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Tamiya Corporation

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"Tamiya" redirects here. For the martial arts style, see Tamiya-ryu.
Tamiya Incorporated
Company typePrivate
IndustryResearch and Development, Manufacturing, Sales and Promotion
Founded1946
Headquarters
Shizouka
,
Japan
Key people
Shunsaku Tamiya, President
ProductsPlastic Model Kits, Radio Control Model Kits, Educational Construction Kits
Websitehttp://www.tamiya.com/english/e-home.htm

Tamiya Incorporated (株式会社タミヤ, Kabushiki gaisha Tamiya) is a Japanese manufacturer of plastic model kits, radio controlled cars, battery- and solar-powered educational models, sailboat models, acrylic and enamel model paints, and various modeling tools and supplies. The company was founded by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, Japan in 1946 . The company has gained a reputation among hobbyists of producing models of outstanding quality and accurate scale detail, a philosophy reflected directly on the company’s logo “First in Quality Around the World” as well as winning on a regular basis each year, the prestigious Modell des Jahres (Model of the Year) award, hosted by the German magazine Model Fan.

Company History

Tamiya Corporation ShizuokaHead Office

The company was founded in 1946 as a sawmill and lumber company by Yoshio Tamiya (田宮 義雄), which it was then known as Tamiya Shoji & Co. (田宮商事)[1] in Oshika, Shizuoka City, two years later, as with the high availability of wood, Tamiya organized a wooden model department is within the lumber company, forming the foundation of the company

Product lines

Radio-controlled vehicles

Cars (1/12 scale)

  • The first radio controlled car to be released by Tamiya was a Porsche 934 in 1976 . Its body was based upon an existing 1/12 scale static kit that Tamiya had already been manufacturing, so the effect was that of a traditional static model kit with the added ability to be radio controlled - something Tamiya acknowledged, as all of their early kit boxes carried the wording "suitable for radio control". The Porsche 934 was a massive hit - selling over 100,000 units in its first year. The potential market for easy to assemble electric radio controlled model cars was clear, and the 934 and was soon followed up by a kit of the Porsche 935.
  • Lamborghini Countach LP500S (CS), the eighth car to be released by the Tamiya (58008). Although released previously (58005), this model is the first to use the Competition Special tag, meaning that it is a hoped-up version of the standard version for skilled drivers. The difference is early models came equipped with the more powerful RS540 unit as opposed to the standard RS380S as well as sponge/duplo tyres, which was later adopted by competition cars of that size as opposed to rubber as well as the thicker chassis with different castmetal steering.[2]
  • Can Am Lola RM1, based on the T333 that Jacky Ickx used to win the reformatted Can Am series in 1979 . This was Tamiya's further foray into building competition cars, hence the RM (Racing Master) tag that appeared on the box, the first of the seven cars. The car did feature a few groundbreaking innovations that became common in other RC cars, these were the introducion of the Mabuchi Black RS-540SD, the first hop-up RC motor, fully adjustable flex/tweak chassis, including adjustable castor & ackerman, bulletproof ballraced sealed rear diff, overenginered sophisticated stepless MSC with microswitch with braking, to use the BEC radiogear and to come fully ballraced.[3]. It was the first Tamiya car to be use a polycarbonate body shell, rather than the heavier and fragile moulded ABS of the previous cars. This was soon followed by the release of the Datsun 280ZX RM Mk2, driven by Paul Newman to win the SCCA CP title. A narrower redesigned version of the RM chassis with the same axle/drivetrain/steering components as the RM1, but minus MSC, diff, bearings, Black Motor; all which can be fitted in as an option.
  • Tornado RM. Mk3, released two years after the first RM model, leading to a upsurge in a market for the 1/12th scale pan racers, which by then, many companies including Associated, Schumacher, Delta, Kyosho, ABC became involved in the market. As a result, Tamiya totally redesign the RM's pan chassis, by reducing its weight through leaving out some of the less-used items that was offered in the RM1. Other adjustments is that the RM3 can accept the 7.2V stick packs and a uprated adjustable mechanical speed controller known as the SuperChamp MSC; The RM3's steering arrangement had returned to the simpler setup with adjustable caster[4]. The bodyshape would become common with RC cars through the decade. Tamiya's further evolution with the RM5/6 (Porsche 956 and Toyota 84C) would be another all new design featuring a stiffening top plate and a floating rear pod with a single spring[5].
  • The Porsche 959. Released in 1986 , it was a 1/12th scale radio-controlled replica of the car that won the 1986 Paris Dakar Rally, and was one of the most complex and highly detailed R/C model kits ever made. It was soon followed by the Toyota Celica Gr.B, a replica of the Safari Rally winner, which shared the same chassis as the Porsche 959 but included a number of upgrades such as a third differential in the centre of the car, and a much needed front anti-roll bar, making it an even more complex kit.

