FORD FOCUS RS WRC 03
Model Number: 43512

f1fascination

I purchased two of these TGS chassis'd cars and have had fun restoring this particular one, the Focus, as a runner. They share many parts with the TT01 chassis, and are basically an entry-level nitro touring car.
Being factory-assembled by Mr Tamiya himself, the build-quality is excellent, but quite basic, i.e friction dampers, plastic bushes instead of ball-bearings, etc.
Tamiya offer an extensive range of hop-up options and I am slowly but surely adding them to my 43512 Focus.
Currently mine has the ball-bearings, speed-tuned gears ( which drops the final drive ratio from 10.4:1 to 8.67:1), one-piece mesh wheels with type-b slick tyres, CVA mini-dampers and coloured antenna.
Performance from the FS-12 motor isn't staggering, but certainly acceptable, and fast enough for a beginner in nitro, which is what Tamiya intended with this range of cars.
They certainly could benefit from a two-speed transmission though, as the motor always sounds like it's working hard.
But it makes a great sound, and even though it has a small tank seems quite economical.
Parts for the motor itself are not plentiful on Ebay, so keep an eye on your local hobby shop for anything you might require, but so far mine's proven quite reliable.
I love using mine when I can, I keep the motor oiled up when not in use, and it starts every time after a few pulls.
When not in use it sits on the shelf with its new Focus body and option wheels and tyres.