Shizuoka Hobby Show 2009: Tamiya Highlights
Tamiya
The hugest space at the show belonged to Tamiya. There seemed to be more international visitors there than at the booths of other manufacturers.
Military
The 1/35 Military Miniatures line has reached its 300th entry...and that fateful model will be the Matilda Mk.III/IV!
The detailing is more precise than ever before, bringing the realism to new heights.
The surface of the turret has been painstakingly reproduced. Both belt-type and assembly-type tracks will be included, and three figures, too!
Scaled up from 1/48 to 1/35, here's the Citroen 11CV. With its history as both a military vehicle and a civilian classic car, there will be plenty of ways to enjoy it.
An array of new figures make this renewal release even better than before!
This renewal release couples the Tamiya kit with Italeri's anti-aircraft automatic cannon set.
Car Models
There's a pair of especially noteworthy renewal releases, featuring motor stars old and new!
Debuting in December 2008, the sixth-generation Fairlady has a kit on the horizon! This time it's graced with front-wheel steering.
The legendary six-wheeler returns! This renewal release captures the distinctive machine as it appeared in the '76 Japan Grand Prix.
An array of photo-etch parts will come with this release, including parts for the rear wing and engine intake.
As before, photo-etch is provided for the seatbelt, and decals are by Cartograf. It's not a kit for beginners, but taking on the challenge will make this machine all the more memorable! (Hasegawa has produced the Ferrari from the same race--build both for a doubly striking display!)
Ships
The latest addition to the big-scale fleet will be the 1/350 Mikuma. This is a variation of the aircraft-carrying cruiser Mogami, but as a light cruiser.
The rear deck is where the most difference can be seen.
The Mogami's heavy cruiser form is also in the works.
Aircraft
The Royal Air Force's "Wooden Wonder" and the British light utility truck will make a terrific team. Fantastic for scenes!
A reboxing of the Italeri kit for the Japanese market, this Italian fighter-bomber that bedeviled Allied forces will be one to watch for.
This reboxing of the new Italeri kit immortalizes the training jet that's been flying for more than 30 years. A metal pilot figure provides the weight for the nose.
These completed craft celebrate the new airline that began flying out of Shizuoka Airport this spring. It appears they'll be sold through Tamiya.
Other Genres
Although it doesn't seem possible, it's been 40 years (!) since man reached the surface of the moon--the ideal time for this re-release! The quality of this kit makes it even harder to believe 40 years have passed since it first came out. Among the neat touches are clear parts that show off its interior.
Brand-new from Tamiya is this line of paint that's great for use with dioramas. It's able to replicate the feel of sand, earth, and even grass, thanks to small fibers in the mix.
One of the star attractions in Tamiya's area was this slickly designed power tool. Yep, really--it drew a crowd constantly! It'll be superb for model construction, and even handy for some do-it-yourself fix-it applications, too.
