I won't buy Tamiya, I won't build Tamiya and here's why
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- Sure Tamiya make great kits that fit well and are brilliantly detailed and moulded, but that's the problem. What can I enjoy when I am a builder not an assembler, and don't like painting? In this video I explore 3 reasons why Tamiya does not support my modelling needs. They may be great kits, but it's no hobby for me!
00:00 Intro and Premise
01:45 #1 Aircraft - Shake n Bake
07:16 #2 Armour - Too Little Too Late
11:46 #3 Ships - Don't Float my Boat
15:50 Why I build Airfix
19:11 Building Revell
20:43 Summary
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In my younger days, I built mostly Revell, Monogram, & AMT kits, because Tamiya was too expensive. Now that I'm older, I love Tamiya's detail and fit, and I get a bit frustrated when parts don't fit right, because I suck at sculpting. Making a Tamiya kit your own is still easy. Just cut open a panel here or there, and you could scratch-build some inner details. But that's beyond my current skill set.
Build what you live mate… it’s all good
I don't agree with you though..Tamiya manufacturers the best, easy to build, the kits fit perfectly, not cluttered products like many of Chinese makers, and you'd complain for the company which makes awesome models.
Fair enough!
Complaining about the aircraft kits "go together too well"??? That's a problem?
You miss understood. I complimented Tamiya for their fit and quality… my issue was I am used to fettling parts and therefore being involved in the assembly. Tamiya removes that. So yes too easy. I miss the actual modelling, as I am in no rush to paint.
@@HarryHoudiniModels I share this feeling as well
If things go together too well, where's the challenge? I agree with Harry.
No I get it, it's like a puzzle where all the pieces are numbered and are also identical squares. If anyone can do it, it's not special and you won't create find memories of doing it.
Honstly I agree with both I live that they fit well for kits I can just build quick and don’t feel burnt out but sometimes it’s fun to build a kit that you have to tinker with to work I think it depends how you feel but I agree with that it’s nice to have amazing fit but it’s fun to build them
Today I finished putting my 1st ever model kit together 🤩 A Tamiya Tiger tank! I was impressed by how accurate the parts fit into each other and how they snap in place. It seems like the perfect system to avoid mistakes and hours of aligning parts manually. The detail in the casting is perfect, I’m glad I didn’t have to correct any casting mistakes. My next model kit will for sure be another Tamiya tank. 🤩
Good on you Marc… welcome to the hobby. Build Tamiya if that is what gives you joy. All this video was about is my needs and wants, not other peoples. After more than 50 years of building models I now want a challenge.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Lets compare notes in 50 years to see how we progressed. I’m new and easily intimidated by complex builds.
I just got my second kit and it’s not Tamiya, I got the Italeri 1:35 M4A3E8 Sherman "Fury" tank. 🥳 I wonder if there’s a huge difference in the way it’s constructed.
Italeri can be hit and miss… some kits, I am told, can be quite good, but I am yet to build one without major frustrating issues that even I find hard to cope with. If you want to contact me in 50 years you might need a Ouija board.
@@HarryHoudiniModels The Italeri Sherman kit is nice and was fun to put together but it’s not the same level of quality as a Tamiya kit. The plastic seems to be of lesser quality, some parts have flash stuck to them, it doesn’t come with a figure like it’s displayed on the box, there are a incorrectly numbered parts in the manual and worst of all… it doesn’t use an idiot proof click in place system like Tamiya does. So I will buy Tamiya, I will build Tamiya and that’s why!🤩
Tamiya kits are great, easy to assembly, I don’t want to waste my time on fixing issues and mistakes of lousy companies. and painting is when every modeller can make a difference and express their style…. Weathering and other stuff…
Some like to build and shape, some like to paint and weather. Each to their own.
Yes👍
Hi Harry! I agree that Tamiya kits are easy to build, and don’t offer much of a challenge. However, and you must agree, that they have their place in the hobby. I stopped building models when I was about 16-17 y.o., and resumed a couple of years ago at the age of 68 years , and I started again with Tamiya armour kits and enjoyed building them. Since then I have migrated to more detailed and advanced kits from the likes of Dragon, Tacom, and others. I still buy some Tamiya kits, but mostly I build them for my young grandsons. I put the model on a vignette, and those models hold pride of place on the same shelf as their ‘Buzz Lightyear’ action figure, which in turn gives me a buzz.
That’s not to say they are all bad kits, they are just different from some of the other manufacturers’. However, I get what you are saying, and we all have different needs when it comes to our hobby. Cheers till next time!
Thanks Gary… lots of models to suit everyone’s needs… but I’m yet to find a Tamiya kit I could get excited about. But that’s just me.
To each their own. I enjoy an easy model. I prefer less stress in my life. But I do put together other brands.
Yes it is different for everyone. Do want makes you happy
"i don't build Tamiya because their quality is simply too good." LOL
I’m glad you get the joke Hans
For me personally, Tamiya is my favourite for the exact reasons you dislike. Goes together fast and easy - good for a tired student like me who doesn’t have much time or energy for hobbies. They also look damn good.
Each to their own needs Jack… and get some rest mate
So basically Tamiya is just too good of a manufacturer haha
This video is mostly a joke and having fun with all the over serious fan boys of Tamiya who can not take any criticism about their scared brand. The truth is: I build sailing ship kits, Tamiya does not make sailing ship kits, ergo I cant buy or build Tamiya.
There's days where I want a challenge and there's days where I just want to work on something that I know isn't going to fight me.
The later are the days I play Lego :)
@@HarryHoudiniModels I like the older Hasegawa stuff you can get for like $8 a model for that kinda day, basically the same thing but cheaper than legos :p
You must be grazy. Maby not state of the art but very good value for money and not over engineerd like some of the new so called state of the art kits. Always a pleasure to build Tamiya.
If you enjoy their kits then all power to you mate.. this video was just about what I need out of the hobby. We are not all the same in this, so Tamiya does not appeal to everyone, as evident by the many supportive comments on this video.
Way too much drama, its just a hobby. Chill, light up and relax. 😎
I could not agree with you more Michael
I appreciate what you had to say Harry, I can understand your point very clearly.
I liked to build Tamiya aircraft when I had working eyes because of exactly what you said; shake n bake. I wasn’t around during WW11, so I leave it up to Tamiya researchers to get it all together and be happy with the finished product for 5 minutes before I get sick of looking at it.
Their car kits are great too, but they’re all foreign cars to me.
I’d love to see a 1/24 Holden Kingswood!
Money on the fridge w*g LOL (from the TV series)
I don't understand some of the animosity in the hobby these days. It's just a hobby for crying out loud, it's supposed to be fun and relaxing.
Not if you are a La’merican Tamiya fan boy… then if anyone say’s something you don’t agree with, you come out guns blazing and abuse them! Not animosity, just an observation.
Unless bad kits are your cup of tea, I prefer to paint and weather, not waste time on fixing ill fitting kits.