Cars (1/10 scale)

  • Williams FW07 (CS), although not the first F1 car to be released as well as being the second to use the CS (Competition Special) banner, further changes would be made with the release of the F1 car. As well as having the standard equipment found on all CS models, main chassis is single deck FRP rather than single deck aluminium of early versions, the motor mount is a lighter pressed alloy one instead of heavy cast alloy as well as the front uprights are nylon instead of alloy and rear motor pod of stamped metal plate instead of cast metal.[6]
  • The Sand Scorcher and Rough Rider, released in 1979 and credited as the first radio controlled cars to feature off-road suspension. They were extremely true to scale, and featured suspension systems similar to that of the real Volkswagen Beetle, along with water proof-boxes to hold radio equipment. The Sand Scorcher and Rough Rider (along with the Ford F150 Ranger XLT and Super Champ) all shared many chassis components, and came to be known as the SRB's (Special Racing Buggies) and are highly desirable for collectors.
  • The Super Champ, released in 1982 , was the only Tamiya model to include a feature called F.F.P.D.S. (Free Floating Progressive Dampening System). This consisted of an on board oil bottle to constantly supply oil to a large rear shock absorber, which helped maintain both pressure and lubrication in the shock through hard use. Though adding weight to the car, it worked well, and Tamiya even registered a patent for the system.
  • The Wild Willy, released in 1982. This was a Jeep with a detailed, hard plastic body and a short wheelbase, making it capable of wheelies and other stunts. Its sealed electronics box also enabled it to traverse water without damage. It marked a new concept in R/C modelling, and was very popular among both R/C and Jeep enthusiasts, for both its fun and realism. Like many vintage Tamiya models, good condition examples are now considered extremely collectible, and mint in box (unbuilt) examples can fetch almost US$1000. Further, the original Wild Willy kit was revised in 1985 to give it a slightly longer wheelbase, so the earlier, shorter wheelbase version is quite hard to find. Wild Willy 2 has also been released 2000, based on the original LunchBox platform. And there has even been a metallic edition of Wild Willy 2.
  • The Frog, a two wheel drive off-road radio controlled buggy released in 1983 , that was both fast and much lighter than its predecessors, and marked a new balance between the use of metal and plastic components. The Frog was very popular, and also marked the beginning of Tamiya's use of animal themes to draw inspiration for its vehicle designs and colours - an idea that proved extremely popular and which was continued through a number of kits. The chassis of the Frog was used for the basis of the Tamiya Subaru Brat. The Frog kit was also re-released in 2005 , though with a few alterations.
  • The Grasshopper, a two wheel drive off-road radio controlled buggy released in 1984 that was very rugged and featured a basic specification level that made it Tamiya's most affordable buggy. Its 380 sized motor meant it was among Tamiya's slower models at the time, though its lighter ABS plastic bathtub chassis helped put its speed only a little behind that of the earlier, heavier Special Racing Buggies. It was also much more economical on batteries, and overall it was the ideal off-roader for the first time hobbyist, which made it very popular. The Grasshopper kit was re-released in 2005, though with a few alterations.
  • The Hornet, a two wheel drive off-road radio controlled buggy first released in 1984 which was quite fast and rugged. It shared many components with the Grasshopper, though it was faster and lighter. It would go on to become one of the most popular R/C kits of all time, and was re-released in December 2004 with a few alterations. There was also a sequel, the Super Hornet, which was released in 1994 and has now been discontinued, though as of 2006 Tamiya still manufactures it exclusively for the Australian market.
  • The Hotshot. Tamiya's first four wheel drive off-road buggy which was released in 1985 . It broke new ground for Tamiya and also the hobby in general, and was the car to beat in 1/10th scale buggy racing when it was released. For its time, the car was light, rugged and upgradeable. In the years that followed, parts of the Hotshot were evolved and reused in several other 4WD buggy models, including the Hotshot 2, the Boomerang, the Super Sabre, and Tamiya's 10th Anniversary car, the Bigwig.
