Anybody else have tamiya gripes?
irupp33
05-07-2003, 09:39 PM
Ok someone told me tamiya blew there whole years budget to produce that ferrari enzo kit. meaning no others will be produced right? that pisses me off because i personally am not a ferarri fan. I wouldve rather seen a few new kits inplace of the one f***ing kit. is this just ?
integra818
05-07-2003, 09:44 PM
Well, if they DID spend thier budget on the ENZO, it would'nt really be a bad move, becuase they know the ENZO would sell so they spend alot of money on it hoping it'll sell many many kits.
I use to dislike the ENZO myself also, but that was before I understood the whole idea behind Ferrari. ;)
I use to dislike the ENZO myself also, but that was before I understood the whole idea behind Ferrari. ;)
irupp33
05-07-2003, 09:49 PM
yea i guess its all about the money. If it were my choise i would take the route that makes the most $$$.
Chain
05-07-2003, 09:51 PM
Really shouldnt listen to rumours.
To think that a hugh model company such as Tamiya would burn a hole in thier pants over 1 model. There are more models coming out soon. Williams F1 FW24 is another one to look out for.
Even so, I doubt that their investment in the Enzo alone will tie them down and that they would forgo other investments in other models.
Definitely not a Tamiya marketing strategy let alone the strategy of any another company.
To think that a hugh model company such as Tamiya would burn a hole in thier pants over 1 model. There are more models coming out soon. Williams F1 FW24 is another one to look out for.
Even so, I doubt that their investment in the Enzo alone will tie them down and that they would forgo other investments in other models.
Definitely not a Tamiya marketing strategy let alone the strategy of any another company.
mike united
05-07-2003, 09:54 PM
Could not agree more with the originator of this post. Im not a great lover of ferraris either. Love almost all tamiya kits but there is just something about that enzo that i dont like, it reminds me of one of those ready made boxed die-cast models you get in toy shops. C'mon tamiya get some new cars out for us, non of this formula 1 cars & F****** pit crew shite !!!
Mike.:smoker2:
Mike.:smoker2:
TheSyndicate
05-07-2003, 10:09 PM
They produce for the current market. The Enzo is a LARGE hit around the world, so they took the smart route and spent a lot more time/resources on it. If you see the Enzo in a hobby shop, the next day it'll likely be gone.
But as for gripes against tamiya, I have none. Perhaps they should expand their range of licensed resellers because my small town has no offcial hobby shops that provide tamiya paints/kits.
But as for gripes against tamiya, I have none. Perhaps they should expand their range of licensed resellers because my small town has no offcial hobby shops that provide tamiya paints/kits.
Kurzheck
05-07-2003, 10:20 PM
Don't believe every thing you here! Tamiya, like all businesses, hope to produce what sells. This means they cater largely to
the Japanese market and to the majority of model buyers. Ferrari's and F1 kits sell, so that is what they make. They appear to be happy selling tons of nearly perfect Ferrari F2001, F50 and Enzo kits while Fujimi struggles to remain profitable producing mediocre kits of Japanese market sporty cars. Bottom line, don't expect to see anything too off-beat because it doesn't sell. Look out for a Mazda RX8 : ) Ranting here won't help either, intelligent emails to them may. Kurz
the Japanese market and to the majority of model buyers. Ferrari's and F1 kits sell, so that is what they make. They appear to be happy selling tons of nearly perfect Ferrari F2001, F50 and Enzo kits while Fujimi struggles to remain profitable producing mediocre kits of Japanese market sporty cars. Bottom line, don't expect to see anything too off-beat because it doesn't sell. Look out for a Mazda RX8 : ) Ranting here won't help either, intelligent emails to them may. Kurz
KOFFEE-BLACK
05-07-2003, 10:22 PM
Any of you guys know if there or will be a Toyota F1 Kit?
Kurzheck
05-07-2003, 10:28 PM
Bets were on the next Tamiya F1 to be a Toyota, turned out to be a BMW. Studio 27 has a very nice (expensive) curbside in 1/20 and the Revell 1/24 kit is very nice too.
Layla's Keeper
05-07-2003, 10:34 PM
I hope so. I can't afford Studio 27.
My biggest complaint with Tamiya isn't with their subject matter choices. I'd build two of everything in their product line, including the airplanes. My biggest problem with Tamiya is in how scarce they make the kits.
