Tamiya XM-01 Pro Build

[ChrisRx718 4701]

I have a terrible habit of starting a build-thread for my projects and never completing them. I am a serial procrastinator and this is the reality unfortunately!

Mr Tamiya has a certain hold on me, that whenever something is released which I think is remotely cool-looking I will order it anyway. Case in point; XM-01 Pro #58738

I'll make a sort-of build thread in the vague hopes that I will get around to something resembling 'finished' at some point this century.

This is a 'Pro' kit so it is pretty heavy on the "Blue Gold" Hop-Up parts straight out of the box. That didn't stop me checking the press releases to see what else was available and ordering it in advance of getting the kit. The above was everything I gathered before the build - there are actually a few more Hop-Ups not pictured 

Never tally-up what a kit costs to build. Too dangerous.

Step 1 and there is already a fair amount of blue stuff already being fitted. 

There's no part# yet for a set of alloy servo mounts, but they're very similar in profile to those for the TD2 / TD4 (#22030). This isn't listed as an official part however. I would check, but my TD2 is languishing in a box in my loft (the same box it arrived in from Japan... last year!)

A full alloy steering assembly is a must-have. Even though the stock parts feel very rigid as they are - they just don't have the same bling factor.

I won't bore you with a full-on build-thread, as assembling these little differentials is neither exciting or diff-erent from what you'll be familiar with already. 

I opted to over-drive the rear wheels. The manual states the faster ring gear can either be fit in the front for more 'stability' or in the rear for some proper McRae slides (it doesn't quite say that word-for-word). 

Completely stock diffs front and rear for now. I have a front one-way (intended for a TT01, not sure if it will fit) on it's way to me. I also have the option of the XV-02 solid spool diff en-route. Plenty of options.

We then bring in the rear 'module' of the chassis:

Much like if you've ever built any adjustable-wheelbase M-Chassis, the wheelbase can be lengthened depending on which spacer blocks you use. I'm going long-wheelbase, 239mm, to suit the body I have put aside for this.

I'd also fitted the front and rear lower arms at this point; the kit contains a lot of plastic spacers  which you cut from sprues. I measured these and used the equivalent 3mm alloy spacers instead. Although I did notice a difference in the amount of slop, left-to-right. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has noticed this - it necessitated an additional 0.25mm spacer on one side only (I can't remember which). This applied to both ends of the chassis 

Next up we have the 'centre diff' location, albeit again my parts didn't arrive in time. Instead, I have built the stock option (but with the XV-02 optional alloy spur gear mount) and the XV-02 slipper clutch option. 

Now assembled front-and-rear bulkheads with propshafts and (for the time being) a stock spur gear setup (no centre diff or clutch for now).

More to follow!

[toyolien 5908]

I was hoping someone would do a nice build thread on this chassis. I really liked the idea of it when it came out. If I didn't already have a near identical XV-02 I'd probably get one. Never say never I suppose... Nice choice of parts so far.

Oh, and I'll also stick my hand up for the Procrastinators Club. I guess that's what happens when you build and drive alone. 

[svenb 4240]

Blue maintenance stand too! very pro

[Honza 1167]

Great, it'll be nice to see a full option variant 😁

17 hours ago, ChrisRx718 said:

There's no part# yet for a set of alloy servo mounts, but they're very similar in profile to those for the TD2 / TD4 (#22030). This isn't listed as an official part however.

I'd guess they'll be same as XV-02, as most of the other parts.. but it is weird that they're not listed as an option (and that it came stock with XV-02)

17 hours ago, ChrisRx718 said:

I have a front one-way (intended for a TT01, not sure if it will fit)

It should fit, it fits to TT-02, but the short outdrives might become an issue.

17 hours ago, ChrisRx718 said:

also fitted the front and rear lower arms at this point; the kit contains a lot of plastic spacers  which you cut from sprues. I measured these and used the equivalent 3mm alloy spacers instead.

This is something I hate about Tamiya.. You lose a spacer, look up the manual and description says just "A15", because it comes from a plastic tree.

[Kowalski86 4274]

4 hours ago, Honza said:

This is something I hate about Tamiya.. You lose a spacer, look up the manual and description says just "A15", because it comes from a plastic tree.

