Atömik Playground

Tamiya – First in Quality

Tamiya is a Japanese company known for their model cars and radio controlled models. Additionally, they produce educational models, sailboats, acrylic enamel paints and various modeling tools and supplies.

Tamiya is well known for creating lifelike scale models. They also take great pride in producing products with attention to detail.

Early Hobby and R/C Models Imported into the United States

Tamiya may be best known for their radio controlled cars and tanks, but they also produced numerous plastic models in the 1960s and 70s that have become classics among hobbyists worldwide. Some models made by Tamiya from this era are considered essentials among collectors today.

Tamiya R/C and Model Company was well known for producing one of their most beloved model kits: the Grasshopper off-road buggy was immensely popular due to its affordable price point and durable construction; making it an excellent introduction into hobby.

Tamiya also offered other RC cars besides the Grasshopper, such as Special Racing Buggies which were faster but still relatively affordable to run; more durable batteries made these favorite among RC racers.

Tamiya’s Avante car was an extremely innovative design intended to return Tamiya to the forefront of R/C racing. This vehicle featured FRP chassis with aluminum components for maximum adjustability as well as numerous customization options.

Though no longer manufactured, Avante remains extremely sought-after by collectors as a classic car model. This can be explained by its groundbreaking and forward-thinking design at its introduction.

Tamiya also produced other classic kits, like the Panther tank and M-80 tank models that collectors value highly as part of Tamiya’s legacy. Both these models remain in good condition today and make an invaluable part of Tamiya history.

Other companies besides Tamiya that manufactured models for the r/c hobby included those located in Japan; some even still produce models today!

Hirobo Helicopter products became immensely popular during the 80’s, enabling the company to produce some truly spectacular R/C vehicles like Alien Mid4s and Jealousy cars, which were highly innovative and technologically advanced for their time.

Early Tamiya Models

Tamiya first entered the modeling business in 1948, and today offers an extensive line of high quality RC and static models. They pride themselves on being known as “First in Quality Around the World”, due to their longstanding legacy of producing superior kit kits and vehicles.

Tamiya had long dominated the static plastic model market, known for their precision products and impeccable range. But more recently, Chinese makers such as Dragon (DML) and Trumpeter have entered with competitive offerings that threaten Tamiya’s dominance in this arena.

Tamiya’s sales and profit figures have seen significant decreases over the years, forcing them to release revised versions of some their most popular models in order to meet rising demand. As a result, they have begun producing revised models.

There are still original Tamiya model kits on sale at reduced prices that can be found at thrift stores, estate sales or pawn shops across the nation.

Finding classic Tamiya R/C models can also be done through online auction sites like eBay or Craigslist, but it’s wiser to do your homework first and ask around as this will prevent sellers from trying to take advantage of you by selling inferior imitations that look the same but may actually cost less.

Tamiya models from its early production run possess many features that make them highly collectible, such as mechanical shiftable transmissions, realistic body shells and complex chassis construction.

Tamiya produced one of their more complex models in 1985 when they introduced their Bruiser 1/10-scale pickup truck with working three-speed transmission, high torque RS-750SH motor, and ultra realistic Toyota Hilux body featuring sleeper cab and interior detailing.

Popular early Tamiya models included the Manta Ray buggy and TA01 chassis series, both featuring realistic lexan body shells sold separately or included with kits of these series – some were even among the most realistic ever made by any manufacturer!

Tamiya offers an outstanding eighteen wheel trailer truck known as the Rig. These massive vehicles can be seen driving around every day around the world and can be built using ready-to-assemble RC technology to achieve stunning full size scale effects.

Tamiya Models in the United States

Tamiya has been producing models since 1948 and is well known for their “First in Quality Around the World” product line. Their offerings include precision static model kits, battery and solar powered educational models and radio control vehicles; sailboat models; acrylic and enamel paints specifically tailored for modelers are also among their offerings.

Tamiya offers many different RC models suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike, from classic Grasshopper buggies to TT-02 racers and vintage replicas – there’s something suitable for everyone here! In addition to cars, they also produce plastic models of military planes and tanks.

At HobbyTron, they recently unveiled the Masterwork Collection Series kits, offering handcrafted models designed to be touch up-friendly and straightforward assembly. These new kits will prove popular among both newcomers to modeling as well as experienced hobbyists alike.

They have also introduced several RC car models designed to entice fans of their brand, such as the TA01/TL-01 chassis and Datsun 280ZX RM Mk2 race car.

The TA01/TL-01 shaft-driven 4WD touring chassis is an extremely popular choice among beginners and experts alike. Featuring an ultra narrow three-piece vertically sandwiched chassis design that can accept various body options, its high durability and low cost make this an excellent starting car for new modelers looking for their first experience in model car racing.

Tamiya’s TA05/TL-05LA racing chassis is another immensely popular offering from Tamiya. Featuring an innovative shaft-driven 4WD racing car design with equal length belts and center motor, its 50/50 front/rear weight distribution makes it popular with both touring car drivers as well as sports car racers.

Other models from the TA05/TL-05LA chassis line include the TA03/TL-03LA short wheelbase rally car featuring an open top rear and electric motor. Its 2.4GHz radio system is extremely popular while its low cost construction and high performance make it perfect for newcomers to RC racing.

The TA05/TL-05LA has enjoyed a lengthy production run, featuring various versions over its lifespan – most recently as the TA05-IFS which features inboard front suspension.

Tamiya Models Worldwide

Tamiya has an established tradition of manufacturing model kits for cars, trucks, aircraft and ships – as well as radio controlled (RC) and static scale models suitable for hobbyists.

They also produce various accessories for their vehicles, including battery chargers and electronic speed controllers to power R/C vehicles. Furthermore, they have released radio controlled tanks featuring optional parts depicting different variants or sound effects.

Tamiya’s most beloved products include the Tamiya TL-01/TL-01LA, TA01/TA02 and RM5/6 series of shaft-driven touring chassis. These utilize an innovative three-piece vertically sandwiched design featuring high load capacity and exceptional durability.

These chassis are an excellent way for newcomers to enter racing, providing excellent value and ease of use.

Tamiya’s 1/700 naval ship models are an increasingly popular line. Boasting full and waterline hulls in multiple colors for diorama use, these models make an excellent addition to any collection.

Tamiya models, especially their 1/12 scale street and Grand Prix racing motorcycles, are highly detailed models available in an assortment of colors.

Tamiya offers an impressive collection of 1/16 scale model figures designed to look realistic, including natural posture and facial features that evoke lifelike emotions. Their clothing and equipment also ensure maximum realism.

This company has also produced various solar powered educational models, such as the Solar Eagle. These can be used for teaching children about solar energy as well as its potential dangers if used without proper precautions in place.

Tamiya offers an assortment of RC truck models ranging in scale from 1/14 to 1/16 scale, featuring ABS body shells and equipped with both 540-size electric motors and three speed transmission-combinations capabilities.

These manufacturers also produce a wide variety of 1/18 scale radio controlled tanks made of ABS, polycarbonate and metal for realistic looking tanks.Tamiya has long been known for producing quality radio controlled models, but they also produce plastic and die-cast model cars that cater to professional racers as well as enthusiasts alike. Their models come in an assortment of sizes and features making them suitable for use by both professionals and amateur enthusiasts.