A Tamiya kit will near always take honors over about any other company's kit in terms of relative detail, accuracy, and fit. But the fact that there are 20 Fujimi or Revell kits to Tamiya's 1 is a bit sad. I wouldn't want them to sacrifice their high standards or their prestige, but I'd like to see more of the 350Z/Impreza WRX style curbside kits at a Revell/Fujimi relative price. They'd sell ten tons of them, and then have the money for FW24's and Enzos. They'd own the market, and not at a huge tooling cost.
Maybe it's time Tamiya realized they have the crown for being the best, now they need to be the most profitable.
My biggest complaint with Tamiya isn't with their subject matter choices. I'd build two of everything in their product line, including the airplanes. My biggest problem with Tamiya is in how scarce they make the kits.
A Tamiya kit will near always take honors over about any other company's kit in terms of relative detail, accuracy, and fit. But the fact that there are 20 Fujimi or Revell kits to Tamiya's 1 is a bit sad. I wouldn't want them to sacrifice their high standards or their prestige, but I'd like to see more of the 350Z/Impreza WRX style curbside kits at a Revell/Fujimi relative price. They'd sell ten tons of them, and then have the money for FW24's and Enzos. They'd own the market, and not at a huge tooling cost.
Maybe it's time Tamiya realized they have the crown for being the best, now they need to be the most profitable.
irupp33
05-07-2003, 10:43 PM
Yea really i like the detail but i mean cmon average price of $30 a kit! thats kind a rip evenm if the kit is so well produced. Honestly i think there just trying to rip people off and really can make kits of a lower cost. they just would rather line there pockets.
Lownslow
05-07-2003, 11:58 PM
30$ for an enzo maybe at HLJ but outside of there i see them for 45 to 50 bucks(thats why i havent bought one plus it aint my style)
integra818
05-08-2003, 01:07 AM
Originally posted by irupp33
Yea really i like the detail but i mean cmon average price of $30 a kit! thats kind a rip evenm if the kit is so well produced. Honestly i think there just trying to rip people off and really can make kits of a lower cost. they just would rather line there pockets.
It costs tamiya to get the license also, money from the kit's sales help the cost of the license, or at least that's what I've always thought. :)
Yea really i like the detail but i mean cmon average price of $30 a kit! thats kind a rip evenm if the kit is so well produced. Honestly i think there just trying to rip people off and really can make kits of a lower cost. they just would rather line there pockets.
It costs tamiya to get the license also, money from the kit's sales help the cost of the license, or at least that's what I've always thought. :)
nornicle
05-08-2003, 03:20 AM
my gripe is also with the enzo kit...
some of the chromed parts, especially the wheels were not properly coated and have bits of red in them.. i.e my wheels are now painted white because i dont know how to do chrome properly.... its interesting change.
and I just bought a 360 modena.. looks like a nice build.. you Americans think tamiya is expensive @ $30 for enzo and 360.. in australia and in our dollars that nearly $65 a kit!!!! which makes it really expensive for australian modellers to build cars ;(
some of the chromed parts, especially the wheels were not properly coated and have bits of red in them.. i.e my wheels are now painted white because i dont know how to do chrome properly.... its interesting change.
and I just bought a 360 modena.. looks like a nice build.. you Americans think tamiya is expensive @ $30 for enzo and 360.. in australia and in our dollars that nearly $65 a kit!!!! which makes it really expensive for australian modellers to build cars ;(
Davoaldo
05-08-2003, 03:43 AM
Well i knwo that in Hong Kong tamiya kits are the cheapest i've seen yet
they are aroudn $100 HKD which is around $13 US.
I think its just the tax that makes kits so expensive and the profit which the store wants to make..
Like in Australia now kits are like $30-60 AUD thats just crazy.......
HK shopping is so much better more competition better for us as consumers.
they are aroudn $100 HKD which is around $13 US.
I think its just the tax that makes kits so expensive and the profit which the store wants to make..
Like in Australia now kits are like $30-60 AUD thats just crazy.......
HK shopping is so much better more competition better for us as consumers.
Toksin
05-08-2003, 05:35 AM
If it were my choise i would take the route that makes the most $$$.
That's why they put so much effort into the Enzo, because people would buy it because it's such a detailed kit. People on this board who don't even like the car have bought the model because it's such a great model. I doubt they blew their whole budget on it though.
Tamiya kits aren't hideously expensive, about 45-55 NZD, so thats about 25ish american dollars. Perfectly acceptable if you ask me, but maybe that's because we are so close to Japan. The Enzo was the most expensive kit I've seen, I think about 79 NZD.
