as big as the King of shelf Queens
06-23-2013, 02:58 PM
#235
pics of my trf101 rb8
pics of trf101 rb8: (sorry dont know how to cut and paste photos!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98001459@N08/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/98001459@N08/
06-23-2013, 03:22 PM
#237
got my build finished today and as always a very easy tamiya build.
I've wondered about a couple of features on the car and would like some information on.
1. The roll springs and link has 3 settings. Manual suggest middle hole. What is the purpose of moving them to the inner or outer holes?. The manual talks about track conditions, but doesn't expand
I've wondered about a couple of features on the car and would like some information on.
1. The roll springs and link has 3 settings. Manual suggest middle hole. What is the purpose of moving them to the inner or outer holes?. The manual talks about track conditions, but doesn't expand
2. The pitch damper comes with hard friction grease. I imagine for high carpet this would be great, but for low to medium traction asphalt would soft grease be better as it feels very stiff in the rear using the hard grease.
06-23-2013, 03:39 PM
#238
thx! for the pics too.
so far so good. but the real test will be at the track. will let you know once i go.
so far so good. but the real test will be at the track. will let you know once i go.
06-23-2013, 03:44 PM
#239
06-23-2013, 04:05 PM
#240
I can't wait to read your track impressions.
@ RTYPEC: great job documenting your build. I am somewhat less anxious to get my build now. I would rather read your posts first and get any nugget of golden information before I start my own project.
Looks like I will be investing in a good Dremel set.