  • The Tamiya Bruiser 1/10th scale radio controlled pickup truck. Released in 1985 , it had a working three-speed transmission which could be shifted via radio control, a high-torque RS-750SH motor and ultra-realistic Toyota Hilux body with sleeper cab and interior detail. The steel frame, suspension, front and rear axle and steering were patterned after their full-sized counterparts. This complex model has since become one of the most collectible of all Tamiya R/C's.
  • The original Blackfoot monster truck kit and its variations, first released in 1986 and credited with much of the hobby's growth. The Blackfoot line included the original Blackfoot, Super Blackfoot, and King Blackfoot, all sharing the same ORV spaceframe chassis but featuring improvements over the previous model. The Blackfoot Extreme used the chassis from the Wild Dagger.
  • Vanessa's LunchBox, actually a 1/12th scale kit due it's monster truck design and short wheelbase, was released in 1987. It made use of the strong Hornet gearbox and had an exceptionally detailed hard body shell. It was a 'fun' vehicle, having poor stability and performing long wheelies. This also made it one of the more popular models, and was re-released in 2005 with only minor modifications. It would also serve as the platform for the re-released Wild Willy 2.
  • The Clodbuster 1/10th scale radio-controlled monster truck released in 1987 as the first Tamiya R/C monster truck with two drive motors, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. The Clodbuster virtually spawned an aftermarket industry of its own which catered to those who wished to modify their models. The Clod Buster has remained popular since its introduction, recently birthing the Super Clod Buster. The Clod Buster was also released with a detailed semi truck body, as the Bullhead. The Clod Buster still has a large aftermarket following, with many companies designing parts for rock crawling as well as trailer pulling and racing. The main reason for its use is its ultra-strong gearboxes.
  • The Avante. A car specifically designed to return Tamiya to the forefront of racing in 1988 . All new and to this day virtually unique, it featured an FRP chassis, aluminium components everywhere and almost limitless adjustments. Unfortunately, as it turned out, it was somewhat over engineered. The car was too heavy, too fragile, dynamically inept, and uncompetitive. However it's still a highly desirable model to a Tamiya collector because of the unique and uncompromising engineering that went in to it.
  • The Egress is the follow-up to the Avante, with material that was advanced at the time, unlike the Avante, it has simplified suspension and longer wheelbase arrangement that was seen in Vanquish/Avante2001; Avante drivetrain is carried forward except with balldiffs F/R and one-way bearing in the middle. Like the Avente, it was a no expense is spared car, even it came with Platinum hi-cap dampers as well as full set of blue-rubber-sealed bearings, graphite chassis plates and towers, alloy hardware and titanium screws.
  • The Astute was Tamiya's first attempt to build a serious 2WD competition car, the car came equipped everything that was needed to make the car competitive including ball diff, ball-raced gearbox, oil-filled dampers at each corner, front anti-roll bar and all adjustable suspension geometry. They also took the unusual step of installing metal bushes in all suspension pivot points which reduces the amount of slop in the suspension due to flexing and slows down the rate of wear in these joints. Although amazingly adjustable this did add extra weight and complexity and it may be for these reasons that it was never very widely used on the racing scene although Jamie Booth did win the European championship in 1991 with a modified and simplified Astute with parts from Madcap. Some of his modification were later found on the Super Astute which addressed many of the faults of the predecessor [7][8] [9]
  • The Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo, released in 1991, although not the first to be based on the TA01 chassis which was derived from the Manta Ray off-roader (it was the Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally) nor was the first 1/10 buggy chassis car based on a road going car, as there had been body kits that was designed to fit into buggies. The Skyline GT-R was credited for creating the touring car craze during the early 90's[10] as well for the chassis for introducing the one-make low cost racing known as Tamiya Racing Championship [11]
  • The TR-15T was one of the first gas powered stadium trucks to be released on the market, unfortunately the TR-15T was not a commercial success as it was hoped to be and was discontinued quickly. Nowadays, the car is one of the more collectable RC models, commanding over $450 in New In Box condition on ebay.
