I won't buy Tamiya, I won't build Tamiya and here's why

Sure Tamiya make great kits that fit well and are brilliantly detailed and moulded, but that's the problem. What can I enjoy when I am a builder not an assembler, and don't like painting? In this video I explore 3 reasons why Tamiya does not support my modelling needs. They may be great kits, but it's no hobby for me!
00:00 Intro and Premise
01:45 #1 Aircraft - Shake n Bake
07:16 #2 Armour - Too Little Too Late
11:46 #3 Ships - Don't Float my Boat
15:50 Why I build Airfix
19:11 Building Revell
20:43 Summary
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[@rszanger]

I don't agree with you though..Tamiya manufacturers the best, easy to build, the kits fit perfectly, not cluttered products like many of Chinese makers, and you'd complain for the company which makes awesome models.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Fair enough!

[@duplicitous2945]

In my younger days, I built mostly Revell, Monogram, & AMT kits, because Tamiya was too expensive. Now that I'm older, I love Tamiya's detail and fit, and I get a bit frustrated when parts don't fit right, because I suck at sculpting. Making a Tamiya kit your own is still easy. Just cut open a panel here or there, and you could scratch-build some inner details. But that's beyond my current skill set.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Build what you live mate… it’s all good

[@gregwilliamson3001]

Complaining about the aircraft kits "go together too well"??? That's a problem?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You miss understood. I complimented Tamiya for their fit and quality… my issue was I am used to fettling parts and therefore being involved in the assembly. Tamiya removes that. So yes too easy. I miss the actual modelling, as I am in no rush to paint.

[@sferguson1130]

@@HarryHoudiniModels I share this feeling as well

[@GRAYR189]

If things go together too well, where's the challenge? I agree with Harry.

[@TheNefastor]

No I get it, it's like a puzzle where all the pieces are numbered and are also identical squares. If anyone can do it, it's not special and you won't create find memories of doing it.

[@dinoplays1019]

Honstly I agree with both I live that they fit well for kits I can just build quick and don’t feel burnt out but sometimes it’s fun to build a kit that you have to tinker with to work I think it depends how you feel but I agree with that it’s nice to have amazing fit but it’s fun to build them

[@matkomel11]

Tamiya kits are great, easy to assembly, I don’t want to waste my time on fixing issues and mistakes of lousy companies. and painting is when every modeller can make a difference and express their style…. Weathering and other stuff…

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Some like to build and shape, some like to paint and weather. Each to their own.

[@duckman5642]

Yes👍

[@vo1non]

To each their own. I enjoy an easy model. I prefer less stress in my life. But I do put together other brands.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes it is different for everyone. Do want makes you happy

[@darthchopper9016]

Today I finished putting my 1st ever model kit together 🤩 A Tamiya Tiger tank! I was impressed by how accurate the parts fit into each other and how they snap in place. It seems like the perfect system to avoid mistakes and hours of aligning parts manually. The detail in the casting is perfect, I’m glad I didn’t have to correct any casting mistakes. My next model kit will for sure be another Tamiya tank. 🤩

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Marc… welcome to the hobby. Build Tamiya if that is what gives you joy. All this video was about is my needs and wants, not other peoples. After more than 50 years of building models I now want a challenge.

[@darthchopper9016]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Lets compare notes in 50 years to see how we progressed. I’m new and easily intimidated by complex builds. I just got my second kit and it’s not Tamiya, I got the Italeri 1:35 M4A3E8 Sherman "Fury" tank. 🥳 I wonder if there’s a huge difference in the way it’s constructed.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Italeri can be hit and miss… some kits, I am told, can be quite good, but I am yet to build one without major frustrating issues that even I find hard to cope with. If you want to contact me in 50 years you might need a Ouija board.

[@darthchopper9016]

@@HarryHoudiniModels The Italeri Sherman kit is nice and was fun to put together but it’s not the same level of quality as a Tamiya kit. The plastic seems to be of lesser quality, some parts have flash stuck to them, it doesn’t come with a figure like it’s displayed on the box, there are a incorrectly numbered parts in the manual and worst of all… it doesn’t use an idiot proof click in place system like Tamiya does. So I will buy Tamiya, I will build Tamiya and that’s why!🤩

[@garylawless3608]

Hi Harry! I agree that Tamiya kits are easy to build, and don’t offer much of a challenge. However, and you must agree, that they have their place in the hobby. I stopped building models when I was about 16-17 y.o., and resumed a couple of years ago at the age of 68 years , and I started again with Tamiya armour kits and enjoyed building them. Since then I have migrated to more detailed and advanced kits from the likes of Dragon, Tacom, and others. I still buy some Tamiya kits, but mostly I build them for my young grandsons. I put the model on a vignette, and those models hold pride of place on the same shelf as their ‘Buzz Lightyear’ action figure, which in turn gives me a buzz. That’s not to say they are all bad kits, they are just different from some of the other manufacturers’. However, I get what you are saying, and we all have different needs when it comes to our hobby. Cheers till next time!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Gary… lots of models to suit everyone’s needs… but I’m yet to find a Tamiya kit I could get excited about. But that’s just me.

[@HGSolberg]

"i don't build Tamiya because their quality is simply too good." LOL

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I’m glad you get the joke Hans

[@jackeboi6289]

For me personally, Tamiya is my favourite for the exact reasons you dislike. Goes together fast and easy - good for a tired student like me who doesn’t have much time or energy for hobbies. They also look damn good.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Each to their own needs Jack… and get some rest mate

[@j5prime107]

You must be grazy. Maby not state of the art but very good value for money and not over engineerd like some of the new so called state of the art kits. Always a pleasure to build Tamiya.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

If you enjoy their kits then all power to you mate.. this video was just about what I need out of the hobby. We are not all the same in this, so Tamiya does not appeal to everyone, as evident by the many supportive comments on this video.

[@asthmaticmonkey1]

I always enjoy videos that aren't about rivet counting and all that, and its interesting to hear different people's take on various kits and manufacturers. I grew up on old aircraft kits from Airfix, Matchbox and Frog, and now back in the hobby decades later, I still find I get the most enjoyment from building those now. I'm also still brush panting and using spray cans. Nostalgia plays a big part for me, but there's just something about having a challenge here and there. Great video. All the best!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hermannjoseph]

I think you nailed it Harry when you said "each to their own" and something along the lines of whatever makes you happy.... Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder as the man says. For my sins, I grew up on 1/72 Airfix kits in the late 80s. Now in my middle age, I've fallen in love with some of the FROG offerings (yes they're old and basic) but the joy is taking something vintage, doing a bit of scratch building and knocking out something you could be proud of. That's part of the excitement - taking something less than stellar and turning it into a beaut! Happy modeling everyone!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes happy modelling… build what makes you happy

[@drfus1166]

So basically Tamiya is just too good of a manufacturer haha

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

This video is mostly a joke and having fun with all the over serious fan boys of Tamiya who can not take any criticism about their scared brand. The truth is: I build sailing ship kits, Tamiya does not make sailing ship kits, ergo I cant buy or build Tamiya.

