Tamiya TT-01
The TT-01 is a 1/10 scale shaft-driven R/C chassis made by Tamiya. Since its release in 2003, the TT-01 has become a very popular entry-level chassis, especially for drifting and rallying applications. The bathtub chassis frame combined with the central driveshaft makes it a durable car for everyday surfaces, and its relatively light weight plastic chassis and cut-out mounting positions for the battery and motor gives it a low center of gravity. Both in Europe and the US the TT-01 is the de facto choice for 24-hour endurance races. These events see teams of competitors, hobbyists, and friends build their TT-01 kit at the track the morning of the race then compete for 24 hours with teams of 5-8 people just like the races at Lemans and Daytona. Tamiya's recent addition of LED lights in most of their TT-01 kits sees these races take on an even more realistic look as the cars sport head and tail lights at night.
Versions
TT-01 - The first Tamiya TT-01 was released as a Ferrari Enzo in 2003. The original version features a 27T 540 "silver-can" motor, open planetary differentials front and rear, and non-adjustable double wishbone suspension with dry friction shock absorbers.TT-01D - Includes low friction, hard plastic "drift" tires, ball bearings, adjustable suspension arms, oil-filled shock absorbers and a Sport Tuned 25T Mabuchi Motor. It also comes with body shells of typical real-life drift cars like the, and, and the kits include LED lights.TT-01R - Adds aluminum alloy drive shaft, adjustable rear toe-in and a Tamiya 25T "GT tuned" motor. The race kit does not come with a lexan body shell.TT-01 Type E - The standard TT-01 model upgraded with polycarbonate suspension uprights and fibreglass-reinforced nylon upper deck/chassis bracing and motor mount, thus improving both the structural rigidity and the toughness of the vehicle. For more information on the updated parts check this information from tamiya: TT-01D Type E - Combines "D" upgraded parts with "E" upgraded materials.TT-01R Type E - Combines "R" upgraded parts with "E" upgraded materials. Also adds metal diff cup joints, dog bones and wheel axles.TT-01S Type E - XB Series/RTR-only version of the TT-01 Type E kit. Uses cheaper materials to achieve lower retail price.Expert built
Tamiya also sells the TT-01, TT-01D and TT-01 Type E in Ready-to-Run versions, designated "XB" or "Expert built". These come with pre-painted body shells, transmitters and receivers, and only needs batteries and a charger to get the model going.Depending on your country XB System RTR kits are also available. These ship with a simple wall plug charger and a standard size 7.2V 1800mah NiMH battery.
[Image:Tamiya TT-01D Chassis.jpg|thumb|Tamiya TT-01D]
24 Hours of Andernach (Germany)
The 24 Hours of Andernach is an endurance RC race that takes place once a year at the Andernach Autodrom in Germany. Uwe Rheinard, co-creator of the Euro Touring Series and father of Marc, four times IFMAR World Champion driver, started his annual 24-hour endurance-race event originally using Tamiya FWD kits. Since its introduction, the TT01 kit has been utilized. RC Racers around the world see this race as the biggest RC endurance race and many races in other countries are modeled after it. All teams utilize a Porsche 911 body. Since the event is held outdoors, the teams must be prepared for rain just like the real thing, because they do not stop the race for weather. In 2012, Conrad Electronic supported the event with 4000 mAh LiPo batteries. Rules allow a maximum of five battery packs.With 3482 laps, or 630 km, team ‘Wilde 13′ won for the fourth time in row with their Falken-Porsche using only two sets of tires and without a single parts failure.