Scale Models

That's right - we've finally got these 3 hot items back in stock!

87038 Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement
Tamiya EXTRA THIN model cement is used to glue together plastic model kits that use polystyrene plastic. The extra thin formula allows the modeler to glue together small pieces that require pin point accuracy and finesse.

87089 Tamiya Airbrush Cleaner
This powerful cleaner is indispensable for airbrush maintenance. Easily removes any tarnishes in the intricate airbrush system and it can also be used to clean weathering sticks and paintbrushes.

87131 Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color
Tamiya Panel Line enamel paints are ideal for highlighting panel lines and other details to give your model a more realistic depth. The paint has been pre-diluted into the ideal viscosity and can be easily applied into crevasses such as panel lines with the brush on the bottle cap.

After adding these items, check out our newest Tamiya products under our 'What's New' section at the top of the page!

In this episode Dave, Ian and Julian are joined by special guest Lincoln Wright talking about working for a model workshop in Japan.

 

We have a huge listener mail bag and of course,  look at what’s new in the modelling world.

If you've been thinking about getting one of our top-of-the-line TRF Touring Car kits, now is the time!

While supplies last, we will be selling our TRF419X, TRF419XR and TRF419XR Conversion Kits at amazing prices!

Tamiya 42301 TRF419X Chassis Kit
Sale Price: $325.00

Tamiya 42316 TRF419XR Chassis Kit
Sale Price: $375.00

Tamiya 42317 TRF419XR Conversion Set
Sale Price: $125.00

The pre-production samples of the 1/48 scale Lockeed P-38 F/G Lightnings are in! This is one of our most exciting plastic kits this year - definitely a buzz going around about it!

it will be on display at the IPMS Nationals in Chattanooga, TN from today through the 10th. The best part about this reveal is not only a chance to see this aircraft up close, but also a chance to purchase a preview kit almost 3 months before its official release on November 20th!!

Yup, you heard that right - the IPMS show will be raffling off 300 'White Box' kits in their sample, pre-production boxes! Before we delve deeper into that, let's take a look at what you get in the box!

Now for some completed, pre-production built pictures:

Here is the info straight from the IPMS about the White Box giveaway kits: "In late breaking news, Tamiya has made 300 of their new 1/48 scale P-38 F/G available to us to sell at the 2019 IPMS USA National Convention. ALL proceeds from the sales of these kits will go to offset the costs of the National Convention.

First off, we want to thank Tamiya for their Generosity. They easily could have sold these kits from their tables in the vendor hall and kept the proceeds. Instead, their generosity will have a direct impact on this convention. So, a huge thank you to Tamiya!

Now for the particulars about how we will go about selling these kits. We will raffle off the opportunity to buy the kits to Convention Registrants. There are several reasons we want to do it this way.

By drawing numbers throughout the show we'll be able to avoid overwhelming our volunteers with a rush of folks who want to buy the kit.

By doing a raffle we'll be able to make sure that all the convention registrants get equal odds to buy a kit. The guy who has to work and can just barely make it to the convention in time to get his models in the contest on Friday evening has the same chance that the guy who took the whole week off has.

We HOPE that this will encourage some of the fence sitters who might otherwise buy General Admission wrist bands to go ahead and register for the convention.

In addition to this letter, your registration package also has a bright green claim ticket. It has a matched stub in the Tamiya P-38 raffle box.

Whatever you do, DO NOT LOSE THIS TICKET! If you lose your complimentary raffle ticket, you can buy a replacement. If you lose your Dessert ticket, you can buy a replacement. If you lose your pin or decal sheet, you can most likely buy another. But if you lose your Tamiya P-38 claim ticket... it's gone. WE WILL NOT BE SELLING THEM! We will not be giving any sobbing modelers whose wives tore them up replacements. The one in your bag is THE ONLY ONE you will get from us!

We will pick 75 tickets a day, starting on Wednesday and post the numbers. If your ticket is posted, take your claim ticket to the T-shirt sales table and the fine folks there will take your ticket and sell you a brand-spanking-bright-shiny-so-new-they-don't-even-have-real-boxes-yet 1/48 scale Tamiya P-38 F/G! You do NOT NEED TO BE PRESENT immediately to win. The numbers will stay up until Noon on Saturday. Then at noon, we'll scratch all the unclaimed numbers off the 'boards' and start pulling new numbers for the unclaimed kits. At that point, you'll have no more than ONE MINUTE after we announce the number to claim your chance to buy a kit. If you don't speak up then, we'll move on to the next number. But we really don't expect there will be too many kits left for the speed draw!"

So there you have it - good luck to the IPMS participants on getting a brand-spanking-bright-shiny-so-new-they-don't-even-have-real-boxes-yet 1/48 scale Tamiya P-38 F/G Lightning kit!

