BEST RERE KIT BUILD EVER? Detailed Build & Review 2021 Top Force Evo RC Racing Buggy By Tamiya

[@longthanly7061]

You are a professional RC hobbyist 👍

[@wadeskelton7585]

You used protection on the shock shafts that made my night Gavin 😉 the car is superb great job!!!!!!!

[@RCKickschannel]

LOL 👍🏻 For some reason screwing on the lower shock mount was difficult and you needed way more twisting pressure than normal.

[@RC4X4]

WOW! Your killing me. I may have to get one of these now. I have always admire these buggies.

[@jeschreindl]

Nice Job Gavin! Turned out great 👍🏻

[@paulrobinson9355]

Your best video ever! Made my Friday night and what an epic totally beyond epic piece of kit.......stunning!

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks Paul, that’s most kind. I have always liked my Evolution but to build one was a lovely experience that matched how I felt about the car. 👍🏻 I would like to try a Top Force NIB build at some point now.

[@andyrobinsonrc2480]

Super build Gavin , looks absolutely stunning! Wish I could of built the one I had. Look forward to It running :)

[@theonlyjasonkirk]

Like a 1990's Manta Ray throwback. Very cool.

[@tosphol]

Great work, Gavin. You’ve just sold me this kit. I’ve just pull the trigger on it 15 minutes ago. Before today, I really dislike this body design, but after I watched this video, I fall in love with this chassis. Maybe it’ll grow on me.

[@milkyblanker2697]

Did it grow on you? I'm of the same mindset.

[@nickrobertson2450]

Awesome! Keeping mine unbuilt til i can't contain the excitement any longer. I felt it looked a very similar build to the TA02SW Porsche 934 Black Edn. Liked the subtle tiny video pause you put in to match the gap in the music. "I made a mistake, I can't remember what it was, but I fixed it, so lets pretend it didn't happen." 🤣🤣🤣

[@RCKickschannel]

RCKicks T-shirt slogan in the making. “ I made a mistake, I can’t remember what is was, but I fixed it, so let’s pretend it didn’t happen. 👍🏻

[@RCKickschannel]

My other RCKicks T-shirt slogan is. “I collect shelf queens but really I love dirty bashers” 👍🏻 I need to make these T-shirt’s lol

[@nickrobertson2450]

@@RCKickschannel 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 brilliant! Do it! I'm a large btw. My adress is 83 H... lol

[@egeg-nr4qs]

I really like when you take the moments to showcase the completed sections with the white background. Looks fantastic! Reminds me of my Dyna Storm Evolution build photos on Tamiyaclub.

[@darreneisenhardt5403]

Mine is going to be here tomorrow, can't wait

[@mattiasrc]

Turned out really nice, well done.

[@robcraighill6315]

Its a fantastic kit, really enjoying building mine!

[@prophetate]

I can only agree regarding reres and the possibillity to build something new in box. Nothing beats that ❤

[@GTMQ8]

I know this gearbox/diffs like the back of my hand. So many hours spent opening it up and cleaning all the sand and dirt and reapplying grease. It’s basically the same as the TC and I owned both the TC and TFE. I am familiar with the chassis in general but man oh man the diff assembly made it all come back to me.

[@vincenthawke3049]

You got the turnbuckles round different ways front and back as well as the bearing on the one way gear...so YOU are Human after all Gavin lol!..... ordered myself one yesterday and I'm going to put the tamiya 10.5t brushless motor in it. Thanks for a great channel and the hard work you put in!.

[@RCKickschannel]

That’s nothing, I make loads of mistakes. In my defence I’m usually on a tight production deadline and trying to film content at the same time. I can 100% say I am no master builder and I hope that shows as it might encourage first time builders to give it a go as it’s OK to make mistakes.

