Most people know Tamiya as a manufacturer of radio controlled vehicles and may not realize they do much more than that. Along with their well-known and loved radio control offerings, Tamiya makes exceptional static plastic models, educational products, tools, paints, accessories and last, but not least… Tamiya Mini 4WD. The Tamiya Mini 4WD are tiny race cars, about the size of a human hand and run on a track against other Mini 4WD race cars. Each car features a shaft driven 4WD chassis that is powered by two AA batteries. There is a large range of body and chassis types to choose from. Not to mention numerous tune-up parts to improve performance. This allows you to precisely dial in the car’s settings for either high-speed or technical racing.
We bet you would be surprised if we told you that the Tamiya Mini 4WD segment has been a major part of Tamiya’s business and continues to grow year after year. In fact, the Mini 4WD race cars have grown into a massive international phenomena. Most of us RC hobbyist have heard of the Mini 4WD cars and have written them off because they are not RC. But once you learn more about these tiny cars, you will understand why they have become so popular.
About Mini 4WD
Tamiya Mini 4WD race cars are 1/32-scale and come as a build-it-yourself kit. They are very easy to assemble due to their simple snap-together design and they don’t require any glue. Basically, they are plastic model kits. Once built, you can decorate the bodies with colorful stickers. Then install the AA batteries and you are ready to hit the track.
Tamiya Avante MK.II #18614 (MS chassis)
Tamiya Synchro-Master Z9 #95410 (VS chassis)
Tamiya Silwolf #18645 (MA chassis)
Tamiya Hotshot JR #18624 (MS chassis)
Tamiya Daihatsu Kopen RMX #18081 (VS chassis)
Chassis choices
Eleven different chassis are offered by Tamiya. Each one offers a different degree of on-track capability. Just like with RC cars, you will find there is a trade-off in performance depending on which chassis you choose.
MA chassis – The one-piece, aerodynamically-advanced MA Chassis has a low center of gravity and uses air flow to its advantage. Fitted with 6 rollers as standard and side stays to allow the attachment of a wide range of Grade Up and Option parts, this is a high-performance chassis.
MS Chassis – The direct drive, double-shaft motor MS Chassis features a 3-piece set up split into nose, center and tail sections for easy attachment and detachment. This tough chassis form features an 80mm wheelbase to provide an advantage through corners.
AR Chassis – Popular with drivers thanks to the ease of adjusting and maintaining it, the durable AR Chassis was the first to use 6 rollers, and it features the batteries in a low position to help it hug the ground. Users can also attach Grade Up and Option parts to the side of this 82mm wheelbase machine.
Super-II Chassis – The Super-II Chassis is the next generation of the Super 1 Chassis, and it features race-ready advancements such as a reinforced bumper, rear stay secured by 2 rotating switches and screw-secured cover. The chassis also offers excellent adaptability.
VS Chassis – The VS Chassis is a lightweight and compact chassis with a short wheelbase. Hinged gear cover and battery holders make maintenance a simple task, so this chassis really is an excellent blend of easy use and high performance.
Super-1 Chassis – The Super 1 Chassis itself is the next generation of the Zero Chassis, and it provides an enticing blend of speed and durability. Removable side stays give wide setting options, and the fully-cowled type small front tires contribute to the low center of gravity, with a 3mm ground clearance.
Super TZ-X Chassis – The Super TZ-X Chassis is an evolution of the Super TZ Chassis, and it too offers the user wide tread in conjunction with a mid-length wheelbase. The front bumper has extra screw holes, and the chassis’ rear stay is secured in 2 places.
Super TZ Chassis – In addition to its mid-length wheelbase and wide tread, the Super TZ Chassis has its batteries close to the ground and a flat underside to give it a low center of gravity. It utilizes a tough bumper and offers stability even at high speeds.
Super XX Chassis – The Super XX Chassis is an evolution of the Super X Chassis which offers improved adaptability and durability. Wide roller settings are enabled thanks to its nose guard, and this stable chassis features great toughness plus enhanced side stay options.
Super X Chassis – The Super X Chassis offers great durability and stability thanks to its wide tread and long wheelbase. The motor can be accessed from the underside of the machine, allowing speedy setting changes, while the rear stay is attached in 2 places.
Super FM Chassis – An evolution of the FM Chassis, the Super FM Chassis has an aerodynamically-advanced underside. The front motor gives it an advantage on up-and-down courses. It also has a strengthened bumper and cooling ducts to make it a great racer! This was the first chassis to feature a rear roller stay.
Tune-up Parts
As you gain experience, you can boost performance by adding one of the many Tamiya 4WD Tune-Up Parts that are available. For example, using optional ball bearings helps to minimize friction loss and utilize motor power more efficiently. By selecting the right Tune-Up Parts, you can enhance the performance of your car or enhance its stability in curves and during acceleration. Following is just a small taste of all the Tune-Up Parts that Tamiya offers.
19mm aluminum rollers (item #95493) – These are 19mm rollers are made from lightweight, tough aluminum. They have built-in ball bearings so these 5-spoke rollers provide a smooth ride to any Mini 4WD racer
4WD rear brake and roller set (item #15113) – These brake pads are attached to the underside of the rear bumper to reduce speed at raised sections of a track and it helps keep your machine on the track. The bumper also comes with friction rollers.
