Tamiya TB Evolution II Project

Page 1: Unboxing

The TB Evolution II comes in a unique box that is different in size and shape than any other Tamiya models, but the same form factor and style as the original Evo. The white box is wide and flat with a flap top and a carrying handle. Unlike many other chassis boxes with a carrying handle, this one could certainly not be used to transport the finished chassis. My box has yellowed a bit, suggesting it may have been sitting in the sun for a good portion of the last 20 years. The parts inside were still pristine though.

There is very little textual information about the model on the box, and no pictures at all. There is just a small black label in the corner as shown. Whereas the text on the cover is all in English, the text on the label is partially in Japanese. The main label shows the set number (58284), the original price (¥35,800, ¥2,000 more than the original), and a link to the early Tamiya web site. The side of the label lists the equipment needed to get the model running and the release date (2001). At this time ESCs were common but not ubiquitous, and 7.2V batteries were still the norm. Unlike the original Evo box, this one recommends specific motor options (Type-T or Type-R) and specific bodies (Ferrari 360, HKS Altezza, or Honda NSX).

The box is pretty full. Inside is a smaller box containing the hardware bags, and a pile of plastic bags containing all the plastic parts. The chassis plates and instruction manual are hidden at the bottom. The inner box contains the only photo of the chassis. There is also a lot more information about the special features of the chassis written here than on the outside of the box.

The sticker sheet is identical to the one from the original Evo. On the right I've knolled out all the parts. You can see the four hardware bags and the manual ready to go. Compared to the original Evo, there are a lot more machined aluminum parts here, though most of them are currently hidden inside the hardware bags.

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