History repeating – Building the Tamiya Bigwig 2017

It´s 1986, the worldwide RC-Car Boom is near on the top. To commemorate 10 years of Tamiya R/C Models, Tamiya releases a very special offroad buggy, the Bigwig. Not a normal car for it´s time. One the technical side, it wasn´t a very revolutionary buggy, like the later released Avante. The car was based on the common Hotshot, Boomerang like drivetrain, but was equipped with the legendary Tamiya Mabuchi RX-540VZ Technigold Motor, well known from the Tamiya Porsche 959 Paris Dakar, which was powered by a special 8,4V Gold Power Pack.

Anyway the Bigwig is a very special buggy in Tamiya´s R/C Car history. Because of it´s unique “one big wing” design by famed japanese designer Mr. Takuya Yura, president of the Mooncraft Company, well known for his racing car designs.

The very unique “Wing” look of the Bigwig is based on special high powered buggies which were custom made for the legendary “Pikes Peak” race in America.

After 30 years, the Bigwig is back again. What are the differences on the new Bigwig 2017 ? Not very much. The stickers were changed a little bit, as on most of the Tamiya classic re-release cars. Which can also be an advantage. The “Mooncraft” Logo on the rear wing of the Bigwig 2017 looks way better than the one on the original release in our opinion.The “new” model comes with full ball bearings, the original 80´s kit wasn´t completely ballraced. The RX-540VZ Technigold motor was changed for a special labeled Tamiya GT-Tuned Motor (like it was used for the Avante and Super Hotshot re-releases too). That´s it.

Let´s build the new Bigwig !

Car and body completed !

 

The result !

It was a pleasure working one the Bigwig 2017. It´s such a cool thing to build a classic Tamiya buggy. For most of the Tamiya re-releases we really like to do alternative paint-schemes on these cars. A real challenge in case of the Bigwig. Because most of the cars were built in boxart scheme. In the past and also today. The boxart scheme is great and really iconic. And it´s not really easy to find colours which suits the red, orange, yellow Bigwig stripes well. But we tried it. And we are very happy with the result. Enjoy !

 

The 16th Tamiya World Modelers Works, Competition Results and Ceremony

The Super Kids Land Headquarters Tamiya World Modelers’ Contest where fun works gather every year was held in Osaka. Entry works are much higher than the previous one, 130 points! It became an impressive contest where works are lined up narrowly, and the unique work group of more than usual annoyed a lot of judging staff. One of the reasons for the increase in the number of works this time, I think that there were many people who sent with friends acquaintance. Please enjoy the contest with your colleagues next time as well.

Sources (in Japanese language) and more: Tamiya, INC Homepage and Tamiya Plamodel Factoy Blog

Some more details about upcoming 58647 Tamiya M-07 Concept Chassis Kit

Tamiya 58647 M-07 Concept Chassis Kit – All-NEW M-Chassis coming June 2017!

Tamiya’s M-Chassis platform have been around since the early 1990’s. We proudly announce the ALL-NEW M-07 CONCEPT! This is a revolution in the world of the M-size chassis and not just an evolution. Designed by the same designer who brought the TA-07 Pro Touring Car Chassis to life, this chassis takes a number of design cues from Tamiya’s touring car models and features a largely changed design from its numeric predecessors. The goal set forth with this new platform; ease of maintenance and responsive drive characteristics, all of which were attained during its development. The all-new features incorporated into the M-07 CONCEPT make it a truly rewarding drive for those who would like to experience the excitement of R/C racing.

Specifications
• 1/10 scale R/C chassis assembly kit. Length: 332mm, width: 164mm.
• The core of the chassis is a 1-piece monocoque with integrated upper frame elements similar to the TA-07 Pro. It is designed to offer excellent rigidity with easy maintenance.
• Choose between 2 different wheelbases (M: 225mm, L: 239mm), simply by changing rear arm attachment direction.
• Newly designed front and rear suspension use long arms for ideal leverage ratio, in tandem with long steering linkage components. Rear toe can be adjusted simply using spacers.
• 4-wheel double wishbone suspension is fitted with CVA oil shocks.
• The TA06 oil-filled gear differential is used to drive the M-07. It is paired with universal drive shafts and full ball bearings.
• Compatible with standard IFMAR (Li-Po cell-type) regulation square-shaped battery packs.
• Compatible with Low-Profile servos.
• The chassis was designed with easy access to the stabilizers (sold separately) for quick, precise adjustments vital at the racetrack.
• Body mounts have a new reinforced design for more secure body attachment.
• The chassis gives its driver excellent “feedback,” allowing you to judge with clarity how your setup changes have impact.

