Tamiya TGX Refurb

[Siclick33 215]

I recently bought a couple of incomplete TGX chassis' from the mighty auction house and I'm trying to rebuild one of them as a runner. Unfortunately, both are missing similar parts. I have lots of spares now but not enough parts to build up a complete model. I am on the lookout for more parts bundles but in the meantime I wondered if one of you experts might be able to help me out with a few queries.

The main missing parts so far are the prop shaft joints, the related mounts (part A1 in the TGX-Mk1TS manual that I have) and, most importantly the little plastic parts that hold the prop shaft onto the prop shaft joints (part B3 in my manual).

I have managed to source some prop shaft joints so that is sorted. As for the mounts, I believe that the gear box cover (part 50838) includes a replacement for the rear mount so that is ok. I also have some TG10 parts that look similar. Does anyone know if the TG10 part 50801 (A parts wheel hub) is a direct replacement for the TGX Part A1 (on the 50606 tree)?

I assume that the plastic parts that hold the prop shaft on are crucial? I have seen a similar part on trees for the TG10, TGX, TGR and TNS, but I'm not sure if those parts are identical and all those trees are difficult to find and expensive. Has anyone used a different method (silicone tube/collet etc) to hold the prop shaft in place, or do I need to bite the bullet and pay a fortune for the correct parts?

I have also read about an upgraded prop shaft. I have seen different part numbers for the TG10 (53381) and the TGX (53397) but the standard part number for both cars is the same (50603). Does anyone know if there is a difference between the 53381 and 53397 hop-up prop shafts? In particular, does anyone know if the TG10 shaft fits the TGX?

Many thanks,

 

[futureworks 1038]

@Siclick33, I've done some comparisons between a TGX-TRF I've just built and the parts from a TG10 Pro chassis kit which I have new in box. Here's some info for you:

On 1/5/2025 at 9:00 PM, Siclick33 said:

Does anyone know if the TG10 part 50801 (A parts wheel hub) is a direct replacement for the TGX Part A1 (on the 50606 tree)?

The upright parts appear to be the same. I measured the ones on my built TGX using digital callipers and they were 40mm in height, and 21 mm screw centres, and this matched the ones on the TG10 parts tree. They look the same as well.

On 1/5/2025 at 9:00 PM, Siclick33 said:

I assume that the plastic parts that hold the prop shaft on are crucial?

Correct, though whether people have found alternative fixes I don't know. The parts for the TG10 look to be the same as for the TGX, which would make sense as they 'click' into the uprights mentioned above, so if the uprights are the same, it would make sense for the parts that hold the propeller shaft in place also to be the same. Tamiya 50813 would be the TG10 spare part, though you would need two sets as each only has one of the part you need. I can't comment on whether this is also the same part for TGR and TNS as I don't have these. The resident nitro expert @acprc would likely be able to tell you.

On 1/5/2025 at 9:00 PM, Siclick33 said:

Does anyone know if there is a difference between the 53381 and 53397 hop-up prop shafts? In particular, does anyone know if the TG10 shaft fits the TGX?

Answer is no - the TG10 one is a few centimetres shorter than the TGX one, which makes sense given the TGX is 1/8 scale versus the smaller 1/10 of the TG10. This would be the case whether using the standard kit supplied propeller shaft or the hop up ones you mentioned, which are basically significantly more substantial shafts.

Hope that helps!

[futureworks 1038]

A follow up on the parts that hold the propeller shaft in place - I do have a TG10R kit somewhere, and looking just at the manual online, it looks like the parts are the same. If that is the case, then that’s much better as parts number 50909 is more readily available (three listings I can see on eBay) relatively inexpensive, and has both bits you’d need on the one parts tree. If. Get a chance I’ll see if I can dig out my TG10R kit and compare.

[Siclick33 215]

Thanks very much for all the info; that is all very helpful.

As for the collars, I believe you are correct about the TG10R part. I have been looking at those trees on eBay but they will still cost my almost £30 each after postage, effectively just for 2 plastic collars. If necessary I will bite the bullet for spares but, fortunately, I have managed to buy a couple from the person who sold me the kit so I'm ok for the time being.

I must have been mistaken about the prop shafts as I've checked again and the part number for the TG10 is different to the TGX. I have no idea why I thought they where the same.

I also managed to get hold of some engine mounts and a clutch bell/flywheel/pilot shaft so I think I have everything I need now, apart from an engine and muffler. My new bearing kit was delivered today and I'll start rebuilding it tonight and post photos. It won't be pretty but it looks like it will be entirely functional! 

[acprc 1590]

On 1/11/2025 at 3:28 PM, futureworks said:

Correct, though whether people have found alternative fixes I don't know. The parts for the TG10 look to be the same as for the TGX, which would make sense as they 'click' into the uprights mentioned above, so if the uprights are the same, it would make sense for the parts that hold the propeller shaft in place also to be the same. Tamiya 50813 would be the TG10 spare part, though you would need two sets as each only has one of the part you need. I can't comment on whether this is also the same part for TGR and TNS as I don't have these. The resident nitro expert @acprc would likely be able to tell you.

TNS and TG-10 are the same parts. TGX is obviously normally grey (except for the TRF version being built here) however they will take dye and can be dyed black if thats all you can find.

[Siclick33 215]

Thanks again for all the info - it really helps.

If I've installed it correctly, the gear cover also replaces one of the upper plates, which is a bonus as I was short of them and they are difficult to get hold of (the gear cover is much easier to find at the moment).

It's amazing how many parts are also used on other models under other part numbers. I was short of body posts but I believe they might be the same ones as used on some of the CC-01 models, and they are also still available so that will solve that problem 

I think I just need an engine/muffler now (I am missing the plastic rod part that holds the top of the mechanism box on, but I can fix that) and I will have a runner!

[acprc 1590]

8 hours ago, Siclick33 said:

Thanks again for all the info - it really helps.

If I've installed it correctly, the gear cover also replaces one of the upper plates, which is a bonus as I was short of them and they are difficult to get hold of (the gear cover is much easier to find at the moment).

It's amazing how many parts are also used on other models under other part numbers. I was short of body posts but I believe they might be the same ones as used on some of the CC-01 models, and they are also still available so that will solve that problem 

I think I just need an engine/muffler now (I am missing the plastic rod part that holds the top of the mechanism box on, but I can fix that) and I will have a runner!

Body posts are indeed the same as the CC-01

[Siclick33 215]

Quick questions please.......

I have fitted the drive shaft and it has quite a bit of fore-aft movement (maybe 4mm). Is this normal?

The brake disc is loose on the G part plastic housing. It seems to work but it flops about a bit. Is this normal or should the brake disc be a tighter fit?

All of these parts came with my second hand chassis so I'm not 100% sure they are the correct parts (although I am 99% sure they are).

[futureworks 1038]

23 minutes ago, Siclick33 said:

I have fitted the drive shaft and it has quite a bit of fore-aft movement (maybe 4mm). Is this normal?

Yes, this is the same as what I found when I fitted the standard kit supplied propeller shaft on my TRF kit built a few weeks ago. Conversely the hop up reinforced prop shaft was a much better fit.

26 minutes ago, Siclick33 said:

The brake disc is loose on the G part plastic housing. It seems to work but it flops about a bit. Is this normal or should the brake disc be a tighter fit?

Presume you mean the G part which has a profile matching the 3 notches on the inside of the brake disc, as per image from a manual - yes the fit should not be stiff, but again going back to the TRF just built, and same with other nitro kits I’ve built, the brake disc will seem slightly loose on the G part.

[Siclick33 215]

Awesome, thanks.

It looks like all is as it should be.