How Does Tamiya Do It?

I do not know the answer but I agree that Tamiya models do fit together quite well, which for me makes them a pleasure to build. The only other brand I have put together so far are Revell/Monogram and I have sworn off those because they just aren't the same quality as Tamiya. Eventually I'll branch off to another brand but I still have plenty of Tamiya models calling my name.

I think the answer is that they try harder and are willing to invest the time and money to get it right.

Tamiya was like Honda in that they were a newcomer in a market that already had established companies.  They were the underdogs and had to fight to gain a share of the market.  And like Honda, they were not given much respect by the “big boys”.  Yet they both exhibited tenaciousness and put out good products that stood out from the competition.  Tamiya is known as an early adopter of new manufacturing technologies, and combined with their mission to make models that are easy to build, helps to keep their name golden.

Now before the pundits take a stab, yes they do choose ease of assembly over super high fidelity parts breakdown, but that is why their kits are pleasant to build rather than a 1,200 part box full of frustration.  To each his own, but Tamiya still stands as one of the top model kit manufacturers because they choose to make the effort to be there.

Not every Tamiya kit fits well. A lot of the aircraft they issued in the '70s fit just about as well as the Revell and Monogram kits of the era; they required just as much puttying and sanding to achieve decent results, had the same raised panel lines as their American competitors, and they could be a bit soft in the details. And, just like the Revell O'Grams of that time, they are still in circulation.

What are they doing differently now? Computer assisted drawing/drafting wasn't around when Revell and Monogram dominated the market, but it is now a requisite in the modern era. It was one thing to physically build a master pattern and then send it down to the tooling department to be cut apart and die-molded for production, but it's an entirely different ballgame when your master pattern is digitally designed and a computer mills the molds while determining optimum heat, pressure, load, and venting to increase productivity and profitability. It makes engineering a lot more accurate when it comes to fit and finish, plus it allows for techniques (slide molding, for instance) that were considered to be "impossible" with injection molding twenty years ago.

Tamiya has been around for some fifty years or so, which is a considerable advantage over competitors. They've learned a thing or two over the years and their kits have benefited from that level of experience. 

Now if only they would stop molding grab handles on  the hatches of their armor kits with that patented "Tamiya blob"...

Point taken on the grab handles.  And Tamiya only recently started including clear parts for armor headlights and optics.  Plus they still use that annoying nylon string for tow cable.

I’m working on an early 1970s Tamiya halftrack and their new M3 Stuart at the moment, and the difference is noticeable.  But I built my first halftrack back in 1978 or so, and enjoyed it a lot even back then.

But bottom line, it’s the pleasurable building experience that defines a Tamiya kit.

Probably the same production values that get me to buy Kato locomotives, Nikon cameras and Sony or yamaha sound equipment. Other companies do it as well, but they are all in the same higher priced bracket.

When I was a yougn modeler I simply could not afford Tamiya kits.

Yes back in the 1970s Tamiya kits were much more expensive than their competition.  That was the impetus for me to learn the importance of saving up my allowance - it took me about a month to afford a Tamiya tank kit.  But even then I knew it was worth it.

Glamdring

The thing that amazes me is their quality over time. I've built a couple Tamiya kits from the 70s and 80s, and the fit was better than some companies' post 2000 kits. The detail wasn't the same, but even so.

 

Eh, not all that glitters Tamiya is gold. Go try their 1/48 Sea Harrier. Then try the Monogram 1/48 AV-8B. A few years and a world of difference in detail and fit. Now go try the new tool/issue Revell F-84E/G Thunderjet. Or compare the original 1/48 Tamiya F-16 to the original 1/48 Monogram F-16, or their A-10s. 

Even Italeri was giving Tamiya a run for their money in the early days of 1/35 armor. No motorizations holes to deal with, and much finer detail. Have a look at their respective Pzr. IV or M13/40 kits. 

In response to a few of the above comments, I agree that not everything Tamiya has produced is perfect. Some of their kits from the 70s are so-so, at best.

BUT, those kits are 40+ years old! Can you honestly say that since the early 90s there is another manufacturer that is so consistent in turning out great fitting kits? I can’t think of one. At this point, if I buy a newer tool Tamiya kit I feel safe assuming that the engineering will be great. Can’t really say that about any other manufacturer.