Not only is the M-07 CONCEPT coming, but 13 Hop-Up Options will be available at launch of this new assembly kit!
54757 M-07 Concept Stabilizer Set (Front & Rear)
54758 M-07 Concept Titanium Screw Set
54759 M-07 Concept Aluminum Motor Heat Sink
54760 M-07 Concept Aluminum Rear Suspension Mount
54761 M-07 Concept Carbon Damper Stay (Front)
54762 M-07 Concept Carbon Damper Stay (Rear)
54763 M-07 Concept Aluminum Steering Arm Set (L/R)
54764 M-07 Concept Aluminum Steering Bridge
54768 06 Module Hard Coated Aluminum Pinion Gear (17T)
54769 06 Module Hard Coated Aluminum Pinion Gear (18T)
54770 06 Module Hard Coated Aluminum Pinion Gear (22T)
54771 06 Module Hard Coated Aluminum Pinion Gear (24T)

Official list of future Tamiya releases to be shown at the 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show 2017

It is a new product scheduled to be announced at the 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show Tamiya booth.

Scale model
◇ 1/6 Honda CRF 1000 L Africa Twin
◇ 1/6 Assembled chain set for motorcycles
◇ 1/700 Japanese navy destroyer island style
◇ 1/48 Germany 38cm assault charger storm tiger
◇ 1/48 Germany 38 cm assault charger storm tiger coating sheet set
◇ Piping cable outer diameter φ 0.5 mm / 0.65 mm / 0.8 mm / 1.0 mm (black)
◇ 1/24 NSX (White) / (Blue) / (Red) [Completed]

RC model
◇ 1/10 RC M-07 CONCEPT Chassis Kit
◇ 1/18 RC Kong Head 6×6 (G6-01 chassis)
◇ 1/14 RC Mercedes · Benz Arox 3363 6 × 4 Classic Space Full Operation Set
◇ 1/10 RC Ferrari F12tdf (TT-02 chassis)
◇ 1/10 RC XB Ferrari F12tdf (TT-02 chassis)
◇ 1/10 RC Mazda RX – 7 (FD 3 S) (TT – 02 D Chassis) Drift Spec
◇ 1/10 RC Racing Fighter Chrome Metallic (DT – 03 Chassis)
◇ 1/10 RC Dual Ridge Black Metallic (TT – 02B chassis)
◇ 1/10 RC Top Force (2017)
◇ 1/10 RC Grasshopper (2005) Candy Green Edition
◇ 1/10 RC XV-01 Chassis Kit Long Damper Specifications
◇ 1/10 RC Mitsubishi Pajero Metal Top Wide
◇ OP.1756 3 x 106 mm aluminum turn buckle shaft
◇ OP.1757 M-07 CONCEPT stabilizer set (F · R)
◇ OP.1758 M-07 CONCEPT Titanium Biset Set
◇ OP.1759 M-07 CONCEPT Aluminum motor heat sink
◇ OP.1760 M-07 CONCEPT Aluminum Rear Suspension Mount
◇ OP.1761 M-07 CONCEPT Carbon damper stay (front)
◇ OP.1762 M-07 CONCEPT Carbon damper stay (rear)
◇ OP.1763 M-07 CONCEPT Aluminum Steering Arm Set (L · R)
◇ OP.1764 M-07 CONCEPT Aluminum Steering Bridge
◇ Double Cardan Drive Shaft Set (33 sizes, 2 pcs)

Four wheel drive mini
◇ DCR-01 (DECLOS-01) (MA chassis)
◇ DCR-01 (De-Cross-01) Body Parts Set (Gunmetal)
◇ Trigeille Japan Cup 2017 (MA chassis)
◇ Hyper Dash 3 Motor J-CUP 2017
◇ Hyper Dash Motor PRO J-CUP 2017
◇ HG Carbon Multi Wide Stay (1.5 mm) J-CUP 2017
◇ HG Carbon Multi-Wide Rear Stay (1.5 mm) J-CUP 2017
◇ Mini 4WD 35th Anniversary Festa Joona L Clear Body Set
◇ Mini 4WD 35th Anniversary Blue Tire & Gold Plating A Spoke Wheel
◇ Mini 4WD 35th Anniversary White Tire & Blue Plating A Spoke Wheel
◇ Spin Cobra Premium (Super II Chassis)
◇ Spin Viper Pearl Blue Special Premium (VS Chassis)
◇ Proto Emperor ZX Premium (Super II Chassis)
◇ GP.511 large diameter low height tire & 6 spoke wheel
◇ GP.513 Low Height Tire & Wheel Set (5 Spokes)
◇ Lightweight 13 mm All Aluminum Bearing Roller
◇ Aluminum bearing roller with 19 mm plating (red)

