Tamiya factory

OK, I'm gonna confess...I'm a fanatical Tamiya desciple! But I bet I'm not alone!! My immediate conversion began ever since my first kit: Ford Escort 4X4 Monte Carlo winner 1994.

I even bought Mr. Tamiya's autobigraphy! He mentions that the company has kept one copy of every kit they have produced. Has anyone ever visited the Tamiya HQ for a factory visit?? Does such a visit exist?? Hiro??

It is a goal of mine to go oneday.

Originally posted by exhaust smoke
OK, I'm gonna confess...I'm a fanatical Tamiya desciple! But I bet I'm not alone!! My immediate conversion began ever since my first kit: Ford Escort 4X4 Monte Carlo winner 1994.

I even bought Mr. Tamiya's autobigraphy! He mentions that the company has kept one copy of every kit they have produced. Has anyone ever visited the Tamiya HQ for a factory visit?? Does such a visit exist?? Hiro??

It is a goal of mine to go oneday.

I did not go but the visit is exist, but only the showroom of all tamiya products. Factory...I think the past, yes. But now...not sure.:rolleyes:

In some of Tamiya's old catalogues, there are a few pics of the factory showing the production line, packaging etc. If i remember correctly there was a pic of a showroom full of kits and a showroom full of 1:1 cars which i assume were used as reference.

I'd love to take a tour of where the engineers create the models. It is truly amazing how detailed they can make such small parts. I think I remeber seeing an article in a magazine once the Tamiya factory and it had some pics of the work benches of some of the engineers. I remember seeing all kinds of tools at there disposal, especially tons of dremel bits if Im not mistaken. I can't remember what magazine it was but I know it was quite a fe years ago...like 7-8. I wonder if anyone remembers seeing an article anywhere like that. I'd sure like to see some more pics of any model makin company's factories and work shops...

Tamiya HQ is open to the public between 8:00 - 17:00 Mon-Fri. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Here are some photos:
http://www.tamiya.com/japan/news/event/visit/visit.htm
Usually, only the gallery is open, but during the Shizuoka Hobby Show in May, they have an open house. You can visit their manufacturing shop, where you can see the machining tools as well as some molds. (no photo allowed there.) Also, you can visit their package and decal design office, and also you can watch the modeling demonstration by their staff modelers.
And their junk parts sale is worth a visit, too.
2003 Shizuoka Hobby Show will be open to the public on May 17 and 18.

Originally posted by hirofkd
Tamiya HQ is open to the public between 8:00 - 17:00 Mon-Fri. Closed on weekends and holidays.
Here are some photos:
http://www.tamiya.com/japan/news/event/visit/visit.htm
Usually, only the gallery is open, but during the Shizuoka Hobby Show in May, they have an open house. You can visit their manufacturing shop, where you can see the machining tools as well as some molds. (no photo allowed there.) Also, you can visit their package and decal design office, and also you can watch the modeling demonstration by their staff modelers.
And their junk parts sale is worth a visit, too.
2003 Shizuoka Hobby Show will be open to the public on May 17 and 18.

Do we need to buy ticket??? Planning to go to Shizuoka show this year. Need to meet some big bosses!!!:rolleyes:

Did anyone else notice the Porsche 914 in the display?

I'd love a Tamiya 1/24th 914 to play with...the old Revell kit is decent, but needs a good bit of TLC to make it look good next to modern kits.

alright guys heres are chance, we meet up the 17th of may plan our attack break in and get as many models as we can then run out with them. a smash and run job. Whos with me? haha j/k I wish I could go to japan and see the fatory that would be neat.

These are my pics from Tamiya's U.S. HQ in Aliso Viejo, CA, where they hold the Tamiya/Con.

Tamiya's Showoom Display cases (both sides):
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/152167case1.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/743524case2.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/572149case3.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/487718case4.jpg
To be fair, that's two pics on either side of the same case. There were plenty of Tamiya kits I could think of that weren't there... But still... :eek:

I'll take better pics this year. ;)

Another one live in Toronto here een to the tamiya office on steels and vp? I remember they use to sell stuff there a long time ago, I have not been there for a while do any of you know if they still sell stuff? If so are they cheaper?