[@michaelcharles4596]

Way too much drama, its just a hobby. Chill, light up and relax. 😎

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I could not agree with you more Michael

[@michaeltruhett4170]

Love it and I thoroughly enjoy your videos. You crack me up as well and laughing is always a good thing.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Glad you enjoy it Michael

[@gothamgoon4237]

You sound alot like myself and my dad. We both love scratch building and putting extra detail on the model ourselves for the reasons you yourself described. You can loose yourself in a good kit that you have to improve and feel so satisfied at the end. Life has gotten in the way of my model building and I haven't been able to touch a kit in just over 5 years but the last one I did was a German WW2 half track cargo carrier. Didn't get to finish it but boy did I put a lot extra into it. Scratch built my own tarpaulin, all the odd bits in the cargo area and the men in the back and cab. A lot of fun. Wish I had the time and space to get back into it. Currently my dad is really into the ships. He has problems with his eyes and dropping all those tiny pieces on the floor then having to find them. 😊

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have problems with my eyes finding stuff on the floor too.. but I am also old :)

[@clouddog2393]

l enjoy painting more than the assembly . The quicker and easier the build the better l like it . To me building a model these days has become to complicated and less straightfoward than it used to be ( l,m an oldie like you Harry ) . Photo esch , superglue(hate it ), several parts where a couple would do , items moulded in pieces when once they were moulded singlely etc . (Dragon are one of the worst culprits ).To me modelling is about enjoyment and when it becomes frustrating and stressful it ceases to be that .Still we,re all different at the end of the day . A good video as always Harry ,take care .

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

thanks for your input John

[@jamesmcgowen1769]

I appreciate what you had to say Harry, I can understand your point very clearly. I liked to build Tamiya aircraft when I had working eyes because of exactly what you said; shake n bake. I wasn’t around during WW11, so I leave it up to Tamiya researchers to get it all together and be happy with the finished product for 5 minutes before I get sick of looking at it. Their car kits are great too, but they’re all foreign cars to me. I’d love to see a 1/24 Holden Kingswood!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Money on the fridge w*g LOL (from the TV series)

[@christopher5723]

There's days where I want a challenge and there's days where I just want to work on something that I know isn't going to fight me.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

The later are the days I play Lego :)

[@christopher5723]

@@HarryHoudiniModels I like the older Hasegawa stuff you can get for like $8 a model for that kinda day, basically the same thing but cheaper than legos :p

[@erichernandez-pu8xu]

Thank you. I started modeling last year after a couple of decades and I did start with Tamiya because I did remember how easily they went together and I made four armor kits and a couple of lav’s. I did with them but I also have a couple of dozen Dragon/Cyber Hobby,Master Box, Mini Art, Platz, AFV Club etc…. I did this because I thought it would be a good way to ease back in and I didn’t think about them they you described them until I saw your video and first one I’ve seen and I subscribed immediately. So thanks again for giving a new perspective on modeling.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Welcome aboard Eric… hope you enjoy my other videos

[@charliesmorykin38]

I just now I greatly do enjoy watching and listening to your videos and even though I'm 66 years old soon to be 67 I always enjoy learning new things and I will continue listening and learning because there's always something new ways of doing things

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Great attitude Charlies

[@tbg3889]

Man I wish I had an uncle like you. Bloody banger of a video mate, got a new sub, cheers!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Gus… consider yourself adopted.

[@nikolayalabanco6539]

I want to thank you again for sail ships section. That is my passion and you do a great job!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Nikolay.. Sailing Ships are a passion of mine

[@gabrielmorales9752]

You have some good points. I battled the fussy fit, gaps and flash of a 1/32 Kitty Hawk T-28 Trojan. The multi-piece cowl alone was a nightmare. Took me one year to build it but it came out beautifully, even won 1st place in a local IPMS show here in Houston. I felt proud for having taken a somewhat difficult (I know there are worse) kit and turned it into a winner. Now, currently building a Tamiya 1/32 Corsair and it is practically “falling together” as you say but there is also a bit of relief in how pleasant the experience is. I’ll need to see if I’m AS satisfied when it’s complete!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That would be interesting

[@CandidaRosa889]

So I'm young and only have done 6 kits (all of which are tamiya F1 and 1/24 car kits) and I agree that painting is probably 70% of the build. I enjoy using using the tools to make something that comes out really nice but it's also the most tedious piece of work. I think I still get the enjoyment of a finished work being a result of my effort and that's the reason why I do this hobby.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Each to their own matey… if you are enjoying it and having fun, that’s all that counts

[@Brian0Geiger]

You can always run a boxed Tamiya kit across a table saw a couple of times if you need a challenge. I'm challenged more by the wall of unbuilt kits while death looms closer and closer. Bring on more Tamiya!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Brilliant suggestion Brian… then I can enjoy repairing them. The problem is a million Tamiya Fan boys will have a heart attack!

[@syrmalcolm]

Legit points, and really highlights the biggest challenge with sharing what we love in our hobby: That the hobby has so much to offer to us in so very many different ways. Companies are in business to sell kits and some go for oddball subjects, (Italeri) some go for straighforward builds (Tamiya), some go for realism and detail (WnW).. and we as modelers are enjoying it in very different ways - And each and every one of them is valid for us. And it's fun to learn what we all like! (this is the kind of thing that opens new doors for me too - because I get curious about those fun things and have to try.) Do what ya love.. and love doin' it. Thanks HH!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes the FTRC axiom rings true!

[@DarylSmith-zp9st]

Hi Harry. Great video. I've always loved Tamiya, just my range of kits, since a long time.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Great to hear it.. if they work for you all power to you.

[@UNICORNxGUNDAM]

It's the opposite for me. I like the painting more than the sanding/filling/glueing. So quality kits like Bandai and Tamiya are what I go for.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

And there’s nothing wrong with that… room enough in the hobby for everyone.

[@digitalincometactics9858]

It is all about the modelling, fix and repair... Just like in my mechanic's days! WE need to discover, research and do the work to make changes to our kits that is what it is all about but I DO enjoy painting.... I over paid for the Tamiya ISU152 years ago. I get annoyed when hobby manufacturers can't get the basic structure of kits right. Good day keep up the good work! Harry

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Glad you get it matey… so many fan boys didn’t

[@jaydiamond7291]

Stumbled on this channel. Your description of your experience in the 60’s and 70’s mirrored mine “Mostly Airfix (I think I made every one they made in that period plus quite a few many times) and a few Revell (which for some reason for me seemed like a poor second choice). Of course I was only young, rarely painted models and just wanted to build them as fast as possible, but I did sometimes add bits using wood and plastic! Like you a long gap before I returned to the hobby. I wanted to see if I could create something that looked painted and more realistic but have to say now I have a spray gun and every paint and brush under the sun it really feels like a faff and a distraction from the build. Possibly I don’t have the painting skill - certainly not for weathering - but a bit of trimming, filling, sanding etc is very freeing for the mind. Thank you for the video, good to see that I am not the only one who prefers the build stage.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good to find a kindred spirit Jay.

