The Tamiya Martini Mk.22 Renault (#58006), released in 1980, was the sixth RC model in Tamiya’s lineup and their first foray into Formula 1 replicas. This model captured the sleek and minimalist design of the Renault Martini Mk.22, a popular Formula 3 racing car used to groom future F1 drivers in the 1970s. With its focus on scale realism, lightweight construction, and a design optimized for speed, the Martini Mk.22 Renault stood out as an early Tamiya RC classic.
The Real-Life Inspiration
The real Renault Martini Mk.22 was a single-seat open-wheel racing car used in the Formula 3 series during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Developed by the French manufacturer Martini, it was powered by a Renault engine and known for its aerodynamic efficiency and competitive performance on European circuits.
Tamiya’s model faithfully replicated the Martini Mk.22’s aerodynamic shape, low stance, and minimalist design, making it a standout in their early RC catalog.
Key Features of the Tamiya Model
Scale and Body
- Scale: 1/12.
- Body Material: Lightweight and durable ABS plastic.
- Design Details:
- Accurately modeled the low-slung profile of the Martini Mk.22.
- Featured fine details like the airbox, rear wing, and open-wheel design.
- Included sponsor decals replicating the Martini Racing livery, which was iconic in motorsports during the era.
Chassis Design
Material and Layout
- Material:
- Built on a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) double-deck chassis.
- Structure:
- Upper Deck: Mounted the electronics, including the steering servo and receiver.
- Lower Deck: Held the drivetrain and battery for optimal weight distribution.
- The flat and rigid chassis design enhanced speed and stability.
Suspension System
The Martini Mk.22 Renault utilized a simple swing-arm suspension system, optimized for smooth, on-road surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
- Front Suspension:
- Independent swing arms with springs to absorb small bumps.
- Rear Suspension:
- Rear-mounted swing arms connected to the drive axle, ensuring stability during acceleration.
- The suspension system provided basic functionality but was sufficient for the smooth driving conditions expected in an F1-style RC car.
Drivetrain
Drive Configuration
- 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive):
- The rear wheels were powered, reflecting the drivetrain layout of the real Formula 3 car.
Transmission System
- Gearbox:
- Fully enclosed to protect the gears from dirt and debris.
- Gear Ratios:
- Adjustable ratios allowed users to tune the car for speed or torque, depending on their driving style.
Motor
- Equipped with a Mabuchi RS-540 brushed motor, providing reliable performance and smooth acceleration.
Wheels and Tires
Wheels
- Front Wheels: Narrow, lightweight wheels to reduce drag and provide responsive steering.
- Rear Wheels: Wider wheels to enhance traction and stability under power.
Tires
- Racing Slick Tires:
- Made from durable rubber, offering excellent grip on smooth surfaces.
- Designed for realistic handling and scale accuracy.
Electronics
Radio System
- Compatible with early 2-channel analog radio systems:
- Channel 1: Controlled the steering servo.
- Channel 2: Operated the throttle/brake via a mechanical speed controller (MSC).
Battery
- Powered by a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack, centrally mounted for balance.
- Offered approximately 10–15 minutes of runtime, depending on motor and driving conditions.
Performance Characteristics
- Top Speed:
- Achieved approximately 20–25 km/h, depending on tuning and battery condition.
- Handling:
- The lightweight chassis and narrow front wheels made the car highly responsive, with tight cornering capabilities.
- Durability:
- The FRP chassis was robust, but the exposed open-wheel design made the car vulnerable to damage in collisions.
Assembly and Customization
- Kit Form:
- The Martini Mk.22 Renault came as an unassembled kit, requiring hobbyists to build the car from scratch.
- Customization Options:
- Builders could paint the body in custom colors or replicate the original Martini Racing livery using the included decals.
- Adjustments:
- Gear ratios, suspension stiffness, and steering geometry could be tuned for personalized performance.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/12 |
| Length | Approx. 370 mm |
| Width | Approx. 150 mm |
| Wheelbase | 230 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.1 kg (without battery) |
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) |
| Motor | Mabuchi RS-540 |
| Top Speed | Approx. 20–25 km/h |
| Suspension | Swing-Arm |
| Body Material | ABS Plastic |
| Chassis Material | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic |
Historical Significance
- Tamiya’s First Formula Car:
- The Martini Mk.22 Renault was Tamiya’s first RC model based on a Formula-style car, paving the way for future F1 and open-wheel replicas.
- Focus on Realism:
- The attention to detail, especially with the Martini Racing livery, made it a favorite among collectors and motorsports enthusiasts.
- Collector‘s Appeal:
- As one of the early Tamiya RC cars, the Martini Mk.22 Renault is highly prized by collectors, especially in mint or unassembled condition.
Legacy
While it may not be as iconic as some later Tamiya models, the Martini Mk.22 Renault (#58006) remains a significant milestone in Tamiya’s history. Its combination of scale accuracy, innovative design, and performance capabilities set the standard for open-wheel RC cars.
Would you like to compare this model to other early Tamiya Formula or racing cars, or explore its relevance in the RC community today?