Tamiya Fun Tool Series No.108 Tracked Vehicle Chassis Kit 70108 Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for assembling and operating the Tamiya Fun Tool Series No.108 Tracked Vehicle Chassis Kit (Model 70108). This kit allows you to construct a basic tracked vehicle chassis, suitable for various educational and hobby projects. It features a motor, gearbox with two speed modes, and caterpillar tracks, requiring two AA batteries for operation (not included).

2. Setup and Assembly

Carefully unpack all components and familiarize yourself with the parts before beginning assembly. Refer to the diagrams for proper component identification and placement.

Exploded view of Tamiya Tracked Vehicle Chassis Kit components

Figure 1: Exploded view of the Tamiya Tracked Vehicle Chassis Kit, showing the chassis, gearbox, motor, battery case, tracks, and wheels. This diagram illustrates the general layout and connection points for assembly.

Assembly Steps:

Chassis Preparation: Begin by preparing the pre-cut wood chassis. Ensure all edges are smooth.
Gearbox Assembly: Assemble the gearbox according to the detailed instructions provided in the kit. This unit will house the motor and provide the two-speed transmission.
Motor Installation: Securely attach the motor to the assembled gearbox. Ensure the motor's shaft aligns correctly with the gearbox input.
Gearbox and Motor Mounting: Mount the combined gearbox and motor unit onto the wooden chassis. Use the provided screws to fasten it firmly.
Battery Case Installation: Install the battery case onto the chassis. This case will hold two AA batteries (not included). Connect the battery case wires to the motor and switch as indicated in the wiring diagram.
Switch Installation: Mount the power switch onto the chassis in an accessible location. Connect its wires to the battery case and motor.
Wheel Assembly: Assemble the sprocket wheels, idler wheels, and road wheels. The kit includes 10 road wheels (5 per side), 2 sprocket wheels (1 per side, driven by the gearbox), and 2 idler wheels (1 per side, at the front).
Wheel Mounting: Attach the assembled wheels to the chassis. The sprocket wheels connect to the gearbox output shafts.
Track Installation: Carefully fit the caterpillar tracks around the sprocket wheels, idler wheels, and road wheels. Ensure the tracks are taut but can move freely.

Note: Two AA batteries are required for operation and are not included in this kit.

Top and side view diagrams of the Tamiya Tracked Vehicle Chassis Kit

Figure 2: Top-down and side-view diagrams illustrating the component layout on the chassis, including the motor, gearbox, battery compartment, and wheel arrangement. This provides a visual guide for component placement.

3. Operating Instructions

Once assembly is complete, follow these steps to operate your tracked vehicle chassis:

Insert Batteries: Open the battery case and insert two fresh AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-). Close the battery case securely.
Power On: Locate the power switch on the chassis and move it to the "ON" position. The motor should begin to drive the tracks.
Select Gear Mode: The gearbox offers two speed modes: Normal and Fast. Adjust the gear setting on the gearbox to select your desired speed. Refer to the gearbox assembly instructions for how to switch between modes.
Movement: The chassis will move forward. To change direction, you would typically need to reverse the motor's polarity or use a separate control unit (not included in this basic kit).
Power Off: When finished, move the power switch to the "OFF" position to conserve battery life.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your tracked vehicle chassis:

Cleaning: Keep the chassis and tracks free from dust, dirt, and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe surfaces. For tracks, remove any trapped particles.
Battery Check: Periodically check the batteries for signs of leakage or corrosion. Replace depleted batteries promptly. Remove batteries if the kit will not be used for an extended period.
Track Tension: Ensure the tracks maintain appropriate tension. They should be snug enough to not slip but loose enough to move freely without excessive friction.
Gearbox Inspection: Occasionally inspect the gearbox for smooth operation. If you notice unusual noises or resistance, check for foreign objects or misaligned gears.
Connections: Verify that all electrical connections (motor, battery case, switch) are secure.

5. Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Chassis does not move.	Batteries are dead or incorrectly inserted. Power switch is off. Loose electrical connection. Gearbox or motor malfunction.	Replace batteries and check polarity. Turn the power switch to "ON". Inspect and secure all wiring connections. Check gearbox for obstructions; ensure motor is properly seated.
Movement is erratic or slow.	Low battery power. Tracks are too tight or obstructed. Gears are binding.	Replace batteries. Adjust track tension; remove any debris from tracks or wheels. Inspect gearbox for proper assembly and lubrication (if applicable).
Tracks fall off frequently.	Tracks are too loose. Wheels are misaligned.	Adjust track tension. Ensure all wheels are securely attached and aligned.

6. Specifications

Model Number: 70108-000
Product Dimensions: 2.44 x 5.51 x 8.5 inches (L x W x H)
Item Weight: 9.2 ounces
Power Source: 2 x AA batteries (not included)
Gear Modes: Normal, Fast (selectable via gearbox)
Manufacturer: TAMIYA
Kit Type: Tracked Vehicle Chassis Kit

7. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information or technical support regarding your Tamiya product, please refer to the documentation included in the original packaging or visit the official Tamiya website. Tamiya products are known for their quality, and support resources are typically available through their official channels.

Official Tamiya Website: www.tamiya.com

TAMIYA 70108