  • The TXT-1 (Tamiya Extreme Truck) 1/10 scale radio control monster truck released in 2002 . This truck, which is still in production, was designed as a factory response to aftermarket Clodbuster upgrades. Cantilever suspension, four wheel drive, and multi-link suspension allow for the massive axle articulation featured in third party kits such as the Clodzilla series. The new truck dispensed with the Clod's four wheel steering, although the TXT includes provisions for making this upgrade. Tamiya engineers attended actual USHRA monster truck events in order to improve the scale appearance of the TXT and duplicate full-size suspension designs. The truck uses axles and gearbox from the earlier Juggernaut 1/2 trucks, but fixes all the "Jug's" suspension problem with its reworked chassis and suspension.
  • The TRF414 series radio controlled cars, holder of the 2002-04 IFMAR ISTC 1/10th scale electric touring car world champion title. The TRF414 was created in response to Tamiya customers' demands for a more adjustable and efficient touring car than the TA03. It was the first Tamiya touring car to depart from the previous gear-driven layouts used in the TA01/02 and TA03, instead employing two unequal-length belts to transmit the power to all four wheels, with only one geared step. The TRF414M2 was a popular touring car in its day, due to its low cost relative to other cars in its class.
  • The TRF415, holder of the 2004-06 IFMAR ISTC 1/10th scale radio controlled electric touring car world champion title.
  • The TA01/TA02 chassis series from the early-mid 1990s were sold with various bodyshells. The TA01 was based on Tamiya's Manta Ray buggy, and was one of the first kits on the market to be sold with a realistic body coupled with a capable, easy-handling 4WD chassis. Some said it was the first RC "Touring Car." Some of these bodyshells are among the most realistic and detailed lexan bodies ever made by any manufacturer. Models worthy of note are the E30 BMW M3, W201 Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 Evolution-II, Ford Escort Cosworth and the Lancia Delta Integrale. Original versions of these models fetched high prices from collectors until recently, when Tamiya re-released the bodies (either sold separately or bundled with a TT-01 kit).
  • The TL-01/TL-01LA/TL-01B/TL-01RA chassis, from the mid-'90s to the late '90s, was an innovative shaft-driven 4WD touring chassis with a narrow 3-piece vertically sandwiched chassis design. Its characteristics include high durability and low cost, making it an excellent starting car for beginners. Like the TA01/TA02, it was released with many different rally, touring and sports car bodies and incorporated various minor modifications throughout its production run. Tamiya released the TL-01 with modified with long arms and buggy size wheels to as the TL-01B, marketed as the Baja Champ and later Baja King buggies. The TL-01 remains one of the more popular Tamiya chassis today.
  • The TLT-1 is a small truck of about 1/15 scale, and has quickly became widely known as one of the most versatile RC cars for projects. Its most common use is for scale rock crawling, a hobby that is starting to make itself noticed by the general RC market. Like the Clod Buster, its axles are highly desirable.
  • The Ford F-350 High Lift, released in 2006, is a modernized version of the vintage 3-speed trucks. A 3-speed gearbox mounts up to the steel chassis rails, with leaf springs and grease friction dampers supporting it on modified TLT axles. The truck is finished with a detailed hard body version of the Ford F-350, very similar to the earlier Juggernaut's body.
  • The TA05, released in spring 2005, is the replacement for the TRF414-derived TA04 line of touring cars. The chassis is a clean-sheet design, featuring a twin-belt drivetrain utilizing two equal-length belts, a center-mounted motor and a low layshaft, resulting in a nearly 50/50 front/back weight distribution. The car is very popular with touring car racers due to its ease of set-up, and its relatively low-maintenance drivetrain. Tamiya marketed the TA05 with various sports and racing car bodies, and Tamiya also recently released the TA05-IFS (Inboard Front Suspension) along with the limited-edition TA05MS (Maezumi Satoshi) in spring 2007. The IFS features a low-slung Vemac RD350 body in Ebbro Team Nova's livery (which participated in the GT300 class in the 2007 JGTC), and an inboard front suspension with pushrod-activated laydown shocks (as opposed to standup shocks attached directly to the suspension arm), a first for a 1/10th scale electric mainstream touring car.

