Tamiya RC Models
New Release The Mercedes-Benz G-Class' outstanding durability and off-road jeep performance have made it a firm favorite with consumers since its inception in 1979, its polished technology taken over and modernized with each generation to make it a top class SUV. This is an R/C model assembly kit of the G 320, a 2-door cabriolet produced between 1997 and 2001, and much sought-after thanks to its stylish looks and typically uncompromising G-Class performance. The body is reproduced in tough, lightweight polycarbonate, with separately molded side mirrors and metal plated grille-parts. information about the exciting new shaft-driven 4WD MF-01X chassis, which this model pairs with 7-spoke wheels and semi-pneumatic treaded tires for super performance whether on- or off-road.Trucks and trailers (1/14 scale)
Tamiya produces 1/14 scale radio controlled trucks using ABS body shells. The trucks 540-size electric motor/3-speed transmission-combination is powerful enough to tow an adult behind the truck on a skateboard.
Available in the current truck range are the following rigs:
- King Hauler (also available in a pre-painted black edition)
- Globeliner
- Mercedes-Benz 1838LS
- Mercedes-Benz 1850L (distribution truck)
- Volvo FH12 Globetrotter 420
- Ford AeroMax (also available in a limited chrome edition)
- Knight Hauler (also available in a limited chrome edition)
- Scania R-series R 470 Highline (also available in a chrome edition and a pre-painted orange edition)
- Scania R-series R 620 Highline
- MAN TGX 18.540 XLX (also available in a pre-painted red edition)
- MAN TGX 26.540 XLX
- Mercedes-Benz Actros 1851 GigaSpace
- Freightliner Cascadia Evolution
- Grand Hauler
- Flatbed trailer (the basic flat trailer)
- Box trailer (closed cargo trailer)
- Tank trailer (liquid transport)
- Pole trailer (wood/tree transport)
Tamiya also offers 3 axle "Euro type" semi-trailers in their regular line-up.
- European Type 3 Axle Reefer Semi Trailer
- European Type 3 Axle 40 ft Intermodal container Semi-Trailer (with authentic "Maersk" container graphics)
Aftermarket manufacturers also offer a complete range of various convension kits, including hydraulic accessories, new cabs, cab alterations, add-on details, new lights of all kinds, sound as mentioned above, and all kinds of tailored accessories from which the user can change his truck into either a truck he's seen streetside or the truck of his dreams.
All around the world different clubs form to make "dioramas" that suits the 1/14-scale which they use as social gathering points and to challenge and admire other user's rigs and driving skills, and these clubs are rapidly expanding all the way from Asia through Europe to America with members of all ages.
Tanks (1/16 scale)
Tamiya's radio controlled tanks have options such as sound, light and optional parts to depict different variants.
- M4 Sherman 105 mm
- Leopard 1A4
- Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard
- German Tiger II, Production Turret
- German Tiger II – Porsche Turret
- Tiger I Early Production
- M26 Pershing T26E3
- Leopard 2A6
- German Panther tank G
- Jagdpanther
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 any more.
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.
These tanks utilize standard RC modules such as receivers, transmitters and servos that are same as those used in RC cars, trucks, boats, airplanes and helicopters.
Yachts (1/20 scale)
Tamiya produced a series of 1/20 scale which are highly realistic. These include:
- Yamaha Round the World
- Yamaha 40EX
- 36 Class R/C Racing Yacht Innovator
Track racing cars
The Mini 4WD and Dangun-Racer series are small (1/32 scale) single-motor (130-size) free-operating electric models designed to operate using two AA-sized batteries and run on a special deeply channeled track.
Static-display scale models
Tamiya held an arguable lead in the static plastic model market for many years and competed with other classic brands like Revell and Airfix, but recently Chinese makers such as Dragon (DML) and Trumpeter are offering fierce competition.
Military Vehicles (1/35)
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 moulds are generally quite clean and almost no flash is found on their products. It was Tamiya themselves that established the use of 1/35 scale for military models. The scale was the result of the design of their first tank kit, the motorized Panther tank, being designed just large enough to contain the motor assembly and battery pack.
In addition to vehicles themselves the category includes soldiers, weapons sets and scenery items (e.g., brick walls, signs, barricades) for use in dioramas.
In the 1990s Dragon (DML) kits used to be generally inferior to Tamiya. Dragon's quality has improved and they have elected to compete in the high quality end of the market offering photo etched parts, aluminum barrels, individual track links, and upwards of 500 parts. Another Chinese maker, Trumpeter is also competing from lower end of the market. Tamiya's kits use vinyl tracks but Tamiya's recent inclusion of two kinds of tracks (vinyl and molded plastic) suggest that Tamiya is following the trend set by other manufacturers. As Trumpeter's quality improves, Tamiya's static military lines are being pressured from both the high end and the low end.
