Team Magic
Why is Team Magic my choice for model motorsport racing?
- Genetic continuity
- Resilient and robust
- Continual evolution
- Internationally supported
- Extremely well documented
- Delightful to build and maintain
- Modular design
- Excellent cornering
- Low center of gravity
- KFactory option support
- Elegant and graceful design
- Fulfils the modeller’s passion
Genetic Continuity
My experience with models began carving balsa wood plains with a knife when things went wrong, so fixing a minor crack or breakage wasn’t such a big deal. Motorsport models on the other hand require replacement parts and ask any model store what they recommend and it’s likely they will say: “A model you can get parts for readily!”
That may be true, but there’s more to it than that, Team Magic also takes as much care as possible to allow the racer some continuity to their cars. Unlike many manufacturers who change their designs completely with each model, TM has made it very clear that they want to make it as affordable as possible by allowing the racer to use existing parts on a new version of their car.
This can’t be for all parts, obviously some components needed a complete overhaul such as the ED transmission system, this isn’t to say that the original transmission system won’t work, it’s a matter of swapping out the clutch and transmission system, that’s all. Take the evolution of the arms on the G4, one can use older arms instead of the new Flying Wing, this is important as without parts, your race meetings will come to an abrupt end. Belts, bearings, turnbuckles, ball joints, shocks, the list is long, they’re all reusable and that is a wonderful strategy to make RC racing popular and more affordable.
Resilient and robust
So I mentioned breaking an arm, you can rest assured, it wasn’t the car’s fault, it was the drivers. Often my heart sank as my beloved model tumbled over at high speeds and landed upright and sped off to resume the race. My son’s trust their cars, and this confidence is essential when racing, without it the freedom to race is restricted and to a fearful circulation, and that is far from racing.
The design must have its weak points and this is simple physics, you can’t make everything strong, something will break when you are applying the loads and unleashing the potential energy of a high performance Nitro methane motor. TM has found the ideal balance to their cars and the replacement parts are readily available and affordable too.
Continual evolution
As with any design, its functionality can only be realised by real world practise. Team Magic listens and learns from all its supporters and designs performance enhancing solutions to improve their cars continually. Every precaution is taken to maintain compatibility though as discussed earlier, it is sometimes a modular change that is required. The ED transmission system is a good example of where the solution to the increased power of engines required modular evolution.
Internationally supported
Whether you are in Asia, Europe or America Team Magic is there for you. Online stores around the world also stock a wide range of TM parts and are very affordable. KFactory also produces precision Race Spec parts that are designed with hi quality metals and composite materials for the ultimate driving experience.
The TM website doesn’t hold back either, Manuals, setup sheets, logos, videos and parts lists are available to all via the World Wide Web. You couldn’t ask for more!
Extremely well documented
Team magic provides continual updates of all its models in high resolution PDF documents that are generated from the design teams CAD systems. Exploded views of their cars are easy to read and give you a good insight into the building and parts.
In addition, TM provides parts lists for all its cars to ensure you order the correct replacements and spares. This level of consideration to its customers and suppliers demonstrates the commitment TM has to its global RC community.
Delightful to build and maintain
Having built several TM models, each and every build was a delightful experience. The precision of the manufacturing of the parts, the modularity and the exactness of the instructions are very convincing in regard to the consideration TM has for modellers during the build. Once you’ve built a TM model, it’s clear that you will acquire intimate knowledge and when at the track, quick repairs will be possible.
Kits are presented in numbered bags, Ferrous metal parts are sealed in anti-oxidant bags, screw types and fixings are numbered and each page is well presented with bag number and detailed specifications. Where to use loctite, what oils, tips and special considerations are all value adding. Complete parts listings at the end of the guide also confirm your process and create a memorable experience.
Modular design
Once you’ve built your model it becomes apparent that these are designed for racing and the maintenance and preparation that all good racers exercise before and during a race have been seriously considered. The front bulkhead and top plate are completely modular. Changing or maintaining parts doesn’t mean you need completely strip down the car. Changing a front belt on a G4 is as simple as removing the modular front end, slipping the belt over the arms and mounting it back in place. In the hands of an experienced mechanic you’d be on track in a few minutes.
Excellent cornering
One of the first things you will notice when you take a TM car on track is it’s designed to corner well. Touring car tracks are not speedways, they are circuits which usually encompass hairpins and fast sweeping corners. A car that is not adaptable to these variations of tracks will not be award winning on a global scale. TM cars offer a variety of front end adjustments to optimise that cornering ability of your car. Spring, dampening, castor, camber, are all available as standard options with the added options for sway bars, roll centers, castor and tweaks for optioned or race spec cars.
These configurations allow the driver to tailor the car to the track conditions and the preferred driving style of the driver, get them right and a TM car will turn in and exit corners with grace and speed. Power alone won’t get you to the finish line in first place.
KFactory option support
If you were one of the 999 people who purchased the G4+, you know of the precision options that KFactory produces for TM. Very little is left to chance by KFactory, where there’s an option to enhance performance, they are designing the solutions. With precision engineering on their side and a wealth of materials knowledge, KFactory produces lightweight, strong and performance enhancing products to take your driving experience to a new level.
Low center of gravity
The cornering performance is enhanced by the low center of gravity that TM deliberately designs into all its cars. Balancing the car and positioning components as low as possible is the key to the low CG. Servos are laid down, and no space is wasted, everything has its place and it’s there for a reason. With the low CG the driver will feel in control of his car, it’s not wayward on track and this is due to the well thought layout and the dedication of the TM designers.
Elegant and graceful design
I am not biased.. Maybe I am, best see one or yourself. I think they are a very pretty car and a passion for one’s model is the key to enjoying the dedication and diligence required when investing countless hours maintaining and preparing a racing model. TM makes tedious work into a very pleasurable and rewarding experience!
Fulfils the modeller’s passion
I sit my models beside me on my desk, even my wife doesn’t mind them resting in front of the TV, my sons are my drivers and they too regularly feel the need to pick up their models and admire them, love them and appreciate the complex engineering made to look as though it was created naturally. We keep them clean, feel the suspension, spin the wheels, check the ride heights and we haven’t even left our living room. Why? Need I answer that question or perhaps let you answer it for yourself!
Proud to be a TM owner.
Disclaimer: This document has been written with sincerity and without ulterior motive, it is original and written by Harry Sinanian for beachmums racing. It is intended as a historical archive of a personal experience and not written as a marketing blurb. This document is however open for TM to use in part or entirely and copyright has been extended to TM and beachmums racing only.
© beachmums 2009
