Category Archives: Customized Builds

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!

Full size Tamiya Monster Beetle shown at the 60th Shizuoka Hobby Show 2022

Fox On The Run – Building The Tamiya Novafox

The Tamiya “Fox” was my third Tamiya buggy back in the good old days.
And yes, I loved this car. Compared to my “Falcon” and “Grasshopper” the suspension worked really well. Incidentally, it was the first Tamiya vehicle to feature the “modern” yellow C.V.A. dampers. And the car wasn’t just fast, it looked fast too. The flat and slim design shaped a whole generation of buggies in the 80s and 90s.
And when Tamiya brought out the re-release of “The Fox”, the “Novafox”, I had to get one right away, of course.

Still, it took a while for me to finally finish it.
And that almost annoys me a little, because the “Novafox” looks so damn good now.

Back then, 1985 to be precise, the “Fox” could well be considered the first attempt at a competitive 2WD buggy, which, as we know, it never really was.
But for the ambitious leisure driver, the car was really more than good to use. And I had a lot of fun with my Fox back then when we competed with Hornet, Frog, Falcon, etc.

And with the closed chassis, the car was well protected against dirt, which of course was less good for quick maintenance at races.

But now to the “Novafox”.

As with every Tamiya re-release, building it was tremendous fun. It was like a little throwback to building my first “The Fox” back in the 80’s.
The “Novafox” is already almost completely equipped with ball bearings. We also gave him the 4 standard 1150 bearings for the front wheels, who are not included with the kit.
And of course a Tamiya “Sport Tuned” motor could not be missing. To give it a little individual “touch”, I use the “2WD Front Rib-Spike Tires” No. 54896.
The wonderful golden “Aluminum Nerf Guards” are an old Hop Up part from “Parma” which I had at home for almost 20 years. And goes wonderfully with the golden rims and the metallic green paintscheme.
We are extremely happy with the result and look forward to the soon to be released re-release of the famous “Thunder Shot”, one of our absolute favorite 4WD buggies from the 80s.

But for now, enjoy the “Novafox” !

Tamiya RC Advice Vol.21- Modifying on-road TT-02 to rally spec (Part 1)


The popularity of RC rallies, where you can enjoy driving on flat dirt roads, is increasing. 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. TT-02 chassis matching part list can be found here.