Tamiya goes Micro (again)!!

[Tricky]

I was flipping through my February issue of Xtreme RC Cars and found a small blip about the Tamiya "Mini Frog" but it really hasn't been named yet. Looks just like the classic Frog, and currently is planned for an RTR version released in March of 06' with a kit to follow shortly after. Uses the same size motor and battery as the AE RC18s.

Looks pretty cool, 1/16th scale, although only 2wd, but still fun to see more cars appearing in the micro world!

Compact-sized and ready-to-run 2WD electric R/C off-road buggy
Overall length: 266mm, Overall width: 183mm, Overall height: 90mm
Racing-ready chassis features 4-wheel independent suspension
High efficiency 370 size electric motor, rear wheel drive train and overall lightweight structure provides extended running time of more than 30 minutes with a 7.2V-600mAh Ni-Cd battery
Newly designed small size ESC, reciever and servo (transmitter uses Expec SP)
Full ball bearings for improved transmission efficiency
Polycarbonate body shell features design patterned after Tamiya’s historically popular “Frog” racing buggy

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=56701
www.tamiyausa.com

[oXYnary]

Personally, Im still angry about it being 1/16th than sticking with established 1/18th.. BTW Madness is giving a few of these away for Door prizes at the 1/18th Nats.

(In fact 1/16th [Kyosho] classes were dropped this year from the Nats)

[Tricky]

Yeah, I think that everyone should stick with 1/18th as it makes the classes conflict. People at the local track can't race their Mini Infernos in the 1/18th 4WD Outlaw because people complain about the scale difference.

[alfred]

Nice find Tricky.......:D :D

[Mondo]

I've seen that before. I remember as it falls under the TamTech banner
The prototype looks good, but if I recall correctly the chassis looks as basic as the bigger 10th scale brothers were.
It's also refreshing to see another offroad Micro that's RWD
Who knows what else Tamiya have in the Micro offerings!

Regarding the scale, well Kyosho kicked the 16th scale off and I am almost sure that Tamiya have followed this trend to appease the Japanese market.

[Tricky]

Maybe Kyosho and Tamiya are doing it on purpose as to advertise their micros as RTR's and not race machines? They could be staying away from 1/18th to stay away from the race world and just sell their cars as more of a toy? It's an interesting plan, for sure, but it might hurt Kyosho to not be in the Mini Nats....

Hopefully Tamiya will offer a mini touring car.....that would be cool!

[hockeypux19]

Your right Tricky....That thing looks like it belongs at Radio shack or toys are us...El cheapo!

[cesto]

Originally posted by hockeypux19
Your right Tricky....That thing looks like it belongs at Radio shack or toys are us...El cheapo!

i thought the frog sure wasn't 'el cheapo' when it came out.

[alfred]

I always wanted the Frog when i was growing up......and now there bringing a micro version out to the market.....we will just have to wait and see who decide's to get one.

[oXYnary]

You shouldn't say that Cesto.. Your dating yourself. ;)

[cesto]

9800 yen with radio, 6-cell pack, and wall charger.

[Tricky]

Only $85? Are you sure that's the RTR cost? Cuz if it is, I'm definitely getting one at that price.

[cesto]

don't forget the mark-up once it reaches the u.s.:(

[alfred]

Thats if it makes it here......i would say it would be around 140.00 maybe a bit higher.....or am i thinking too low.

[jchung321]

Originally posted by alfred
I always wanted the Frog when i was growing up......and now there bringing a micro version out to the market.....we will just have to wait and see who decide's to get one.

Hey alfred, Tamiya just re-release the 1/10 Frog too. So it's time to refresh your child memories!:D Only this time, instead of the MSC, it will include an ESC. Other changes include sponsor decal changes, strengthen drivetrain, alloy body dampers. ;)

[cesto]

Originally posted by jchung321
... strengthen drivetrain...

but whats a frog without stripped axles:cool:

[oXYnary]

Originally posted by cesto
but whats a frog without stripped axles:cool:

a hornet! :D

[Mondo]

LOL,

It's amazing to see just how many Members kicked off their interest in RC thru Tamiya products!
They sure knew how to do it, the colorful box that always had a cutaway picture of the drivtrain or suspension area/s

Tricky may be on the right track about the 16th scale being the Japanese "hobby" RTR scale.