Let's talk about: Tamiya (Part 1) 🇯🇵
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Finally, it's here ! My assessment of the current Tamiya kit company in relation to the market...This company has a global turnover of $300m just on the kit side alone...there is a REASON for that. 😉
Please see part two to complete this review...
For more similar content, please check out my channel: / @peter-oxley-modelling... .
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I build because I love it but also I build to keep my mind quiet, keep the demons away and I am not the greatest but I will show my models and it makes such a difference to me.
My only complaint with Tamiya is that they seemed to have given up on 1/32. I love those kits and want to see them make more.
Agreed. 👍🏻
Thats too bad, because I just finished their 1/32 scale Mosquito. It is the best kit i have ever done!!
@@derwinemro3855 I will build my one in a couple of months! 😍
Great evaluation of Tamiya; you're spot on! Sometimes I've wished they'd put more detail in the cockpit, or rivet detail, or more posable flying surfaces, especially for their asking price, but their superb engineering ALMOST makes up for it.
Their 1/32 Zeros are such tour de forces that they, years later, are still the gold standard. Their He-162, Seiran, He-219: all gems. Back in the 90's, they screwed up the nose of their 109E, but they CORRECTED it. Almost unheard of (I can only think of one other manufacturer who swallowed hard, and bit the bullet; Eduard, who trashed their entire 109G molds, because their kit was slightly out of scale).
The Eduard 109G was not out of scale, it was just wrong and complete garbage, and their correction is still far from perfect compared to the excellent Tamiya G-6. That being said, Tamiya 1/48 kit accuracy is almost almost always poor in the clear parts, and aside a few, Seiran, ki-46, A6M, F4U, Ki-61, Me-109G-6, I almost always despise their pretense of being "good", especially with their P-47 and Fi-156...
early this year I completed my first model after getting back into the hobby over 20 years later. It's the A6M2 1/48 from Tamiya and it was only $16.50 USD. All the money is in the equipment and supplies with this hobby. I got some great F-4EJ 1/48 kits from Hasegawa for $40 yankee bucks which I also thought was a great deal. Tamiya makes an incredible F-4B in 1/48. One of the most awesome model builds on TH-cam. I mean this with all respect but I keep hearing Mrs. Bucket calling Richard in the background. It's lovely listening to you, great video.
Was she singing to Emmitt too🤣
Thanks Peter. I have built several Tamiya kits, and have several in the wardrobe waiting to be built. The 1/32 aircraft are fantastic - I have built one of the Spits and a Mustang, with the Birdcage Corsair to be built. I was happy to see re-releases of the 1/12 Porsches, of which I built one many years ago (Jagermeister), and built a second one in the Vaillant scheme a few years back - for 1970's kits, these are fantastic. I have built, and have to built several 1/48 aircraft, which all go together well, and are enjoyable, non-challenging builds (I haven't got the Mark 1 Spit - I have an Eduard one). But for simple, quick builds you can't go past the 1/48 military series, which result in lovely finished models. This includes the figures, which are very detailed. All the best for Christmas and the New Year.
Such wisdom, Peter! Every kit is a blank canvas. All need to be done, and some -- in the end -- need to be painted over...
1/35 or 1/48 figure eyes help if you score a needle pupil, then after white, it just takes a drop on the pin to paint the pupil, It is easy a cloth needle has a smaller and sharper point than a pins.
THAT is a great tip! Thank you! 👍🏻
I consider myself to be a professional modeler. I have been building models for over 20 years now and have won numerous awards in national competitions. I have had pictures and articles on my work posted in many magazines (including TMMI) as well as on the internet and do a fairly robust business in contract work. I heard you mention Italeri. I typically stay away from some of these brands (like Smer... ) but sometimes even a bad kit is desirable because it is the only offering of a model for a certain item. I recently bought the Italeri Messerschmitt Me-326 kit because it is the only offering of this plane, at least in 1/72 scale. If you are a good model builder even a bad kit can be made into a fairly presentable model. This is the discipline of being a craftsman... taking even something poor and making it better. My point is, just because a model company makes bad kits is not always a reason to avoid them altogether. One of the worst kits I have ever built was the Encore repop of the Cessna 'Bamboo Bomber' (I think it was originally a Czech Model release). This kit is absolutely horrible but when I was commissioned to build three of them I did it, not for the money but for the challenge and I managed to make a reasonably presentable model from it. Sometimes you just have to rise to the challenge.
