TAMIYA model making - "First in Quality Around the World"
TAMIYA is a globally renowned brand in the field of model making. In addition to highly detailed plastic model kits, TAMIYA produces and distributes high-quality RC models under the brand slogan First in Quality Around the World (own spelling). The company is the Japanese market leader for remote-controlled electric vehicles.
The headquarters of this long-established company is located in Shizuoka (Japan). In the United Kingdom, the products are distributed by the Simba Dickie Group.
TAMIYA Model Making The History of Plastic Model Kits
In the 1950s, plastic model kits from abroad increasingly entered the Japanese market, causing sales of TAMIYA wooden models to decline steadily. As a result, TAMIYA entered the plastic model market in 1959. The first plastic model was a replica of the famous Japanese battleship Yamato, which was built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the 1930s. However, TAMIYA was unable to offer the model at competitive prices: procuring the necessary injection moulding tools in Japan was too expensive.
Thanks to the great commercial success of a small racing car produced using second-hand injection moulds, the company finally managed to raise the urgently needed capital to purchase new injection moulds.
The new model was chosen based on its many straight surfaces, which were favourable for mould making, and was a replica of the German Panther battle tank. This model was produced on a scale of 1:35, as it had to be suitable for use with a small electric motor with gearbox and the necessary batteries. Unlike other kits from competitors, the kit featured easy-to-understand and clear assembly instructions, which greatly simplified assembly, and the model was a great success.
TAMIYA finally established its own mould production facility in 1964 to solve the problem of expensive and delivery-problematic external procurement.
TAMIYA Packaging design
With the introduction of slot cars in 1968, the packaging design changed fundamentally. Whereas previously the packaging usually showed complete scenes with the respective model, the models were now shown on their own against a white background.
This type of presentation became a TAMIYA style element.
TAMIYA Model Making - The Plastic Model Kit Range
TAMIYA model kits are characterised by their extreme attention to detail. Unlike the models of other competitors, TAMIYA, for example, depicted screws and nuts realistically as hexagons from very early on, whereas other manufacturers simply represented these screws and nuts as simple raised areas.
It seems that TAMIYA was and continues to be a role model for manufacturers such as Trumpeter when it comes to attention to detail.
The very extensive product range includes plastic model kits of cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, military figures, aeroplanes and ships.
TAMIYA Car Modelling
Car models and plastic model making are inextricably linked. The TAMIYA range includes classic models such as the Porsche 934 Jägermeister, current vehicles such as the Porsche Carrera GT and cult vehicles such as the Honda S600. Some car models are even available in 1:12 scale!
TAMIYA Motorcycle Model Making
As a Japanese manufacturer, TAMIYA has a very large range of plastic motorcycle model kits.
Model making and motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of models from Japanese manufacturers such as Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. But other brands such as Ducati are also included in the range.
Some models are also available in 1:6 scale, for example the legendary Honda Monkey is offered in this scale. This guarantees great assembly fun.
TAMIYA Military Model Making
TAMIYA has a large selection of military vehicles and figures in 1:16, 1:35 and 1:48, which allows for the construction of extensive dioramas. In addition to current tank models such as the Leopard 2A6 Ukraine, countless models from the world wars are also available. These include the legendary Mk IV, which was used in large numbers in the Battle of Cambrai in 1917, for example.
TAMIYA aircraft model building
In addition to current models such as the Lockheed F35, the range also includes a large selection of famous classics such as the Spitfire.
TAMIYA ship model building
A very large selection of watercraft completes the TAMIYA model kit range. In this context, the Yamato must be mentioned. The ship models are mainly available in 1:130 and 1:700 scales. From simple sets for beginners and children who love crafting to 1000-piece professional kits, the large product selection ensures that every fan gets their money's worth.
Similar to Revell and Airfix, TAMIYA has an entry-level line for young model-making enthusiasts in its range: the TAMIYA Dinosaur Diorama Series.
The dinosaur models are particularly easy to assemble. Children and adults alike can learn lots of interesting facts about dinosaurs and the detailed assembly instructions also provide lots of tips, for example on painting the models. The diorama sets, such as the Brachiosaurus set, are real eye-catchers and make great gifts for young aspiring model building fans. h2>TAMIYA plastic model kits conclusion
TAMIYA stands for the highest quality, precision and attention to detail in model building. With an impressive selection of high-quality model kits and unrivalled attention to detail, TAMIYA has secured a firm place in the world of model making.
FAQ TAMIYA
Where does TAMIYA come from?
TAMIYA is a Japanese company. The company headquarters are located in Shizuoka (Japan).
What does TAMIYA mean?
Tamiya is the family name of the founder: the company was founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya. The family business is currently managed by Shunsaku Tamiya.
Where are TAMIYA products manufactured?
In addition to production facilities in Japan, TAMIYA has its own production capacities in the Philippines. TAMIYA models are now manufactured on a four-hectare site.