[@vincenthawke3049]

@@RCKickschannel yep I know what you mean.... left over screws at the end of a build and searching the manual to find where they go🤔. Most kits aren't too bad to assemble but like you said , Novices might be put off and need a little guidance sometimes 👍 I'm glad the shell comes painted on this one as I do struggle a little bit with painting 🙂

[@monolife7771]

I really enjoy watching your builds!

[@duncanmcgregor7946]

Nice build vid again Gavin 👍

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks Duncan 👍🏻

[@garybennett7026]

Hi Gavin, I just got myself a Tamiya top force evo, I’ve wanted one for ages and arrived today, I excitedly opened the box to have a look and to my surprise it came with the tble-04s esc 😊😊😊😊

[@RCKickschannel]

Congratulations! Enjoy the build

[@garybennett7026]

@@RCKickschannel Thank you, I will and I enjoyed your build video 😀

[@stevenhogan9724]

Hi thanks for all your videos 👍 Just built my Evo and saw a video of yours were you said you used a cement to clue in the diff out put shafts what do you use for that's as unable to find a part no thanks steve

[@gertjanx5205]

I really love this!! Really cool!!! Back in the days I had (still do) a Manta Ray upgraded with a carbon frame and a Top Force body on it.

[@camrowdrone6497]

Nice build, we all make mistakes, like this 👊🏻👍🏻

[@jonathanhumphreys1971]

Hi what did u use to stick the splins together please

[@RCACTIONAUSTRALIA]

Nice build Gavin 😎

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks Adam 👍🏻

[@Cadman_24]

Wow, i have a Futaba FXT kit, and i never realized how many parts they used from Tamiya! The Diff is identical!

[@JeepsCafe]

Thank you for the info regarding rally bodies because im in need of the old skool Tamiya rally and mini cooper bodies.

[@JeepsCafe]

Just checked L&L's website, they seem to be out of stock on most of the m-chasis , but I'll check back again to see when the Cooper body becomes available.

[@RCKickschannel]

It's best to contact them if you are looking for something as stuff comes in and out all the time.

[@JeepsCafe]

@@RCKickschannel are you still thinking of selling the rc10, if so how much?

[@krisbohn4118]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I was wondering what rubber cement you used for the first part of the build. I can't find a definitive answer.

[@RCKickschannel]

I can't remember now, it could have been any random stuff I had kicking around.

[@ronniecreason7870]

Very nice 👍

[@harlyquin]

3:15 is this small metal gear attached to the spur made from soft alloy? designed to make tamiya money like in the manta ray?

[@DoRC]

Use a little chapstick when threading rod ends on. It makes a lot easier

[@RCKickschannel]

I second that!

[@clives681]

A question: why the standard self tappers to the gearbox halves and the lower shock mounts? You can pre tap and use the machine screws surely?

[@graemechant10]

Gav can you do me a massive favor do you know if a top force shell could be modified to fit tt02b chassis cheers bud

[@yvesdesmet2284]

Hi Gavin, Beautiful mechanics. I have a Trinity Chris Doscec (11T) 51000 t/m ; Parts No.1714 with a Team Novak 410 MXc on my Top Force 1991. Full options except carbon chassis and titan screws. I had win all races in my club in 1992 but I never had license to pilot this aircraft ;-).

[@topforce5298]

6:17 forget a ballbearing? 😊

[@RCKickschannel]

Well spotted. That was the mistake I forgot about 👍🏻

[@marktomlin1442]

What is the difference between the Optima and the turbo Optima

[@monolife7771]

Was the second mistake the arm pins for the rear with the little circles interested back to front on one side. I am not overly sure if that makes a difference, but one went in one way and the other, well the other way in the video.

[@peterjohnson9243]

Great video and great car Gav, some bloody adverts in that one mind...................

[@RCKickschannel]

I have no clue what’s up with Google. I did a 1:39:00 video and almost no adverts at all and others it sticks in loads. I should set them manually but the advert income is super low at the moment so channel funding is critical. My goal is to get the channel big enough that I can turn off in video adverts but still have enough income to continue. One day but thanks for watching the adverts and my content, it helps keep this little channel alive.