[@simonrichards6739]

That’s brilliant that you have a model of the car you had! I wish I could say the same about the multiple spitfires I’ve made over my lifetime!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

It was unusual to say the least, as my car history is very eclectic.

[@scale_model_apprentice]

I don't understand some of the animosity in the hobby these days. It's just a hobby for crying out loud, it's supposed to be fun and relaxing.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Not if you are a La’merican Tamiya fan boy… then if anyone say’s something you don’t agree with, you come out guns blazing and abuse them! Not animosity, just an observation.

[@davidcole333]

Unless bad kits are your cup of tea, I prefer to paint and weather, not waste time on fixing ill fitting kits.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

All depends what you define as bad David… I’m not into badly moulded, warped and crap kits… but I do enjoy a little fettling to get a model into shape, and really like to value add with scratch work and some aftermarket. But to do that I won’t pay a premium price for a kit to work on. As I said in the video, painting and weathering are not my thing. So each to their own.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

@ Clive Tuck Well you obviously haven’t watched my videos where I start with a basic kit then scratch build all the missing detail: Matchbox Beaufighter Revell Bounty Airfix St Louis Smer MC.72 Aoshima Amerigo Vespucci Revell Schnellboot Zvezda Varyag Imai Greek Watship Trumpeter Deutschland Hobby Boss Seydlitz Airfix Warspite to name a few off the top of my head!

[@butchohare8951]

Why would you want a kit that doesn’t fit so you have to waste time fixing it? I don’t get it.

[@rickashworth7304]

Hi there Harry... greetings from Montreal, Canada. I really like your channel and enjoy your take on experiences building your projects. I was born in 1960 and got into modeling young, at 5 or 6 yrs old. Personally, I was into cars. Available here in most hobby shops were Amt., Monogram, and Revell. We would look forward to bringing our "spare parts" together and doing a "custom" build. I quickly tired of 1/24 scale and got into 1/12. In my early 20's I stumbled on to a Pocher 1/8 scale Rolls Royce, not realizing what I was getting into! What a joy to build! It took me almost 2 years. Adulthood, and drugs, kept me busy and away from modelling for a long time. Fast forward 35years later, sobered up and retired, I've gotten back into the hobby. Put together a Tamiya 1/12 Porsche which I enjoyed... also did their 1/350 Bismarck, which I have Mixed feelings about... it looks good, but was not a very challenging build. Have started a Italeri 1/12 Alfa Romeo... seems a little more enjoyable so far. Next up - Heller 1/100 HMS Victory, which I am looking forward to! Have a great day and keep up the good work. ✌✌👍👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I hope that Alfa from Italscary doesn’t turn out to be like the Fiat 500 I gave up on after nearly 5 years of misery. The Heller Victory is a joy. I am yet to build mine but always hear great things about the kit. Thanks for the feedback Rick

[@rickashworth7304]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Hi Harry... I kow know why you call them Italscary! Although the model is turning out to be gorgeous, there were a few times I had to backtrack and realign some parts. Their pictograms are not sequenced within the different steps and there is very little written explanations. As you know, a mm off here turns into a cm off later on. I don't regret it, but will not buy anything else from them. Now... question concerning the Heller Victory... I'd like to have some figurines to enhance the model but can't seem to find any. Would you know where to look for 1/100 scale period figurines? Thanks and goodday!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You could try Shapeways for 3D printed sailors.. a quick search found this, but there will be other choices www.shapeways.com/product/SFWF2GJE8/1-96-royal-navy-seamen-set102?optionId=63764413&li=shops

[@user-qg4st8ih1d]

As someone who is quite partial to Tamiya (and a bit more a fan of the painting part over the building part), this was quite interesting to watch, and was cool to get a different perspective on everything. Just as a additional observation, part of the reason I tend to recommend Tamiya armour is that, where I am, it’s arguably the cheapest option (unless it’s one of their newest kits), being in the £20-25 range (compared to the £35-50 that almost every other 1/35 manufacturer is here). I was quite surprised to learn they’re more expensive where you’re at, but I think my opinion would probably align a lot more with yours if they were similarly priced in comparison to other kits here! Found this quite interesting either way, will definitely be checking out your other stuff

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks for a frank and interesting response matey

[@savinglivesofourown]

I started this video thinking 'what's this nob all about?' I love Tamiya. But there's something in your delivery that I liked. I'm gonna subscribe.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Cool, thanks Richard.. welcome aboard

[@BGsModelWorkshop]

Great video Harry! I agree with you about Tamiya, I build mostly cars and of recent started building armor. I have always noticed on my channel if i build a Tamiya car kit, thhppt, no views. BUT! if i build an AMT or Monogram kit, 100's of views!! The reason? No drama! The only thing i can do with a Tamiya car kit is decide what color to paint it. While one of the AMT kits. there is all sorts of fit issues, badly molded parts or just plain old missing part numbers!! So yes, a lot of "Me" goes into an AMT Build. As for their armor, since I am just getting started, i find the Tamiya kits fun to build with out getting too bogged down in detail. I feel as i build more, i may eventually find Tamiya armor kits as more of an entry level type of kit and start hunting for something more sophisticated. Bryan

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Bryan. Yep the Tamiya fan boys just don’t get it. We are modellers not assemblers. I fear they will never understand. But that’s fine. Room enough for all types in this hobby

[@ianbryceland5114]

love y your channel Harry. I hope you do a video if the car build, I think that would be really interesting. All the best from Scotland. Ian.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes the S600 may get a build series next year once I get a few of these ships over the line

[@cawimmer430]

Interesting opinion. I love Tamiya kits and consider their quality to be excellent. Yeah, they are pricey but I feel that you’re getting great detailed high quality kits for your money. I recently built their Tiger I DAK kit and loved it. I spent an entire month building, coloring and weathering it and I consider it to be one of the best and most realistic models I built. Then, after such hard work, I felt the need to build something more simple - something that you can up on a Friday, paint on a Saturday and weather on a Sunday and for that the classic 1970s Tamiya Panther A kit was perfect. Yeah, the detail was not so good but it was an enjoyable kit and an enjoyable experience for a quick weekend build. As long as I am having fun and can relax from all of the insanity in the world I’m good. By the way, I also love Meng, Takom, Trumpeter, Dragon-Kirin, MiniArt, Revell, Aoshima etc. kits. They all have strength and weaknesses but for me Tamiya is “the standard”. I guess it’s because I grew up with them.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

My video was not really an opinion. It was my experience and observations, with a little light humour thrown in. The crux of the matter was: Tamiya don’t make sailing ship kits. I am now pretty much just building sailing ship kits. So Tamiya has nothing I can buy, ergo, nothing I can build.

[@chriscollins7878]

Agree with you on this harry, reason I love the old airfix kits is because I know its gonna take a bit of work to make it good. If everything fit perfect on it then what is there to be proud of at the end?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes that is the point of it… modelling.