That's why they put so much effort into the Enzo, because people would buy it because it's such a detailed kit. People on this board who don't even like the car have bought the model because it's such a great model. I doubt they blew their whole budget on it though.
Tamiya kits aren't hideously expensive, about 45-55 NZD, so thats about 25ish american dollars. Perfectly acceptable if you ask me, but maybe that's because we are so close to Japan. The Enzo was the most expensive kit I've seen, I think about 79 NZD.
exhaust smoke
05-08-2003, 05:48 AM
THIS IS BLASPHEMY!:devil:
I think Tamiya are more concious of producing a kit that is more viable model that is more marketable. Which you cannot blame them for. It's an investment for the future. The more money they can make from this kit, the more money they will have for development for future development and to pay for more licensing agreements.
I think they used a quarter of their development budget for the Enzo, but we are going to have a brand new FW24 kit (can't wait :jumpie:). I think along the way, they will rehash some of their existing kits until they've built up their new budget.
I think Tamiya are more concious of producing a kit that is more viable model that is more marketable. Which you cannot blame them for. It's an investment for the future. The more money they can make from this kit, the more money they will have for development for future development and to pay for more licensing agreements.
I think they used a quarter of their development budget for the Enzo, but we are going to have a brand new FW24 kit (can't wait :jumpie:). I think along the way, they will rehash some of their existing kits until they've built up their new budget.
phase5
05-08-2003, 05:54 AM
Maybe all of us modellers should get together and put to some of the companies and let then see what the modellers would like.not saying that they would do anything, but you'll never know:frog:
daggerlee
05-08-2003, 05:57 AM
Originally posted by Octagon
I hope so. I can't afford Studio 27.
My biggest complaint with Tamiya isn't with their subject matter choices. I'd build two of everything in their product line, including the airplanes. My biggest problem with Tamiya is in how scarce they make the kits.
A Tamiya kit will near always take honors over about any other company's kit in terms of relative detail, accuracy, and fit. But the fact that there are 20 Fujimi or Revell kits to Tamiya's 1 is a bit sad. I wouldn't want them to sacrifice their high standards or their prestige, but I'd like to see more of the 350Z/Impreza WRX style curbside kits at a Revell/Fujimi relative price. They'd sell ten tons of them, and then have the money for FW24's and Enzos. They'd own the market, and not at a huge tooling cost.
Maybe it's time Tamiya realized they have the crown for being the best, now they need to be the most profitable.
Most new Fujimi kits are 500-1000 yen more expensive than Tamiya kits. Revell is still cheaper, but Fujimi is getting mighty expensive these days. :(
I hope so. I can't afford Studio 27.
My biggest complaint with Tamiya isn't with their subject matter choices. I'd build two of everything in their product line, including the airplanes. My biggest problem with Tamiya is in how scarce they make the kits.
A Tamiya kit will near always take honors over about any other company's kit in terms of relative detail, accuracy, and fit. But the fact that there are 20 Fujimi or Revell kits to Tamiya's 1 is a bit sad. I wouldn't want them to sacrifice their high standards or their prestige, but I'd like to see more of the 350Z/Impreza WRX style curbside kits at a Revell/Fujimi relative price. They'd sell ten tons of them, and then have the money for FW24's and Enzos. They'd own the market, and not at a huge tooling cost.
Maybe it's time Tamiya realized they have the crown for being the best, now they need to be the most profitable.
Most new Fujimi kits are 500-1000 yen more expensive than Tamiya kits. Revell is still cheaper, but Fujimi is getting mighty expensive these days. :(
Guido
05-08-2003, 06:16 AM
Originally posted by daggerlee
Most new Fujimi kits are 500-1000 yen more expensive than Tamiya kits. Revell is still cheaper, but Fujimi is getting mighty expensive these days. :(
Exactly. The Benz E-series 2000 model was in the local hobby shop for a price higher then a Tamiya CLK-DTM :eek: and for half the detail. Although I really want it, I didn't bought it. :(
Most new Fujimi kits are 500-1000 yen more expensive than Tamiya kits. Revell is still cheaper, but Fujimi is getting mighty expensive these days. :(
Exactly. The Benz E-series 2000 model was in the local hobby shop for a price higher then a Tamiya CLK-DTM :eek: and for half the detail. Although I really want it, I didn't bought it. :(
irupp33
05-08-2003, 08:38 AM
Originally posted by integra818
It costs tamiya to get the license also, money from the kit's sales help the cost of the license, or at least that's what I've always thought. :)
look at revell, they have to get the liscences to. theyve already put out hondas and acuras for under $15. they have a ferrari 360 kit for $12! why cant tamiya do that?
