After reading my friends’ blogs, I couldn’t resist visiting the Tamiya Plamodel Factory in Shimbashi.
Apparently, you can assemble a Mini 4WD you purchase there and race it on the circuit.
As someone born in the ’80s and part of the Mini 4WD craze generation, I couldn’t afford to lose as a proud representative of my hometown, Nagasaki!
So, I went with two friends to check it out.
Amazing Models on Display and Mini 4WDs in the Basement
The Tamiya Plamodel Factory Shimbashi store is about a 5-6 minute walk from Shimbashi Station.
Just seeing the iconic red and blue star logo got me hyped up!
On the first floor, there are various military and other model kits, while Mini 4WD cars are in the basement.
The basement was bustling with families, couples, and young enthusiasts.
They even have legendary cars like the Emperor from the Dash! Yonkuro series, sure to excite fans of that era.
Assemble Your Mini 4WD On-Site and Race Immediately!
Spending over 1,000 yen grants you access to the “Modeler’s Square,” a space where you can assemble your Mini 4WD and test it on the circuit. How cool is that?
I chose the latest model of Avante, a car deeply nostalgic to me, and of course, went with its iconic blue.
Additionally, I picked up a Mach Dash motor, rollers, and mass dampers for stability (essential to prevent derailing, as my friends advised).
Time to start building!
(*Note: You’ll need tools like pliers and screwdrivers, so bring your own.)
Building it after so many years was surprisingly enjoyable.
Completion and Race Results…
After about 30 minutes of assembly, it’s finally done! I skipped most of the decals because, well, effort.
Here are the cars we’ll be racing: mine is in the middle, and my friends’ creations are on either side. Their setups look much more advanced, but I won’t back down!
We brought our cars to the track, and the race began!
And the result… my car was the first to derail. A crushing defeat.
Back in the day, weight reduction was all the rage, with people cutting their cars into mesh-like structures. Now, stability is king, with parts like mass dampers adding weight for better performance.
The car with brakes, owned by @isloop, stayed on the track the longest and won. However, its slow speed and lackluster jumps left me wondering if I could tweak my car for a comeback…
Here’s a video of the Mini 4WD circuit to end on a high note. Fellow fans from my generation, this is sure to excite you!
Building and Racing with Friends and Family: Pure Fun!
What surprised me most was the number of young women participating. Mini 4WD used to be considered a “boys’ toy,” but times are clearly changing.
Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or just curious, this is a fun activity you shouldn’t miss. Give it a try!
