The Tamiya Tyrrell P34 (#58003), released in October 1978, was the third model in Tamiya’s RC lineup and one of the most unique and innovative RC cars ever produced. Based on the real-life Tyrrell P34 six-wheeled Formula 1 car, it captured the attention of motorsports fans and hobbyists alike with its exceptional design and groundbreaking engineering.
The Real-Life Inspiration for the Tamiya Tyrell P34 (#58003)
The real Tyrrell P34 was an iconic Formula 1 car introduced in 1976, designed by Derek Gardner for the Tyrrell Racing team. The six-wheeled configuration, with four small front wheels and two standard rear wheels, was intended to reduce drag and improve handling. The car achieved success in F1 racing, including a win at the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix, making it one of the most innovative cars in motorsport history.
Tamiya’s model faithfully replicated the P34’s unique design, bringing one of F1’s most radical cars into the RC world.
Key Features of the Tamiya Tyrell P34 (#58003)
Scale and Body
- Scale: 1/12.
- Body Material: Hard ABS plastic for durability and detailed realism.
- Design Details:
- Accurately reproduced the six-wheel configuration with four small front tires and two larger rear tires.
- Featured realistic decals and sponsor logos to match the real P34’s racing livery, including Elf Team Tyrrell branding.
Chassis and Mechanics
Chassis Material
- The Tyrrell P34 was built on a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) double-deck chassis, providing strength and rigidity while keeping the weight manageable.
Drive System
- 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive):
- The rear wheels were powered by a Mabuchi RS-540 motor, delivering good speed and acceleration for its time.
Suspension
- Front Suspension:
- The car’s front wheels were independently mounted, with swing arms allowing realistic movement.
- Designed to mimic the real P34’s advanced steering geometry.
- Rear Suspension:
- Swing-arm suspension supported by torsion bars, providing smooth handling.
Steering System
- 4-Wheel Front Steering:
- The standout feature of the P34 was its functional four-wheel steering for the front wheels.
- Both pairs of front wheels turned simultaneously, replicating the real car’s cornering dynamics.
- The unique steering system enhanced realism and made the model stand out as a true engineering marvel.
Wheels and Tires
- Front Wheels:
- Four small front wheels with realistic rubber tires for better traction and maneuverability.
- Rear Wheels:
- Two larger rear wheels with racing slick tires to handle the power output.
- The combination of six wheels provided a stable and unique driving experience.
Electronics and Power
- Radio System:
- Designed for 2-channel analog radios.
- Channel 1 controlled the steering system, while Channel 2 managed throttle and braking.
- Battery:
- Required a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack, offering around 10–15 minutes of runtime per charge.
Performance Characteristics
- Speed:
- Achieved approximately 20–25 km/h, depending on motor tuning and battery condition.
- Handling:
- The innovative four-wheel steering enhanced cornering and made the P34 surprisingly agile despite its unusual design.
- The rear torsion-bar suspension smoothed out bumps, while the FRP chassis ensured durability on smooth surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Assembly and Customization
- The P34 came as a kit, requiring assembly, which allowed hobbyists to fully immerse themselves in the build process.
- Builders could paint the body and apply decals to match the real Tyrrell P34, making the model highly customizable.
Legacy and Impact
The Tamiya Tyrrell P34 stands out as one of the most innovative RC models ever produced, just like its real-life counterpart in the Formula 1 world. It showcased Tamiya’s ability to bring motorsport history to life with unparalleled attention to detail and engineering.
Why It’s Special
- Unique Design:
- The six-wheel layout and functional four-wheel steering make it a standout model in Tamiya’s history.
- Scale Realism:
- The model’s faithful reproduction of the Tyrrell P34’s distinctive features appealed to motorsport enthusiasts and collectors.
- Collector’s Value:
- Original kits in good condition are rare and highly sought after, with prices often reaching thousands of dollars among collectors.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/12 |
| Length | Approx. 360 mm |
| Width | Approx. 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 210 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 kg (without battery) |
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Motor | Mabuchi RS-540 |
| Top Speed | Approx. 20–25 km/h |
| Suspension | Front and Rear Swing-Arm with Torsion Bars |
| Body Material | ABS Plastic |
| Chassis Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic |
Re-Releases and Modern Versions
While the original Tyrrell P34 (#58003) remains a collector’s item, Tamiya has revisited the six-wheel Formula 1 design:
- Tyrrell P34 1977 (#49154):
- A re-release of the P34 with improved components, released in 2001.
- Tyrrell P34 1976 Japan GP Special (#84111):
- Released in 2009 with enhanced decals and minor updates.
1. Chassis Design
Material and Structure
- Material:
- The chassis was made from Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), a cutting-edge material in 1978, providing strength and flexibility without adding excess weight.