[@RickJZ1973]

I really enjoyed hearing your sentiments regarding Tamiya kits. I have built several and have quite a few in the stash. A couple of things I enjoy about their kits is the instructions and ease of build. My opinion though, when one gets advanced in the hobby more details want to be added such as full interiors and also metal track links. The Tamiya kit in of itself may be relatively inexpensive but does not include detail rich features. One must look at Dragon, Takom, and Rye Field. Some of these kits already include photo etch frets, aluminum barrel, and in some cases interior components. With the Tamiya armor kits I enjoy the fact that CMK produces interiors component kits. They are of very high quality and quite detailed.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Tamiya is quite expensive in Australia, at least compared to similar kits from other manufacturers, so for me they are never an inexpensive option.

[@Womble-freestation66]

I understand where you're coming from with this. I've built some Tamiya kits and found them lacking in the enjoyment stakes. I'm not a rivet counter by any means but my last build was an Airfix 1/72 Gloster Meteor MkIII from 1969. I went to town with scribing new panel lines, riveting, engine and cockpit details. I loved every minute bringing an old kit up to standard. One kit you need to look at is the new 1/35 K2 Ambulance from Airfix, great model.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

There is a lot of joy to be had from taking a basic Airfix kit, which is not bad for the price, and adding all that extra detail, usually only costing your time, to make it into something special.

[@Womble-freestation66]

My apologies, I missed you had replied to my comment. That to me is what makes modelling a very enjoyable challenge, also the research involved and convincing the wife a trip to the air museum is needed, again. I found gold in a local charity shop at the weekend, a 1975 Airfix Junkers Ju88 completely unmolested. So, on with build and detailing to bring up to spec.

[@roberthenderson2580]

I've been building for so long (since the late 50s) that I'm tired of ill fitting kits, crappy details, warped parts, tons of flash etc. not to mention trying to see tiny parts with my ageing eyes. Now I enjoy painting and weathering and building dioramas more than the actual building of a kit. Building is a necessary evil for me. This is why I love the newer Tamiya kits. I do like the new Airfix kits as well as several others.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Fair enough.. your needs are different to mine. We all approach the hobby from our own expectations and desires.

[@SmallSoldier]

Lifes too short to be building crap kits IMO. I prefer to have something that goes together well that I'm not fighting all the way... I just lose interest. Tamiya are a little pricy but I'd rather spend more money and have an enjoyable experience than just be frustrated with something old and subpar. I'm a Tamiya fan (well the newer stuff) myself but I can see how others that prefer a challenge might find them boring. To each they're own... right.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Why does everyone think I only like crap kits? Did you watch the Fiat video? What I have said clearly and repeatedly is a kit with some challenge, to make it better, to make it my own. Shake’n’bake wastes my time. I want value for money by being involved in the build, not an expensive canvas just to paint onto.

[@paultanker5606]

G'Day from Perth WA. about 45yrs or so I bought a Heller Roman Galley,the detail on it was first class,a most enjoyable build from what I remember, sadly it is long gone as most of my other models!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have the Zvezda version in my stash, probably a copy. It’s a big girl so will have to wait until I own a larger bath tub.

[@dinomiguelvillarica2332]

I actually just started enjoying the old tamiya kits. excellent platform to learn 3d printing and bringing the kits up to date

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

great idea Dino.. enjoy

[@stephenmcdonald7908]

Always innteresting. Greetings from Birmingham UK. 👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Stephen… my mom was from Cheshire.

[@Kconv1]

Try a Bandai kit, their engineering and production makes Tamiya look like newbs with eye problems by comparison. That being said, im all about the painting. So for me its who makes the kit I want. Im painting an F-107 now and as far as I know Trumpeteer is the only maker, so Trumpeteer I buy, if Airfix makes the kit I want to do next, Airfix gets my money, etc for other companies.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Well said… but nope Bandai just don’t make anything except the X-Wing that I am interested in… built and hand painted my X-Wing. That was enough Bandai for me.

[@ianwilliams9127]

Hello mate. Watching this has got me thinking about my preferred kits.I realised that I haven't chucked a Tamiya kit together for donkeys years. Look yourself I love Trumpeter, Airfix and, due to me being a tad mad, Revell stuff cos as ya say they need to be "built" not "produced". Thanks for a grand watch....

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Oh no! I might be causing Tamiya sales to go up LOL

[@subliminalstyrene811]

Hi Harry ! When I first started modelling as a kid in the 70's Tamiya was pretty much the only kits my local toy/model shop had, a couple of revell kits here and there but very rare. Always loved the ease with which Tamiya kits went together, but have to agree I always felt there should have been more after finishing the build. I too prefer the build to the painting and weathering but will admit I take just as much time doing both as I want it to look as real as possible as I like to put them in Dioramas. My stash has loads of Tamiya kits as I felt I didn't do them justice as a kid so bought them all again to do a much better job now. My favourite manufacturers now are Trumpeter and Hobby Boss for armour, Aoshima, Fujimi and Hasegawa for cars, Tamiya for bikes and Revell or Italeri for the unusual stuff. When it comes to modelling everything is personal choice, do whatever makes you happy and sod everyone else. Give Bask a kipper from me.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I will mate and thanks for a great comment

[@eddgreen9376]

I love Tamiya, no frustrations, what’s not to like. You sir must be a masochist! 😂

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

No matey, I am a scale modeller who is not in a rush to click together a kit. I want to use my modelling skills to improve and enhance a build. But each to their own.

[@GeneticDrifter]

Well, I am sold on buying Tamiya after that. Haha. Informative video for a beginner trying to decide.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Lovely.. if that is what you want, go for it.

[@davidpowell6098]

I totally agree, I love a complex build, not a huge fan of painting, but I like weathering. I grew up with Tamiya, Airfix, Frog, so they are a nostalgic part of my youth. Give me a complex build, with many parts, and fixes, I'm happy. New sub too. Greetings from North Wales U.K.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Welcome to my channel David. Many builds here where I scratch and revise the kits.

[@jamesmather2839]

Love your vids Harry. Entertaining and honesty.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks matey… I just call em as I see em

[@jamesmather2839]

​@@HarryHoudiniModels I’m a LITTLE bit younger I think. My first kit was an Airfix S.1 bagged Westland Whirlwind from the newsagent when I was 5 in 1969. Then, classically, modelling was my great hobby throughout the 70s until I was 17/18. The golden era of Airfix and towards the end metal figures. You struck a chord when you spoke of ‘shake n bake models that put themselves together’, and that you like to *model* and particularly all those scratch built corrections to those early Airfix kits. After 41 years I’m coming back to modelling, you’ve made me realise that what I'm enjoying with Airfix's ancient Coldstreamer is trying to make it bearable! Back in the day we stratchbuild cockpits (nearly typed cockbits) and wheelwells, etc. It’s what we knew, it’s what we enjoy. (I do also enjoy painting, hence my move towards figures.) But it does all make me wonder whether the whole superdetailing craze, peaking with building interior pipes and wires, pre-shading, anxiety about precise shade of paint, in areas that'll never be seen, is the unexpected lovechild of trying to improve our bare and basic old Airfix!

