Tamiya’s RC buggies, Grasshopper and Hornet, will celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2024. To commemorate the 40th anniversary, we will introduce videos from when they were released and events held in 2024 to commemorate the 40th anniversary.
The commemorative events were held at Tamiya Circuit on August 18, 2024, Pine Beach RC Raceway on November 10, 2024, and TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO from November 30, 2024 to January 26, 2025. Event details: Tamiya Circuit (August 18, 2024): This was an RC fan meeting where participants brought their favorite Tamiya RC cars and enjoyed free driving and photo shoots. Mini RC games and a raffle were also held. Pine Beach RC Raceway (November 10, 2024): Participants drove and raced in a driving event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Grasshopper and Hornet. TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO (November 30, 2024 to January 26, 2025): A Grasshopper & Hornet 40th Anniversary Campaign was held, and various events were held.
Category Archives: Vintage
A romantic story about the birth of the Tamiya RC buggy car
This time, we will talk about how to play with RC cars, which led to the birth of the Tamiya RC Buggy. It has been about 45 years since the birth of the Tamiya RC Buggy, and many people are still enjoying the Tamiya romance today. This video is full of emotion so that the romance of Tamiya RC cars can be conveyed to people all over the world, so please take a look.
Source: Paisen RC
Photos from Tamiya RC 50th Anniversary – Tamiya RC 50 Years Perfect Album
Includes all the latest models, including the Hornet EVO.
Tamiya’s first RC model, the M4 Sherman tank, released in 1974, and the world’s first electric RC car, the Porsche Turbo RSR934 Racing, released in 1976, as well as the latest models, including the Hornet EVO. In addition to the main electric car models, the book explains over 1,200 RC models released in the past, including trucks, gliders, and yachts. At the end of the book, there is a complete collector’s edition list that covers everything from RC car kits to spare parts, limited edition products, and export-only models.
Special interviews with Dr. Taki, Noriko Hidaka, and Mae-chan are included!
“Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix” is a legendary TV program that was broadcast for 15 years from 1984. This book features special interviews with the three cast members. We spoke with Dr. Taki, who gave us a clear explanation of RC, Noriko Hidaka, who is by far the most popular reporter among all the reporters, and Yasuyuki Maeda, also known as “Tamiya’s Mae-chan,” who played an active role as a host and commentator. We asked
Dr. Taki about the thoughts behind the 1/16 scale RC tank “M4 Sherman 105mm Howitzer,” which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 and is being rapidly developed for commercialization. Looking back
At the memorable “Tamiya RC Guidebook”!
In 1978, the electric RC car boom that began with the appearance of the Porsche Turbo 934 Racing was in full swing. The “Tamiya RC Guidebook,” edited by Tamiya Model Design Room (at the time), was released as the official printed material to introduce Tamiya’s RC models. In addition to serving as a catalogue showcasing all of the Tamiya RC models sold at the time with beautiful photographs, the book also contains detailed information that was difficult to find at the time, such as basic knowledge of RC models, such as the type of radio wave used by the transmitter and how to choose a kit, tips on assembly and tools, tuning tips, and even practice methods to improve driving techniques, making it a veritable bible for anyone who enjoys Tamiya RC models. This book looks back on the history of Tamiya RC models, which were published in accordance with the era and the products released, using valuable “original items” in Tamiya’s collection.
Official product video of Tamiya 58336 The Hornet
The Legend Lives On
The revolutionary 1984 2WD off-road buggy is back and more fun than ever before! The Hornet stands as one of Tamiya’s most popular R/C cars ever released, helping launch a 2WD R/C buggy boom worldwide. Featuring excellent performance on both dirt and on-road tracks, this awesome buggy can take on any type of terrain. Just like the original, this re-release features an easy to assemble chassis and drivetrain consisting of a durable but lightweight ABS resin bathtub frame, diff gear loaded sealed gearbox, oil filled rear dampers, powerful RS 540 motor and high performance suspension system. The Hornet is perfect for those that used to have one, those that have always wanted one, and for those that want a revolutionary buggy that has earned its place in R/C history.
Specifications
★Length: 400mm, width: 230mm, height: 150mm. Weight: 874g ★Solid bathtub frame with side bumpers ★High performance Type 540 motor ★Independent swing axle front suspension with friction dampers ★Rolling rigid axle rear suspension with oil filled dampers ★Sealed rear gearbox to protect diff gear during off-road running ★Original 3-piece assembly wheels compatible with optional ball bearings (sold separately) ★Straight ribbed racing front tires ★Spiked buggy rear tires ★Durable, shock absorbent polycarbonate body shell ★Reinforced resin bumper ★TEU-101BK Electronic Speed Controller
Tamiya Grasshopper & Hornet 40th Anniversary Festival in Pine Beach RC Raceway
Official product video of Tamiya 58354 The Frog (2005)
First introduced in 1983, the 2WD racing buggy Frog made a huge splash with its eye-catching design and high performance running. The Frog now makes a comeback, updated for a new age, but with its basic structure essentially unchanged. Preserving its characteristic space frame, the oil dampers for trailing-arm type rear suspension have been updated to diaphragm type. Rear drive shaft features dogbone type joint for secure power transmission. Sleek polycarbonate body remains the same, while 3-piece wheels feature front grooved and rear spike tires for excellent off-road running.