Tamtech

  • Tamtech, released in 1986, is a series of radio controlled cars which can be quickly assembled and driven straight out of the box, powered by a 7.2v battery. The first two cars released was the Porsche 962, then followed shortly by the Lancia LC2. In all seven 1/24 cars has been released, the other five was BMW GTP, Ford Mustang Probe, Ferrari Testarossa, Porsche 961, Lamborghini Countach 5000QV before Tamiya turned to the 1/14 F1 cars, releasing only three (Ferrari 643, Lotus 102B and McLaren MP4/6) and one 1/18 monster truck Max Climber before being dropped in favor of the QD ready to run cars. In 1988, Tamiya released a scale model of the 962, using the Tamtech body, however accurate, many modelbuilders and enthusiasts of the Group C/IMSA GTP racer cited the rear bulk of the engine hatch is bigger than that of the full-sized counterpart. Much of the car's lack of real success was because of the popularity of the large sized counterpart meant that there were very little demand for small-scale RC cars, but later, the Tamtech cars would influence other RC car manufacturers including Kyosho to build miniature RC cars, such as the their own highly successful Mini-Z series and RadioShack's popular XMODS. [12]

Quick Drive

QD (Quick Drive) Series was introduced in 1988 with the Thunder Shot QD in a way to bring the joys of RC racing to beginners and children.

Solar powered cars

Tamiya, as well as building solar powered edcational models, they also built the first solar powered radio controlled car called the Solar Eagle SRC-6000.

Trucks and trailers (1/14 scale)

Tamiya also produces 1/14 scale radio controlled trucks using ABS body shells instead of the alloy and sheet metal that competitor Wedico uses on its 1/16 scale truck line. The truck motors are electric, and powerful - powerful enough to tow an adult behind the truck on a skateboard.

Available in the current truck range are the following rigs:

The truck range also includes some 2 axle trailers "USA style" :

  • Flatbed trailer (the basic flat trailer)
  • Box trailer (closed cargo trailer)
  • Tank trailer (liquid transport)
  • Pole trailer (wood/tree transport)

The German division/importer (Carson) also released a 3 axel semi-low loader trailer in this scale. Recently a tautliner (also 3 axel) is added to the list.

Tanks (1/16 scale)

Tamiya's radio controlled tanks have options such as sound, light and optional parts to depict different variants.

The Leopard A4 and Flakpanzer Gepard are no longer produced; updated versions of the others have some technical and cosmetic innovations over the original models. Also the non-multi function models of the Tigers and Sherman are not made anymore.

The latest models (Full Option Kits) have full sound function, fire simulation (barrel moves when fired), the latest Full Option Tank (Leopard 2A6) has an upgrade part available, a barrel stabiliser which keeps the cannon level even with the tank moving.

Also there is a battle function unit for sale, so you can actually fight a tank battle with another Tamiya battle function equipped 1/16 tank.

Don't mistake these tanks with "cheap" tanks from brands like Heng Long or similar, but as the Chinese brands improve their looks more and more toy versions are being rebuilt and upgraded as full option "Tamiya-like" tanks.

Yachts (1/20 scale)

Tamiya produced a series of 1/20 scale which are highly realistic. These include:

Track racing cars

  • The Mini 4WD and Dangun-Racer series, which are small (1/32nd scale), single-motor, free-operating electric models designed to run in competition on a special, deeply channeled track.

Static-display scale models

Military Vehicles (1/35)

File:Tiger I model.jpg
Tamiya 1:35 scale Tiger I

The oldest category in Tamiya's export line has been the "Military Miniatures" series of 1:35 scale figures and vehicles. The series has focused on World War II military subjects though a growing minority of kits in this line come from later periods. The collection of German vehicles is especially strong.

The products are characterized by striking full colour paintings on the boxtops. Tamiya molds are generally very clean and almost no flash is found on their products. It was Tamiya themselves that established the 1/35 scale for military models (now the accepted standard size in military modeling in general); the scale was the result of the design of the initial kit, the motorized Tiger tank, being designed just large enough to contain the motor assembly and battery pack.[citation needed]

In addition to vehicles themselves, the category includes soldier and weapon sets, and scenery items (e.g., brick walls, signs, barricades) for use in dioramas.

Tamiya also produces an expanding line of 1/48 military vehicles, designed as a smaller alternative to the larger 1/35 kits. Kits from this new series features metallic chassis, which serve to add weight to the model.

Aircraft

File:Brewster Buffalo.JPG
Tamiya 1:48 scale Brewster Buffalo

Their line of static model aircraft, primarily in 1/48 scale, are widely considered to be state-of-the-art. The 1990's release of the Spitfire, for example, was especially hailed by Modelmakers for its ease of construction , and attention to detail , with the new molds having very fine raised details .

Many of the same aircraft have been repeated in 1/72 scale to a similar standard with a few subjects only available in this scale. Within Japan, the 1/72 scale line includes a large number of re-badged Italeri kits, which are priced significantly lower than Tamiya originals.

Tamiya is also one of the few manufacturers of 1/100 scale aircraft. Originally called the Minijet Series and consisting of jet fighters plus a B-52, it was terminated in the 1980s, but revived in 2004 renamed the Combat Jet Series.

Tamiya also produces a few 1/32 scale kits.

Automobiles

They produce many model cars kits, including road cars, sports racing cars, World Rally Championship racing cars, and Formula One racing cars. Usually these are 1/24th scale, however their Formula One kits are 1/20th scale.

A few street, racing, and F1 kits are also produced in 1/12 scale.

Solar powered models

Tamiya has a history of making educational kits, made especially a few solar powered models, but they have made a rare foray into licensed anime merchandising with the Solaemon-Go, a solar powered car that was based on the real World Solar Car competitor which is based on the popular Doraemon manga, published by Tamiya's publishing partner, Shogakukan.

Motorcycles

Tamiya has an extensive line of 1/12 scale street and Grand Prix racing motorcycles. A few 1/6 scale kits have also been made.

Ships

  • They produce many naval ship models in 1/350 and 1/700 scale, both full and waterline versions. The majority of the kits in the 1/700 waterline series are WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy subjects, but there are also kits of WW2 ships from other countries such as Germany, Britain, and the United states. In addition, the series has a few modern vessels.

TRF - Tamiya Racing Factory

Tamiya and their racing division TRF have evolved into one of the most successful racing teams on the electric scene of worldwide R/C Racing over the last few years. They are most famous for their work in the field of 1/10th scale electric touring car racing.

