Category Archives: Customized Builds

**Happy Holidays!** Life-size Tamiya Monster Beetle



Wishing a happy holiday season to all Tamiya fans across the globe!
Have a happy Christmas!

Main specifications
Body size: Length 400 x width 2050 x height 2080 (mm)
Engine type: Liquid-cooled in-line 4-cylinder
Valve train: DOHC 16 valves
Total displacement: 1796 cc
Maximum output: 180 hp
Maximum torque: 17.3 kgm
Drive train: Part-time 4WD
Transmission: 5-speed MT
Seating capacity: 2 persons
Engine and fuel system
Engine type: M18A
Maximum output: 125 hp (92 kW) at 5500 rpm
Maximum torque: 17.3kg-m (170N-m)/4200rpm
Type: Water-cooled in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve
Total displacement: 1796cc
Bore x stroke: 83.0 mm x 83.0 mm
Compression ratio: 9.6
Fuel supply system: EPI (electronically controlled fuel injection)
Fuel tank capacity: 40 litres
Fuel: Regular unleaded petrol
Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD
Transmission: 5MT
Gear ratios: 1st gear (5.809), 2nd gear (3.433), 3rd gear (2.171), 4th gear (1.439), 5th gear (1), reverse (5.861), final gear ratio (3.818)
Steering type: Other
Suspension Type (Front): 3-link rigid-axle coil spring
Suspension Type (Rear): 3-link rigid-axle coil spring
Brake type (front): Disc
Brake type (rear): drum (leading trades)
Tyre size (front): 35 x 12.5 R15
Tyre size (rear): 35 x 12.5 R15
Minimum turning radius: 4.9 m
Vehicles manufactured by Garage Aichi
https://kuruma-garege.com/

Announcement of the 82th Tamiya Pachi Contest winning work

The 82nd AFV model photo contest “Pachi”. People of all ages applied, from the youngest 10 years old to the oldest 80 years old. This time, there were many people who narrowed down to one work that “this is it”, and I felt the enthusiasm for that one. In addition, among the junior award-winning works, there were some masterpieces of a high level that were no different from those of the general public. Compared to previous years when there were many entries in the photography category, the number of entries in the scenery category increased this year. The vehicles that became the subject were mainly the M18 Hellcat and KV-2 released this spring, and many works using these were received.
Mr. Mitsuishi’s work, which won the gold prize in the landscape photography category, makes excellent use of the twilight sky in the background, and the scene combining vehicles and soldiers visible in the backlight is splendid. Mr. Minami’s KV-2, which won the gold prize in the photography category, has a realistic and solid green body with a complementary red background, giving it an impressive finish.
The deadline for applications for the Pachi Contest is September 1 every year. When the model is completed, next is a snap with the camera. We are waiting for one piece of the entrance.

Prize-winning works in the landscape photography category


Gold medal
[Author] Kunihiro Mitsuishi (56) Oita [Title] Twilight [Scale] 1/35
This is a diorama using the M18 Hellcat and American soldier figure released this year, and my favorite greyhound. I assembled the set outdoors at dusk and pressed the shutter while being conscious of the ever-changing background. I deliberately chose an image that emphasized the silhouette with a hint of backlight. It is a privilege of the countryside to be able to shoot in a beautiful location of the setting sun. (smile)


Silver Award
[Author] Kenichi Sanada (51) Fukuoka [Title] Strike to Victory [Scale] 1/35
This work was created with the theme of a scenery work that makes use of Pershing’s movable suspension. Some fenders have been removed to emphasize the series of movements going up the stone steps. The base stone steps and brick wall are made by myself from styrene boards. Making a diorama is hard work to give shape to your imagination, but nothing can replace the joy of completing it.


Silver Award
[Author] Akira Hitomi (58) Tochigi [Title] To a new mission [Scale] 1/35
The work depicts a scene in which a new mission was announced over the radio just after an American military reconnaissance unit joined the platoon. It is a combination of M18 Hellcat, cargo truck, jeep and infantry. Other materials used are styrene board for the building and tissue paper for the track holo. The photo was taken outdoors in the evening. For me, Pachi is the pursuit of the ultimate reality.


Prize-winning work in the photo category


Gold medal
[Author] Kentaro Minami (31) Shizuoka [Title] KV-2 [Scale] 1/35
For painting, I used an airbrush with a diameter of 0.2 mm, sprayed green in a mottled manner, and added buff little by little to increase the brightness. I made my own masking on the turret with a cutting plotter and applied imaginary markings. For the background, choose red, which is the complementary color of green. At the same time as making the tank stand out, it also expresses the Soviet tank-likeness. I had a hard time shooting without red being reflected on the car body.


