Tamiya: Scale Models, Spray Paints and Acrylics for Model Building
Tamiya is one of the most renowned brands in the world of static model building. Founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, Japan by Yoshio Tamiya, the company specializes in manufacturing high-quality scale model kits (in injection-molded plastic, resin, or wood) and accessories. Over the decades, Tamiya has become synonymous with quality and accuracy, offering an extensive catalog that ranges from cars, motorcycles, tanks, and aircraft to specialized paints (such as its famous TS sprays and X and XF acrylic paints), as well as adhesives and other modeling tools. The brand’s slogan says it all: “First in Quality Around the World”, reflecting its commitment to excellence in every product.
History of the Tamiya Brand
Origins of Tamiya: From Wood to Plastic
Tamiya’s story begins in post-war Japan: in 1946, Yoshio Tamiya opened a sawmill that soon shifted to producing wooden models, launching its first high-quality ship kits just two years after its founding. After early success with wooden ships, the company made a leap in 1960 by producing its first plastic model kit, the battleship Yamato, followed in 1961 by a German Panther tank in 1/35 scale – a scale that, almost by chance, would become the global standard for military vehicles in the hobby. These early plastic kits laid the foundation for Tamiya’s reputation: their models were widely appreciated by hobbyists for their detail and accuracy.
International Expansion and Global Success
During the 1960s, Tamiya rapidly expanded its plastic military model catalog, covering various vehicles and war themes. By the late 60s and early 70s, the brand diversified by introducing civilian car, motorcycle, and truck kits, while never abandoning the military theme. During these years, it also solidified its international prestige: modelers valued Tamiya kits for their precise fit and high level of detail—qualities that raised the industry standard.
In 1976, Tamiya entered the radio control market with its famous Porsche 934 R/C, but remained focused on the static models that made it famous. Commercial expansion continued into the 1980s with new branches in the United States and Europe, and milestones like the Mini 4WD (small motorized vehicles launched in 1982), which achieved massive popularity.
In the following decades, Tamiya moved much of its production to high-tech facilities (such as its factory in the Philippines) to meet growing global demand. Today, after nearly 80 years of history, Tamiya remains at the top of the modeling world. The company is still run by the Tamiya family (with Shunsaku Tamiya at the helm) and continues to launch new products every year.
Tamiya Paints: X and XF Acrylic Series, and TS Spray Paints
Tamiya X and XF Acrylic Paints
In addition to its model kits, Tamiya offers a complete range of paints developed specifically for model building. These include bottled acrylic paints for brush or airbrush application, as well as spray paints for covering larger surfaces.
Tamiya’s bottled paints are divided into the X series (gloss finish) and XF series (matte finish). These are high-quality solvent-based acrylic paints designed to adhere firmly to plastic and withstand handling during model use.
They offer a wide range of opaque and satin colors, ideal for all types of scale models. Thanks to their fine pigments, these paints provide a smooth finish and fast drying time. They can be thinned for airbrush use to achieve professional results.
Tamiya’s X and XF series are highly regarded by hobbyists for their consistent color and flawless quality, making them a staple on modeling workbenches worldwide.
Tamiya TS Spray Paints
The TS series includes Tamiya’s well-known (synthetic) acrylic spray paints. They’re ideal for easily painting large parts or vehicle bodies. These spray cans come pre-thinned and ready to use, ensuring smooth coverage without brush marks.
They are especially useful for achieving a clean, uniform finish on large surfaces. TS sprays dry quickly and leave a durable paint layer. The range includes many specific tones, such as classic car colors or military camouflage, allowing for highly realistic results with ease.
Tamiya Model Kits: cars, motorcycles, tanks, aircraft, and ships
Tamiya Car and Motorcycle Kits
Tamiya is globally known for its car and motorcycle models. Since the 1970s, it has released racing car kits (rally vehicles, Formula 1, classic sports cars) and scale motorcycles with outstanding accuracy.
Today, it offers a wide selection of cars in 1/24 scale and motorcycles in 1/12 scale. These kits accurately replicate everything from European supercars to MotoGP bikes, often including realistic engine, chassis, and interior details. They offer a fun assembly experience and impressive final results.
Tanks and Military Vehicles
Tamiya’s fame originated with its military model kits. The brand was a pioneer in establishing the classic 1/35 scale for tanks and armored vehicles—a scale that became the standard for military modeling.
Tamiya offers a wide variety of military vehicles: World War II tanks, modern armored vehicles, half-tracks, artillery, and more. These kits are known for their historical accuracy and level of detail. Many modelers choose Tamiya for its easy assembly and faithful reproductions.
Scale Aircraft
In the aviation category, Tamiya offers a curated selection of scale aircraft, mainly military. In the 1970s, the company introduced a successful line of World War II aircraft in 1/48 scale.
Today, it also produces models in 1/72 and some in 1/32. Tamiya’s aircraft kits are known for their detailed interiors and perfect fit. Thanks to their quality, even complex aircraft are easy to assemble.
Tamiya Adhesives and Other Accessories
To complement the assembly and finishing of models, Tamiya offers a variety of high-quality accessories. Especially noteworthy are its specialized adhesives for modeling, such as the popular Tamiya Extra Thin Cement.
The Japanese brand also sells consumables and essential tools for modelers: putties, masking tapes, sanding papers, primers, thinners, varnishes, and washes. All of these are designed for compatibility with its paints and to help achieve a perfect finish.
In short, Tamiya has rightfully earned its reputation as a leading manufacturer in the hobby. The combination of accurate model kits, reliable paints, and specialized accessories makes Tamiya a must-have brand for modelers of all levels.