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RM-01 Overview

Article is in reference to Items #58509 & #58521

Tamiya has created the brand-new RM-01 chassis in response to the 1/12 scale racing resurgence around the world. This new chassis features a Direct Drive 2WD setup and a pivot-ball link rear (PBLR) suspension to offer linear throttle and steering response and realistic racing action.

To further enhance the driving characteristics of the RM-01 chassis, Tamiya offers an array of Hop-Up Options to suit the racer's needs. From carbon fiber suspension parts to aluminum spacers, each and every one of the Hop-Up Options available will not only assist in creating a top-notch racing machine, it will be esthetically enhanced; customized to MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

RM-01 Hop-Up Optional Parts

Item 54364 - RM-01 Carbon Lower Deck

Item 54365 - RM-01 Carbon Lower Brace

Item 54356 - RM-01 Aluminum Motor Mount

Item 54353 - RM-01 Carbon Rear Body Mount Plate Set

Item 54352 - RM-01 Roll Spring Set

Item 54351 - RM-01 Carbon Damper Mount Plate

Item 54375 - RM-01 Carbon Motor Mount Rear Plate Set

Item 54341 - RM-01 Aluminum Pitch Damper Set

Item 54342 - RM-01 Aluminum Roll Damper Set

Item 54367 - RM-01 Rear Tread Spacer Set

Item 54366 - RM-01 Front Upright Shaft (for 1/8x5/16 Inch Bearing)

Item 54355 - RM-01 3x31mm Titanium Coated King Pin (2pcs.)

Item 54357 - F104 Adjustable Metal Upright Set

Item 54354 - RM-01 Aluminum Type 380 Motor Adapter (Blue)

Item 54359 - RM-01 Pitch Spring Set

Item 54360 - Fluorine Coated 5mm Aluminum Short Ball Nut (4pcs.)

Item 54249 - 3x32mm Aluminum Turnbuckle Shaft (2pcs.)

Item 51000 - Hi-Torque Servo Saver (Black)

54364 RM-01 Carbon Lower Deck

Compared to FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), carbon fiber parts offer increased rigidity, which changes the car's handling characteristics. In the case of the RM-01 Chassis, this 2.5mm thick carbon-fiber lower deck replaces the kit-standard FRP component to increase overall chassis rigidity and bring out the chassis' maximum potential. It has an additional hole to allow the installation of a small steering servo.

54365 Carbon Lower Brace

This 2.5mm thick carbon-fiber lower brace replaces kit-standard FRP component to increase rigidity of the motor mount section for enhanced power transmission efficiency.

54356 RM-01 Aluminum Motor Mount

The Aluminum motor mount Hop-Up Option replaces the plastic kit standard C1, C4, C8 and C10 parts. The aluminum motor mount is not only stronger and more rigid, but it dissipates heat generated from the motor, which in turn allows it to run cooler.

54353 RM-01 Carbon Rear Body Mount Plate Set

The stock rear body mount plate is made of plastic (PA-GF). Because this piece is a multi-purpose item, the carbon Hop-Up is advantageous. Not only does it mount the body post more rigidly, it also mounts the roll damper and roll springs. The carbon piece greatly increases the effectiveness of the roll damper and springs.

54352 RM-01 Roll Spring Set

The stock roll spring (silver) is medium in stiffness. This Hop-Up Option set comes with soft, medium, hard and super hard springs. The four spring choices will allow the user to custom tune their RM-01 to changing track conditions.

54351 RM-01 Carbon Damper Mount Plate

The stock damper mount plate is made of plastic (PA-GF). The Hop-Up Option is made of 2.5mm thick carbon fiber. It replaces the stock C-9 part, which directly improves the effectiveness of the pitch and roll damper.

54375 RM-01 Carbon Motor Mount Rear Plate Set

The 2mm carbon fiber plate Hop-Up Option replaces the kit-standard C8 part to link the left and right plastic or aluminum motor mounts together for greater rigidity.

54341, 54342 RM-01 Pitch Damper Set, Roll Damper Set

The pitch and roll dampers use aluminum fluorine coated shock bodies for smooth piston damper movement. The dampers also have threaded shock bodies for easy adjustment of the spring retainer in the case of the pitch damper.

54367 RM-01 Rear Tread Spacer Set

The rear tread spacers are comprised of blue anodized aluminum and are mounted between the rear inner hubs and the outer wheel mounting hubs. The set comes with four spacers: two 1mm spacers and two 0.5mm spacers. These spacers can be used to widen the track of one, or both sides to fine tune the vehicle to track conditions.

54366 RM-01 Front Upright Shaft (for 1/8x5/16 Inch Bearing)

The upgraded upright shafts are a replacement of the standard shafts used in the stock plastic uprights. These allow the use of aftermarket 1/12th scale wheels that use the 1/8 x 5/16th inch bearings. The standard wheel axle uses metric size bearings for use on Tamiya wheels. The use of inch size bearings will open up the racers options.

