by
Robert Jacobsen

In a few days some of the best models in the country (the world?) will be on display at TamiyCon 2003. This is one of the premier modeling events of the year. If you haven't attended this contest in the past, you've missed out on a lot of fun.

To start with, the event is focused on everyone having fun. There's no charge and the Tamiya folks give away free prizes throughout each day of the event. It's a two-day event held every year at Tamiya's American Headquarters in beautiful Aliso Viejo in South Orang County, CA. Located on their company grounds is their main warehouse and RC test track. As an indication of what to expect, I'll describe what I saw last year.

First of all, get there early Saturday morning. It opens at 9 a.m. and you can expect a modeling demonstration by previous TamiyaCon Master Modelers starting at 10 a.m. If you bring models for competition, you can register them at the reception desk in the main building. At that time ask for a raffle ticket if the staff doesn't offer you one or forgets to. Competing modelers receive a different raffle ticket than those who are just spectators. The prizes can be substantial for the modelers and worth several hundred dollars. They will have everything from tools to model kits to raffle off during the day each day.

Before I forget, remember that this contest is for Tamiya models only. They can be converted into whatever, but they must be based on a Tamiya kit. The raffles are worth entering any Tamiya model you have, and they have every category of kit that they manufacture. A detailed list of categories can be found at www.tamiya.com. During lunchtime there will probably be hot dogs and hamburgers available to purchase (and eat!) by a local civic group. Last year it was the Boy Scouts of America. You can have lunch there or go out on the town for a more elaborate affair.

By now you have attended a couple of modeling demonstrations and watched the models pour into the competition. There's a main hall in the headquarters that houses every kit Tamiya has ever made. Every completed kit is displayed in glass cases. I like to call it the sacred hall of Tamiya. You will probably spend quite of bit of time browsing all the models on display. They will have some of their latest releases on display also.

Outside the main headquarters will be a great big tent full of models, books, tools and Tamiya wear at a substantial discount. Most stuff is at least 10% off if not 20% off. It's a lot of fun shopping for all your stuff there. I spent over two hundred dollars last year and will probably buy some more stuff this year. You can never have enough models in your private stock!

Mr. Tamiya will also make appearances outside the sales tent signing his book on modeling or anything else such as a Tamiya model or one that you built! The book is worth reading that describes the culture of Tamiya and how they got to be the premier organization that it is.

If you stay overnight, you can have a blast being out on the town. My wife and I turned the event into a weekend vacation. On Sunday the anticipation builds waiting for the judging. Mr. Tamiya participates in the judging himself and the modelers will be biting their fingernails when the staff starts announcing the winners. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes for each category and four Master Modeler awards. The Master awards include an all expense paid round trip to Japan! So, even if you don't have any models to enter, try to set aside at least Sunday if not Saturday and Sunday to view some of the best models in the country, maybe win a prize, and purchase some great products at a discount. See you there!

Click on the links below to see photo coverage of previous years by Dave Lindsay.