It costs tamiya to get the license also, money from the kit's sales help the cost of the license, or at least that's what I've always thought. :)
look at revell, they have to get the liscences to. theyve already put out hondas and acuras for under $15. they have a ferrari 360 kit for $12! why cant tamiya do that?
freakray
05-08-2003, 09:36 AM
Originally posted by irupp33
look at revell, they have to get the liscences to. theyve already put out hondas and acuras for under $15. they have a ferrari 360 kit for $12! why cant tamiya do that?
Revell are making an Enzo too....buy that if you don't want to pay Tamiya prices.....
Who really knows how the whole licensing thing works and what it costs....
Nobody is forcing you to buy Tamiya, sure you pay more for them, but you get what you pay for. right?
look at revell, they have to get the liscences to. theyve already put out hondas and acuras for under $15. they have a ferrari 360 kit for $12! why cant tamiya do that?
Revell are making an Enzo too....buy that if you don't want to pay Tamiya prices.....
Who really knows how the whole licensing thing works and what it costs....
Nobody is forcing you to buy Tamiya, sure you pay more for them, but you get what you pay for. right?
irupp33
05-08-2003, 09:54 AM
I just dont know about tamiya. I love there kits but if revell can produce them cheaper why cant tamiya? It just doesnt make sense. Its not about makin quality kits for low cost any more there just tryin to get rich. (which they already are)
freakray
05-08-2003, 09:59 AM
As an engineer in a production enviroment, I can assure you that quality costs money, ESPECIALLY in a tooling industry.
The more you pay, the better quality your tooling, when you look at a Tamiya kit and compare it to a Revell kit of the same car, this is plainly visible. Tamiya spend a lot more money on their tooling.
The more you pay, the better quality your tooling, when you look at a Tamiya kit and compare it to a Revell kit of the same car, this is plainly visible. Tamiya spend a lot more money on their tooling.
Guido
05-08-2003, 10:14 AM
Originally posted by freakray
As an engineer in a production enviroment, I can assure you that quality costs money, ESPECIALLY in a tooling industry.
The more you pay, the better quality your tooling, when you look at a Tamiya kit and compare it to a Revell kit of the same car, this is plainly visible. Tamiya spend a lot more money on their tooling.
I can't agree more. So companies choose OR quality = expensive tooling OR quantity = cheaper tooling
As an engineer in a production enviroment, I can assure you that quality costs money, ESPECIALLY in a tooling industry.
The more you pay, the better quality your tooling, when you look at a Tamiya kit and compare it to a Revell kit of the same car, this is plainly visible. Tamiya spend a lot more money on their tooling.
I can't agree more. So companies choose OR quality = expensive tooling OR quantity = cheaper tooling
exhaust smoke
05-08-2003, 10:26 AM
I could not agree more with the quality argument. Tamiya pay out more for the material and tooling.
Just hold up a Tamiya 360 to a Revell 360 and you can see that the Revell plastic is more translucent, therefore, more brittle/prone to warping. Also, you will notice the minimal flash on Tamiya as opposed to Revell. What about the fitment of parts, the CAD instructions, even the quality of the paper Tamiya print their instructions on is of a higher grade.
I will always go for Tamiya if there was a choice, the results speak for themselves. However, they could always go one step further and offer P/e sealbelt buckles as opposed to just decals for their race/rally/F1 kits.
Just hold up a Tamiya 360 to a Revell 360 and you can see that the Revell plastic is more translucent, therefore, more brittle/prone to warping. Also, you will notice the minimal flash on Tamiya as opposed to Revell. What about the fitment of parts, the CAD instructions, even the quality of the paper Tamiya print their instructions on is of a higher grade.
I will always go for Tamiya if there was a choice, the results speak for themselves. However, they could always go one step further and offer P/e sealbelt buckles as opposed to just decals for their race/rally/F1 kits.
daggerlee
05-08-2003, 02:50 PM
Originally posted by irupp33
I just dont know about tamiya. I love there kits but if revell can produce them cheaper why cant tamiya? It just doesnt make sense. Its not about makin quality kits for low cost any more there just tryin to get rich. (which they already are)
If you can compare to me a Revell 360 Modena and a Tamiya 360 Modena Spider and show to me that the Revell 360 Modena contains just as much detail/clean parts fit/accuracy as the Tamiya kit, then your argument would be justified. But I don't tihnk anybody on this forum would be ready to make that statement yet.
