The Ultimate Tamiya MB-01 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA Build and Review Tutorial

The new Tamiya MB-01 chassis hasn't been around long, but it's making quite an impact among hobbyists, as it's versatility and unique body offerings have all eyes on Tamiya for the upcoming months.
In today's video, we'll build, paint, apply decals, and go over all the pain points of the chassis build, along with celebrating the highlights.
To get your own Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA, check out Eliminator RC - www.e-rc.ca and use coupon code Poorboysrc for $15 off your order!
#tamiya #trending #MB01 #rcrally #rcracing
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[@UlisesBatalla]

All my super thin bodies, come to think about it, all the poly carbo bodies get a layer of black fabric gaffers tape, a single layer in all the critical areas like the wheel wells and the rocker panels. The body also gets a layer of tape under the hood, trunk, and roof areas. The mounting holes are protected as well. The body gets really heavy but it will last years and years. I have two MO1s (yeah MO1) (mini copper- enos roadster) and they are still in great shape because of the tape application.

[@poorboysrc]

That is a great way to strengthen and preserve a body. I wasn't expecting to have to do it on this one, but unfortunately I did. Have a great weekend! 👍🏻 🍻

[@MarkBryanRC]

Hey there Fil, time for my "proper" comment (I just HAD to beat Paul this time! 😅😅) Many thanks for pronouncing "shassy" correctly for me, at least once! 😅 I still might do a video about how we say things differently around the world, and that is the way it should be!!! I would pronounce the name of this car "Julia" You also said "stickers" at one point when referring to ze "deekals"!!! Awesome! As for the Julia, the body does indeed look magnificent, pity about the quality issues you pointed out though. And the sloppy chassis? I think it looks sloppier than I expected! But as with most Tamiyas it will probably drive nicely all the same. Another most excellent video my friend, always entertaining and full of useful information, tips and humour! Loved the ending! Cheers mate! 😎👊👍

[@poorboysrc]

The whole pronunciation video would be a funny one. Especially with this crew of RC KZbinrs we've decided to befriend. Good call on that one, Mark. As for the car, she's a sloppy ride, but I'll love her just the same. Haha. 😉👌👊🏼

[@MadBeeRC]

Iol great idea Mark...we say aluminium the other side of the pond say aluminum! We say car boot they say trunk! Iol hey l am good at this! We say....lol Sorry pal been a long hard day🤪

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@MadBeeRC You're getting worse mate! 🤣🤣😅😅 Cheers! I need to do that video, at least a few of us will find it amusing! 😅😅👍👍

[@MadBeeRC]

@MarkBryanRC lol yeah you could be right mate? Mr mrs said this morning the same thing! Haha l certainly ain't getting better! I look forward to that video l for one will totally get it!😆

[@RCBirds]

Great build and review. This chassis is so versatile.

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks, Dirk! 👊🏼

[@cameronlatulippe7004]

Shoot. I was here to see the decals being put on to help with my build. First timer over here lol

[@poorboysrc]

Decal application is not my jam, haha. I make a mess every time. I've got some great tutorials on soldering, painting, fixing paint errors, but none on decal application. 🤣

[@powersmodelgarage]

So neat and organized. Great build!

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks for watching! 👊🏼

[@stevemoon2136]

Thumbs up for a man & his cat.

[@poorboysrc]

Haha yes sir! 🐈 👍🏻

[@rc-dom-uk]

looks awesome. alfas are gorgeous looking cars. say hello to the cat 😊👍

[@poorboysrc]

She says hello right back at ya. Haha. 🐈 😻 😂

[@allscalerc]

Giulia Julia :) Another EXCELLENT video!👍👍👍👍

[@poorboysrc]

Julia Gulia? Like, from "The Wedding Singer?" 😂😂😂

[@allscalerc]

@@poorboysrc I knew you would know!!!!🤣🤣

[@iancadwallender9779]

Definitely some sort of weaved gaffer tape inside the body.Its a good looking rc car.I like the chassis.

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah I wish I had some gaffer tape handy, but I didn't at that time. All good, it won't see too much punishment. 😉

[@markconnor269]

Great video Fil nice building 👍

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks Mark! Have an excellent weekend! 👌

[@kashmurray1199]

Neat little car.

