Tamiya Top Force (2017) - Build 

Hi! The battery I used for most of my Tamiya models is the Gens Ace 4000mah 45C 7.4v. It's a hard case battery and fits nicely into the Top Force. Part number is GA2S-4000-45C-H. 👍

@@RCHobbyShed Thanks for the info. Getting back into the Tamiya kits after a 35 layoff of a Hornet build which I found cleaning out the garage

Hi did the 2017 kit come with plastic shocks? Any idea the difference between the 2017 and 2021 kits?

@@thebeardedyorkshireman8368 Hello. The 2017 kit that I built came with plastic oil filled dampers which work fine. The 2021 kit is the Top Force Evolution which from what I have read comes with aluminium high-capacity shock dampers and all the upgrades that the EVO included. Good luck getting hold of the 2021 kit as it is selling like hot cakes and will no doubt be resold at a very high price

Thanks Vincent! 👍

Thanks!

Correct, I'm an Aussie! Thanks for the sub. Cheers mate! 🙂👍

Thanks! 🙂👍

Thanks mate. I used the Lame Flake so it still looked box art but has some razzle dazzle. 😁👍

@@RCHobbyShed 😊👍

Thanks! 🙂👍

I figured try something subtle just to make it a little different. Thanks! 🙂👍

Thanks mate. Go get one! 🤣

Thanks Matt. I'm pretty happy with it. Will get it out for a run in a day or two. 👍

Lame Flake under black is probably the best way to go with it, would look awesome on the Hornet. I think they will bring another batch of Top Force kit soon, I doubt they're done with it. Thanks! 👍

Thanks mate, glad you got something out of it. I figured I'd try to shorten my build videos and just try to focus on build tips or issues, rather than long boring build videos. I'm planning to make my unboxing videos with the parts (and parts bags) laid out. YES! Nobody wants to hear bags rustling! 😂🤣

@@RCHobbyShed Yep that was smooooth 👌 Looking forward to seeing more!

Thanks! 👍

Thanks mate. I think it turned out pretty well too. 🙂👍

Thanks! Also thanks for your support, it's much appreciated! 🙂👍

Thanks mate. I'm pretty happy with it. Never really been a Top Force fan but they're growing on me. 👍

Thanks mate. I noticed you weren't around and thought you were busy with the RC's but you were cruisin' in the Impala, which might be even more fun. Yep, I'm kinda jealous. lol. For sure, you need a Tamiya kit and a Kyosho or two! Thanks for you support mate! Good weather for cruisin' too 😎 👍

@@RCHobbyShed I haven't driven an rc car for 2 weeks, the impala has been coming up like new underneath. The parts from America are top quality and I ve restored it better than new . Now I have to build a Tamiya or kyosho. They just look cool but I know I'll get addicted to these and want more .We're putting up display shelves in the lounge so should be able to squeeze a few Tamiya and kyosho cars in between the Armmas . I always catch up on your videos mate. Would have to be mad to miss out on the builds . Promised the wife we're going to drive a few beasts today. She drove her Tiger tank yesterday while I was working. They look great, almost like a real one. She didn't shoot herself in the leg this time!

@@petergoodwin2465 That Impala is sounding pretty sweet! I hope you built a big set of shelves, if the addiction kicks in you're gonna need em haha. The tank sounds fun, I've often wondered if I needed one but now knowing they can shoot, I need one for sure! 🤣

@@RCHobbyShed The tanks shoot pellets , have gun recoil and engine ,gun turret and machine gun sounds. Drop liquid in the back for engine smoke . Tamiya makes tanks , I'd better not ,I'll end up with a few.

@@petergoodwin2465 Sounds awesome! Oh yeah Tamiya have been making them forever, some are way out of my price range!

Thanks mate, glad it may be helpful. I think I will run a NiMh pack to start with, mainly because it's easier to fit in the car. I wanted to mention in the video but forgot, how Tamiya really dropped the ball when designing the battery position in the Top Force. The two chassis uprights at the front of the rear gearbox are more further forward than the rear of the battery retainers, meaning you almost need a bananna shaped battery or a very thin one to fit in there. When I do the run video (in a couple of days) I will show what I mean. Anyhoo, I will do a NiMh vs LiPo comparison, maybe not using the GPS but there should be an obvious difference in speed. I hear ya mate, best to store LiPo's out of the house. Running video coming soon mate! 🙂👍

@@RCHobbyShed sounds tight for a Lipo then, but l imagine it's not changed in design from the 91 original back in the day? Certainly not much regarding lipos back then! I will look out for your running vid👍

@@mad-beerc3818 I agree, I'd say the design is unchanged. I tried a hard case 2s LiPo in it and had to really wrestle to get it in, more so to get it out but I would say a standard 6 cell NiMh would be a nice fit.

Those ball diffs are a pain in the backside.

Thanks mate! 🙂👍

RC Hobby Shed anytime bro

Cool mate, they're a great build. No they haven't re-released the EVO, yet anyway. A lot of people (including myself) are building EVO replicas from these Top Force kits. RCMart had a deal where you get the Carbon chassis set, Hi-Cap shocks and the Top Force kit together. Then you can get some EVO repro decals from MCI Racing. 👍

@@RCHobbyShed that's kool, MAD CONGRATULATIONS! Keep up the videos, just subbed a few weeks ago. Thanks for sharing!

John Band Thanks for watching and also thanks for the sub, it’s much appreciated. 🙂👍

No, but we sure as hell need more TT01 and TT02!