All depends what you define as bad David… I’m not into badly moulded, warped and crap kits… but I do enjoy a little fettling to get a model into shape, and really like to value add with scratch work and some aftermarket. But to do that I won’t pay a premium price for a kit to work on. As I said in the video, painting and weathering are not my thing. So each to their own.
@ Clive Tuck Well you obviously haven’t watched my videos where I start with a basic kit then scratch build all the missing detail:
Matchbox Beaufighter
Revell Bounty
Airfix St Louis
Smer MC.72
Aoshima Amerigo Vespucci
Revell Schnellboot
Zvezda Varyag
Imai Greek Watship
Trumpeter Deutschland
Hobby Boss Seydlitz
Airfix Warspite
to name a few off the top of my head!
Why would you want a kit that doesn’t fit so you have to waste time fixing it? I don’t get it.
l enjoy painting more than the assembly . The quicker and easier the build the better l like it . To me building a model these days has become to complicated and less straightfoward than it used to be ( l,m an oldie like you Harry ) . Photo esch , superglue(hate it ), several parts where a couple would do , items moulded in pieces when once they were moulded singlely etc . (Dragon are one of the worst culprits ).To me modelling is about enjoyment and when it becomes frustrating and stressful it ceases to be that .Still we,re all different at the end of the day . A good video as always Harry ,take care .
thanks for your input John
I think you nailed it Harry when you said "each to their own" and something along the lines of whatever makes you happy.... Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder as the man says. For my sins, I grew up on 1/72 Airfix kits in the late 80s. Now in my middle age, I've fallen in love with some of the FROG offerings (yes they're old and basic) but the joy is taking something vintage, doing a bit of scratch building and knocking out something you could be proud of. That's part of the excitement - taking something less than stellar and turning it into a beaut! Happy modeling everyone!
Yes happy modelling… build what makes you happy
You can always run a boxed Tamiya kit across a table saw a couple of times if you need a challenge. I'm challenged more by the wall of unbuilt kits while death looms closer and closer. Bring on more Tamiya!
Brilliant suggestion Brian… then I can enjoy repairing them. The problem is a million Tamiya Fan boys will have a heart attack!
Lifes too short to be building crap kits IMO. I prefer to have something that goes together well that I'm not fighting all the way... I just lose interest. Tamiya are a little pricy but I'd rather spend more money and have an enjoyable experience than just be frustrated with something old and subpar. I'm a Tamiya fan (well the newer stuff) myself but I can see how others that prefer a challenge might find them boring. To each they're own... right.
Why does everyone think I only like crap kits? Did you watch the Fiat video? What I have said clearly and repeatedly is a kit with some challenge, to make it better, to make it my own. Shake’n’bake wastes my time. I want value for money by being involved in the build, not an expensive canvas just to paint onto.
It's the opposite for me. I like the painting more than the sanding/filling/glueing. So quality kits like Bandai and Tamiya are what I go for.
And there’s nothing wrong with that… room enough in the hobby for everyone.
So I'm young and only have done 6 kits (all of which are tamiya F1 and 1/24 car kits) and I agree that painting is probably 70% of the build. I enjoy using using the tools to make something that comes out really nice but it's also the most tedious piece of work. I think I still get the enjoyment of a finished work being a result of my effort and that's the reason why I do this hobby.
Each to their own matey… if you are enjoying it and having fun, that’s all that counts
I started this video thinking 'what's this nob all about?' I love Tamiya. But there's something in your delivery that I liked. I'm gonna subscribe.
Cool, thanks Richard.. welcome aboard
I thought I was going to have to change the supplies I use due to reasons such as slave and minor labor, contributions to special operations, or child trafficking. Thank goodness this was just about your personal needs and not about moral reasons to not support a particular manufacturer.
Well I could go down that road about anything with a Lithium battery.. or clothes… hard call, but valid point. My video is just about my needs and experience in the hobby. Your milage may differ.
@@HarryHoudiniModels It is sometimes a very hard call. I did not mean to imply that I don't totally get what you are saying. I sometimes like to get that old mold Round 2 product so I can cut, shave, fabricate, curse, etc and be proud of a finished project that didn't go together like a cnc machined puzzle. Keep up the great work.
Well, I am sold on buying Tamiya after that. Haha. Informative video for a beginner trying to decide.
Lovely.. if that is what you want, go for it.
As I’ve gotten older, I realize that time is my most precious asset. I fail to see the displeasure in a kit that allows me to get it done in a fastidious manner. You wanna beat yourself up with needless hours of sanding and filling on a poorly molded kit that’s your right, but I fail to see the point of shouting it from the mountain of YT. This is a golden age of modeling that I fully intend to take advantage of. Go ahead and row your little boat about clinging to old shitty models if you like, I don’t have the time for it.
No beating up at all… enjoyment of the hobby. I grew up in the 60’s building balsa kits of aircraft and ships. Cutting, sanding and shaping were what you did, forming the shape of the model from blocks of wood. I also enjoyed Lego, clicking parts together without any fettling. In my old age I want to fettle and enjoy that craft that was the joy of my youth. Time well spent as an adult who no longer plays with Lego.
Legit points, and really highlights the biggest challenge with sharing what we love in our hobby: That the hobby has so much to offer to us in so very many different ways. Companies are in business to sell kits and some go for oddball subjects, (Italeri) some go for straighforward builds (Tamiya), some go for realism and detail (WnW).. and we as modelers are enjoying it in very different ways - And each and every one of them is valid for us.
And it's fun to learn what we all like! (this is the kind of thing that opens new doors for me too - because I get curious about those fun things and have to try.)
Do what ya love.. and love doin' it. Thanks HH!
Yes the FTRC axiom rings true!
Try a Bandai kit, their engineering and production makes Tamiya look like newbs with eye problems by comparison. That being said, im all about the painting. So for me its who makes the kit I want. Im painting an F-107 now and as far as I know Trumpeteer is the only maker, so Trumpeteer I buy, if Airfix makes the kit I want to do next, Airfix gets my money, etc for other companies.
Well said… but nope Bandai just don’t make anything except the X-Wing that I am interested in… built and hand painted my X-Wing. That was enough Bandai for me.
I guess if you prefer the actual building then this makes sense. Personally my favourite part is doing cool paint schemes, so having a kit that goes together with minimal fuss is always welcome for me. Have a great day sir!
Fair enough.. and that I suppose is the attraction. But then are you really scale modellers or actually figure painters?
@@HarryHoudiniModels That’s the thing about scale modelling, there’s so much to do in the hobby that loads of people are attracted to it. That’s a good question though. Am I really a scale modeller? I would say yes, cause building the kit is enjoyable, but painting is just the bit I prefer.
It’s all scale modelling then… hurrah! Just have fun :)
I love Tamiya, no frustrations, what’s not to like. You sir must be a masochist! 😂
No matey, I am a scale modeller who is not in a rush to click together a kit. I want to use my modelling skills to improve and enhance a build. But each to their own.
