Tamiya LaFerrari TB-04 Project

I loved the look of the LaFerrari body shell from Tamiya the first time I saw the ad for it which, as per usual for me, was already after it was out of production.  This body was available in two different chassis options: the common TT-02 and the higher end TB-04.  The TB-04 version cost twice as much and was harder to find, but since I already had a TT-02 chassis it seemed the obvious choice for me.  I also felt that this car deserved the higher level of performance that the TB-04 would give.

I already wrote about the history of the TB line of chassis on my TB-03 page.  The TB-04 was released in 2013, and the primary difference compared with the TB-03 is that the motor is mounted sideways in the rear of the chassis (see the ad at the left for more details).  The general bathtub layout, shaft drive system, and double wishbone suspension system is the same.

I immediately knew I wanted a brushless system in the car and ordered a genuine Tamiya 10.5T sensored motor to use with the stock ESC.  Since the real car is also electric, it seemed like the performance should match.  This kit also happens to come with a lighting set for the body which really takes the realism up a notch.  I naturally chose to use Ferrari red and am very happy with the way it came out.  The wheels are tires are also quite scale accurate in appearance.  It drives quite wonderfully, although I am afraid to push it too hard for fear of damaging it.  I have already flipped it and scratched up the roof.  Those giant mirrors are also magnets for damage.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.