Monthly Archives: February 2020

Tamiya Mini 4WD “High Speed ​​Colors – A new sense circuit created with Sony”


“New sensation circuit” for mini 4WD with sound, light and image will appear in Shibuya on February 13

Author: Toshiya Koketsu ＠DAYS
Sony, with the cooperation of Tamiya, will start a new sense of racing activity “High Speed ​​Colors-A new sense circuit created with Sony-” at the Sony Square Shibuya project from February 13th.

The New Sensation Circuit is a new entertainment experience that colors the mini 4WD running at high speed with Sony’s high-speed vision sensing technology and sound, light, and video. First, the participants select the main color, sub-color, and circuit effects to be mapped to the body of the mini 4WD. The colors and images that are projected will change depending on the design and direction selected, so that the participants themselves can be creators and create the direction.

First, when the Mini 4WD starts running, the body design selected by the participants is mapped to the body. After that, a retro game style stage appeared on the circuit. When a coin appears on the course and the mini 4WD gets through it, a sound is heard, and when a DJ turntable appears on the course and the mini 4WD passes, a sound like scratching sounds. Furthermore, as the mini 4WD progresses, the sound and production are linked together, such as the body turning into an insect in the middle and a huge “eye” appearing. Then, the stage changes to a stage like the near future of science fiction movies, and a light beam comes out from the body of the mini 4WD and appears as a trajectory on the course. Finally, the stage changes to a stage like a different space with various elements. The Mini 4WD cuts the finish line of the race and finishes.

The productions inside and outside these courses were co-created with the creative group “PERIMETRON” led by King Gnu leader Yuki Tsuneda. Producer of PERIMETRON, Shotaro Nishioka, produced the project, two-person creative unit Margt was in charge of direction and design, and Yuhei Kobe was in charge of CG production. The music is made by 20-year-old artist Dr. Pay.

The new sensation circuit allows two people to experience each race. Since there are 180 patterns, you can enjoy it as many times as you want. Participants will also be presented with a mini 4WD with a custom-designed design and an original video of the powerful race.

Source in Japanese language: Response.20th

Official English description of Tamiya 56362 Volvo 1/14 R/C FH16 Globetrotter 750 8×4 Tow Truck & 56553 Electric Actuator Set


Tamiya 56362 Volvo 1/14 RC FH16 Globetrotter 750 8×4 Tow Truck
Tamiya’s series of ultra-realistic 1/14 scale R/C trucks has offered fun and realistic driving for the past several decades! This new kit takes that driving fun to the next level with this tow truck, which makes its living towing heavy duty vehicles such as semi-tractor trucks. It promises a completely different element of enjoyment to predecessors in the series.

The kit seen here recreates the FH16 that is marketed by Volvo, a renowned manufacture in the global commercial vehicle market. The FH Series includes a 750hp 16.1-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine FH16 Globetrotter 750 8×4 tow truck.

• 1/14 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 750mm, width: 195mm, height: 300mm.
• Features a detailed molded plastic depiction of the cab, with photo-etched front grille and interior detail features.
• This model’s front axles feature the first twin steering system seen in the Tamiya 1/14 Truck series.
• Includes metal components for excellent durability.
• Install the new separately available Actuator Set (Item 56553) to control its actions via your R/C transmitter.
• Ladder frame has aluminum side channels and resin cross members. Power from the front motor is delivered to the two rear axles via a propeller shaft.
• A built-in differential gear on each axle enables smooth cornering.
• Highly realistic suspension utilizes metal leaf springs and friction dampers.
• The model enjoys easy driving thanks to the float-mounted die-cast front and reinforced resin rear axles.
• Three-speed transmission allows shifting via the R/C transmitter (Note: only one gear is usable when towing).
• Headlights and taillights can be lit up with separately sold LEDs, and the model is compatible with Item 56523 Tractor Truck Multi-Function Control Unit “Euro-Style” (MFC-03).
• Compatible TROP truck option parts: 56523, 56531, 56538, 56548, 56549, 56550, 56551, 56553.
• Requires: Tamiya 4-Channel R/C system, ESC, 7.2volt battery and compatible charger, and Tamiya TS and acrylic paints.

Tamiya 56553 Electric Actuator Set for 1/14 RC Tow Truck
This set allows control of the winch boom/underlift on the Tamiya Volvo Globetrotter 750 8×4 Tow Truck model (Item 56362). Install it to your truck and use your transmitter to raise and lower the boom smoothly and steadily.