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks for watching! 👊🏼

[@PeteWylieRC]

Hey very cool Fil. Does look like a great little chassis in that you could come back in future and rebuild it in a different format. Shame about the Tamiya slop. Body looks lovely. I enjoyed your cat sleeping through the whole thing and waking up at the end. Great vid mate 😁👍

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks Pete. Yeah this is one versatile chassis, that's for sure. I'm not sure how it'll hold up in the long run, but for now, let's have some fun with it. Cheers!

[@RCRetro]

The right rear tires that tucks in might end up rubbing the paint off. I'm surprised at the quality of the body like you say. I do like how you addressed a viewers question...that was pretty neat. A nice quick build and it seems like it will be fun to drive. Looking forward to the next video of this running. Your channel is growing quick! Keep up the great job... EXCELLENT!

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah I can see the paint rubbing off pretty quickly. I'm going to max out the camber to try and keep that from happening. I just need the weather to behave so I can get it out for a proper spin now. Thanks for watching, and the great comment, Ari. I appreciate it! 👊🏼

[@MauzyrockRC]

Nice build! I was really curious about it. I know one way some people in Japan get passed the friction damper bounce, and achieve hyper realism with those Pogo stick socks, and that is to add substantial weight to the chassis and body. The results are amazing. I guess this works if you want a true scale video experience etc. Cheers!

[@poorboysrc]

Is that right, hey? Maybe I should try it some time? I'm curious how the car would handle with all the extra weight.

[@All_RC_Fun]

Nice build and details. Now to wait and see how Addam’s Playground builds up his. Yeah - the cat wasn’t impressed with the car. “Pet me human”. 😆

[@poorboysrc]

I hope Addam puts some rally block tires on his and rips it around his track! 💨💨💨

[@kanenstuff]

I like the shoe goo trick I ised that a lot back in my skateboarding days but never for an RC body 🍻

[@poorboysrc]

Where would we be without shoe goo? That stuff is brilliant! 🤩

[@kanenstuff]

@poorboysrc ha agree I used this over 30yrs ago and still going strong 💪

[@Paul__FC]

I need to start mine soon. Looks like a good kit to run on the factoty floor. Great work as always buddy.

[@poorboysrc]

Oh yeah, I can see the "Paul's Friday lunch drifting at the shop" videos coming now! 😉👌👊🏼

[@Paul__FC]

@poorboysrc I've got the king yellow at the shop doing just that. Minus the video. I may change that.

[@CarmineRC]

The DEKALS look awesome! This is another thing I can't afford, but it looks like Tamiya didn't do a terrible job of it. 😅 WOW She's pretty! I'm Italian, so love of Ferrari and Alfa is bred in 😊

[@poorboysrc]

Ah nice, the Italian DNA runs strong with this kit. 🇮🇹 😉🍻

[@CarmineRC]

I truly hope I can afford a MB-01 at some point. I truly am a poor boy.... I might have $40 in my RC budget - for the entire year! 😞

[@tokyorc4Fun]

I just finished this build a couple weeks ago. As for the body post hike issue in the rear, you might be able to correct that a bit. The posts have a bit of slop that will allow you to shift them to the left a bit to help compensate. Maybe give that a try.

[@poorboysrc]

I definitely will, thanks for the tip! 👊🏼

[@TeamJunkYardDog]

Great looking car!

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks pal! 😄

[@bigwhop136]

Great video bro and I freaking looooove shoe goo it always come in clutch! 💯

[@poorboysrc]

Dude, it's the best! Whenever life throws me a curve ball, shoe-goo is there to straighten it all out. 😆👊🏼

[@yodadarksideGreenHawksRC]

Very enjoyable and informative build video matey. That's one small, compact chassis! Nice to see Tamiya putting out some new ideas, and great to see them finally incorporating allowances for lipos at last. Be interesting to see just how much that slop effects the handling..... too much slop often results in increased torque steer, especially on loose surfaces! I really like the aesthetics of that body, but boy is it looking weak.... and in all the wrong places to! That looks nearly as thin as the old Porsche 959 and celica GRB shells from the eighties! I generally reinforce the inside of the shells with gaffer tape when they are like that, it really helps strengthen them up.... which is needed with my poor driving! 😂 Be most interesting seeing how it does on the test run in the next video. Loving the ending....You got 'the look' from kitty..... you know, the one where they look at you as if you are bonkers! 😂 Mine does it to me all the time! 👍 👍 👍