54355 RM-01 3x31mm Titanium Coated King Pin (2pcs.)

The titanium coated surface prevents damage and offers increased toughness and smooth operation compared to the standard chrome plated kingpins found in the kit.

54357 F104 Adjustable Metal Upright Set

The standard steering uprights in the RM-01 kit are made of a plastic material and a metal axle that is attached using a screw. These uprights are made of aluminum and use a steel shaft that can be positioned for either in-line or off-set trailing positions. The in-line position is suitable for slow speed technical track layouts whereas the off-set trailing position is best for high speed circuits. The trailing position also exhibits less responsiveness to steering input, which can be better if you're looking for an easier car to maneuver.

54354 RM-01 Aluminum Type 380 Motor Adapter (Blue)

The aluminum 380 motor mount adapter replaces the plastic kit standard C5 part. The aluminum mount is not only stronger and more rigid, but when paired with the aluminum motor mount (item 54356), it aids in the dissipation of heat generated from the motor.

54359 RM-01 Pitch Spring Set

The included kit spring (silver) is medium. The Hop-Up Option spring set includes a super soft, soft, medium, and hard spring. The springs can be used to further fine tune the pitch characteristics of the car according to track conditions. Harder springs are typically used on very smooth track conditions, whereas softer springs are used in bumpy track conditions.

54360 RM-01 5mm Short Ball Nut Fluorine Coated Aluminum

These lightweight, aluminum ball connectors are designed for use with the stock RM-01 steering uprights. The short ball nut features a fluorine coating to ensure smooth steering operation. They have a lower height than the kit standard parts and settings may be adjusted through the use of spacers, which are available separately. Item 53539 RC 5.5 Aluminum Spacer set is a perfect option part that includes all the spacers needed to fine tune the RM-01.

54249 3x32mm Aluminum Turnbuckle Shaft (2pcs.)

The aluminum turnbuckles are a direct replacement for the kit standard steel turnbuckle shafts. They are much lighter than the steel shafts and greatly reduce both sprung, and unsprung weight, which can positively affect the driving characteristics of the car.

51000 Hi-Torque Servo Saver (Black)

The Tamiya Hi-Torque Servo Saver uses three C-shaped steel springs to absorb the rigors of racing where a collision of the front wheels may add stress to the internal gears of your steering servo.

54334 RM01 HBR Sponge Tire (front)

The optional HBR sponge tires for the RM-01 offer increased traction compared to the kit-standard tires. The package comes with double-sided tape for attaching the tires to the wheels.

54335 RM01 HBR Sponge Tire (rear)

The optional HBR sponge tires for the RM-01 offer increased traction compared to the kit-standard tires. The package comes with double-sided tape for attaching the tires to the wheels.

What you need to complete your RM-01:

Once you decide how much or how little you will be Hoping Up your RM-01, it's best to decide what radio gear you will want to install and what motor formula you want to race with. Because the RM-01 chassis is small, it's best to use the lightest components possible:

Servo: The RM-01 calls for the use of a standard size servo for steering. As mentioned above, you may want to try a small servo if you install the carbon fiber option chassis. The small servo will reduce the weight of the car and leaves extra room for the other electronic components.

Receiver: Most receivers these days are small, but if you'd like to keep things roomy, super small receivers will allow you to shift weight around to suit track conditions.

ESC: It's best to use the smallest ESC you can find. It isn't too hard to find them at your local hobby shop. Large ESC's will fit the RM-01 as there is plenty of room, but a small ESC will drastically reduce the weight of the RM-01 chassis and give you room to wire everything up neatly.

Motor: The kit includes a motor that is 380 in size, which is a great formula for spec racing. However, if you're looking at getting into the club racing scene, brushless 540 sized motors that come in 21.5, 17.5, 13.5 and 10.5 formulas offer fun speeds while maintaining controllability of the car. It's best to consult with your local R/C track's race director for class rules on brushless motors for their 1/12 scale racing program. If you're starting your own club, the 17.5 formula is perfect for beginner and intermediate skilled drivers.

Battery: The RM-01's design accepts the use of Lithium Polymer batteries that are small in size and that are 3.7volts (1S). The standard dimension size for this specification battery is: 94mm x 47mm x 18.5mm

In closing

The RM-01 was designed to be a simple, indoor and outdoor racing machine that keeps things inexpensive compared to fully independent 4WD racing cars. If you have a local carpet or asphalt track in your area, the RM-01 is a great platform for spec racing. If you're part of a parking lot racing club, it's also a great platform to fine tune your racing skills. Tamiya's scale looking vintage GTP body sets bring the race class to life!

If you would like a blank setup sheet for the RM-01 click HERE.