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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 4WD’s give you the excitement of racing as if you were the car
designer, engineer and racecar driver.
Mini 4WD’s 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 4WD’s 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.
W D P R O !
f u n w it h Mini 4 Japan Cup Jr. Circuit
Have You can unleash your speed machines
on this giant three-lane oval course
There a
re
to play even ways
off the
track! Even without a course, you can use your Mini 4WD
Pro for many types of games. Below are a few games
Game #1 that use the vehicle’s straight line performance.
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.
MINI 4WD BASIC KNOWLEDGE
2. Gear Ratio
At a given motor’s output, top speed and accelera-
tion are determined by the gear ratio. In compari-
son, between a 4:1 gear ratio and a 5:1 gear ratio, the
smaller 4:1 ratio is more suitable for speed oriented Difference in width
circuits, while the bigger 5:1 produces more accel- Wide Tires: Provide stability during cornering. Good
eration. for technical courses with banking curves and ups
and downs.
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
Performance Differences Among has better gripping. Can be used on all kinds of
The Various Gear Ratios wheels.
Different gear ratios are available for all chassis. Use
a small ratio for high speed courses and a bigger one Tire Maintenance
for technical courses with many curves. Set up the Use transparent tape to clean your
gears according to the track you are racing on. 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 diam-
eters and structures. Select the right one for your application. Most types can be used on any Mini 4WD; how-
ever, 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 Low-
Height 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 ap-
peals 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 pre-
ferred 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 compli-
ance before you race.