Classic Tamiya radio controlled car returns [Updated with video tour of the Tamiya store]
PH was in Japan recently and while limbering up to race the new MX-5 at Tsukuba Circuit we took a bit of a diversion in Tokyo to pay a visit (and respects) to the Tamiya Plamodel Factory. For anyone raised on the legend of the Tamiya catalogue and its exotic back pages of specialist modelling tools, paints, potions and hop-up parts it's a truly incredible place. All those ball bearing kits, carbon chassis components, fancy dampers and anodised aluminium goodies you dreamed of adding to your Hornet or Grasshopper? They're all there, immaculately catalogued and in stock.
The birthplace!
Obviously Tokyo is a bit of a trek to indulge in some Tamiya geekery but you don't have to go that far to step back in time to a misplaced childhood of radio-controlled cars and other geekery. Wise to the fact a generation raised on those classic models is now of an age where a) they can afford to splash some cash or b) have offspring to provide the perfect excuse for a bit of regression Tamiya has been busy reissuing some of its iconic kits. And now it's the turn of the Monster Beetle.
Now, purists may scoff given that the Monster Beetle wasn't one of the racier or more technologically advanced of Tamiya's radio-controlled cars. But as a bit of harmless fun it's not hard to see the appeal, the new version faithful to the 1986 original in all but the addition of an electronic speed controller (remember when they were the height of sophistication?) and apparently updated driveshafts. With its balloon tyres and rear-driven chassis think of it as an Ariel Nomad you can drive in the back garden under the pretence you're entertaining the kids. Win-win. Prices start from £130 for the kit, £180 for the RC bundle. See www.hobbyco.net for more.
This takes me back to my youth! I worked part-time in a r/c model shop, and whilst I was primarily interested in planes, I built quite a few Tamiya cars for customers in the run up to Christmas as a side-line, The enjoyment/excitement tends to fade when you are on your 3rd Monster Beetle of the week!
