Major book update: April 2025
Tamiya TT01, TT02 and TB02 RC Cars Practical Upgrade & Maintenance for Beginners has been developed from the ground up for beginners who are new to these Tamiya onroad chassises. The primary goal is to explain various RC technical concepts and essential DIY upgrade & maintenance techniques in very simple language. Modern features such as 2.4G radio, Lipo batteries and brushless systems are covered in addition to the more traditional RC terminologies, techniques and technologies. We believe that this book and its support materials have everything you need for an informative, interesting, challenging and entertaining RC experience with cars based on these chassises.
It’s actually really smart to discuss upgrading the TT-01, TT-02, and TB-02 together because they sit at three key points on the same upgrade “ladder” — but they each teach you different lessons about tuning and building better RC cars. First, the TT-01 and TT-02 are entry-level platforms. They’re simple, tough, and great for learning the basics of car setup: what ball bearings do, why oil shocks matter, how gear ratios affect speed, and how small changes in suspension can make a car easier or harder to drive. They’re very forgiving, which makes them perfect for beginners or casual racers who want an affordable, easy-to-fix car.
The TB-02, on the other hand, is a mid-level, shaft-driven platform that shares some DNA with more serious racing chassis. It demands a little more precision in setup and maintenance but rewards you with much better handling, smoother drivetrain feel, and more aggressive driving styles. By stepping into TB-02 territory, you’re starting to learn things that really matter if you ever move up to high-end chassis like the TRF series. By talking about TT-01, TT-02, and TB-02 upgrades side-by-side, you get a clear view of how RC cars evolve as you climb the performance ladder. You can see which upgrades are basic and universal (like bearings and dampers), which ones come into play once you’re chasing lap times (like camber adjustments and drivetrain tuning), and which upgrades are more race-focused (like lightweight belts and advanced diffs).
TB-02 vs. TT-01 & TT-02: A Playful Comparison
Let’s roll into how the TB-02 stacks up against the classic TT-series:
1. Chassis & Build Style
- TT-01: Introduced around 2003, it features a shaft-drive with a bathtub frame and central driveshaft. It’s dependable and lightweight, making it a favorite for endurance racing like Tamiya’s 24-hour events.
- TT-02: Launched in 2013, it refined the TT-01 by ditching the front top deck for more chassis flex and traction, and made space for modern square-pack LiPo batteries.
- TB-02: Leverages a more rigid, performance-oriented bathtub design with optional carbon reinforcements and a host of tuning adjustments for driving and setup flexibility.
2. Tweakability & Maintenance
TT-02 is fun to tinker with—it comes with free play that you can tighten up, and it accepts LiPo packs out of the box. TT-01 is simpler but can be more work to maintain: changing something like the spur gear might mean partially disassembling the rear. TB-02 wins if accessibility and tuning options are your jam—especially with carbon upgrades and swappable bits common in the EVO III lineup.
3. Driving Feel
TT-01 feels neutral and steady—solid for beginners and long races. TT-02 comes with a bit of front-bias and more flex, which translates to livelier, looser handling out of the box. TB-02 combines planted stability and sharp handling with its rigid bathtub and multiple tuning avenues—that mix of predictability and adjustability is why many fans love it.