Our friend Brett Green at Squadron ScaleWorkshop unboxes the new 1/48 scale Lockheed P-38 F/G Lighting kit. He does a great job of outlining everything in the kit with tons of close ups!

Check out the video below:

In this podcast, we aim to entertain, inform, and promote the hobby of scale model kit building with interviews, reviews, and news about the hobby. The Scale Model Podcast currently is recorded biweekly and is available where your favorite podcasts are found including iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher as well as our website at scalemodelpodcast.com. […]

In this episode Dave, Ian and Julian are joined by Michael to talk about that very confusing subject clear coats!  Gloss, Semi gloss, Satin, Flat…..at some point we have all be tripped up so let us clear the air with the good goss on clear coats.

We will also be letting you know the latest on what model shows are on as well as diving into out listener mail bag and of course, having a look at what’s new in the modelling world.

The 2019 TCS National Finals registration is now open for sign ups!

Now in its 25th year, the Tamiya Championship Series Nationals is taking place outside of Southern, California. The TCS Finals is being held and hosted by the Hobby Plex in Omaha, Nebraska! We are very excited about taking Tamiya’s TCS Series Finale to the mid-west along with all of our staff to help run the event.

TCS Sign-Up Information

Direct Event Sign Up Page

Please make note, the Driver’s Information Packet can be found under the documents section of the sign-up page. Everything about the event can be read in the packet.

We hope you can join us!

Tamiya Acrylic Paints are made from water-soluable acrylic resins and are excellent for either brush or airbrush painting. These paints can be used on wood and on most model plastics. Paint covers surfaces well, flows smoothly with no blotching or fading and can be blended easily. X-Series offers a glossy finish.

Here is a picture of the paint chips along with the part number and color designator.

Click for a larger view of the paint chips.

These handy bottles of paint for hobby use are made from completely safe water-soluable acrylic resins. They can be used on most common model plastics such as styrol resin and styrofoam. Prior to curing, paint can be washed away with plain water. XF- Series offers a flat finish.

Here is a picture of the paint chips along with the part number and color designator.

Click for a larger view of the paint chips.

These cans of spray paint are extremely useful for painting large surfaces. The paint is a synthetic lacquer that cures in a short period of time. Each can contains 100ml of paint, which is enough to fully cover 2 or 3 1/24 scale sized car bodies. Wide selection of colors includes gloss types as well as subtler shades designed for military vehicles and ship models.

Here is a picture of the paint chips along with the part number and color designator.

Click for a larger view of the paint chips.

Specifically developed spray paint for finishing clear polycarbonate RC car bodies. Each can contains 100ml of paint, enough for multiple paintings. Paint the body from the inside, keeping the can about 30cm from the surface. These paints are impervious to oil and fuels and can be safely used on gas-powered RC bodies.

Here is a picture of the paint chips along with the part number and color designator.

Click for a larger view of the paint chips.

These spray paints are specifically developed to provide the subtle shades necessary for finishing aircraft models. Ready-made spray cans remove the need to mix your own colors for the ultimate in convenience. Colors are formulated to provide the authentic tones found on historical and modern military aircraft. Each can contains 100ml of synthetic lacquer paint.

Here is a picture of the paint chips along with the part number and color designator.

Click for a larger view of the paint chips.

Tamiya Proudly Presents: The Lockheed® P-38®F/G Lightning® in 1/48 scale! It is without question that the P-38 is a unique fighter from World War II and it’s been one of our most requested subjects to be made. Thanks to our extensive research and ever-evolving mold making techniques, Tamiya’s designers have gone to great lengths to achieve the best fitting and most accurate P-38 Lightning F/G model assembly kit to date. We are sure this kit will adorn modelers collections and be the topic of discussion in the various model contests across the globe for the foreseeable future!

ABOUT the Lockheed P-38 Lightning!
This WWII fighter was a daring design with twin booms and a piston engine in each, plus a central nacelle which housed the cockpit and armament (machine guns and cannon in the nose). Introduced in June 1941, the aircraft went on to be used extensively in the Pacific through WWII. The F variant was manufactured from April 1942 onward, and featured pylons for 150-gallon drop tanks to make it capable of longer bombing missions. Later P-38Gs had more powerful engines and could carry bigger 300-gallon drop tanks. The P-38 was used for interception, dive bombing, level bombing, ground attack, night fighting, photo reconnaissance, radar and visual pathfinding for bombers and evacuation missions, and extensively as a long-range escort fighter when equipped with drop tanks under its wings.

