Gundam models are scale replicas of the incredible mobile suits in the popular Japanese series ‘Mobile Suit Gundam.’ However, you should know that you don’t have to be an avid watcher of any of the anime, a dedicated reader of any of the manga or a player of any of the Gundam video games to enjoy these intricate models. Many people love assembling and collecting these models for the fun of it, and amassing large and impressive collections of these mighty mechs.
These model kits are produced by Bandai and come in various scales and complexities, allowing both beginners and seasoned hobbyists to find kits that match their skill levels. The models themselves are often referred to as ‘Gunpla,’ which is derived from ‘Gundam plastic model.’
The intricate details of these models make them more than just static displays - they’re often highly articulated, allowing you to dynamically pose your NZ gundam models around your home. They make for fantastic decor pieces, especially for those who appreciate the impressive designs of these mechs. Additionally, the kits often come with accessories such as weapons, shields and other add-ons for you to equip your models with.
Taking a bunch of plastic parts and turning them into a miniature mobile suit may seem difficult at first, but many of these model kits have no need for glue or paint. The individual pieces can be put together like a puzzle, so you don’t need to stress about using the right kind of paint or using too much (or too little) glue. This makes them accessible to a wide range of hobbyists, from people who are picking out their very first Gunpla model to hobbyists who already have large collections.
The allure of the hobby extends beyond the assembly and collection of models - many people love indulging in the camaraderie that can be found with other Gunpla enthusiasts. People can have a fun time bonding over their favourite NZ Gundam models, collecting specific kits and talking about their experiences with the hobby.
Gundam is a series that so many people love for countless different reasons, but with a universe so vast and hundreds of models to choose from, you may have trouble knowing where to start. Even if you’re already familiar with the different suits presented in the anime and manga, you may still struggle with choosing your very first kit.
To help you out, consider the following:
Price Range. NZ Gundam models come in a wide range of prices, catering to various budgets. The simpler and easier models are often much cheaper, ranging anywhere from $10 to $30. However, the more complex ones are usually more expensive. Rare kits that had a limited release or are no longer in production can also fetch higher prices.
Detail Level. The different kits are put into various categories to separate the simpler sets to the more complex ones, with the simpler kits being easier for casual hobbyists and beginners and the complex sets being treasured by hardcore enthusiasts.
Beginners can start easy with the more accessible High Grade (HG) kits. If you’re experienced, or up for a challenge, then you can take on the Master Grade (MG) or Perfect Grade (PG) kits, which are larger and more detailed.
Additionally, there are also Super Deformed (SD) kits that are in their own category. Rather than being scale models of the mobile suits appearing in the franchise, these are intentionally altered mechs that are adapted to a ‘chibi’ style with larger heads, bigger eyes and exaggerated features.
Tools And Accessories. Any experienced Gunpla hobbyist will tell you that perfectly taking a plastic piece out from its framing can be a challenge at times. If you’re just using your hands, you may have trouble with tiny bits of plastic from the frame staying on the pieces themselves, rather than having a clean piece.
No worries, you can make your NZ Gundam model experience a cleaner and easier process with the right tools. Cutting tools, precision tweezers and even specialised tweezer scissors can be your best friends when putting together intricate models.
Tamiya is a Japanese company that’s well known for creating incredibly high-quality RC cars. From amazing looks to outstanding handling, this company has carved a niche in the exciting world of RC cars.
At its core, a Tamiya RC car is much more than just a miniature vehicle manoeuvred by remote control. It is a meticulous blend of engineering, design and craftsmanship.
Tamiya’s commitment to detail ensures that each model is a perfectly scaled-down replica of its full-sized counterpart, offering both RC car enthusiasts and car enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the allure of high-performance vehicles on a smaller scale. It’s no wonder that Tamiya RC cars are considered some of the very best on the market!
Many hobbyists will highlight these points when talking about this renowned RC car company:
1. Unparalleled Realism. Tamiya’s dedication to realism truly sets its RC cars apart from the rest. Painstakingly detailed and faithful to real-world counterparts, these miniature marvels capture the essence of iconic cars that so many of us love. In fact, the attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics and even goes into the mechanics, delivering an authentic scaled-down driving experience. If you saw a photo of one of these cars on its own, no one would blame you if you thought it was the real full-sized thing.
