Raman

iTrader: (94)

Shows Tamiya is serious and listening. Good for them.

syndr0me

iTrader: (32)

Has there been a single case where a major brand makes this level of changes within a single generation? The other big companies tend to go 3-4 years don't they?

Skiddins

This was discussed along with other changes at the last ETS round.

The larger diff has higher oil capacity and better gears supposedly.
They said it was faster with the new diff but didn't explain why.
This was from Wilck and Rheinard, not just BS hearsay

Raman

iTrader: (94)

IMO it's more of a marketing and psychological decision. The TRF418 received a lot of bad reviews, most of which in my opinion was unjustified.

If Tamiya had simply released a version "X", the ill feeling of the 418 series would persist in the consumers mind.

Instead they made a wise decision, set aside their pride and scrapped the 418 and decided to start with a clean slate on the 419.

inpuressa

iTrader: (10)

we'll see if they finally designed a car that can best the yokomo. I mean, that''s the main purpose for its existence right?

xsracer

iTrader: (2)

Those high end chassis are all very nice. Never the less for local club racing and fun factor,IMHO I'll stick to my TA05 and TB03 and keep $500.00 plus dollars in my pocket. Sorry gang don't mean to offend any body I stopped chasing new car kits and decided to keep my money so I can support this fun hobby.

Qatmix

Sounds to me like they have a nice amount of changes. As with all things Tamiya it will have new bulkheads if the number has changed.

As to the 418, it seems to be a good club car, I haven't read a negative review about it and those that have them seem to enjoy them (I found mine much quicker than my 417v5)

However at the sharp end of this sport in events such as the ETS it was not as fast as the Yok on many days (although it did win some / a events) As Tamiya loves to go for the World championships it's obviously gone to town to have a good attempt this year.

Personally I like to upgrade when they change the number, I didn't expect it to be as soon as this though... Still it will be mine

Dan

iTrader: (75)

Where are people saying the 418 is bad? Everyone running it locally and myself love the way it handles. I just think Volker is just that good, especially on carpet. Either way I think it is interesting the direction tamiya went with a much stiffer chassis of the 418 probably to close the gap with Volker on carpet which they have. But then you lose some of that grip on asphalt unless you go softer. Wonder what tamiya will do for the 419 chassis composition.

syndr0me

iTrader: (32)

I think the 418 feels remarkably better on carpet than the BD7.

Qatmix

Yep, I agree, I had a BD7 14 and I couldn't match my 418 times, so I just sold it on. The 418 has given me the best winning streak I have ever had in all my years of racing, so I'm a massive fan of the car, it just seemed to click with me.

Jamison R

iTrader: (66)

Can't wait to see pics

Vyger

iTrader: (2)

@ Kentech, where's the pics!?!?

d16dcoe45

iTrader: (1)

Interesting to hear. All my experience with the 418 has been on asphalt where even with a slightly softer chassis the car is nervous to drive, often to the point of completely losing rear grip 3 minutes in. I have tried multitude of roll center adjustments, different pivot block widths, spring, oil & piston changes & while those helped, my 417 Raceberry was just easier & more consistent which ultimately led to faster total times.

Was your Yoke comparison an original BD7 or the 2014 version?

ittjv

iTrader: (32)

Rheinard posted a link on his facebook page to a race report. There are a couple pics of him wrenching on his car in there. You can see the motor mount a bit. I'm sure it's just like the BD7.

I'm sticking with my 418 for a while. Too expensive to switch and, if I do, I'm going to give the Arc 2015 a real hard look.

- Jose

syndr0me

iTrader: (32)

I think I'm gonna unload my brand new half built 418 for pretty cheap. If anybody in the US is interested send me a PM.