Motorised Tamiya Japan MTB.
As a young lad I could only afford occasional Airfix kits, and used to stare with longing at the impressive looking Tamiya boxes. Now I'm a big kid, looking for a diversion from conventional model boat boat building, I decided to explore Tamiya. In mid May 2008 I purchased a Tamiya Japan MTB on Ebay for about £25.
Comments, observations and details on building the Japanese MTB.
The kit was beautifully presented with superb plastics and excellent documentation. I started by making and varnishing a stand. Next I fitted a (Mobile Marine) M2 shaft and brass rudder assembly, before mounting a Hitec metal gear micro servo. I chose and fitted a 6volt Graupner 280 motor along with a Viper 10 ESC and Futaba R114F receiver.
The 2 forward decks were then prepared and fitted in line with the instructions. Deck guns and torpedo tubes were constructed, then aft deck fittings were made and applied. Deck stanchions were fitted before the bridge deck was constructed.
Deck railings were fitted before painting started. One coat of Halfords grey primer was followed by two coats of Halfords Polar Grey. Next the decals were applied and hand painting was completed, before the shaft and rudder were refitted. Lastly the aerial was routed above the deck into an external but sympathetic position.
Final displacement (weight) is 450g of which 150g is the 6v 2700mAh Nicads. This equates to about a pound in 'old money'. The maiden voyage on 15/06/08 was not a disappointment - handling is great, performance is superb and battery life is better than expected (3 hours on 2 different battery packs). All in all this has been short (3 weeks) but highly enjoyable project, delivering a pleasing end product.