42389 Tamiya TRF104 First look , details and Impressions
https://www.thercracer.com/2025/01/42389-tamiya-trf104-first-look-details.html
Toy Fair / Spielwarenmesse 2025 has given us some new releases from Tamiya. The biggest hitter for me is obviously the TRF104. As an avid fan of F1 and all things TRF I have enjoyed the previous F1 releases so it is not a surprise to learn that one will be winging it's way to me at some point soon.
The rear pod is another big innovation from Tamiya. Unlike previous cars there are no T-Bars or suspension links. Centrally mounted ball connectors attach to the front and rear of the motor plate.
This TRF104 chassis features updated front and rear suspension, plus an updated R/C equipment layout which is compatible with LF1100-6.6V batteries and Li-Po batteries.
About the Model
• This is a 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 325mm (excluding front and rear wings), width:169mm (front axle width excluding front and rear wheels), height: 46.5mm (excluding body mount).
• Comes with a dedicated carrying case or the TRF104 chassis kit.
• Please note that body, front and rear wings, motor, wheels and tires, R/C equipment, batteries for transmitter, battery pack and charger are sold separately.
On first impressions you can see that the front end is quite different to previous cars. The upper arms now are very similar design to the TRF421 style. Allowing you to easily adjust camber. The arms are connected to a lovely blue aluminium caster plate, allowing you to slide it to the desired caster. If it is like the TRF103 it should range from around 6-12 degrees Very nice indeed.
Also crucially the steering has been redesigned. The direct steering has been replaced with a new steering arm. This will allow more tuning possibilities with Ackermann settings..
Also crucially the steering has been redesigned. The direct steering has been replaced with a new steering arm. This will allow more tuning possibilities with Ackermann settings..
The lower arms are 3mm carbon fibre. It looks like the plastic hubs from the TRF103 are included. You can change these out for Tamiya 54357 F104 aluminium adjustable upright set.
Also you cans see Tamiya has included the same fittings to allow F103 front suspension parts to be mounted if you want to race a 200mm wide F1.
The lower deck is made from 2.5mm carbon fibre.
The lower deck is made from 2.5mm carbon fibre.
The rear pod is another big innovation from Tamiya. Unlike previous cars there are no T-Bars or suspension links. Centrally mounted ball connectors attach to the front and rear of the motor plate.
The cool thing about this, is you can attach a rear wing so it stays flat and doesn't roll when the car does.
The chassis roll will be controlled by springs under the the rear shaft, and there are roll dampers attached that allow you to add grease to tune the car.
The classic TRF shock will help control pitch.
Overall this looks like a very nice release from Tamiya. It will be available around May and its looking to be competitively priced in the UK. I've already seen it for just over £300.
The official Tamiya photo shows you how the electrics are mounted. It's great to see how it's all centrally aligned. Also, remember Tamiya shows us cars with their own brand electrics installed, including a life battery. Tamiya has confirmed that it will have alternative mounts for Square pack shorty lipo's that everyone else in the world uses :)
I really am excited for this.. I just need to work out what shell to make for the car.. Hopefully Tamiya will release something to put on top soon..
I really am excited for this.. I just need to work out what shell to make for the car.. Hopefully Tamiya will release something to put on top soon..
Thanks to my buddy David Joos for the photos
Here is the limited official info.
Here is the limited official info.
42389 1/10 R/C TRF104 Chassis Kit
The regulation change of actual formula cars is now being planned in 2026 and the real formula world is a hot topic! To kick this formula world into gear in our R/C Line-Up, we are delighted to announce the release of the TRF104 chassis kit which is a hi-spec 2WD formula R/C chassis. It has been about 7 years since we released the TRF103 chassis (Item 42318).This TRF104 chassis features updated front and rear suspension, plus an updated R/C equipment layout which is compatible with LF1100-6.6V batteries and Li-Po batteries.
About the Model
• This is a 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 325mm (excluding front and rear wings), width:169mm (front axle width excluding front and rear wheels), height: 46.5mm (excluding body mount).
• Comes with a dedicated carrying case or the TRF104 chassis kit.
• Please note that body, front and rear wings, motor, wheels and tires, R/C equipment, batteries for transmitter, battery pack and charger are sold separately.