Acknowledged, Tamiya-san, appreciate your message.
Tamiya Model Company: A Pioneer in STEM Education and DIY Robotics
The model-making world has been left in mourning with the passing of Shunsaku Tamiya, the creator of Tamiya Model Company. Known for producing great models and recognised as a quality outfit, Tamiya has touched many readers and writers, eliciting fond memories across a broad spectrum.
Our art director, Joe Kim, spent a significant part of his childhood putting together Tamiya kits. Moved by the loss, he felt compelled to create a portrait of Mr. Tamiya as a tribute. Jenny, in her touching writeup, shares her fond remembrances of the kits, reflecting the widespread appreciation for Tamiya's offerings.
Tamiya's line featured a series of educational models and components, including hands-on kits that combined STEM learning with practical building experience. One of the key offerings that influenced many was the "twin motor gearbox," a versatile, small motor gearbox kit popular since the early 1990s. This unique offering allowed users to configure speed and torque in various ways, serving as a fundamental building block for making simple robots.
Beyond specific kits, Tamiya provided motorized models such as tanks with detailed parts and motorized gearboxes, enabling hobbyists to engage deeply with mechanics and DIY robotics concepts. The company's philosophy was centered around empowering hobbyists and students to learn STEM skills by giving them quality parts and models that inspired creativity and technical learning.
The "twin motor gearbox" build from Tamiya was particularly beneficial for making small robots, as the author found it to be challenging and rewarding. The company's emphasis on STEM education extended to specialty kits focused on building small robots with programmable features, such as the 70244 Four-Wheel Obstacle-Avoiding Robot Kit.
In summary, Tamiya’s educational models and components included:
- Motorized scale models with modular gearboxes and motors (e.g., the twin motor gearbox)
- DIY-friendly parts and kits enabling custom robotics builds
- Specialty kits focused on building small robots with programmable features, such as obstacle-avoiding robots
- A strong emphasis on STEM education through hands-on learning experiences
The outpouring of fond memories and tributes for Mr. Tamiya from various individuals indicates a deep and widespread appreciation for the Tamiya model company. Reading the comment section of the newsletter gives a glimpse into the number of lives touched by Tamiya's kits.
As we remember Mr. Tamiya, let us encourage the company to uphold his love for quality kits that inspire future generations, regardless of their career paths (artists, engineers, or hackers). To stay updated with Tamiya-related news and discussions, sign up for the web version of the newsletter.
The Tamiya Model Company, rooted in STEM education, offers a diverse range of products that encourage learning and creativity: home-and-garden enthusiasts might find joy in crafting miniature gardening tools, while education-and-self-development seekers can nurture technical skills by assembling motorized models, kits, or even small programmable robots for learning advanced concepts such as robotics. The passing of Shunsaku Tamiya, the company's founder, has elicited a groundswell of tributes from individuals who acknowledge the impact Tamiya's kits have had on their lives, encompassing various fields and interests.
