Netvouz’s Home

Tiger I is possibly the most widely known tank in the world. It is original the common name of a German heavy tank of World War II. The initial official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausführung H (abbreviated PzKpfw VI Ausf. H, Ausführung is German for “version”) but the tank was redesignated as Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. E in March 1943. The tank also had the ordnance inventory designation SdKfz 181.

The Tiger I was in use from late 1942 until the German surrender in 1945. At a meeting with Hitler on 26th May, 1941, the planning for the development of a new heavy tank begun. During that meeting, Hitler ordered for the creation of heavy Panzers which were to have an increased effectiveness to penetrate enemy tanks; possess heavier armor than was previously achieved; and attain a maximum speed of at least 40km/h. These key decisions led to the development of a new heavy tank, the Tiger 1 tank and ultimately the King Tiger.It was given its “Tiger” nickname by Ferdinand Porsche (the Roman numeral was added after the Tiger II was produced). The design served as the basis for other armoured vehicles, the Sturmtiger heavy self-propelled gun and the Bergetiger amoured recovery vehicle. It had armor between 25 mm and 100 mm in thickness.

The Tiger differed from earlier German tanks principally in its design philosophy. Its predecessors balanced mobility, protection, and firepower. They were sometimes outgunned by their opponents.

The Tiger I represented a new approach that emphasised firepower and armour at the expense of mobility. Design studies for a new heavy tank had been started in the late 1930s, without any production planning. The real impetus for the Tiger was provided by the quality of the Soviet T-34. Although the general design and layout were broadly similar to the previous medium tank the Panzer IV, the Tiger weighed more than twice as much. This was due to its substantially thicker armour, the larger main gun, and the consequently greater volume of fuel and ammunition storage, larger engine, and more solidly-built transmission and suspension.

Not surprisingly the Tiger 1 has secured a place in military history not only as the most feared tank of its time but also as a revolutionary design. Many of its best design features can still be seen in modern tanks. With its many variants the Tiger makes a very interesting model in 1/6th scale and the perfect scene in which to set-up your Dragon tank commanders!

Investing in a wardrobe for work is a good investment in yourself and your future.  Remember that casual wear doesn’t always work for the office, and accessories that look smashing for a night on the town may not be appropriate from 9 to 5. You can’t go wrong with neutral colors such as gray, navy, and black. If you start with an outfit that is well tailored and looks put together, then you can add accents and accessories that still let the you shine through.

Here are some ways you can add some personality to your work wardrobe:

Choose shoes, jewelry, watches and belts from such classic materials as leather, silver and gold. You can add some spunk to your suit with what you put on underneath it. Choose a blouse or shell in a contrasting color or a fun print.

Purchase a couple versatile pieces: build a foundation with a tailored, all season suit in a neutral color (black, chocolate brown, slate gray), a pair of black dress pants, a couple of white blouses, a pencil skirt, as well as some other tops, trousers and skirts.

Knee-length, short sleeve dresses are always in style and are the quickest way to get pulled together in the morning. Pair them with a different jacket or sweater and you can sport the same dress once or twice a week with creative accessorizing.

The right bag and shoes can add panache to an outfit that is otherwise less than exciting. Choose colors that pop against the more neutral tones of your base garments.

While it is important your shoes are comfortable you can still pick a shoe that sets itself apart with a special touch such as a buckle, bow, or bright color.

Your fabulous fashion sense will peek through when you top neat hair with a funky flowered or beaded headband.

Making slight changes in your hairstyle freshens up your look. If you usually wear your hair in waves, try straightening it for a day, or vice versa. This can be a noticeable change and prevent you from looking the same everyday.

Minichamps is a die-cast car producer founded as Paul’s Model Art GmbH in 1990 in Germany. The first Minichamps diecast model was created in 1990 (scale 1/43): Audi V8, driver Hans-Joachim Stuck, German Touring Car Champion 1990. The company officially changed its name to Minichamps GmbH in 1996. It produces die-cast models of the following categories: Formula 1, Racing cars, Street Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks & Buses, Military vehicles.