Silver Award
[Author] Yoshiyuki Kano (50) Hokkaido [Title] American Tank Destroyer M18 Hellcat [Scale] 1/35
Since it is a monochromatic tank, I focused on painting. Crafts add dolls and luggage. The painting was finished with chipping, dry brushing, filtering, etc. so that it would not be monotonous. The undercarriage is soiled with a weathering stick, etc., and then sputtered. I used a mirrorless single-lens reflex camera and took pictures indoors using a shooting box.


Silver Award
[Author] Satoshi Tateoka (60) Chiba [Title] Type III Assault Gun G [Scale] 1/35
I made it with the image of a vehicle full of spare supplies in the latter half of the war. The kit is a straight assembly with additional armor plates and rear racks. Equipment is a diversion from other kits. The painting uses a combination of lacquer, acrylic and enamel paint. I paid attention to the painting so that I could feel the three-dimensional effect as a whole, being conscious of the sharpness of the light and shade and the color tone.


Past years prize-winning works

Winning works of the Tamiya Mini 4WD Japan Cup 2022 Concours d’Elegance ONLINE


Introducing the award-winning works of the Mini 4WD Japan Cup 2022 “Concours d’Elegance ONLINE”
Works that won the “NEW ERA Award”, “Yokohama Tire Award” and “XLARGE Award” at “JC2022 Condere 1-4” held during the period, and works that won the “MC / Mini 4 Doctor Award” and “Other Awards” are introducee all at once.

Previous year winning works

Plastic model courses for the basics of Tamiya drilling, cutting and masking tools by professional modeller Shinji Hasegawa



We will explain the types and usage of “piercing” tools used for various model work. From a handy pin vise to a convenient electric drill and a punch that can be used in various ways, you can expand the range of remodeling and detailing.
00:00 Please note
00:39 Lineup introduction of drilling tools
02:41 How to use pin vise
06:43 How to use modeling drill chuck
07:13 How to use an electric handy drill
08:37 How to use modeler’s punch
10:11 How to use a tapered file Click here for detailed information on the products introduced in the video Tamiya Craft Tools Pin Vise Drill Blades
● Commentary: Shinji Hasegawa (Professional modeler / Lecturer at Tamiya Plastic Model Factory Tressa Yokohama)


We will explain the types and characteristics of “scissors” used in various model making tasks. Use scissors that are suitable for different purposes, such as cutting plastic vans, decals, stickers, and masking tape.
00:00 Please note
00:57 How to use craft scissors
01:46 How to use curved scissors 
02:23 How to use decal scissors
03:54 How to use etching scissors
04:28 How to use precision tweezers and mini 4WD curved scissors Click here for detailed information on the products introduced in the video Tamiya Craft Tools Craft Scissors (for plastic/soft metal)
● Commentary: Shinji Hasegawa (Professional modeler / Lecturer at Tamiya Plastic Model Factory Tressa Yokohama)


This is an explanation of “masking”, which is indispensable for model painting work. We will introduce points such as the types of masking tape, how to apply it well, and how to remove it.
00:00 Please note
01:10 Masking tape lineup introduction
03:31 Dedicated mask sticker included with the kit
04:28 Precautions for masking work
06:30 Sharpen the cross section of the tape
07:58 Airplane canopy masking
09:08 Watch out for gaps!
11:13 Pay attention to the direction of painting!
12:11 Surface masking
13:07 Masking tape for curves 
14:03 Introduction of extra-fine tape tricks
14:40 How to use large masking stickers
16:16 Important! How to remove masking tape
18:20 What if it sticks out? Click here for detailed information on the products introduced in the video. Tamiya Makeup Materials Various Masking Tapes
● Commentary: Shinji Hasegawa (Professional modeler / Lecturer at Tamiya Plastic Model Factory Tressa Yokohama)

Tamiya RC Advice Vol.23 – Turning the on-road spec TT-02 into a rally spec machine part 3



The popularity of RC rallies is increasing, where you can enjoy driving with flat dirt. Therefore, this time we will introduce how to change the on-road specification car of the shaft drive 4WD “TT-02 chassis”, which is also the most suitable as an entry model, to the rally specification.
Products introduced in the video
00:37 OP.2023 TT-02 Chassis cover set
04:54 OP.1571 TT-02 Aluminum motor heat sink

Tamiya RC Condele award-winning works


Introducing the award-winning works of the Tamiya RC body contest “Tamiya RC Condele”! The contests “Tamiya RC Condele” and “Tamiya RC Condele”
Held on Twitter in February 2021 and January 2022 to compete for Tamiya RC dress-up ideas. Introducing the award-winning works of “RC Condele 2”! Originally designed RC, unique machines that are particular about body remodeling, etc. A collection of outstanding works. Please have a look!