Tamiya В Токио

[Raceport]

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9435-copy.jpg

 

For those that love cars, it’s hard to think of a more exciting place to visit in Japan. The events are fantastic, the shops will blow your mind, and even just being out on the street watching cars can be an amazing experience. While the country’s love for the automobile is quite well known, the Japanese have an equally strong passion for their smaller scale hobbies.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9428-copy.jpg

 

Whether it’s those strange anime figurines, old video games, comic books, or anything else – Japan just might be the most hobby-obsessed nation in the world. Often this passion for hobbies crosses over with the love for automobiles and the result is one of the world’s greatest diecast, model, and RC scenes. Many of these Japanese-branded products are known and loved by hobbyists throughout the world.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9441-copy.jpg

 

So for many hobbyists, visiting Japan is stepping on to the home turf of their favorite brands. Of these brands, few are more well known or more respected than Tamiya. The company has been around since 1946 and its familiar twin star logo is known by model builders and radio control fans across the planet.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9385-copy.jpg

 

That brings me to the Tamiya Plamodel Factory, located in the Shinbashi district of Tokyo. It opened up a couple years ago, and I had the chance to visit for the first time last month.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9493-copy.jpg

 

While Tokyo is full of amazing hobby shops, the Plamodel Factory is unique in that it’s an actual retail store that offers the entire line of Tamiya products. Spread among the Plamodel Factory’s three floors you’ll find over 4,000 different Tamiya items for sale.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9438-copy.jpg

 

Upon walking in the front door, the first thing I noticed was just how large the place was. Unlike a lot of stores in Japan that can be rather cramped, there was plenty of space here to relax and get a good look at everything. I was also surprised at how nicely everything was presented. Some of this can be attributed to the newness I’m sure, but it had to be the most fashionable hobby shop I’ve ever seen.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9415-copy.jpg

 

The first floor of the store is dedicated to plastic models – not just cars but motorcycles, aircraft and ships as well.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9483-copy.jpg

 

This isn’t Planehunters , but I think I speak for many Speedhunters readers when I say have a strong interest in aircraft and military history. I’m sure this comes from the same place in my brain as the passion for automobiles.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9396-copy.jpg

 

There’s definitley something cool about seeing highly detailed Warbird replicas sitting right alongside the cars we know and love. It’s almost like a miniature version of Goodwood!

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9395-copy.jpg

 

Whether it’s a scale replica of a Mitsubishi Zero or a Mitsubishi Evo, Tamiya seems to inject the same amount of detail into all of their products.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9397-copy.jpg

 

A WW2 tank diorama made out of sweets. I have a strong hunch this is one of those things you’ll only find in Japan…

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9427-copy.jpg

 

Ah yes, but back to the cars now…

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9414-copy.jpg

 

As I said a moment ago, the shelves are well stocked here. If it’s a car and currently produced by Tamiya, you’ll find it at the Plamodel Factory.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9426-copy.jpg

 

If you are a model builder or have an interest in Japanese cars, you’ve probably had an experience with a Tamiya kit sometime in your life. Seeing these older models displayed brought back a lot of memories for me.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9422-copy.jpg

 

It’s cool, for example, to see a model of the original Zenki Nissan 180SX – a kit which I believe came out at the same time the actual car did back in the late ’80s.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9419-copy.jpg

 

Of course it’s not just street cars either. Tamiya’s line includes all sorts of race machines too, like this selection of prototypes.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9418-copy.jpg

 

It’s nice that they also display the finished versions of the kits so you can see what they are supposed to look like when completed.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9417-copy.jpg

 

Somehow I can’t remember any of the models I put together as a kid coming out quite this well though. Where are the glue finger prints?

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9403-copy.jpg

 

Formula 1 fan? Tamiya also has you covered there with dozens of kits based on the world’s great F1 machines. The lineup includes famous cars of recent memory…

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9406-copy.jpg

 

…as well of those from more distant parts of Formula 1 history.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9404-copy.jpg

 

Needless to say, the iconic Tyrrell P34 is also included among the bunch. It’s not quite as detailed as the nearly $4,000 diecast model I posted last week, but captures the spirit nonetheless.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9434-copy.jpg

 

Not surprisingly, I found myself being particularly drawn to the these vintage-themed models. That Group A Mugen Civic looks especially cool.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9387-copy.jpg

 

The same goes for its German counterpart, the Group 2 Golf Mk.I racer.