[@Glen45]

Quick question from a blind guy, does the pre painted shell still have the protective film on it?

[@RCKickschannel]

Sorry, I just can't remember myself. Anyone?

[@leehurst6922]

Are the holes in the car stand designed for the dampers to sit in? Nice

[@fredriktingelof687]

Really liked the build. The TF chassi is fun and can be built quickly, almost too fast. Love to see that there are upgrades to the original TF Evolution such as the drive shafts and the turnbukels. Good that Tamiya brought the lightweight diff from the original car and the one-waydiff. Saw one thing that made me wonder why? Why did Tamiya send the aluminum gear that is mounted on the spuregear There are both fully cast gears from the touring cars with 74t and my org TF Evolution came with the same gear made in nylon plastic instead of aluminum. Continue your fine work on the channel 👍😃

[@mariusmarais8329]

Got a Optima Mid last month, now it is time for a Evo....😊

[@RCKickschannel]

Some bargains to be had if you shop around

[@mariusmarais8329]

Noted that, thx Gavin $269.00 new , just the shipping is $130.00.....

[@paulhickman77]

I see the shocks are adjusted with different size spacers instead of the ones like the egress.

[@RCKickschannel]

Yes that’s like the Evolution. You could swap them out for adjustable if you wanted to.

[@paulhickman77]

Thought they was the same.

[@soas6572]

One of my favorite model (original😉) 👍

[@thierrymine571]

For NIMH batteries?

[@RCKickschannel]

If you want

[@barrycheesemore2928]

I have to say, that is one awesome looking buggy!! The build looked super easy, and the parts looked pretty good too. The only thing that bugged me was why only replace some of the kit JIS screws with the hex-head titanium ones? It looks a little odd to me with some cross-head and some hex-head, but that's just me.Excellent video, can't wait to see it running :)

[@RCKickschannel]

All screws have now been changed to titanium hex.

[@barrycheesemore2928]

@@RCKickschannel Cool, nice one! Much as I'd love a Top Force Evo there is no way I can afford it.

[@_.Lumi._]

Some companies include a ball joint socket with their box wrenches....i think kyosho or hpi. When applying large stickers, put slightly water mixed with a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid. It allows you to reposition or lift the sticker without stretching it. Once the water is pushed out the sticker will stick normally

[@RCKickschannel]

Worth a watch Manny 👍🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJiXZqdri9enbbM

[@_.Lumi._]

Lol. Great vid. Of course you already know!

[@traxxasfans]

I think a vintage black 540 would be nice I have just fitted one in my Rough Rider

[@alfredyost7972]

Hi Gavin, I just got the titanium screws today from L&L models. I do not live in the UK so delivery does take longer. That is life. I am very happy because the screws look great. I live in the USA which means that I do not have to pay VAT or any tariffs either. I like that, because it saves me some money. I think that L&L models are great. I will purchase more things from them in the future. Thoughts?

[@carolephasey4676]

Great vid. One question, what do you use to glue the outdrives from the diff? It says synthetic rubber glue in the manual. Any particular brand that will do the job?

[@RCKickschannel]

I only had loctite and that worked for me. Not sure it will last but as I'm not doing much driving with it, I went for it.

[@paulsrc2195]

Another great vid mate nice build. Is the spur in the EVO different to the one in the original EVOLUTION Tooth count that is .Scratch that just looked at the old manual and they look to be the same I have a used Evolution (now you have to call them by their full name ) and it must have the speed tuned spur in by memory it's 69T but I think there's a 66T as well ( for increased fun lol)

[@RCKickschannel]

I know right, the vintage Evo now must be called the Evolution as the rere is called the Evo. lol first world problems.

[@UncleBobsRC]

Looks like you forgot the 850 bearing on the front input gear shaft off the center prop shaft.

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep I did, that was the mistake I forgot about.

