discussion Should tamiya be upping their game

[BarryW]

To the original question, I would say that the last few 'new release ' kits from Tamiya have been rebooted Italeri kits. Seems like forever since they made something new.
I'm not the great 1/32 scale builder, having three under my belt. A Tamiya spitfire, a Revell Ardo and a trumpy me109... Or was it Revell... Can't remember. The spit was a joy to build and the fit was spot on.
The Ardo was also a great build without issue. The me109 also went together well. I can't recall having problems. If I say so myself, they all turned out rather nice.

Ian - in 1/48 the new Tamiya Me109, the F14 and the Ki61 Tony were all Tamiya kits, not Italeri, with all the quality that you can expect from Tamiya. Personally I just hope they will bring out 1/32 versions!! These are the last three 1/48 kits released. Then yes you do have the F35 in 1/32 which is an Italeri which I believe is just being released in Japan.

 

[tr1ckey66]

In the 80s the name Tamiya was synonymous with quality mouldings, crisp detail and accuracy, other manufacturers simply weren't in their league. Truth is now there are a whole host of manufacturers who have not only caught up but in some areas have surpassed Tamiya with their own moulding techniques and research. Tamiya still make very well engineered kits. There's no denying that the 1/32 Tamiya aircraft are very, very nice, but there is a lot more choice out there now, which can only be a good thing. Tamiya blazed a trail back in the 80s and showed other manufacturers what could be done. And for that I'm grateful to them.
Tamiya still bring out good kits, I know cos I'm still buying them!
Cheers
P