That's exactly what is so great about the hobby.....there's something for everyone, whatever it is. Keep modelling and keep having fun
Each to their own Duke. Thanks for checking in
I just now I greatly do enjoy watching and listening to your videos and even though I'm 66 years old soon to be 67 I always enjoy learning new things and I will continue listening and learning because there's always something new ways of doing things
Great attitude Charlies
Why should the things "you need to do" be seamlines or flash? Shouldn't it be weathering, painting or improving the kit?
Not everyone is the same Callum… some of us like the construction but not so much the painting. The construction is a big way to improve a kit, unless it’s Tamiya, where they remove this fun part of modelling.
@@HarryHoudiniModels
Oh I completely understand your point;
The things that Tamiya strive to remove from their kits is the fun you actually find in them.
For me, the "maintenance" aspect of the kits are always a drag. Post build is always where the fun is at.
But that's why modelling is awesome, its each to their own, always fun for the individual.
My best friend loves super easy Gundam kits that basically snap together. And that's awesome! More power to him!
I've been building for so long (since the late 50s) that I'm tired of ill fitting kits, crappy details, warped parts, tons of flash etc. not to mention trying to see tiny parts with my ageing eyes.
Now I enjoy painting and weathering and building dioramas more than the actual building of a kit. Building is a necessary evil for me.
This is why I love the newer Tamiya kits. I do like the new Airfix kits as well as several others.
Fair enough.. your needs are different to mine. We all approach the hobby from our own expectations and desires.
Try to build an 1/12 F1 car from Tamiya. They can be a challenge. And what's wrong with a near perfect model?
I have heard that about the F1 cars.. maybe I will one day
@@HarryHoudiniModels I just bought the 1/12 Porsche 934. It's a reissue. The ONLY addition 45 years on are the very few PE parts.
The kit is a gem, but it is very much a 1970s kit. I bought it in 1976 as a teenager, discarded it, and bought one now for nostalgic reasons
I think u could have a look at this, Harry
Interesting opinion. I love Tamiya kits and consider their quality to be excellent. Yeah, they are pricey but I feel that you’re getting great detailed high quality kits for your money.
I recently built their Tiger I DAK kit and loved it. I spent an entire month building, coloring and weathering it and I consider it to be one of the best and most realistic models I built. Then, after such hard work, I felt the need to build something more simple - something that you can up on a Friday, paint on a Saturday and weather on a Sunday and for that the classic 1970s Tamiya Panther A kit was perfect. Yeah, the detail was not so good but it was an enjoyable kit and an enjoyable experience for a quick weekend build. As long as I am having fun and can relax from all of the insanity in the world I’m good.
By the way, I also love Meng, Takom, Trumpeter, Dragon-Kirin, MiniArt, Revell, Aoshima etc. kits. They all have strength and weaknesses but for me Tamiya is “the standard”. I guess it’s because I grew up with them.
My video was not really an opinion. It was my experience and observations, with a little light humour thrown in. The crux of the matter was: Tamiya don’t make sailing ship kits. I am now pretty much just building sailing ship kits. So Tamiya has nothing I can buy, ergo, nothing I can build.
I rather not spend the time to fix the alignment and fitment of a kit, and spend the time on painting and weathering instead
Each to their own matey… I prefer doing the former and not the latter.
One thing about having kits that go together well is taking the frustration out for newbies, and especially for kids. I remember being 8 or 9 back in the 70's and getting really upset by my models not going together well, and having a stringy mess of testors glue everywhere. It really killed my interest back then, and I thought it was all my fault.
I hope you don't buy cars (or anything else) based on them being broken so you have something to fix :)
You obviously did not watch until the end where I qualify my statement saying: Tamiya don’t make sailing ship kits, I build sailing ship kits, ergo I cannot either buy nor build my chosen subject from Tamiya.
@@HarryHoudiniModels yeah, I did, I was just commenting on reason number 1 is all. :)
I always enjoy videos that aren't about rivet counting and all that, and its interesting to hear different people's take on various kits and manufacturers. I grew up on old aircraft kits from Airfix, Matchbox and Frog, and now back in the hobby decades later, I still find I get the most enjoyment from building those now. I'm also still brush panting and using spray cans. Nostalgia plays a big part for me, but there's just something about having a challenge here and there. Great video. All the best!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sounds like you need to stick to lindberg kits if cleaning flash and unwarping parts is your thing.
Eeeek wash your mouth out with soap… the horror… I don’t mind a little flash and happy to fix the odd warp… but I draw the line at Limpburger kits.. now they are awful!
Kind of the opposite reason that I love building Tamiya. I feel like life is too short for ill fitting and poorly designed models. I've built my share of those.
Besides, there is always plenty of room for detailing and aftermarket stuff with Tamiya.
What ever works for you Jamie, as long as we both enjoy the hobby, that’s all that matters
You’re entitled to your opinion but I prefer Tamiya and miniart over most though airfix had some good aircraft. I grew up building Aurora, Monogram and Tamiya. I find the fit excellent and the detail good. Many other kits require that you have to have an engineering degree or have fiddlie detail with microscopic parts. Most Tamiya kits are generally good out of the box.
Not so much an opinion. Modelling need, experience and observation. If you enjoy Tamiya kits, then all the power to you. I am simply expressing my needs and experience. Tamiya does not in my experience fit my need. Your mileage may differ.
G'Day from Perth WA. about 45yrs or so I bought a Heller Roman Galley,the detail on it was first class,a most enjoyable build from what I remember, sadly it is long gone as most of my other models!
I have the Zvezda version in my stash, probably a copy. It’s a big girl so will have to wait until I own a larger bath tub.
Lol - 100 people building 100 of the same Tamiya kit won’t produce the same result. Still depends on skill level, painting, weathering etc.
Building is only 30% of the skill required to build a great model. Painting and weathering correctly requires much more skill than building.
…and that’s where you are wrong. Not everyone spends more than 50% of their time on the painting and weathering. As seen in numerous comments here, a lot of us like the challenge of a build. Each to their own, but don’t assume everyone has the same needs as you. We will all do what we enjoy.
It is all about the modelling, fix and repair... Just like in my mechanic's days! WE need to discover, research and do the work to make changes to our kits that is what it is all about but I DO enjoy painting.... I over paid for the Tamiya ISU152 years ago. I get annoyed when hobby manufacturers can't get the basic structure of kits right. Good day keep up the good work! Harry
Glad you get it matey… so many fan boys didn’t
I guess it comes down if you prefer the build section vs the paint section
I think you mean Build verses Paint?
@@HarryHoudiniModels oh yeah what the
I agree with you regarding building, its more rewarding when you have put more effort in to a model and improved your skills in the process.
Yes it can be, if that is your thing, I like the challenge of a build, but some just want it quick and easy because painting is their thing. Each to his own.
Understand you, but for me it's more like the build is sometimes an obstacle before i can do "the art" wich is painting and weathering to bring my model alive.
Each to their own matey.. as long as you enjoy your hobby
Valid points.. but nothing worse then buying kits that come with bent parts and absolutely no way to fix them without a heat gun.
For me, I'm more I interested in not getting frustrated are having to throw away money (the kit) because it's trash.
Ive built 4 models as an adult.
