The Passing of a Giant - Goodbye Mr Shunsaku Tamiya

On July 18, 2025, Mr. Shunsaku Tamiya, the second-generation successor to the Tamiya Incorporation, passed away, signalling the end of an era. Under his helm, Mr Shunsaku Tamiya elevated his family's business to new heights and delighted many hobbyists around the world with Tamiya's high-quality products. I count myself very fortunate to have been able to interact with him numerous times at the annual Shizuoka Hobby Show. In our brief exchanges, his indomitable spirit echoes through his words as he speaks not only about his passion for scale models but also the strong desire to craft beautiful experiences for all hobbyists. It is therefore with a heavy heart that I pen this blog post to honour a great man whose vision and drive have created much joy and happy memories for many scale modellers such as myself. Goodbye, Mr Shunsaku Tamiya. You have made a big difference.

Calvin

Bewährungsbataillon 500

Wehrmacht penal units (Strafbataillon) are rather obscure subjects that have appeared in popular culture like the novels of Sven Hassel, movies like Stalingrad (1993) and the TV series Generation War (2013).

I had always wanted portray such a subject and it was not until my imagination was sparked by the Goliath operator from Tamiya's Assault Team and Goliath Set (MM35357) that I went ahead.

As far as the narrative goes, I planned to depict the character in his element - on a mine clearing detail. I picked out a suitable character head from the Hornet Models range sculpted by Roger Saunders and replaced the right arm taken from the rider figure from Tamiya's KS600 Motorcycle and Side Car set (MM35384). The hands and TM-41 Soviet land mine are from HD Models of Italy.

The figure is presented on a round wooden plinth from Il Basetta of Italy - adding a touch of elegance to the figure.

Cheers,

Calvin

561st Volksgrenadier Division, East Prussia 1944

Another one completed for the month of August. 

Cheers,

Calvin

561st Volksgrenadier Division, East Prussia 1944

Over the past week, I have been intermittently working on this minor figure conversion based on Tamiya's most recent German Late War Infantry Set. I swapped out the stock face for another from Tamiya's Wehrmacht Tank Crew Set and replaced the right hand to grip onto the Panzerfaust (the set provides two extra Panzerfausts). The groundwork is made up of miscellaneous items found in my scrap box. 

Cheers,

Calvin 

Late WWII German Infantry Set from Tamiya

The fourth figure has been completed ahead of next weekend's show in Penang. 

This set will officially launch in Japan on June 17.

https://www.tamiya.com/japan/products/35382/index.html

 

Cheers,

Calvin

Late WWII German Infantry Set from Tamiya

Here are some work-in-progress (WIP) shots of the commander figure from Tamiya's upcoming German Infantry Set (Late War), scheduled to be released on June 17. In order to enhance the appearance of the experienced Oberfeldwebel, I have added the Crimean Shield, Close Combat Clasp, Tank Destruction Badges, and Infantry Assault Badge from Rado Miniatures (RDM35PE04). 

Cheers,

Calvin

All Engines Go for the 2023 Shizuoka Hobby Show

 Compact travelling for this weekend's show.

Cheers,

Calvin

20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Battle of Tannenberg Line, 1944

More images.....

Cheers,

Calvin

20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Battle of Tannenberg Line, 1944

I have finally placed the finishing touches to this figure ahead of next weekend's Shizuoka Hobby Show.

Cheers,

Calvin

20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (estnische Nr. 1). Battle of Tannenberg Line, 1944

This is a 1/35 scale conversion based on Tamiya's upcoming release German Infantry Set Late WW2.  I replaced the original face with the one from the US Tankcrew Set (ETO). The collar tabs are taken from Rado Miniatures whereas the eagle patch and chevron on the shoulder are from Archer Transfers. The sleeve shield is made from thinly rolled putty and painted with  Estonia's national colours of blue, black and white. The belt buckle is sculpted from Miliput Super Fine. Painting is done with AK Gen 3 acrylics. 

Cheers,

Calvin