Tamiya was founded in 1946 and originally produced wooden model ships and airplanes, then in 1960 they started to manufacture plastic models. Their first plastic kit was a 1/800 scale model of the Yamato battleship. Now with over 60 years of modelling experience and over 700 model kits, Tamiya has gained a reputation among hobbyists for producing some of the highest standard plastic model kits with outstanding quality and accurate scale detail. Tamiya once purchased a full-scale Porsche 911 just to dismantle and re-assemble it to help them understand the engineering workings behind the car which enabled them to manufacture a much higher detail plastic model kit! That’s some serious commitment to scale detail.
Tamiya - Pioneers of the Hobby Industry
In 1976 Tamiya looked to revolutionize the hobby-grade remote-control industry and started manufacturing a RC 1/12 Porsche 934 which set the standard for remote control kits and pioneered the remote control boom! In the 80’s, iconic, easy to build RC buggy kits like the HORNET, GRASSHOPPER, HOTSHOT and the FROG were responsible for an entire generation of kids (and their parents!) getting into hobby grade RC cars. These vintage cars have now been reissued and tweaked for modern electronics, giving fans the ultimate nostalgia hit!
Hobbies Direct is proud to be an Australian stockist of a huge range of Tamiya plastic models, modelling tools, model paints and of course their RC range of cars, trucks, and tanks.
Tamiya - "First in Quality Around the World”
FAQ:
1. How should I choose the right paint for my model kit?
The choice of paint can depend on the desired finish and the material of the model:
Acrylics are easier to handle, clean up with water, and are less toxic.
Enamels offer a smooth finish and are durable but require solvents for cleanup.
Lacquers provide a tough, durable finish and are great for airbrushing.
2. Are Tamiya model kits suitable for beginners?
Yes, Tamiya offers kits that are suitable for all skill levels. They are known for their clear instructions and well-fitting parts. Beginners might start with simpler models, potentially labelled as "Easy" or "Simple" on the packaging.
3. Can Tamiya paints be mixed to create custom colours?
Yes, Tamiya paints, especially acrylics, can be mixed to create custom colours. It’s recommended to mix the same type of paint (e.g., acrylic with acrylic) to ensure compatibility.