Set Contents/Information
• ACU-01 Actuator Control Unit x1
• 7.2V Geared Motor (ratio: 64:1)
• The geared motor moves the spindle shaft and links, which raises the boom at a slow and steady speed. The attached underlift moves in conjunction, too!
• A toggle switch also allows manual operation.
• When fitted, this system allows your truck to tow loads such as other tractor truck cabs (without trailer).
• Clutch system is installed to mitigate potential damage from overloads.

Video of Tamiya 70236 Curved Universal Arm Set – Construction Idea



★ This handy set includes two types of curved universal arms – use them to add another dimension to your creations!
★ Parts are molded in 10mm-width, 3.5mm-thickness plastic with 3mm holes at intervals of 5mm making them compatible with separately sold universal plates and arms.
★ Arms can be cut using standard modeling tools such as a knife or side cutters.
★ Contains four each of both types of curved arm, plus screws, spacers, nuts and other components used in construction.

Some new Tamiya RC assembly manuals


47430 1/10 RC Mustang SVT Cobra R ’95 (TT-01E) Chassis Body
47431 1/10 RC Eunos Roadster (M-06) Chassis Body
47432 1/10 RC Super Clod Buster Black Edition Super Clod Buster Black Edition add-on
47433 1/10 RC Toyota Supra Racing (A80)(TT-02) Chassis Body
47439 1/10 RC TT-02 Type-SR Chassis Kit
47443 1/10 RC Porsche 911 GT1 Street (TA03R-S)
58677 1/10 RC VW Karmann Ghia (M-06L) Chassis Body

Unique Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale on Tamiya RC chassis


We got a fantastic custom model from a reader of ours which we gladly would like to share with you:

I am a big fan of the wedge-shaped concept cars from the late 60s, early 70s coming from Italy. So this time i picked the Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale which was penned by Pininfarina. Originally the chassis for this car came for Ferrari 312P race car.

First a virtual 3D model of the Ferrari body was created consisting of 2 pieces – main body and windshield. Also the original wheels of the car needed to be created in 1/10 scale. Then the 3D data was sent to a 3D printing specialist. The main body with about 2 mm thickness was
printed in a mix of resin and ABS material and the windshield was printed in clear resin. The wheels were also printed from resin/ABS. The special wheel nuts are special production made from aluminium.

In order to make the model look more realistic and close to the real car the rear end of the Tamiya chassis was modified and a setup installed that carries exhaust tips made from aluminium and a gearbox.

The painting of the body was quite time consuming, as when the printed parts come out the surface is not smooth. So putty, several coats of primer and sanding is needed before the body colour can be applied. Several coats of yellow followed and in the final step the surface was polished with 3000 grid sanding paper and then polished to a high shine.

For details like Logos, lights, wiper, intakes I created decals, which were applied in the final step.

This 1/10 model is a prototype from a prototype. But unlike the original car the smaller pendant is running and able to hit the track.

Contributor: Michael Leonhard from Vienna, Austria

Tamiya scale models and RC cars winning again the Model Awards of the year by German model magazines

The results of the 2020 “Model of the Year” selection, selected by the German scale model magazine “Modell Fan”, were announced at the “Spielwaren Messe” venue. This award will be selected from among the new models announced in Germany in 2019, and the best models of each genre will be selected by reader votes of “Modell Fan” magazine and a selection committee by editorial staff. This time, “1/48 Lockheed P-38F/G Lightning” and “1/12 Honda Monkey 125” were awarded. “Modell-Fahrzeug,” a miniature model magazine specializing in a wide range of scale models, RCs, diecasts, slot cars, etc. of cars and motorcycles, selected for the 2019 model award the “1/10 RC Volkswagen Type 2 (T1)”, “1/14 RC Volvo FH16 Globetrotter 750 6×4 Timber Truck” and “1/10 RC Citroen 2CV Rally”. Furthermore, we won “Premium Brand 2019 (Best Brand of the Year)” as Tamiya.

Awards Roll in for Tamiya!
The results of the 2020 Modell des Jahres (Model of the Year) have been announced by German magazine Modell Fan at Spielwarenmesse! Tamiya is delighted to report that our 1/48 Lockheed® P-38® F/G Lightning® and 1/12 Honda Monkey 125 were both honored with the awards, chosen by the magazine’s staff and readership.This
great news follows German scale and RC auto model magazine Modell-Fahrzeug recognizing no less than three Tamiya models in the 2019 Modell-Fahrzeug des Jahres awards : 1/10 RC Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) (M-06 Chassis), 1/14 RC Volvo FH16 Globetrotter 750 6×4 Timber Truck and 1/10 RC Citroën 2CV Rally (M-05Ra Chassis). Tamiya itself was honored with the Premium Brand award.