No gear diffs from Tamiya yet then...

Anyone know of any other manufacturer besides Durango that will offer gear diffs? (for 4WD)

AFAIK it's not a very good option for 2WD.

I'm wondering also when it will be taken a step further... Since we're now starting to see gear diffs in 1:10, my guess is that options will soon be available like for the 1:8 buggies - i.e. Torsen Diffs etc...

And what about a center diff??? (like in 1:8)

Another BJ4 worlds clone... BORING

I think it's disapointing that Tamiya are releasing another 4wd TRF 18 months after the 511 was released.

So... when was 501 released, and how long did it take to release 511? :)

looks like a b44 / bj4we to me

And what are the chances of a DB01esque version to take stick packs, maybe call it the DF04?!!

Looks rather like a MiD44 regarding the upper decks :D

Oh i will Fredrik, believe me! I really start thinking this is true. What i wanted since the Top Force Evolution is about to happen. I AM EXCITED! If it will be presented mid October i wonder how long they will take until the final release date?!? Maybe around February?

I think december release Johannes. Santa will hopefully deliver one.:)

Tamiya is building a strong "base" with different versions of TRF201 and the TRF502X and TRF511.
I´m very excited!

What are the different versions of the 201? Only because I might get one.

is there another version of the 511 being released?

i think the new 2wd buggy will be based on the trf201 but in a reduced spec version, maybe with plastic shocks, steel turnbuckles, etc.

TRF502x = shaft drive 511. Same chassis layout and all, just shaft drive. Kind of like Evo 5 to 416 but in offroad.

201 Basic = stripped down TRF201 that can actually be upgraded to the TRF version through hop-ups. Will come with body (V2), wing, wheels and tires as well.

disappointing to hear of the carbon chassis, would rather plastic or composite to keep the kits cost down. Looks like another trf 4wd I cannot afford:(

I still prefer a 511 belt drive anyday even though I dont own one.

Ah, so is the slipper they've announced just the current slipper but the new "base"'model won't come with a slipper as standard?

If the 502X and 511 share a lot of parts I wonder if Tamiya will make another batch of 511's -then people can choose between belt/shaft.

Though I do wonder why Tamiya have made this change after so many years of belt driven 501/511's.

Hmm, I can see it having quite an impact on handling though. If the cad style drawing is right, the 502 has far less to stiffen it, the 511 has long Ali centre bulkheads, this has thinner armed top decks and less metal, so I'd guess more flex?

Have you guys been given any expectations on release dates?

I sure hope the design of the front shock tower attachment is well done.

I have seen many HB D4s constantly ripping off the front diff case if the front shock tower took the brunt of a crash.

Oh well. Look forward to the news, but I'll be keeping my 511.

I think they could keep both. As mentioned earlier trf make a shaft and belt top end tourers for different classes and tracks. So why not sell both types of offroad chassis? They seem to have alot of similar parts.

Personally the trf417 is an tempting purchase for me as it's a true lipo ready trf tourer. And a mclaren 2009 f1 shell for my 104 pro is something I have been after.

Good point. Diff caising on D4 often broke in crashes. Hopefully tamiya has a good solution for this...

Also very interested in how the handeling will be. IMO the 511 handels and jumps so good because of its belt drive and the rotation of mass in the car...if you take that away, without any other geometry changes, will it handel just as well??

If you look at the new models, you don´t think Tamiya is trying to attract more customers?
They are not just making new models for current customers, biggest market should be "non Tamiya" drivers?

They will have shaft-driven 4WD buggy for those who prefer that. They have belt-driven buggy for those who prefer that.

They strip of the 201 all the expensive parts and release an entry level TRF 2WD to attracts beginners. Lower price, but upgradable.
Tamiyas success on the racetracks must be easy to relate to. If you have same car as Lee Martin, but with less option parts, it is still easy to do that.
The DB01<-->TRF501X is not same. You can never upgrade your DB01 to TRF specs. Close maybe, but still just close...

Would´nt be surprised if the 502X will be released as a "Basic" model too. Shaft-driven makes it easier for beginners.
Just some thoughts...