Aluminum motor support (item #95428) – Use this motor support to secure your tuned motor firmly to your car and prevent loss of contact between motor terminals and battery terminals during hard landings. As a bonus, it also works as a heat sink for more efficient motor running.
Atomic-tuned 2 motor (item #15486) – Tuning your car can make the world of difference in Mini 4WD racing and the motor is a great place to start. This motor is aimed at racers who are new to tuning their models and can be used to alter your machines performance as the track requires. The motor features highly efficient metal brushes.
Body set DCR-02 (item #95490) – This is a color variation of the body parts for the revolutionary DCR-02 MA Chassis. It has its own dedicated color scheme and can be used as is, or in combination with parts from Items 18650 and 95431, and even existing DCR-01 body parts sets and kits (Item 18646, etc.) The possibilities are extensive.
Carbon Stay (item #95284) – These lightweight and rigid 2mm-thick solid carbon fiber stays are for use with Wide Front Sliding Dampers and replace the aluminum roller stay parts. The roller stay is a key part of wide sliding dampers, as it slides when the Mini 4WD car hits a track wall thus helping to absorb impact.
Carbon reinforced pinion (item #15453) – These Mini 4WD 8-tooth pinion gears are made from carbon reinforced nylon resin material and feature excellent durability.
Fluorescent chassis set (item #95355) -These special fluorescent color chassis parts are for the compact, short wheelbase VS chassis. Each set features 2 colors to brighten up your Mini 4WD race car.
LG diameter V spoke wheels (item #15491) – Give your Mini 4WD model a makeover with these wheels that are paired with arched tires. The design incorporates 6 spokes grouped in 3 V-shaped pairs. Arched tires reduce speed loss by decreasing track surface contact area.
Slimline mass damper set (item #95435) – These slimline mass dampers are slim (7mm) and lightweight. Great for use in cluttered spaces and offer an alternative to other mass damper weights. The weights in this set are given a silver color plated finish, while ball caps are molded in a matching color.
Mass Damper set (item #15478) – Mass dampers are an essential tuning part on circuits with elevation changes. These are attached to the car using ball connectors. The adjusters include fiber-glass material for toughness and the included FRP stay allows attachment of the block mass damper in a variety of positions.
High speed EX gear set (item #15429) – There are currently two gear ratios available for Mini 4WD racers to use on their MS chassis machines, 4:1 and 3.5:1. This means that for a particular circuit, sometimes the former may be too slow while the latter may be too fast. To solve this situation and give racers another option, this new gear set offers a 3.7:1 ratio.
Customizing
Besides enhancing performance, you can customize your Mini 4WD to make it unique and standout. Get creative while “tuning up” your car. Try cutting material out of your car to make it lighter or painting it with vivid colors. Mini 4WD’s give you the excitement of racing as if you were the car designer, engineer and the racecar driver.
Tamiya Shooting Proud Star #18641 (Ma chassis)
Tamiya BERGKAISER PREMIUM #19437 (Super II chassis)
These Tamiya Mini 4WD race cars are appealing to adults and definitely to young children. Mini 4WD snap together kits are reasonably priced and are an excellent learning experience for kids. They are easy to assemble for even the youngest of kids and become objects of pride and accomplishment. By assembling their own cars, modifying and racing them, kids gain a sense of competitiveness and creativity.
Tamiya Mach-bullet metallic sp. #95483 (AR chassis)
Tamiya Phantom Blade Black Sp. Super #19621 (XX chassis)
Racing the Mini 4WD
Tamiya introduced the Mini 4WD’s back in 1982. Since then, seven race series of Mini 4WD’s have launched in the US market: The Super Mini 4WD series, the Fully Cowled Mini 4WD series, the Racing Mini 4WD series, the Aero Mini 4WD series, the Pro Mini 4WD series, the REV Mini 4WD series and the Mechanical Mini 4WD series. This is the true appeal of these pint sized cars…racing them. You can either purchase sections of track to make you own course or find a local hobby shop with a Tamiya Mini 4WD track. Chances are if the hobby shop has the track setup, they are also offering a race series.
Racing mini 4WD circuit –item #69506
Race tracks
This is a standard three-lane oval racing circuit for Tamiya’s Mini 4WD racing car models. It is made from light and sturdy ABS resin plastic. The track is quick and easy to assemble. Using a two-level lane change section, it allows smooth running throughout the course of a 3-lap race. Three laps around the circuit is one racing length, which allows each car running time in each lane. Circuit color is light gray. Lane sizes are based on racing circuit specifications used in Tamiya’s official Mini 4WD races. You are also able to purchase different sections of track so that you can customize it.
Last Word
You can get into this hobby at an affordable price where cars cost approximately $10 to $20. Once you get a taste of racing the Mini 4WD cars, you will find that the challenge is not just to make them go as fast as possible, but rather analyzing the car’s performance and improving it to handle better. The skills used learning to build, customize and race the Mini 4WD race cars are the same skills that will be used in building and running RC cars This makes the Tamiya Mini 4WD race cars a great first hobby.
