Coming soon from Tamiya is the Ferrari F12tdf based on the TT-02 entry-level 4WD chassis kit. Resembling Ferrari’s limited edition F12tdf super sportscar, the kit makes use of the proven shaft-driven TT-02 platform and it comes including a highly detailed body shell, silver multi-spoke rims and semi-slick high-grip tyres. The kit will hit stores by end of May.
Source: Tamiya [tamiya.com]
Kyosho have introduced the EP Fazer Toyota Supra Type 1 RTR drift car kit. Coming factory assembled and ready-to-run the entry-level car utilises a tough composite tub chassis, a 4WD drivetrain with enclosed front and rear differential cases and fixed suspension links for the camber and toe angle settings. Other features include a waterproof steering servo, a waterproof Vortex WP 45A brushed speed controller, 20T G2X brushed motor as well as a 2.4GHz Syncro KT-231P transmitter. The set is rounded out by a Team Orion 7.2V 1800mAh NiMH battery pack, a wall charger and of course the name-giving Toyota Supra bodyshell.
Atomic have released first information on the BZ 2017 Evo 1/28th scale 4WD competition chassis kit. The belt-driven micro touring car received a number of upgrades and improvements such as adjustable front and rear camber angles and link positions, adjustable caster, rear roll centre, anti-squat and pro-squat adjustments and the servo mount moved 2mm towards the centre line while also being of a more rigid design that is less prone to moving after a crash. Also new for the 2017 version are double flange diff pulleys to avoid belt jumps, the chassis is 1mm narrower for improved ground clearance during cornering and the top deck is of a more rigid design. Last but not least come the option of running longer rear shocks for improved traction and a tailor-made screw for the plastic bulkhead ensures that the screw holes won’t break any more. Proper images as well an official release date should become available soon.
Yeah Racing have introduced a RWD drift conversion kit for the HPI Sprint 2 touring car. The set allows to convert the entry-level touring car into a competition-grade RWD drift car featuring a C-hub-less front suspension and rear Y-arms to bring the car in-line with modern drift machines. The set includes new front and rear upper and lower arms, steering knuckles and rear hubs, as well as a redesigned steering assembly, rear driveshafts and a big bore shock set. The suspension and steering parts are machined from high-quality aluminium and they come purple anodised for looks.
View an image of the converted car here
Available soon from Tamiya is the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo.II Team Zackspeed “Diebels Alt” TT-01E touring car kit. Bringing back the good old days of motorsport, the kit resembles the 1992 spec car the Zakspeed team campaigned in the German Touring Car Championship. Tamiya’s replica makes use of the entry-level TT-01E shaft-driven 4WD chassis and it features a highly detailed bodyshell including moulded plastic rear-view mirrors, rear wing as well as 6-spoke rims and slick tyres. The kit will hit stores in April.
Source: Tamiya [tamiya.com]
HRC Distribution have introduced the HRC Racing exhaust pipe with smoke generator unit for electric drift cars and monster trucks. Consisting of an LED-equipped exhaust end pipe and a control unit, the system makes for a bit of scale realism for any drift car, monster or short course truck. The LED function and the amount of smoke emitted are controlled via the receiver’s throttle channel and the set includes everything needed, such as smoke fluid, mounting hardware and connection wires.
Maverick have introduced the new Strada Red line of brushless RTR vehicles. Based off of the standard brushed variants the Strada Red line-up of cars and trucks all feature a brushless electronics group that includes the MM-22BL 3215KV brushless motor, which is fitted with a black laser-etched case and 4mm gold-plated plugs, plus the MSC-30BL-WP brushless waterproof ESC. Each Strada Red vehicle features a moulded tub chassis that provides durability and a stable and tough platform for a strong 4WD shaft drivetrain. Pre-built oil-filled shock absorbers and dual-wishbone independent suspension front and rear are part of the features list as is the MS-22 servo that is coupled to the dual-point steering system that features an integrated servo saver to protect the servo against crash damage. Other features include full ball bearings, gear differentials, a moulded spur gear cover and pre-mounted tyres as well as pre-decorated red-colour bodyshells. The range includes the XB buggy, XT truck, MT monster truck, TC touring car, SC short course truck, DC drift car, RX rally car and DT electric desert truck.
The 2017 edition of the International Toy Fair takes place this week in Nuremberg, Germany. Although more and more companies opt for a “no show”, with this year marking a new low point in terms of established manufacturers and distributors attending, there are still some industry icons present, such as Schumacher who feature an interesting CAT XLS re-release. A company that is living for the re-release of kits is definitely Tamiya who already announced some new, re-issued kits that are on show in Nuremberg. Wallet-busters such as the 2017 Bigwig and Top Force make an appearance as do the more entry-level green edition Grasshopper, the Grasshopper II or scale models such as the CC-01 Pajero or the TT-01 Type-E based Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo.II. Beside the re-releases Tamiya also show new kits such as the TT-02 Subaru WRX STI NBR Challenge kit, while racers hoped for a show up of the announced TRF419XWS but it is understood that the latter will make a first public appearance at the Shizuoka Hobby Show later this year.
View more re-releases and new kits here
