About Tamiya
Tamiya is a legendary Japanese model kit manufacturer founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, Japan. What began as a wooden model company has grown into one of the world's most respected names in plastic model kits and radio-controlled vehicles. The Tamiya catalogue now spans over 5,000 items including static plastic models, R/C cars, Mini 4WD racers, paints, and tools, serving hobbyists from beginners to professional modellers worldwide. The company's transition from wooden to plastic models began in the mid-1950s when imported plastic kits started impacting wooden model sales. In 1959, Tamiya produced their first plastic model - the Japanese battleship Yamato - marking the beginning of their plastic modelling legacy. The company's commitment to precision and accuracy became legendary. To create an authentic Porsche 911 model, Tamiya famously purchased a full-size car and dismantled it in-house to study every detail, later requiring Porsche Japan technicians to reassemble it. Tamiya's entry into radio-controlled models came almost by accident. During a lunch break in the 1970s, company president Shunsaku Tamiya spotted a designer driving a modified Tamiya F1 kit fitted with battery-electric drive. This sparked the development of their RC division, culminating in the 1976 release of the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR - Tamiya's first radio-controlled model. The RC range has since become iconic in the hobby industry. Several Tamiya RC models achieved legendary status. The Grasshopper (1984) was an affordable, rugged two-wheel-drive off-road buggy that became the ideal entry point for first-time hobbyists. The Bruiser (1985) featured a working three-speed radio-controlled transmission and realistic Toyota Hilux body, becoming one of the most collectible Tamiya models ever produced. The Blackfoot monster truck (1986) is credited with driving significant growth in the RC hobby during the late 1980s. Tamiya's UK presence began in 1966 when David Binger of toy wholesaler Richard Kohnstamm Ltd (RIKO) spotted Tamiya kits during a US trip and travelled to Japan to meet Shunsaku Tamiya. This meeting established a long and successful relationship that introduced Tamiya to British and European markets. Today, Hobby Company Ltd, led by Pete Binger (David's son), continues as the official UK importer of Tamiya products. The Tamiya product range encompasses multiple categories. Static plastic models cover military vehicles, aircraft, cars, motorcycles, ships, and figures across various scales. RC models include on-road racing cars, off-road buggies and trucks, rally cars, and semi-truck models. Mini 4WD offers smaller-scale racing. The Tamiya paint range provides acrylic and enamel paints specifically formulated for plastic models, while their tools and accessories support all aspects of the modelling hobby. Tamiya is renowned for innovations including realistic scale bodies, four-wheel independent suspension systems, and exceptional build quality. Their clear instructions and superb fit-and-finish make kits accessible to beginners while satisfying experienced modellers. UK stockists include specialist hobby shops, online retailers like Jadlam Racing Models and Elite Models Online, and some supermarkets and general retailers carrying entry-level products. Using Grocefully to compare Tamiya prices across retailers ensures you find the best deals on these premium hobby products.