Tamiya has found a niche market of 1/48 scale military miniatures, designed as a smaller alternative to the larger 1/35 kits. As the average Japanese house is smaller than those amongst other nations, smaller kits that can be neatly put into smaller kit boxes after assembly and stored away are proven to be more popular by necessity. Utilizing the specifications of their 1/35 kits, many parts in 1/48 scale kits are simply scaled-down versions of their 1/35 counterpart, with a notable exception of tracks being molded in plastic in 1/48, instead of somewhat less detailed vinyl tracks often seen in 1/35 kits. Early kits from this series featured metallic chassis, which served to add weight to the models of this smaller scale. Tamiya has put out an average of 1 new kit a month since the launch of the series as a way of blocking entry into the 1/48 scale market for Chinese makers. As of 2015, over 80 models are available from Tamiya in 1/48 scale, representing mainly the popular World War II tanks and vehicles. HobbyBoss, another Chinese maker, offers 1/48 tanks with full interior details for about the same price.
In the traditional 1/35 scale military miniature market Tamiya is offering innovations such as suspensions made to articulate using real springs. However these offerings are not substantial or unique enough to give Tamiya the clear dominance it once had in the static miniature market. More over many Chinese model makers offer numerous outstanding kits every year which pressures Tamiya's static 1/35 line. Because of their visibility as a leader Tamiya can highlight obscure vehicles that no other makers are willing to build. The Sturmtiger 38 cm, for example, was an obscure vehicle and only a handful of the massive mortar tanks were built in real life but Tamiya still introduced it to the market. Although numerous and powerful the Char B was not a very glamorous tank and no other major maker was willing to invest in it. In this role of supporting more obscure models Tamiya manages a wide ranging product line and so continues to lead the market.
RC Aircraft
Their line of static model aircraft, primarily in 1/48 scale, are widely considered to be state-of-the-art. The 1990s release of the Spitfire, for example, had great 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.[clarification needed] 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, consisting of jet fighters plus a B-52, it was terminated in the 1980s but revived in 2004 and renamed the Combat Jet Series.
Tamiya used to produce a few 1/32 scale kits.
In aircraft models Tamiya offers a few clear skinned kits showing interior parts of aircraft. A few motorized kits are available also which feature spinning props. Some kits even include sound effect modules. Tamiya's aircraft kits often include metal weights that prevent the aircraft from sitting on their tails. Compared to other kits such as Hasegawa, where the builder has to glue in bearings or fishing line weights, Tamiya's kits are convenient. Some kits produced recently can be made with detachable wingtips and landing gears. They also come in a box that can be turned into a raised box that could safely house the finished model after its completion. These gimmicks and often cleverly designed simpler construction help Tamiya stay on top of the miniature aircraft market.
As with many other Japanese model makers dealing with WWII weapons Tamiya also prefers to focus on Japanese weapons first, due to the considerable size of the Japanese domestic market: The 1/48 scale P-47 Thunderbolt, one of the most famous WWII fighters, has been produced only recently, while the Hellcat, an American naval fighter, is yet to be produced. The Japanese Zero fighter was the first to be produced in 1/48 scale and the first prop fighter added to the larger 1/32 scale in 2006 is once again the Japanese Zero.
Automobiles
They produce many model car kits including road cars, sports racing cars, World Rally Championship cars, and Formula One racing cars. Usually these are 1/24 scale although the Formula One kits are 1/20 scale. A few street, racing, and F1 kits are also produced in 1/12 scale including the Ferrari 641/2, McLaren Honda MP4/6, and Williams Renault FW14B.