There were a few times where I trimmed some nitro tubing to replace some missing spacers. It wasn't perfect but it was better than spending another tenner and delaying the build for another week.

[chris.alex 1340]

On 6/11/2024 at 6:14 PM, ChrisRx718 said:

Although I did notice a difference in the amount of slop, left-to-right. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has noticed this - it necessitated an additional 0.25mm spacer on one side only (I can't remember which). This applied to both ends of the chassis 

Thanks for the build thread! When assembling my XM01 I also noticed a difference in the amount of slop between left and right, but only a very small one (0.1mm) and at the front only. 

[ChrisRx718 4701]

I got pretty tardy at remembering to take progress pictures so apologies that this isn't a particularly detailed build-thread (not to my usual standards!)

I've thrown in the Tamiya TBLM-02S motor in 15.5T flavour. In my experience the Tamiya motors are way slower than other manufacturers' motors as the Kv rating (rotations per volt, as I understand it in Laymans' terms) is low for the "T" count. My theory is that on 2S LiPo this 15.5T should behave a bit like a Sport Tuned 23T brushed motor, or one of the Super Stocks. I could be talking complete cobblers; but this is certainly how these motors "feel" to me, based on running them. Even the full-fat 10.5T TBLM-02S does not perform anything like a 10.5T from the likes of Hobbywing etc. I still think that motor might have been overkill on 60D tiny wheels though, time will tell!

I also fitted the #54770 "Hard Coated" 22T pinion gear. Starting out keeping the gearing ratio stock, will tweak it if necessary. 

Right, skipping forward quite rapidly now. The uprights, upper control arms and axles are all installed. Also front and rear bumpers and suspension 'towers'. This chassis is screaming out for carbon fibre shock towers, the profile is incredibly similar to those on the XV-02. I did check, but you lose the rear body post mounting on XV-02 carbon shock towers - although the profile looks like the front one would fit. C'mon Tamiya, hurry up and release them so I can plough further unnecessary money into this thing!

The universal driveshafts were strange too - they used retaining spring clips in lieu of the more familiar grub-screw arrangement of the old M-03 universal driveshafts. Not sure whether that's an advantage or a cost saving? Who knows. Certainly makes them a bigger PITA to build vs. the grub-screw versions.

Next is the part which makes this truly a 'Pro' spec:

Loverrrrly dampers. Not sure about the black springs (whatever happened to awesome white springs, Tamiya?)

All mounted-up as you would expect. Kit really coming together now.

Steering servo and turnbuckle installed. I went full Tamiya on this one, I've never used a TSU-06 before, but figured this little chassis shouldn't need anything particularly spectacular in the servo department; it shouldn't have a lot of force going through it. Plus, it's got a blue sticker.

An excuse to use more Tamiya bling, I fitted an alloy servo cap, servo mounting screws and servo horn. Blue overload!

I also think that TD2 / TD4 servo posts would probably fit this chassis. I didn't have my TD2 nearby to check (it's in the loft, being hidden from my wife) but if anyone else could confirm then that's an excuse to buy even more blue stuff I don't need 

So there we are - stickers are en-route from MCi to do a Castrol livery on the little Yaris. Someone reminded me that this is how that irritating bloke Schmee150 did his Yaris wrap, so now I'm annoyed. I thought it was a great idea, but can't stand to be associated with that guy! Anyone who mentions his name to me once I've completed the build is getting banned, mmmkay?! 

Obviously I still need to fit the remaining electronics too. I have a Hobbywing 10BL60 to go in alongside my trusty FlySky mini receiver (sorry @svenb, the Tamiya electronics stop here). I need to dig out my soldering iron however, and we are currently doing building work at home, so it might be a while before I can complete  

[Honza 1167]

Looks awesome!

30 minutes ago, ChrisRx718 said:

This chassis is screaming out for carbon fibre shock towers, the profile is incredibly similar to those on the XV-02. I did check, but you lose the rear body post mounting on XV-02 carbon shock towers - although the profile looks like the front one would fit. C'mon Tamiya, hurry up and release them so I can plough further unnecessary money into this thing!

Until now, I didn't even realize that XV-02 uses bodyposts in the bumper. 

