Best Tamiya Model RC Car Kit for Beginners in 2023

Tamiya has been making RC cars since the 1950s. They have a wide range of kits available for beginners. Find out what they offer!

Tamiya makes a variety of beginner kits that include everything needed to build an RC car. These kits are easy to assemble and fun to drive.

1 – Tamiya Lunchbox

The R/C Lunch Box (1st released in 1987) was loved for its appearance as much as for its R/C performance. The boxy minivan body raised up over monster truck wheels ensures that this R/C van will get attention anywhere you choose to drive it. Use the sides of the van as a canvas to paint your own original designs for the ultimate conversation piece!

If you’re new to the world of RC (radio-controlled) cars and are looking for a great starter kit, Tamiya has a wide variety of options to choose from. Tamiya is a well-known and respected brand in the RC community, and their model kits are known for their high quality and easy-to-assemble design. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best Tamiya model RC car kits for beginners.

Tamiya Lunch Box Black – About the Model:

• 1/12 scale R/C assembly kit
• Lightweight and durable ABS bathtub frame.
• Classic minivan body pre-painted in black color.
• Fitted with a front swing axle independent and rear rolling rigid type suspension.
• Diff gear, housed in a sealed gearbox, enables smooth cornering.
• The front grill, side guards, F&R bumper, and friction dampers are made from metal-plated parts.
• Monster tires feature a 115mm diameter and 71mm width.
• Eye-catching black wheels.
• Install the wheelie bar to perform awesome wheelies!
• 3-piece assembly-type wheels for extra realism.
• The sealed rear gearbox protects the gear differential during off-road running.
• Includes Type 540 motor
• Comes with a high-performance 105BK ESC (electronic speed controller).

2 – Tamiya Ford Mustang GT4

The Tamiya Ford GT4 faithfully captures this sleek racing car as a 1/10 scale radio control replica. The highly-detailed polycarbonate body sits atop the easy-to-build Tamiya TT-02 chassis that you can customize for added performance!

The shaft-driven 4WD TT-02 chassis employs a longitudinal layout with the battery on the left and the motor on the right, to give excellent stability. In addition, it features identical left and right suspension arms and uprights for ease of assembly, plus easy-to-maintain gearboxes. It is a highly adaptable chassis, as it offers 2 different wheelbases, 2 ground clearance settings and 2 tread set-ups in addition to a range of 10 possible gear ratios. It is not short on looks either, with brake disc-shaped wheel hubs and stylish front bumper supports.

Features:

• 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 459mm.
• The polycarbonate body was designed with access to the actual car’s CAD data for superb accuracy. Front and rear light cases are also molded in polycarbonate.
• Wheel arches are pre-cut out for a simpler body assembly experience.
• The beginner-friendly, highly adaptable TT-02 is a versatile and easy-to-maintain shaft-driven 4WD chassis.
• Separately molded plastic components depict the rear wing and side mirrors.
• Racy 10-spoke wheels are molded in gun metal and paired with slick tires.
• Stickers are included to create an original livery, as are masking stickers for use when painting.
• Includes Tamiya Torque-Tuned Motor.
• Includes Tamiya TBLE-02S ESC (electronic speed control) Capable of running sensor brushless motors and brushed motors alike. (21.5 Turn BL motor limit) (23 Turn brushed motor limit.
• Requires: 2-Channel Radio, servo, 7.2-7.4volt battery pack & compatible charger, and Tamiya PS paint.

3 – Tamiya Hornet

The Tamiya The Hornet Features an excellent performance rating on both dirt and on-road tracks, this awesome radio control buggy can take on any type of terrain. Just like the original, this re-release features an easy to assemble chassis and drivetrain consisting of a durable but lightweight ABS resin bathtub frame, diff gear loaded sealed gearbox, oil filled rear dampers, powerful RS 540 motor and high performance suspension system.

The Tamiya Hornet is perfect for those that used to have one, those that have always wanted one, and for those that want a revolutionary buggy that has earned its place in R/C history.

About this model

• Overall length: 400mm
• Overall width: 230mm
• Overall height: 150mm
• Weight: 874g
• Solid bathtub frame with side bumpers
• High-performance Type 540 motor
• Independent swing axle front suspension with friction dampers
• Rolling rigid axle rear suspension with oil-filled dampers
• Sealed rear gearbox to protect diff gear during off-road running
• Original 3-piece assembly wheels compatible with optional ball bearings (sold separately)
• Straight ribbed racing front tires Spiked buggy rear tires Durable
• shock absorbent polycarbonate body shell
• Reinforced resin bumper
• TEU-101BK Electronic Speed Controller

4 – Tamiya Top Force Evo

This R/C model assembly kit is a re-released and updated version of Top-Force EVO., first released in 1992. Its lightweight and highly rigid double deck frame covers front/rear gearboxes with 2mm thick carbon fiber upper and lower plates and facilitates easy maintenance.

Features double deck frame and damper stays crafted in lightweight and rigid carbon fiber material.

The shaft-driven 4WD chassis includes aluminum front and rear ball differentials for high-quality setup.

New dedicated metallic stickers are also included.

