Tamiya Finished Body Series

[Gainsbourg]

Didn’t found any post of this subject in the search engine so here it goes.
New Tamiya series, Finished Body’s pre-painted and pre-decaled.

http://www.tamiya.com/english/produc...body/index.htm

What do you think about this?
I’m sure most of the model makers prefer to build the entire model from the box, and personally the construction of the body is the process I like the best.
In any case I have dozens of models to build and a little "help" is not bad at all. And they appear to be really well builded.
Unfortunately I already have these three models so I will see if Tamiya will continue with this philosophy with new models.

[EMAXX]

This has been talked about so many times now. Anyways, I'd have more pride if I built and painted the thing myself.

[SonyMobile]

it takes the fun away if you dont get to paint the body or decal it. But these kits would be a good idea for someone just beinging maybe?

[r34boy]

To me it would be like cheating away at your hard ernd work and pride. I prefere to build and construct a model myself because I have the satisfaction of knowing that I did it all by myself.

[Jaymes]

how are these made? Does someone actually apply the decals or are the decals paint as well?

[73superduty]

Everyone has an opinion, here is mine:
I think it is a great idea. These Tamiya kits are awesome. Some of these kids have a hard time painting and this will help them build that foundation to finally take on a full Tamiya kit.
I don't know about a lot of you, but sometimes you hit that slump and this is just the thing to get you going again, a quick easy build. I know I need it every now and again, but thanks to the diecast kits, they keep my modeling attention in a pinch.
I say it's a good idea, and apparently pre-decorated kits are selling other wise they wouldn't have gone this route.

I'm just one man, and my opinion don't mean squat.
Chris

[Gainsbourg]

I totally agree. Like I’ve said building the body is what I like the most in the construction of a model and give it a true identity. But personally if Tamiya release a model of these series that I don’t have and like to build I don’t have any problem of buy it. If I had less models to build I probably had another opinion.
In any case for people with none or few experience this is a great opportunity to have some great models in their collection. The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM2000 Team Original-teile with is full decaled body and even the Opel Astra V8 Coupe Opel Team Phoenix with is multi colour painted body are not easy ones for someone with less experience. In any case I think it’s a great idea (like the Full-View series) BUT this must never substitute the release of the standard models. Freedom to choose.

Originally posted by Jaymes
how are these made? Does someone actually apply the decals or are the decals paint as well?

There are no machines that can do a work of such complexity so I truly believe the application of the decals is a 100% hand made process.

[MajorA]

Im not sure that these things are hand painted and decaled. They are selling for around $45 bucks so that only something like 20 dollars more than a normal unfinished kit. I know it takes me some time to complete a model like that and even with an assembely line type system these things would take some serious time. Also I would assume the people assembling must have some kind of experience/skill. Even with lots of practice this type of work is difficult. I doubt that Tamiya could pay all the workers to do this stuff for only $20 extra a model. I know im assuming lots of stuff but has anybody acutally gone out and gotten one of these. It should be fairly easy to see how it was put on and exactly what level these models are. I am of the opinion that the more models the merrier and you can choose what you like but i doubt these will be close to some of the work around here .

matt

[Vric]

the only real help I would like from tamiya, is pre-painted windows trim... beside that it's just for lazy ppl