If you saw my Kinetic Sea Harrier rant video you will realise I too am equal to the task. But it brought little pleasure.
You sir have become my favorite scale modeling channel. Love your non- rivet counting takes on everything
Wow, thanks! Have a great Xmas! 🎅🏻🎄🎉
Hi Peter. And
Merry Christmas to you. Love your videos.
Same to you Daryl! 🎄🎅🏻🎉 Thanks for supporting the channel! 👍🏻
That detail in that motorcycle is amazing! Wow!
It really is! Thanks.
My one issue , one that is, with Tamiya is that they still have moulded in grab handles on their armour models be it in any scale. Time to have all individual moulded handles. Some kits may have some but not all individually moulded. My recent build of the Centurion 1/16th tank had a mix of moulded on and individual handles, at that scale they all be individual and also the new Comet has all moulded on grab handles. . Happy Christmas to all.
I built an Italeri PzKpfw IV in the mid 70s and noticed it had grab handles back then and wondered why the much talked about Tamiya didn't. Guess I'm still wondering.
Your output has been relentless lately Peter! I always enjoy your unique take on the hobby.
So many new kits came in December that crowded the schedule somewhat…back to one or two per week in the new year…I need a rest! 🥵
You’ve certainly earned a holiday. Cheers!
needs to earn a few bob to pay for those expensive Tamiya models! :)
One really impressive Tamiya kit is their 1/350 Yamato.(The newer version). Very impressive kit. Also the F-35 is a work of art tooling wise.
I used to make the Tamiya motorcycle kits back in the mid 80's . Kenny Roberts , Freddie Spencer and Kork Ballington machines. They were excellent back then !
The only issue over time was that I painted them in Tamiya Paints and didn't use a clear coat . DOH ! They ended up cracking and crazing and ended up in the bin.
I know what you mean...I have a set of the 1/20 F1 cars from the 1990's and didn't clear coat either...all the decals are cracking & flaking off
Tamiya is one of my favorites model kit brands
That Honda RC166 is breath taking, I would have to go to rehab before tackling that model! LOL
Hahaha that kit of the Sea Harrier it will haunt you 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Tell me about it! Lol 🤣
Italaerei as I used to know them came up with some very 'different' 1/35th scale models, good subjects. The moulding quality was decent, the Panzer I and the Crusader were decent examples for the time. I think they are worth a review if only for the way they helped stimulate the market in the 1970s.
I've probably built more Italeri than any other manufacturer, mainly because they make the subjects I'm interested in-- especially helicopters. Back in the 70s when I was getting serious about modeling, their kits were quite a bit more inexpensive than Tamiya. I actually like their SAS Land Rover better than the Tamiya. Italeri has also updated the Land Rover over the years from initially being a left hand drive civilian vehicle to now a right (or left) hand drive military vehicle. The tires still need replacement though.
Tamiya has reboxed some Italeri kits with a few extra bits and increased the price. Kinda lazy but at least the kits are available.
Top of the tree. King of the castle. Sorted.
Have been looking forward to this video. Very much in agreement with most of your review. Looking at my empty boxes (and my stash which I really need to get back into 😳 ) Tamiya make up a hefty proportion of builds (or yet to be built).
Thanks for sharing! 👍🏻Merry Christmas 🎅🏻🎄🎉
I've enjoyed listening to all of these excellent videos about the many kit manufatcturers. As there seems to be many terrible harrier kits, who do you think makes the best one. If the tamiya sea harrier is bad, and the kinetic also, who's is good?