Thanks! Yeah go for it, the lame flake is awesome. The hex adaptors are 12mm but I was unsure how thick they are so I've just measured them. Mine are 5mm but I'm quite sure 6mm will be fine too (maybe even better) as there's a 1.5-2mm gap between the hex and the bearing. 👍

Thanks mate. Appreciate your time checking those measurements.

That's great, they're a nice build. To answer your question, I don't remember exactly how many balls were left, but yes there were some left over. I think as long as you're confident you put all the balls in that you should have, it should be fine. On the other hand, if you think you could have missed some, it's best to open the diff and check it out. Thanks! 🙂👍

@@RCHobbyShed thanks for your reply, I'm 99% confident there all in there...the leftover quantities seemed odd that's all. Thanks again.

@@tellispavlides2033 No problem! Maybe they packed it on a Friday afternoon and were a bit careless. Always good to have spares! 🙂👍

Oh yeah they can be hard to find. Maybe it's the virus, I dunno. I measured between the decks on my Top Force, there's just over 34mm, not quite 35mm. I think your 10BL should just fit but it will come down to how thick your double sided tape is. Maybe even glue it down with silicone sealant or similar so you can use a thin layer and still be able to remove it later. 👍

@@RCHobbyShed Thanks. Might even be able to put some spaces in where the deck gets screwed to raise it slightly without putting to much tightness where the hex mount goes in

@@ianwinpenny1857 That should work too! On my Dirt Thrasher, after fitting the Top Force chassis I mounted the ESC on the top plate, but kind of forward since the cab on the body is more forward. I think there is enough room on the Top Force to mount it just in front of the rear gearbox, not the best for centre of gravity, but just an idea. 👍

Thanks Ralph! 🙂👍

Those battery posts really are the work of the Devil! 😂

@@RCHobbyShed They are indeed,I thought the damn things were gonna snap.

I used one coat of the PS-53 Lame Flake.

Спасибо друг! 🙂👍

Hi Ian. For the diffs, I usually just tighten them enough so that when holding the both axle cups stationary (with either flat screwdrivers or hex keys), the diff gear is quite firm to turn. Yes, you will need to adjust the diffs again after a few runs as they will start slipping under acceleration over time if not adjusted. Hope this helps! 👍

@@RCHobbyShed Just about to start this build. On step 2 for the diffs the instructions say to use rubber cement for the gearbox joints. Did you do this ?

@@ianwinpenny1857 To be honest, I really don't remember. It's not ringing a bell with me so I would say I didn't. 🤔

Good to know I'm not alone there. 😂. I'm using a GPM motor mount, although I think any brand would be fine. As far as a 3s recommendation, to be honest I haven't used many brands, but I have a few Cougar 3s 4000mah 30c batteries that work great for me. They've never let me down and they don't cost a lot either. 👍

I'm sure it will be fine. I actually run brushless in my Dirt Thrasher which has been upgraded to the Top Force prop shaft and joints (same as in this kit). 👍

@@RCHobbyShed I just bought one from hongkong. Thanks for the fast reply mate.

I usually only smear the grease on. The more you put on, the more likely it is to fly off. I don't really have any greasing footage, I may look at doing that in the future. 👍

@@RCHobbyShed That's perfect thanks buddy. That's pretty much what I did. I've not painted it yet so not running it until then. Can't decide what colour to do it. I'm thinking champagne gold with the stock decals but am also considering a white line down the body, the width of the cockpit and then blend out into pink and pink under clear pink.

They are a pain, I know all too well! They are very tight... You could try putting a drop of oil on the screws.

@@RCHobbyShed Cheers mate,bloody stupid to make them that tight. I used a bit of grease and a lot of force.

​@@MikeTheBike58 Agreed! I used a deep 7mm socket for the J12 part if you haven't done it already. 👍

@@RCHobbyShed All finished thanks,although yet again I have knackered the body,new knife blade slipped. Luckily ordering another tomorrow.

@@RCHobbyShed Really Shit at cutting out bodies.

No they're not, sorry, I should have mentioned that. Tamiya only include brass bushings with the kit.

@@RCHobbyShed Can you tell me where to get them and what they are expected to cost ?

The TBLE-02S is rated at 25+ turns. But with the fan I should be able to run the Super Stock RZ (23T) motor and maybe lower turn motors too without thermal cutout.

It's all good Mikey, it's a good question! That's right, the two pics are just one diff. So you'll need to make two. On the left is where the diff balls are installed, on the right is the thrust bearing assembly. 👍

@@RCHobbyShed Ah Cheers mate,this is my third Tamiya build after a 10 year break and I think I've bitten off more than I can chew. Appreciate the build vids they are indepth and very helpful to people like me. Hope you are well.

@@RCHobbyShed Mark,is this just for the rear gearbox? Or one goes in front?. May start the build tomorrow.

I don't usually bother as I rarely run in water. If I planned on running in wet areas, then yes I'd either use waterproof electrics or waterproof them myself.

Maybe not good for a 959 or GrB but awesome for 99% of other cars, buggies and trucks out there! Long nose pliers with no teeth will be a nightmare to use just because of the way the jaws close, everything will want to shoot out it them. You'd have better luck with a pair of scissors. 🤣

@@RCHobbyShed if u want too u could use a file to make a grove in steel so the shaft dont slip out do i have to think of everything lol do u want me to to type up a book?lol

@@brucebenner7606 I don't need them, these work great! I don't have a 959 to worry about either. lol

@@RCHobbyShed yea sorry i got 7 tamiya porsche 959 cars thats why i say it