2. Customisation Delight. Building a Tamiya RC car is an experience in itself. Available as assembly kits, these cars invite enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the intricacies of construction. The process allows for a hands-on understanding of the vehicle’s inner workings, from chassis assembly to fine-tuning the suspension. Many of us love taking time to build models, but what about a model that you can then drive?
3. A Broad Range Of Models. Whether you have a penchant for sleek sports cars that are built for speed or you love the ruggedness of big off-road vehicles that can traverse nearly any terrain, Tamiya has a model to suit your taste. The range is as diverse as the real automotive world, catering to a wide spectrum of interests.
Are you ready to get into the exciting universe of Tamiya RC cars yourself? This world may seem large and confusing, but once you get into it, you’ll be glad you did. You can start by:
1. Choosing The Right Model. The journey into this world begins with choosing the right model. Consider your interests - whether it’s the speed of a touring car, the agility of an off-road buggy or more. Tamiya’s catalogue offers an impressive array, so have some fun looking through your options and picking your starter car.
2. Building Your RC Masterpiece. Building a Tamiya RC car is an experience to savour. Assembling the kit allows you to truly understand the vehicle's mechanics, letting you get to know your new car inside and out. Clear, step-by-step instructions make the process accessible even to beginners, so don’t worry about feeling lost. If you get confused, just consult your instructions again and keep trying.
3. Personalising Your Ride. Tamiya’s commitment to customisation extends to a plethora of aftermarket parts and accessories. From upgraded motors and suspension components to eye-catching body shells, the possibilities for personalisation are virtually limitless. You can express your creativity by transforming your car into a unique, one-of-a-kind RC car.
4. On Track Excitement. Tamiya RC cars truly come to life on the track. Whether you’re competing in organised races or enjoying informal gatherings with others, the adrenaline rush of controlling your miniature speedster is unmatched.
Like any other hobby, there are so many things you can do to make your journey more exciting and fulfilling. Consider these tips:
Totara Hobbies is your go-to source for incredible products like Tamiya RC cars and more. We have a wide range of in-stock options, so come and check it out!
Would you like some assistance? No worries, we’re here for you! You can call our team on +64 21438727 or reach out to us through our website.
Totara Hobbies is here to help you experience the unmistakable thrill of Tamiya RC cars!
]]>However, if you want to win races as well as make memories, you’ll need to have a car that is performing at its best. There are countless Tamiya Mini 4WD kits and parts, so endless possibilities exist. You need to have a car that is performing at its best if you want to enhance your chances of winning.
There are so many Tamiya Mini 4WD car kits that you can buy if you’re just starting to get into this awesome hobby. Buying and using these kits is a great way to start, but you don’t have to just stick with whatever the kit gives you.
By modifying your new racing car, you can make it swifter and faster than it was before.
If you’re planning on entering any races, keep any rules or regulations in mind. You may be disqualified if your car breaks any rules.
Race rules can differ from country to country, so it’s very important that you familiarise yourself with the rules of the specific race you’re planning on entering. For instance, Tamiya Mini 4WD races in North Harbour, Auckland tend to follow the rules highlighted in this page. For more information, we recommend viewing their website or visiting the North Harbour Mini 4WD Facebook page.
Here are some tips for designing and modifying your Tamiya Mini 4WD for top performance:
Choose The Right Chassis. The chassis is the foundation of your car, so it is important to choose one that is well-designed and durable. There are a variety of different chassis available, so it’s important to select one that is appropriate for your racing style.
Some chassis are designed for speed, while others are designed for handling or durability. Think about how you race and handle your car on the track, then think about the best chassis for your style.
While you may be tempted to choose the car that you think looks the best, you should always think about performance first. Then, select a chassis that fits your style and that you think looks awesome.
Use High-Quality Parts. When modifying your car, it’s vital that you use high-quality parts. Great parts will ensure your car is reliable and performs at its best. Avoid using cheap or weak parts, as these can break at the worst times and ruin your race.
Balance Your Car. It’s crucial to have a well-balanced car. This means that the weight of the car should be evenly distributed. If your car is not balanced, then it will be more difficult to control, leading to poor performance and heaps of frustration.
You can adjust the balance of your car by moving the battery or other components around. Make sure you always test your Tamiya Mini 4WD after you modify it in any way to ensure it runs smoothly.