• 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 240mm, wingspan: 330mm.
• P-38F and P-38G variants can be built.
• The model creates a parked aircraft when assembled and complete.
• Features accurate depictions of early P-38 features such as slimline engine cowlings, intercoolers in leading edges, plus the curved canopy front.
• Weights are included in the kit to ensure correct balance of the model when displayed.
• The canopy can be assembled open or closed. When closed, it is a 1-part slide-molded piece with dedicated F and G variant parts. The hatch is shown open sideways on the P-38F, and vertically on the P-38G.
• A detailed cockpit features the wheel-type controls, radio, throttle box and more.
• Comes with parts to recreate two each of 150- and 300-gallon drop tanks.
• Includes two marking options: “White 147” P-38G which took part in the interception of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in April 1943 and “White 33” P-38F.
• Mirror stickers are included to recreate cockpit mirror and engine cowling interior surface sections.
• Comes with canopy masking stickers and a full-color painting guide.

Welcome to the Scale Model Podcast. In this podcast, we aim to entertain, inform, and promote the hobby of scale model kit building with interviews, reviews, and news about the hobby. The Scale Model Podcast currently is recorded biweekly and is available where your favorite podcasts are found including iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher as […]

In The Beginning
This Q&A section is a collection of information necessary to program the microcontroller robot tool set. The explanation is based on programming using visual programming software "MakeCode" on a personal computer. Make sure that you understand the basic usage of BBC microbit and MakeCode. You can use the "Tutorial" in the free software "MakeCode" on the Web to understand the program better.

★ PLEASE DO NOT WARRANT FOR ANY FAULTS OR ACCIDENTS THAT MAY BE OCCUR WHEN THE PROGRAM IS CHANGED OR REWRITTEN BY YOU (including to the sample program provided by our company). In addition, we can accept questions about sample programs provided by us, but we can not answer questions regarding how to set up programs. Please see the Q&A provided by us or the BBC microbit reference.

In addition, we can not answer about the structure and contents of MakeCode provided by BBC Micro Bit. - BBC micro: bit is a registered trademark of micro: bit Education Foundation.

Basic Questions:
Q. How do I write a program to a robot?
A. Connect the PC and "BBC Micro Bit" and download the necessary programs from "Programs" in "About BBC Micro Bit Programs" on the Tamiya website . Copy the saved file to "BBC Micro Bit" again on the PC.

The work procedure is the same as “To return to the program at the time of shipment” on the Tamiya website. Please refer.

Q. How to modify the program?
A. Programming is recommended "MakeCode (Japanese version - Use Google translater)" which can be used with a web browser . By arranging blocks with actions written on the screen, you can perform visual program modifications.

Q. How can I restore the program to the original, purchased state?
A. Please refer to the "To restore the program at the time of shipment" on the Tamiya website - "About BBC Micro Bit Programs"

Q. How do I get a sample program?
A. Please download it from the "Programs" section of the Tamiya website "About BBC Micro Bit Programs".

Q. How do I know the role of the blocks used in the downloaded program?
A. If there is an icon at the left end of the block, clicking it will display a comment.

Application Questions (ultrasonic sensor, drive circuit):

Q. How to measure the distance to an obstacle (object) using the ultrasonic sensor mi-02?
A. In order to use the sensor, it is necessary to send and receive numerical values (I2C communication) between the BBC microbit and the ultrasonic sensor mi-02 (address: 44). First, the BBC microbit sends measurement instructions to the sensor. The sensor emits ultrasound and measures the time it takes for the ultrasound to reflect back to the object. When instructed to acquire measurement data from the BBC microbit side, the sensor splits the measurement data into two numbers and sends it back. You can calculate the distance from the sent back data to the object. Below are the specific steps.

Step 1. Tell the ultrasonic sensor mi-02 to start measurement. Use [Export I2C value] and set the address “44”, type “UInt8BE”, then “false” and send the value “51”. (The address, format and so on are set in the same way thereafter).

Step 2. Use [Read I2C value] to obtain a value. If the acquired value is "1", it indicates that the measurement has started and if it is "0", it indicates that it has not started.

Step 3. Use [Export I2C value] and send the value “15”.

Step 4. Acquire measurement data using [I2C reading numerical value]. The acquired measurement data is the upper digit of reflection time (upper half digit in binary notation).

Step 5. Use [Export I2C numbers] and send the value “14”.

Step 6. Use [Read I2C value] to acquire measurement data.The acquired measurement data is the lower digit (the lower half digit in binary notation) of the reflection time.

Step 7. If the acquired “upper digit” and “lower digit” values are not both 0, the measurement is successful. The reflection time (in microseconds = 1/1000 milliseconds) can be determined from [【upper digit × 256】 + lower digit]. Furthermore, the distance to the object (unit: millimeter) can be found by [【【reflection time-160】 / 2】 × 0.315】.

Q. How to confirm that the measurement data from the ultrasonic sensor mi-02 is correct?
A. Even if the sensor measures the distance to the object correctly, communication between the BBC micro bit and the ultrasonic sensor mi-02 may fail, and correct measurement data may not be measured. To confirm that the measurement data is correct, it can be confirmed by calculating and comparing the sum of the two divided measurement data in the sensor and in the BBC microbit respectively. Below are the specific steps.

