Founded in 1946, Tamiya is the Japanese company best known for its model-making kits. Originally the kits were wooden but are now exclusively plastic thanks to modern technology.
Tamiya's kits have been loved by children and adults around the globe and the demand for their kits certainly hasn't dwindled. Adults of all ages continue to love building and painting Tamiya model kits.
There are hundreds of different kits on the market so to help you choose your favourite, we've selected 19 highly-regarded kits in a range of different styles and price points.
We've included everything from car model kits to space shuttle kits to help you find one which suits you best. Remember, many Tamiya model kits do not come with tools, paints, or glue. You'll need to buy these separately from a retailer like Amazon.
Head over to Tamiya's store front on Amazon to find additional materials and accessories. If you enjoy these Tamiya model kits then head over to our best lego sets for adults and our best Revell model kits round-ups.
Our top picks of Tamiya model kits:
- For beginners: Volkswagen Beetle kit
- For advanced model makers: Model ship kit
- For those wanting something unique: T-Rex kit
19 Tamiya model kits to buy
1. Subaru Impreza model kit
Pros: Affordable, clear instructions, beginner model maker friendly
Cons: You'll need to buy the paints and tools separately
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Racing fans
Build the iconic Subaru Impreza, famous for its performance at the 1997 World Rally Championships. This model kit allows you to build authentic replicas of the car's wheels, suspension and interior details.
It would make a great gift for racing fanatics or for anyone wanting to get started in the world of Tamiya kits.
2. German tank model kit
Pros: High-quality pieces, easy to assemble, comes with human figures
Cons: Detailed painting required
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: History buffs
Recreate a military-grade German tank with this model kit from Tamiya. Everything from the detail wheels to the camo paint job replicates the real thing.
It's a model kit that will look great amongst other Tamiya war builds and is an ideal present for avid history enthusiasts.
3. Grasshopper model kit
Pros: Easy build, can be made electric and driven!
Cons: Expensive, requires a 2-channel radio, battery, charger and Tamiya TS Paint
Suitable for ages: 12
Great for: model makers who want to do more than display their builds
Based on the 80's USA buggies that drive off-road, this Tamiya kit is so much fun to build. Not only is it highly realistic but you can add batteries and drive it! It's received positive reviews from hundreds of model makers and is a cool addition to add to your Tamiya collection.
4. Tamiya motorcycle kit
Pros: High-quality finish, stands for easy display, extra accessories available
Cons: Can be a little fiddly to assemble
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Speed demons!
This beautiful modern model kit is based on the YZF-R1– the eighth generation of the bike. Motorcycle fans will recognise this bike from the Superbike World Championship and All Japan Road Race Championship and will know of its winning record.
This model kit allows you to build the bike in all its glory and has a great high finish.
5. Model ship kit
Pros: Impressive size, highly detailed, small accessories for realistic build
Cons: A complex build, not for beginners
Suitable for ages: 16
Great for: Model makers wanting a challenge
This is one of the largest Tamiya model kits in the world which is very fitting as it's replicating one of the biggest ships in the world! Based on the Enterprise aircraft carrier, the ship will look impressive on display.
We love the tiny planes that come on the ship showing the ship's primary use.
6. Porsche model kit
Pros: Classic model, affordable, detail decal finishes
Cons: Cement, paint, and finishing supplies required
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Gifting to a model maker
Make your special someone's dreams come true by gifting them a Porsche! Well, a Tamiya model kit of one anyway. This model includes all the car's iconic features like its front and rear over-fenders and large-size rear wing.
It's a nostalgic model to so great for anyone who might have owned one in the 80s and 90s.
7. T-rex model kit
Pros: Highly detailed, comes with accessories
Cons: Requires paint and tools
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: model makers who want to make something different
Most Tamiya model kits are based on vehicles or aircraft carriers which is why we love this one. Build and paint something a little different with this T-rex diorama.
If the T-rex isn't for you then be sure to check out the other kits in their range. They also have a Brachiosaurus and a Triceratops.
8. Truck model kit
Pros: Working model with lights and turning wheels
Cons: Expensive, needs Tamiya Attack Radio, battery with charger and paint
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Experienced model makers
This is another impressive Tamiya kit that's aimed at the more experienced model maker. With a fully functional gearbox, axle differentials, and much more it's a great build if you like authentic models.
9. F1 model kits
Pros: High-quality finish, affordable, pre-coloured pieces
Cons: Paints required for details
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Future Lewis Hamiltons
In the 1976 F1 World Championships this F1 car was the one to beat. Its infamous design has been immortalised in this Tamiya kit and is great for beginners and more experienced makers. It even includes a mini driving racer figure!
