Back a few months ago I got myself an Axial AX10 RTR (Ready To Run). This is a brilliant little machine if you want something to play with immediately. The review was published in Difflock Magazine #6.
I got so hooked into this new hobby that I wanted to build a crawler from scratch. I could have gone for the kit version of the AX10, but why having the same one when Tamiya has its own crawler kit.
Tamyia is one of the best known name for modelling and radio control. They have released a chassis named the CR-01 which is the base for their crawler series. So far you can have the original style Toyota Land Cruiser, the Unimog and the Jeep. I choose the Toyota as this is one of my favourite car in the real world (not far off my love for the Land Rover).
I got a complete kit with a new transmitter so I could play (I mean use) with my son, having a crawler each.
Built
The instructions are well detailled and easy to follow. I particularly liked the “true scale” schematic of parts, so if you need a 10mm screw you can just compare the screw with the drawing and make sure you do not pick up a 8mm or 12mm one.(anyway, after a while you get used to the different sizes).
The only drawback is that all the small parts come in bags which are not marked. It means that you start by opening the one that has the part that you want, but this bag was maybe related to another section of the build. I did not even reach half of the build that I had opened all bags. Spending a bit of time sorting out all the screws, nuts, etc then saved me time on the long run.
In more details
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the axles seem very strong and were easy to build. But I’m not sure how practical they will be when I need to service them. I‘ll have to see how much I have to undo to access the differentials…
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the transmission is mostly plastic rings and pinions. It very smooth at the time of the build, but it may wear quicker. However you have to remember that despite this being an entry model kit the overall quality is so much better than any toy RC car on the market.
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The chassis is sturdy and has a lot of potential for further modifications The links are metals which is better than the AX10 RTR which came with plastic ones
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The suspension is OK with the kit in its current form. I would prefer some softer springs for better articulation, but it would not be as good on faster ground
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The shell is quite detailed and painting it was not much an issue (pending you mask off the different parts properly)
Using it
I did not find the Tamiya as capable as the Axial in pure rock crawling sections, however it is a better all rounder. I will need to check in more details, but I find the centre of gravity maybe a little bit lower than the Axial and the balance seems better. But this could be due to the heavier overall weight.
I did not have time to use is is a lot of places, but I can report that the standard tyres provide excellent grip in most conditions.
Conclusion
As an entry model RC vehicle, I find the Tamiya CR-01 very good. The quality versus price ratio is maybe better than the Axial. So it depends on what you want to do with it.
In my opinion, if you need a RC crawler that you want to modify all the time, then I would stick with the Axial. The aftermarket parts are numerous as well, and you can end up with a competition-ready car.
But if you are looking for the one kit that you want to share with your kids, a toy that is more than just a toy, and will not bring you into the “doomed” world of endless upgrades and modifications (you may already havea real size off-roader on that journey), then
the Tamiya will be the one for you.
