Past and Present Tamiya TRF414X and TRF420X

As is always the case at the end of the year its time to be reflective. It’s been a difficult year for me in my personal life, however the hobby, this site and the racing community has been a great way to take my mind of things. 

With that in mind, I thought it would be cool to look at just how far the TRF chassis has evolved with a few photos of the original TRF414X alongside Tamiya’s latest. 

A descendent from the early TRF404X development chassis. Tamiya’s TRF414X was produced in a very limited run of 150 for  team drivers to provide feedback on the design. The main differences were a longer lower deck (6mm), different shock towers including a different roll centre setting. 

The TRF414X layout was developed to have the weight along the centre of the chassis. The high layshaft design and use of saddle pack batteries was essential to achieve this philosophy. 

The TRF414X features machined arms, cast metal uprights and C-hubs. The actual geometry for the hubs was initially based on the Tamiya TA02 and then refined. 

Like the TRF420X, the 414X has an asymmetrical upper deck. 

The 32t rear differential was always really smooth. This would evolve into the TA04 differential.  The motor was significantly further backwards in the older car. 

Gold shocks that you had to adjust with shims. Here you can see the machined lower arms and the metal hubs.

Here you can see the difference in widths between the two cars. The servo used to be attached with tape (Or ShooGlu). 

As someone that’s driven the first TRF and still racing the latest one, I can say it’s been a great journey and I am excited to see what Tamiya will bring us in the future.. 

In the meantime I just want to wish all readers of this website a health, happy and prosperous 2023! 

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