The excellent quality of Minichamps’ die-cast models has been appreciated not only by car manufacturers, many of whom, like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and BMW, have entrusted Minichamps with the production of official car replicas, but also by model car collectors. In fact some of their 1/43 scale models are amongst the most sought after and most expensive die-cast cars. Maybe the best example is the McLaren F1 GTR West Promotion model made by Minichamps as a promo for the West cigarette company and which trades for well over $1000 on ebay. Another rare item produced by Minichamps was the Michael Schumacher Benetton B195 #17 which was recalled after an error was found: it can fetch over £1000.

A small line of 1:64 models was introduced but later discontinued. The line was  called “Micro Champs” and included a series “Michael Schumacher”, “McLaren”, but were sold separately as well.

RC toys are a popular kind of toys that are funny and educational. RC for kids is a very fast-growing (pardon the pun…) sector of the radio control market. Getting your child a radio control product at an early age is a great way to get the co-ordination and reflexes going - in much the same way as gaming consoles do, but without the damaging strain on the eyes!  They can spark the imagination, help develop manual dexterity, and teach cause and effect.

Often in the market there are toy-grade RC toys and hobby-grade RC toys. They are designed for different age groups’ children. Toy-grade RCs generally cost less, are less complicated and are often designed with kids in mind. Hobby-grade toys are comparatively more expensive and require skill to operate. For kids about 6 years old, it’s best to start with a basic RC toy car or truck. These are the most basic RC toys available. A large majority of hobbyists start off buying RTR models and then move on to purchasing more advanced models. If your kid just can’t get enough of trucks, choose a nitro, monster, mini or and electric model. Smaller RC toys, including micros and minis, fit little hands, are easy-to-store and make good take-along toys for vacations and trips to grandma’s house - as long as the child is mature enough not to put them in their mouths and to keep them away from much younger siblings.

When buying a RC toy, look for RC toys with flashing lights, colorful paint jobs or decals (especially ones the child can apply). Honking horns, ringing bells, or engine sounds are extras that kids enjoy. RC toys with a popular cartoon / TV show theme — like Batman, Barbie, or the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard — or that look like alien craft appeal to some children more than true-to-life models.

Durability is another vital factor of RC toys. Toys with heavy-duty tires and bodies are long-lasting. In general, trucks and cars are more durable than airplanes.

Be aware of the types of conditions that the toy can handle. Some RC cars are built tough to tackle grass, rocks, dirt, snow and other conditions while others are really only meant for racing on flat pavement. Often you can tell what kind of conditions a toy can handle based on the tires it has; the large, knubby ones are best for rougher conditions (off-road cars ) and the small, smooth ones are meant for street use (on-road ).

Tamiya Incorporated (株式会社タミヤ Kabushiki gaisha Tamiya?) is a Japanese manufacturer of plastic model kits, radio controlled cars, battery- and solar-powered educational models, sailboat models, acrylic and enamel model paints, and various modeling tools and supplies. The company was founded by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, Japan in 1946.

The metal models were produced from plans which had the concept of being “easy to understand and build, even for beginners.” Even the box art was consistent with this throughout the company. It had the best developing power in Japan. In the same vein as everybody being able to build the models, they made the parts accurate and with a high degree of detail.

The company has gained a reputation among hobbyists of producing models of outstanding quality and accurate scale detail, a philosophy reflected directly on the company’s logo “First in Quality Around the World” as well as winning on a regular basis each year, the prestigious Modell des Jahres (Model of the Year) award, hosted by the German magazine Model Fan.

At first, Tamiya produced metal molds, but had delays and unclear pricing, which led to trouble. Then they scouted metal mold craftsmen and in 1964 started their Metal Molds division. Starting in 1966, they transferred a number of craftsmen to the Mold Manufacturing Factory. They slowly gained the know-how and came to make molds for Tamiya. Today, CAD has also been introduced into the process.

Tamiya was known by their extremely high accuracy of their molds, and that influenced even the condition of the products after they were assembled. In a time when Tamiya manufactured plastic models using mold craftsmen’s skills and earlier plans, other companies’ products’ detail bolts were represented by simple hemispheric protuberances while Tamiya represented bolts more accurately as hexagonal posts. This level of detail and thoroughness with which they produced their models earned them a reputation even overseas.