[Raceport]

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9411-copy.jpg

 

On the modern end of the spectrum, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ have made a big splash in the hobby world, just at they have in the “real world”.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9412-copy.jpg

 

Not only does Tamiya offer detailed kits of both the 86 and the BRZ, they also offer the paint needed to model them as accurately as possible.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9389-copy.jpg

 

One of the most impressive things I found in the entire store were these framed, unassembled Nissan GT-R kits. At a little over $600 each they aren’t cheap, but it’s hard to think of a cooler piece of wall art for those GT-R fanatics out there.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9440-copy.jpg

 

Heading down to the basement level of the store, you arrive in the radio control section.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9470-copy.jpg

 

Tamiya’s contributions to the RC hobby are perhaps even larger than their contributions to the model world – and they all can be found at the Plamodel Factory.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9457-copy.jpg

 

While I never personally got too involved with radio control cars, I still get a lot of enjoyment from just looking at them.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9446-copy.jpg

 

The Hornet, The Grasshopper. You gotta love the sense of nostalgia that comes with this stuff.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9456-copy.jpg

 

The Lamborghini Countach – a dream car even in RC form I’d say.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9466-copy.jpg

 

But perhaps my memories most associated with Tamiya involve their off road RC trucks. I never had one myself, but I can recall being very envious of friends that had them or the strong feelings of want when I saw them in hobby shops.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9450-copy.jpg

 

The 1:10 scale “Bruiser” Toyota truck in particular is pure retro awesome. I’m so glad that Tamiya still offers this baby today. Maybe I should get one and see what I missed out on?

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9459-copy.jpg

 

Slightly smaller, but just as cool is this RC version of the popular Suzuki Jimny.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9453-copy.jpg

 

In addition to every RC kit Tamiya makes, the store is also well stocked with just about every part and accessory you can think of. From fully painted bodies…

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9454-copy.jpg

 

…to the small parts needed to get your machine back on the road or improve its performance.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9460-copy.jpg

 

1:14 Radio control big rigs. Does it get any cooler?

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9462-copy.jpg

 

At over $1,100 for a complete tractor and trailer set they aren’t cheap, but it’s hard to think of anything better in the “I want to play with this now!” department. What kid (or adult who hasn’t grown up) wouldn’t want one of these?

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9474-copy.jpg

 

Heading up to the third floor, there’s even a work space and race track for small scale RC vehicles. Given the lack of space in Tokyo, I’m guessing this a popular hangout for local hobbyists.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9398-copy.jpg

 

In addition to the plastic model kits and RC items, the store is also stocked with hobby blades, tweezers, drill bits, and other items for model builders. There’s also a large selection of plastic for scratchbuilding projects.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9420-copy.jpg

 

Let’s not forget the vast array paint products either…

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9480-copy.jpg

 

There’s also a full line of airbrush kits and even a complete miniature paint booth. A bit more professional than laying newspaper over the kitchen table like I used to do…

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9476-copy.jpg

 

The store also has a decent book and magazine section, with titles dedicated to both real and scale vehicles.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9407-copy.jpg

 

Diecasts? Yep, they have a few of those as well.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9393-copy.jpg

 

You can also find a big selection of official Tamiya-branded merchandise available. I quite liked these work aprons myself.

 

http://cdn.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Tamiya-Factory-Tokyo-9410-copy.jpg

 

Even if you don’t consider yourself a big RC or model person, I highly recommend checking out the Tamiya Plamodel Factory if you ever have the chance. It’s a fine place to relive childhood memories and perhaps even rediscover an old love.

 

Just be warned that as with a lot of destinations in Japan, there is great potential for severe damage to the pocketbook. Come prepared!

 

 

 

 

 

Не знаю правильный правда раздел выбрал. Не как у нас куда не зайди одни танки и самолеты. :)

[Imanishi]

грандиозно, лично мне даже трудно представить,что в каком нить Олимпийском может быть подобный магазин...

[shimmer]

Интересно а какой там адрес. А то я скоро поеду и думаю заглянуть

[Natty]

Вот это репортаж! Спасибо!

[Inc1tatus]

В середине 90х на ВДНХ был отличный отдел Тамия. Периодически покупал там модели для склейки, краски (до сих пор с тех времен даже кой-чего осталось) , другие расходные и ремонтные материалы для ветолета Тамия с ДВС, каталоги и прочее. Выбор всего был очень большой.

[shimmer]

Побывал сегодня в этом магазине. Что сказать супер. И цены приемлемые. Ушел не с пустыми руками)

[Mc Do]

Неплохо так и суши поесть и в магазин зайти на модели посмотреть и прикупиться малехо! http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/big_standart/biggrin.gif

[Alfanero]

Однако! Это ж сколько принадлежностей для конверсий!!

[waawaan]

Вот бы у нас такой забомбили ! :biggrin: