List of Tamiya product lines

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Over the years, the Tamiya Corporation has created a huge number of notable product lines, a large of these has since become collectable in its own right.

[edit] Radio-controlled vehicles

[edit] 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 hopped-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/diplo 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.^[1]

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 introduction 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, overengineered sophisticated stepless MSC with microswitch with braking, to use the BEC radiogear and to come fully ballraced.^[2]. 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 an 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 an uprated adjustable mechanical speed controller known as the SuperChamp MSC; The RM3's steering arrangement had returned to the simpler setup with adjustable caster^[3]. 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^[4].

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.

[edit] 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.^[5]

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, utilizing pre-assembled Wild Dagger's gear box, and tires from Lunch Box, but otherwise whole new mechanical design. Wild Willy 2 retained the Jeep body with only a few minor difference, such as horizontal front grill slits, instead of vertical slits of the original. And there has even been a metallic edition of Wild Willy 2. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58242wild/wild1/wild1.htm

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 Subaru Brat, Black Foot and Monster Beetle. The Frog kit was also re-released in 2005, though with a few alterations such as more reliable dog bone type universal shafts, and an inclusion of Electronic Speed Controller. However it is not considered to be anywhere near as valuable to collectors due to the nostalgia value of the older technology, along with a number of negative changes such as the removal of real world racing brands from the decal sheet and a less impressive kit box. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58354frog/index.htm

The Grasshopper, a two wheel drive off-road radio controlled buggy released in 1984 that was very rugged and featured a simple construction that made it Tamiya's most affordable buggy. It featured a bathtub chassis holding a simple rigid axle in the rear and single wishbone front suspensions in the front. 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, with a few alterations. However it is not considered to be anywhere near as valuable to collectors due to the nostalgia value of the older technology, along with a number of negative changes such as the removal of real world racing brands from the decal sheet and a less impressive kit box. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58346grasshopper/index.htm

The Hornet, a two wheel drive off-road radio controlled buggy first released in 1984, was quite fast and rugged. It shared most components with the Grasshopper, though it was faster and lighter due to polycarbonate (lexan) body. 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. However it is not considered to be anywhere near as valuable to collectors due to the nostalgia value of the older technology, along with a number of negative changes such as the removal of real world racing brands from the decal sheet and a less impressive kit box. 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. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58336hornet/index.htm

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. It featured 4 wheel independent double wishbone suspension, a unique mono-spring suspension that used only two springs for the entire 4 wheels. 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 which was identical aside from simpler direct rear suspension, the Boomerang, the Super Sabre, and Tamiya's 10th Anniversary car, the Bigwig. In 2007, Hotshot was re-released. Electronic Speed Controller is included instead of mechanical speed controller; body has a metal patch to function as a heatsink to dissipate heat from ESC; dog-bone shafts are simplified, hexa bolt and hexa cup universal for connecting front and rear gear boxes are discarded and simpler dog-bone shaft is adapted. Because of ESC, original heatsinks for resistors for the mechanical speed controller are no longer necessary, but included as dummies as they are unique to Hotshot. Other parts/designs are identical: bump steer, front wishbones rubbing inside of front wheels, front spring's attachment point to lower wishbones being weak, all remains as minor problems of Hotshot. The re-release is also not considered to be anywhere near as valuable to collectors due to the nostalgia value of the older technology in the original kit, along with a number of negative changes such as the removal of real world racing brands from the decal sheet and a less impressive kit box. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58391hotshot/index.htm

The 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, leaf 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. It featured mechanically shiftable 3speed transmission, using 3rd channel. It would run 4x4 in the lowest gear, and 2nd, 3rd gears would be in rear wheel drive only. No other RC car or truck of the time offered shiftable mechanical transmission, making it highly realistic.

