Tamiya TT-01
The TT-01 is a 1/10 scale shaft-driven R/C chassis made by Tamiya. Since its release in 2003[1], the TT-01 has become a very popular entry-level chassis, especially for drifting and rallying purposes.
The bathtub chassis frame combined with the central driveshaft makes it a durable car for everyday surfaces, and its relatively light weight plastic chassis and cut-out mounting positions for the battery and motor gives it a low center of gravity.
Versions
- TT-01 - The first Tamiya TT-01 was released as a Ferrari Enzo in 2003. The original version features a 27T 540 "silver-can" motor, open planetary differentials front and rear, and non-adjustable double wishbone suspension with dry friction shock absorbers.
- TT-01D (Drift) - Includes low friction, hard plastic "drift" tires, ball bearings, adjustable suspension arms, oil-filled shock absorbers and a Sport Tuned 25T Mabuchi Motor. It also comes with body shells of typical real-life drift cars like the Mazda FD3S RX-7, Nissan Silvia S15 Nismo Coppermix and Toyota Supra, and the kits include LED lights.
- The TT-01R (Race) - Adds aluminum alloy drive shaft, adjustable rear toe-in and a Tamiya 25T "GT tuned" motor. The race kit does not come with a lexan body shell.
- TT-01E (Enhanced) - The standard TT-01 model upgraded with polycarbonate suspension uprights and fibreglass-reinforced nylon upper deck/chassis bracing and motor mount, thus improving both the structural rigidity and the toughness of the vehicle.
- TT-01D Type E - Combines "D" upgraded parts with "E" upgraded materials.
- TT-01R Type E - Combines "R" upgraded parts with "E" upgraded materials. Also adds metal diff cup joints, dog bones and wheel axles.
- TT-01ES (TT-01E Sport) - RTR-only version of the TT01E kit. Uses cheaper materials to achieve lower retail price.
Expert built
Tamiya also sells the TT-01, TT-01D and TT-01E in Ready-to-Run (RTR) versions, designated "XB" or "Expert built". These come with pre-painted body shells, transmitters and receivers, and only needs batteries and a charger to get the model going.
Hop-Up
A TT-01 has many hop-up options. Owners can change their gears, ball bearings, motors, shaft, ESC, radio gear,dogbones, tires, chassis,rims, and much more. Owners still have the option to purchase aftermarket optional parts to enhance drivability and performance of the car. Some owners can transform these cars into show cars replicating the original and full size race cars.
Bearings
Ball bearings are the most essential part of tuning up your R/C car. Full ball bearings enable heightened top speeds and longer component life. Because a TT-01D and the TT-01R chassis comes with full ball bearings, owners will not have to change them.
Heatsinks
Heatsinks are very important in maintaining your R/C's performance. Heat is the main killer of electronics as heat means resistance. Motor heatsinks are usually aluminum blue in color, but the color black is the best at dissipating heat. Heatsinks have multiple fins to create a larger surface area and thus can dissipate the heat more quickly and effectively. Battery heatsinks are also helpful in reducing your battery's heat.
Rims
Rim style and color is all up to the buyer. There are many different styles of rims which come in many different colours. Most people will buy rims according to how they match with the color of their bodies, but it is all up to the buyer. Dish style rims can be used, they are more aerodynamic than other styles of rims and have a very clean tidy look. Do not buy rims that are not of a 12mm hex or they will not be a size that matches the TT-01. However you should be aware that not all rims with 12mm hex's will fit the tt-01, as there are various 2.2" and 2.8" wheels with 12mm hex's that are used on 1/10th stadium trucks.
Tires
Using the correct type of tire will play a vital role in the performance of your car. Tires used for parking lot drifting uses a hard rubber compound where the tires have medium to less grip. This tire usually comes as kit supplied tires. Some enthusiast uses a 2 inch black PVC pipe as their drift tire. This pipe fits snuggly into a standard 2 inch wheel, just apply some CA glue on the outer lip of the wheels. There are also high grip tires which is used for on-road, asphalt or paved race tracks.
Bodies
Bodies are also all up to the buyer. Bodies are made out of lexan and are 1/10th scale replicas of a full sized cars. There is a choice between prepainted or clear bodies. Prepainted bodies tend to be included with the RTR version of it. Clear bodies require masking, painting, cutting off excess parts and detailing. Spray painting or airbrushing are the two most common ways of painting R/C lexan bodies. There is a very large range of different styles of bodies, they all come with decals. Because a TT-01 is electric, 190mm bodies are recommended as the chassis is narrower than that of a nitro R/C car. If 200mm bodies are purchased, offset rims may be necessary.
Motors
Motors are also of utmost importance. An engine is one of the most important components of the car although not the most expensive. Type 540 motors are usually supplied with TT-01 chassis. There are numerous other engines to replace this motor. It is important to take into consideration that in order to see immediate differences in the speed of your TT-01, changing the motor might not necessarily solve the problem. There are different types of motors, from brushed to brushless. Brushless motors are ideal for professional racers and offer no maintenance, brushed motors are cheaper, and do not require unique speed controls. Brushless motors are capable of practically any RPM range (kV * V), with many of the more popular winds and turn ratings approaching 3.5, leaving rpm approaching 70,000 rpm or more. Special brushed motors are capable of such high rpm, but require more maintenance as a result.