Category Archives: Vintage

Exhibition with boxes of Tamiya plastic models from 1965 to 1975 piled up high like a toy store of that period

Half a century of Showa model collection from Inami

Yasumasa Matsui says, “I want people to go back in time to the Showa era and feel nostalgic,” in front of plastic models he has collected over half a century, at the Inami Sculpture Museum in Inami, Nanto City.


Exhibition of free TV announcer Matsui
Yasumasa Matsui, a 60-year-old freelance announcer who retired from TV Asahi in March, is from Nanto City. Monozukuri~” will open on the 12th at the Inami Sculpture Museum in Inami, the same city. Until September 17th.
Mr. Matsui is known as a global collector of plastic models made by Tamiya (Shizuoka City), a major model maker, and is called “Japan’s number one Tamiya fan” by the company’s chairman, Shunsaku Tamiya. He fell in love with models when he was in the third grade of elementary school, and even after joining TV Asahi, he continued to collect them at model stores and auctions nationwide.
This is the first time for Mr. Matsui to exhibit his collection. We exhibited more than 700 items, including some of the models that we have collected so far and dioramas that we assembled ourselves.
Boxes of Tamiya plastic models from 1965 to 1975 are piled up high like a toy store at that time and displayed. In addition to the elaborately reproduced Tamiya classic tank series, there are also valuable wooden kits that even Tamiya does not own. There is also a 1/144-scale diorama of the 2015 Kinugawa levee breach that Matsui covered.
Mr. Matsui said, “I think you’ll be surprised if you just come here. I want you to slip back in time to the Showa era and feel nostalgic.”
The admission fee is 500 yen for high school students and older, and 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Second and fourth Wednesdays off every month. (Kazuya Hirota)
Source of article in Japanese language: Chunichi Shimbun Web

Tamiya RC Live – Kakegawa Grand Prix Tournament, introduction of BBX option specification car and Tamiya RC history



Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix Kakegawa Tournament, introduction of BBX option specification car and Tamiya RC history!
・ Introducing the “Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix Kakegawa Tournament” held at Tamiya Kakegawa Circuit on Sunday, July 16th. We will also deliver the pattern of the “Tamiya Touring” class where the incandescent battle was developed! ・ TRF Maezumi modifies the BBX, which will be released in August 2023, with optional parts. We introduce points for assembling and effective optional parts all at once! ・Tamiya RC history introduces the RC released in 2003. The “Xanavi Nismo GT-R (R34)” with a V6 layout engine, the “Blackfoot Extreme” with big tires with a diameter of 130mm, and the “Raybrick NSX 2003” sponsored by light manufacturer Raybrig will be on display.

Tamiya Official Mini 4WD Package Art Collection book


Tamiya Official Mini 4WD Package Art Collection
A must-have collection for fans with over 300 pieces of #Mini 4WD package art from the first appearance in 1982 to the present day in the upper and lower volumes. Scheduled to be released on 28 Aug.

An art book that includes the package art of Tamiya’s hit series “Mini 4WD”!
More than 300 mini 4WDs from the first appearance in 1982 to the present in 2023 are posted in the upper and lower volumes!
Many package arts created by famous illustrators led by Masami Onishi are vividly revived.

The first boom in the late 80’s led by “Dash! Yonkuro”, and the second boom in the late 90’s that became a social phenomenon due to the big hit of “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go!!”. When the Tamiya official race “Japan Cup” was revived in 2013, the mini 4 racers who became adults returned and the popularity revived in earnest. Mini 4WD will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2022, and it is widely enjoyed by both men and women, from children to adults. With the increase in “home time” due to the corona crisis, the number of people enjoying it has increased further. In any era, the mini 4WD package shines with beautiful illustrations and CG (some are photos) machines. In this book, more than 300 package arts of those Mini 4WD are posted in the upper and lower volumes. Completely covering the standard model, it is a fulfilling content that also includes some special models.

