Tripmate Release
 

Our Japanese distributor has informed us that the Mid TM2500 series will be available starting June 17th! Would people be interested if we stocked them in the Shop?

YES
 

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Yes, but the question is how much??
is it RTR?
What kind of badies available?
....

Who gives a toss about bodies?
 

From what I've seen, Kawada has no bodies.
However, mini-z bodies should fit, since the overall dimentions of the MID 24 are similar to the Z.

The reason I'd like to have one is... no one can tell it's NOT a mini-z, under a mini-z body. And I really expect the Kawada layout to outperform a mini-z. Which, to be honest, really isn't that great to drive.

Especially when compared to the mini-z Formula 1 cars, and the Tamtech.

I would be interested to see the price on these. I would also like to know how they perform compared to an ABC DTM-SP or Dynamite Rocket Racer. It will probably handle better than a Mini-z out of the box I would imagine because of the motor location. The side mounted batteries may limit battery choices and affect handling compared to an ABC or Rocket racer. Do you know whether it has an adjustable ball or gear diff standard? Also what type of radio gear would fit? Would the electronics from a Rocket Racer, DTM-SP or Mini-x fit. If the car is available with electronics (receiver/servo/speed control) minus transmitter like the mini-x for about $100 or $130-150 with transmitter it could be very successful. I like the direction small scale RC is going. There are so many models to choose from, it is starting to look like 1/12 or 1/10 scale road racing. The more the better!!!

I'll post pricing etc. as soon as I have it; here's the details again, which I posted in an earlier thread:

Specs:
Length: 126-156mm
WB: 90-120mm
Weight: 190g
Width: 68-78mm
Height: 46mm
Motor: 130SZ
Power: AAA x 4
Front Susp: King Pin Coil
Rear Susp: FRP H-bar w/ Friction Damper

Bodies:
RX-7
S2000

Features:
One piece Aluminium Motor Mount
Midship Mounted 130SZ High Power Motor
10/12/14T Pinion
Gear Diff
Adjustable wheelbase and width
3 Wheel Types Included
Fits Most Mini-Z Bodies!!!

Any news yet on the release of the M-24 and the new Yokomo?

Yes: if people are interested, we can start taking pre-orders now, there is a choice of RX-7 or S2000 shell, both are $89. If you're interested, please let us know, and we will add them to the Shop.

when will u be getting them in??

They were supposed to be available mid-June, but are now expected to be available at the beginning of July. Kawada are sending us a few for evaluation, so we'll have more info etc. once those are received.

ooohhh free samples...do we get samples as well??

What do you need as far as electronics to get one of these running? Will they offer a RTR version with electronics or a version with receiver/speed control/servo minus transmitter like the mini-x packages? Or, can you disect a Kyosho Mini-z and use the speed control/receiver/servo from it. One of the things that make the Rocket Racer nice is the price including electronics. A tripmate would be nice if it cost about the same as a mini-x with receiver/speed control/servo or a Rocket Racer or Mini-z. I just sold my micro RS4 so I may still give the tripmate a try. After years of being in this hobby, 1/24 and 1/27 scale has generated the most excitement for me.

There is no RTR in the works at the moment. Kawada told us that they recommend that people use the ESC/Rx/Servo from the previous Tripmate (but they weren't sure what the availability on that would be!) - I think that it will probably make more sense to put your own set together to be able to handle hotter motors etc. We'll know more once ours arrive obviously.

And do remember to check out the price and availability of BALL-BEARINGS.
Alternatively, get the dimentions. And NO, not just the inner & outer diametre, but the WIDTH too...

Oh almost forgot, by the images on the Kawada webpage, it looks like there's FLANGED bearings...?

Driving ANY mini-racer without ball-bearings is no fun.

This new Kawada looks great. I have a few of the older Tripmates and they are very good cars. I use the tamtech electronics in them but it looks like the new M-24 kit is a little smaller so the big Tamtech servo might not fit. I will be trying the Mini X electronic set in mine when it arrives as it should all fit with no problem and the price is good for the compleate RS set. The X bodies should fit to and at $5.00 it's well worth a try.