Rc Cars Reviews

Bounce Baby Bounce! Tamiya Squash Van GF-02

Bounce Baby Bounce! Tamiya Squash Van GF-02

The Chassis: A Long Wheelbase Dream

The Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 has a chassis that captures attention right from the start. While the body itself holds significance, it is the chassis that truly stands out. As a fan of the previous g601 model, I was drawn to its long wheelbase and six-wheel drive. It was undeniably cool. But a thought always lingered in my mind: what would happen if I could lock out that center and have that long wheelbase chassis solely for better handling? I believed it would give me that little extra something I had been searching for, especially when compared to the gfo one chassis, which admittedly is a fun wheelie machine. However, I desired a vehicle with more handling capabilities, one that I could take off a jump and witness a smooth landing without any bouncing about.

The Perfect Body to Match

Fortunately, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 comes equipped with a body that perfectly complements the chassis. Let’s delve into the details of the body itself. The front is instantly recognizable, reminiscent of the iconic midnight pumpkin. The play on squash B is evident, paying homage to its predecessor. The front of the body is crafted beautifully in lexan, and the hood looks absolutely awesome. Moving on to the cab area, we are greeted with a spacious and sleek panel design. But it is the rear section that brings a breath of fresh air to this vehicle.

A Long Wheelbase with Expanded Tires

The GF-02 chassis boasts an impressive long wheelbase that immediately catches the eye. Its elongated nature adds stability and provides a solid foundation for the vehicle’s performance. But that’s not all. The Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 has something else to offer – larger tires. These tires bring additional traction and stability to the table, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. With this combination of a longer wheelbase and enhanced tire size, the GF-02 is ready to make its mark.

A Unique Panel Van Body

Finally, let’s talk about the rear section of the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02. This section of the body sets it apart from its predecessors and adds a touch of freshness to the overall design. The panel van body style is both unique and captivating. It adds an element of versatility, allowing the GF-02 to stand out among its peers. This body design ensures that the vehicle looks equally impressive whether it is racing on the tracks or performing stunts in the backyard.

In conclusion, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is a remarkable addition to the world of R/C vehicles. Its chassis, with its long wheelbase and lockable center, offers improved handling and stability. The body perfectly complements the chassis, with its iconic front design and unique panel van style at the rear. With larger tires providing enhanced traction, this vehicle is ready to conquer any challenge thrown its way. So, if you’re searching for a vehicle that combines style, performance, and versatility, look no further than the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02.

Chassis and Gears

The Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is a full cap on the back twin doors, small tail lights very period kind of vehicle. When you first get your hands on it, the body is of course unpainted, so you’ll have to take some time to paint it up to your liking. This kit requires a full buildup, meaning you will have to assemble it yourself. Don’t worry, all the necessary paints can be found in the video description below. It may take some time, but it’s worth it.

What sets this chassis apart is its long wheelbase. The extended length gives the vehicle a unique look and feel. But what’s really special about this kit is the customizability. You can build it the way you want to, and it even offers the option for four-wheel steering. With its four-wheel drive setup, all the gears are located in the monoco setup, creating a smooth driving experience. The gear differentials in the front and rear, accompanied by metal out drives and metal dog bones, provide excellent durability and performance.

Suspension

Moving on to the suspension, it is primarily made up of components we’ve seen before on the GF-01 chassis. The two-piece arms, fixed upper links, steering knuckles, and plastic hub carriers create a reliable and stable suspension setup. The friction shocks add to the overall smoothness of the van’s ride.

Assembly and Fun

Putting together the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is a joy in itself. Once you have all the gears in place, you can spin them around and witness the intricacies of the transmission system. The build process is engaging and fulfilling, providing a sense of achievement once completed.

As with other Tamiya kits, there is a mix of bushings used in the Squash Van GF-02. While some may prefer bearings for their smoothness, Tamiya’s use of bushings has become a trademark of their kits. It may not offer the same level of efficiency as bearings, but it doesn’t compromise the overall performance and enjoyment of the kit.

Overview

The Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is an exciting new addition to the world of RC vehicles. With its bouncy suspension and unique steering system, this van promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience.

Steering and Suspension

The steering mechanism of the Squash Van GF-02 is a simple crank located in the front, with the servo mounted on the side. Tamiya has provided all the necessary parts, including a servo saver, which ensures that the steering remains reliable even during intense jumps and maneuvers. For those seeking a more adventurous driving experience, there is an option to add a separate crank to the rear, enabling rear steer. However, for now, I have set it up with front steer to navigate jumps and obstacles effectively.

Power and Speed

The battery of the Squash Van GF-02 is mounted on top, allowing for easy access and minimal disruptions during battery swaps. Tamiya includes a 540 Motor and a Hobby Wing speed controller, complete with a Tama plug. However, I do wish they had provided an XT60 plug instead, as it would have been more convenient for a quick and hassle-free change. Nevertheless, the power system seems robust and promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

Stability and Appearance

The tall body mounts on the Squash Van GF-02 ensure that the van body remains stable and does not wiggle excessively. It is a welcome addition, as some previous Tamiya trucks had issues with body stability. Moreover, the van is equipped with Chevron-style turbo wheels on all four corners. These white wheels not only look stylish but also provide excellent traction and improve the overall performance of the vehicle. Coupled with the unique van body design, the Squash Van GF-02 exudes a captivating charm that is hard to resist.