In the first volume, we mainly introduce the machines from the first boom led by “Dash! Yonkuro” to the eve of the second boom. It is a book of fan drool that contains valuable materials such as flyers of the time that are treasured at Tamiya headquarters.
Source: Shogakukan Creative

New Tamiya 58727 Mitsubishi Pajero CW-01 Chassis


New 1:10 scale RC model from Tamiya. The model reproduces the Mitsubishi Pajero combined with the CW-01 chassis. After its concept car was announced at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973, the Mitsubishi Pajero was one of the most recognisable Mitsubishi 4WD cars, sold from 1982 to 2021 through a fourth model update.
At the 1983 Paris-Dakar rally, this car won the championship in an unmodified production vehicle division and subsequently showed its great performance value around the world.
This kit recreates the first generation model produced from 1982 to 1990. Based on item 58499 1/10 R/C Mitsubishi Montero Wheelie, the tyres are changed from huge 115mm to rock block tyres, and the kit features the short CVA II type oil shocks.
Model features:
– 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 385mm, width: 240mm, height: 255mm. Wheelbase: 207mm. (approximate).
– The ABS plastic bodywork (like the original 58499) realistically reproduces the shape of the first-generation Mitsubishi.
– The CW-01 chassis uses short CVA II oil shock absorbers. (as an alternative to the friction dampers supplied as standard in earlier versions of the CW-01 chassis).
– The newly designed 5-spoke wheels are matched with rock block tyres.
– The stickers depict the design of the road car.
– Please note that the bodywork is not pre-painted.

Tamiya Wild One Max video presentation



This is the kind of car that reminds us all that being childish isn’t a bad thing at all. In a genius tie-up, The Little Car Co – whose usual 75 per cent remakes are of famous classics like the Aston DB5 or Bugatti Type 35 – is building a Wild One you can drive.

You get a spaceframe long and wide enough to take two full-sized adults in proper Cobra Racing bucket seats, a 38bhp electric motor and eight swappable, modular battery packs that make up 14.4kWh of juice. That’s enough for roughly 68 miles of off-road driving or 125 miles on-road if you’re careful.

Brakes are by Brembo, springs are by Eibach, adjustable dampers by Bilstein. Tyres are Maxxis front and rear on 14s, and there’s not much else to it. Although the first 100 Launch Edition cars do get a little plaque and a limited edition Wild One R/C car included in the price. Which is £35,000 (excluding VAT and shipping), by the way, so not beans.

There’ll be a cheaper one later, possibly that you can build yourself, possibly without the road-legal bits (windscreen, lights, wipers, number plates etc), but that’s all yet to be finalised.

And if that sounds expensive, then it probably is, for a toy. But for a little car that makes absolutely everyone grin when they see it, it’s cheap at half the price.
Source: Top Gear

Mika Häkkinen and Tamiya in 1991

Tamiya RC Live including Tamiya BBX TRF with Maezumi specificiations, Tamiya RC autumn new products, Grand Prix Okayama Tournament and Tamiya RC History


Introducing the Tamiya RC Car Grand Prix Okayama Tournament and Tamiya RC History!
Introducing the RC Car Grand Prix Okayama Tournament. We deliver the “MAZDA JJ Grand Prix” class sponsored by Mazda Motor Corporation and the “Willie Grand Prix” class, which is fun just to watch! ・Tamiya RC history introduces the RC released in 2002. “Enzo His Ferrari” announced at the Paris Salon in September 2002 bearing the name of the founder of Ferrari, “TB Evolution III” which is the third generation of the TB Evolution series of 4WD touring cars, “Apt- Audi TT-R” will appear.