Honestly, nobody does a really good one! Most people seem to think the Kinetic is best, but as we know, that aint so great, especially in Frs.1 form. Airfix isn't terrible but the Tamiya is the worst due to being a botched rework of the Gr.1
Glad I didn't shell out the money for the Kinetic one. There used to be quite a few aftermarket sets that could be used on the Airfix or Tamiya kits, but I don't think they're available anymore.
Had the Airfix one since about '84.... Tamiya one still boxed up as well; just a horrible kit.
The sea harrier wasn't released in the 90s. It was released in 1982, using tooling from 1971.
If Kotare said from the beginning the Spitfire wouldn’t come with an engine, I can’t see the problem. You either buy the model or you don’t. I have more of a problem with the Border models Lancaster which costs an arm and a leg and has aftermarket parts available, when with what it costs, it shouldn’t need them. I also realise you don’t have to buy the aftermarket either.
I hope Tamiya releases a 1/48 F-35C the navy type, larger airframe to complete the types.
The 1970s kits are staggeringly good value, in my opinion. 1/48 mossies and beaufighters for £24 ish, 1/35 armour that are great bases for detailing for similar. Panzer II for £12. 1/48 sea harrier, though, yup, it was horrific to build but cost £14 and plenty more on filler and sanding sticks. To be fair, it forced my painting game and after a lot of work it became a passable built model.
Their 1/32 Mosquito is the best, most enjoyable, impressive kit Tamiya offers in that scale.
The fit is so good that you stop and admire the engineering before continuing the construction.
It is not necessary to glue the canopy or several panels if the modeler wishes to expose more of the interior.
How I found the other kits;
The Corsair, Mustang, Spitfire, Zero. In that order after building two of each.
F-16C, F15E, F15J, F14 in that order with, for some weird reason, affection despite the problems for the 1/32 F-4 especially the F-4E kits .
I agree with all of your comments, Peter. As always, great review.
Thanks! Whoah! Now my mouth is watering to build the Mosquito! 🤤
I built mine over four months. When it was 80% complete, Steve at The Model Shed
began his build series. We communicated by email regarding the project. We both had the Brassin engine resin kit (632 091) and came to the same conclusion that we valued the design of the Tamiya removable cowl covers over the installation of the Brassin parts that would have risked the cowl covers not fitting. I built the resin engine with the landing gear as its own model, the Mosquito is posed in flight with the other gear assembly in the stowed position. It was a great help as a guide in adding further detail to the Tamiya kit.
Baracudecals resin ammo chutes for 303 and 20mm plus their decal set for the cockpit. Aviaeology RCAF decals, some plumbing/wiring, the pneumatic lines for the 20mm. A cord to represent a bungee cord that some crews installed on the pilots seat to canopy frame that helped when making height adjustments. I could have gone further with a set of rockets but I wanted a clean airplane depicted before the instillation.
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab
@@SEMJW Thanks for that fascinating detail...I will think upon these options for my own build. 👍🏻
I was sure the first example of Tamiya getting it wrong would be the 1/48 F4U wing fold issue.
Well that's just great, isn't it!?! Here's me trying to get back in to the hobby, and I recall that Tamiya had a good reputation in my mind. What kit shall I buy from their range? Ooh, look! A 1/48 Sea Harrier! That'll do!
🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
While on holiday in Yorkshire this summer I thought I'd see if I could build a model plane. What shall I get? That Revell Mustang looks good!
🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
As it's Christmas I will cheer you up...their Mustang isn't the stinking pile of crud many other Revell kits are. 😉🎄🎅🏻👍🏻
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Thank you. I feel so much better. 😆
Tamiya figures with Hornet heads, not hornet's heads but Hornet heads
"I am as constant as the North Star."
I thought General Chang (Star Trek VI) quoted this from the original Klingon?
Ha ha ha! Well spotted! 😆👍🏻 You can hear Praxis explode at the end of my short final Tamiya Trailer too if you listen! 😉
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Coming from you, I believe it! 😁
PS -- Rude behavior and belching aside, the Klingons have good taste in art (poetry, music, theater) and ship design.