[@bleyse1916]

Why should the things "you need to do" be seamlines or flash? Shouldn't it be weathering, painting or improving the kit?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Not everyone is the same Callum… some of us like the construction but not so much the painting. The construction is a big way to improve a kit, unless it’s Tamiya, where they remove this fun part of modelling.

[@bleyse1916]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Oh I completely understand your point; The things that Tamiya strive to remove from their kits is the fun you actually find in them. For me, the "maintenance" aspect of the kits are always a drag. Post build is always where the fun is at. But that's why modelling is awesome, its each to their own, always fun for the individual. My best friend loves super easy Gundam kits that basically snap together. And that's awesome! More power to him!

[@gigr1863]

Good point, Tamiya kits are excellent, sometimes they might benefit of more detail but such easy, quick builds, sometimes, are quite therapeutic and relaxing. I am finishing their 1/48 Abrams and It was great, even the link and length tracks which are usually a chore to me came out perfectly. So why no Tamiya sometimes? :)

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

When they sell a sailing ship kit count me in

[@stuartmcdonald8669]

Love the video Harry 👍

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Stuart

[@basmoleman1488]

First of: I love listening to you. You've got a sense of humour that suits me and a trait not seen very often anymore: taking life in moderation. I agree totally with your analysis of Tamiya kits.... And it's exactly the reason I enjoy them. But I also completely understand why that doesn't float your boat. Aperantly we enjoy different aspects of our hobby. Cheers mate, keep those vids coming. Edit: I agree on the armor kits. I go to Dragon, Meng or Miniart for armor. Edit 2: when I come to think of it, I agree on the ships as well. A 150 euro kit.... That comes without handrails. A ship without handrails looks like a tank without a gun. So I bought the Merit Mikasa kit. No aftermarket needed and at least one year off fun.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes its funny how companies like Trumpeter/Hobby Boss give you photo etch railings for the superstructure, but forget to add in the deck railings? Not all the time though, my Trumpeter Graf Spee came with deck railings.

[@7r47ufchfyw7twguwgu]

@@HarryHoudiniModels not sure if my bismarck comes with so much railings but I don't know where to freaking put em! It been 2 months now

[@HalfDeadGeezers]

I thought I was going to have to change the supplies I use due to reasons such as slave and minor labor, contributions to special operations, or child trafficking. Thank goodness this was just about your personal needs and not about moral reasons to not support a particular manufacturer.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Well I could go down that road about anything with a Lithium battery.. or clothes… hard call, but valid point. My video is just about my needs and experience in the hobby. Your milage may differ.

[@HalfDeadGeezers]

​@@HarryHoudiniModels It is sometimes a very hard call. I did not mean to imply that I don't totally get what you are saying. I sometimes like to get that old mold Round 2 product so I can cut, shave, fabricate, curse, etc and be proud of a finished project that didn't go together like a cnc machined puzzle. Keep up the great work.

[@warrenchambers4819]

To each his own but I see modelling like cooking it's what your in the mood for and no one has the same taste. I'll build them all but I do really enjoy older kits that have that nostalgic feel to them like the Monogram armor stuff. Shepard Paine got me hooked so I enjoy revisiting the older stuff.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes the nostalgia plays a big part in my love for Airfix

[@shadovanish7435]

I much appreciate the outstanding engineering & design of Tamiya model kits. Some (usually older) model kits from companies (such as Revell) had some fundemental fit & form issues that were basically not worth the time to fix. I understand the craftsmanship interest, & have spent considerable time repairing or fabricating parts for some models, but after the time & effort, would have preferred something better to begin with. Sometimes I would attempt to repair or fabricate a part or area of a model, just to see how well I could, sometimes with success, & these "exercises" were learning experiences, at least.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks for your comment

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

Btw...you can use your leftovers from your DML kits for your Italeri tank models. Magic tracks are cool for both brands too. Similar sizes on both.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes I do that, have them all stored. I even upgraded an old Dragon Imperial series kit with new Dragon spares, plus some PE and got a very nice Panther out of it.

[@map3384]

Brother you nailed it. Tamiya is too perfect. Everything falls together perfectly. I built the 1/350 Musashi and it was done in three days. Compare that to my 1/350 Fujimi Hyuga which took me a month. It came out beautiful but just the tower structure took a week and my mind was exhausted after that. It’s mentally intense. I wish someone would make a 1/350 KGV WW1 battleship, HMS Lion, HMS Tiger or a Revenge Class model kit. Perhaps a 1/350 USS Maryland or USS Pennsylvania in their original configuration. WW1 ships are far more interesting.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

My experience exactly

[@TheJimbodean67]

As I’ve gotten older, I realize that time is my most precious asset. I fail to see the displeasure in a kit that allows me to get it done in a fastidious manner. You wanna beat yourself up with needless hours of sanding and filling on a poorly molded kit that’s your right, but I fail to see the point of shouting it from the mountain of YT. This is a golden age of modeling that I fully intend to take advantage of. Go ahead and row your little boat about clinging to old shitty models if you like, I don’t have the time for it.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

No beating up at all… enjoyment of the hobby. I grew up in the 60’s building balsa kits of aircraft and ships. Cutting, sanding and shaping were what you did, forming the shape of the model from blocks of wood. I also enjoyed Lego, clicking parts together without any fettling. In my old age I want to fettle and enjoy that craft that was the joy of my youth. Time well spent as an adult who no longer plays with Lego.

[@martinelfver4074]

Interesting take, very unlike how I feel; I love the painting part and just want the pieces to fit. That is why I like Tamiya. It just goes to show that you can come at this hobby from many different angles. And it is always fun to get new perspectives. Thanks for that, I am now subscribing to this channel.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Martin, room enough for everyone in this hobby.

[@martinelfver4074]

Absolutely, that is the beauty of it.

[@robertgrimsted877]

Liked the vids Harry as always

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Good on you Robert

[@kaptkrunchfpv]

Sounds like you need to stick to lindberg kits if cleaning flash and unwarping parts is your thing.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Eeeek wash your mouth out with soap… the horror… I don’t mind a little flash and happy to fix the odd warp… but I draw the line at Limpburger kits.. now they are awful!