Tune Your Car. Once you have modified your car, you must then tune it. ‘Tuning’ refers to adjusting the settings of your car to get the best possible performance. There are many things that you can tune, such as the gear ratio, the suspension and the motor.
The best way to tune your car is to experiment and see what works best for both your car itself and you as the racer.
Upgrade Your Motor. The motor is, naturally, one of the most important components of your car. So, it’s worth upgrading it. This can give your car more power and speed.
There are many different motors available, so you should select one that fits your style. Some motors focus on speed, some focus on acceleration, some are balanced for the average racer and so on.
Use Lightweight Parts. The lighter your car is, the faster it will accelerate and the better it will handle. So, look for lightweight parts whenever possible, and always keep weight in mind. You can also remove any unnecessary parts from your car to reduce its weight.
Remember that balance is key, and you should think carefully when adding or removing any parts of your Tamiya Mini 4WD.
Improve Your Aerodynamics. Good aerodynamics can help your car reduce drag and increase speed. Make sure that your car has a smooth body and that there are no unnecessary gaps or holes that could slow it down.
You can also add spoilers or wings to improve aerodynamics.
Tune Your Suspension. The suspension is vital for keeping your car stable and under control. Adjust the suspension settings to match your racing style and the track conditions.
For example, if you are racing on a bumpy track, you may want to soften the suspension to absorb the bumps.
Whether you’re a serious racer who strives to win every race they enter or a casual hobbyist who just wants to build an awesome car, we at Totara Hobbies have something for you. Come and see our amazingly vast selection of Tamiya Mini 4WD car kits and parts.
We also have awesome RC cars, slot cars, dice, Gundam model kits and more! For more info, call us on +64 21438727 or visit our site.
Make your Tamiya Mini 4WD the best that it can be with Totara Hobbies!
]]>Late 2015 we came across some familiar toy kits, Tamiya Mini 4wd Car Kits. As a mate an i reminisced over racing these as kids, placing our selves back to the early 90's. Myself starting racing these wicked little machines at Brent's Tots N Toyland in Napier around 1991-1992. Remembering how much fun it was for kids and adults alike.
The following day we found our way back and couldn't help buying a couple of these. A Manta Ray Mkii found its way home with me that day.
After we convinced a few friends how cool these where, here we sat wondering if there where tracks around Auckland. And what did you know, the guys a J-Tune had a track open every second Friday night, in a paint spray booth. Wow.. what a track they had too..
After a while, we craved more.. More excitement, more racing and more competition. This is was the start of the North Harbour Mini 4wd Club (https://mini4wd.nz). By mid 2017 we had 2 lots of track and a small venue to setup and this is where the start of Totara Hobbies began. I started getting in a real small amount of parts, a few motors, a few Car kits, nothing too serious at all. This was just supposed to be small so we had a few items available on race nights.
As happens sometimes people get carried away, I am no exception. The products kept coming in larger and larger quantities up to the point of no return.
Finally early 2018 we managed to arrange a bigger venue, some more track, heaps of support from Glen at Cooltoys Napier and the Hawkes Bay Mini 4WD Club.
This is really where North Harbour Mini 4WD started.
(Photo: March 2018, Birkenhead Scout Hall. In this photo you will see some of our core members Garron, Steve, Jamie and Evan).
We slowly outgrew this venue with more and more racers turning up, which was great and scary at the same time. Eventually we had to say goodbye to the team at Birkenhead and say hello to our current venue at Mayfield Scout Hall in Glenfield. Wow, this was an amazing change for us, one that allowed us to really start promoting the hobby and growing this further.
Finally in 2019 things were expanding rapidly, this is where Totara Hobbies was officially born (April 2019). We now had a number of great contacts in Japan & Hong Kong who could supply plenty of parts. We jumped in to it with a new online store (Thanks Steve Hennerley for the help) and we were off.
Now we have started to expand our product ranges to include not just Tamiya Mini 4wd but Tamiya Mini 4wd track, Tamiya RC, Gundam and Scalextric kits.
Now as 2019 comes to a close, we are really grateful for all the people who have stood by us and support both Totara Hobbies and North Harbour Mini 4wd. We are really excited about what 2020 will bring.
Onwards and upwards.. together we will make this hobby the best it can be.
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