[@rcaficionado]

Great video! I noticed at 3:53 you installed a plastic idler gear. Is that what comes with the kit? I was under the impression the kit comes with the soft alloy one. If the kit comes with the soft alloy one, do you know a good source to get a plastic one? I noticed in your video some shots had the titanium screws with hex heads, and some had the standard black phillips screws. Did you build two kits - one with titanium screws and one with standard kit screws?

[@andyrobinsonrc2480]

The kit has the alloy idler gear , it’s getting quite hard to find the plastic gear set now

[@RCKickschannel]

I had started the build before the titanium screws arrived so I had to stop, go back and swap them all out.

[@rcaficionado]

Andy Robinson RC Thanks. Wish Tamiya would have included all the plastic gears with this kit.

[@leehurst6922]

Of you are going to run it Gav the plastic gear set is an absolute must. The metal idler gear turns to paste after about 5 runs and wrecks all the other gears

[@RCKickschannel]

Ive seen others talk about the issues with the metal idler gear being an issue. I hear you can get a plastic replacement but these are had to find?

[@leehurst6922]

@@RCKickschannel they still sell them Gav. Look for touring car plastic gear set. www.modelsport.co.uk/product/2127

[@leemollison7508]

@@RCKickschannel Hang on, I just watched the video and you already had the plastic gears in there??? I was pleased as it is one less thing that needs to be fixed out of the box.

[@ptaylor5014]

Prize time coming up soon, to win one of these Evo Top Force buggies, give some of us poorer subscribers a chance at owning one would be great.

[@stebsey]

Hi Gavin what glue did you use at the start of the build? Got this kit on your recommendation. Looks amazing, can’t wait to start it!

[@miguelm4845]

Did you figure out what glue to use? It's so weird that it is not included in the kit

[@darkstorm303]

A couple so does that mean there might be one up for a prize to give those of us a chance of owning one that couldn't get one . It does look like a beautiful buggy .

[@jecoboost1440]

I can't wait until my kit comes in.

[@seanvillage]

Mines on the way!!!

[@TheUsmc0802]

My man where did you score that!!!! I can’t find one ANYWHERE

[@RCKickschannel]

If you missed the first batch of Evo kits you should get a shot at the next coming later this year. I would preorder if you can as that would the best bet.

[@philmoffett366]

When I built my evo I couldn't understand the relevance of step one glueing the metal washer to the drive cup?

[@RCKickschannel]

Stop the cup falling out if you remove a driveshaft in a crash I guess

[@peterjohnson9243]

Well mate, I've done it, any advice on what motor to get please Gav?

[@RCKickschannel]

Start with a brushed GT Tuned and work your way up to brushless if you want real power.

[@peterjohnson9243]

@@RCKickschannel Thanks mate, I run brushless in my basher but wanted to keep it a but 'purer' having said that, if it'll take the power yiu never know............. Don't know much about brushed tbh. Ta mate.

[@Myhobbies85]

Such a nice looking car, how long did it take you to build it

[@RCKickschannel]

It’s a easy one so you can do it in a day

[@Myhobbies85]

@@RCKickschannel cheers, I’ve never built an RC car before, only aeroplanes and helicopters which in comparison look way easier than this! This car looks so bad ass though, I think if I get it, build day will be a day when every one is out 😝 thanks for replying ☺️ +1 sub for you

[@RCKickschannel]

@@Myhobbies85 it’s not that hard, you will be fine. Steering servo in receiver slot one, ESC in slot two. 👍🏻

[@Myhobbies85]

@@RCKickschannel cheers for that! I’ll have to sort myself out with one in the new year 😏

[@skagerstrom]

95% sure that's the same rear arms as my Bush Devil :P

[@duncanmarriott2052]

Ordered mine way back in Feb in the states - When are the coming here ? Super jealous Really hoping Tamiya as a couple more suprises up there sleeves - Thundershot , Falcon , 959 , Hotshot II

[@RCKickschannel]

All of them would be most welcome

[@cliftoncascell1107]

We are expecting them in June according to my local shop.