[@plan4u56]

When I started building model aircraft in 1963....State of the Art model manufactures Revell, Monogram, Airfix to name a few. If you wanted More detail You learned how to Scratch Build.. OK.. Price .50 cents, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00 you get the idea. Pactra, Revell, Humbrol, Testors paints. Tube glue..Testors introduced liquid cements later on. Hobby shops were Everewhere!! Subjects: Cars, Aircraft, Sailing Ships, Ships of All Types, Monster kits (Hawk models) Space craft (Real and fictional) You get the idea. You built a model did your best and at least for me showed them to friends and family. You learned HISTORY!!! WOW what a concept.. Today, Well it's all High Tech bits and pieces for extra detail. Along with that 30 to 150.00 plus dollar for Tamiya models of which ALL HAVE FIT ISSUES SOMEHWERE IN THE MODEL! I Agree Harry that Tamiya Could Be a stellar model company! Make other subjects. Sailing Ships Heck start somewhere. RE-TOOL OLD Molds! Lastly, I Don't believe for one minute the manufacturing cost is more than 15 to 25 a model. Then to mark it up a BIZILLON percent and the USA distributor CAN'T Discount their kits. 64 dollars for a P-38? 100.00 for a F-4B phantom.... OK I do have P-51s and F4U Corsairs in my "Stash" but that's it. Too bad there isn't an Individual who could Buy a literal boat load of Tamiya kits... Sell them for 2.00 to 10.00 each... Blessings, Darrell Killingsworth

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks for that Darrell

[@dukewellington9308]

That's exactly what is so great about the hobby.....there's something for everyone, whatever it is. Keep modelling and keep having fun

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Each to their own Duke. Thanks for checking in

[@captainhurricane5705]

When I was a kid in the early 70s, it was mostly Airfix in the shops. There was the odd FROG and Revell kit, but I pretty much built every Airfix kit going. Then all of a sudden in the late 70s, Tamiya kits started appearing on the shelves, and wow, they were 1/35 scale! So I moved onto them and built almost every single kit of theirs too, though I remember there only being ground vehicles and never any planes. Oh yes, and I built all their Japanese ships too; I even had a harbour diorama with all the waterline ships at berth and little barges and tenders too. These days my shelves are filled with books rather than models, and I simply don't have room for them, but maybe one day I mightr start again; one day.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Never too late to rekindle the hobby Captain

[@mantisory]

One thing about having kits that go together well is taking the frustration out for newbies, and especially for kids. I remember being 8 or 9 back in the 70's and getting really upset by my models not going together well, and having a stringy mess of testors glue everywhere. It really killed my interest back then, and I thought it was all my fault. I hope you don't buy cars (or anything else) based on them being broken so you have something to fix :)

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You obviously did not watch until the end where I qualify my statement saying: Tamiya don’t make sailing ship kits, I build sailing ship kits, ergo I cannot either buy nor build my chosen subject from Tamiya.

[@mantisory]

@@HarryHoudiniModels yeah, I did, I was just commenting on reason number 1 is all. :)

[@docholiday1476]

You’re entitled to your opinion but I prefer Tamiya and miniart over most though airfix had some good aircraft. I grew up building Aurora, Monogram and Tamiya. I find the fit excellent and the detail good. Many other kits require that you have to have an engineering degree or have fiddlie detail with microscopic parts. Most Tamiya kits are generally good out of the box.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Not so much an opinion. Modelling need, experience and observation. If you enjoy Tamiya kits, then all the power to you. I am simply expressing my needs and experience. Tamiya does not in my experience fit my need. Your mileage may differ.

[@barrythatcher9349]

Honestly your St Louis build not only gave lots of interesting ideas for sailing ships but other kits. Like you I started with Airfix in the early 1970's. So I used to seeing a bit of flash on the moulds. If you want a Challenge go to the High Planes website (Australian) I built and Australian Beaufighter. The flash was insane.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I will have a look, but I’m concentrating on ships these days

[@fightersweep]

I've got a few Tamiya aircraft kits in the stash, but not many. The most expensive one I have is the 1/32 Spitfire XVIe. It's a beautiful looking kit. So beautiful that I've been too scared to start it in case I don't do it justice. It's still sitting in the box. For my sins, my favourite kits to build are those I built back in the 70s and 80s as a kid and a spotty teen. Airfix, Revell, Matchbox, and my absolute favourites, Heller. I guess that I'm a nostalgia builder at heart. I enjoy that little extra challenge of clean up, making things that don't necessarily want to fit, fit together and adding details where needed. I enjoy the building process and fettling this brings. It's the part of the hobby I enjoy the most. I'm not keen on painting. Some modellers love painting but don't enjoy the building. We all get different things from the hobby I guess.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That is right matey… just get what need from the Hobby. Not everyone likes a shake’n’bake kit and not everyone likes to scratch build… but there is room for all of us in the hobby if we respect each others needs.

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

Kind of the opposite reason that I love building Tamiya. I feel like life is too short for ill fitting and poorly designed models. I've built my share of those. Besides, there is always plenty of room for detailing and aftermarket stuff with Tamiya.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

What ever works for you Jamie, as long as we both enjoy the hobby, that’s all that matters

[@SteveKeithmodels]

Valid points.. but nothing worse then buying kits that come with bent parts and absolutely no way to fix them without a heat gun. For me, I'm more I interested in not getting frustrated are having to throw away money (the kit) because it's trash. Ive built 4 models as an adult. 3 we're Tamiya. The 4th is an amusing hobbies. I added afv parts to one of the Tamiya kids. As a modeling noob I want something that isn't going to be super hard, and will look good when finished.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Don’t get me wrong, I dislike crap kits too. But I want a build where I can add more detail and don’t mind a little fettling to get a perfect fit. I've built over 50 kits since returning to the hobby last decade, most were fun and engaging, but none of my half dozen Tamiya builds excited me. However I am keen to try a Tamiya motorbike or F1 car now, after lots of great advice from watchers.

[@davidoswald6194]

Your a interesting guy....love your videos , always very informative, and funny.....thanks Harry....good job

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks David… glad you like them

[@Pentonious]

I definitely get where you're coming from and don't think there's anything wrong with your opinion at all. People buy different kits and different brands for all sorts of different reasons, but we are all unified in the main reason we build in the first place and that is beacause it's fun! I think that's what matters most and am always delighted to see someone enjoying the hobby for whatever reason they choose

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I am not so sure some modellers are having fun if they complain about having to clean a seam line or the inconvenience of needing to dry fit a part LOL

[@Brera011]

Try to build an 1/12 F1 car from Tamiya. They can be a challenge. And what's wrong with a near perfect model?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have heard that about the F1 cars.. maybe I will one day

[@supercededman]

@@HarryHoudiniModels I just bought the 1/12 Porsche 934. It's a reissue. The ONLY addition 45 years on are the very few PE parts. The kit is a gem, but it is very much a 1970s kit. I bought it in 1976 as a teenager, discarded it, and bought one now for nostalgic reasons I think u could have a look at this, Harry

[@767bob]

“There’s no You in it!” Spot on, Thank you!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Bob.. glad you get it.

[@andrewsartscalemodels2344]

Harry I am happy to send you an old revell Tony 1/72 for you to fix. Actually I have quite a few old aircraft kits in 1/72 you can choose from lol.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I am not sure my tired old eyes could see a small kit like that

[@marshall8289]

I agree with you regarding building, its more rewarding when you have put more effort in to a model and improved your skills in the process.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes it can be, if that is your thing, I like the challenge of a build, but some just want it quick and easy because painting is their thing. Each to his own.

