News
TMMI: Will become a monthly publication!
May 19, 2004
Terrific news for those that eagerly await every issue of TMMI.
You've probably seen a lot of letters to the editor suggesting that TMMI should
become a monthly publication. I think I even mentioned that to them as well.
Since TMMI is the only modelling magazine I buy (amazing workmanship, photos,
and I always learn something new), I welcome the change. August's issue will be
be the first monthly edition. No word if the page per issue or price will
be affected.
Also, TMMI now have their own website, http://www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com
TIP: Use digital photos to find modelling defects
May 15, 2004
After
doing some macro photography with the new digicam, it quickly became apparent
that there was still room for improvement in my 'clean' builds. Although the
FinePix A203 can't get as close as other digicams, it still gets close enough to
make imperfections stand out. Also, I seem to look at the photos more critically
than the real model. By seeing these imperfections, I'll be aware of the
potential areas that will mostly likely need extra attention before priming and
painting.
If you enter modelling contests, imperfections are the kind of thing judges take glee in finding.
TAMIYA: New to scale modelling?
May 2, 2004
Tamiya has illustrated a few of the basics (assembly, painting,
and decaling) of modelling that will be handy for those venturing into their
first experience with scale modelling. They even include some video showing how
use spray paint and apply decals. Here are Tamiya's
tips for beginners... http://www.tamiya.com/english/scale/beginner2/1.htm
Hmmm, I wonder if Tamiya's paint compatibility table was inspired my compatibility table?
TAMIYA: And the 1:12 RC211Vs keep coming
April 9, 2004
This
time in Rossi's funky 'Rossi Repsol Moto' colours that would look right at home
in an Austin Powers movie. The kit, #14097, will cost ¥2,600 in Japan and will
be available some time in June.
http://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/flash400409/index.htm
TAMIYA: TS-65 Pearl Clear
March
9, 2004
Tamiya will be adding five new colours to the Tamiya Spray
lacquers. The most interesting one for motorcycle modellers is the Pearl Clear.
This is intended to be applied over any Tamiya Spray or Mini Spray colour for a
"...super
metallic look" http://www.tamiya.com/english/news/news0403/news4.htm#85065
The other colours will be of interest to Japanese navy modellers, but could have other uses
| TS-66 | IJN Grey (Kure) |
| TS-67 | IJN Grey (Sasebo) |
| TS-68 | Wooden Deck Tan |
| TS-69 | Linoleum Deck Brown |
TAMIYA: Masterwork Collection
February 10, 2004
Tamiya will be
adding
another Honda RC211V Finished Model to the Masterwork Collection.
This the in '03 Telephonic ride of Daijiro Kato. It (#21010) will be released on
March 30, 2004 in Japan and cost ¥7,800.
TAMIYA: 1:12 Re-issues on the way
February 10, 2004
Looks like Tamiya may be starting up the re-issue engines again.
These 1:12 kits will be released on March 24th in Japan:
| 14007 | Honda CB900F2 | ¥1,800 |
| 14008 | Honda CBR1100R | ¥1,800 |
| 14020 | Suzuki GSX750 Police Bike | ¥2,200 |
IKEA: Audio wall cabinet suitable for model display
February 04, 2004
While
browsing through the IKEA 2004 Catalogue, I found a wall mount unit called JÄRNA
(W49xD17xH49cm). It looks like it could comfortably hold twelve 1:12 bikes. It
has adjustable glass shelves, overlapping sliding glass doors, and the perimeter
is unfinished walnut. The unit will hold 126 CDs (42 per shelf) so that'll give
you an idea of its capacity. As a bonus, only $35Cdn!! The KRYSS
units I bought in 2001 cost me $99Cdn.
QUESTION: Are you buying fewer Tamiya kits?
January 29, 2004
Back in October, I went on a bit of a rant about Tamiya
kit pricing in Canada. I decided to ask the guys on the Yahoo! Groups MotorcycleModelling
group how the increasing prices affected their shopping habits. Some rather
interesting, but not necessarily surprising results:
Ever spiraling prices on Tamiya kits in Canada and elsewhere outside of Japan has me wondering...How has Tamiya prices affected your shopping habits? (48 replies)
| Choices | Votes | % |
| No change, I never hesitate to buy locally no matter what the price. | 5 | 10.42% |
| I don't buy as many kits as I used to and don't mail order either. | 4 | 8.33% |
| I now mail order some of my kits, but still buy fewer kits. | 21 | 43.75% |
| I now mail order all my kits and buy everything I want. | 10 | 20.83% |
| I always mail ordered to get my kits. | 8 | 16.67% |
An amazing 64.58% have resorted to mail ordering in order to get Tamiya kits at acceptable prices. And 52.08% are actually buying fewer kits, whether or not they are mail ordering!
This is something both Tamiya Japan and the local retailers should be concerned about. No?
EL OSO KITS: Need a rider for your modern GP bike?
January 17, 2004
As
you know, Tamiya's rider figures are very dated, and more than a few visitors
have asked if there were modern GP rider figures available for Tamiya's new GP
motorcycles.
The aftermarket company El Oso Kits (http://perso.wanadoo.es/jaibroca/osokits/oso.html) are now offering two starting grid figures to choose from. One with a thumbs up and the other without. For those wanting to do an action diorama, a cornering figure is in the works. The figures are made from resin and currently available from MediaMix Hobby (http://www.mediamixhobby.com.sg)
More details about the riders and pictures are at the El Oso Kits product page: http://perso.wanadoo.es/jaibroca/osokits/osobike.html
Copyright © 2003, Kenneth W. Hartlen. All rights reserved
For more information visit www.interlog.com/~khartlen