Step 1. Use [Export I2C value] and send the value “16”.

Step 2. Use [Read I2C value] to get the value. The acquired value is "sum of upper and lower digits".

Step 3. Add separately the “upper digit” and “lower digit” acquired separately and check if it is equal to the acquired “sum of upper digit and lower digit”. If it is equal, the reflection time will be acquired correctly. If they are not equal, it means that one of the "upper digit", "lower digit" and "sum of upper digit and lower digit" could not be acquired correctly.

Q. What are the specifications of drive circuit mi-01 and ultrasonic sensor mi-02?
A.
Drive Circuit mi-01
Power supply: 3 V (2 AA batteries)
Consumption current: 500 mA (Stop 50 mA)
Input / output connector: BBC micro bit, switch input, motor output x 2,
I2C communication (3.3 V) x 2, I2C communication (power supply voltage)

Ultrasonic Sensor mi-02
power supply voltage: 3.3 V
ultrasonic wave: 40 kHz
viewing angle (horizontal direction): about ± 30°

Q. May I replace the microcomputer robot's motor?
A. Do not use a motor other than the one supplied with the set for the microcomputer robot.

Application Questions (radio control):
Q. How to make a radio maneuver?
A. Initial settings are required when communicating between BBC micro bits. In order for the controller (sender) side to issue maneuvering instructions, set the data to be sent after the button or other operation. In order to receive maneuvering instructions on the robot (reception) side, set the operation for each received data. It is possible to perform radio control by setting which data to transmit when the operation is performed by the controller and which motion to perform when the robot receives which data. The specific procedure of wireless communication is shown below.

Step 1. Make initial settings. This initial setting is required on both the controller side and the robot side. Set the same group number using [Set wireless group] in [Only first]. This setting is necessary because BBC micro bits set with the same number communicate with each other.

Step 2. To transmit data from the controller side, use either [Transmit numeric value by radio] [Transmit text by radio] or [Transmit by radio]. Each sends a value, a string, a string and a value.

Step 3. In order to receive data on the robot side, either [When received by wireless (receivedNumber)] [When received by wireless (receivedString)] [when received by wireless (name (value))] Use Each receives a value, a string, a string and a value. Use the one corresponding to the send block used on the controller side.

Step 4. Received data can be used by dragging (receivedNumber) etc. of the received block and extracting it as a variable. If you use data outside of [when received by wireless] (such as [long all] or function), save the data in any variable.

Q. How do I maneuver wirelessly with multiple sets of controllers and robots individually?
A. Set a different group number for each controller and robot pair in [Set wireless group]. Communication is performed between BBC micro bits set with the same number. The group number at the time of product purchase is "37".

- Follow these steps to return to the factory default program "Away from obstacles and run automatically".

Things To Prepare:
• PC connected to the Internet (Win / Mac etc.) (It may not work normally with tablet terminal or smartphone.)
• Micro USB cable (sold separately)
• Microcomputer robot work set (crawler type)

1. Connect the PC and "BBC Microbit".

Switch off the robot and connect the PC and "BBC micro bit" using a micro USB cable. The computer needs to be connected to the internet.

2. If connected properly, "MICROBIT" will be displayed on the computer screen.
It appears as a drive named "MICROBIT" on the desktop or explorer of your computer. If you can not connect properly, there are many causes for the micro USB cable. In that case, please try another micro USB cable.

3. Download the program to your PC and save it.
Download the driving program from the link below. Right-click (Windows: Save link destination as Mac, Mac: save link destination as alias) and save it on the desktop.

Basic Program (coming soon)

4. Make sure that the program is saved properly.
If the download as successfully completed, the file "01_DrivingProgram_v1.hex" is saved on your computer.

5. Copy the saved file to "BBC Microbit".
Drag and drop the downloaded and saved file "01_DrivingProgram_v1.hex" to "MICROBIT" to copy it. You have now returned to the factory program.

6. Check the robot operation.

Disconnect the micro USB cable and switch on the robot to check the operation.

In this episode Ian and Julian educate Dave on building car models.  We have some listener mail as well as looking at whats new in the modelling world. 

The 2019 HobbyTown Convention is about to be under way at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln Nebraska. This table-top show sees quite a few manufacturers displaying their latest goods - everything from car kits, accessories, Gundam, airsoft and toys - something for everyone.

Today is Day 1 - setup day. We've got a few pictures from the show with more to come later in the week.

Welcome to the Scale Model Podcast. In this podcast, we aim to entertain, inform, and promote the hobby of scale model kit building with interviews, reviews, and news about the hobby. The Scale Model Podcast currently is recorded biweekly and is available where your favorite podcasts are found including iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher as […]