Fast Attack Vehicle w/Shark Mouth - Assembly Manual
The main image shows the Tamiya Fast Attack Vehicle (Shark Mouth) 1/10 Scale RC High Performance Off Road Racer, Item 58539.
Important Notes:
- Specifications are subject to change without notice.
- RC equipment and running battery are not included in the kit.
Required Items & Tools
Radio Control Unit: A 2-channel R/C system with ESC (FET amplifier) is recommended. Using third-party products may void the warranty. Refer to the R/C unit's manual for details.
Power Source: This kit is designed for Tamiya battery packs. Charge batteries according to the supplied manual.
Recommended Tools:
- + Screwdriver (large)
- + Screwdriver (small)
- Long nose pliers
- Modeling knife
- Tweezers
- Side cutters
- Scissors
Tamiya Paint Colors (for plastic models):
- TS-76 Mica Silver
- X-6 Orange
- X-7 Red
- X-11 Chrome Silver
- X-18 Semi Gloss Black
- XF-1 Flat Black
- XF-15 Flat Flesh
- XF-67 NATO Green
Diagrams illustrate the recommended tools and Tamiya paint colors.
Safety Precautions
General Safety:
- Read and understand all instructions before assembly.
- Adult supervision is recommended for children.
- Use caution with sharp tools like modeling knives to avoid personal injury.
- Read and follow instructions for paints and adhesives if used (not included).
- Keep small parts and plastic bags away from children.
- Ensure good ventilation when painting or using adhesives.
R/C Operation Safety:
- Avoid running the car in crowded areas, near small children, or on public roads.
- Ensure no other RC cars are using the same frequency to prevent interference and runaway models.
- Avoid running in water or rain. Dry wet components thoroughly.
- Always extend the transmitter antenna and switch on the transmitter first, then the receiver.
- Reverse the shutdown sequence: switch off the receiver first, then the transmitter.
- Disconnect batteries when not in use.
- Clean sand, mud, and dirt from the car.
- Apply grease to moving parts like suspension and gears.
- Store the car and batteries separately when not in use.
Illustrations depict children playing with parts, cutting with tools, and general safety warnings.
R/C Unit Components
The 2-channel R/C system includes:
- Transmitter: The control box that converts steering wheel/stick and throttle trigger/stick movements into radio signals.
- Receiver: Receives signals from the transmitter and sends them to the ESC and servos.
- Electronic Speed Controller (ESC): Receives signals from the receiver and controls the motor speed.
- Steering Servo: Converts receiver signals into mechanical movements to steer the car.
Diagrams show the components of a 2-channel R/C unit and a stick-type transmitter.
Assembly Steps
Follow these steps carefully for assembly. Part labels (e.g., BA3, BB1) and screw/bolt sizes are indicated.
Step 1: Attaching Side Guards
- Attach side guards (D4) using BA3 3x12mm tapping screws (x6).
Diagram shows attaching side guards to the chassis.
Step 2: Attaching Rear Suspension Shafts
- Attach rear suspension shafts (E6) using BA3 3x12mm tapping screws (x4).
Diagram shows attaching rear suspension shafts to the chassis.
Step 3: Attaching Front Uprights
- Attach front uprights (E5) using BA3 3x12mm tapping screws (x2) and BA4 3x3mm grub screws (x2).
Diagram shows attaching front uprights to the chassis.
Step 4: Assembling Front Axles
- Assemble front axles using parts like D8, BA1 3x15mm screws, BA6 3mm lock nuts, BA7 4mm ball connectors, and BA8 3x6.5mm spacers.
Diagrams illustrate the assembly of front axles.
Step 5: Attaching Front Suspension
- Attach the front suspension shaft (E9) and bumper support (E10) using BA1 3x15mm screws and BA3 3x12mm tapping screws.
Diagrams show attaching the front suspension and bumper support.
Step 6: Attaching Front Axles
- Attach the front axles to the chassis using BA1 3x15mm screws, BA2 3x10mm screws, BA3 3x12mm tapping screws, and BA5 4mm flange lock nuts.
Diagrams illustrate attaching the front axles to the chassis.
Step 7: Attaching Front Coil Springs
- Attach front coil springs using BA11, BA12, BA13, and BA16 parts. Use rubber tubing for dampers.