3 we're Tamiya.
The 4th is an amusing hobbies.
I added afv parts to one of the Tamiya kids.
As a modeling noob I want something that isn't going to be super hard, and will look good when finished.
Don’t get me wrong, I dislike crap kits too. But I want a build where I can add more detail and don’t mind a little fettling to get a perfect fit. I've built over 50 kits since returning to the hobby last decade, most were fun and engaging, but none of my half dozen Tamiya builds excited me. However I am keen to try a Tamiya motorbike or F1 car now, after lots of great advice from watchers.
To each his own.
You do what you like.
That said, you complain that Tamiya planes are too easy to build, but their ships and tanks are not buildable. Then their ships and tanks should be right up your ally. Roll up your sleeves and get into building.
I like your videos where you share your builds. The ups. The downs. The pitfalls. Now you just sound like that old dude telling us how he walked to school and home, in 3 feet of snow, up hill (both ways), even during the summer, all the while getting up before the sun rose the previous day to take care of every farm animal known to mankind.
More build videos.
I will always continue to do the build videos… but to feed my cat I need videos that get a bigger audience and higher monetisation. Sadly the chatty ones about controversial views are the most popular.
Now if everyone watched all my build videos, donated to Patreon or UA-cam Members, or hit the Super Thanks… then I would never need to do a chatty video again. Simple economics… oh and by the way.. you don’t have to watch the chatty videos if you don’t like them :)
To each his own but I see modelling like cooking it's what your in the mood for and no one has the same taste. I'll build them all but I do really enjoy older kits that have that nostalgic feel to them like the Monogram armor stuff. Shepard Paine got me hooked so I enjoy revisiting the older stuff.
Yes the nostalgia plays a big part in my love for Airfix
You're a strange kind of " modellist"...if the goal is to buy a kit that you need to trimm, clean, skratching and actually redone it....why buy it....just scratch it yourself that will be your achievment....really have problem understand you...
That’s how I started. scale modelling, making balsa aircraft and boats from scratch. Most of my builds these days are converted, updated, or revised with scratch parts.
I really have no issue with Tamiya, having since got into their old 1/12 F1 racing car kits, I was just having fun poking the fanboys in this video. If you want a click together build go for it. However I like to tinker, as do many millions of other “modellers” who don’t enjoy a quick assemble, or only want to paint the thing, they want to “model”. Horses for courses.
We are all different, and that’s not a bad thing.
I personally went to Tamya coming from Revell. The quality on Revell is so hillariously bad, I just couldn't get myself to build them anymore. Sitting on a Tamya I find myself wanting to go back, it's very relaxing.
You may be talking of Revell America, now bankrupt, not Revell of Germany who produce some outstanding kits. Like the Schnellboot I recently completed on my channel.
@@HarryHoudiniModels Oh no I am talking about Revell Germany. I have had kits by them where the fitment of parts (especially windows to body) was so bad I couldn't fill the gap and had to give up. I don't know if it was just bad luck, but after a string of very unfulfilling building experiences, I finally stopped buying any Revell kits.
You sound alot like myself and my dad. We both love scratch building and putting extra detail on the model ourselves for the reasons you yourself described. You can loose yourself in a good kit that you have to improve and feel so satisfied at the end. Life has gotten in the way of my model building and I haven't been able to touch a kit in just over 5 years but the last one I did was a German WW2 half track cargo carrier. Didn't get to finish it but boy did I put a lot extra into it. Scratch built my own tarpaulin, all the odd bits in the cargo area and the men in the back and cab. A lot of fun. Wish I had the time and space to get back into it. Currently my dad is really into the ships. He has problems with his eyes and dropping all those tiny pieces on the floor then having to find them. 😊
I have problems with my eyes finding stuff on the floor too.. but I am also old :)
I think we all need to put this subject in its proper perspective. For many of us we entered plastic model building in the 1970s. We had manufacturers like Revell, Monogram, Airfix, Heller and Aurora, to name a few. Let's be honest, many of these kits were not the greatest. Yes, some were better than others but the scales for these kits were not determined by our choice of exercising our wallets but what could fit on the shelf of a hobby store. That's why we have a bewildering array of scales for ships, 1/400, 1/426, 1/500, 1/600, 1/700 and 1/720 to name a few. Then came Tamiya in the 1980s. King George V, Prince of Wales, Bismark, Tirpitz and Yamato. These kits were followed by other ship models in the 1990s. For me and for many of us this company was a God send. We had tanks, planes, battleships, destroyers we had never seen before and in standardized ship scales such as 1/350 and 1/700 and the detail was amazing. Was there room for improvement? Of course, but remember there are limits to plastic injection molding and necessity is the mother of invention. I can remember Loren Perry came out with his photo etched parts to improve Tamiya naval kits and a new industry was born. Now we have Tom's Modelworks, Micromaster and Shipways. We have Trumpeter and Hobby Boss. Without Tamiya I doubt we would have the array of kits and after market products we have today. So let's not be harsh on Tamiya. For me and for many of us it set the standard for warship modeling. I will always be a Tamiya devotee. Thank you, Tamiya.
Not all of us started in the 70’s… I started scale modelling in the 60’s. As for the many scales of ships, Tamiya was one of the worst offenders in the 60’s with numerous scales from 1/800 to 1/300. The standardisation of ships scale was a joint agreement between Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Fujimi, plus a few minor model companies, after many complaints from model builders. While Revell of America were still making box scale kits of absurd scales. Tamiya ships, at least in 1/350, are over priced and under detailed, compared to what you can get now from China, with many early Tamiya ships just designed to be RC. So no, Tamiya is not the god send of ship kits, and no they did not save the scale war.
Tamiya are my favourite company . Excellent models and although expensive are worth it for the ease and enjoyment of building . Trumpeter are also very good although Dragon are well down on my list . Too much photo esch ( which l hate ) and several parts to assemble when a couple would suffice . Also complicated for the sake of it . (Teeth not on tracks but come lndividually and have to be stuck on one at a time) . Give me Tamiya every time .
If you are enjoying the build then all power to you.. but Tamiya is still over priced for my wallet
@@HarryHoudiniModels Harry, I do enjoy building Tamiya kits. I also understand the flaws a Tamiya kit may have. I also can appreciate the hurt modelers feel about the price, yet I know Trumpeter and other kits are not inexpensive. The hobby is getting more expensive. For me, Tamiya holds a special place. I fell in love with their 1/350 scale ships. To each his own.
And that is great Martin… I grew up with Airfix and so they hold a special place for me. Sure there are many bad kits, but even Tamiya has a few dogs, like that T-34. Because of where I grew up and the decades I first modelled, I never got into the Tamiya scene. So for me Airfix 1/600 ships were what I fell in love with. Now as an adult with far more experience and skill I quickly saw the short comings of those kits. I moved onto Trumpeter, Fujimi and Hasegawa ships. Then I revisited the Airfix sailing ships I adored, but could not afford as a kid. They have been a joy. Beautifully moulded, even by today’s standards, with just enough wrong so I can add my personal touch to the build. Each to their own. When Tamiya release a sailing ship kit I will be among the first to buy it.
