Tamiya GF-02 "Squash Van"

[PraetoR]

Brand new chassis from Tamiya: GF-02.

4WD, many gears, à la GF-01.

Panel Van body. I haven't found any concrete statement on whether ABS, or polycarbonate.

 

 

 

 

Chassis not dissimilar to GF-01, but lower-slung and (according to Tamiya) "more realistic and less comical".

 

 

 

Taken from Modelsport:

 

Tamiya is delighted to announce a new off-road car featuring big tires; the name is the Squash Van, and it is paired with a new gear-driven 4WD GF-02 chassis.

While the GF-01 chassis features a comical design, the GF-02 chassis employs a more realistic wheelbase and a frame with ladder / pipe motifs. This R/C assembly kit is inspired by 1950s American panel vans, and offers an excellent drive even on grass or uneven surfaces.

About the Model

• This is a 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 454mm, width: 280mm, height: 238mm. Wheelbase: 267mm.
• 123mm large-diameter lug pattern tires allow powerful performance and superior handling feel.
• Stickers feature designs such as squash illustrations, product logo, and triple pin stripes in gold, black and blue.
• ESC & Type 540 Motor Included

About the GF-02 chassis 
The gear-driven 4WD GF-02 chassis features its motor in a low, central position in the lightweight, durable monocoque frame, and transmits power to front and rear via gears. The long wheelbase and wide tread setup ensures stable off-road performance. The slim frame features ladder/pipe motifs and features integrated sealed gearboxes which help keep stones out.

Front and rear gear differentials allow smooth cornering, while separately sold pinion gears offer a choice from three types of gear ratios, and a motor guard enhances reliability off-road. The 4-wheel double wishbone suspension employs four friction dampers, and the steering servo is positioned on the left with identical-length tie-rods

Wheelbase 
same length as the long CC-02 wheelbase chassis same body mount positions as the long CC-02 wheelbase chassis

Tread
F : 223mm / R: 221mm 

Tyres
As Blackfoot [58633] 122.8mm diameter

Gear ratio
18T (18.03:1), 20T (16.23:1), 17T (19.09:1)
20T and 17T pinion gears are sold separately
  
Motor Guard included
Lower servo mount to enhance attachment durability and lower more central motor position for improved balance and weight distribution.

Required to complete: 2-channel radio, steering servo, 7.2-7.4volt battery with compatible charger, and Tamiya PS paint.

 

 

 

RRP of £245.

Personally, I'd need to see photos of the chassis, but it will be nice to have a 4WD Tamiya truck with a similar design to the GF-01, which doesn't constantly fall-over and wheelie.

View full news article

[PraetoR]

EDIT: Body is polycarbonate and you can get a good look at the chassis on the youtube video.

 

The video is quite misleading, though... the running videos show a brushless system, but the truck comes with a basic, brushed motor. So, it'll be a fair bit slower.

[Lone-wolf]

I rather like this model and nearly pre ordered it, but i have a 51 Ford van on a charisma chassis, also i would want to see how to lock up the diffs on this but yeah i like the look of it

[PraetoR]

12 minutes ago, Lone-wolf said:

I rather like this model and nearly pre ordered it, but i have a 51 Ford van on a charisma chassis, also i would want to see how to lock up the diffs on this but yeah i like the look of it

 

You can always employ the "hot glue in diffs" technique.

[Stormbringer]

Quite like the look of this myself 

[Lone-wolf]

I may have a pre order on this, seems it comes pre painted, i would then sell the Carisma 51 Ford van

[Kpowell911]

Looks great IMO

 

[Lone-wolf]

11 hours ago, Kpowell911 said:

Looks great IMO

 

Yes it does, i very nearly pre ordered but there is uncertainty as to whether the body is pre painted, i had planned to get one and sell my carisma sca-1e similar rig but now going to wait and see when they arrive