Our next step-by-step build is a Tamiya XV-01, the latest multi-terrain platform from the Japanese giant. I’m building the Lancia Delta Integrale rally-car version, a body Tamiya has offered on a number of different models before, and a great choice for such a rally-ready chassis as the XV-01.

Here’s a look at what’s in the box, minus the body, motor (Tamiya’s traditional closed-endbell 540 stocker is included) and a few other bits:

When it’s done, it’ll look like this–assuming I don’t goof up the decals:

Now that we’ve seen what’s in the box, let’s get down to business and start spinning screwdrivers on the Tamiya XV-01 Lancia Delta Integrale.

As is the case with many Tamiya models, assembly begins with the differentials. The XV-01's gear diffs are a departure from most 1/10 scale Tamiya models in that they are sealed (via o-rings on the output shafts and a gasket between the case halves), and  because their internal gears are plastic–not the familiar metal parts we’ve seen on so many Tamiya kits before. How will they hold up? We’ll see. The parts fit together well and the silicone-filled diffs are leak-free once assembled. The 2x8mm screws that clamp the diff cases shut were a bit of a chore to tighten, however. My MIP 1.5mm driver didn’t quite fit properly, nor did the included 1.5mm “L” wrench. Both were just slightly too big, and barely engaged the fastener’s socket. Much pressure while turning the screws was required to keep the driver engaged, but I got ‘em in.

The front gearbox goes together next. The smaller top gear is the input gear, while the larger gear’s long shaft protrudes from the gearbox to accept a pulley.

Here’s the fully assembled upper gearbox with the aforementioned pulley. The lower gearbox is one piece and the diff is sandwiched between the upper and lower halves. Sponge pucks in the outdrives pad the ends of the dogbones that will be installed later.

Next, the motor plate is installed, followed by the direct-drive spur gear–no slipper clutch. The motor plate is a beautiful chunk of 3mm aluminum.

Here’s the reverse side, with drive pulley for the belt that will spin the rear gearbox.

Motor installed. Tamiya includes their traditional 540 closed-endbell stocker, but I’m opting for a Castle Creations Sidewinder 3 setup with 5700KV motor (if you’re interested, you can read my review of the system here). Note the wire guide built into the assembly–nice touch.

The rear gearbox goes together much like the first, but has just two gears: the pulley-equipped input gear and the differential. It also wears a belt tensioner. Note the foam gaskets on the ball studs, which are there to help keep dirt out of the camber link’s ball cups.

On to the steering assembly. A pair of bellcranks do the job, each supported by a pair of ball bearings. There are bearings in the steering bar as well. Just beneath the steering tie rods are the sockets for the front suspension arms’ hingepins. Shims are provided to alter the height of the sockets, and thus hingepin angle. I can guarantee you I’ll never exploit this feature, but I like it…

A chassis brace caps the bellcrank assembly…and that’s all I’ve got for today. I’ll be back at it tomorrow!

The Tamiya XV-01 Lancia Delta Integrale build is nearing completion.

We left off with the steering rack installation, now the rest of the front suspension gets installed. Not visible: the plastic balls that cap the hingepins and fit into sockets in the arm mounts, allowing the hingepins’ angle to change when shims are installed under the mounts. Note that the steering kingpins double as camber link locations.

Next, the front transmission and motor assembly drops into place. There was just enough room under the low-profile shock tower to snake the motor wires beneath it.

The final step for the front end is the installation of the bumper mount, shown here beneath a ghosted image of the front bumper. The instructions don’t call for the foam yet, but I couldn’t resist slipping it over the posts.

On to the rear suspension, which assembles just like the front. The two screws next to the battery box secure caps that hold nuts within sockets underneath.

After slipping the drive belt over the pulleys, the rear gearbox drops into place.

Here’s the chassis so far. The belt will be hidden under a cover.

On to the shocks. Standard Tamiya stuff here, with the shortest versions of their plastic CVA dampers. The shocks build quickly; snipping all the parts off their trees takes longer than actually putting them together.

As is often the case with Tamiya cars, the outboard wheel bearings don’t get installed until late in the build. In the case of the XV-01, the rear 5x10mm bearings are sleeved to fit in the rear hub carriers.