Tamiya/Italeri connection?

I noticed the new Italeri 1/24 Subaru Racing rig comes with a Tamiya Subaru WRX WRC kit, Italeri also has a web page on Tamiya's Japanese site. Why the close relationship between these two companies? Anyone know?:confused:

Hm, you 've surely got a point there, I guess these kind of "partnerships" are very frequent in "modeling-land".

Just think about all the hasegawa models that are rebadges as Revell, here in Europe, that is.( Lancia 037, Stratos, Evo VI...)

Also there is a connection between Revell and Italeri, revell basically reissue italeri trucks, with minor exterior differences. (mercedes Actros,..)

I guess it's all about making profits and each "maker" can buy the kits and rebadge them, to assure that kit's market position in each part of the world.

I.E. Tamiya is Italeri's righthand in Japan,
Revell brings hasegawa's in Europe,
and Italeri supplies revell with trucks, that revell puts on the market as special kits, like the f1 racing team trucks.

These are merely speculations, but I think there's a truth behind these statements, as all companies want the maximal profits on home markets, and buy moulds from manufacturers so they can use them at their extent.

Ciao Oli

I see...
other examples. Revell/monogram,AMT/ERTL...
same situation happen in United States? or other reason? just my curiosity.

Originally posted by kunta
I see...
other examples. Revell/monogram,AMT/ERTL...
same situation happen in United States? or other reason? just my curiosity.

Actually, quite different. The parent company of Revell bought Monogram many years ago, so Monogram is a brand owned by Revell, who is owned by R/M Partners or something like that. AMT was bought by Ertl, and the whole works was bought by Racing Champions, a diecast company, so now AMT/Ertl are merely brand names for products that are being sold by and for Racing Champions or RCE.

Tamiya and Italeri aren't buying each other, I doubt Tamiya is buying Italeri and Italeri could never afford to buy Tamiya, and Tamiya certainly isn't for sale. It's likely just a joint venture, to get some Italeri models through Tamiya's distribution channels, and vice-versa. There have been a few previous instances of Tamiya selling other people's models in a few markets (not in the US). It's purely another angle to sell more models. Hopefully someone here knows the "real" story, but this is probably the case.

I bet Hiroaki knows! If he tells us the answer, we should get him a case of:spam: :D

Tamiya's 1/72 War Birds Airplane series is almost entirely reboxed 1/72 Italeri models. So this is not the first time.

Testors also reboxed Fujimi kits frequently in the past..

I think Revell Premium = Fujimi Enthusiast

And Tamiya BMW 3-series and 8-series are... Revell of Germany?

yep, Revell Premium = Fujimi enthusiast

As for the BMW's , Revell Germany has never released the Z3, only the Z8.

Well, I guess this is just another business, they just try to make the most money...




And Ps, has anyone built or bought the new Subaru World Rally Team Truck and Trailer + The Impreza???

Do you guys think it's a good deal ? found them in my hobbystore for about 70€ (=70 $). I kinda think it's a good price, although I will not be building the trailer, lack of space.(Truck and Trailer, approx. 760mm long)

http://www.italeri.com/Photos/3812.jpg
http://www.model-megastore.co.uk/img/productImages/italeri-3812.jpg

I can add that the 'new' Tuner Beetle from Revell-Monogram is just a reboxed Revell-AG kit molded in China, even better the dates on the moldings are 1999!

Bigfrit,
If you get that for $70 I think you are getting a deal, I paid $80 for mine and that was after 20% discount.
Yeah the truck is big, but you will love the amount of detail.
I was disappointed with the car, the decals are wrong and the kit doesn't come with the Tamiya decals for the car, but you should be able to get some after-market decals for the car.
If you decide to get the kit, I don't think you will be sorry, I have seen some photos of the finished truck in other livery and it is amazing.

Ray

Is there any connection between Academy and Tamiya? I notice that their 1:35 M151 Ford MUTT kits are based on the same mold. I suspect that their 1:35 Hummer are also based on the same mold, but this i am not sure as i never built the Tamiya Hummer.

And Ps, has anyone built or bought the new Subaru World Rally Team Truck and Trailer + The Impreza???

Do you guys think it's a good deal ? found them in my hobbystore for about 70€ (=70 $). I kinda think it's a good price, although I will not be building the trailer, lack of space.(Truck and Trailer, approx. 760mm long)


Yep,

I bought the kit. Couldn't resist, it was a great deal IMO! 3 kits for £50 (UK), and the quality of the moulding was great, hardly any flash. Italeri do make good truck kits. I've got their Volvo FH-16 tractor unit, which i hope (one day!) to convert into the Jaguar F1 race team transporter.