[@brucebenner7606]

you dont want much lol just all the cars lol me too

[@calvin1mac]

I’d swap the metal gear out of the rear gear box before you run it. Chews up real easily and makes a real mess. Also did you miss a bearing off the end of the front prop shaft joint? Great video, looking forward to receiving mine when they arrive in Australia 😉👍🏻

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep I need to find a plastic replacement. Any clue what part number it is? Yep I found the bearing mistake :)

[@calvin1mac]

@@RCKickschannel RW racing do a kit, which is plastic, I bought mine from model sport. But RW have it on their website. www.racing.co.uk/page/retro-I think if you also buy the touring car gear set the gear is moulded directly to the spur gear. Incidentally what type of glue did you use for the diff out drives please.

[@68phantom228]

i build my topforce in 1988 and i,m stil runing it

[@Bandit-Darville]

How about an RZ/BZ/TZ for this puppy eh?

[@RCKickschannel]

Something like that would work well

[@bravo0105]

From the standpoint of functionality for a casual hobbyist with no emotional attachment to the original, is this kit worth double the price of a DF03?

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep, its so much nice than the DF03 chassis. I have the Avante Mk2 DF03 and I know what one I would keep of the two.

[@bravo0105]

Yet keeping all else constant, is there a notable performance difference between the two chassis? I’d be interested in seeing a video with examples of each, with the same motor and ESC, run around the same course.

[@leemollison7508]

@@bravo0105 IMHO depending on setup and driver, probably not a lot in it, DF-03 has a very light duty driveline designed to make it quicker with a low powered motor (27T stock etc) handles well, DF-01 can take more driveline abuse to a point, it's a more reliable drivetrain. Great handling considering its development back in 1989-90. The DF-01 is the better of the two, but value for money?......depends on what you have available as disposable income.

[@bravo0105]

@Lee Mollison Thank-you! What I lack most are common sense and time yet I still shop for value, especially where I have no nostalgic attachment. I don’t have as good a feel for the off-road chassis. The premium Tamiya rereleases have me wondering if their prices aren’t in the realm of diminishing returns. The Kyosho rereleases appear to be a better deal and more unique with their aluminum chassis.

[@bespincustompropsbombarta8300]

Baha champ/king with carbon chassis. All the tl01 haters be running for cover now 🤣

[@aut0bahn]

Hi Gavin….am I correct that a lot of the Top Force is based on the TA-02? I have a couple of the cars and the diff housings, gears and drive shaft bits in this buggy kit look like TA02 parts. Just an observation! Like the video :)

[@RCKickschannel]

It’s a DF-01 but yes, it’s close. I could be mistake but isn’t the TA-02 the road going chassis version?

[@aut0bahn]

@@RCKickschannel yes. It’s the touring car. It’s clever and efficient how Tamiya engineered common parts for use across many kits.

[@leemollison7508]

@@aut0bahn The Manta Ray came out first, Kit No: 58087, chassis unnamed, then later the Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo (R32) Kit No:58099 - short suspension arms, short shocks, different short shock towers, Manta Ray Chassis, touring body (obviously!). This chassis became the TA-01 series. The next kit: 58100 was the Top-Force. TA-02 was a slightly redesigned TA-01.

[@madtopp]

got my evo the other day to sit with my original top-force that i have had since 1992 and my 2017 rere what i would say is change the j12 part for a alloy one as they tend to snap where it goes into the gear box mount check the one on your original evo the top part of it is what breaks off and sticks into the gearbox screw mount

[@tofathi195]

Hello and thanks for the video, this seems to be out of stock everywhere, will this be available on October?

[@RCKickschannel]

As far as I know you have one more batch due out from Tamiya.

[@tofathi195]

@@RCKickschannel i saw somewhere that it will be on June, pity i thought it would remain for a long time in the catalogue.

[@lj03oem]

Wonderland models,shows July 15th as next re supply date.Good luck,mine arrives on Tuesday.