Looks like the RS Pro shock towers are closer in geometry to the XM ones. Of course they are only sold in pairs, so you'd end up with two unused towers, if you wanted to use rear tower for front axle. 

30 minutes ago, ChrisRx718 said:

The universal driveshafts were strange too - they used retaining spring clips in lieu of the more familiar grub-screw arrangement of the old M-03 universal driveshafts. Not sure whether that's an advantage or a cost saving? Who knows. Certainly makes them a bigger PITA to build vs. the grub-screw versions.

These have been in use since TRF417 - in fact, XM-01 uses the same wheel axles (hint for DCJs 😁)

I prefer them over grub-screws since there's no risk of the grub screw becoming loose. Never had problem with them, just make sure that the spring clips are oriented properly, with the loose end pointing opposite to the direction of rotation.

[Alex97 474]

Very nice, the Yaris body looks great in the XM-01

[Juls1 1718]

Does the yaris body fit with the factory holes or do we have to make holes in a different position?

[Alex97 474]

2 hours ago, Juls1 said:

Does the yaris body fit with the factory holes or do we have to make holes in a different position?

Factory holes worked for me. 

[pamarakos 9]

On 6/19/2024 at 10:59 AM, ChrisRx718 said:

I got pretty tardy at remembering to take progress pictures so apologies that this isn't a particularly detailed build-thread (not to my usual standards!)

I've thrown in the Tamiya TBLM-02S motor in 15.5T flavour. In my experience the Tamiya motors are way slower than other manufacturers' motors as the Kv rating (rotations per volt, as I understand it in Laymans' terms) is low for the "T" count. My theory is that on 2S LiPo this 15.5T should behave a bit like a Sport Tuned 23T brushed motor, or one of the Super Stocks. I could be talking complete cobblers; but this is certainly how these motors "feel" to me, based on running them. Even the full-fat 10.5T TBLM-02S does not perform anything like a 10.5T from the likes of Hobbywing etc. I still think that motor might have been overkill on 60D tiny wheels though, time will tell!

I also fitted the #54770 "Hard Coated" 22T pinion gear. Starting out keeping the gearing ratio stock, will tweak it if necessary. 

Right, skipping forward quite rapidly now. The uprights, upper control arms and axles are all installed. Also front and rear bumpers and suspension 'towers'. This chassis is screaming out for carbon fibre shock towers, the profile is incredibly similar to those on the XV-02. I did check, but you lose the rear body post mounting on XV-02 carbon shock towers - although the profile looks like the front one would fit. C'mon Tamiya, hurry up and release them so I can plough further unnecessary money into this thing!

The universal driveshafts were strange too - they used retaining spring clips in lieu of the more familiar grub-screw arrangement of the old M-03 universal driveshafts. Not sure whether that's an advantage or a cost saving? Who knows. Certainly makes them a bigger PITA to build vs. the grub-screw versions.

Next is the part which makes this truly a 'Pro' spec:

Loverrrrly dampers. Not sure about the black springs (whatever happened to awesome white springs, Tamiya?)

All mounted-up as you would expect. Kit really coming together now.

Steering servo and turnbuckle installed. I went full Tamiya on this one, I've never used a TSU-06 before, but figured this little chassis shouldn't need anything particularly spectacular in the servo department; it shouldn't have a lot of force going through it. Plus, it's got a blue sticker.

An excuse to use more Tamiya bling, I fitted an alloy servo cap, servo mounting screws and servo horn. Blue overload!

I also think that TD2 / TD4 servo posts would probably fit this chassis. I didn't have my TD2 nearby to check (it's in the loft, being hidden from my wife) but if anyone else could confirm then that's an excuse to buy even more blue stuff I don't need 

So there we are - stickers are en-route from MCi to do a Castrol livery on the little Yaris. Someone reminded me that this is how that irritating bloke Schmee150 did his Yaris wrap, so now I'm annoyed. I thought it was a great idea, but can't stand to be associated with that guy! Anyone who mentions his name to me once I've completed the build is getting banned, mmmkay?! 