[@poorboysrc]

She was half asleep, too. Lol. Poor little fuzz-ball had no idea what was coming at her. 😂 As for the chassis, it's an interesting one, that's for sure. Tons of flexibility, but at a cost, tons of slop. I'm still waiting for some good weather so I can test it. Fingers crossed it stays dry today. 😉👍🏻🍻

[@Mouc-RC]

Tamiya slop is my whole life ❤ I'll get a Citroen DS on the MB-01 chassis when released. Thanks both of you for your honest impressions, and very enjoyable vid' :)

[@poorboysrc]

I need to get some Tamiya Slop t-shirts made up! 😋

[@Mouc-RC]

@@poorboysrc 🤣🙃

[@rcgeneration824]

Awesome build! Tamiya always has a special place in my heart. Their kits are always fun to build and drive if I may add. Of course, there's always room for improving performance and that's one of the things I love about the hobby. For me the only issue I have sometimes, not always is the chrome parts. Too shiny for me. Again, not always. One thing I learned from another KZbinr (I won't take the credit), but it really works is that the safe way of removing chrome from plastic parts is by using "Super Clean" degreaser. It's sold in automotive stores. You place the desired parts in a plastic container, pour in the liquid, wait about 10-15 minutes and voila! The chrome disappears. I know I went off topic but I just wanted to share this with you and every other fellow hobbyist. Thank you for your awesome channel. I can't get enough of it.

[@poorboysrc]

I'm glad you're enjoying my channel, thanks for watching! And are you referring to my video on stripping chrome? Sounds awfully familiar, lol! 😁👊🏼

[@rcgeneration824]

@@poorboysrc I guess you can say that. 😊 But all jokes aside, try it. It really works! Plus the degreaser has a pleasant aroma. 😁

[@roloreoandy9867]

That turned out spectacular Fil, and that CHASSIS looks really cool. The STICKERS turned out really well too!

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks, Andy. Glad you like the way it turned out. Have a great weekend pal. 👊🏼

[@roloreoandy9867]

@@poorboysrc You as well Fil!

[@MechanicallyFun]

Great build Fil. Thanks for sharing👍🏼

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks for watching! 👊🏼

[@madsrcbuggy]

Nice one, Fil! Yeah, I have had a couple of those bodies where I think it can't be right it's so thin... You did right, just get the old Shoegoo in action right away. I do like the look of this body, would be cool to paint one at some point... Chassis looks like good fun, but probably not something I'd be serious about, meaning I probably won't own one of these, ever... Looking forward to you run video, though. :)

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah a little disappointing with the thin body and sloppy chassis. But typical Tamiya, I can't stay mad at them for long. All is forgiven and I can't wait to get this thing out for a good rip! 😁👊🏼

[@theoagrc]

Hey Fil, very enjoyable build dude. That is one sloppy Tamiya though! Those friction shocks will be ok on the flat but I am sure some CVAs will help out. Great to see how chilled your cat is. If I did that to mine he would tear my eyes out 😂😂

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah the CVA's would be a nice step up for sure. As for the cat, she's suuuuper chill, and loves the RC room! 😂👊🏼

[@christianrambissoon1141]

Teela didn't even flinch....she's clearly accustomed to your antics! What about the Toyota running video?

[@poorboysrc]

Haha yeah she's pretty accustomed to my harassment, lol! As for the Toyota running video, I assume you mean the CC02 Land Cruiser? I'm just waiting on some parts to arrive, then we'll get it out on the trails. 😉👊🏼

[@aviano72]

Wow thats a thin Julia. Like in motorsports: bring out the tape :) It's quite a big overhang at the back, but i guess it is when this was on a M06 chassis

[@poorboysrc]

Yep, very thin indeed! Too bad, because it's a really nice body. 👌

[@danee356]

Great video again Fil, thanks!