Video of Grasshopper & Hornet 40th Anniversary Festival in Tamiya Circuit
Tamiya RC 50 years perfect album – Anniversary book looking back at the 50th anniversary of Tamiya RC
The Complete 50 Years of Tamiya RC (One Publishing Mook)
An anniversary book looking back at the 50th anniversary of #Tamiya RC, this book is a must-have for fans of Tamiya’s complete range of RC models, from the M4 Sherman tank released in 1974 to the latest Hornet EVO. Scheduled for release on 31 March 2025.
Complete coverage from the “M4 Sherman” tank released in 1974 to the latest models such as the “Hornet EVO”!
An anniversary book looking back on the history of Tamiya RC, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. This is a must-have book for Tamiya RC fans, where you can encounter many famous cars that remind you of the nostalgic “era” that you were crazy about as a boy.
Includes all Tamiya RC products that have appeared in the past 50 years
Anniversary book looking back on the history of Tamiya RC, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. Includes Tamiya’s first RC model, the “M4 Sherman” tank released in 1974, and the world’s first electric RC car, the “Porsche Turbo RSR934 Racing” released in 1976, as well as the latest models including the “Hornet EVO”. It fully covers over 1,200 RC models released in the past, including trucks, gliders, and yachts, as well as the main electric car models.
The latest interview with Dr. Taki, also known as Fumihito Taki, the creator of Tamiya RC models, is published. Various related projects are also published, including the latest interview with Dr. Taki, also known as Fumihito Taki, the creator of Tamiya RC models and an indispensable part of the company’s half-century history.
The days when you stared intently at a guidebook as a child and made plans to modify your beloved car, which you did not yet have. The first car you managed to buy by borrowing your pocket money and New Year’s money in advance. The days when you poured your part-time job earnings into tuning it up to beat your rivals… Just seeing that machine brings back those moments vividly. Tamiya’s RC models will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024. Be sure to find your own “those moments” hidden within that long, long history.
*Content may change without notice .
Tamiya’s condolences to Mr. Tomoaki Ogura who was the programme narrator for TV Tokyo’s Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix for ten years
Tamiya Plamodel Factory Tokyo Grasshopper & Hornet 40th Anniversary Campaign RC Car Festival
■Event Overview
[Date] November 30, 2024 (Saturday) – January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
[Location] TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO (Shin-Yasuda Building 1F, 4-3-1 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
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- Get a special sticker when you purchase RC related products During this period, we will give away a special sticker to anyone who purchases an RC-related product! This special sticker features a logo commemorating the 40th anniversary of Grasshopper and Hornet, modeled after a Tamiya T-shirt. Don’t miss this chance! *The giveaway will end when all prizes are gone. RC kits, XB series, optional parts, spare parts, batteries, polycarbonate spray, etc. are eligible.
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- Get a special clear file when you purchase an RC kit or XB During this period, customers who purchase an RC kit or XB series (including TamTech Gear and Star Unit) will receive one special clear file for each product! You can choose from clear files featuring the packaging of either Grasshopper or Hornet, both of which feature dynamic illustrations. *The event will end as soon as prizes run out.
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- A lineup of famous cars from the 1980s! RC Package Art Exhibition This exhibition features packaging art from famous cars that appeared during the RC buggy boom of the 1980s. Dynamic artworks depicting the characters of each machine decorate the gallery walls.
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- “Grasshopper/Hornet Mark” Latte Art If you purchase a hot or decaf latte at the cafe corner, we will give you a free Grasshopper/Hornet trademark latte art upon request. *Iced drinks are not included.
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- Nostalgic music video footage will be shown on a large monitor! Promotional videos from the time of the release of RC cars that are still available for purchase as reproduction models will be shown on the large monitors at Hobby Square. Enjoy the nostalgic but also fresh images on the big screen. Screening times: Weekdays: From 5pm / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
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- Tamiya RC History Exhibition The exhibit will feature Tamiya’s first RC model, the 1/16 Sherman tank, as well as other distinctive models such as the Tyrrell and the B2B racing sidecar. Additionally, a prototype model of the Sherman under development and valuable items such as the controller from that time will be on display in the showcase in front of the cashier.
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- Acrylic setting board with package design on sale! An acrylic setting board used when assembling and tuning RC cars. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Grasshopper and Hornet, we will be selling special setting boards with designs based on their respective packages. The impressive size makes them perfect for display purposes. Sales Method: 1. Apply in-store (payment in advance – 9,350 yen per piece (tax and shipping included)) 2. Fill in the shipping address on the shipping label (shipping is limited to within Japan) 3. The setting board will be shipped once completed . *As this is a made-to-order product, it will take approximately 2 weeks for the product to arrive.