Obviously I still need to fit the remaining electronics too. I have a Hobbywing 10BL60 to go in alongside my trusty FlySky mini receiver (sorry @svenb, the Tamiya electronics stop here). I need to dig out my soldering iron however, and we are currently doing building work at home, so it might be a while before I can complete  

Nice write up...so have you tested it offroad? Also can you please tell me which castrol livery fitted the yaris?

Thanks

[ChrisRx718 4701]

On 9/1/2024 at 7:50 AM, pamarakos said:

Nice write up...so have you tested it offroad? Also can you please tell me which castrol livery fitted the yaris?

Thanks

Sadly, no.

Everything was packed-up at the end of the final steps you see above as I embarked on building a garden office / workshop:

Which is now complete - but I need to organise, unpack and decide which model to start working on next! I have yet to install the electronics in the XM-01, or fit the decals to the Yaris GR body...

[pamarakos 9]

On 9/4/2024 at 8:11 PM, ChrisRx718 said:

Sadly, no.

Everything was packed-up at the end of the final steps you see above as I embarked on building a garden office / workshop:

Which is now complete - but I need to organise, unpack and decide which model to start working on next! I have yet to install the electronics in the XM-01, or fit the decals to the Yaris GR body...

So where did you source the castrol livery from?

[PastTimeBuilder247 2]

On 6/16/2024 at 12:55 PM, chris.alex said:

Thanks for the build thread! When assembling my XM01 I also noticed a difference in the amount of slop between left and right, but only a very small one (0.1mm) and at the front only. 

I too have noticed this. Before I found this forum, I thought I incorrectly assembled something. I spent 30mins going back and forth. Shimmed with 0.1mm front and rear on one side each to solve this. 
 

On both your builds, did you find the rear axle shaft too short with the 1mm (6mm total) hex spacer? The locknuts won’t even thread into the nylock portions. 

[toyolien 5908]

@ChrisRx718 Did you ever get round to trying the alloy servo mounts from your TD2 to see if they would fit?

[pamarakos 9]

If it was to race it off road what would you replace before doing it? Ok softer springs and softer damper oil, maybe the cva mini to have them in hand to replace the stock ones for this event....what else is a must? I ve already made it wider front and rear with 10mm hex and 6mm offset wheels.

[ChrisRx718 4701]

On 9/30/2024 at 9:51 AM, toyolien said:

@ChrisRx718 Did you ever get round to trying the alloy servo mounts from your TD2 to see if they would fit?

Yep, despite looking practically identical, they are actually off by about 1-1.5mm. The cutouts in the chassis plate are slightly too narrow for the alloy posts too. But otherwise they're exactly the same shape - how very frustrating!!! 

[toyolien 5908]

42 minutes ago, ChrisRx718 said:

Yep, despite looking practically identical, they are actually off by about 1-1.5mm. The cutouts in the chassis plate are slightly too narrow for the alloy posts too. But otherwise they're exactly the same shape - how very frustrating!!! 

Thank you. Saves me buying some to try👍

[ChrisRx718 4701]

Got fed up waiting for Tamiya to release some 'slightly tweaked' XV-02 shock towers for the XM-01 and saw that Yeah Racing had released their own parts. Picked up a set of carbon towers, the little bulkhead brace thing (accidentally bought two, like a plonker) and a set of servo posts.

 

The Yeah Racing Blue is very similar to Tamiya TRF blue.

Hmmm. Considering that this hasn't been run yet, there sure is a lot of seepage of oil from that diff. I hate the little M1.5mm socket screws - they're far too soft for this application. I cleaned up the grease and reassembled, but couldn't loosen or tighten the screws as they gave up the fight against my hex wrench 

Front tower installed. Nice set of MST wheels and tyres too!

Rear tower completes the job. You can't really see the servo posts.

Finally made a start on the body. I've put a single sticker on this afternoon 

Nice big Castrol logo for the roof.

I'll hopefully finish this up soon so I can get started on the 'spare' Yaris GR body too!

[toyolien 5908]

That body looks great. I'm pleased I also picked one. I was going to do mine either black or gunmetal, but yours looks fantastic in white.

 

Regarding the diff leaking, I've found that if you do the four screws too tight, or not even it will leak. I also lightly grease both sides of the gasket. I've just stripped my XV-02 down and the diffs have been in there over a year, and haven't yet leaked a drop. (touch wood)