Tamiya TT-02. Trying my hand at a classic platform.

[StephMir]

I recently purchased 2 Tamiya TT-02s. One off Ebay fully upgraded and the other is a kit from Horizon Hobby since Tamiya's site is basically trash. In any case, these are my first and probably my last Tamiya RCs. The price is exactly on point for the quality and design of this platform $124-$150 full kit with electronics but no TX/RX or LiPo. I am comparing the TT-02 to the Kyosho Fazer MK2 RTR $229 full electronics but no LiPo and the FW02 (I know, nitro). The Tamiya parts materials are terrible. The design layout is not too bad but some plastics leave little to no room for scalability or performance parts. For example, The steering upgrade I purchased for the TT-O2 did not clear the battery mounting post so I had to cut the chassis. Also, what's the deal with PLASTIC DIFFERENTIAL GEARS WITH GREASE INSTEAD OF METAL GEARS AND DIFF OIL? Seems a bit WEAK. Also, I think most RCs RTR or kits come with PHILIPS head screws. I get it; CHEAPER. Good thing I had 2 sets of screws from RCSCREWZ.com which I used to replace the stock Tamiya ones. The Tamiya TT-02 just seems cheap but at a cheaper price. The Kyosho Fazer MK2 is pricier but solid, designed and layed out much more efficiently and accurately. So, you get what you pay for. For the money, the Kyosho is more stable on the road, right out of the box. The Tamiya TT-02 is the first kit I built because, for my taste, I would rather run RTR and only replace broken parts, or upgrade to performance parts. I still learn the breakdown.

 

[WickedFog]

The TT-02 is basically just a working chassis to display their bodies on. Sure it's an RC. But just barely. Don't put any money into it. It doesn't get much better.

 

[DavidB1126]

So, you get what you pay for.

Yep
I heard TT01 Type E's are built slightly better parts quality than the 02s but... It's Tamiya.

The TT-02 is basically just a working chassis to display their bodies on. Sure it's an RC. But just barely. Don't put any money into it. It doesn't get much better.

What Wicked says 100 percent.
Had a 02, got too excited on building it up. Spent 20ish bucks in hop ups. Tried everyday to fix the terrible steering drag it has. It sat for months. Sold it for 80 bucks. Got 20 in return which went to new 4wd front carpet tires.
If I would have kept it I would have been more tempted to spend a whole lot of money into it that I didn't have.

 

[StephMir]

I uploaded the pics of the box for the new one and the fully upgraded one I bought off Ebay. Total about $300 for both with taxes and shipping. Not too bad. I am using my Kyosho TX/RX for both of these. The new one is still being built and I have to paint the body. I do love the Toyota Supra, I might put it on my Kyosho! We'll see. I think I'm gonna gift the newly built TT-02 to my nephew. It has SOME blue anodized aluminum upgrades they look GREAT! Not too much spent. I'll post more pics later.

 

[DavidB1126]

Nice hobbywing combo!
With those upgrades especially the aluminum steering rack it should perform a bit better than completely stock.
If you do have some slight steering issues I would see if you could double bridge/brace the bellcrank to make it tighter and less loose.

The all plastic diffs, can't comment on. I stripped them out and sold it as is lol.

@Panko75 has my car. Interested to see how it looks now. Maybe post a update?

 

[StephMir]

Nice hobbywing combo!

Thanks. I put that combo on my Kyosho.

 

[CertifiedMike]

Since I feel like this thread has taken its logical course, TT02 problem has been fixed by removing the cool body and putting it on a good car, throw TT02 away...

Let me add... KYOSHO RULES!!!

I actually love a LOT of Tamiya kits!!! You just picked a not great one this time. I wouldn't give up on Tamiya, just research the cars a bit more next time.

 

[CJSRCLIFE]

To be honest i can't recommend a TT02 to anyone since they are built super cheap and not engineered very well but they do come with nice bodies. But let's be real if you want a good 1\10 scale touring car you should just get a Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0 or maybe a Rlaarlo Ak-917\AK-787 since they're well built and are properly engineered. There's also the Kyosho Fazer MK2 that's also from my knowledge pretty good. Don't waste your money on a TT02 although there are Tamiya kits i really like the Super Clodbuster but to be honest i try to stick to Arrma and Traxxas for my cars since the parts are super easy to get in the US where i live but that's just me.

 

[Panko75]

@Panko75 has my car. Interested to see how it looks now. Maybe post a update?

It looked the same other than I tried to color in the windows with a marker and apply the decals. I re-built the entire car and I installed bearings, I don't remember the diffs being damaged at all but the stock pinion and spur gear were no good and a few of the plastic bushings were worn out.

I didn't add any upgrades to it outside of a steel pinion and bearings. Eventually I sold it and a handful of other RCs off to trim down my collection.

 

[StephMir]

You can check out my Kyosho Fazer MK2 with all the upgrades. Still have to put the dust cover for the internals. The ROAD still kicks up a bunch of dirt and rocks into the motor and internals. https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/kyosho-fazer-mk2-gt3-electric-on-road.130952/

 

[StephMir]

To be honest i can't recommend a TT02 to anyone since they are built super cheap and not engineered very well but they do come with nice bodies. But let's be real if you want a good 1\10 scale touring car you should just get a Traxxas 4-Tec 2.0 or maybe a Rlaarlo Ak-917\AK-787 since they're well built and are properly engineered. There's also the Kyosho Fazer MK2 that's also from my knowledge pretty good. Don't waste your money on a TT02 although there are Tamiya kits i really like the Super Clodbuster but to be honest i try to stick to Arrma and Traxxas for my cars since the parts are super easy to get in the US where i live but that's just me.

Can't go wrong with Traxxas nor Arrma, but if you get a chance, try a Kyosho. I have a Fazer MK2 (electric) and an FW06 (nitro) . Both On-Road and RTR and VERY WELL MADE. I highly recommend any RC fanatic to own at least 1 Kyosho.