The original Blackfoot monster truck kit and its variations, first released in 1986, was 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 first used in Frog, but featuring improvements over the previous model. The Blackfoot Extreme used the chassis from the Wild Dagger, departing from the tradition of using Frog's space frame chassis. Despite it apparent inspiration being drawn from the real Bigfoot monster truck, the Blackfoot was a Ford F-150 truck, whilst Bigfoots of the time were Ford F-250s. The Monster Beetle, now a very collectable model, was nearly identical to the Blackfoot, with the addition of gold wheels, oil filled shocks and of course the Beetle bodyshell.

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 Grasshopper/Hornet gearbox and had an exceptionally detailed hard body shell of a dodge van, being heavily inspired by the real monster truck 'Rolin' Thunder', a short video of which can be see at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ep70XE4kLQ. It was a 'fun' vehicle, having poor stability and performing long wheelies, and in many respects was therefore similar to real monster trucks of the (then) future. This also made it one of the more popular models, and it was re-released in 2005 with only minor modifications. A metallic gold edition followed in 2007. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58347lunchbox/index.htm

Midnight Pumpkin is a sister truck to the Lunchbox that used the same chassis, gearbox, suspension and tyres. It was also based on a real monster truck, Frankenstein, although the model was mostly black instead of the yellow worn by the real truck. In early 2006, a metallic chrome edition was released. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58365pumpkin/index.htm

The Clodbuster 1/10th scale radio-controlled monster truck was released in 1987 as the first Tamiya R/C monster truck with two drive motors, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. Each of the front and rear axles were identical, and the motor is attached to the axle itself, making it a very simple design. This simple design very easily allowed the axled to be used in modified vehicles. The Clodbuster virtually spawned an aftermarket industry of its own which catered to those who wished to modify their models to "crawlers," specialized vehicles designed to climb steep and rugged surfaces. 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 ^[6]^[7] ^[8]

The Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo, was a TA-01 chassis kit (packaged with an R32 GT-R body) released in 1991. The TA-01 chassis was derived from the Manta Ray buggy (with shorter arms, narrower wheels and radial tires). This kit wasn't the first TA-01 kit (it was the Toyota Celica GT-Four Rally), nor was the TA-01 the first chassis to be designed to be fitted with a touring car body (as there had been body kits that were designed to fit into buggies). However, due to its popularity, this Skyline GT-R kit was credited for creating the touring car craze during the early 90's^[9] as well for the chassis for introducing the one-make low cost racing known as Tamiya Racing Championship ^[10]

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 Juggernaut was an attempt to create a true monster truck, bigger than any attempted in RC world. It would have 4x4 and 4 wheel steering. Tire diameter was 6.5 inches and one pound each. However, it remains as one of the biggest and very rare failure in Tamiya's history. It featured two ridid axles, but unlike Clod Buster, two motors were located in the central gear box in tandum. From the central gear box, two universal shafts connected to front and rear axles. Massive weight of 4.5kg, combined with low gear ratio to provide enough torque to move the monster, would simply destroy bevel gears in the axle in one run. Tamiya quickly revised many parts. Notably, bevel gears in the axle would receive reinforcements of more bearings, and lower gear ratio. Released in 1999, Juggernaut would have received a prominent feature in 2000 Tamiya Catalog, signaling Tamiya is back into monster trucks after some 13 years since Clod Buster. However, due to its catastrophic failure, Juggernaut is not featured in any of the yearly catalog at all. Instead, revised and re-colored Juggernaut 2 appears in 2001 catalog, along with Mammoth, Juggernaut 2 based Mammoth Dump truck. Juggernaut 2 and Mammoth both retains the complex link suspension and leaf springs that didn't allow enough articulation, giving them a very bouncy ride.

