Flashback Friday – Tamiya Mini 4WD Super Speed History

Modify and run like you were when you were crazy!
Mini 4WD is currently undergoing the third boom, and smartphone games are gaining popularity. In this special feature, we will thoroughly introduce you from the nostalgic machine’s evolved appearance to the latest tune-up guide that you can enter the race immediately if you read it. Let’s recall that time when we were crazy and restart Mini 4WD Life!

The first boom has arrived!
RC buggies, which were expensive and out of reach for children, became popular by being mini 4WD. Furthermore, when the series of “Dash! Four-wheeler” started, the fan population rapidly increased.

The second boom has arrived!
With the blockbuster “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !!”, the unprecedented Mini 4WD boom has arrived again. It was also a plus that the courses and sales spaces were already in place throughout the country in the first boom.

The third boom has arrived!
The first and second boom generations who have grown up have returned to the 30th anniversary of the revival of the Japan Cup. Sophisticated tune-up techniques were born one after another, and it has become established as a hobby that adults can enjoy.

Mini 4WD Machine, Tamiya Official Competition, Mini 4WD Manga & Game Mini 4WD “Super Speed” History!

[1982] Two first “Mini 4WD” series released
Ford Ranger 4×4 and Chevrolet Pickup released simultaneously. Initially it was positioned as a “running plastic model”.

[1986] “Racer Mini 4WD” series started
Hot Shot Jr. and Hornet Jr. are released as RC brother’s “younger brother” in the radio control boom. It was a big hit with children who could not buy expensive radio-controlled models.

[1987] Tamiya official competition starts
Held in Tamiya’s event “Modelers Gallery”. In addition to the race (pictured), five types of competition were held, including wrestling and looping.

“Dash! Four wheel drive” serialization start
Started serialization in Korokoro Comic (published by Shogakukan). The children at that time admired the appearance of the main character, Hinomaru 4WD, who runs alongside a mini 4WD with a guide stick in his hand.

[1988] Japan Cup starts to compete for Japan
The tournament that decides the best mini 4WD in Japan is held for the first time. The total number of mobilizations at 16 venues nationwide is 53,600. It was a great success and will become an annual event.

Released by Avante Jr.
The popular RC buggy, Avante’s Mini 4WD version has been released and has recorded an amazing number of sales. It is also talked about by adopting the type 2 chassis and slick tires developed for racing.

[1990] Cumulative production of Racer Mini 4WD series exceeds 50 million units
The boom was accelerated by the effect of “Dash! The number of units sold increased due to the holding of an official tournament in which Japan was decided to face off directly.

[1991] Cumulative shipments of the series exceed 60 million units
With the end of the first boom, the pace of sales, which had continued to rise, has also moderated since this point. Still, it’s a staggering number of 60 million units just nine years after its launch.

[1994] “Bakuso Brothers Let’s & Go !!”
Serialization started in Korokoro Comic. The characteristics of the machines used by the protagonists, the Hoshima Brothers, were “high-speed cornering” (strong) and “straight acceleration” (Australia).

[1997] Mini 4WD series surpasses cumulative sales of 100 million units
With the effect of “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !!”, which started serialization in 1994, the machines that appear in the series became so popular that they would be sold out immediately on the release date. Sales also accelerated again.

[1998] “Aero Mini 4WD” series started
The machine that appears in the new series “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !! MAX” has been released. It has a low center of gravity and a small cowl compared to the full cowl type mini 4WD.

[1999] Japan Cup is suspended
The Japan Cup 1999 held at the end of the second boom had a total mobilization of 35,300. This tournament will be the last stop, and more than 10 years have been left unopened.

[2005] “Mini 4WD PRO” series released
A new generation series equipped with a double shaft motor in a newly developed three-part midship chassis is on sale. A new era of Mini 4WD started here.

[2007] Mini 4WD 25th anniversary model released
A machine designed by Tetsuhiro Kosashita, the creator of “Bakuso Kyodai Let’s & Go !!” appeared as a commemorative model. Bison Magnum and Rodeo Sonic released.

[2008] Tamiya Plastic Model Factory opens in Yokohama and Shimbashi
Model stores directly managed by Tamiya open in Yokohama and Shimbashi. A mini 4WD course is permanently installed, and there are fans who use it as a setting and information exchange place before the official race.

[2012] “Mini 4WD REV” series started
The new series commemorating the 30th anniversary of birth uses an AR chassis with a monocoque structure. The aerodynamic form of the first model, Aero Avante, became a hot topic.

Japan Cup revives after 13 years
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Mini 4WD, the Japan Cup is back for the first time in 13 years! New and old racers who were waiting for the revival of official Tamiya races packed into 12 venues nationwide.

[2013] Blast Arrow with MA chassis released
Introducing a new MA chassis. It features an MS chassis with a midship layout and an AR chassis designed with aerodynamic characteristics in mind.

[2015] Show off 1/1 Aero Avante in Japan Cup 2015 championship match
A championship-deciding game where the winners of each district gather will be held at “MEGA WEB” in Odaiba, Tokyo. One-one aero Avante, which was made into a real car, appeared and became a big topic.

[2020] Distribution of “Mini 4WD Chorusoku Grand Prix” game application for smartphones from Bandai Namco
App supervised by Tamiya & Korokoro Aniki. Make a course and enjoy racing online. Since the official competition is currently suspended, it is a place for fans to relax.

Neo VQS with VZ chassis appeared
Introducing the VZ chassis that improves the performance and strength of the compact and lightweight VS chassis. The moderate “bend” given to absorb the shock will be popular among Mini 4WD racers.

(C) Tokuda Zaurus / Shogakukan (C) TOKUDA ​​・ SHOGAKUKAN (C) Kotate Tetsuhiro / Shogakukan (C) KOSHITA ・ SHOGAKUKAN (C) Shogakukan (C) ShoPro (C) TAMIYA (C) BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
* Mini 4WD is a registered trademark of Tamiya Corporation.
Source in Japanese language: GetNavi web

Parent and child programming book featuring Tamiya educational kits released


Parents and children can learn by playing, easy programming education item introduction
Introducing “programming education” as a learning method for children towards the future by joining the curriculum of elementary schools since 2020. For fans who are interested in learning and education using machines and computers, we introduce robot toys, educational toys, and learning materials that “learn the power of thinking while experiencing play for hands” to learn the basics of programming. .. Many tips and tricks for assembling Tamiya’s craft series are also posted. Please take a look!
⇒ Click here for details (Yaesu Publishing HP)

Some of Tamiya’s related products introduced in this book

Related information
⇒ Special page “Must be a compulsory elementary school from 2020! What is “programming thinking”? ]
⇒ Tamiya Craft Series
⇒ Tamiya Robot School

Official details and photos of upcoming Tamiya 25199 1/48 Lockheed P-38 H Lightning


This model kit faithfully recreates the H variant of the Lockheed P-38! This limited-edition variant of the 1/48 P-38 Lightning masterpiece kit, will only be sold in a white box format. New parts are included specifically for this kit to depict the P-38H, a variant which was produced from May 1943 and were given an improved 20mm cannon, as well as a bomb payload capacity of 1,500kg. More powerful 1,400hp engines were paired with intercoolers and radiators from previous variants.

• 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 240mm, wingspan: 330mm.
• This kit creates a parked aircraft.
• New parts specific to P38H variant: Larger supercharger intakes, rear canopy without reinforcing frames, instrumentation, nose landing gear strut and bay covers, main landing gear reinforcements, upgraded 20mm cannon and 12.7mm machine guns that were often modified on the ground, plus turbocharger coolant pipe.
• Choose whether to attach optional main landing gear air duct.
• Weights are included in the kit to ensure correct balance of the model when displayed.
• A detailed cockpit features the wheel-type controls, radio, throttle box and more.
• 1 marking option is included, depicting an aircraft with lively nose art and belonging to the 432nd Fighter Squadron, part of the 475th Fighter Group that was devastatingly effective from 1943-44 over the Pacific.
• Plain white box with a color label on the lid. One Shot Production Run!
• Comes with canopy masking stickers and a full-color painting guide.




Source of video: Callsign Cooger YouTube Channel

Tamiya RC Live – TA07RR chassis kit, Comical Avante introduction of optional specifications & TC-01 chassis details part 2



Introduction of TA07RR chassis kit details!
・ We will explain the details and settings of the TA07RR kit.


Introduction of Comical Avante optional specifications!
・ We will explain the OP and settings that can be used for Comical Avante.


TC-01 Chassis Detailed Explanation Part 2
・ Details such as chassis details and mechanical space will be delivered.

Official full product video of Tamiya 56362 1/14 RC Volvo FH16 Globetrotter 750 8×4 Tow Truck



https://www.tamiya.com/english/products/56362/index.htm
https://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/56362/index.html

Specifications vary from final product.
The model shown has the below separately sold TROP option parts fitted:
Item 56523 Multi-Function Control Unit “Euro-Style” (MFC-03)
Item 56553 Electric Actuator Set for 1/14 Scale R/C Tow Truck
Item 56549 LED Light for MFC (φ3 / Red / 1,100mm)
Item 56550 LED Light for MFC (φ3 / White / 1,100mm)
Item 56551 LED Light for MFC (φ3 / Yellow / 1,100mm) (2pcs.)

Takayuki Yamazaki of PDC Designworks talk – Tokyo Communication Art College



A message from hyper designer Kayuki Yamazaki to everyone who aims at this industry. A graduate of our school. Our school teacher. Former Honda Technical Research Institute designer.
Established pdc_designworks in 2012, leveraging the experience of working on hit products such as Ape / zoomer / GROM. A wide field of view and various hobbies are used not only for industrial design centered on car design but also for fashion, models, DJs, consultants, magazine serialization, design education activities for companies, students, etc. Carry out activities. In recent years, we are expanding the range of activities such as customized production, ambassador activities and corporate consulting.
Source: TCACRE YouTube channel

Tamiya 95587 Mach Frame Black Special


This is a Black Special version of the futuristic Mach Frame Mini 4WD kit. The original release kit uses a body design which was originally chosen among entries submitted to the 2018 Mini 4WD design competition. The body/frame combination in this release has a stylish new color scheme and is paired once again with the front motor FM-A chassis.

FM-A: Aerodynamic Front Motor Chassis
The FM-A chassis is a front motor unit with advanced aerodynamic themes that – thanks to its center of gravity toward the front – is at home on a whole variety of track types including those with frequent elevation changes. It comes equipped with a low-friction front skid bar, while the chassis underside allows easy access to the motor and quick setup changes. Aircraft-inspired aero side stays allow attachment of a range of Grade-Up parts. The chassis is molded in durable ABS, with low friction A parts such as under panel, all in matching black. Smoke color metal-plated A-spoke wheels are combined with low-profile tires, and the model includes 3.5:1 gears.

• Mini 4WD model assembly kit. Length: 156mm, width: 97mm, height: 36mm.
• The FM-A chassis is molded in Black reinforced polycarbonate-ABS.
• The 4-piece body comes molded in tinted Smoke color ABS.
• Comes with dedicated metallic sticker designs.
• Matte gold color plated A-spoke wheels are paired with super hard Black low-profile tires (small-diameter).
• Type 130 motor is included. The model features a 3.5:1 gear ratio.
• Two AA batteries are required (sold separately).
• A wide range of Grade-Up Parts is available separately to customize your machine.