Good point, Tamiya kits are excellent, sometimes they might benefit of more detail but such easy, quick builds, sometimes, are quite therapeutic and relaxing. I am finishing their 1/48 Abrams and It was great, even the link and length tracks which are usually a chore to me came out perfectly. So why no Tamiya sometimes? :)
When they sell a sailing ship kit count me in
When I started building model aircraft in 1963....State of the Art model manufactures Revell, Monogram, Airfix to name a few.
If you wanted More detail You learned how to Scratch Build.. OK..
Price .50 cents, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 you get the idea.
Pactra, Revell, Humbrol, Testors paints.
Tube glue..Testors introduced liquid cements later on.
Hobby shops were Everewhere!!
Subjects: Cars, Aircraft, Sailing Ships, Ships of All Types, Monster kits (Hawk models) Space craft (Real and fictional)
You get the idea. You built a model did your best and at least for me showed them to friends and family.
You learned HISTORY!!! WOW what a concept..
Today, Well it's all High Tech bits and pieces for extra detail. Along with that 30 to 150.00 plus dollar for Tamiya models
of which ALL HAVE FIT ISSUES SOMEHWERE IN THE MODEL!
I Agree Harry that Tamiya Could Be a stellar model company! Make other subjects. Sailing Ships Heck start somewhere.
RE-TOOL OLD Molds!
Lastly, I Don't believe for one minute the manufacturing cost is more than 15 to 25 a model. Then to mark it up a BIZILLON
percent and the USA distributor CAN'T Discount their kits. 64 dollars for a P-38? 100.00 for a F-4B phantom....
OK I do have P-51s and F4U Corsairs in my "Stash" but that's it.
Too bad there isn't an Individual who could Buy a literal boat load of Tamiya kits...
Sell them for 2.00 to 10.00 each...
Blessings,
Darrell Killingsworth
Thanks for that Darrell
Personally, I construct all my models by hand with toilet paper and cigarette butts because model kits aren't challenging enough.
You must be very talented then mister Magical
There is virtually no kit I wouldn’t build (or kit bash). I like them all, strengths and weaknesses alike, vintage and modern. But hey, to each his own.
Tamiya have not ever ever made a sailing ship kit. I build sailing ships. So the premise of this video is I can’t buy my subject of choice, ergo can’t build my subject of choice, from Tamiya. They created that problem, not me!
@@HarryHoudiniModels But we see your background.....
@James Bruno they are already bought… no need to buy anymore… and each kit is, for me, a better choice than what Tamiya has to offer.
Why is it so confronting for someone to just speak their truth. You can buy all the Tamiya kits you like. I won’t be offended, upset, need to push my needs on you, or be abusive. But the Tamiya fan boys lose their collective poop when someone just admits they don’t like building Tamiya kits. It is pathetic!
In a sense he's right; tamiya kits were/are pretty good, but they've been superceded by many new manufacturers. Meng, Takom, Mini Art, Trumpeter have all surpassed tamiya in many aspects. When was the last time tamiya produced a full interior armor kit with super detail like a Meng or RFM kit? Those kits are supremely challenging to build and offer a level of detail tamiya has yet to meet or defeat. But here again it all depends on what the builder wants in a kit, their skill level, and the desired result of the finished product. Additional accessories, PE and other aftermarket goodies, custom decals and figures, paints and pigments... it's all available for whatever level of options and detail the builder desires.
In the end it's all about options, and today's modeler has an entire slew of choices to select from.
And that's always a good thing.
Note: a recommendation to support Mini Art and ICM - just a few manufacturers out of Ukraine. 🇺🇦
Slava Ukraina! 🇺🇲 🇺🇦 🇺🇲 🇺🇦 🇺🇲
We are spoiled in what some call the Golden Age of scale modelling.
I love the accuracy of Tamiya. I build kits from all makers and like each for different reasons. If you struggle with Tamiya, watch a channel called Plasmo. Most of his are Tamiya and he scratch builds so much. Perhaps if you are highly skilled, you should checkout what he does.
Yes I have watched and admire Plasmo
Stumbled on this channel. Your description of your experience in the 60’s and 70’s mirrored mine “Mostly Airfix (I think I made every one they made in that period plus quite a few many times) and a few Revell (which for some reason for me seemed like a poor second choice). Of course I was only young, rarely painted models and just wanted to build them as fast as possible, but I did sometimes add bits using wood and plastic! Like you a long gap before I returned to the hobby. I wanted to see if I could create something that looked painted and more realistic but have to say now I have a spray gun and every paint and brush under the sun it really feels like a faff and a distraction from the build. Possibly I don’t have the painting skill - certainly not for weathering - but a bit of trimming, filling, sanding etc is very freeing for the mind. Thank you for the video, good to see that I am not the only one who prefers the build stage.
Good to find a kindred spirit Jay.
As usual great commentary. Like one of your previous respondents, I prefer F1 subjects and Tamiya offer a wide range in 1/12 and 1/20 so there I go. I totally agree that the hobby is a unique experience for everyone and there is no one size that fits all and that is what makes so interesting. The rusty wood concept will now have sent the armour fraternity into a wild purchasing orgy no doubt but your sensitive handling of this topic (probably best to give Japan a miss for a while) is very thoughtful. Best wishes and regards.
The thing is I have not said Tamiya is a bad product in this video, at all. I have applauded the detail and fit of the aircraft, constructively critiqued the armour, and pointed out the less than desirable ship kits. Plus the premise of this video was I won’t buy or build Tamiya, which I can’t. They make NO sailing ship kits.
So if anyone got butt hurt by that then they are the one with the problem. I have just told my truth and been as factual as possible from my own experience. I am quite sure Japan does not want to go to war with me over that, do they? LOL
@@HarryHoudiniModels Absolutely. Your treatment of the topic was very fair and relevant to you and that is to be applauded when much of the social media output these days is loud and brash and heavily biased. I assume you were a wicketkeeper in your earlier days (safe hands) and await your male grooming product line - isn’t that where everything is going these days? I hope you can still find the time to post (not a trivial exercise I suspect) as you bring great balance to the various (kit) modelling debates. Best wishes. Quentin
Well I like Tamiya. Me and my young Nephew build Tamiya model. And all Tamiya model kits are being built in my country. They’re building a third larger factory right now, so I support local business.
But I understand your taste.
If you are in that part of the world then I know the kits are a lot more affordable than they are in Australia. That will make them better value for money. I’ve never told anyone else not to buy Tamiya. I’ve just said I can’t buy a sailing ship kit off them. So can buy what I want, can’t build what I want from Tamiya.
Brother you nailed it. Tamiya is too perfect. Everything falls together perfectly. I built the 1/350 Musashi and it was done in three days. Compare that to my 1/350 Fujimi Hyuga which took me a month. It came out beautiful but just the tower structure took a week and my mind was exhausted after that. It’s mentally intense. I wish someone would make a 1/350 KGV WW1 battleship, HMS Lion, HMS Tiger or a Revenge Class model kit. Perhaps a 1/350 USS Maryland or USS Pennsylvania in their original configuration. WW1 ships are far more interesting.
My experience exactly
To each their own. I generally like Tamiya's kits but no doubt they are expensive for what they are. I think they are excellent for new modelers who may not have the skills or patience to deal with poor fit, big seams, etc. and might get frustrated and drop out of the hobby entirely. They have some of what I would consider "starter" kits that go together well, such as their Mustangs and Corsairs from the late 90s and can be had for a reasonable price.
Fair enough
Honestly your St Louis build not only gave lots of interesting ideas for sailing ships but other kits. Like you I started with Airfix in the early 1970's. So I used to seeing a bit of flash on the moulds. If you want a Challenge go to the High Planes website (Australian) I built and Australian Beaufighter. The flash was insane.
I will have a look, but I’m concentrating on ships these days
That t 34 kit is ancient, the newer Tamiya armour has reached incredible quality- the figures they are putting with their modern iterations rival most resin aftermarket figures.
All do respect I don’t understand how you can complain about having hands too fat for painting but enjoy photo-etch. My fat hands make PE a waking nightmare, but painting offers lots of ways around that, particularly if weathering is involved.
Are you calling me fat?
Man I wish I had an uncle like you. Bloody banger of a video mate, got a new sub, cheers!
Good on you Gus… consider yourself adopted.
Hi there Harry... greetings from Montreal, Canada. I really like your channel and enjoy your take on experiences building your projects. I was born in 1960 and got into modeling young, at 5 or 6 yrs old. Personally, I was into cars. Available here in most hobby shops were Amt., Monogram, and Revell. We would look forward to bringing our "spare parts" together and doing a "custom" build. I quickly tired of 1/24 scale and got into 1/12. In my early 20's I stumbled on to a Pocher 1/8 scale Rolls Royce, not realizing what I was getting into! What a joy to build! It took me almost 2 years. Adulthood, and drugs, kept me busy and away from modelling for a long time. Fast forward 35years later, sobered up and retired, I've gotten back into the hobby. Put together a Tamiya 1/12 Porsche which I enjoyed... also did their 1/350 Bismarck, which I have Mixed feelings about... it looks good, but was not a very challenging build. Have started a Italeri 1/12 Alfa Romeo... seems a little more enjoyable so far. Next up - Heller 1/100 HMS Victory, which I am looking forward to! Have a great day and keep up the good work. ✌✌👍👍
I hope that Alfa from Italscary doesn’t turn out to be like the Fiat 500 I gave up on after nearly 5 years of misery. The Heller Victory is a joy. I am yet to build mine but always hear great things about the kit. Thanks for the feedback Rick
@@HarryHoudiniModels Hi Harry... I kow know why you call them Italscary! Although the model is turning out to be gorgeous, there were a few times I had to backtrack and realign some parts. Their pictograms are not sequenced within the different steps and there is very little written explanations. As you know, a mm off here turns into a cm off later on. I don't regret it, but will not buy anything else from them. Now... question concerning the Heller Victory... I'd like to have some figurines to enhance the model but can't seem to find any. Would you know where to look for 1/100 scale period figurines? Thanks and goodday!
You could try Shapeways for 3D printed sailors.. a quick search found this, but there will be other choices
www.shapeways.com/product/SFWF2GJE8/1-96-royal-navy-seamen-set102?optionId=63764413&li=shops
I actually just started enjoying the old tamiya kits. excellent platform to learn 3d printing and bringing the kits up to date
great idea Dino.. enjoy
LOL! The quality is too good! Whatever mate!
Glad you got the joke…
Yeah I've bought Tamiya forever there older kits had good prices in the 60s and 70s then I was hooked, then there was monogram 1/32 Armor kits as a kid I lost my "stuff" especially with those the pamphlets that had Shepherd Paine on how to build Dioramas. Tamiya is WAY to expensive in today's armor. And yes there so easy. I work with Ryefield, Dragon, And others now. I still buy Tamiya probably because of my childhood. Just there later stuff. Better stuff, But WOW expensive. Anyway great video as usual Harry. Oh and yes I'm an armor guy. But I've always admired guys who can build sailing ships. Must be the pirate in me. Haha. God Bless.
Thanks Clayton… sounds like you have a good balance… I need a challenge to stay motivated with any build. Tell me it can’t be fixed and I’m in like Flint!
@@HarryHoudiniModels
True, I haven't left a kit alone no matter who's kit it is. Adding Photo etch, styrene sheet, chains, epoxy putty and other Frankenstein work that needs to be done. It gives me the joy I'm looking for. But we've learned this from the lack of details from kits in the early years. That's why I think your ship building is so enjoyable. the extra detail you do to make a so so kit to a show stopper.
When Tamiya market a sailing ship, I will be the first to build it… my way!
As someone who is quite partial to Tamiya (and a bit more a fan of the painting part over the building part), this was quite interesting to watch, and was cool to get a different perspective on everything.
Just as a additional observation, part of the reason I tend to recommend Tamiya armour is that, where I am, it’s arguably the cheapest option (unless it’s one of their newest kits), being in the £20-25 range (compared to the £35-50 that almost every other 1/35 manufacturer is here). I was quite surprised to learn they’re more expensive where you’re at, but I think my opinion would probably align a lot more with yours if they were similarly priced in comparison to other kits here!
Found this quite interesting either way, will definitely be checking out your other stuff
Thanks for a frank and interesting response matey
I understand where you're coming from with this. I've built some Tamiya kits and found them lacking in the enjoyment stakes. I'm not a rivet counter by any means but my last build was an Airfix 1/72 Gloster Meteor MkIII from 1969. I went to town with scribing new panel lines, riveting, engine and cockpit details. I loved every minute bringing an old kit up to standard.
One kit you need to look at is the new 1/35 K2 Ambulance from Airfix, great model.
There is a lot of joy to be had from taking a basic Airfix kit, which is not bad for the price, and adding all that extra detail, usually only costing your time, to make it into something special.
My apologies, I missed you had replied to my comment. That to me is what makes modelling a very enjoyable challenge, also the research involved and convincing the wife a trip to the air museum is needed, again. I found gold in a local charity shop at the weekend, a 1975 Airfix Junkers Ju88 completely unmolested. So, on with build and detailing to bring up to spec.
ALL of model companies have dream to be like Tamiya or Bandai making perfectly fitted and engineered kits. If they (for example Airfix) aren't doing it now then that's because they just don't have tooling and manufacturing capability to do so. Sorry but no sane companies will be willing to intentionally lower their product quality to satisfy niche taste like yours, because that just don't make sense business wise or reputation wise.
A model being "too easy" should not be an excuse. Because it's up to the modeller, if you just follow the manual then yes an easy kit is boring. But nobody told you that you must do that, you have freedom and creativity, use it. A Czech modeller here in youtube named Plasmo turned a snapfit F-18E model into a masterpiece (look it up). That model is even more shake and bake than tamiya but he added so much details and scratch-build parts. If you're really a "builder" than "assembler" as you claim, that should be what you're striving for; because only "assembler" built kits strictly following the manual...which is what you did with tamiya planes and then chastise them for being shake and bake.