- Structure:
- Double-Deck Layout:
- The upper deck supported the electronics, steering mechanism, and suspension components.
- The lower deck housed the drivetrain and battery, maintaining a low center of gravity.
- The chassis was designed with precision to fit the unique six-wheel configuration, ensuring optimal weight distribution and stability.
- Double-Deck Layout:
2. Suspension System
Torsion-Bar Suspension
- The P34 utilized torsion-bar suspension, a system that provided flexibility and adjustability for smooth on-road handling.
Front Suspension:
- The four small front wheels were mounted on two independent suspension arms:
- Each pair of wheels had a torsion bar to absorb shocks.
- The design allowed independent articulation for better traction on uneven surfaces.
- This configuration closely mirrored the real Tyrrell P34’s suspension dynamics.
Rear Suspension:
- The two large rear wheels were mounted on swing arms connected to torsion bars.
- The rear suspension was stiffer to handle the motor’s torque and maintain stability under acceleration.
3. Drivetrain
Drive Configuration:
- 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive):
- Power was delivered exclusively to the rear wheels, mimicking the real car’s drivetrain setup.
Transmission:
- Sealed Gearbox:
- Enclosed gears ensured durability by protecting against dirt and debris.
- Gear Ratios:
- The car came with adjustable gear ratios, enabling hobbyists to tune for speed or torque depending on their preference.
Motor:
- Mabuchi RS-540 Brushed Motor:
- Provided consistent power output, sufficient for a top speed of 20–25 km/h on smooth surfaces.
- The motor placement was optimized for rear traction, ensuring efficient power delivery.
4. Steering System
4-Wheel Steering:
- The front four wheels had functional 4-wheel steering, a highlight of the P34’s engineering.
- Mechanism:
- Both pairs of front wheels were connected to the same servo system.
- The steering geometry ensured smooth, synchronized turning, allowing the P34 to maintain tight cornering and stability.
- Adjustability:
- The steering linkage could be fine-tuned to optimize responsiveness and match driving preferences.
5. Wheels and Tires
Front Wheels:
- Four Small Front Wheels:
- Mounted in pairs on either side of the car, with realistic tread patterns.
- The small size reduced drag, consistent with the real Tyrrell P34’s aerodynamic design.
Rear Wheels:
- Two Large Rear Wheels:
- Designed for maximum traction and power transfer.
- Slick tires ensured optimal grip on smooth surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
Tire Compound:
- The rubber compound provided durability and good grip, though not optimized for rough terrain.
6. Electronics
Radio System:
- The Tyrrell P34 was compatible with early 2-channel analog RC systems:
- Channel 1: Controlled the 4-wheel steering mechanism.
- Channel 2: Managed throttle/braking through a mechanical speed controller (MSC).
Battery:
- 6V Ni-Cd Battery Pack:
- Placed centrally in the chassis for balanced weight distribution.
- Typical runtime was around 10–15 minutes, depending on driving style and terrain.
Mechanical Speed Controller (MSC):
- The MSC provided a basic throttle control system, with manual adjustment for speed levels.
7. Performance Characteristics
Top Speed:
- Approximately 20–25 km/h, depending on the motor and battery condition.
Handling:
- The unique 4-wheel front steering made the car exceptionally agile for its time, allowing tight cornering with minimal understeer.
- The torsion-bar suspension system smoothed out imperfections on flat surfaces, ensuring stable and predictable handling.
Stability:
- The six-wheel design, combined with the low center of gravity, provided unmatched stability during high-speed runs and cornering.
8. Assembly and Customization
Kit Form:
- The P34 came as an unassembled kit, allowing hobbyists to build and personalize the model.
Customization Options:
- The ABS plastic body could be painted to match the Elf Team Tyrrell racing livery or customized with alternative schemes.
- Gear ratios and steering geometry could be adjusted for performance tuning.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/12 |
| Length | Approx. 360 mm |
| Width | Approx. 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 210 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.2 kg (without battery) |
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Motor | Mabuchi RS-540 |
| Top Speed | Approx. 20–25 km/h |
| Steering | 4-Wheel Front Steering |
| Suspension | Torsion-Bar (Front and Rear) |
| Body Material | ABS Plastic |
| Chassis Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic |
Legacy
The Tamiya Tyrrell P34 (#58003) is celebrated as one of the most innovative RC cars ever made, showcasing Tamiya’s ability to blend engineering precision with scale realism. Its functional 4-wheel steering, six-wheel design, and attention to detail remain unparalleled in the RC hobby.
Conclusion
The Tamiya Tyrrell P34 (#58003) is a masterpiece of RC engineering that brought one of Formula 1’s most radical cars to life. With its unique six-wheel design, functional four-wheel steering, and meticulous attention to detail, the P34 remains a legendary model in Tamiya’s history and a treasure for collectors and RC enthusiasts alike.