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks for watching! 👊🏼

[@BasBoyRC]

That's a big pinion, does that limit how much it can be geared up. The chassis does look cool, the body Wow that was thin, does look cool when finished. Strange the body mount holes were not pre drilled like they normally do. Wow Zeee fit 🙂

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah there were only a couple pinion options, as the motor mounting positions are pre-drilled. 👍🏻👊🏼

[@johnspencer7291]

your cat is colored the excact same as our cat bruno lol

[@poorboysrc]

Oh nice! I love tuxedo cats, they're so cute. 😍

[@humayunmirza6835]

Love the cat!

[@poorboysrc]

I might change my show to a cat channel. 🐈 😄👊🏼

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

This is a cool looking car. Looks a bit like a corvair mixed with a bmw 2002

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah that's a good observation, Thad. I agree! 😆

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

G'day Fil🤠, nice build mate and thanks for sharing your tips and thoughts on the kit👍. It was really cool seeing your little buddy hanging with you while you were building and the high five👌😁🦘🇦🇺

[@poorboysrc]

Haha yeah she loves hanging out with me up in the hobby room. She's really good at laying on the instruction manual, too! 😂👍🏻

[@outbackrcaustralia4895]

@@poorboysrc Haha great way to get your attention 😂👌

[@scottnorton6834]

2024 PBRC Speed Run Challenge chassis. Can have a FWD class and a RWD class.

[@poorboysrc]

It's definitely a contender! A few viewers have mentioned it now as the 2024 Speed Run Challenge car. It's certainly a good option! 👍🏻

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

We’ve got a kitty with 6 toes on his front paws, that looks a lot like your kitty

[@poorboysrc]

Hemingway cats! They're the cutest. Those thumbs are adorable! 👍🏻

[@AddamsPlayground]

It looks really nice! Good to know about the thin body sections and the tight fit of the rear tires. Stuff I need to pay attention to when I get to building mine!! Do you think the slop can be helped out with some shims in certain areas??

[@poorboysrc]

Yeah a bit of swimming would help, and from the feedback I've received, guys are telling me the steel TT02 pillow ball thingy's really help with slop reduction. 👍🏻

[@andyknuckles2903]

How is the ground clearance compared to MF-01X. If similar some rally tires could be nice. Great video!

[@poorboysrc]

Very similar to the MF-01x. I wouldn't hesitate to put on some rally blocks, longer travel shocks, and call it a rally car. 😉

[@JeepsCafe]

That is a cool build fil! Nice Gucci color combo. That's a lot of slop, are you going to de-slop it later?

[@poorboysrc]

I heard the TT02 steel pillow ball thingy upgrade removes a lot of the slop. I might get it down the line, but for now, she's holding up ok. 👍🏻😄

[@JeepsCafe]

@@poorboysrc right on buddy!

[@jamesmcdonald2680]

Hey thanks for addressing my question, I really appreciate it. I think I'm going to pass on this one but I'll be getting the Citroen DS version. I wonder if adding camber to the rear with adjustable upper links (do those exist?) would be enough to solve the issue.

[@poorboysrc]

A bit of camber would definitely fix it. The kit links are adjustable, not by much, l, but they are adjustable, and I bet you could tuck those tires just a wee bit more.. The Citroën DS is such a beauty! 🤩🤩🤩

[@bradkalman2353]

You should have gotten ball bearings as well as oiled filled dampers.

[@poorboysrc]

I will add them down the line if I think it makes sense. I wasn't sure if I end up keeping this kit or selling it. 🤔

[@bradkalman2353]

@@poorboysrc keep it also use it for possible m chassis speed runs if you do that this year.

[@coygtrc]

Very interesting build; just a shame about the body 😢 Thanks for sharing 🤝

[@poorboysrc]

Thanks for watching! 👊🏼

[@simonbodill]

Does your cat enjoy sitting in the boxes like my 3 cats do lol great build do you think this chassis is kind of a mix between the M05 and TT02

[@poorboysrc]

Oh yeah she loves the boxes! Haha! And yes, this chassis shares elements with the TT02 and M-series. It's a lot like the new BT01, as well. 👍🏻👊🏼

[@Salty_reviews]

Are the wheels and tires the same as the m chassis?

[@poorboysrc]

No, they're much larger. M-Chassis are very small. 👊🏼

[@tilestora1]

maybe in the next millennia Tamiya will switch to hex , lets see

[@poorboysrc]

It's funny how they dabble in hex hardware, but won't commit. 🤣

[@MarkBryanRC]

Did I beat Paul? 😅😅👍👍

[@Paul__FC]

Yes you did sir! Well played.

