Which shell?

[Twmaster]

It has been suggested to me to get an NSX shell for my new tourer. After looking on Tower Hobbies website I cannot find one that fits directly on my TA-03F. So how would the Pensoil NISMO Skyline rate for stability and overall good performanace?

[WillyChang]

If it has to be Tamiya, the newest NSX 2002 shell (with the roof airscoop) is said to handle well, also the Ferrari 360.

Skylines generally don't have as much downforce so you have less steering, and think only the Zexel Skyline has a decent wing.

If it doesn't have to be Tamiya, then there's a huge choice. Most

racers run the Proline Dodge Stratus v1.0/2.0 which I *doubt* is

chosen on pure looks alone. Also popular is the Alfa 156 v1.0/2.0/2.1

and occasionally the Chrysler 300M.

I'm set to try out the new Mazda6... as soon as I get around to

painting the fella.

[stulec52]

I was running a Protoform Stratus, but switched ( for indoors on carpet) to a Protoform Alfa 2. This shell gives better turn in.

From what I have heard the new Mazda falls somewhere in between the Stratus and Alfa for front end bite.

[WillyChang]

Has a very aggressive rear wing too, probably needs to be cut

under the marked lines otherwise it might not pass scrutineering. []

Bought some when the 1st shipment came in before xmas, surprisingly

quick for us down under in the antipodes. Haven't gotten around to

painting it yet, and just picked up can of new Translucent Orange too

so gotta work that into the upcoming scheme. []

Have been running PL Stratus 2.0 so far, they drive ok. Both are

pretty used and headed for the tip soon. Latest acquisition (e3SL)

came with another newly-painted Stratus too but strangely it was

drilled for the std e3 instead.

[Twmaster]

I just checked our local club rules and I am afraid I'll be needing genuine Tamiya.

[minijosh]

i did the translucent yellow on my mazda 6 shell. looks pretty good. i wish i did some type of masking for a design though.

[WillyChang]

Supposedly this is a completely new R34 shell,

different to the Zexel R34 shape of before.

Tamiya sez "newly shaped R-34 body that has a more pronounced slope that should offer the racer more steering when racing"

[WillyChang]

Oh sh!t sorry... I missed the part with "TA03F" id="size3">in it... [8)]

Take care when choosing bodies for this, as many don't have enough

bonnet & overhang to clear the 03F motor assembly.

NSX & 360 definitely won't fit; the 03 NSX is an 03R.

That new R34 won't fit 03F either, dare say.

Pennzoil TA03 is an 03F I think, should be ok then.

[Twmaster]

The Tamiya compatibility matrix says the 360 will fit.

[WillyChang]

Only one way to find out - back in a tic.

....

Well I'll be... the thing fits!! []

Yep, *just* clears the TA03F front end, with zilch room to spare.

Tried it on a TA03F without the option overhead bumper.

It'll have to sit direct on the shock towers (std 03F ones), or

else you'll have to fo the 03R towers + SuperMini CVAs if you

want to mount it any lower.

Haven't got a NSX 2002 to try but.

[Dazmeister]

This might sound a bit funny but the shell that really seems to work indoors from Tamiya Is the Corvette. There is a winter series for Tamiya TL-01/TT-01 in the UK using minimum hop ups, 27t stock motor and any make shell. The fastest guys are running the Corvette over all the other shells including the PF Stratus ! I didnt have a Corvette but managed 3rd with a Stratus in the A final the first time I have ever been there. I will be going back for the final round with a new Corvette ($29.99 from Tower) to kick there ***** !

Daz

[loopus]

does the body of the car do much to the speed and turning?

i thought it only done anything on real cars

[Chris UK]

Bodyshells help in straight line speed as well as grip, turning, and general handling. Bodies made by Protoform for example, which are designed for racing, create quite a lot of downforce on your car, helping it stick to the track []

[Twmaster]

I just got the Corvette shell and will paint it my trademark orange. []

[Alamut]

Fellas,

Does it really matter what kind of shell? Might be possible, but I find that strange to believe.

As we - myself, a friend or two and a bunch of kids - will probably attend the TamiyaCup in Belgium (yes, a team with six cars in the same colours!)... we need to select a bodytype.

I have heard from nitro racers a body like a Chrysler 300 was the best option. But those nitro racers have top speeds of 60 mph on fast tracks. Faster than electro... and surely faster than a Tamiya stock.

So, can someone help me (and others) out here?

Give us the tutorial into law of RC body physics!

 [] 

 Cheers,

 Dries aka Goldnest.

 

 

[europro975]

Oh sh!t sorry... I missed the part with "TA03F" in it... [8)]

Take care when choosing bodies for this, as many don't have enough

bonnet & overhang to clear the 03F motor assembly.

NSX & 360 definitely won't fit; the 03 NSX is an 03R.

That new R34 won't fit 03F either, dare say.

Pennzoil TA03 is an 03F I think, should be ok then.

 

Some might fit when using this:

 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tamiya-53337-TA03-Re...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Dazmeister]

If you want to stay with a Tamiya shell and be legal for the Tamiya cup there really is no better shell than the NSX. Go for the 2003 as it comes with the better and more durable lexan wing.

If you can run another make of shell then either a Protoform Mazda 6 or Stratus 3 all purpose will do the trick and will be cheaper.

Daz

[stulec52]

With regard to aero dynamics on such relatively small and slow cars, I also was sceptical about body shapes and even wings having much effect.

I changed my mind a few years back though. When running an electric buggy indoors, with a buggy body but no wing as I had broken the mount, I just could not get any rear traction, so as a last resort I put a rear wing on it - WOW !!  what a difference, I had rear traction again.

  So, now we try different bodies for different setups and surfaces.

 This Winters hot body for Touring Car is the DNA from Protoform, not the best looking that's for sure, but has loads of aero grip.

 Just don't go for a Porsche 911[]

[Alamut]

Thanks for the advice, lads!

I have to agree that when I drove my Kyosho V-One nitro around on the track (topspeed around 50 mph), the standard Porsche body gave a less solid roadholding than a TVR Tuscan. And when I mounted an Alfa GTV body without rear wing and with large ventilation holes in the bonnet and the roof... the car wasn't stable at all.

But I still don't know WHY. I figure a body like an NSX (or TVR Tuscan) works the best because it has a flat rear section, unlike the wedge shaped bodies like Porsche 911 and Alfa GTV.

Is there more? I really would love to know. 'Cause it smells like SCIENCE! And I just love that!

So, listening to my own words... a Nissan 350Z wouldn't be a good body for some solid racing?

Still looking forward to read about your experiences!

Cheers,

Dries aka Goldnest.