The TXT-1 (Tamiya Extreme Truck) 1/10 scale radio control monster truck released in 2002. Axles, gears are almost entirely identical to Juggernaut 2, with a minor upgrade of slightly bigger diameter universal shafts. With TXT-1, Tamiya engineers shifted attention from simply building a massive monster truck to a very capable rock crawler. 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 unreliable four wheel steering of the Juggular 1 & 2, which was done with one under-powered servo in the center of the vehicle. Instead, TXT would mound one servo to steer front wheels only. As an option, rear axle can also mount a servo, allowing all 4 wheels to steer, if so desired. Tamiya engineers attended actual USHRA monster truck events in order to improve the scale appearance of the TXT and duplicate full-size suspension designs. Having fixed all the "Jug's" suspension problems, and improved chassis and steering, it remains one of the most capable crawler out of the box (assembly required). http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58280txt_1/txt_1.htm

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. It's a scaled down version of TXT-1. Light weight and TXT-1 style suspension system makes it a very capable little climber. It has quickly became widely known as one of the most versatile RC cars for projects 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. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/47201rockbuster/index.htm

Nitro Thunder is a 4x4 buggy powered by a .15 glow engine. It utilizes a new off-road racing buggy chassis called NDF-01. Just as TNX has shown promise in racing circuits, NDF-01 is a smaller 1/10 size off-road racer. Use of resin tub chassis instead of aluminum, frontal impact control system that absorbs shocks from a collision, indicate that Nitro Thunder is built with young racers in mind, however, adjustability of suspensions, rear exhaust and full ball bearings are features often found in models for experienced racers. Just as Kyosho offers scaled down 1/10 buggy of their 1/8 buggies for inexperienced racers, Nitro Thunder is Tamiya's entry into 1/10 buggy market. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43514nitro/index.htm Nitro Blaster is an identical buggy with different exterior. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43521blaster/index.htm

The Ford F-350 High Lift, released in 2006, is a modernized version of the vintage 3-speed trucks, such as Bruiser and Mountaineer. A 3-speed gearbox from tractor trailer truck series 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. In a way, it is an RC frankenstein of gear box from tractor trailers, TLT axles and Juggernaut body, but it is also a very capable crawler in its own right. A sister truck, with old Bruiser (Toyota Hilux) body is released in Dec 2007, with a scale surf board as an accessory. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/58372ford_f350/index.htm

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), and the hopped-up TA05R (containing the most popular TA05 upgrades) in spring 2007. The IFS features an inboard front suspension with pushrod-activated laydown shocks (as opposed to standup shocks attached directly to the suspension arm), which is a first for a 1/10th scale electric mainstream touring car. The chassis can be bought with various low-slung bodies, such as the Vemac RD350 body in Ebbro Team Nova's livery (which participated in the GT300 class in the 2007 JGTC), the GT500 Lexus SC430 (in various liveries), and the 2007 Raybrig NSX.

[edit] Nitro Trucks (1/8 scale)

Terra Crusher (TG-01), released in July 2002, was a brand new attempt from Tamiya aimed at nitro RC truck market, dominated by American trucks such as T-Maxx from Traxxas. T-Maxx was a revolutionary 4x4 truck. T-Maxx had big tires, 2 shocks per tire provided excellent off road capability, and on-board ez start system. T-Maxx was sold with 3 channel radio included, 2 speed transmission with reverse gears. Responding to the popularity of T-Maxx, Terra Crusher also featured big tire 4x4 with two shocks per tire, in 2 speed transmission, as well as reverse gear and on-board starting system, in 2 channel radio set instead of 3. But unlike Tamiya's other Nitro trucks of the past such as TR-15 (2 wheel drive stadium truck) and Mad Bison, it was a significant step forward in off-road nitro truck design. Tamiya's first Nitro truck, TR-15 was a rear wheel driven stadium truck which was simpler in construction, but stadium trucks were not a popular category. Second off-road nitro truck, Mad Bison in 2000 was simply a 4 wheel drive on-road car with off road tires (with a reduction gear that bulged under that bottomed out easily). Unlike these predecessors, Terra Crusher was built from scratch to be a winning off road glow engine vehicle. New to Terra Crusher were: double wishbone suspensions with 2 shocks per tire, differential that worked as reverse gear, on-board starting system, and telescoping universals. Immediately after the release of Terra Crusher, it was evident that Terra crusher suffered under the weight of massive 175mm tires (even heavier than Juggernaut's tires), and lack of power from 0.18(3cc) engine. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43501terra_crusher/terra_crusher.htm

Wild Commando (TGM-02) was released in the fall of 2002, only few months after the release of Terra Crusher. It was identical to Terra Crusher, but equipped with much lighter and smaller tires. That alone reduced weight from 5.7kg to 4.8kg and improved performance greatly. The same small size tires were sold separately for Terra Crusher. However, smaller 144mm tires that were better suited for on-road races were not popular for fans of Terra Crusher who wanted a rugged off-road monster truck. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43503wild/index.htm

TNX (TGM-03)released in 2004 proved that Terra Crusher's basic mechanical design was a very sound one. TNX is almost identical to Terra Crusher, aside from a few upgrades, notably stronger O.S designed 1.8 (3cc, up from 2.5cc) glow engine, removal of electronics box and employing much lighter tires. TNX 148mm tires were smaller than Terra Crusher's 176mm but bigger than Wild Commado's 144mm tires, going back to the off-road category. Reverse gear in Terra Crusher required delicate-tuning and was abandoned from TNX. Terra Crusher's 5.7kg (12.5 pounds) weight was reduced to 4.4kg(9.7pound) in TNX. TNX quickly proved that it is a very capable racing truck by winning numerous races. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43508tnx/index.htm

http://www.tamiya.com/japan/info/050823madness/index.htm

TNX 5.2R (TGM-04) is basically same as TNX, but mounts a larger and powerful 5.2cc engine, instead of 3cc engine. Aside from engine upgrade, also a few minor modifications are made to improve upon the performance of TNX. Weight was further reduced to 4.3kg. Dual shocks were simplified to a single shock, universal shafts were also simplified to dog-bone type universals. On-board starting system was abandoned for handheld starting motor, which saved weight. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43530tnx5_2r/index.htm

Nitrage 5.2 is the most race worthy truck that was released in the summer of 2007. It uses the same 5.2cc engine, but the truck is redesigned around 5.2 engine, geared toward adjustability of many parts for off-road racing. Chassis uses shallow tub construction, removing the necessity for bulky support beams from TNX. This lowers the center of gravity, and makes Nitrage more "race ready." Double wishbone suspension allows adjustment of camber angles. 2-speed transmission is available as a separate hop-up option. Plastic shock towers of TNX were replaced by aluminum shock towers. Weight has increased slightly to 4.6kg. Over all, Nitrage has adopted many lessons learned from various races TNX has taken part in.

http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/43532nitrage5_2/index.htm

[edit] Tamtech

Tamtech, released in 1986, is a series of smaller 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. ^[11]

[edit] RC Gliders

Tamiya offers a couple of Radio Controlled gliders. They have about 6 feet of wingspans. Peak Spirit has a foldable propeller that could be deployed when necessary. Alt Stream is an unpowered RC glider.

[edit] Quick Drive

QD (Quick Drive) Series are smaller, 1:14 scale pre-built and simplified versions of Tamiya's 1/10th scale RC cars and trucks. This series was introduced in 1988 with the Thunder Shot QD in a way to bring the joys of RC racing to children. The models were pre-assembled and supplied ready-to-run with radio gear, batteries and charger all included, and featured a two-speed gearbox. The range included versions of the Midnight Pumpkin and Monster Beetle.

[edit] Solar powered cars

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

[edit] 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:

King Hauler (also available in a limited chrome 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 R470 Highline

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.

[edit] 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. Tamiya's 1/16 scale RC tanks are clearly distinguishable in superb quality from "cheap" tanks from brands like Heng Long and the likes. These Chinese brands do however improve their looks and more and more toy versions are being rebuilt and upgraded as full option "Tamiya-like" tanks.

[edit] 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

[edit] Track racing cars

The Mini 4WD and Dangun-Racer series, which are small (1/32nd 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.

[edit] Static-display scale models

While Tamiya's RC cars are well known, as many entered RC with Tamiya's cars and trucks, Tamiya had lead static plastic models market for many decades. Recently, Chinese makers such as Dragon (DLM) and Trumpeter are offering fierce competition.