The cars in the 1:20 Grand Prix Collection in order of manufacture are:
- Tyrrell P34 Six Wheeler - 20001
- Team Lotus J.P.S Mk.III - 20004
- Martini Porsche 935 Turbo - 20005
- Wolf WR-1 Ford - 20006
- Brabham BT46 Alfa Romeo - 20007
- Porsche 935 Turbo - 20008
- Toyota Celica LB Turbo Gr.5 - 20009
- Ferrari F312T3 - 20010
- Racing Pit Team - 20011
- Ligier JS11 Ford - 20012
- Fiat 131 Abarth Rally - 20013
- Williams FW-07 - 20014
- Fiat 131 Monte-Carlo Winner - 20015
- Porsche 928S - 20016
- Brabham BT50 BMW Turbo - 20017
- Renault RE-30B Turbo - 20018
- Williams FW-11 Honda - 20019
- Lotus Honda 99T - 20020
- Benetton Ford B188 - 20021
- Ferrari F189 Early Version - 20023
- Ferrari F189 Portuguese G.P. - 20024
- Driver & Tech. Engineer Set - 20027
- Leyton House CG901B - 20028
- Braun Tyrrell Honda 020 - 20029
- Lotus Type 102B - 20030
- Tyre Changing Pit Crew - 20031
- Jordan 191 - 20032
- Lotus Ford 102D (Herbert) - 20033
- Lotus Ford 102D (Hakkinen) - 20034
- Benetton Ford B192 - 20036
- Lotus 107 Ford - 20037
- Lotus 107B Ford - 20038
- Newman Haas K Mart Texaco Lola T93/00 Ford - 20040
- Dick Simon Duracell Mobil 1 Sadia Lola T93/00 Ford - 20041
- Tyrrell Yamaha 023 - 20042
- Honda F1 RA272 - 20043
- Ferrari F1-2001 - 20048
- Brabham BT-46 Alfa Romeo (Clear Cowl) - 20050
- Ferrari F2001 - 20052
- Tyrrell P34 1977 Monaco GP - 20053
- WilliamsF1 BMW FW24 - 20055
- Full-View WilliamsF1 BMW FW24 Italian GP 2002 - 20056
- Lotus 99T Honda - 20057
- Tyrrell P34 Six Wheeler 1976 Japan GP (w/Photo-Etched Parts) - 20058
- Ferrari F60 - 20059
- Lotus Type 79 1978 - 20060
- Motorsports Team Set (1970–1985) - 20063
- Wolf WR1 1977 - 20064
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. The solar powered car was based on the real World Solar Car competitor which is based on the popular Doraemon manga, published by Tamiya's publishing partner, Shogakukan.
RC 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. In order of manufacture the 1/12 scale models are: (Manufacturer, model, Tamiya production number)
- Yamaha YZR500 Grand Prix Racer – 14001 *
- Yamaha RZ250 – 14002 *
- Suzuki RGB500 Grand Prix Racer – 14003 *
- Yamaha RZ350 – 14004 *
- Yamaha Scooter Beluga 50 – 14005 *
- Honda CB750F – 14006
- Honda CB900F2 Bol d'Or – 14007 *
- Honda CB1100R – 14008 *
- Suzuki RGB500 Team Gallina – 14009 *
- Suzuki GSX1100S Katana – 14010
- Honda CR250R Motocrosser – 14011 *
- Kawasaki KR1000F Endurance Racer – 14012 *
- Suzuki RM250 Motocrosser – 14013 *
- Honda RS1000 Endurance Racer – 14014 *
- Suzuki GSX750S – 14015 *
- Honda CX500 Turbo – 14016 *
- Honda VT250F – 14017 *
- Honda CR450R Motocrosser – 14018 *
- Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica – 14019 *
- Suzuki GSX750 Police Bike – 14020 *
- Honda VF750F – 14021 *
- Ducati 900 NCR Racer – 14022 *
- Honda MVX250F – 14023 *
- Suzuki RG250 Gamma – 14024 *
- Ducati 900SS – 14025 *
- Kenny Roberts & the Yamaha YZR500 – 14026 *
- Jumping Driver – 14027 *
- Kawasaki KR500 Grand Prix Racer – 14028 *
- Suzuki RG250 Gamma Full Option – 14029 *
- Honda VT250F Integra – 14030 *
- Honda VF750F Fully Cowl – 14031 *
- Honda NS500 Grand Prix Racer – 14032 *
- Racing Rider – 14033 *
- Suzuki GSX750S New Katana – 14034
- Honda CBR400F – 14035
- BMW K100 – 14036 *
- Yamaha RZV500R – 14037
- Yamaha YZR500 (OW70) – 14038 *
- Honda CBR400F Endurance – 14039
- Straight Run Rider – 14040 *
- Starting Rider – 14041 *
- Honda NS500 With Starting Rider – 14042 *
- Yamaha YZR500 (OW70)& Straight Run Rider – 14043 *
- Yamaha XV1000 Virago 14044
- Kawasaki GPZ400R – 14045
- KTM250 Motocrosser – 14046 *
- Yamaha FZ250 Phazer – 14047 *
- Yamaha SRX-6 – 14048
- BMW R80 G/S '85 Paris Dakar Rally Winner – 14049 *
- Honda NS500 With Racing Figure – 14050 *
- KTM250MX With Motocross Rider – 14051 *
- Yamaha XV1000 Virago With Touring Rider – 14052 *
- Suzuki RG250 Gamma Walter Wolf Version – 14053 *
- Honda NXR750 86 Paris Dakar Rally Winner – 14054 *
- Honda NSR500 Grand Prix Racer – 14055 *
- BMW R80 G/S With Paris Dakar Rider – 14056 *
- Honda VFR750R – 14057
- Yamaha FZR750R (0W01) – 14058