[@MarkBryanRC]

@@Paul__FC Thank you Sir! But it seems my proper, longer comment has been deleted! 😬😬

[@Paul__FC]

@MarkBryanRC lol , was it family friendly?

[@poorboysrc]

Say what? I didn't delete it??? Was it about a beaver again? 🦫 😂

[@Paul__FC]

@poorboysrc oh mine got axed too there fella.

[@jessicalatex2539]

Is that cat brushless or constantly brushed🪥

[@poorboysrc]

When she gets the zooming, she's brushless on 3S! 😂

[@Kevin-Stacy]

Sorry, it’s pronounced “Julia” it’s a pet peeve of mine, since I own a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.

[@poorboysrc]

All good, it would drive me nuts if someone mispronounced the name of my car, too. 😂👊🏼

[@kamiltaylanavci9271]

Hello. Did you receive any sponsorship fees from Tamiya to shoot this video or did they give you this product as a gift?

[@poorboysrc]

Hi, and thanks for watching. I paid full retail for this kit, and received nothing from Tamiya. I have been reaching out to their marketing department, trying to work out a sponsorship deal, but nothing yet. Why do you ask?

[@kamiltaylanavci9271]

@@poorboysrc I am planning to open a KZbin channel and sponsorship fees are very important. I don't know which country you live in, but in the country I live in, the dollar is very valuable and unfortunately our economy is in a terrible situation due to bad politicians. For this reason, I want to open a KZbin channel and produce professional content and earn dollar income. I asked you this question because I was doing research on this subject. Thank you very much for answering my question and I wish you success in your life.

[@poorboysrc]

@@kamiltaylanavci9271 thanks very much! I hope your channel is successful as well. If you have any other questions, or need guidance, feel free to email me at [e-mail] 👊🏼

[@kamiltaylanavci9271]

@@poorboysrc Thank you very much, you are very kind :) have a good day

[@MadBeeRC]

Great vid buddy you could say it was Purrfect! (See what l did there)What a sweetheart....obviously l am taking about the puss Fil lol! Fun kit an very interesting in several ways but sloppy is the word man its very sloppy but l am still a fan! Looks epic finished Fil nice job my friend looks awesome! Thin shell though but love the looks of this bodyshell! Have a great weekend Fil Cheers James 🍻

[@poorboysrc]

Clearly your puns are purrfect this week, James! Hahaha! Thanks for watching, my friend. 👊🏼

[@MadBeeRC]

@poorboysrc lol yeah l am thinking l should give up the day job!😆

[@simpleisthebest73]

I recommend you to watch my channel the modifications I have done for my MB-01 chassis 😊

[@poorboysrc]

Wow, I totally missed this comment! Sorry dude! I'll go over now and check it out, my MB-01 is a slop-fest that needs some work! 👊🏼🍻

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Is it a Glen Giulia ?? Lol

[@poorboysrc]

Julia Giulia? 🤣🤣🤣

[@scottnorton6834]

@@poorboysrcyou better get out of my way, Billy.

[@poorboysrc]

@@scottnorton6834 🤣🤣🤣

[@jamesmcdonald2680]

I don't know exactly why, but despite the configurability this chassis looks more thought out, or elegant, than the BT-01. To me the appearance of the BT-01 chassis is a big turn off - every configuration looks pieced together and just sort of awkward. Maybe it's just me.

[@poorboysrc]

I really want to get the BT-01 and do a side by side comparison. They're so similar (from the images I find online), I'd love to see them both, up close. 👌👊🏼

[@jamesmcdonald2680]

@@poorboysrc Maybe I'd like it better in person. 🤔

[@poorboysrc]

@@jamesmcdonald2680 I think you might... And I only say that based off of the pics I can fond online. From what I can tell, the MB01 is basically a shorter wheelbase version of the BT01. They both offer front/rear motor mounting positions, variable wheelbase and track widths, and a variety of body options. It appears to be a "new wave" of chassis designs offering greater versatility, at the cost of more slop and bizarre looks. I'm very intrigued by both chassis', and really would love the opportunity to compare them side by side. 👍🏻🍻