[edit] Military Vehicles (1/35)

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 soldiers and weapons 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 models of this smaller scale.

In the 90s, Dragon (DLM) kits used to be generally inferior to Tamiya. However, Dragon's quality has improved and Dragon elected to compete in the high quality end of the market, offering photo etched parts, aluminum barrels, individual track links, and often overwhelming number of parts; up to 500-700 parts per tank. Dragon's recent kits are very accurate, but putting together 500 parts can become very tedious. Tamiya, on the other hand, often offers simpler construction in efforts to keep model building fun. Tamiya's kits often use vinyl tracks for tracked vehicles. Another Chinese maker, Trumpeter is also competing from lower end of the market. Trumpeter's kits offer vinyl tracks, as well as plastic tracks molded in several peieces, such as upper part of the tracks, and lower part of the tracks and several individual tracks in between. Tamiya's recent inclusion of two kinds of tracks made out of different materials suggest that Tamiya might also follow the trend. As Trumpeter's quality also improves, Tamiya's static military lines are being pressured from both high end and low end.

Recently Tamiya has found a niche market of smaller 1/48 scale military miniatures. As average Japanese household is much smaller and cramped than any other amongst developed 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. Tamiya has great experience in 1/35 scale military vehicles. Utilizing the specs of 1/35 kits, many parts in 1/48 scale kits are simply scaled down version of 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. Tamiya is putting out about 1 new kit a month for the past 3 years, as a way to blocking entry of Chinese makers into 1/48 scale market. Already over 30 models are available from Tamiya in 1/48 scale, representing most of the popular tanks and vehicles. New entry into the 1/48 market would have to offer more than what Tamiya already does. HobbyBoss, yet 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's is offering clever innovations such as spring suspensioned road wheels. 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 offering numerous outstanding kits every year pressures Tamiya's static 1/35 line. Tamiya still is a giant in static miniature market. Because of the visibility as a leader, Tamiya could highlight obscure vehicles that no other makers were willing to build. Tamiya could drive the market better than any other maker. Sturmtiger 38cm, for example, was an obsecure vehicle, only a handful of the massive mortar tanks were built in real life, but Tamiya made it aware to builders by introducing it to the market. Although numerous and powerful, Char B was not a very glamorous tank, no other major maker was willing to invest in it, but Tamiya built it. In this role of pioneering the market, Tamiya is best suited due to high visibility in the market.

[edit] Aircraft

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 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. These feature spinning props. Some kits even include sound effect modules. Also Tamiya's aircraft kits often include metal weights that prevent 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 could be turned into a raised box that could safely house finished model after its completion. These gimmicks and often cleverly designed simpler construction help Tamiya stay on top of the miniature aircraft market. In this effort, Tamiya's philosophy of best quality around the world is realized in the form of simple construction leading to superb finish.

As with many other Japanese model makers dealing with WWII weapons, Tamiya also prefers to focus on Japanese weapons first due to considerable size of Japanese domestic market. 1/48 scale P-47 Thunderbolt, one of the most famous WWII fighters, has been produced only recently. Hellcat, an American naval fighter to defeat the Japanese Zero's superiority over Pacific is yet to be produced. Japanese Zero fighter was first to be produced in 1/48 scale. First prop fighter added to the larger 1/32 scale in 2006 is once again Japanese Zero fighter.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Ships

Tamiya produces many naval ship models in 1/350 and 1/700 scale, both full and waterline versions. Full versions offer full hulls, where as waterline versions have flat bottoms, representing only the portion seen above the waterline giving the impression that the ship is floating on the surface where it rests upon, which is more convenient if one were to create dioramas. 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. 1/700 waterline series battleship Missouri is 386.5mm (15.2 inches) long. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/31613missouri/index.htm 1/350 battleships would be twice as long. In addition, the series has a few modern vessels such as vehicle transport ship Shimokita with transparent deck to allow viewing of loaded hovercrafts, tanks, and trucks inside. http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/31006shimokita/shimokita.htm

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] References

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

[edit] See Also

Tamiya Corporation

Categories: Tamiya