Brands
Tamiya RC cars
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
Tamiya is the name many people remember from their childhood: a Grasshopper, a Hornet or a Lunch Box built on the kitchen table. Unlike most brands here, Tamiya cars are mainly kits: you build the car yourself from a box of parts and a famously clear instruction manual.
Tamiya in brief
Tamiya was founded in May 1946 in Shizuoka, Japan, by Yoshio Tamiya, and launched its first RC car, a 1/12 Porsche 934, in November 1976 (Tamiya company history). It makes plastic model kits too, and its RC range spans touring cars, buggies, trucks and re-released classics.
Where to start
UK prices from Sussex Model Centre, October 2026.
| Kit | Type | Approx. price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT-02 kits (Subaru Impreza, Escort Cosworth, BMW M4 and others) | 4WD touring car | about £133 to £150 | The classic first kit; huge choice of bodies |
| Grasshopper (Black Edition) | 2WD buggy re-release | about £113 | Simple, cheap, nostalgic |
| Lunch Box | Monster truck re-release | about £126 | Wheelies and fun |
| Hornet EVO | 2WD buggy | about £200 | Updated 1980s classic |
Wonderland Models calls the TT-02 "an excellent starting point" for newcomers (Wonderland Models).
What building one involves
- Build the chassis following the numbered steps.
- Fit the motor, speed controller, steering servo and receiver.
- Paint the clear polycarbonate body from the inside, then apply stickers.
- Fit the battery and set up the radio.
You'll need small screwdrivers, side cutters, a hobby knife, scissors and polycarbonate paint. Most kits leave out the radio, servo, battery and charger, so budget for them. The RC car buyer's guide covers the extras.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths: you learn how everything works, so repairs and upgrades are easy; parts and hop-ups are plentiful; huge range of bodies.
Weaknesses: standard plastic parts and bushings (rather than ball bearings) on many kits; slower than modern bashers; not built for big jumps. Ball bearings are one of the first RC car upgrades most owners make.
How it compares
For bashing, choose Traxxas or Arrma. For learning, building and on-road driving, Tamiya is hard to beat. See types of RC car to work out what suits you.
All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by Tamiya.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Tamiya kit hard to build?
Not if you follow the instructions step by step. A TT-02 kit takes an evening or two for a first-timer and needs only basic tools. The hardest part is usually painting the body.
What else do I need with a Tamiya kit?
Most kits need a radio and receiver, a steering servo, a battery and charger, and polycarbonate paint. Some include an ESC; check the box.
Are Tamiya cars good for bashing?
Not really. Tamiya kits are best on smooth surfaces and tracks. For jumping and rough ground, a Traxxas or Arrma basher is tougher.