Yes I have seen Egg snap together kits super detailed, I have done a few myself. But they are cheap kits and fun to work with. I did not “chastise” Tamiya, I simply stated their kits don’t suit my modelling style or need, plus they make NO sailing ship kits. So nothing for me to buy, nothing for me to build.
Personality for me tamiya is the only good brand in my hobby stores and there pretty good and are cheap where I am like they go for like 30 to 20 for a big tank and my hobby shops have many tamiya yes iv tryied many different brands but for me tamiya works best but thats just me
No problem.. find what works best for you… I’ve just expressed what works for me… there’s a place for all of us in the hobby
If building kits to fix their flaws and/or add missing details is the thing that you look forward to when building ( to everyone in general ) then good for you. It definitely takes a lot of skill, time and patience to make a bad kit look good, but especially great. It's actually something I encourage other modelers to learn because eventually you will run into that kit that you will have to fix flaws in and you will be quite happy with yourself and with the end results rather than just let it be or half-ass it.
On the other hand not everyone has the time and patience to learn all these things and Tamiya serves that demographic will. Some people just want to have the enjoyment of a quick build over a few hours or a weekend, paint, decal, maybe a bit of weathering and be done. I say that Tamiya does well in making model kit building easy for a newbie. Imagine how turned-off many might be if the kit said, aside from paint and glue, you will also need putty, sandpaper, masking tape, etc.
Even Airfix has been stepping up their game alot with the fit and detail on their kits for the past 5 years. 😊. Thanks Harry.
Yep horses for courses, and I never said Tamiya was bad, just that Tamiya does not suit my needs. What I hate though is the over zealous and abusive Tamiya fan boys.. we now have a new term for them “Dunning Kruger”.
Finally somebody who feels the same way! I always love the building process in kits, which is why i love building Airfix vintage classic kits! I don't see mould lines, flash, etc as a mistake or see it as a bad thing, i see it as a challenge!
Also, in my opinion, Tamiya feels too toy-ish compared to something like Airfix or Revell. When i build a kit, i want that classic kit feel.
I understand some people love the painting process and weathering, but alot of people just want to build and have fun and not waste hours on waiting for bloody paint to dry.
You are singing my song Gabe
I much prefer assembly to painting too. However, that's mainly because painting is much more difficult! (if you want to get it to look right) And I must point out out that when airbrushing...paint takes literally a few *seconds* to dry..........not hours. So, the reason I dislike painting is *because* it's more challenging.........building is a snap in comparison (and I include removing flash, mold lines, improving fit, etc. Easy! It's painting where the real challenge lies. For me, anyway.
@George Coventry you don’t use enamels then? hehe
Tamiyas 1/12 motorcycles are great
Perfect out of box
Ive even modified creating great builds
I have heard this but I prefer old classic naked bikes, not the more modern fared ones. I’ve recently built the old Airfix BMW R.69 out of the box, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a 70’s moulded kit in the good plastic, before the rot set in with Airfix during the 80’s and 90’s.
@@HarryHoudiniModels i also prefer the regular stuff
I have lost count how many bikes i have( over 50)
Have multiples of the honda CB750f, built a bit differently
Last one, i moded into a cafe style racer
Stripped down some, chopped rear of frame off
Front fender cut down, handlebars modified to more drag stance
Aircleaner box eliminated and cone airfilters made of brass on my lathe
Plus more done
What you dislike about Tamiya is the reason why I love Tamiya, ICM & Zvezda kits. If you are into doing modifications to kits, Academy or Italeri would be right up your alley.
You obviously never built the bad old Zvezda kits LOL. They were awful, even I didn’t enjoy them. Every manufacturer has good and bad kits. None are perfect and few are always rotten. The punch line in this satire is Tamiya do not make sailing ship model kits. I build predominantly sailing ships. So I cannot buy or build them from Tamiya.
@@HarryHoudiniModels it is understandable, I predominantly built AFV kit & the occasional fighter just to change things up. I have built 5 Zvezada kit since 2017 & the only kit which was a "problem kit" was a T-80VB which needed a lot of gap filling. I don't mind Academy as they do have some nice kits at a good price, the best fighter which I built last year was an Academy 1:72 F-18 E. Saying that you roll the dice every time you buy a Academy kit.
If you want a bunch of kits that fit poorly, I’ve got a closet or two full of them. Happy to part with them for a good price.
LOL well that’s not exactly what I was talking about. I still like a well detailed and well made kit, but I just also want to be involved in the modelling of the build, not have it so perfect there is nothing for me to do but mindless assembly like some factory worker.
Love it and I thoroughly enjoy your videos. You crack me up as well and laughing is always a good thing.
Glad you enjoy it Michael
Tamiya is what i consider a "Gateway Kit brand". It's targetted towards beginner, it's even their motto. "But i like my kit complicated" so am i, but not everyone is into this kind of challenge. Tamiya's market doesn't cater the specificied niche, but rather more general niche of the hobby market, and any marketing knowledge will tell you that a general market exposure is better than niche market exposure.
Tamiya however is pretty popular over here in Asian countries espeically in Southeast Asia, largely because it's way cheaper than any other kit (aside from Trumpeter) thanks to the Philippine branch of Tamiya, and brands like Airfix is either unheard of or too expensive to challenge the Tamiya and Trumpeter niche. Also Tamiya's RC car is another reason the brand is unchallenged hobby brand in Asia.
I was only express my needs… not telling anyone else to not buy Tamiya. In fact the very first thing I did in the video was praise Tamiya. As for pricing, I know it’ can be different elsewhere, but I can only talk about my experience in my country. If they are better priced where you are then all the power to you Gatto.
@@HarryHoudiniModels And i too expressed my opinion to explain the reasoning behind these company's decision in marketing their kit. Heck, even for myself, i adore complicated kits (my first ever kit was Meng Leopard 1A5) and even loved assembling Trumpeter kits (especially with their recent kits like the BMD-4M) but often times when catching break from assembling complicated kits, i always have a Tamiya on standby just to fill the gap of boredom until i can get into the mood to continue with the complicated project.
Bingo on that Gatto
Each to his own. You want to waste your time and money buying and building poorly engineered Airfix or Revell kits then go for it mate. Give me Tamiya any day of the week. The Tamiya classic kits of the 90’s still leaves most of the stuff released today for dead.
Enjoy your quick assembling… I prefer to value for money and to do some modelling. As you said. Each to their own.
That’s fundamentally what’s wrong with Tamiya though. They’re trading off their past reputation and are being left behind, especially with their armour kits now. AFV, MENG, Takom, RFM, to name a few, have overtaken them and Tamiya are being left behind now. They’ve never been the most accurate or detailed. I wouldn’t call a kit from the 90’s “Classic” either. Unless, of course, you’re only 12 yourself.
