Tamiya RC Car Body Shells
Introduction
Tamiya is a Japanese company that has been producing radio-controlled (RC) cars since the 1970s. The company is known for its high-quality RC cars and accessories, including its body shells. Tamiya body shells are made from a variety of materials, including polycarbonate, ABS, and fiberglass. They come in a wide range of styles and designs, from classic race cars to futuristic buggies.
Types of Tamiya Body Shells
There are three main types of Tamiya body shells:
- Polycarbonate body shells are the most common type of Tamiya body shell. They are lightweight and durable, and they can be painted in a variety of colors. Polycarbonate body shells are typically used on racing RC cars.
- ABS body shells are made from a harder plastic than polycarbonate body shells. They are more durable than polycarbonate body shells, but they are also heavier. ABS body shells are typically used on off-road RC cars.
- Fiberglass body shells are the most durable type of Tamiya body shell. They are made from a strong, lightweight material that is resistant to damage. Fiberglass body shells are typically used on high-performance RC cars.
Choosing the Right Tamiya Body Shell
When choosing a Tamiya body shell, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The type of RC car you have. Some body shells are designed specifically for certain types of RC cars. For example, racing body shells are designed to be aerodynamic, while off-road body shells are designed to be durable.
- The scale of your RC car. Tamiya body shells come in a variety of scales, from 1/10 scale to 1/24 scale. The scale of the body shell should match the scale of your RC car.
- The style of body shell you want. Tamiya body shells come in a wide range of styles, from classic race cars to futuristic buggies. Choose a body shell that you think looks cool and that fits your personality.
Painting Tamiya Body Shells
Once you have chosen a Tamiya body shell, you can paint it in a variety of colors. Tamiya offers a wide range of paints that are specifically designed for RC car body shells. These paints are durable and will not chip or peel easily.
To paint a Tamiya body shell, you will need the following supplies:
- A Tamiya body shell
- Tamiya paint
- A paintbrush or airbrush
- A masking tape
To paint a Tamiya body shell, follow these steps:
- Clean the body shell with a mild detergent and water. This will remove any dirt or grease that could interfere with the paint adhesion.
- Mask off any areas of the body shell that you do not want to paint. This can be done with masking tape or liquid mask.
- Apply a thin coat of paint to the body shell. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats.
- Once you are satisfied with the paint job, remove the masking tape or liquid mask.
- Allow the paint to cure for 24 hours before handling the body shell.
Conclusion
Tamiya body shells are a great way to customize your RC car. They are available in a wide range of styles and designs, and they can be painted in any color you want. With a little bit of care, you can create a body shell that is unique and personal.