Having given, “first Tamiya model”, some more thought, the first Tamiya model I can remember with absolute certainty is the M48A3 (MM120). It was released in 1981 so the timing is close to perfect.
Right. So, I’m not gonna build that. Don’t wanna. But I will build this…
The replacement tracks came from a Tamiya Panzer 38(t) (Thanks, Wade!) so…pure build.
I currently have 4 Tamiya models on the factory floor (French UE, Jeep, M41, Sd.Kfz. 221) so for funsies, I will also commit to finishing at least one of those. Let’s go with…dunno…this guy. The box is on top.
It seems this campaign may end up as a more specified version of “The Great Ones”. Old school kits for the fun of it and a bit of engineering.
The story on my first Tamiya kits is a bit amusing. I was around 9 years old and we were on a family trip to Oregon. We stopped into a toy/hobby store. I was familiar with and had built airplane models, but I had no idea that there was such a thing as figure models. I was, however, a big G.I. Joe fan and so when I saw these guys, I had to have them.
I figured they would be small, highly detailed action figures. We went back to our hotel room and of course I realized how wrong I was when I opened them. This precipitated a run to the same toy shop the next day for some model glue. Needless to say, nothing much came out of those figures and they found their way into a trash can a long time ago. This was the first impetus for me to model figures although I didn’t really get into it for another few years once DML started putting out their 'NAM line.
The first Tamiya model I actually completed was this guy:
The M-113 was probably the first serious build I did incorporating weathering and accessories and using a couple old modeling magazine spreads as my inspiration. It too has long since met the fate of unwanted models.
I’m not sure if committing to this one is wise for me. I’m still grinding away at my unfinished “Vietnam 60” diorama. If I do, it might be a quick vignette of the 1980’s infantrymen - to put them together in a way that I could never have imagined in 1988. Even with all the advances since then, I’m still impressed with the quality of those injection molded figures.
So, I will build the figure set if that is okay as it was the first thing that I built from Tamiya. If the entry requires a vehicle of some type…I will build the BMW set.
My first Tamiya model kit was the way out of scale M4A3E8 Sherman. That kit is somewhat impossible to find, so, I was wondering if the current version would be acceptable? Thanks for all your help, Joel.
I have their 1/48 Uhu that I will build for this when I am done my 1/16 Pakwagen. I think the first Tamiya model I did was rebuild of their old motorized Tiger 2 that my older brother had originally built.
I was wondering if some of the older kits, which were not motorized, used the same molds as (presumably) motorized versions of the same kit. For example, the Panther I am working on for this GB had a few interesting quirks which wouldn’t normally be on a non-motorized kit. One example is a sprocketed idler wheel, which I am instructed to shave down to make it smooth, as in real life. Another example is unused holes/ridges in the bottom of the tub hull.
The thicker vinyl tracks and polycaps in the roadwheels probably are relics from that era too.
Same as the clicksystem one finds to be able to click the hull in place. Easier to remove for changing batteries.
I’ve got a early Leo 1 in the stash. I can’t even remember the first Tamiya kit I built, probably a panzer 2 or panther.
I think straight out of the box , apart from the tracks.
Well, there’s a couple of (modelling) generations between the two - one might expect that(!)
I greatly enjoy the Revell iterations - and Italeri come to that. I cut my large-scale AFV modelling teeth on the venerable Tamiya offering and, for its time I thought it was great.
As a tribute build I can think of nothing better, but it does have its limitations a bit.
That’s the Tamiya Leopard I built as a kid. Mine was motorized. Kit No.64, probably c.1972. I still have the engine facade with wire screen in my spares box.
