Replacement Parts Thread

list has been updated

Im aware theres going to be hurdles. but if i dont do the hard yards who will?

Ill also be relying on you guys (the community) alot to pass on the sources of best customer service for the different regions. This way we get experienced modelers passing on their knowledge to the newer modelers. Im hoping this can become a community project that will benefit everyone as a whole.

It's a tough ask, as you will also have to consider location (ie country) and individual manufacturers' local distributors in each country.

There are distributors like Toy Traders (Tamiya's Australian distributor) who simply don't want to know about missing parts from kits.

Good luck.

sweet, ill compile a list of manufacturers and then post the best way to contact each with contact details next to the name.

I think you may have misinterpreted...I don't think this would be a bad idea at all.

Most model companies will send you a replacement part. Tamiya, on the other hand, sells entire replacement sprues if available. The service I had (only once) was very good. I inherited an M2 Bradley (the original kit with interior) and one of the side skirts was broken. I ordered the sprue using part numbers from the newer M2A2 Bradley (those skirts were still included but unused on the current kit). Got the parts I needed in a short while.

I imagine it would depend on whether or not they had the kit on hand and could scavenge it for the sprue you need.

Well, the idea did pop into my head at 3am, so it cant be that great lol. Oh well. i just thought it would be nice to take the effort out for people and put everything in one place. 

I would think people would have enough common sense to search for and check the manufacturer's web page, if they have one,  to start off with. That's sometimes not the case it seems. It might be helpful to include links for aftermarket suppliers as well.

Finding out how to order replacement parts isn't very hard...actually getting them, or even just getting the manufacturer to reply to messages is another story.

Anyway, for my contribution here's the support number for Tamiya USA: 949-362-2240. They're pretty good at customer service on the phone. Forget about sending them email inquiries, it's a waste of time - they've never answered any of mine. Just call them, and be prepared for a LONG wait (months) if they don't have the requested part(s) in stock and have to order from Japan.