There has NOT been an era of Star Trek (Prime Universe, not the post-2009 shit) where I didn't like at least one Klingon ship design. (That's more than I can say for the Federation starships -- they've been downhill since Star Trek III!) My favorites are still the original D-7 and uprated D-7/K'tinga battlecruiser. Many regard the Polar Lights/Round 2 K'tinga battlecruiser as one of the greatest mass-market science fiction kits in 1/350 scale.
That said, for some reason, two Canadian actors played my favorite Klingons -- Jon Colicos/Kor/the original Klingon commander and Christopher Plummer/Shakespeare-quoting Chang. Yes, I liked Worf and many of the other Klingons but my two favorites were the Canadians.
Apparently, you CAN be brutal and still appreciate classic art! 🤣😂🤣
@@AvengerII I always thought there was something different about Canadians! 😆
I would strongly disagree that Tamiya aren't beginners kits. Their 1/35 Walker Bulldog, or Sherman M4A3 are perfect beginners kits, as are most of their 90s vintage 1/48 scale fighters. Here in Australia they sell for the same or less than newer Airfix offerings which now cost over $100AU per kit.
I did say on the basis of price...not difficulty, and you have a point about the older ones which are very cheap
Love is in the air ❤😂
😆😂🤣 ...But as Yoda said: "So certain are you?" 😉
@11:35, Pausing... Oh, that Spitfire has a Malcolm bubble! They "borrowed" that idea for the B and C models of the P-51 Mustang before the official bubble canopy revision debuted on the P-51 D-model!
Spitfire came first.
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Yes, I'm aware. I'm just saying the idea was "borrowed" for the Mustang and other fighters (from the Spitfire) was because it a was good one.
The Germans also "borrowed" this idea, too.
borrowed = "homage..." the polite way of saying plagiarism
Another great broadcast. Can I just play devils advocate, and as you said Tamiya kits go together now without glue and are more Lego like. As someone who prefers building to painting, and part of being a modeller is being able to overcome problems and scratch building, are Tamiya taking this away from us and just designing new kits for those who like painting? Instead of spending hours/days adjusting, modifying, overcoming instead they go together in minutes, then you spend time painting and weathering
If painful builds are your thing, Perhaps you should try Mach 2 models...😆😜
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab I wouldn’t go that far. There are somethings that are beyond redemption
Great kits, but the style of instructions needs updating
I do agree there...
i have had 2 major disappointments with tamiya:
AH-64 apache in 72nd and the A-10 thunderbolt 2 in 27nd.
both are part of the 'warbirds collection'. both i think are reboxed italeri kits.
@@daveyjones5702 Yeah, I had the same with the 1/48 Mk.1 Hurricane! 😖😫
Since you mentioned Italeri I was reminded me of the 1/48 scale Italeri F-15E which is a horrible kit. That thing did not go together at all. The front canopy section is probably 50% putty and the intakes are 90% putty. Not to mention that the detail is horrible for a 48th scale kit. I paid a lot of money for that F-15E with the notion I would be buying a quality kit, yet now I am contemplating putting it in the bin since I don't think I will ever be happy with it. I have started work on an 80s Tamiya 1/48th scale A6M5 which is so much better for fraction of the price and it even comes with ground crew figures which was 15 euros!
I am not surprised to learn this...Try the F-15E's from Great Wall Hobby, or even The old Revell 1/48 version.👍🏻
Only made 2 Tamiya Kits in 40 years of Modelling. Some German Flakpanzer AA Gun and the Meteor. Now Really too expensive and I do laugh at the mugs then buying extras for the kits when these Tamiya models for the price should not need ANY aftermarket stuff. Each to their own though I just frankly dont get buying something for over 100 quid to stick on a shelf to be damaged as time goes by.
I suggest a cabinet to protect your models...
I don’t get why there isn’t more 1/35 aircraft. It makes no sense to me. 1/48, 1/32…but hardly no 1/35. It matches the armor that they make themselves.
Peter I enjoy your content, but have to ask: what's with the black latex gloves all the time, particularly in non-building videos where you're just discussing hobby-related items? I just find that weird.
He doesn't want to leave greasy fingerprints on Kits he doesn't own,generously lent for reviews....
@@ianrabbas9618 That is spot on and even more important here as handling some of my most prized models, like the motorbike. As Mr Spock would put it, "not using gloves is Illogical."
😂😂😂 that harrier I got one I opened box and thought nahhh thanks closed it and put it back in the cupboard
Tamiya's best are the 1/14 RC Trucks.......... but boy they're expensive
AMK makes a good F-14 super detail cheaper than Tamiya
Yes but stupid instructions and not builder friendly. 😳
It’s funny how you compared Tamiya kits to a shake and bake - to the point where the existential question could be asked - is assembling a Tamiya kit really modeling? Having built some really crappy kits, I can’ relate to your mentality of going the extra mile on the Tamiya kits, they go together so well that it’s almost a mortal sin not to make it as best of a kit I could make it out to be. Anyway, enjoy the balanced reflection on Tamiya, wondering how part 2 turns out. Cheers.
Anyone who saw my recent F-35B review would never think a kit like that is a 'shake & bake' ...for some people, something without massive problems is a 'shake & bake'...but as I say, it's a gross (even perverse) exaggeration. 👍🏻
Think it's probably down to the modeller, I get more satisfaction out of making a presentable model out of a bag of crap than painting by numbers
...like I did with the Kinetic Frs.1 or Mirage III from Eduard. But most folks don't want that to be the norm.
True, Tam's are the Jigsaw of Construction kits.
I would love to build a Tamiya kit but unfortunately they dont make anything im interested in, such as a Flanker or a modern warship.
Hey there Peter! 🌟 This video really struck a chord with me. As someone navigating mental health challenges, it's incredibly inspiring to see how modeling can be a source of strength and empowerment. Your words encourage me to keep pursuing my passion despite the struggles. Thank you for being a beacon of positivity and motivation in the modeling community. 💪✨ #NeverGiveUp #ModelingJourney #MentalHealthMatters 🌈
Thank You & a very Merry Christmas to you. 👍🏻🎄🎉🎅🏻
I had been out of the model kit hobby, fell into Warhammer and Gunpla, and came back with the 1/48 F-35A. And OMG that was an eye opener. I spent so long just dry fitting the parts. The engineering is outrageous
So Martin...(Admittedly, - with hindsight) No need to test-fit / dry-fit!? 😉 👍🏻
Dear Piter, can You explain why does Tamiya not hawe American WW2 bombers in its offer. Or I am not well informed. Thanks
I do not know…perhaps they think it’s well covered by others
Very fair Peter. Like any company they rely on people, despite the processes that Japanese firms are renowned for (Kanban etc). People come and go, have good days and bad and it all translates to the end product.
What I like is finding these things out when making a model. Sometimes there’s an unexpected challenge that I need to sort out using skill and sometimes I come across a marvellous nugget of engineering that makes me smile and makes my life easier.
Along with Airfix, Tamiya are my go-to kits when I want to enjoy the process of model-making for these reasons. I’m not interested in producing a museum piece - but it’s got to be fun to build.
37:30 That's not the early Tiger I from the 1970s, that's their mid-production Tiger I from around 1995 which is an excellent beginner's kit. One lovely thing Tamiya did with these is that Tamiya quietly corrected the shape of the turrets in their late and mid-production Tigers after it was pointed out they were too symmetrical. So, if you have a mid or late production Tiger I that was made in Phillipines you have one with the corrected turret.
You have not experienced Shakespeare until you have read him in the original Klingon.
To be, or not to be...-NOT to be! 😵
Hi. Peter. I do enjoy your channel and reviews. Please look at the Mk1 (61119) instructions on step1. and 3. There is a callout for the opening of a gap in each fuselage half to accommodate the clear light. I missed it as well when I built this kit. It appears at top left of step 1. and bottom left of step 3. Am I right? The reason why there is no drilling symbol is because it is two very small half moon cut outs.
Thanks for the info! It wouldn't surprise me that Tamiya heard the feedback and updated them. 👍🏻
I found the original instructions and took a look...you have a point in stage 3 but its very unclear indeed...then in stage 12 the hole is not visible again...only then re-appear by magic in stage 19...you see my point?
👍👍
Youy're right about the MK1 Spitfire. They went out of their way to make seperate fuselage parts to select open or closed canopy which makes no sense at all! Why not rhe conventional way with slots for a slide open canopy? It would have been less costly and they did the same with their 1/32 Corsair! 🇨🇦
Cheers Vincent! 👍🏻 Have a great Christmas! 🎄🎉🎅🏻
The Tamiya Sea Harrier FRS.I dates from 1982 and I don’t think that’s coincidental. That’s because the kit was based on the Harrier GR.I kit first issued in 1971. Obviously, Tamiya modified the fuselage and other items but this was always going to be a bit of a compromise in terms of accuracy. I believe the GR.I can no longer be issued because of the changes to the tool.
That would explain it...👍🏻
I have an unfinished tamiya/italeri palladin spg ... I agree with you 100%. What a waste of money
Great discussion. In my opinion the first Tamiya super kit was 1/32 Zero in 2005.
The vibe of your videos is great, you make me want to start building again! Would love to see you review the 1/72 Lancaster (I think everyone needs a Lancaster in his life). Greetings and thanks from Holland
Thanks ! Have a great Xmas! 🎅🏻🎉🎄
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab❤
That motorbike is absolutely beautiful and l am not really into non-military models but l can appreciate good work like this and the Le Mans build which are to me competition level modeling and with Tamiya it's not about being a fanboy and all that nonsense it's simply you can't be at the top of the tree all that time unless you are good at what you do and Tamiya are good at what they do, also build for yourself because you are your hardest critic 👍
Thanks Barry! 👍🏻 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎉🎅🏻
Tamiya are nice but don't fit my limited hobby budget, which is why I stick to Revell and Airfix. 😮
Have alook at their older ones I mentioned, many around £20 and will really please you. 👍🏻
@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Well, I got the vintage classics Dr1 and Bristol set for $15 so that's my kind of buy! 😋
Any modeler would appreciate Tamiya's quality, parts fit perfectly, easy to read, and follow its instructions, not cluttered parts, its variety selections.
Couldn't agree more!
I bought Tamiya 1/12 F1 car kits and 1/6 motorcycle kits in the 70's and still buy them. 45 years later they still hold up brilliantly. I've now gone down the rabbit hole of Tamiya 1/14 RC Truck kits. 900 pounds for the Volvo Hauler and 800 pounds for the necessary control kit and optional extras. Don't go there unless you have plenty of spare wedge!
You are right: Those kits still look great today! 👍🏻
Now this is going to be good 👍
I'm thinking about getting this kit but it's sooooo expensive. Hopefully this will help make my mind up...
I did a detailed review previously here: th-cam.com/video/pX_dx3D6dkM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=aNV3XlgKekcJFLEV 👍🏻
Thanks Peter,love your reviews.Keep up the good work mate....
Thanks Ian! 👍 Merry Xmas! 🎄🎉🎅🏻
And a very Merry Xmass and a Happy New Year to U2...🌲🎉🧑🎄@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab
Nice😎😎🍸🍸
I have to agree with you that Tamiya figures are beautifully sculpted, but I also highly rate Master box Figures, my all time favourites being the Skat player set.
I think I should play my soundtrack CD of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Boris Karloff)" alongside one of these videos someday! LOL
Seriously, this amuses me in a good way.
And it would be a performance by my favorite Universal Monster and a favorite character actor to boot, too!
I recently bought one of his last movies, "Targets," during the most recent half-off Criterion sale at Barnes & Noble.
He's an underrated actor. As much as I like the Frankenstein movies he was in, he was a lot more than that...
I do enjoy these videos, .......good ol'Tamiya!
Glad you like them! 👍🏻