10. Volkswagen Beetle kit
Pros: Affordable, vintage packaging
Cons: Tools and paints required
Suitable for ages: 12
Great for: Vintage car fans
Build everyone's favourite 1930s car – the VW beetle! This iconic model has been featured in films, TV and has now had its very own model kit created after it. Pick up this kit and spend the weekend recreating this nifty little car.
11. Eagle aircraft kit
Pros: Stands up by itself, pilot figure included, accurate replica
Cons: Can be a little tricky to fit together
Suitable for ages: 10
Great for: Makers who love model planes
This aircraft made a name for itself in the 1991 Gulf War so it's only right that Tamiya has created a model kit for it.
This exquisite aircraft kit features three external fuel tanks and a removable front nose section. You can also choose to build the cockpit canopy closed or open.
12. Mercedes-Benz model car kit
Pros: LED headlights, easy to assemble
Cons: Battery and paint not included
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Model makers wanting a modern build
Tamiya often creates vintage vehicle kits but for makers wanting a modern take, this is the kit for you. This kit allows you to build a Mercedes Benz complete with side mirrors, wheel arches and front grill.
13. Monster Truck model kit
Pros: Includes batteries, charger, radio set
Cons: Expensive
Suitable for ages: 12
Great for: Model makers wanting to drive their creations!
Go off-road with this cool Monster Truck model kit. It includes everything you need to build and then drive this mega truck. You will need to buy paints separately to paint on the truck's details.
14. VW campervan
Pros: Rare kit, radio control, fun design
Cons: Paint and tools required, design may be hard to replicate
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Colourful model makers!
Spread peace and love with this funky Tamiya kit. Build a remote control VW campervan complete and paint its colourful exterior. Once you've finished, take your campervan outside and drive it around using the remote control. Who needs a real campervan when you have this cool mini version?
15. Rocket model kit
Buy it now from Wonderland Models
Pros: Display stand included, mini astronaut figures, rare find
Cons: Paints and glue sold separately
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Model makers wanting to add a bigger build to their collection
Shoot into outer space with Tamiya's model rocket kits. This kit recreates in great detail the Atlantis space shuttle first launched in 1981. The shuttle's final mission was in 2011 making it an important and long-standing ship in NASA.
There are 6 different space shuttle Tamiya kits available all of which are pretty rare to find.
16. Honda motorcycle
Pros: Waterslide decals, illustrated instructions, affordable
Cons: The bike's tubes can be tricky to fit together
Suitable for ages: 15
Great for: Classic model makers
Build and paint the Honda CB750F motorbike in all its glory. Each part of the motorbike has been beautifully recreated including the air-cooled 4-cylinder DOHC engine, cooling fins, oil cooler, and exhaust.
17. Wildcat aircraft model
Pros: Great quality, fun to make, vintage design
Cons: The landing gear is a complex part of the build
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Fans of Taymia plane kits
Build the plane of dreams with Tamiya's Wildcat aircraft kit. Famous during the 1940s, it's a plane with a history in the USA Navy and the early half of WW2.
As well as the aircraft pieces, the kit comes with a pilot figure and three marking options.
18. WW2 British transporter vehicle
Pros: Highly detailed, impressive paintwork, come with a figure
Cons: Delicate parts so needs a light touch when building
Suitable for ages: 10
Great for: Warhammer fans
We've included a German vehicle so we thought it's only fair to include this wonderfully detailed WW2 British van. Tamiya sells a huge range of vehicle kits used in the war. Build this kit, paint, and add to your World War 2 memorabilia.
19. Ford racing car model kit
Pros: Detailed instructions, remote-controlled, robust
Cons: Remote control with receiver, steering servo, 7.2 V NiMH battery pack, charger all required
Suitable for ages: 14
Great for: Formula One fans
Finally, we have the Tamiya Ford racing car kit. This four-wheel-drive masterpiece looks as good as it drives. You'll need to buy the required extras in order to drive it but we think it's well worth the money.
We hope you've enjoyed our round-up of the best Tamiya model kits. If you want more building projects check out our big Lego sets and best string art kits.
Build your Tamiya model kits collection
Tamiya models can be used to make everything from vintage cars to space rockets! Whatever your passion is, you're bound to find a Tamiya model kit to suit your interests.
See more clearly with a Daylight lamp
If you need a lamp for your workstation, why not take a look at these great daylight craft lamps to recreate natural light in your home?
