TAMIYA AMERICA, INC
MINI 4WD
LINE-UP
ABOUT MINI 4WD
Tamiya introduced mini 4WD cars in 1982. A cement-free snap together kit, Tamiya Mini 4WD vehicles are
basically plastic model kits. There are six series of Mini 4WD cars: The Super Mini 4WD series, the Fully
Cowled Mini 4WD series, the Racing Mini 4WD series, the Aero Mini 4WD series, the Mechanical Mini 4WD
series, and the latest series, Mini 4WD PRO.
The Mini 4WD Pro series is built on the MS chassis. This vehicle features a revolutionary double shaft motor
for a dramatically lower center of gravity and optimum balance. The nose, center and tail units latch
together to form a box-type structure, which dramatically improves durability and rigidity, while ensuring
stability and high speeds. This new series features a twin motor shaft that transmits power directly to both
front and rear wheels, which removes the need for a propeller shaft and balancing the motor chassis layout.
The newly developed MS chassis is designed with a 3-part detachable chassis that can be tuned-up with a
wide range of separately available Hop Up parts to improve and customize performance.
All of the Mini 4WD kits have upgrade parts, which are available for performance improvements. For
example, using optional ball bearing helps to minimize friction loss and utilize motor power more efficiently.
By selecting the right Hop Up parts, you can enhance the performance of your car or the stability in curves
during acceleration. Besides enhancing performance, you can customize your Mini 4WD to make it special
and unique. Be creative while tuning up your car. Try cutting material out of your car to make it lighter or
painting it with vivid colors. Tamiya Mini 4WDs give you the excitement of racing as if you were the car
designer, engineer and racecar driver.
Mini 4WDs are reasonably priced and can be considered a learning experience for many kids. They
are easy-to-assemble and a great first time hobby for kids and adults. It is something a parent and child can
do together. By assembling their own cars and racing them, children gain a sense of creativity and pride.
The true appeal of Mini 4WDs can be found in racing them. Many 4WD fans compete in events put on by
local retailers. The excitement of Mini 4WD racing is not just making them go fast, but in analyzing and
improving your car. This is what sets Mini 4WD racing apart from other activities for kids and has made it one
of the fastest growing hobbies in the world.
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Japan Cup Jr. Circuit
You can unleash your speed machines
on this giant three-lane oval course
Mini 4WD Oval Home Circuit
The two-lane course is perfect
for enjoying Mini 4WD at home!
These Mini 4WD circuits are made according to the same
specifications as the Tamiya Offical Race Circuits. Track can be
made bigger with extensions or by joining numerous tracks.
There a
re
to play even ways
off the
track!
Game #1
Even without a course, you can use your Mini 4WD
Pro for many types of games. Below are a few games
that use the vehicles straight line performance.
The Long Jump
This is a contest to see who can jump
the farthest. You can change the
starting point, motor and gears to
get different distances.
Game #2
Bowling Contest
See who can knock down the most cans. Add
more cans or launch from farther away to make
it more challenging.
*Please play in a safe, open area. Unexpected accidents can occur when playing near people.
You can make a barrier with
cards, or blocks.
MINI 4WD BASIC KNOWLEDGE
You can enhance the performance of your Mini 4WD
by using many of Tamiyas upgrade parts, which can
provide increased power or faster speeds. In order to
do this, you will need to understand the basic elements of Mini 4WD vehicles.
1. Motor
The installation of a tune-up motor is the best way to
increase the speed of your car. There are eight kinds
of motors available as upgrades. All of them achieve
higher performance than the standard motor included in the kit. It is essential to select the right motor
since some are designed for top speed, while others
are geared more for cornering.
2. Gear Ratio
At a given motors output, top speed and acceleration are determined by the gear ratio. In comparison, between a 4:1 gear ratio and a 5:1 gear ratio, the
smaller 4:1 ratio is more suitable for speed oriented
circuits, while the bigger 5:1 produces more acceleration.
3. Tires
Tires play an important part when it comes to your
cars performance. Take into consideration tire
weight, diameter, and width, to determine what type
of tire will work best for the course you will be running.
Difference in Diameters
Small Diameter: Good for a quick start, but not for
top speed. Small diameter tires lower the center of
gravity and help your car corner better.
Large Diameter: Good for top speed and suitable for
long straights. Better shock absorption for bumpy
course joints.
Difference in width
Wide Tires: Provide stability during cornering. Good
for technical courses with banking curves and ups
and downs.
Narrow Tires: Good for long straights. Less drag on
the motor, which may give the advantage of longer
run times.
Performance Differences Among
The Various Gear Ratios
Different gear ratios are available for all chassis. Use
a small ratio for high speed courses and a bigger one
for technical courses with many curves. Set up the
gears according to the track you are racing on.
Difference in Material
Rubber: Weighs more than the sponge type, but
grips better. Useful for jumps and lower center of
gravity.
Sponge: Weighs less than rubber type, but has a
lower grip characteristic.
Reston: Lighter than the regular sponge type and
has better gripping. Can be used on all kinds of
wheels.
Tire Maintenance
Use transparent tape to clean your
sponge tires. Clean rubber tires with
an eraser and remove the eraser pieces
with tape.
4. Wheels
Wheels, as well as tires, play an important role in tuning up your car. There are various types with different diameters and structures. Select the right one for your application. Most types can be used on any Mini 4WD; however, if you have a Fully Cowled Mini 4WD, body modification will be required if you use anything other than the
standard, small-diameter type wheels.
Type of Wheels
Small Diameter Type: Narrow Wheels (which are standard for the Fully Cowled Mini 4WD), Wide Super LowHeight Wheels and Wheels for semi-pneumatic tires.
Large Diameter Types: Included in a Super Mini 4WD snap kit. A lot of designs are available. Pick one that appeals to you.
One Way Type: Light One Way Wheels, Wide One Way Wheels, Low Height One Way Wheels, Narrow One Way
Wheel.
Normal Wheel vs. One Way Wheel
Normal: The speed of the wheels on both sides of a car is the same. This is good for the straights; however, the
outer wheel tends to be dragged during cornering and this may slow your car down.
One Way: The outer wheel rotates faster than the inner wheel does, which ensures smooth cornering and is preferred for technical courses with many curves.
5. Rollers
Rollers are a must when racing on
walled circuits. Altering the rollers
will enable you to set up your car
for the demands of any track. Key
points in using rollers are their size,
location and angle. Make sure you
have clearance between the rollers
and the body tires. Any contact will
slow your car down or even damage
parts. Most races have regulations
concerning the number and size of
rollers. Also the position and size
of the rollers can affect your overall
length and width of your Mini 4WD.
Check the local regulations to make
certain that your car is in compliance before you race.
For more information
visit www.tamiyausa.com