[@Hjaulmandra_Kanathara]

I appreciate that you brought up the Therapy aspect. That’s actually a big reason why I buy Tamiya kits. It helps me to unwind and feel safe. I keep a few Dragon kits on hand for the challenge. But you are right Tamiya makes it for the beginner to casual audience. I would say though the kits I will never touch are the ICM kits. I got a BF-109E that was half spitfire. Those kits are Frankenstein-models

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks for your comment

[@alessandromotta5274]

You're a strange kind of " modellist"...if the goal is to buy a kit that you need to trimm, clean, skratching and actually redone it....why buy it....just scratch it yourself that will be your achievment....really have problem understand you...

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That’s how I started. scale modelling, making balsa aircraft and boats from scratch. Most of my builds these days are converted, updated, or revised with scratch parts. I really have no issue with Tamiya, having since got into their old 1/12 F1 racing car kits, I was just having fun poking the fanboys in this video. If you want a click together build go for it. However I like to tinker, as do many millions of other “modellers” who don’t enjoy a quick assemble, or only want to paint the thing, they want to “model”. Horses for courses. We are all different, and that’s not a bad thing.

[@mikecooper8462]

In a sense he's right; tamiya kits were/are pretty good, but they've been superceded by many new manufacturers. Meng, Takom, Mini Art, Trumpeter have all surpassed tamiya in many aspects. When was the last time tamiya produced a full interior armor kit with super detail like a Meng or RFM kit? Those kits are supremely challenging to build and offer a level of detail tamiya has yet to meet or defeat. But here again it all depends on what the builder wants in a kit, their skill level, and the desired result of the finished product. Additional accessories, PE and other aftermarket goodies, custom decals and figures, paints and pigments... it's all available for whatever level of options and detail the builder desires. In the end it's all about options, and today's modeler has an entire slew of choices to select from. And that's always a good thing. Note: a recommendation to support Mini Art and ICM - just a few manufacturers out of Ukraine. 🇺🇦 Slava Ukraina! 🇺🇲 🇺🇦 🇺🇲 🇺🇦 🇺🇲

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

We are spoiled in what some call the Golden Age of scale modelling.

[@artsmodeldockyard8718]

Hi Harry Totally get where your coming from. I have never built Tamiya kit, or a few others but these kinda quick build with little or no challenge are ok of beginners or if that person has a deep personal reason for building them, then thats fine. Being a sailing ship only modeller myself for the reason that these are the only kits that appeal to me. That said I need "A Challenge" something like yourself that you can put your influence on and make your own. Myself I like weathering, but like you I need more than that. So any kit I buy I need do my research so I know I can improvise on the model to my own abilities. It's not just cleaning parts up from flash either. The sailing ships I build from plastic will almost always have their masts and yards replaced with wood and the sails I will make and hand sew myself as well as using blocks and deadeyes and rigging my own ratlines without the aids of any frames or pre cut ratlines, adding if not scratch building and deck detail thats appropriate. Hey but like you that's just me, I need to improvise I need the challenge, I love the sailing ships with lots of architectural features too. To me it's as close as I will ever get to living past history. Great video Harry and keep up the great modelling All the best mate Robert 👍🤺⚓

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Robert. I’d rather build a reasonably well moulded sailing ship kit that just needs a little fettling to improve it, than churn out a shake’n’bake aircraft clone… but each to their own needs and what makes them happy

[@maevethefox5912]

I just did 4 kits in a row, Tamiya, Trumpeter, Acadamy and Bronco. The most joy I got was from assembling the working tracks on the Acadamy and Bronco, something which tons of folks seem to hate. I came from a crafting/carpentry/figure painting background, and the building is so much of the hobby for me. I still don't own an airbrush, not sure I ever will. When I want to paint I paint a character bust with brushes, most of my armour models get shelved with a primer coat at best 😅

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I put off buying an airbrush for years… The build was everything for me, so I just rattle can sprayed my models the base colour and did the detailing by hairy brush. Even now my airbrushes sit idle for months until I have need of them.

[@Spindrift-id1ez]

I'm glad I have the experience to deal with what we call issues in the model building world, But I to would much rather assemble a kit that is properly engineered... Still, I understand what you're trying ta say. But some of us ain't aged that well and just don't have the dexterity in our hands we had 40 years ago and can't coop with serious issues

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes my eyes and hands are also not what they used to be, and getting worse every year. Soon all I will be able to make are click together Meng Egg kits.

[@sebastiengiboulot7848]

I love the accuracy of Tamiya. I build kits from all makers and like each for different reasons. If you struggle with Tamiya, watch a channel called Plasmo. Most of his are Tamiya and he scratch builds so much. Perhaps if you are highly skilled, you should checkout what he does.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes I have watched and admire Plasmo

[@petermerz2704]

I respect your honesty. I don’t buy Tamiya kits because of the price. As you say, there are better kits for a lot less money. Thanks for sharing! Happy days and model on! 😎🇨🇦

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Peter… just keep enjoying the hobby whatever you choose to build

[@Yves95128]

Hi Harry, That Honda S600 of yours was a beauty. You forgot another thing about Tamiya kits, ejection pins bonanza even on new kits, it looks like they add some as a bonus. I'm finishing a Fiat SB4 "Mefistofele" 1/12, it's an old kit from Protar updated by Italeri, you would expect the worse, right? This thing is the most enjoyable kit I built in years, I added a lot of scratch built metal and wood parts, there is just one thing that needs to be adjusted, the engine bonnet, the chassis would need to be cut 2mm after the firewall to be perfect, I was able to compensate the problem here and there and I'm happy with the result. I'm re-doing the seat too, a lot of fun. People were crazy back then, putting an airplane engine on a London bus chassis, racing it at 200km/h in short sleeves, smoking cigarettes...(the world speed record of this car was 234km/h in 1924😳). Thanks for the video, Yves.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Now that sounds like an interesting subject… I do like a crazy kit… Thanks Yves

[@campbellsoup4646]

Personality for me tamiya is the only good brand in my hobby stores and there pretty good and are cheap where I am like they go for like 30 to 20 for a big tank and my hobby shops have many tamiya yes iv tryied many different brands but for me tamiya works best but thats just me

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

No problem.. find what works best for you… I’ve just expressed what works for me… there’s a place for all of us in the hobby

[@mooshoopork63]

To each his own. You do what you like. That said, you complain that Tamiya planes are too easy to build, but their ships and tanks are not buildable. Then their ships and tanks should be right up your ally. Roll up your sleeves and get into building. I like your videos where you share your builds. The ups. The downs. The pitfalls. Now you just sound like that old dude telling us how he walked to school and home, in 3 feet of snow, up hill (both ways), even during the summer, all the while getting up before the sun rose the previous day to take care of every farm animal known to mankind. More build videos.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I will always continue to do the build videos… but to feed my cat I need videos that get a bigger audience and higher monetisation. Sadly the chatty ones about controversial views are the most popular. Now if everyone watched all my build videos, donated to Patreon or KZbin Members, or hit the Super Thanks… then I would never need to do a chatty video again. Simple economics… oh and by the way.. you don’t have to watch the chatty videos if you don’t like them :)

