The Shell and Options
The Tamiya MB-01 RC car is a model that has caught my eye ever since its release. With its sleek and attractive shell, I am excited to embark on this building journey. However, I cannot help but wonder what I should do with the shell. Should I paint it in vibrant colors to make it pop? Or perhaps go for a more artistic, box art delivery? Another option could be to give it a rusty look, reminiscent of cars from the past that tend to rust. This could add an interesting twist to its appearance. I am open to suggestions, so please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Manual
As with all Tamiya manuals, the one provided for the MB-01 is straightforward and easy to follow. Opening up the package, I am greeted with a bag of various components. One particular item that catches my attention is the sturdy-looking steering uprights. While I am excited to see how these will perform during races, I also wonder about their durability. It might be wise to build this shell with care and then consider transferring it to a mini, which happens to be my favorite car. This way, I can preserve its pristine condition and use it as a display piece. Time will tell what path I ultimately choose.
Converting from RWD to FWD
One interesting aspect of the Tamiya MB-01 is the ability to convert it from rear-wheel drive (RWD) to front-wheel drive (FWD). This opens up a world of possibilities in terms of handling and performance. While RWD is typically favored in racing, I am curious to experiment with the advantages that FWD can offer. It may provide better traction and stability, especially on different surfaces. I look forward to exploring this conversion and seeing how it affects the car’s overall performance.
In conclusion, the Tamiya MB-01 RC car presents an exciting building opportunity, with its versatile shell and options for customization. The provided manual ensures a straightforward assembly process, while also leaving room for personal choices and modifications. The possibility to convert the car from RWD to FWD adds an extra layer of complexity and experimentation. I am eager to see how this project unfolds and the final result it yields. Stay tuned for future updates on this journey of building and converting the Tamiya MB-01 RC car.
Chassis
We have this sprue, and this is the one that I’m interested in. This is the one which will dictate how many different types of gears and things you will be able to run, and I think it is going to be quite limited. To be honest.
Next up, we’ve got the two-part chassis friction dampers, some bumpers, some suspension arms we’ve, then got or out drives so the ESC that’s come with. This kit is so we’ve got their thw 1060r.
Bits and Gears
Then we have the last bag, which has all our bits in so we’ve got all our gears there. This bits and bulbs there’s a motor there, which looks like a standard silver can motor. I think that runs at about 27 turns normally, so the torque tune is about 25, the sports tunes about 23., so yeah uh.
Wheels
The last thing, which is quite interesting, actually is the wheels, so we’ve got um two sets of Hobs like so. However, the tires that come on this car are different, so we have got the biggest set that go on the back, and these low-profile tires to go on the front okay.
Building the Car
So now we can see everything out of its bags laid out on the table ready to start building. Obviously, we’ve got the chassis here that actually comes as a two-part chassis um and these holes here. Allow you to change the limp, so you’ve got three different lengths of chassis that you can run, which is really cool um.
Conversion from RWD to FWD
To convert the Tamiya MB-01 RC car from rear-wheel drive (RWD) to front-wheel drive (FWD), you will need to make some modifications. The first step is to remove the rear differential and prop shaft. These components are specific to RWD cars and are not needed for FWD operation.
Next, you will need to install a front differential. This can be a bit tricky as it requires some disassembly of the chassis. The front differential allows power to be distributed to both front wheels, enabling FWD operation.
Once the front differential is installed, you will also need to modify the suspension. This involves changing the setup to accommodate the new weight distribution and driving characteristics of a FWD car. Adjustments may need to be made to the suspension arms and dampers to ensure optimal performance.
Additionally, you will need to change the position of the motor. In a RWD configuration, the motor is typically located towards the rear of the chassis to drive the rear wheels. In a FWD setup, the motor will need to be moved towards the front to drive the front wheels. This will require some rewiring and potentially extending the motor wires.
Finally, you will need to replace the rear wheels with the low-profile tires that are included in the kit. These tires are designed for the front wheels in a FWD setup and will provide better traction and handling.
Overall, converting the Tamiya MB-01 RC car from RWD to FWD is a process that requires careful attention to detail and some mechanical know-how. However, with the right tools and patience, it is possible to transform the car and enjoy a different driving experience.
Setting up the Chassis
To start building the Tamiya MB-01 RC car, you need to set up the base of the chassis. It is important to follow the steps in the manual to ensure a proper assembly. One unique feature of this car is its ability to be built in multiple ways, offering different chassis lengths and drive configurations.
The Diff and Gearing
One key aspect to consider is the gearing for this car and the spur gear it comes with. The massive 65-tooth spur gear is made of plastic and is located inside the differential. This setup provides the necessary power transfer for the car’s performance.
Missing Components
When purchasing a Tamiya kit, there are a few components that are not included. For instance, you will not find a servo in the package. To overcome this, you will need to acquire your own electronic servo, such as the ET 2070. Additionally, a receiver is required to link the car to your radio gear. Lastly, getting a set of bearings from rcbearings.co.uk is advisable, as they offer bearings suitable for various kits.
Building for RWD
Following the manual’s instructions step by step will result in a rear-wheel drive car. This is the default configuration, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially for those who want to race the car in a front-wheel drive setup. In the next section, we will discuss how to convert the MB-01 from RWD to FWD.
