Tamiya Models

Build it. Race it. Collect it.

Tamiya Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001)

Tamiya Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001)

1976

  1. Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001)
    • Release Date: December 1976
    • Tamiya’s first RC car and part of their iconic 58000 series. A detailed replica of the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR that raced in the 1976 season of the FIA Group 4.
    • Chassis: Based on a metal frame with torsion-bar suspension.

The Tamiya Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001) is not just a remote-controlled car—it’s a piece of RC history. Released in December 1976, this was Tamiya’s first-ever RC car, marking the beginning of a legacy that continues to thrive. Known for its attention to detail and engineering excellence, the 934 Turbo RSR set the benchmark for scale realism and performance in RC modeling.

The Real-Life Inspiration

The Tamiya model is based on the Porsche 934, a racing variant of the Porsche 911 Turbo developed for Group 4 regulations. The real car made its debut in the mid-1970s and quickly became a dominant force in international motorsports, admired for its aggressive styling and turbocharged performance.

Tamiya’s 1/12 scale RC version beautifully captures the essence of the real car, making it a must-have for both RC enthusiasts and Porsche fans.

Features of the Model

Scale and Body

Chassis and Drivetrain

  • Chassis: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) double-deck chassis for rigidity and durability.
  • Suspension: Innovative torsion-bar suspension system on both front and rear wheels, mimicking real-world handling dynamics.
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (2WD) layout, just like the real Porsche 934.
  • Motor: Equipped with a Mabuchi RS-540 motor, a powerful option for its time.

Wheels and Tires

  • Wide racing slicks offered excellent grip for on-road driving.
  • Realistically designed chrome-plated wheels added a touch of authenticity.

Impact on the RC World

The Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001) revolutionized the RC hobby by combining scale realism with functional performance. Its meticulous design made it more than a toy; it became a model that hobbyists could admire as much as they could drive.

This release established Tamiya as a leader in the RC industry, setting the stage for decades of innovation and success.

Collector’s Dream

Original kits of the 934 Turbo RSR are incredibly rare and highly prized among collectors. Complete kits in good condition can fetch thousands of dollars at auctions, reflecting their historical and sentimental value.

Re-Releases and Homages

To celebrate its legacy, Tamiya has released several modern versions of the Porsche 934:

  1. Porsche 934 Turbo RSR 30th Anniversary (#49400):
    • Released in 2006 on a 1/10 scale TA05 chassis.
    • Featured updated materials and performance to match modern standards.
  2. Porsche 934 Jägermeister (#84431):
    • A 2017 re-release featuring the iconic Jägermeister livery.
    • Built on the TA02SW chassis for improved handling and performance.

Why It’s Special

  • First RC Car in the 58000 Series: The start of Tamiya’s RC dominance.
  • Revolutionary Design: Introduced features like torsion-bar suspension and a durable FRP chassis.
  • Scale Realism: A perfect balance between a functional RC car and a scale model.

Technical Details of the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR (#58001)

1. Scale and Dimensions

  • Scale: 1/12
  • Length: Approx. 360 mm
  • Width: Approx. 172 mm
  • Height: Approx. 112 mm
  • Wheelbase: 210 mm
  • Weight: Approx. 1.2 kg (without battery)

The 1/12 scale offered a manageable size for hobbyists at the time, with dimensions closely matching the actual Porsche 934’s proportions.

2. Chassis Design

The Porsche 934 Turbo RSR featured a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) double-deck chassis.

  • Top and Bottom Plates: The two-deck layout provided rigidity and reduced flex under load, ensuring stable handling.
  • Battery Placement: Designed to accommodate the heavy Ni-Cd battery packs of the era, balancing weight distribution to improve rear traction.
  • Electronics Layout: Space for a 2-channel receiver and mechanical speed controller, standard in 1970s RC models.

3. Suspension System

The Porsche 934 introduced torsion-bar suspension, a novel approach to replicating real-world suspension dynamics.

  • Front Suspension:
    • Torsion bars connected to swing arms absorbed shocks and provided smooth motion.
    • Allowed independent movement of each front wheel, mimicking realistic suspension geometry.
  • Rear Suspension:
    • A similar torsion-bar system was paired with swing arms to stabilize the rear axle.

This design was innovative for its time, offering superior handling over bumpy surfaces compared to the rigid setups of other models.

4. Drivetrain and Motor

  • Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD).
    • Powered the rear wheels for authentic handling characteristics.
  • Motor:
    • Equipped with a Mabuchi RS-540 motor, a high-performance brushed motor that became a standard in RC cars for years.
    • Capable of producing substantial torque and speed, suitable for on-road performance.
  • Gearbox:
    • Enclosed gear housing protected the drivetrain from dust and debris.
    • Simple and effective spur gear system connected the motor to the rear wheels.

5. Wheels and Tires

  • Tires:
    • Wide racing slick tires ensured maximum grip on smooth surfaces like asphalt and concrete.
    • The rubber compound offered excellent durability for the time.
  • Wheels:
    • Chrome-plated plastic wheels replicated the real Porsche 934’s iconic racing rims, adding a layer of realism.

6. Body and Detail

  • Material: ABS plastic, offering durability and excellent detail replication.
  • Features:
    • Realistic wide fender flares and aerodynamic details.
    • Large rear spoiler precisely modeled after the real Porsche 934’s racing variant.
    • Clear window inserts allowed for further detailing of the car’s interior.
  • Customization: The kit encouraged customization, with a blank body ready for painting in iconic liveries or custom designs.

7. Electronics

  • Radio System: Designed for early 2-channel analog systems.
    • Channel 1: Steering servo.
    • Channel 2: Throttle/brake via a mechanical speed controller (MSC).
  • Battery:
    • Required a 6V Ni-Cd battery pack (heavy by today’s standards).

Performance Characteristics

  • Top Speed: Approx. 20–25 km/h, depending on motor tuning and battery capacity.
  • Handling:
    • The torsion-bar suspension provided realistic, stable handling for on-road driving.
    • The RWD setup mirrored the Porsche 934’s real-world dynamics, making it a challenging yet rewarding car to drive.
  • Durability:
    • While durable for its time, the hard ABS body was susceptible to cracks during high-speed impacts.

Legacy and Modern Comparisons

While the original Porsche 934 Turbo RSR was a technical marvel in 1976, its performance and features are modest compared to modern RC cars. However, its historical importance and collector’s appeal remain unmatched.

Modern re-releases of the Porsche 934, such as the 30th Anniversary Edition (#49400), have incorporated advancements like:

Fun Fact

  • The Porsche 934 Turbo RSR was not only Tamiya’s first RC car but also their first model to feature a true-to-scale body, setting a trend for all future releases.

Conclusion

The Tamiya Porsche 934 Turbo RSR is more than a model; it’s a symbol of innovation and creativity in the RC world. For collectors, enthusiasts, and racers alike, this legendary car represents the origins of a hobby that has brought joy and inspiration to millions.

If you’re a fan of Tamiya or Porsche, the 934 Turbo RSR is an absolute must-have for your collection.