In 1976, Tamiya entered the RC market with their first RC model, the Porsche 934 Turbo RSR Now, having just passed the 30th Anniversary of the first Tamiya RC model, they are sold in markets both within the country and worldwide. Cultivating skill by all the RC cars they had made until now, they decided to revive the experience in a limited release of models to commemorate their 30 years in the RC business in December 2006. They recently released their flagship model, mustering all their skill into the Porsche Turbo RSR 934 Racing Edition, which had been a part of the developing phase of Tamiya’s RC career.

Individual Wikipedia articles exist for each of the following models: Countach Competition Special, Super Champ, Ford F-150 Ranger, Toyota Hilux 4×4, Chevrolet Blazing Blazer, Hilux 4×4 High-lift, Mountaineer, Ford F-350 High-lift, Can-Am Lola Racing Master Mk.1, Subaru Brat, Lancia Rally, Grasshopper, Mighty Frog, Wild One, Hornet, Hotshot, Desert Gator, Sand Viper, Avante, Avante 2001, Top Force, Dyna Storm, Dark Impact, Keen Hawk, Avante Mk. II, Twin Detonator, Wild Dagger, Double Blaze, Blackfoot Xtreme, Clod Buster, TXT1, Tamtech Series, Terra Crusher, TNX (Tamiya), TNX 5.2R, Nitrage 5.2.

Kyosho created the first RC car in Japan but they are known world-wide for their RC vehicles and racing. Kyosho Corporation (京商株式会社 Kyōshō Kabushiki Kaisha?) is a model car company based in Tokyo, Japan. The company was created in October, 1963, and created its first trademark R/C car in 1970. Production of die-cast model cars began in 1992. The brand operates internationally under the name KYOSHO. The company’s main office is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and the production headquarters are located in Atsugi, Kanagawa.

The company is one of the oldest model car makers in Japan, and produces a wide variety of products, including radio-controlled cars, planes, helicopters, and boats. Kyosho also produces highly detailed die-cast model cars. Its major competitor in the RC automobile market is Tamiya. Kyosho has avoided direct competition against Tamiya in the hobby grade RC cars market since the 80s and 90s, where Tamiya was most active, focusing instead on designing professional 1/8 scale racing buggies, Mini-Z series, and RC helicopters; areas in which Kyosho dominates today. The company is best known for its 1/8 scale competition buggies, Mini-Z series, and RC helicopters, but it also produces remote-controlled bipedal robots in the Manoi series.

Some of the top pick Diecast Model Car producers:

Auto Art: Auto Art produce a massive line of scale models, more than 450 of them in 1:18 scale. Other scales they produce include 1:12, 1:43, 1:64 as well as 1:24 and 1:32 slot cars. Auto Art mainly produce current model cars including some racing models and they range from £25- £40 in 1:18 scale.

Classical Motor Cars: They create 1:18 scale classic European cars with varying detail. They also make cars in 1:12 and 1:24 scales. 1:18 scale diecast model cars range from £50 to £125.

Exoto: Exoto specialize in highly detailed collectible race cars from the trendiest racing series. The diecast model cars incorporate opening doors, full suspension and detailed engines. They produce diecast model car series like Grand Prix, Racing legends, Can Am First Heat series, Hum Vees. The prices range from £50- £250 (1:18 scale models).

Kyosho: Kyosho are another wide ranging producer of 1:18 scale cars. They mainly produce racing model cars and airplanes. The prices range from £25 - £40

Maisto: Maisto is a mainstream producer of diecast model cars. They produce current model cars and race cars including GT Racing, Special Edition and Premier Edition model ranges. The price starts from £15 - £45 for most of 1:18 scale.

Choro-Q (チョロQ?) is a series of Japanese 3-4 cm long pullback toy cars first made by Takara in 1978, and sold extensively in Western markets as Penny Racers. The name comes from the Japanese word “Choro-choro” which means “dash around” and an abbreviation of “cute” which in it’s Japanese adaptation connotes both the aesthetic meaning and also the meaning of petite in size. The Choro-Q car designs are largely based on illustrations by Yasuhiro Nakamura (中村安広) who also design its covers for books and videogames.