Which gets me back to the original question, which is that they must have a different approach to engineering. I just wonder what it is.

It certainly is engineering on their new tool kits. But again, they do compromise on detail finesse. Other companies make more detailed kits. But the more intricate kits often translate into more challenging assembly. 

I build many 1/35 figures to accompany my 1/35 vehicle builds. The current releases from Tamiya lag behind those of Dragon, Miniart, Masterbox, or Tristar in quality. They also tend to be more petite scalewise, as in stature. Believe you me, I do like Tamiya products. But they are playing catch up in some areas.

Roald

Can you honestly say that since the early 90s there is another manufacturer that is so consistent in turning out great fitting kits? I can’t think of one. At this point, if I buy a newer tool Tamiya kit I feel safe assuming that the engineering will be great. Can’t really say that about any other manufacturer.

Bandai, but their subject matter is pretty restricted to anime and sci-fi these days. They even mould multiple colours on a single sprue. Imagine if they turned their attention to more mainstream subjects.

Yes, their Star Wars kits are most impressive. The Gundam kits by Bandai that my son builds look great as well. Their engineering is really something to marvel at, in that it’s all snap together, fits fantastic, and is articulable. Not to mention the muliple colors, like Phil said above. High tech and simple at the same time. 

Sometimes these "New Tooling" kits are re pops of older kits with added goodies. As stik mentioned, not all Tamiya is gold. Airfix and Italeri are giving them a run for their money.

stikpusher

Yes, their Star Wars kits are most impressive. The Gundam kits by Bandai that my son builds look great as well. Their engineering is really something to marvel at, in that it’s all snap together, fits fantastic, and is articulable. Not to mention the muliple colors, like Phil said above. High tech and simple at the same time. 

 

Let.s not forget there's nothing that rivet counters can argue over accuracies in them. They're all fantasy Sci-Fi stuff.

Roald

 At this point, if I buy a newer tool Tamiya kit I feel safe assuming that the engineering will be great. Can’t really say that about any other manufacturer.

Uh... Eduard kits.....

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Let.s not forget there's nothing that rivet counters can argue over accuracies in them. They're all fantasy Sci-Fi stuff.

Plenty of rivet counters in the sci-fi world. Sometimes, they're the worst...

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Sometimes these "New Tooling" kits are re pops of older kits with added goodies. As stik mentioned, not all Tamiya is gold. Airfix and Italeri are giving them a run for their money.

 

 

 

stikpusher

Yes, their Star Wars kits are most impressive. The Gundam kits by Bandai that my son builds look great as well. Their engineering is really something to marvel at, in that it’s all snap together, fits fantastic, and is articulable. Not to mention the muliple colors, like Phil said above. High tech and simple at the same time. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let.s not forget there's nothing that rivet counters can argue over accuracies in them. They're all fantasy Sci-Fi stuff.

 

Oh there are accuracy fanatics in the sci fi universes... Especially in any of those subjects based off of TV or Movies. 

Somehow the thread title keeps bringing to mind the line from Simmons in the first Transformers movie:

“You’ve got to respect the Japanese. They know the way of the samurai” (referring to Nokia). LOL

Sorry for the

stikpusher

Yes, their Star Wars kits are most impressive. The Gundam kits by Bandai that my son builds look great as well. Their engineering is really something to marvel at, in that it’s all snap together, fits fantastic, and is articulable. Not to mention the muliple colors, like Phil said above. High tech and simple at the same time. 

 

To add to the discussion, I think Tamiya is fantastic!  Their kits are top quality and all of their tools, paints, etc are top notch as well.  I only use their acrylic paints for both airbrushing and handbrushing (use a drop of their retarder and they handbrush perfectly). 

The kits are expensive, but well worth it to me.

I still buy Revell for their car kits, as they have American cars and Tamiya doesn't.  Revell is still very good and their kits are very different compared to Tamiya.  

In the last couple of years Revell made great strides in fit and detail.  Same with Airfix.  Less money than Tamiya too.  You pay your money and make your choice.  Most Tamiya kits are great, but you pay for that.

The only real problem with Revell now is that there is no Revell USA anymore. Or at least currently. It’s all run from Germany now. Just look at the new website and the customer service section to see how they have changed. Not the same as they used to be, and not for the better. Revell Germany does make some great stuff, and at an affordable price. 

