Tamiya Porsche 959 (1986)

Like its full scale counterpart, the Tamiya 959 was meant to be a technological showpiece.
Tamiya started with a “clean slate” with this kit, incorporating no parts from previous kits. The lexan body was formed with a non-traditional “blow-molding” method, instead of the usual vacuum forming. Blow molding used higher pressures that ensured that the lexan conformed to all the nooks and crannies of the mold. This provided for unparalleled detail in a lexan body. Bodies for this kit are notoriously fragile. New ones fetch high prices.

Close-up of chassis reveals interesting components and illustrates some of the challenges Tamiya engineers faced. The car was engineered in 1/12 scale which makes it a bit smaller than the more common 1/10 scale, so space was at a premium. Despite this, Tamiya was able to incorporate shaft-driven 4wd. Electronic speed controls were not the norm back then so Tamiya had to make room for two servos (steering and throttle). To accomplish this, the motor was placed longitudinally in the middle of the chassis. Tamiya also provided their top-of-the-line RX540VZ Technigold motor as well as full ball bearings in the kit.

Close-up of mechanical three-step forward/reverse speed control and Technigold motor. Chassis brace could be flipped up for easy motor access

Close-up of suspension components. Front shocks are coil-over, rear shocks are set at an angle and the coil springs are separate items. Beefy steering components are necessary for rally cars.

Originally posted 2008-03-19 09:11:03.

You might also like:

• Recent Comments

• • rcgrabbag: I was thinking of doing the same thing with the lead unit, t...
  • Willie: I have the same model on my model RR. Your model RR friend i...
  • zircon: if any body can help for free MANUAL 200 IN ONE it will be ...
  • rcgrabbag: These are long out of production, but are now collectors ite...
  • J Tyrrell: Is this blazer still available? THanks J...

• Categories

• • Airplanes
  • Cox .049
  • Gadgets
  • General
  • Model Railroad
  • Modern RC
  • N.E and Everee RR
  • News
  • Odds 'n' Ends
  • Outdoors
  • Photo Gallery
  • Photography
  • RC Tanks
  • Rocketry
  • Videos
  • Vintage RC

• Archives

• • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • December 2007
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007