Diagrams show the assembly of front coil springs and dampers.
Step 8: Checking R/C Equipment
- Procedure: Install batteries, extend receiver antenna, connect charged battery, switch on transmitter, switch on receiver.
- Set steering reverse switch to 'Normal'.
- Set trims to neutral.
- Set steering wheel to neutral.
- Ensure servo is in neutral position.
- After attaching servo saver, switch off R/C units and disconnect connectors.
- Note: Always check servo neutral before assembly.
Diagrams illustrate the R/C equipment check procedure, including connecting components and setting neutral positions.
Step 9: Attaching Steering Servo
- Attach the steering servo using parts like BB6 3x10mm screws, BB8 3mm washers, BB10 75mm adjuster rod, BB11 59mm adjuster rod, and BB12 4mm adjusters.
- Adjust the A8 part based on servo height.
- Ensure the servo is centered for proper steering adjustment.
Diagrams show attaching the steering servo and adjusting linkage.
Step 10: Installing R/C Units
- Mount the receiver and ESC using double-sided tape.
- Secure wiring with nylon bands.
- Ensure cables do not interfere with moving parts.
- Adjust rod lengths using adjusters for proper steering alignment.
Diagrams illustrate mounting the receiver and ESC, securing wires, and adjusting steering linkage.
Step 11: Assembling the Figure
- Assemble the driver figure (C1-C6, B2).
- Paint the figure as desired.
- Apply stickers before attaching with rubber bands.
Diagrams show the assembly of the driver figure and its components.
Step 12: Attaching the Figure
- Attach the assembled figure to the chassis.
- Ensure cables are not pinched during attachment.
- Use rubber bands to secure the figure, adjusting length by tying knots.
Diagrams show attaching the figure to the chassis and securing it with rubber bands.
Step 13: Assembling the Roll Cage (Part 1)
- Assemble the roll cage using parts like D6, A4, TS-76, and BB13 7x68mm aluminum shaft.
- Pass the receiver antenna through the roll cage.
Diagrams show the initial assembly of the roll cage.
Step 14: Assembling the Roll Cage (Part 2)
- Continue assembling the roll cage using parts like A14, TS-76, X-18, and BA3 3x12mm tapping screws.
Diagrams show the continuation of the roll cage assembly.
Step 15: Attaching the Roll Cage
- Attach the assembled roll cage to the chassis using BA3 3x12mm tapping screws and BA2 3x10mm screws.
Diagrams show attaching the completed roll cage to the chassis.
Step 16: Attaching the Spur Gear
- Attach the spur gear (E3) to the differential spur gear using BC12 5x21mm shaft.
- Use BC8 1150 plastic bearings and BC22 gearbox joint.
- Temporarily secure gearbox joint with cellophane tape for easier assembly.
Diagrams illustrate attaching the spur gear and related components to the gearbox assembly.
Step 17: Assembling the Gearbox
- Assemble the gearbox using various screws (BA1, BA3, BC4, BC6), bearings (BC8 850 metal, BC9 850 plastic), and gears (bevel gears L/R, counter gear, differential spur gear).
Diagrams show the detailed assembly of the gearbox components.
Step 18: Attaching the Gearbox
- Attach the assembled gearbox to the chassis using BA2 3x10mm screws and BA3 3x12mm tapping screws.
Diagrams show attaching the completed gearbox assembly to the main chassis.
Step 19: Assembling Rear Axles
- Assemble rear axles using parts like BC8 1150 plastic bearings, BC10 3mm O-rings, BC18 joint boots, BC21 drive shafts, and BC20 wheel axles.
Diagrams illustrate the assembly of rear axle components.
Step 20: Attaching Rear Axles
- Attach the assembled rear axles to the chassis using BC4 3x6mm screws and BC2 3x20mm screws.
- Attach rear arm holders (left and right) using BC28 and BC29.
Diagrams show attaching the rear axles and arm holders to the chassis.
Step 21: Attaching Pinion Gear
- Attach either the 18T (BC16) or 15T (BC17) pinion gear to the motor using BA4 3x3mm grub screw.
Diagrams show attaching the pinion gear to the motor shaft.
Step 22: Attaching the Motor
- Attach the motor to the gearbox assembly using BA3 3x12mm tapping screws and BB1 3x27mm screws.