The Test Drive

To properly test the capabilities of the Squash Van GF-02, I decided to head to the local park. With its open space and various terrains, it seemed like the perfect spot to put this van through its paces. As soon as I took it out on the field, I was instantly impressed by its bouncy suspension and responsive steering. The van effortlessly tackled jumps and uneven surfaces, providing a truly thrilling experience. Its stability and powerful motor allowed for precise control, even during high-speed maneuvers. Overall, the Squash Van GF-02 exceeded my expectations and left me eager to explore more.

With its unique features and dynamic performance, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is undoubtedly a remarkable addition to the world of RC vehicles. Whether you are an experienced driver or a beginner looking for an exciting new adventure, this van is sure to provide countless hours of fun and excitement. So what are you waiting for? Bounce baby bounce with the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02!

Bounce Baby Bounce! Tamiya Squash Van GF-02

We got a little bit of rock here, some grass to run around in, and I found a couple spots where I could jump it. Music later had a bus out the plastic RAM for a little air time.

Here we Music go right into my foot, actually running this thing on 3s theres Full Throttle and is Bucking around oh no crash oh and saved Music, it ever since they put these hobby Wing. Speed controllers in that can take 3s.

I just go with the 3s, although this truck is, it probably would rather have a twoes pack in Music it. But I like the sound of that motor spooling Music up Music.

The Unexpected Bounce

Do the rough stuff yeah a little bouncing. You got, watch it and turn Music whoa. So this thing is Bucking around I was not expecting it. I mean I thought it was going to be a little a little bouncy because of those shocks, but it just starts like teetering back and forth as it bounces its got plenty of steering, though oh catch a little lir off the bike ramp yeah there we go.

Another send got a lot of Bounce at the end there. You can see those rear wheels just bucking around, because theres no damping to those shocks, ow, ow, ow, all right, lets, wrap things up here and talk about the gfo 2s performance and its not exactly what I was expecting. I thought with the longer wheelbase on this truck wed have something that handled pretty well.

GFO 2’s Performance

The Tamiya Squash Van GF-02’s performance is not exactly what I was expecting. With its longer wheelbase, I thought this truck would handle pretty well. However, running it on 3s, it starts bucking around unexpectedly. The shocks do provide a bouncy ride, but it teeters back and forth as it bounces.

Despite the unexpected bounce, the Squash Van GF-02 has plenty of steering. It catches air off the bike ramp smoothly and shows a lot of bounce at the end. The rear wheels buck around due to the lack of damping in the shocks.

All in all, the performance of the GF-02 could have been better. It may prefer a twoes pack to smoothen out the ride. However, I still enjoy the sound of the motor spooling up and the rough, bouncy ride that the GF-02 provides.

Shocking Issues

Every little problem I encountered while driving the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 could be traced back to its shocks. These friction dampers lacked any oil, making them erratic and unreliable. Driving the truck through grass, for instance, would result in constant bouncing. The energy from the springiness would push the truck back and forth, forcing me to roll back on the throttle to regain control. Otherwise, the truck would flip over, even when going through corners. The chassis lean was evident, partly due to the high-mounted battery and the resistance provided solely by the spring.

A Flipping Mess

The inevitable consequence of these problematic shocks was the truck rolling over. Even driving through gravel showcased the rear shocks constantly going up and down. It was clear that an upgrade was necessary. Changing out the shocks would surely resolve these issues and allow for smoother driving.

The Steering Quandary

Surprisingly, after the shock upgrade, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 started exhibiting improved steering capabilities. However, it was almost too responsive. When navigating corners, the front end would abruptly dive down, causing the truck to bite into the ground and roll over. The truck had a tendency to turn too tightly, making control a precarious balancing act.

Handling and Steering

The Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is a beast when it comes to handling. With its higher center of gravity and larger tires, it tends to over steer. This means that when you take a turn, the rear end of the van wants to swing out, making it a bit challenging to control. To combat this, it is recommended not to use the four-wheel steering option. While it may be a cool feature when going slow, it would only worsen the over steering issue. If you do want to use the four-wheel steering, then a shock change and switching to their other tires, like the GFO One or the Chevrons, would help in planting the truck and reducing the chances of it rolling.

Building and Enjoyment

One of the highlights of the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is the joy of building it. Whether you are a seasoned hobbyist or just starting out, assembling this truck is a fun experience. The kit comes with clear instructions and all the necessary parts, making the building process smooth and enjoyable. So if you are looking for something to keep yourself engaged and entertained, this is definitely a great option.

Conclusion

Overall, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is a unique and customizable kit that will surely provide hours of enjoyment for hobbyists. Its long wheelbase, four-wheel drive, and durable gear system make it versatile and capable on various terrains. Whether you’re a seasoned model builder or a beginner, this kit offers a rewarding building and driving experience.

In conclusion, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is a thrilling truck that offers both excitement and challenges. Its over steering tendencies require some adjustments in terms of steering settings and tire choices, but once you find the right balance, it becomes a joy to handle. The building process itself is a rewarding experience, making it a great choice for enthusiasts of all levels. So if you’re ready to bounce into the world of remote-controlled trucks, the Tamiya Squash Van GF-02 is waiting for you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwPvqmUgPPU
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