At the request of many Tamiya enthusiasts, in 1999 Tamiya started work on a car made purely for racing, to replace their aging, gear-driven TA03R-TRF and TA03F David Jun Edition cars. The car that resulted was the TRF414X (built in very small numbers), which evolved into the TRF414M, and then to the more popular TRF414M2 (and the budget-oriented TA04 series), all employing the then-novel twin-belt drivetrain layout, with the center layshaft mounted above the motor. The TRF team's reputation shot up after the 3rd IFMAR ISTC world championships in Mogale City, South Africa, in 2002. The Thai driver Surikarn Chaidajsuriya shocked the world by winning the world championships driving a modified Tamiya TRF414M. The car he used was eventually released to the public as the TRF414M-World Championship Replica, of which only 1500 were built, making it one of the more desirable Tamiya kits from the last 5 years.

Since 2002, the TRF division has continuously been growing with an expanded team in Japan and worldwide. In late 2002, Tamiya released their third shaft driven car called TB Evolution III (or TB Evo3) which won the YamaYama Cup in Japan two months later, with Satoshi Maezumi at the wheel. On the European scene, the Dane Steen Graversen along with Surikarn Chaidajsuriya and team manager Kiyokazu Suzuki managed to join the A-main of the big LRP Masters race in Germany, April of 2003. Surikarn then won both the 23T stock and the Modified classes in the Thailand International Touring Car championships (TITC), using an updated TB Evo3. Surikarn's Evo3 was eventually released to the public as the limited-edition TB Evo3 Surikarn Edition (SE) to commemorate the victory. It features red anodized aluminum components, new upper arm mounts, titanium turnbuckles and screws, delrin differential halves, a thicker 3mm carbon chassis, and new one-way carbon gear brace. The TB Evo3 SE was eventually replaced with the TB Evo4 in the first half of 2004. The Evo4 addressed the Evo3 owners' complaint about their car's bevel gears' durability by incorporating a three-piece center shaft design, doing away with the Evo3's single-piece center shaft. The Evo4 was also equipped with Tamiya's Lightweight Reversible Suspension Set, incorporating smaller wheel bearings, stiffer material, and reversible longer suspension arms, which allows more cornering speed and more precise adjustment of the car's suspension characteristics.

The same year, Tamiya discovered a new young star under Tamiya's belt, a boy named Marc Rheinard from Germany. Marc debuted at the indoor race DHI Cup of 2004 with Tamiya's new belt driven car (designed in conjunction with Tech Racing) the TRF415. He and Steen Graversen finished 2nd and 3rd, proving the capability of this newly designed chassis. Two months later, the Marc won the LRP Masters in a dominating fashion, beating the world's best drivers. Things looked good for the upcoming 4th World Championships in Florida, USA. Few believed that Marc would actually win the world championships at an age of 17, but he did. Tamiya brought their new and improved version of TRF415, the TRF415MS which stands for Maezumi Satoshi, one of the car's designers and a Tamiya factory driver. The new car had improved handling characteristics on asphalt through the adoption of a thinner chassis and Evo4's Lightweight Reversible suspension. Marc took pole position and won two of the three A-mains. The other Tamiya driver in the top ten was former world champion Surikarn, driving the TB Evo4, who finished 9th.

After the 2004 Worlds, Tamiya released the World's upgrade kit for the 415, containing the direct center pulley (as opposed to the center one-way included in the standard 415 and 415MS kits) and narrowed suspension mounts, further improving the 415 handling and acceleration. In early 2005, Tamiya released an updated version of the TB Evo4, called the TB Evo4 MS. The Evo4 MS was equipped with one-piece aluminium bulkheads (as opposed to the Evo4's 4-piece bulkhead), aluminium center brace and one-piece center shaft input cups (as opposed to plastic ones in the Evo4).