- Ensure correct connection of motor cables (positive/negative).
- The motor attachment position may vary depending on the pinion gear used; refer to the diagram.
Diagrams illustrate motor attachment and cable connections.
Step 23: Damper Assembly
- Assemble dampers using parts like BC10 3mm O-rings, BC15 rear coil springs, BA11 damper shafts, and BC3 3x8mm screws.
- Use remaining rubber tubing from Step 7 to cut to length.
Diagrams show the assembly of the dampers.
Step 24: Attaching Rear Dampers
- Attach the assembled rear dampers to the chassis using BB1 3x27mm screws, BB8 3mm screws, BC11 4x6mm pipes, and BA3 3x12mm tapping screws.
Diagrams show attaching the rear dampers to the chassis.
Step 25: Wheel Assembly
- Assemble front and rear wheels using BC5 2x8mm screws, BC7 2mm screws, 2mm nuts, and F1, F2, F3 (front tires) and R1, R2, R3 (rear tires).
- Insert the wheel into the tire while pulling the tire apart.
Diagrams illustrate wheel assembly and tire fitting.
Step 26: Attaching Wheels
- Attach the assembled wheels to the axles using BA5 4mm flange lock nuts and BC8 1150 plastic bearings.
Diagrams show attaching the wheels to the front and rear axles.
Step 27: Hood Assembly
- Assemble the hood (capot) using BC4 2x6mm screws and BC14 spring.
Diagram shows assembly of the hood component.
Step 28: Applying Stickers
- Cut stickers along the colored edge.
- Peel away lining slightly and place sticker in position.
- Slowly remove the remaining lining, avoiding air bubbles and misalignment.
- Extra stickers can be used as desired.
Diagrams show the car body with various stickers being applied, and illustrations of the machine gun accessory.
Step 29: Attaching the Hood
- Attach the hood to the chassis using BC1 5x10mm screws and BA3 3x12mm tapping screws.
- Pass the antenna pipe through the designated hole.
Diagrams show attaching the hood and antenna pipe.
Step 30: Installing Battery Pack
- Connect the battery pack.
- Caution: Disconnect the battery when not in use to prevent the car from running away unexpectedly.
Diagrams show installing the battery pack and a warning about disconnecting it.
Operation Guide
Safe Operation:
- Avoid running in crowded areas or near children.
- Ensure no frequency interference.
- Avoid water and rain. Dry components if wet.
R/C Operating Procedures:
- Extend transmitter antenna and switch on transmitter.
- Switch on receiver.
- Inspect operation using transmitter.
- Adjust steering servo and trim for straight running.
- Reverse shutdown sequence: switch off receiver, then transmitter.
- Disconnect all batteries.
- Clean car and store separately.
- Apply grease to moving parts.
Driving Tips:
- Practice driving in a large oval pattern.
- Practice figure-8 patterns using obstacles.
- Decelerate for corners and accelerate after the apex.
Diagrams illustrate safe operation, the ON/OFF sequence for the RC car, and basic driving techniques.
Troubleshooting
If your RC car is not functioning correctly, check the following before sending it for repair:
| Problem | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Model does not move. | Weak or no battery in model. Damaged motor. | Charge battery. Replace motor if damaged. |
| No control. | Worn or broken wiring. Damaged ESC. Improper antenna on transmitter or model. Weak batteries in transmitter or model. | Repair/insulate wiring. Contact manufacturer for ESC repair. Extend antennas. Replace batteries. |
| Car does not run straight. | Improper assembly of rotating parts. Improper lubrication on rotating parts. Another R/C model using same frequency. | Reassemble rotating parts correctly. Apply grease. Change location or wait. |
Diagrams show the car in different driving scenarios and a troubleshooting table.
Parts List
This section provides a detailed list of all parts included in the kit, with diagrams and part numbers for easy identification and reordering. It covers chassis, body parts, mechanical components, screws, nuts, bearings, and accessories.
Diagrams show exploded views of various parts groups (A-U) and a comprehensive list of individual parts with their corresponding codes and quantities.
After Market Service
Information is provided for ordering replacement parts in Japan, including methods like postal transfer, cash on delivery, and Tamiya Card. Customer service contact details and addresses are also listed.
Includes Tamiya customer service contact information and instructions for ordering parts.