Most Choro-Q feature real rubber tires (usually with larger ones on the rear) and the characteristic coil-spring pullback motor. Also, each Choro-Q is a “cute” squeezed design caricature of the actual vehicle it represents. This type of caricature is also known as “deformed scale” as it gives the car a foreshortened or deformed appearance. What is also distinct about the cars is the slot at the rear, where a small coin can be inserted for the wheelie effect.

The first Choro-Q cars were more geared toward children, with primary colors and low detail. They have grown more sophisticated over time and now are for the most part cast in a uniform clear, colored or smoked resin plastic which is then painted, thus leaving the windshields and headlights, etc. transparent for added realism. From early on, Takara offered accessories and various spare parts and modification parts, including different motors to give a higher speed. Recently the newer Choro-Q are sold from the factory with various styles of spring-wound motors, including slow (for trucks and machinery), normal (for normal cars), and fast (for sports cars). There is even a 2-speed motor that starts out slow and then shifts to a higher gear.

The Choro Q video games are a series of console games based on Takara’s Choro Q toy cars (also known as Penny Racers in English-speaking markets). The games have been localised for Western release under many different names, including Gadget Racers, Penny Racers and Road Trip. ChoroQ combines the best elements of a hi-octane racing game and role playing game into an experience unlike any other. Players gradually earn upgrades to their miniature, customizable vehicles, by meeting challenges and winning races. The game was developed by the toys’ manufacturer, Takara, and is brought to the U.S. by Atlus as a PS2 exclusive.

Mini-Z is a brand name for a popular line of 1:28-scale electric radio-controlled cars manufactured by Kyosho Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of various radio-controlled devices. The Kyosho Mini-Z Series is the #1 line of 1:24-1:28 scale electric RC cars and trucks. It has single-handedly changed the face of micro scale racing. From the intimidating Mini-Z Monster & F1 to the Mini-Z MR-02, the ultimate racing platform, no RC in any scale can match the detail and true-to-life quality of the Mini-Z Collection.

The Kyosho mini-z creates a big interest in small scale mini rc cars. At 1/28 scale, these mini remote control cars are as big as your hand, yet are fully proportional, giving you full control in accelerating and turning. And each battery charge can last up to 1 hour of playing fun! The typical Kyosho Mini-Z street racer is around 6.4 inches long, and 2.8 inches wide, depending on the model.

The popularity of Mini-Z is partly due to the relatively low cost of the stock car compared to 1/10 scale RC racing and the small space requirement. This is all relative though as a fully adjustable Mini-Z with high power motor, upgraded electronics and radio, suspension and exotic material support parts can easily end up on the expense level of some of the larger scales of RC racing. However, unlike 1/10 scale racing, a moderately modifed mini-z can be fully competitive.

In the United States, the biggest race is the PN Racing World Cup event. They start with regional races held around the country every year that concludes with the world cup final. It is amazing to watch the best drivers compete in the finals of the higher levels of national and international competition. The speed and size of the car requires high driving skills and quick reaction. Similar to most RC car racing, driving skill is just as important as equipment. Another popular race is the online HFAY racing series. Each local club or individual builds his or her race track using standard RCP track component and post their time on the internet. This innovative racing formal allows racers from different part of the country or even the world to compete in the same event.

Tomica (トミカ) is the line of die-cast toy vehicles and related products that Tomy Co. of Japan produces. Tomy Co. of Japan was founded in the late 1920’s and produced various toys throughout its existence, but it’s not until 1970 when they realized the surge of interest in die-cast cars that they started to produce Tomica. Although Tomica of various scales have been made, the term “Tomica” when used alone refers to the 3-inch models. Regular Tomica refers to the mainstream Tomica sold at the regular price—domestic series, foreign series, or common series, depending on the time of release.

