The DT-03 chassis is designed to be easy to build and maintain and is targeted towards beginning modellers just joining the world of radio control. The new chassis shares some components with the DT-02 platform, including the gearbox, suspension and drivetrain components while extending the wheelbase by 27mm for a total of 287mm using a new longer chassis design.
Some hop-ups mentioned on the box include motors, oil dampers, turnbuckles, ball bearings, tuned damper springs and a ball differential.
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| The Torque Tuned motor and oil dampers are already included as a special first-run hop-up. |
Rather than the standard central tub chassis design used on the DT-02, the new DT-03 main chassis is made from a two-piece plastic monocoque frame reminiscent of the original Frog and Brat's ORV chassis.
The front suspension arm mounts and steering servo are both angled at 25° in order to provide better off road capability and steering response.
While the standard DT-03 kit only comes with friction shocks and a stock RS540 motor, the first production run of the Neo Fighter is hopped up with a Mabuchi Torque Tuned motor, black CVA oil dampers and combination brushed/brushless TBLE-02S electronic speed control.
The new TBLE-02S speed control is very interesting because it is the first time that Tamiya has included a brushless-capable speed control as a standard kit item. Normally the brushed-only TEU-105BK speed control is included. The TBLE-02S speed control can be connected to regular brushed motors (25T or higher) or sensored brushless motors (Tamiya brushess 01 series or similar).
Input voltage is between 6.6V (LiFE) and 7.2V. It includes 6V 1.5A BEC. Low voltage cutoff is available and can be disabled, however the manual does not state the cutoff voltage value, so it should be assumed to be at the 6V level, which is designed for LiFE packs and is too low for Lipo packs. You will need an external low voltage cutoff circuit if you plan on using the TBLE-02S with Lipo. Also note that reverse power is limited to 50% like the TEU-105BK and the TEU-104BK before it. Reverse can be disabled for racing if required. The sensor cable is not included.
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| Parts bag (front) |
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| Parts bag (back) |
The decals include some Frog Racing Team livery.
Because the chassis manual is generic, model-specific details including body, wheels and tires are included in a separate folded instruction sheet.
Like the DT-02 before it, the DT-03 platform should prove to be a reliable and popular chassis for future buggy releases from Tamiya.