[@shaggygabe728]

Finally somebody who feels the same way! I always love the building process in kits, which is why i love building Airfix vintage classic kits! I don't see mould lines, flash, etc as a mistake or see it as a bad thing, i see it as a challenge! Also, in my opinion, Tamiya feels too toy-ish compared to something like Airfix or Revell. When i build a kit, i want that classic kit feel. I understand some people love the painting process and weathering, but alot of people just want to build and have fun and not waste hours on waiting for bloody paint to dry.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You are singing my song Gabe

[@georgecoventry8441]

I much prefer assembly to painting too. However, that's mainly because painting is much more difficult! (if you want to get it to look right) And I must point out out that when airbrushing...paint takes literally a few *seconds* to dry..........not hours. So, the reason I dislike painting is *because* it's more challenging.........building is a snap in comparison (and I include removing flash, mold lines, improving fit, etc. Easy! It's painting where the real challenge lies. For me, anyway.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

@George Coventry you don’t use enamels then? hehe

[@an_rc_guy8256]

I understand what you're saying, model manufacturers all have very different skill levels and craftmanship. Everyone has their own feeling about whether or not certain companies are good and bad, as they should. I personally am a fan of Tamiya tank and car kits because of how nice they come out without using filler and other things. I can say that I agree the tracks for the 1/35 scale Tamiya tanks aren't great and have personally gone out of my way with CAD and a resin printer to make my own workable links that are as realistic as I can make them based on diagrams. Price wise I almost never buy any model kits brand new and most of the time buy from antique stores or eBay where I hunt for good deals. In the end, it is what it is and we all have preferences.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I am the same with Dragon kits, they are a dime a dozen here on the second hand market or in the shop bargain bins. The crazy instructions and high number count put so many off, but that just plays right into my wheelhouse. So for me Dragon is cheap. Tamiya seems expensive, new and second hand down under.

[@martinazariancriminaldefen3081]

I think we all need to put this subject in its proper perspective. For many of us we entered plastic model building in the 1970s. We had manufacturers like Revell, Monogram, Airfix, Heller and Aurora, to name a few. Let's be honest, many of these kits were not the greatest. Yes, some were better than others but the scales for these kits were not determined by our choice of exercising our wallets but what could fit on the shelf of a hobby store. That's why we have a bewildering array of scales for ships, 1/400, 1/426, 1/500, 1/600, 1/700 and 1/720 to name a few. Then came Tamiya in the 1980s. King George V, Prince of Wales, Bismark, Tirpitz and Yamato. These kits were followed by other ship models in the 1990s. For me and for many of us this company was a God send. We had tanks, planes, battleships, destroyers we had never seen before and in standardized ship scales such as 1/350 and 1/700 and the detail was amazing. Was there room for improvement? Of course, but remember there are limits to plastic injection molding and necessity is the mother of invention. I can remember Loren Perry came out with his photo etched parts to improve Tamiya naval kits and a new industry was born. Now we have Tom's Modelworks, Micromaster and Shipways. We have Trumpeter and Hobby Boss. Without Tamiya I doubt we would have the array of kits and after market products we have today. So let's not be harsh on Tamiya. For me and for many of us it set the standard for warship modeling. I will always be a Tamiya devotee. Thank you, Tamiya.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Not all of us started in the 70’s… I started scale modelling in the 60’s. As for the many scales of ships, Tamiya was one of the worst offenders in the 60’s with numerous scales from 1/800 to 1/300. The standardisation of ships scale was a joint agreement between Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Fujimi, plus a few minor model companies, after many complaints from model builders. While Revell of America were still making box scale kits of absurd scales. Tamiya ships, at least in 1/350, are over priced and under detailed, compared to what you can get now from China, with many early Tamiya ships just designed to be RC. So no, Tamiya is not the god send of ship kits, and no they did not save the scale war.

[@clouddog2393]

Tamiya are my favourite company . Excellent models and although expensive are worth it for the ease and enjoyment of building . Trumpeter are also very good although Dragon are well down on my list . Too much photo esch ( which l hate ) and several parts to assemble when a couple would suffice . Also complicated for the sake of it . (Teeth not on tracks but come lndividually and have to be stuck on one at a time) . Give me Tamiya every time .

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

If you are enjoying the build then all power to you.. but Tamiya is still over priced for my wallet

[@martinazariancriminaldefen3081]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Harry, I do enjoy building Tamiya kits. I also understand the flaws a Tamiya kit may have. I also can appreciate the hurt modelers feel about the price, yet I know Trumpeter and other kits are not inexpensive. The hobby is getting more expensive. For me, Tamiya holds a special place. I fell in love with their 1/350 scale ships. To each his own.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

And that is great Martin… I grew up with Airfix and so they hold a special place for me. Sure there are many bad kits, but even Tamiya has a few dogs, like that T-34. Because of where I grew up and the decades I first modelled, I never got into the Tamiya scene. So for me Airfix 1/600 ships were what I fell in love with. Now as an adult with far more experience and skill I quickly saw the short comings of those kits. I moved onto Trumpeter, Fujimi and Hasegawa ships. Then I revisited the Airfix sailing ships I adored, but could not afford as a kid. They have been a joy. Beautifully moulded, even by today’s standards, with just enough wrong so I can add my personal touch to the build. Each to their own. When Tamiya release a sailing ship kit I will be among the first to buy it.

[@perskjelbred7099]

Love Tamyia kits!! The «you» is in the painting and finish!!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

So you are not a scale modeller then, just a painter?

[@thegoodearth7]

Interesting take on Tamija. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am in the final season of life, I have just returned of late to the hobby of my youth. Given how quickly life flies by, I am happy to build anything that is interesting, captures my attention, and most of all, is just plain fun! From my vantage, Revell (which was a big name in my youth), seems at present to offer the most sub-par kits I have run into up to present (with offerings from Revell Germany being a notable exception).

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Buy and build to your needs. I’m not telling anyone what to do or think in this video, just my needs, and why Tamiya simply doesn’t fill them.

[@beltfed4624]

I just finished building the Revell USS Arizona... It's basically a few chunks of grey plastic that you have to trim, chop and clamp (with at least 13 octopus arms) to somehow build a model ship. I did it, it turned out great, but what a freakshow of flashing, misaligned halves of parts and inaccurate details. It's essentially an awful kit, it's a drooling polystyrene monster in a box... And I absolutely loved it, because it put up a fight from first piece to last piece. I understand the joy of dirty kits, too clean and easy kind of ruins the bragging rights.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

You are game… I built that Arizona kit back in the 70’s.. didn’t like the moulded on solid railings back then. I would completely remake it these days, scratch most of the parts, but it doesn’t have sails, and that’s pretty much all I build now; sailing ships.