In July 2005, Tamiya further updated the TRF415MS, by releasing the TRF415MSX. Released both as a conversion kit (for older 415s) and as a complete kit, the design featured a three-piece bulkhead for easy maintenance, lowered and shortened upper deck that runs under the belt, and the deletion of the middle decks, all contributing to a lower CG and increased "tweak" resistance. Marc recently won the World's Warm-Up in April 2006 with a revised version of the MSX, sporting a new set of lowered rear bulkheads, shock towers, and steering mechanism. Unfortunately he only placed 4th overall in the 5th IFMAR ISTC World Championships held in August 2006 (in Collegno, Italy), but his car was eventually released to the public as the limited-edition, asphalt-racing oriented TRF415MSX Marc Rheinard Edition (MRE) in August 2006. It incorporated new alternated (having more widely-spaced teeth) pulleys, new lightweight delrin solid front axle, new internal drive ratio (through the adoption of the new pulleys), and the new steering mechanism. In July 2006, Tamiya released the TB Evolution 5, their next-generation gear-driven touring car, replacing the Evo4 MS. The Evo5 does away with the Evo4's front main shaft input cup, using a CV joint instead (but retaining a rear input cup), and also incorporates the new short arms for the Lightweight Suspension, which further increased the cornering speed and helped sharpen the car's turn-in. It is also equipped with a new, more precise steering mechanism (seen also in the TRF415MSX MRE), and a lowered top deck. In November 2006, Tamiya ceased the production of the MRE, and released the updated TRF415MSXX. This car returned to the standard front one-way differential (unlike the solid axle included in the MRE), and came with new, thinner upper and lower decks (altering the chassis flex characteristics), and a new aluminum air scoop to help cool the motor.

Supplies and Tools

Tamiya manufactures acrylic and enamel-based modelling paints, sprays and painting pens. Tamiya does supplies such as putty and solvent, and modelling tools. They also provide upkeep equipment for their RC models, like grease for the working gear boxes. Also the likes of work tables, airbrush stands and turn tables are available.

Tamiya’s paints like all their products, are recognised as superior quality. Tamiya recently has released a new line of "weathering" kits which allow the user to easily and quickly give their models the impression they have been damaged, have rusted or have been through a long service life.

Facilities

Tamiya has several large regional divisions, notably in Aliso Viejo, California, home of "Tamiya America," the North, Central and South American branch responsible for many of the company's racing developments. Tamiya America also features a world-class racing facility which is the site of several world championship events. As of August 2007, the North American headquarters has moved from Aliso Viejo, California to Irvine, California. An assembly plant is located in the Philippines, and Germany is the home of "Tamiya Europe's" operations.

Mascot

Between 1984 to 1989, Tamiya had its own mascot called Plastic Model Moko-chan, who has a rabbit sidekick called Rabbi-kun (プラモ Puramo) and sometimes they were titled Moko-chan no (and) Rabbi-kun (プラモのモ子ちゃん Puramo no Miko-chan). Drawn by manga artist Fujita Yukihisa, they usually appeared in various Japanese language pamphlets and in comics with Japan-released Tamiya models. They would teach kids about the various models they were building and there was even a series on how to build them, all in a comic format as well as its only bilingual series of leaflets titled RC Lecture By Moko Chan (モ子ちゃんRC講座), teaching children RC car care and maintenance. Despite being out of use by Tamiya, the characters still have a large following with devotees. In some plastic 1/35 scale tanks, there is usually a tank crewman who gives tips on the instruction manual.

Trivia

Competitor

See also

References

  1. ^ The written by Shunsaku Tamiya "people who made Tamiya Plastic Model" Bungeishunju Ltd. September, 2004 publication ISBN 4163662502
  2. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?id=8
  3. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?id=21
  4. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?id=32
  5. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?id=42
  6. ^ http://www.tamiya101.com/model_comments.asp?id=20 tamiya101.com
  7. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/article.asp?id=94
  8. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car_comment.asp?cid=97
  9. ^ http://www.tamiya101.com/model_comments.asp?id=80
  10. ^ http://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?id=99
  11. ^ http://www.rccartips.com/rc-history.htm
  12. ^ http://www.rccartips.com/mini-rccars.htm rccartips.com
  • 田宮俊作著『田宮模型をつくった人々』文藝春秋刊 2004年9月発行　ISBN 4163662502
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