• This is a 1/10 scale R/C model assembly kit. Length: 400mm, width: 250mm, height: 190mm. Wheelbase: 270mm.
• The stylish body is molded in polycarbonate, pre-painted, and cut, with body mount holes already made.
• Features double deck frame and damper stays crafted in lightweight and rigid carbon fiber material.
• The shaft-driven 4WD chassis includes aluminum front and rear ball differentials for a high-quality setup, as well as aluminum high-capacity dampers for superior shock absorption.
• Choose between rigid and one-way counter gear options.
• Item 53791 universal shafts are employed front and rear, high-precision components for minimal speed loss, and smooth cornering.
• New dedicated metallic stickers are also included
• Type 540 motor
• All new TBLE-04S Electronic Speed Control

5 – Tamiya Wild One

The Wild One was originally released in 1985. 2012 marks the year it has been re-released to hobbyists who missed the kit the first time around.

Tamiya Wild One-Off Features:

• Scale: 1/10 scale
• Construction type: assembly kit
• Terrain use: off-road
• Drivetrain: 2WD
• Drive Type: gearbox
• Drive line: dog bone
• Differential type: gear
• Suspension: fully independent double wishbone
• Steering mechanism: bell-crank
• Shock damper: oil-filled damper
• Shock damper material: aluminum
• Tire type: rubber
• Tire tread: pin spike
• Body material: Clear Polycarbonate
• ESC included:
• ESC type: TEU-104BK
• LED Light buckets: no
• LED lights: no
• Motor type: 540-brushed type
• Chassis material: FRP
• Sticker material: vinyl
• Internal gear ratio: N/A
• Adjustable camber: fixed
• Adjustable toe angles: front only
• Adjustable ride height: yes
• Adjustable gear ratio: n/a
• Adjustable wheelbase: fixed
• Adjustable track width: fixed
• Adjustable shock angle: fixed
• Anti-squat adjustment: n/a
• Droop adjustment: n/a

6 – Tamiya Frog

TAMIYA FROG – 2WD Chassis Packed with Innovation

Electric R/C racing buggy features ABS space frame and nylon suspension and bumper for a lightweight yet rugged form that is perfect for off-road running. The battery is held in ultra-low position, giving this car the stability and weight balance to handle rough terrain and wild jumps.

Advanced 4-wheel independent suspension composed of front double wishbone type featuring in-board spring and durable steel radius arm. The rear trailing arm type features horizontally mounted aluminum cylinder oil dampers for effective shock absorption.

A sealed differential gearbox ensures high-speed cornering, while full gearbox ball bearings and 3-step gear ratio secure maximum transmission efficiency.

About the Model

• Includes TEU-101BK ESC (Electronic Speed Control)
• Includes re-designed side aluminum dampers inspired by TRF shock design.
• Includes re-designed dog-bone style drive train with original rubber boots.
• Reintroducing the original 2WD buggy masterpiece featuring ABS resin space frame, horizontally mounted oil dampers, and inboard spring-type front suspension.
• Powered by a Type 540 motor.
• Kit includes straight ribbed racing front tires and high-grip rear spiked tires.
• Wheels are realistic 3-piece type.
• Includes diff gear.

Tamiya TT-02

The Tamiya TT-02 is a great starter kit for those new to the world of RC cars. It’s an entry-level 4WD chassis that is easy to assemble and maintain. The kit includes a pre-painted and pre-cut body, as well as a sticker set for added customization. The TT-02 also has a variety of hop-up options available, such as different gear ratios and suspension setups, allowing for easy upgrades as you become more experienced.

Tamiya M-05

The Tamiya M-05 is another great option for beginners. It’s a 2WD touring car kit that’s easy to assemble and maintain. The kit includes a pre-painted and pre-cut body, as well as a sticker set for added customization. The M-05 also has a variety of hop-up options available, such as different gear ratios and suspension setups, allowing for easy upgrades as you become more experienced.

Tamiya M-08

The Tamiya M-08 is another great option for beginners. It’s a 2WD touring car kit that’s easy to assemble and maintain. The kit includes a pre-painted and pre-cut body, as well as a sticker set for added customization. The M-08 also has a variety of hop-up options available, such as different gear ratios and suspension setups, allowing for easy upgrades as you become more experienced.

Tamiya TA-06

The Tamiya TA-06 is a more advanced option for beginners, but it’s still relatively easy to assemble and maintain. It’s a 4WD touring car kit that includes a pre-painted and pre-cut body, as well as a sticker set for added customization. The TA-06 also has a variety of hop-up options available, such as different gear ratios and suspension setups, allowing for easy upgrades as you become more experienced.

Tamiya TB-03

The Tamiya TB-03 is another advanced option for beginners. It’s a 4WD touring car kit that’s easy to assemble and maintain. The kit includes a pre-painted and pre-cut body, as well as a sticker set for added customization. The TB-03 also has a variety of hop-up options available, such as different gear ratios and suspension setups, allowing for easy upgrades as you become more experienced.

When choosing a Tamiya model RC car kit, it’s important to consider what you want to use it for. If you’re planning to race your RC car, you’ll want to focus on performance parts such as lightweight wheels, high-performance tires, and a high-performance motor. If you’re planning to use your RC car for bashing, you’ll want to focus on durability and strength.

In addition to the car kit, you will also need a radio control system and a battery and charger. It’s important to make sure that the battery and charger you choose are compatible with your Tamiya model RC car kit.

Once you’ve chosen your Tamiya model RC car kit, take the time to read through the instruction manual and assemble your car carefully. Pay attention to the instructions, and take your time to make sure everything is assembled correctly.

With a little patience and attention to detail