T-StudioWorks

Oh my gosh... that's a bit sad having two prices... now I know why the online prices have gone up so much. It's actually put me off buying from HK especially RCM since COVID. Sounds like you got everything figured out. Good on ya! Enjoy your trip.

Good on ya. That's exactly where I stayed last time as well. Something has happened to HK. Even their online prices have gone crazy since COVID. Let us know what you bought! Enjoy!

Yes, have been to HK Plamodel more than 10 years ago when it was called Waigo. It is true at that time. But with collectors going to extremes to collect old models, the collectables would have been snapped up already. Still worth a visit though if in the neighbourhood. HK hobbyshops are an experience, you never know what you will find.

Well... the old shop is no longer there. So this is a record for posterity. I'm sure the new shop will grow on us. It is more expensive at the official Tamiya store. The idea for the store is a flagship to showcase their product. Tamiya has a large distribution network and I'm sure they would be happy for us to buy from other hobby shops. Even if we went to the store and later bought from somewhere else, their strategy would have worked already.

Which do you prefer? Merry Christmas & Happy New Year All! Wishing you a fantastic festive holiday.

On 24th May 2024 the new flagship Tamiya Plamodel Factory store in Tokyo had it’s grand opening. This new store replaced the old which was just across the street. I was at the old store earlier in January 2024 and captured the atmosphere there before it closed. I wasn’t expecting to make this video of the old store as it’s pretty much old news. After watching so many videos of the new store, it made me question, ‘Is New Better Than Old?

Is New Better Than Old? | Tamiya Store Tokyo Uploaded latest video. Enjoy the Vlog. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year All!

Other pics.

Uploaded video of Tamiya DF-03 MS Tribute, this has been in my collection for quite a while. Hope you guys enjoy this one. Click link to video: https://youtu.be/Gjos0upVo6A

Some pics of DF-03 MS

Stunning Tamiya DF-03 MS 4WD Buggy (2008) | Tribute The DF03 Chassis was 1st released as the Dark Impact in Mar 2006. This MS version is the hopped-up, top of the line version. The DF03 MS, named after 'Maezumi Satoshi' a Tamiya sponsored driver with his distinctive colour scheme was released in June 2008. The buggy was unique being shaft driven 4WD and having a longitudinal central battery arrangement. To me, it is a development of the 1992 DF01 Top Force Evolution with beefier offset side mounted main drive shaft, updated for 2008. Racing features include ball differentials, slipper clutch, alum dampers, centre one-way, universal drive shafts and adjustable hard turnbuckles. Durability is an issue with the buggy as it's too well packaged in thin plastics, not suiting mid-2000s race tracks with many big jumps. Batteries & motors were getting heavier and providing more power, putting more stress on the plastic bathtub, gearboxes & shock towers. Knowing this, aftermarket upgrade parts were added to the initial build of the buggy. These included an alum centre brace, carbon fibre & alum shock towers, stronger rear diff joints and titanium hex screws. Aluminium steering wipers and bridge were also added to help fix durability issues. The outcome is beautifully stunning old school with splashes of carbon fibre and Tamiya 'Blue' aluminium. The stickers to produce the striking Maezumi Satoshi colour scheme was tricky to apply but easier than painting from scratch. It's been 15 years since I initially started to built this kit and it still brings a quiet smile when I admire the design & engineering. Thank you again Tamiya! 1st Release in June 2008 Item No: 49496 | Re-release in Sept 2013 Item No: 84370 Click link to watch video: https://youtu.be/Gjos0upVo6A

Really happy I finally found the time to go. Definitely worth it. And was super lucky to bump into Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya, the man himself. Every time I look back at this, it brings a smile to my face.

Some pics from the vid.

Sharing experience visiting Tamiya HQ, seeing the 1st 50 Tamiya RC cars together and so much more. Hope you guys enjoy this. 😊

Some screenshots of the day at Tamiya HQ.