[@tofathi195]

@@lj03oem and that will be the final?

[@lj03oem]

@@tofathi195 I have no idea,that is what is on their website.Sorry i can't help anymore than that.

[@BRad02]

Amazing channel Stella quality, production and continuous improvement Full marks I'd be interested to see this Evo vs Manta Ray drag race and track run using the same motor and battery set up to guage the real time performance(s)?? What sort of dollar and performance value do you get out of a Manta Ray for people with low cost incomes hmmmmm

[@RCKickschannel]

That’s a good idea.

[@simpleisthebest73]

I thought Avante should be the number 2..

[@RCKickschannel]

I’ve never built one. I did build a Vajra but that’s a bag of strange design changes resulting in a not so great buggy thing.

[@gfdtjkitsxn7775]

Gav, I just hit 63.5mph with my tt02b I think it’s the fastest in Britain and maybe the world

[@CharlesGarnierRC]

76mph. Check out the ranking on Tamiya Speed Runs.

[@gfdtjkitsxn7775]

@@CharlesGarnierRC wow

[@jmaclaren4147]

£400 fae a shelf queen...ach!

[@bravo0105]

Thank-you; I’ll have to consider it. The price is still cringe-inducing, though.

[@camcom76]

Looks way more difficult to build than many Tamiya kits I have done.

[@RCKickschannel]

No it’s super easy. The diffs are the challenge but that’s more making sure you put the correct parts in order vs being fiddly.

[@RC4X4]

Nah, it's an easy build. Very low parts count on this. Build a Semi, lots of parts.

[@Nick-Antoniou]

Great build vid but not a fan of the music, sorry

[@leehurst6922]

Gav. I don't think the original Evo had a metal motor mount either

[@RCKickschannel]

I'm not sure, probably not thinking about it Lee.

[@butchmeister80]

This looks pretty complex to do

[@gbraadnl]

Thanks for the build, but now understand it even less. Must be nostalgic feeling as it is overpriced for the amount of plastic still there.

[@RCKickschannel]

For me it’s a buggy with character, a vintage feel and some lovely parts produced on a low unit run. It’s never going to be faster than a modern buggy for sure but it look so much better than the current racers. I know it’s not for everyone. That said I do hope to get an XRAY 4x4 on the show at some point as I hear the quality is fantastic. XRAX, reach out 🙏🏻

[@chrisgiles5389]

Great build .....but I wouldnt call it a great build of all the cars you have built

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep it was my second favourite build.

[@chrisgiles5389]

@@RCKickschannel what was ya first?

[@mattyp80]

All this building and you haven't heard of a ball link turning tool and ball link pliers?!! 🤣

[@RCKickschannel]

It’s all about budgets. It’s why I don’t have an electric screwdriver and build using just a screwdriver. 🪛 On the list of things to add to the toolbox.

[@billcox87]

put plenty of grease in the hole where the balls go.........aaaaaaaall right!!!!! now thats some funny stuff right there Gav:) sorry brother,i had to

[@RCKickschannel]

I couldn’t possibly comment on such things. 😜

[@Martin27Scott]

I know people love the Top Force but for me it’s ruined by its body. Chassis looks a great build but the looks really put me off, especially the weirdly small cabin front window. Sorry. Hate it.

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks for commenting Martin. Yep it’s not for everyone but in my eyes I really like it. What’s your favourite car body? 😜

[@Martin27Scott]

@@RCKickschannel Hi Gav. I love the Avante (obviously) but also a big fan of the Javelin and Dark Impact (the shell you should put on a DF03!!!)

[@Martin27Scott]

@@RCKickschannel Hi Gav. I love the Avante (obviously) but also a big fan of the Javelin and Dark Impact (the shell you should put on a DF03!!!)

[@colinfairbairn8136]

a premium 400 pound rc all most all plastic and wrong esc inbox no good quality metal seems a little cheap for the price