Much like Gran Turismo, Scalextric and Hot Wheels, Tamiya is a brand synonymous with car culture, and an important part in the development of a petrolhead. Just like those brands, Tamiya hasn’t gone anywhere and, thanks to the pandemic, it’s experiencing something of a resurgence.
Thousands of fans are getting involved in Tamiya’s heady mixture of spray paint, over tightened bolts and decal-induced stress headaches. So, what Tamiya sets are available now, and what do you need?
What to buy
To get a Tamiya R/C car up and running, you’ll need to buy more than just one of the kits listed below. There are three main areas you need to take care of:
First, you’ll need a proper tool set to assemble the chassis, with all the relevant screwdrivers, as well as a knife.
Next, you’ll need equipment to cut out and finish the bodyshell of the car, and that means buying paints, brushes, masking tape as well as knife, scissors and a reaming tool.
Finally, you’ll also need to buy some electrical bits to get the car up and running, and they include a battery, battery charger, servo and wireless controller with receiver.
Expect to spend something like £100 on the above but remember that the tools can be used with other models, and the electronic bits can be swapped between models if you get more.
The best Tamiya R/C sets
Tamiya produces a wide range of different cars, so it’s easier to divide them into off-road and on-road models. We’ll update this list continuously.
Off-road
1. Lunch Box
Description
An R/C kit from Tamiya's so-called golden-age, the Lunch Box plops a boxy minivan on off-road,
2. The Hornet
Description
Like the Lunch box above, The Hornet is a good kit to start out with. It's easy to assemble,
Description
We reckon this is one of the best looking Tamiya kits. But Tamiya's Escort is capable of
4. Grasshopper
Description
One of the cheaper cars on this list, the Grasshopper is an enduring classic for Tamiya.
Description
Like the Grasshopper, the Racing Fighter is a great starter vehicle of relatively good value.
On-road
Description
Yes it's a rally car but Tamiya's WRC Yaris sits on the road-going TT-02 chassis. The goods: a
7. Lancia Delta
Description
One of the most iconic rally cars ever, this Delta car will have you creating your own great
8. Audi Quattro
Description
The same hardware as the Lancia Delta and WRC Yaris, just with that incredible Quattro body
Description
Substitute the Quattro body for this, if you're a star-spangled Subaru fan. This is the two-door