Which kits have the most metal in them?

[Tankbuster 0]

I've always liked metal kits and was wondering which Tamiya kits have the most metal parts in them, either static or RC will do. Just curious really.

[WillyChang 1817]

if you're a heavy metal fan, they don't get any more meal than...

1/12 diecast

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=23211

[Tamiya1/10 382]

If by weight, still could be the diecaste as the entire body is metal, but the details are likely molded plastic. For RC has to be the old 3spd where the chassis is mostly metal and the body is platic.

I think if you take all the metal parts including screws and nuts, will be the old 3 spd over diecaste.

[Tankbuster 0]

Thanks for the replies. So presumably there are no actual Tamiya kits that are mostly metal (as opposed to pre-assembled)?

[Tamiya1/10 382]

Static models are mostly plastic because of the detailing require. RC now stay away from metal parts except of the screws and nuts. Non metal parts give and can take a hit, while metal parts will bend and will not return to its original postion or shape. You will notice RC racers use mostly plastic composit or carbon, very few metal parts if at all.

[Origineelreclamebord 45]

Static models are mostly plastic because of the detailing require. RC now stay away from metal parts except of the screws and nuts. Non metal parts give and can take a hit, while metal parts will bend and will not return to its original postion or shape. You will notice RC racers use mostly plastic composit or carbon, very few metal parts if at all.

I'd like to add something to this. The best accuracy is done not by moulding, but by machining. The main reason for moulding instead of machining is that it's cheaper on a big scale, as you have to machine just once (for throusands of parts), namely the mould. Plastics are a common choice over metal because of weight, flexibility, and probably also cost.

[Tankbuster 0]

I'd like to add something to this. The best accuracy is done not by moulding, but by machining. The main reason for moulding instead of machining is that it's cheaper on a big scale, as you have to machine just once (for throusands of parts), namely the mould. Plastics are a common choice over metal because of weight, flexibility, and probably also cost.

Good point about the detailing - however, weren't Pocher static kits mostly metal?

Also, the larger steam train kits (working) are all metal aren't they? I recall that there was one manufacturer in particular who produced excellent metal train kits (usually just the engine and tender), but the name escapes me. They also often cost over 1,000 (UK Pounds!).

[gozone 30]

If you go a little beyond only thinking Tamiya, take a look on some of the hydraulic excavators, loaders, bulldozers and articulated dump trucks made by Wedico for example. More or the less, the only non-metal parts on those machines are tyres, interior and lights. So heavy metal indeed.

IF it is only Tamiya, i guess the old 3-speeds are the ones with most metal in them, as mentioned earlier also.

Cheers..

Michael

[MadInventor 3886]

If you're looking outside Tamiya, I win (1/16 scale class)

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=59343

8.5Kgs of metal, 10.2Kg total weight, probably more by the time I've rebuilt the transmission

[Tankbuster 0]

If you're looking outside Tamiya, I win (1/16 scale class)

http://www.tamiyaclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=59343

8.5Kgs of metal, 10.2Kg total weight, probably more by the time I've rebuilt the transmission

Wow - dead impressive!

[AndyjcClod 389]

I'd say out of all my Tamiya RC's the most metal is in the Sand Scorcher and the F350

[Tamiya1/10 382]

If you go a little beyond only thinking Tamiya, take a look on some of the hydraulic excavators, loaders, bulldozers and articulated dump trucks made by Wedico for example. More or the less, the only non-metal parts on those machines are tyres, interior and lights. So heavy metal indeed.

IF it is only Tamiya, i guess the old 3-speeds are the ones with most metal in them, as mentioned earlier also.

Cheers..

Michael

I couldn't think of the other make, Wedico, of trucks, when I was replying to this post. Wedico is almost all metal, but somehow metal at the current truck scale doen't give it that detail finish vs plastic. I guess the most the metal would be those Dinky cars back in 50's or 60's?

[WillyChang 1817]

potmetal is easy to cast or you had tin (plate metal) toys

it might sound "only" 50-60yrs ago but polymer technology was nearly non-existant back then,

mainly only "Bakelite" which is brittle & dense. Or machined from solid blocks of nylon.

today if you wanted the ultimate in scale detailing you'd look for "resin" cast models

[TamiyaDan 8]

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[markbt73 5681]

Hornet, with a Slayer CD in the box. \m/

[TamiyaDan 8]

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