- Honda NSR250 Repsol – 14059
- Honda NR – 14060
- Cup Noodle Honda NSR250 – 14061
- Bimota Tesi 1D 906SR – 14062
- Ducati 888 Superbike Racer – 14063*
- Yamaha TZ250M (T Harada's 93 GP-2 Bike) – 14064
- Suzuki GSX1100S Katana Custom Tuned – 14065
- Honda CB750F Custom Tuned – 14066
- '94 Yamaha TZ250M – 14067
- Ducati 916 – 14068 *
- Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro – 14069
- Honda CDR1100XX Super Blackbird – 14070
- Repsol Honda NSR500 '98 – 14071
- Moviestar Honda Pons NSR500 '98 – 14072
- Yamaha YZF-R1 – 14073
- Yamaha YZF-R1 Taira Racing – 14074
- Yamaha YZR500 (OW70) Taira Version – 14075
- Red Bull Yamaha WCM YZR500 '99 – 14076
- Repsol Honda '99 – 14077
- Antena 3 Yamaha D'Antin YZR500 – 14078
- Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird "With Me" – 14079 *
- Yamaha XV1600 Road Star – 14080
- Suzuki RGv Gamma (XR89) – 14081
- Nastro Azzurzo Honda NSR500 – 14082
- Telefónica Movistar Suzuki RGV '00 – 14083 *
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R – 14084
- "Full View" Yamaha YZF-R1 Taira Racing – 14085 *
- Tech 3 Yamaha YZR500 '01 – 14086
- Honda Pons NSR500 '01 – 14087 *
- Factory Yamaha YZR500 '01 – 14088
- Telefónica Movistar Suzuki RGv Gamma '01 – 14089
- Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 (GSX 1300R) – 14090
- Antena 3 Yamaha D'Antin YZR500 '02 – 14091
- Repsol Honda RC211V – 14092
- Yoshimura Hayabusa X-1 – 14093
- Telefónica Movistar Honda RC211V '03 – 14094
- Team Honda Pons RC211V '03 – 14095
- Repsol Honda RC211V '03 – 14096
- Repsol Honda RC211V '03 Valencia – 14097
- Yamaha YZR-M1 '04 (No.46/No.47) – 14098
- Repsol Honda RC211V '03 – 14099
- Yamaha YZR-M1 No.7/33 – 14100
NB: * = Discontinued from production.
Ships
Tamiya produces many naval ship models in 1/350 and 1/700 scale and in both full and waterline versions. Full versions offer full hulls whereas waterline versions have flat bottoms, representing only the portion seen above the waterline giving the impression that the ship is floating when placed on a surface, which is more convenient in creating dioramas. The majority of the kits in the 1/700 waterline series are WWII Imperial Japanese Navy ships but there are also kits of WWII ships from other countries such as Germany, Britain, and the United States. The 1/700 waterline series battleship U.S.S. Missouri is 386.5 mm (15.2 inches) long with 1/350 battleships twice as long. Other 1/350 ships include the Yamato, Musashi, Bismarck, Tirpitz, USS New Jersey, USS Enterprise, HMS Prince of Wales, and more recent additions mainly on WW2 Japanese warships such as the Tone, Mogami, Mikuma, Yukikaze, and I-400 submarine. In addition the series has a few modern vessels such as the vehicle transport ship Shimokita with a transparent deck to allow viewing of the loaded hovercrafts, tanks and trucks inside.
Tamiya Racing Factory
Tamiya and their racing team, Tamiya Racing Factory (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 1/10 scale electric touring car racing.
In 1999, at the request of many Tamiya enthusiasts, 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 during April 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 3 mm carbon chassis, and a 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 owner's complaints about their car's bevel gear 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, a boy named Marc Rheinard from Germany. Rheinard 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 Rheinard won the LRP Masters world's best drivers. Things looked good for the upcoming 4th World Championships in Florida, USA. Few believed that Rheinard would actually win the world championships at the age of 17, but he did. Tamiya took 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 the Evo4's lightweight reversible suspension. Rheinard 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 World Championship Tamiya released the 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 Evo4MS. The Evo4MS 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).
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