Tamiya Volkswagen Beetle Rally Project

The MF-01X is a very recent chassis having debuted in 2015 with the 58614 Suzuki Jimny.  The Rally Beetle is the third body offering after the original and the 58629 Mercedes Benz G 320 Cabrio.  This is a 4WD chassis with independent suspension.  What makes it unique is the modular build producing multiple wheelbases.  The center chassis is built using a combination of long and short extensions which can achieve 3 different wheelbases: short (210mm), medium (225mm), or long (239mm).  There are also two attachment points for the c-hubs which allow a high or low ground clearance option.  Even the high option is pretty low though.  This particular model uses the long, high combination.

This is an entry level chassis with plastic bushings and friction dampers.  Of course those had to go.  It is hard to abide friction dampers on a modern vehicle, and plastic bushings should never be used on anything.  As a modern design, there is actually room for a LiPo battery inside which is nice to see.  The other upgrades I made to the suspension are less about performance and more about looking cool, although they do help with the steering lock.

I decided not to go with the box art color on this one.  I had just used orange for a couple of other models and wanted something a little different.  Whenever I paint a new polycarbonate chassis I realize I had forgotten how brilliant and shiny they are when new (before I flip them over, scratch them up, and crack them).  This model has a flat black hood, achieved by spraying flat clear on the outside of the body.  The body also has a lot of nice plastic touches like mirrors, light bezels, and bumpers.  All together it makes for a very appealing model.  Sadly, the light lenses are not light buckets so adding LEDs would require substantial modification.

I was really surprised at how well this drives for an entry level model even in stock form.  It is quick, agile, and stable.  The steering is pretty sloppy which makes it tough to go in a straight line, and the undamped suspension makes it really bounce on uneven ground, but it still composes itself very well.

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