Aah;

 Bandai -That name conjures up great memories for me in an Armor scale I would,ve not tried otherwise .The demise of their 1/48 scale Armor kits , With full interiors I might add ! was sad for me . I still have one Sdkfz251/1 of theirs !

 I had hoped they would grace us with American Armor too . Now as far as what I specialize in - Ships , I think Trumpeter has given us some Knock out kits .I only request them as gifts because on a fixed income I cannot afford them . Same for Tamiya !

 I have never wanted for enjoyment in their ship kits .In smaller scales I have done a few Skywave kits and some off brands .Of course I have everything Heller and Revellogram produced . Lindberg for cut up refits and remodels .

 I won't cut up a Tamiya or Trumpeter ship ! They cost to much, just to use the hull for something else .Revell and Lindberg , sure . Lindberg has the Minesweeper for instance. Great to modify into a Ocean Going Salvage ship or Oceanagraphic Research vessel .

 Of course I have every company's iterations of them .Can you say Perkasa ? A patrol Torpedo Boat for Malaysia ? If I remember correctly it was Tamiya or Hasegawa .Hull molded in two colors .Wow! In the Eighties ?

Hi !

 I read this with a smile . One kit comes to mind .Their Clear version of the M.E.262 . I have acquired four .Why ?Well, I like chotchskis and airplanes .This has allowed me to refine superdetailing skills on a/c to a degree I never thought I would do .

 Why ? well, you can see it all when it's done . All those little hair fine wires painted to reflect hydraulics and fluid lines etc.Boy , that's fun . It's a nice break from detailing ship wheelhouses and bridges .

bluenote

 

 

stikpusher

Yes, their Star Wars kits are most impressive. The Gundam kits by Bandai that my son builds look great as well. Their engineering is really something to marvel at, in that it’s all snap together, fits fantastic, and is articulable. Not to mention the muliple colors, like Phil said above. High tech and simple at the same time. 

 

 

 

 

I was really excited to see all of those great Star Wars kits until I learned that they are all snap together and require no painting.  (I believe you can paint if you want, but is not required).

 

I would love to see traditional model kits for Star Wars from Bandai (glue required, and plain white sprues so that you can paint from scratch).  

 

You should really try one, don't be fooled by snap together title. I still use glue on mine and the no need to paint is also a not true, the colors are in the ballpark but not right. They are the most accurate Star Wars kits I've seen. Comparing the Bandai Y-wing to the Fine Molds, the Bandai wins hands down.

Phil_H

 

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Let.s not forget there's nothing that rivet counters can argue over accuracies in them. They're all fantasy Sci-Fi stuff.

 

 

Plenty of rivet counters in the sci-fi world. Sometimes, they're the worst...

 

Seriously? Rivet counters over something that’s not even real? Good Lord, they need to get a life.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Seriously? Rivet counters over something that’s not even real? Good Lord, they need to get a life.

Yeah, if you want to argue a point with the hard-core Sci-Fi crew, your reference material better be what they consider to be "canon".

But I digress.. 

Back to regular programming.. 

The Bandai kits are great in both fit and detail. If they decided to get into other non-scifi subjects they’d be a force to reckon with.

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

Roald

 At this point, if I buy a newer tool Tamiya kit I feel safe assuming that the engineering will be great. Can’t really say that about any other manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

Uh... Eduard kits.....

Eduard has gotten much better, I agree. The Hellcat, in particular, is a great fitting kit. But this is a fairly recent development, no? 

I found the 1/48 Bf 110 and Taifun to have lots of fit issues. In terms of consistency I’d still have to give it to Tamiya.

Roald

 

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

 

 

Roald

 At this point, if I buy a newer tool Tamiya kit I feel safe assuming that the engineering will be great. Can’t really say that about any other manufacturer.

 

 

 

 

Uh... Eduard kits.....

 

 

Eduard has gotten much better, I agree. The Hellcat, in particular, is a great fitting kit. But this is a fairly recent development, no? 

I found the 1/48 Bf 110 and Taifun to have lots of fit issues. In terms of consistency I’d still have to give it to Tamiya.

 

I recently completed a 1/48 eduard Bf 110 and it built just as nice and easy as any Tamiya kit I ever built.