The Tomica Domestic Line

Initially, Tomy only produced Japanese cars. This started out with the concurrent release of 6 models in 1970. The seventh model was issued later in 1970. From then on, the Tomica line grew in number until there was a total of 109 concurrently-sold models in 1978—no.1 – 108 plus no.110. The first no.109 model was proposed and seen in catalogue but was never realized. The variety of models also expanded from the initial coupes and saloons to taxis, buses, lorries, work vehicles and other commercial vehicles, to even steam engine and an ocean cruiser. As new models were issued, each was assigned a number within 1 to 110, thus replacing the existing model. The replaced model was called a discontinued model. In the early 1980’s, Tomy experienced financial difficulties. Subsequently, the domestic model line was down sized to only 80 models (no.1 – 80) in 1983. These models were mainly packaged in picture boxes. At first, the boxes used a black background. Since 1984, each new model came with a new style box with red-and-white background, while existing models issued before 1984 kept using the older style box with black background until 1988, when all boxes were updated to the new style. Hence, domestic models are commonly referred to as the “black box” or “red-and-white Box” models depending on their boxes.

Tomica Foreign Series

During the first six years of production, Tomy based their original line of superbly modeled and highly detailed Tomicas entirely on Japanese vehicles. Although this line experienced significant growth through the seventies, it lacked a strong worldwide appeal since many people outside of Japan weren’t entirely captivated by such Japanese vehicles like the Nissan Laurel 2000GX or the Fuso container truck. Imagine that ! In order to appeal to the tastes of a wider world market, Tomy introduced a special ‘F’ series in distinctive packaging in 1976. As some of you may guess, the ‘F’ in ‘F’ series stood for foreign vehicles, albeit as in foreign to the Japanese. The debut line of foreign vehicles consisted of eighteen models based on popular English, German, and American vehicles. As a result of this release’s success, 1977 saw the line expanded to thirty two models, including two vehicles from Italy, the Lancia Stratos and the Fiat X1/9. In 1978, as the number of foreign models increased to fifty two, France made its mark in the line with the addition of the Citroen SM and the Alpine Renault A442 Turbo. Ultimately, by 1979, the ‘F’ series grew to a healthy seventy models. Like their domestic Japanese brethren, the ‘F’ series were beautiful works of art - all sporting excellent attention to detail, sturdy construction, and vibrant, rich paint.

Something else about Tomica including : Long Tomica, Combat Tomica, Tomica Dandy, Motorized Tomica, Pullback Tomica, R/C Tomica, Tomica Limited Vintage, Specialized Character Tomica, Specialty Products, Tomica Town.

Tomica has been the best-selling toy since the birth in 1970 in Japan. The kids who were keen on these vehicle models become father now. Has been tested by 2 generations, both kids and adults like it very much.

Tomica is so hot as the follow reasons: first, the moderate price and as ingenious as the prototype; second, it produces new models every month, even for the new types can often change with the latest models.

In 1970, all the mini-cars in Japan are advance are imported from Europe and the United States, and there were only vehicles imported from Europe and the United States in the market. How to maintain the same fine with Europe and the United States and drop the price that children can maintain? Pushed by this desire, toy company TOMY developed Tomica. Though the emergence of the nearly the same and cheaper mini-cars later in the market, the details are rough obviously and few can develop new models every month. 

In Japan, as an agreement in the family, parents usually give the child a Tomica as reward when the child does good deed. Then the child will do better to be a good kid. Even you can send Tomica to your who love cars as a gift, definitely it’s a surprise and he will love you than ever before.

Mr.M is a Japan company’s employer. He can’t often stay with his son because his work need him often fly to various parts of the world. So he feels sorry to his son.

Before every business trip, Mr. M will put a Tomica beside his son’s pillow and such a letter: “Daddy will be a few days off. When I am not in, do what your mother tell you and get well along with other children. Put your toys when you’ve finished playing. Don’t leave food on your plate .Be a good kid, and I will bring you a Tomica when I’m back.”And then take a Tomica out which he will reward his con when he comes back. In his business trip he will call his son and says:“ I’m looking for Tomica.” After back the father gives a Tomica to his son as if he takes it from abroad. It’s a habit now. To the son, getting his daddy’s gift-Tomica is such a happy thing and makes him forget the sense of loneliness. And the child think finding Tomica on abroad is his father’s job. So Tomica become the essential toys to deepen Mr. M and his five-year old son’s love.