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16 Best Tamiya Model Kits by Category (Airplanes, Cars, Tanks, etc.)
Tamiya is the gold standard and they’ve released a number of incredible model kits over the years.
In this post, I list some of the best Tamiya model kits that I personally like, and narrow them down by category, to account for everyone’s preferences:
Contents:
- Best Tamiya Car Model Kits
- Best Tamiya Airplane Model Kits
- Best Tamiya Ship Model Kits
- Best Tamiya Tank Model Kits
- Best Tamiya Motorcycle Model Kits
Best Tamiya Car Model Kits
Tamiya Volkswagen 1300 Beetle 1966 Plastic Model Kit
- Scale: 1/24
- This model isn’t suitable for beginners, but it’s a solid choice for modelers who enjoy a bit of a challenge
- Can be very nostalgic for some folks, depending on their age. The VW Beetle used to be extremely popular, especially in the 60s and 70s.
Tamiya Grand Prix Collection No.43 Honda 1965 Mexico GP Winning Car
- Scale: 1/20
- While the completed model looks incredible, it isn’t a very simple build (beginners beware)
Tamiya Laferrari Plastic Model Kit
- Scale: 1/24
- High quality injection molding, good fit
- One major plus is that the instructions have a painting guide. But you can also choose to customize the model to your own preferences
Tamiya Mini 4WD PRO Series No.37 Festa Jaunes Model Car (MA Chassis)
- Scale: 1/32
- Straightforward instructions, not a difficult model to assemble
- Great looking car with a beautiful, yellow color design
- Kit comes with a motor
Best Tamiya Airplane Model Kits
Tamiya A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft Model Kit
- Scale: 1/48
- Pilot figure and ejection seat included as part of the kit
- While the model has dark green molding, several customers said they’d prefer if it was gray
Tamiya A1H Skyraider USN Scale Model
- Tamiya 1/48 Scale
- Great kit to choose if you’d like to start an Air Force model collection
Tamiya Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6 Model Aircraft
- Scale: 1/48
- Typical, high quality Tamiya kit. One customer said that they really raised the bar with this specific model.
Best Tamiya Ship Model Kits
Tamiya Model Boat Destroyer USS Cushing
- Scale: 1/700, waterslide decals included
- Surprisingly, it has great detail for its size
Tamiya Carrier USS Enterprise CVN-65
- Scale: 1/350, high quality decals
- Length: 38.47 inches
- Very accurately detailed, challenging build
- While it’s a pricey kit, almost every customer has had incredibly positive things to say. One of the best Tamiya model kits out there.
Best Tamiya Tank Model Kits
Tamiya German Panzer IV Ausf.D Medium Tank
- Scale: 1/35
- One major plus is that the kit comes with 3 realistic looking figures
- Several customers said the fit was excellent
- Not too many parts, so the kit isn’t overly difficult to build. Solid choice for both beginner and experienced modelers
Tamiya German King Tiger Model Building Kit
- Scale: 1/35, battle tank
- One customer mentioned that this is their favorite WWII model tank, and they’re not alone. The King Tiger kit is a well known and popular choice among experienced modelers.
Tamiya US Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Easy Eight Korean War
- Scale: 1/35, military model kit
- High quality kit that you can assemble without too much hassle, which is typical for Tamiya models.
Best Tamiya Motorcycle Model Kits
Tamiya Ducati 916 Desmo 1993
- Scale: 1/12
- If you do things right, this model can be a great looking recreation of the beautiful Ducati 916.
Tamiya Yamaha Virago XV1000 Scale Model Kit
- Scale: 1/12
- Contains many parts
- Challenging but fun to assemble
- One customer said he recommends to use metallic paints for some parts
Tamiya Honda VFR 750R Motorcycle
- Scale: 1/12
The Honda VFR 750R is a racing motorcycle produced from 1987-1990, and it could reach a top speed of 153 mph (see more historical info)
Daniel Hallam
Daniel Hallam is the main author of HobbyBio. Building model cars as a kid is one of his favorite childhood memories, and today, he is still a proud model building hobbyist.
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