Tamiya Nitrage 5.2

Tamiya Nitrage 5.2
by Tony Arnold - StampedeProject.com

So I happened across a slightly used Tamiya Nitrage 5.2, you know the one with the all new truggy with a huge freaking Nitro engine. No, this one isn't destined to become my next NTB (Nitro to Brushless) conversion, it'll stay as a nitro rig. One of the reasons is that it has always started up, problem free, it's been super easy to tune, and runs like a champ without any problems. The other reason is that it as a nitro engine this is the most annoying loud nitro car I have yet to run and so loud it's like it is running straight pipes. When I want to run nitro, I want to be annoying loud that gains annoyed looks from neighbors, and even fellow bashers. More than a few times I have heard other RC'ers say, "OK that IS freaking loud".

In a world of buggy and truggy clones where each tout this or that minor little tweak that is supposed to give the ultimate edge, the Nitrage 5.2 is a refreshingly new design from the ground up and like no other. Where other feature a flat deck, the Nitrage features a pressed and formed deck producing a much more rigid overall structural base. The engine transmits power to the slipper equipped transmission (yes a sealed tranny) via a dogbone setup vs. having to worry about a gear mesh. All the components are individually removable and serviceable, so no need to remove this part, to get to that part.

The engine is huge and produces enough power in conjunction with the transmission to get this truggy to near 50MPH. Overall I have been very pleased with the power. Not quite wheelie riding power but the Nitrage has more than enough power to make things fun while bashing and more than enough power to clear most quads that is if you have a track large enough. Our little Omaha track just isn't quite large enough to really enjoy all that power delivers when it starts to stretch it's legs at full RPM. As a bashing truggy the Nitrage is about perfect, it's at tough as a Revo and T-Maxx and faster. It has even survived more than a couple 10-12 foot 360 degree flipping jumps with out any breakage.

As a nitro powered RC, the Nitrage is a hoot to drive. The only real concern I have is the availability of parts. Currently Tamiya hasn't exactly flooded the market with replacement parts.

The tires and other components are fine, but the stock stamped shock towers and plastic shock bodies are a little ghetto for a nearly $1000 truggy, even if it is made by Tamiya. I would have really expected milled shock towers and aluminum shock bodies at this price. The rest of the components though, are of typical Tamiya high quality. The tires are not going to cut it is you are a serious track racer, but they are excellent for bashing and offer nice squishy foams and flexible rubber.

Fun Fun!