The new TRF buggies released

[carpaste]

Do you think that the frequency of releasing the new TRF buggies is low?

[F1END]

What new TRF buggies? o_O

[Matt Butcher]

TRF touring cars are generally refreshed once a year, not sure on the buggies tho.

[Spoolio]

Yes they do have a fairly long life cycle but I think this is because with the buggies Tamiya don't go for the annual refresh like the touring cars as they probably don't think they need to. And honestly I would agree with them.

Look at Associated, the B4 is positively an antique now and is still essentially the same animal as it was in 2003 (or 2004 I forget, it was so long ago now), the 4.1 upgrade is only detail changes after all. But that's because it still works relatively well ie, if it ain't really broke, don't fix it.

[sosidge]

I thought for a second this was a thread about a new mid-motor 2wd release...

[colmo]

The problem with TRF buggies is not the rate of refresh - it's the continued availability of kits and spares. Usually it's a case of once they're gone, they're gone for good. It means people are reluctant to commit. Support for Tamiya products in the UK, to a level where you can use one regularly to race, is frankly pathetic. I know some small traders like JD Models have tried to fill the gap, but they shouldn't have to - Tamiya's main distributor should be taking up the slack. Most folks just get their Tamiya spares from Hong Kong.

[Anibal Henriques]

Originally Posted by sosidge

I thought for a second this was a thread about a new mid-motor 2wd release...

I ear something that they are working on a 2wd buggy like that

[DaveG28]

They have been pretty frequent until this time, if I remember right:

Late 06: TRF501X
Autumn 07: TRF501X Worlds
Start 09: TRF511
Late 2010: TRF502

So somewhere between one and two years between each....we're due soon!

Also, fit in the 2wd:

Early summer 2010: TRF201
Summer 2011: TRF201 Upgrade kit

I wouldn't be surprised to see something both 4wd and 2wd during the year based on all that, though whether it'll be anything all new I don't know!?

I'm guessing maybe longer 2wd chassis, maybe big bores (I am not convinced they need them but it'd be good revenue)...4wd chassis wise I don't know, trf511 updated for lipo fitment and weight distribution? TRF502 with better steering and camber link arrangement?

Or they could do nothing, money is tight and trf offroad probably isn't a big profit maker. Tam US appeared to bin the trf801xe, and don't seem to be spending on the 801x, if some of that direction has come from Japan then maybe it gives hint at their thoughts!

[carpaste]

There are hardly any Trf 511, little Trf 502x, and many Trf 201 new in box for sale in the market.


Thus, I think the first car refreshed in this year is Trf511, the next is Trf 502x and Trf 201.

[guinness]

they have to release a 201 mid motor surely, that's the impression Lee give to me when i talked to him weeks ago.

[rcaddict]

Originally Posted by carpaste

There are hardly any Trf 511, little Trf 502x, and many Trf 201 new in box for sale in the market.


Thus, I think the first car refreshed in this year is Trf511, the next is Trf 502x and Trf 201.

Thats because TRF201 is not considered a limited production run model like TRF511 and 502x are. TRF201 is considered a sort of permanent fixture in their catalouge. When I have time I will scan a catalouge my friend brought me back from Japan so you can see what I mean.