Converting to FWD
If you intend to race the Tamiya MB-01 as a front-wheel drive car, there are specific modifications that need to be made. While the manual guides you in building a rear-wheel drive car, I will walk you through the necessary steps to convert it to a front-wheel drive setup.
Building the Tamiya MB-01 RC Car
I believe this is the same plastic diff gears and the same diff housing you’d find in a tto2. So if you’ve worked on a tto2 before, this will seem very familiar.
Choosing the Right Diff Oil
With regards to diff oil, ideally, I think for racing, I’d like to use the aw grease. Unfortunately, I’ve not got any aw grease in at the moment, so I’m using this core RC diff putty, which is, as you can see, quite sticky and quite thick. This will give me quite a nice diff action on the car.
Testing the Diff Action
Before continuing on with the build, I’ve just put in the outdrives to test the diff action. It’s essential to ensure that everything is working smoothly before proceeding.
Fiddly Assembly Process
The assembly process can be a bit fiddly, especially when it comes to inserting small bars. One in particular can be quite challenging to get in. However, once you’ve located it and set it inside, you just push down the plastic bit on the end. Then, there is a black c-clip that clips over the top and seals it in place. This design is quite clever and prevents the bar from coming out.
Bearing Installation
Now it’s time to install the bearings that I’ve got from RC Barons. These bearings play a crucial role in ensuring smooth movement and stability for the RC car. They fit perfectly into the designated spaces.
Building the Tamiya MB-01 RC Car
I carefully unpacked the components of the Tamiya MB-01 RC car, excited to start building it. The first thing I noticed was that I had packed the differential a little too tightly, causing a small amount of grease to leak onto the gears. Despite this minor setback, the design of the car was impressive and promised a smooth assembly process.
Installing the Motor
With the differential issue sorted, I proceeded to install the motor. Placing it in the center of the car, I admired how well it fitted into the designated space. Curiosity got the better of me, and I wondered how difficult it would be to change the pinion if needed. To my relief, it turned out to be a simple task of removing two screws to take out the entire center piece. This ease of maintenance added to the appeal of the car.
The Front Assembly
Moving on to the front assembly, I made a decision to remove the small black washers. I did this because I wanted the front end to have smooth and unrestricted movement. The rubber washer and O-ring were causing slight sticking, which I found to be undesirable. Of course, there is a chance that I may regret this decision later on, but for now, I am content with the modification.
Reviewing the Chassis
Taking a moment to appreciate the chassis, I was pleased with how it looked. The design was sleek and well-thought-out, showcasing the quality of Tamiya’s craftsmanship. As I glanced at the bottom of the chassis, I was impressed by the overall layout and the attention to detail that had gone into its construction.
Installing the Servo
The next step in the assembly process was installing the servo. Using my Servo Checker, I was able to test the functionality of the servo without having to wire up the entire car. This allowed me to ensure that the servo was working properly and centered correctly before proceeding with the rest of the build.
And so, my journey of building the Tamiya MB-01 RC car continues. The intricate details and clever design choices of this car have left me intrigued and excited for what lies ahead. With each component being carefully installed, I am fascinated by the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into creating these miniature wonders. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting build project.
Changing from RWD to FWD: The Process
To convert your Tamiya MB-01 RC car from rear-wheel drive (RWD) to front-wheel drive (FWD), there are a few steps you need to follow. By making these modifications, you can enhance the steering capabilities and overall performance of your RC car.
Repositioning the Steering Mechanism
The first step to converting your Tamiya MB-01 RC car from RWD to FWD is repositioning the steering mechanism. Currently, the car’s motor is located at the back, and the drive is transferred to the rear wheels. The long arm on the steering is responsible for controlling the movement of the front wheels.
Switching Body Posts
For the conversion to FWD, you will need to steer the wheels closest to the servo. To do this, you will have to switch the body posts from the two towers. By removing the posts and reattaching them in the appropriate positions, you can ensure that the wheels are in line with the servo for effective steering.
Using a Shorter Link
In addition to switching the body posts, you will also need a shorter link to connect the servo to the steering arm. This link will allow for proper control and responsive steering. By using the correct link, you can ensure a smooth transition from RWD to FWD, improving the maneuverability of your RC car.
Rotating the Servo 180 Degrees
As you make these modifications, it is important to note that the servo will also need to be rotated 180 degrees. This rotation is necessary to create enough space for connecting the shorter link to the steering arm. By rotating the servo, you can ensure that all the necessary components fit properly, enabling smooth FWD operation.
Conclusion
Building the Tamiya MB-01 RC car and converting it from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive can give you the flexibility to race the car according to your preference. By following the steps in the manual and making the appropriate modifications, you can unleash the full potential of this versatile RC car on the track. Remember to enjoy the process and have fun racing your customized Tamiya MB-01!
With the Tamiya MB-01 RC car assembly in progress and the conversion from RWD to FWD, each step requires precision and attention to detail to achieve optimal performance. It’s exciting to see the car taking shape, and with the right components in place, it promises to provide an exhilarating RC racing experience.
By following these steps and making the necessary adjustments, you can successfully convert your Tamiya MB-01 RC car from RWD to FWD. This conversion will enhance the performance and maneuverability of your RC car, allowing for better control and a more enjoyable driving experience. Now, with these modifications complete, you can embark on exciting RC adventures with your newly transformed front-wheel drive Tamiya MB-01 RC car.