I just dont know about tamiya. I love there kits but if revell can produce them cheaper why cant tamiya? It just doesnt make sense. Its not about makin quality kits for low cost any more there just tryin to get rich. (which they already are)
If you can compare to me a Revell 360 Modena and a Tamiya 360 Modena Spider and show to me that the Revell 360 Modena contains just as much detail/clean parts fit/accuracy as the Tamiya kit, then your argument would be justified. But I don't tihnk anybody on this forum would be ready to make that statement yet.
Layla's Keeper
05-08-2003, 02:57 PM
Wait a minute! Fujimi prices are going up????
That's just plain wrong. If they want to charge Tamiya prices they need to include Tamiya detail and/or fit. But there's one point of mine that was missed.
I don't want prices to drop across the board. That's just plain silly. I'm asking for the metal axle, single piece chassis, but still well engraved and obscenely accurate kits (like the street WRX Sti and 350Z) to drop in price. I can justify $30+ for the Enzo, but those two need to be at a Revell comparable price. Especially considering how many more they'd sell of the kits.
That's my request. More of the simpler kits at a lower price. A "Tamiya Lite" if you will. They almost pulled it off before. Remember Snap-Loc?
That's just plain wrong. If they want to charge Tamiya prices they need to include Tamiya detail and/or fit. But there's one point of mine that was missed.
I don't want prices to drop across the board. That's just plain silly. I'm asking for the metal axle, single piece chassis, but still well engraved and obscenely accurate kits (like the street WRX Sti and 350Z) to drop in price. I can justify $30+ for the Enzo, but those two need to be at a Revell comparable price. Especially considering how many more they'd sell of the kits.
That's my request. More of the simpler kits at a lower price. A "Tamiya Lite" if you will. They almost pulled it off before. Remember Snap-Loc?
Veyron
05-08-2003, 03:01 PM
Originally posted by daggerlee
If you can compare to me a Revell 360 Modena and a Tamiya 360 Modena Spider and show to me that the Revell 360 Modena contains just as much detail/clean parts fit/accuracy as the Tamiya kit, then your argument would be justified. But I don't tihnk anybody on this forum would be ready to make that statement yet.
How true, you never really see many complaints about Tamiya in any thread on AF, except pricing. Like Ray said, you get what you pay for.
As long as Tamiya kits look right and fit with such precision I won't complain about price, on the other hand I will never build a Fujimi M3 if it cost 2 dollars because the body is so awful. :)
If you can compare to me a Revell 360 Modena and a Tamiya 360 Modena Spider and show to me that the Revell 360 Modena contains just as much detail/clean parts fit/accuracy as the Tamiya kit, then your argument would be justified. But I don't tihnk anybody on this forum would be ready to make that statement yet.
How true, you never really see many complaints about Tamiya in any thread on AF, except pricing. Like Ray said, you get what you pay for.
As long as Tamiya kits look right and fit with such precision I won't complain about price, on the other hand I will never build a Fujimi M3 if it cost 2 dollars because the body is so awful. :)
hirofkd
05-08-2003, 03:23 PM
Originally posted by irupp33
look at revell, they have to get the liscences to. theyve already put out hondas and acuras for under $15. they have a ferrari 360 kit for $12! why cant tamiya do that?
Tamiya's 360 is priced at 2600 yen. The value of 2600 yen by Big Mac index is 10.4, so you can translate the local price of the Modena by checking the price of Big Mac in your area.
2600 yen is about US$21.7, which doesn't seem so overly expensive when compared with the quality of Revell kit.
Perhaps, you want to vote for the politicians, who support even stronger US dollar? (used to be 240 or even 360 yen per dollar, you know?)
look at revell, they have to get the liscences to. theyve already put out hondas and acuras for under $15. they have a ferrari 360 kit for $12! why cant tamiya do that?
Tamiya's 360 is priced at 2600 yen. The value of 2600 yen by Big Mac index is 10.4, so you can translate the local price of the Modena by checking the price of Big Mac in your area.
2600 yen is about US$21.7, which doesn't seem so overly expensive when compared with the quality of Revell kit.
Perhaps, you want to vote for the politicians, who support even stronger US dollar? (used to be 240 or even 360 yen per dollar, you know?)
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