Crafts
◇ Water Motorcycle Working Set
◇ Slim tire set (36 · 55 mm diameter clear wheel specification)
◇ Sports tire set (56 mm diameter clear wheel specification)

Tools and paints
◇ Craft nipper (for plastic / soft metal)
◇ Precision Drill Blade 0.8 mm / 0.9 mm / 1.0 mm (Shaft Diameter 1.5 mm)
◇ Filter for air brush
◇ Spray Work Compact Compressor (White)
◇ Spray Work Basic Air Brush (White)
◇ TS-98 Pure Orange

Some more upcoming future Tamiya releases to be shown at the 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show 2017

R/C
56351 1/14 RC Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3363 6×4 Classic Space Full Operation Set
57902 1/10 RC XB Ferrari F12tdf (TT-02 Chassis)

58647 M-07 Concept Chassis Kit
– full model change !! new chassis [M-07 CONCEPT] appeared!
– to pursue a nimble driving performance of the front-wheel drive unique, high-performance electric RC car chassis assembly kit of which stuck to maintenance.
– mainframe a monocoque type of vertical split, better maintainability while ensuring the rigidity.
– in particular, the exchange of differential gear is reduced as much as possible the degradation point of the suspension, accessible from the bottom.
– suspension is double wishbone 4-wheel independent of CVA oil damper maintenance.
– arm and ringeji in the long of the specially designed products, setting wider to also feature.
– the drive system is configured without a loss, such as using a full ball bearings, oil-filled gear diff or universal shaft.
– monocoque type chassis with excellent maintainability by the vertical division.
– adoption of a broad long suspension arms of the setting width.
– full ball bearings, oil-filled type gear diff, universal shaft, standard equipment, such as high torque servo saver.
– M = 225mm, L = 239mm, 2 kinds of wheelbase can be selected.
– full length: approx 332mm.
– full width: approx 164mm.

42312 TRF Double Cardan Drive Shaft (33-Size 2 Pieces)
54757 M-07 CONCEPT Stabilizer Set (F, R)
54758 M-07 Concept Titanium Bis Set
54759 M-07 Concept Aluminum Motor Heat Sink
54760 M-07 Concept Aluminum Rear Suspension Mount

Static
12672 Coating Sheet Set for German 38cm Assault Mortar Sturmtiger
12675 Piping Cable Outside Diameter: 0.5mm (Black)
12676 Piping Cable Outside Diameter: 0.65mm (Black)
12677 Piping Cable Outside Diameter: 0.8mm (Black)
12678 Piping Cable Outside Diameter: 1.0mm (Black)
21157 NSX (Red) (Master Work Collection Diecast Car)
21159 NSX (Red) (Master Work Collection Diecast Car)
32591 German 38cm Assault Mortar Sturmtiger

Mini 4WD & Educational
15511 Large-diameter Low Profile Tires & 6 Spark Wheel
15513 Low Profile Tires & Wheel Set (5 Spark)
95096 Hyper Dash 3 Motor J-Cup 2017
95097 Hyper Dash Motor Pro J-Cup 2017
95098 Mini 4WD 35th Anniversary Blue Tire & Gold Plating A spoke Wheel
95099 Mini 4WD 35th Anniversary White Tire & Blue Plating A spoke Wheel
95100 Trigale Japan Cap 2017 (MA Chassis)
95101 Mini 4WD 35th Anniversary Festa Jaunes L Clear Body Set
95104 HG Carbon Multi Width Stay (1.5mm) J-Cup 2017
95105 HG Carbon Multi Width Rear Stay (1.5mm) J-Cup 2017
95326 19mm Aluminum Ball-Race Rollers with/Puraringu (Red)
95329 Spin Viper Pearl Blue Special (VS Chassis)
95335 Proto-Emperor ZX Premium (Super II Chassis)
69915 Slim Tyre Set (36/55mm Diameter Clear Wheel)
69916 Slim Tyre Set (56mm Diameter Clear Wheel)

Tools & Paints
69913 Spray Work Compact Compressor (White) (Compressor)
69914 Spray Work Basic Air Brush (White) (Air Brush)
74132 Precision Drill Bit 0.8mm (Shaft diameter 1.5mm)
74133 Precision Drill Bit 0.9mm (Shaft diameter 1.5mm)
74134 Precision Drill Bit 1.0mm (Shaft diameter 1.5mm)

Flashback Friday – Tamiya × Jun Watanabe Present 2015 RC Car Custom Design Exhibition

Source and more: Jun Watanabe work website & blog
TAMIYA × JUN WATANABE Presents
“RC CAR CUSTOM DESIGN EXHIBITION”
Period: March 1 – 31, 2015
Room: Shibuya Liller
Tamiya’s radio controlled cars customized by 16 artists active in the front lines such as musicians, product designers, graphic designers, illustrators, cartoonists are displayed together. The radio controlled cars used for the exhibition include lineups of more famous cars such as Hornet, Grasshopper, Mighty Frog, Hot Shots, and other famous cars that have made a big boom in the 1980s. We exhibited radio-controlled cars full of individuality that was made with the theme of “unique, creative and fun” by gorgeous artists.

Participating artists BOSE / PES (RIP SLYME) / Wakana (Shonannokaze) / Takagi Ko (DJ · Producer) / CHOCOMOO (Illustrator) / JUN WATANABE (Creative Director) / Nezu Kota (Creative Communicator) / Yakazaki Takayuki (Product Designer) / Hiroaki Doi (Art Director) with Takafumi Yonezuka (Special Molding Art Designer) / Saki Rikiishi (Hyper Knitting Creator) / Takumi Yamamoto (Car Creator) / Yusuke Hanai (Illustrator) / hi-dutch (Artist) / TAKASHIMA DESIGN (RC color design & paint) / Ryuji Maehara (manga artist) Organizer
: JUN WATANABE sponsored : TAMIYA

Tamiya New Item Release list for May 2017

RC Models
58644　　1/10 R/C Ferrari F12tdf (TT-02)
47331　　1/10 R/C Mitsubishi Pajero Metaltop Wide
42309　　37T Aluminum One-Way Pulley
42310　　37T Aluminum Differential Pulley
47353　　1/10 Scale R/C Honda NSX-GT (2005) Lightweight Body Parts

Scale Models
21158　　1/24 NSX (White) (Finished Model)

Kids
18646　　DCR-01
19450　　Spin Cobra Premium (Super-II)
95312　　DCR-01 Body Parts Set (Gun Metal)
95325　　Reinforced Gear Cover (for MS Chassis) White Mini 4WD Station
95301　　Lightweight 13mm Aluminum Ball-Race Rollers (Ringless)

Tools & Paints
70226　　Water Scooter
74129　　Craft Side Cutter (for Plastic/Soft Metal)
85098　　TS-98 Pure Orange
74555　　Airbrush Filter

Some new Tamiya RC car releases to be shown at the 56th Shizuoka Hobby Show 2017

47355 Dual Ridge Black Metallic TT-02B

Limited hardware kit of the Dual Ridge 58596 in a Black Metallic version.

The differences to the 58596:
Body & tail wing already cut out and Black Metallic coated. Only the stickers have to be attached.
Wheels included in stylish chrome-finish
Stickersheet color revised

Kit in scale 1:10
Chassis TT-02B
Motor Torque Tunded & Cruise Control TBLE02S included
Compatible with all TT-02B tuning parts

Note: Use only receiver with external antenna. Due to the metallic coating of the car body, interference can occur with “antennaless receivers”.

58648 Mazda RX-7 Drift TT-02D

Tamiya presents the cool Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) on the proven TT-02 drift chassis.
The drift version is already standard equipped with CVA oil pressure shock absorbers, cardan drive, 24mm drift-spec tires, ball bearings, sports tuned engine and aluminum heat sink. The body is original from the kit 58388 and is equipped with side mirrors etc. The highlight of the 58648 Mazda RX-7 is the enclosed LED lighting set, which is only included in the export versions!

Kit in scale 1:10
Car body made of Lexan for self-design, with separate attachments made of ABS plastic
Masking film and sticker sheet

The TT-02D cars are compatible with most TT-02 tuning parts and can be upgraded as desired