TA-05 M-Four (from individual parts)

[Bjoernemann 31]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering whether it makes sense or is it worth it to build old or sold-out chassis from individual or spare parts?

I know that it will be quite expensive, but if these chassis no longer exist or are oxidizing in collector's cabinets, it might still make sense!?

The spare parts situation is actually quite good in some cases.

Anyway, I am currently building a TA-05 M-Four from individual parts.

I have always found the concept of this chassis - 4WD Beltdrive M-Chassis - extremely cool and in my opinion it is even unique.

And in "Modellbau Seidel" I have found an extremely competent partner with a huge range. They had (almost) all of the individual parts of the chassis in stock. Tamico etc. cannot keep up with that - so credits to Thuringia.

I then thought about the chassis' only weak point - it only takes 380 engines - and will convert it to a 540 engine using parts from the TA-05 VDF.

I'm still thinking about whether I should write a report about it.

Best wishes

[monark192 122]

You should definitely write a build report - looking forward to seeing the chassis build and especially the motor conversion.

[Nikko85 4209]

Could you do a 380 brushless? More than enough power and keeps weight the same?

Definitely do a write up!

[Bjoernemann 31]

I hadn't even thought of the possibility of a 380 brushless - thanks for that.
With the conversion to 540, the overall height would increase significantly,
which also raises the center of gravity - negatively.
In addition, the conversion to 540 would require several new holes to be drilled
in the carbon plate. I've already done this on other chassis without any problems.

[svenb 4627]

I took would be interested to see the build👍🏻

[urban warrior 864]

22 hours ago, Bjoernemann said:

And in "Modellbau Seidel" I have found an extremely competent partner with a huge range. They had (almost) all of the individual parts of the chassis in stock. Tamico etc. cannot keep up with that - so credits to Thuringia.

This ist just a general statement. "It depends" is the answer. In many cases Seidel has unbeatable prices. But it is always worth comparing with TAMICO, because sometimes they're cheaper and you get a wider range of nice option parts from aftermarket manufacturers.

[Bjoernemann 31]

Original layout

 

 

[Bjoernemann 31]

[Bjoernemann 31]

Layout whit 540er Mount from TA05 VDF

 

 

[Bjoernemann 31]

 

[Bjoernemann 31]

 

[Bjoernemann 31]

Sorry... i can't put the photos direct into the messages
*fixed*

[Bjoernemann 31]

In any case, I have to turn the motor (as you can see)
so that there is space for the servo.

Nevertheless, I have to move the steering a little forward
so that the motor still has space on the other side.

The advantage is that I then have more space at the front
for the servo, which should also be moved a little forward
because there still has to be space at the back for a Shorty battery

[Bjoernemann 31]

to be honest, I'm a little disillusioned because (of course) every step forward brings new challenges.
for example, the question is still whether and how exactly the two drive belts fit in terms of length.
I also had to raise the two motor mounts 2 mm higher with spacers in order to get the motor into the mount.
the steering fits now though.
it's also foreseeable that I'll have to cut out the front differential cover so that the drive belt doesn't drag on top.
only when everything fits there will I tackle the servo and the battery holder

[Bjoernemann 31]

[Bjoernemann 31]

[njmlondon 757]

I really admire your work on this project. It is a truly unique chassis. But I do wonder if you are missing the point of it by wrestling in a 540. The 380 scene has really opened my eyes to how much fun you can have with a motor that is 80g lighter than the bigger equivalent, and this chassis is all about lightness IMHO. 

[Bjoernemann 31]

1 hour ago, njmlondon said:

I really admire your work on this project. It is a truly unique chassis. But I do wonder if you are missing the point of it by wrestling in a 540. The 380 scene has really opened my eyes to how much fun you can have with a motor that is 80g lighter than the bigger equivalent, and this chassis is all about lightness IMHO. 

You're the second person to point me to the 380 scene, but I've actually never heard of it before. Maybe the scene in Great Britain is different to that in Germany.
The good thing is that I can build the original configuration at any time.
...I'll just keep tinkering away here in the meantime :)

[Bjoernemann 31]

I sat in front of the chassis for a long time yesterday, doing nothing and thinking.
I had actually already found a suitable position for the belts, but as I said, if you find a solution, the next problem immediately arises.
Because it is a carbon plate chassis, you absolutely need the upper deck so that the lower deck does not bend uncontrollably.
But I will not find a solution for the upper deck without causing massive damage to the engine mounts and the upper deck itself. That would mean I would no longer be able to easily revert to the original configuration.

[Bjoernemann 31]

I declare the conversion from 380 to 540 a failure.
So that the chassis gets enough power, I decided on a Hobbywing Combo WP16BL30 with 2435SL G3.
I still have to tinker, because I definitely want a suitable mount for Shortys in the chassis and for that the servo still has to be moved slightly

[Bjoernemann 31]

[Bjoernemann 31]

[Bjoernemann 31]

The carbon battery holders are also from the TA-05 VDF

[Honza 1259]

Do you have TA05 VDF vertical deck holders? You'll probably need to make a custom top deck.

Would it be possible to mount the steering servo to the opposite side? That way, you could keep the motor in the correct position. 

[Alex97 535]

380 motors have come a long way since this was originally released, 28mm can brushless motors are pretty good.