Commentary on Tamiya Grand Prix All Japan Championship 2023 strategy points by TRF Maezumi, Tamiya RC autumn new product introduction and Tamiya RC history!
TRF Maezumi explain each class in detail. Find the key to the strategy and aim for representation! ・Introducing the “BBX” scheduled to be released in August with TRF Maezumi’s optional specifications! ・We introduce the details of “1/35 RC German Panzer IV Type J”, “2003 Ford Focus RS Custom”, and “XV-02RS PRO” scheduled to be released in autumn as new Tamiya RC products! ・Tamiya RC history introduces RC released in 2002-2003. “Baja King” was developed with the image of a buggy active in the traditional race “Baja 1000” that runs 1000 miles off-road in Mexico, and “Enzo’s Ferrari” developed in combination with TT-01, ” Williams BMW FW24″ appear.

Tamiya RC Live with reports to racing events and Tamiya RC history



Introduction of off-road meeting in Kakegawa and Tamiya RC history!
・We introduce the “Off-Road Meeting in Kakegawa” held at the Tamiya Kakegawa Circuit Off-Road Course on Sunday, May 28th. Pay attention to the “M-RALLY” class, which was held for the first time on an off-road course! ・Tamiya RC history introduces the RC released in 2002. The “Ford Focus RS WRC 02” developed for the 2002 WRC victory, the “Beams Integra” that won 1st and 2nd place in the C-4 class at the 2001 Tokachi 24-hour race, the “F201 chassis kit (original with body)”.


Introducing the Tamiya Grand Prix All Japan Championship Okayama Tournament and Tamiya RC History!
・We introduce the pattern of the “Tamiya Grand Prix All Japan Championship Okayama Tournament” which finally started. Please pay attention to the race that became a heated development in each class with the right to represent the “Tamiya World Champion Decision Battle 2023”! ・Tamiya RC history introduces the RC released in 2002. The “Mini Cooper”, which was fully remodeled in 2002, and the “CLK-DTM 2002 AMG-Mercedes”, which was driven by former F-1 driver Jean Alesi in the 2002 DTM, and 2002. You can see “Raybrick NSX 2002” with the motif of the vehicle of Team Kunimitsu with MOONCRAFT.

Tamiya RC Live – Introducing the 61st Shizuoka Hobby Show, Toyota Challenge Cup and Tamiya RC History



Introduction of the 61st Shizuoka Hobby Show, Toyota Challenge Cup Day 1 and Tamiya RC history!
・Introducing the “BLOCKHEAD MEETING” held at Sumpu Castle Park on Thursday, May 4th. Pay attention to the overwhelming number of off-road machines running all at once! ・Introducing the “61st Shizuoka Hobby Show” held at Twin Messe, Shizuoka City for 5 days from May 10th (Wednesday) to May 14th (Sunday). We will also deliver the installation view of the “BBX” and “MB-01”, which were exhibited as new products at the venue and attracted attention. ・You can see the “Toyota Challenge Cup Day 1” held on Saturday, May 13th at Nanbu Gymnasium in Shizuoka City. Also pay attention to the “WRC” class on a special circuit with a powerful big jump! ・Tamiya RC history introduces RC released from 2001 to 2002. The “Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII WRC”, which adopted the TB-01 chassis, which was popular for rally driving at the time, and the “Nissan Fairlady Z”, which became synonymous with Nissan sports cars. Please see the “Ferrari F2001” that has become a hot topic.


Introduction of Toyota Challenge Cup Day2, information on Tamiya Grand Prix All Japan Championship 2023 and Tamiya RC history!
・ We deliver the state of the Tamiya booth at “CHIMERA GAMES” held in Odaiba, Tokyo on May 20th (Sat) and 21st (Sun). The RC experience corner was a big hit with the children! ・The “Tamiya Grand Prix All Japan Championship 2023” will finally start with the “Tamiya Grand Prix All Japan Championship Okayama Tournament” on June 17, 2023. We will introduce the introduction of each holding area and strategy points. ・Introducing the “Toyota Challenge Cup Day 2” held on May 14th (Sun) at Nanbu Gymnasium in Shizuoka City. Please also pay attention to the “JJ” class, which is limited to elementary and junior high school students and women, and the “Parent-child” class, where parents and children join forces to compete! ・Tamiya RC history introduces the RC released in 2002. -Based on the Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge, which debuted at the 1999 Geneva Show as the fifth generation of the Ferrari 308, and the Toyota MR-S Racing, which first adopted the short wheelbase TA-04SS, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK. Please take a look at the “HKS CLK” developed for the 2002 JGTC.

Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition


The highly anticipated Tamiya Wild One MAX will be publicly unveiled this Summer, starting with a limited-run Launch Edition.

Based on the original Tamiya Wild One (58050) radio-controlled car – first released in 1985 – the Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition will be relaunched as a full-scale vehicle and limited to 100 examples before other versions are released.

Developments and updates to the Wild One MAX Launch Edition

Whilst the project has taken longer than expected due to industry-wide supply delays, The Little Car Company took the time to listen to feedback from deposit holders. They spoke to the community throughout the design and development process and made upgrades based on their input, resulting in higher performance, and greater usability.

The high specification Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition features Cobra bucket seats with 4-point harnesses, an IP-rated 5” digital screen with marine specification switches, Brembo disc brakes all round, and Bilstein dampers coupled with Eibach springs. The car runs on 14” Maxxis off-road tyres at the front and rear.

Small adjustments have been made to the original R/C car design for added safety and comfort. Inside, the cockpit has been made wider to accommodate two occupants in comfort, which was a consistent wish-list item when speaking with deposit holders.

The front suspension turrets have been smoothed, allowing for improved visibility and pedestrian safety, and the front suspension has been upgraded from a ‘trailing arm’ design to double wishbone. Ongoing development has now seen the car grow in size from 3.5m long (137.8”) and 1.8m (70.8”) wide, to 3.6m long (141.7”) and 1.9m wide (74.8”).

For off-road enthusiasts, ground clearance on the Wild One MAX Launch Edition is 270mm, the approach angle is 34.1 degrees, the breakover angle is 28.4 degrees, and the departure angle is 50.8 degrees. The Little Car Company has also developed an optional windscreen and wiper mechanism to make the car more practical.

The Launch Edition will be powered by eight removable battery packs, with a total capacity of 14.4kWh and top speed of approximately 60 mph (96.5 km/h). Meanwhile, the kerb weight of the vehicle is expected to be approximately 500kg. Existing deposit holders were asked if they would be interested in a road legal option for the car, and unsurprisingly, 95% said yes. The Little Car Company have therefore developed the Launch Edition to come with a road legal pack in the UK and EU under L7e quadricycle regulations*.

Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be one step closer to revealing our Tamiya Wild One MAX Launch Edition. Whilst there have undoubtedly been a few hurdles along the way with industry-wide supply issues, our team have done a tremendous job of bringing an R/C car to life at full size , and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“I want to thank all our Tamiya deposit holder community, who have provided us with some invaluable contributions and suggestions for how we can make the Wild One MAX the best possible vehicle. We have listened to every single one of them since the first unveiling and have taken their ideas on board. Their feedback has helped us develop a new type of vehicle which illustrates that electric cars can be fun, without having to rely on brain-scrambling acceleration. By simplifying the design and reducing weight, this car is a perfect example of not requiring 500 horsepower to make an enjoyable drivers’ car. We are incredibly excited to show you the finished car and can’t wait for everyone to experience it for themselves.”

Production of the Launch Edition will commence in early 2024 and cars will be delivered to customers fully built by The Little Car Company. Offering increased size, usability and performance, the Launch Edition will take the Wild One MAX to a whole new level. Other versions offering a variety in performance are scheduled to be available at a later stage of product development.

The Little Car Company are conducting performance and durability testing over the Spring and Summer, before the car is publicly unveiled in a few months’ time, with confirmed performance figures, range and pricing.

To place a deposit, or to sign up for exclusive updates, please visit: www.wildonemax.com

*L7e definition: Classification of four-wheeled heavy quadricycles designed to carry persons, with an unladen mass of no more than 450 kg (excluding batteries)

Source: The Little Car Company