Kawada Mini-Z Clone?

[tinyrc]

Check out Kawada's new M-24 Tripmate Mid - it looks like a mid-engined Mini-Z!

http://www.kawadamodel.co.jp/m24mid/images/m24mid.gif

http://www.kawadamodel.co.jp/m24mid/m24mid.html

[Wedginator]

i see some similarities..... have you tried it?

[tinyrc]

According to that page, they aren't out until May.

[Hardtrukr]

It does kinda look like a Mini-Z chassis where the batteries are located, but in the front it looks like Kawada. Maybe it is a Mini-Z chassis cut off in the front.

[Mykroe]

It definetly reminds me of the Tripmate because of the Kingpin suspension, body mounts, and steering linkage setup.

[Mykroe]

Oh yeah and the rear axle/dif assembly...

[Hardtrukr]

Look at umm, Dinball and Mini-Z Racer, and here! and you can see some pictures of how the front is constructed on the tripmate. Also check out Kawada's site here! (http://www.kawadamodel.co.jp/m24.html)

[tinyrc]

Hey, I never saw that R conversion before - is that to make it mid-engined?

[Mykroe]

what do you mean by "mid-engined? i thik it just changes teh rear pod and allows you to use a bigger battery...

[tinyrc]

From the pics it looks like the motor is on the other side of the axle after the mod, = better handling.

[Hardtrukr]

I dont get that though tinyrc. It would have the same balance but reversed as before (like on the Mini-Z) right? So what would the advantages be?!?:confused:


And it just doesn't change it to a 'mid-motored " setup, but adjusts the length and width! Engine=combustion, motor=magnitized :cool:

[tinyrc]

Same as on a Mini-Z w/ midship conversion, the center of mass moves toward the chassis center -> better turning etc. That's why the best handling sports cars and race cars are mid-engine.

[Hardtrukr]

Ahhh, had a feeling that was it. Gotcha. :D

[Mykroe]

Ohh i get it tinyrc...

[feishiaada]

i thought the kawada r-conversion just adds a rear damper suspension to the back of the car...
basically incorporating more flex with the tbar at the bottom
and controlling the flex with the single rear damper on top...

[tinyrc]

So it's more like a pan conversionish kind of a thing? I couldn't really tell what was going on from the pics.

[IcemanTOPGUN]

Will you be stocking any in May? They look pretty cool.

[tinyrc]

At the moment we're still looking for a source on the Kawadas.

[IcemanTOPGUN]

Where are they made?

[Mykroe]

tinyrc if I am not mistaken they aren't made anymore. I am not sure so don't quote me on this...

[tinyrc]

According to one of our distributors a version 3 will be launched at the Shizuoka Hobby Show in May, so we'll probably be importing those.

[Mykroe]

Oh cool didn't know that

[IcemanTOPGUN]

Is the version 3 the one in the pic?

[tinyrc]

Nope, haven't seen a pic of it yet, like I said they are announcing it at that Show, so I'm not sure if there will be any pics until then.

[Mondo]

The best way to compliment a good product is to copy it :)
I do admit, the steering setup looks much more progressive that that of the Mini-Z.
I wonder if there will be decent hop-ups in the pipeline, like bearings, ball-diffs and so on..

[Chezedog]

I was going to get a kawada Tripmate M-24, but now I think I'll wait a bit, and see what will be available in May. A pal has a tripmate with the racing kit installed, and the performance is very impressive...