You have some good points. I battled the fussy fit, gaps and flash of a 1/32 Kitty Hawk T-28 Trojan. The multi-piece cowl alone was a nightmare. Took me one year to build it but it came out beautifully, even won 1st place in a local IPMS show here in Houston. I felt proud for having taken a somewhat difficult (I know there are worse) kit and turned it into a winner. Now, currently building a Tamiya 1/32 Corsair and it is practically “falling together” as you say but there is also a bit of relief in how pleasant the experience is. I’ll need to see if I’m AS satisfied when it’s complete!
That would be interesting
Great video Harry! I agree with you about Tamiya, I build mostly cars and of recent started building armor. I have always noticed on my channel if i build a Tamiya car kit, thhppt, no views. BUT! if i build an AMT or Monogram kit, 100's of views!! The reason? No drama!
The only thing i can do with a Tamiya car kit is decide what color to paint it. While one of the AMT kits. there is all sorts of fit issues, badly molded parts or just plain old missing part numbers!! So yes, a lot of "Me" goes into an AMT Build. As for their armor, since I am just getting started, i find the Tamiya kits fun to build with out getting too bogged down in detail. I feel as i build more, i may eventually find Tamiya armor kits as more of an entry level type of kit and start hunting for something more sophisticated. Bryan
Good on you Bryan. Yep the Tamiya fan boys just don’t get it. We are modellers not assemblers. I fear they will never understand. But that’s fine. Room enough for all types in this hobby
Tamiya kits are a status symbol. People get them because they are accurate and expensive. I remember getting a few Tamiya kits and I was really excited about them after reading the reviews. And then you open the box and it's BORING. Something about the plastic that I don't like. I prefer a Heller kits over Tamiya.
Well said E
“There’s no You in it!” Spot on, Thank you!
Thanks Bob.. glad you get it.
I understand your opinion however I think there's a broader consideration too. For the prices of some kits these days, people expect top notch engineering, alignment and more than modest detail out of the box. I'm a primarily aircraft modeler who grew up on Airfix and Matchbox models designed by the mad rivetter and equally mad trenches for panel lines engraver respectively. They were cheap and cheerful enough for a schoolboy to buy from the newsagent with saved pocket money. Yes, remember when you could buy kits at newsagents! As my knowledge of aircraft and skills developed, I realised that Matchfix kits needed a lot of work to come close to resembling their full size counterparts which was fair enough given their price. My first Hasegawa and Tamiya kits were a revelation - yes they were more expensive but the fit, finesse and details were miles ahead while still providing scope for additional work. Resuming the hobby after a 30 years break I see on price points, range of accessories, etc that it's now targeted at adults and people want more than just an accurate outline for the price. Personally, and at the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference, I prefer a mid-range priced kit with that still requires some building skills to detail and complete. And I thank Matchfix 1970s-1980s kits for the opportunity to learn how to sand off rivets, fill panel lines, rescribe and sand, fill, sand again.
I did not say at any point Tamiya aircraft kits were bad, far from it, I applauded the engineering detail and fit. But as I explained that’s all well and good but not what I need entirely from the hobby. That was the point I was making, not bagging Tamiya’s excellent engineering, just saying I don’t get a good building experience from Tamiya, because they solved that part already. No work for me to do except paint, and I don’t want to spend 90% of my modelling time painting.
I want to thank you again for sail ships section. That is my passion and you do a great job!
Thanks Nikolay.. Sailing Ships are a passion of mine
Oh my I could die a happy man in that room
Gone now.. I moved. But the kits came with me :)
The reason I like Tamiya kits is because I'm a big fan of Japanese cars. Aoshima and Fujimi make great kits too.
Terrific.. if they have what you want to build then all power to you matey. Sadly they make no sailing ship kits.
Thank you. I started modeling last year after a couple of decades and I did start with Tamiya because I did remember how easily they went together and I made four armor kits and a couple of lav’s. I did with them but I also have a couple of dozen Dragon/Cyber Hobby,Master Box, Mini Art, Platz, AFV Club etc…. I did this because I thought it would be a good way to ease back in and I didn’t think about them they you described them until I saw your video and first one I’ve seen and I subscribed immediately. So thanks again for giving a new perspective on modeling.
Welcome aboard Eric… hope you enjoy my other videos
I see your point. I bet you can get plenty of suggestions for challenging kits in your comments. My suggestion is the Hughes XF-11 resin kit by Anigrand. You'd have all the corrections you could ever hope for with box on junk!
Lets not get carried away… I like a challenge, not a basket case.
So you don't like Tamiya because they make really good kits? Okay :) I suppose if you enjoyed car repair you could buy a broken down old banger or a type of car with lots of known issues. Some people do. I guess that's the same thing in a way :)
I don’t enjoy building Tamiya… but I like Tamiya’s engineering and quality… but it just leaves me little room for enjoying the build and they simply don’t make sailing ships… so I can’t buy or build one!
Tamiya covers just about every aspect of model building. I love Tamiya. Airfix is good but more money. I don’t agree.
They have never made a Sailing Ship Kit :)
Nor any kind of work boat, or pleasure boat.
@Mr Modelerman Tamiya did make a Vosper and a few other PT Boats from memory… just no sail boats
I've built their large 1/16th scale tanks. Been building on the tiger going on 8 years. Decided to make everything work. Scratch building parts from brass and other materials. Just something I enjoy. Stopped to take care of my dad before he passed, reason for 8 years and still not finished.
Yes it might be hard to get back to… maybe in time
I much appreciate the outstanding engineering & design of Tamiya model kits. Some (usually older) model kits from companies (such as Revell) had some fundemental fit & form issues that were basically not worth the time to fix. I understand the craftsmanship interest, & have spent considerable time repairing or fabricating parts for some models, but after the time & effort, would have preferred something better to begin with. Sometimes I would attempt to repair or fabricate a part or area of a model, just to see how well I could, sometimes with success, & these "exercises" were learning experiences, at least.
Thanks for your comment
Oh dear oh dear.... Dear Harry- if You think theres absolutely nothing to do on Tamiyas kits... Please take Eduard Bf 109 E and compare it to tamiyas one.... So basically if one want there is a LOT of stuff you can perfect on tamiyas kits. One thing you dont neet to is struggle with badly designed and badly fitting kit. And about Airfix: I hava a bad news: New Airfix kits fits very well just like tamiya... One thing i do agree that new tamiya kits are too expencive.
It’s more of a childhood experience thing, as I have explain clearly in my Airfix video. I grew up with Airfix, there were no Tamiya kits I could buy in the 1960’s Australia. By the time Tamiya was available I had grown up and moved onto fast cars and girlfriends, then marriage and kids. So it wasn’t until the last decade that I first experienced a Tamiya kit, the very poor T-34. I have build half a dozen other Tamiya kits since then. Whether it was just unlucky choices or my nostalgia for Airfix, doesn’t matter. I simply don’t enjoy the Tamiya experience and was sick and tired of the fan boys trying to shove the brand down my throat. So this was a reaction video to piss off the fan boys. It worked!