Kyosho: Everything you need to know
There are many various brands of model cars on the market nowadays, and you may be unsure which one to choose. If you enjoy sports and recreation, you’ll undoubtedly desire the best model car available, right? Kyosho is one of the brands that make model and RC cars, and it’s an option you might consider.
Kyosho is a Japanese manufacturer of model cars. They are known for producing a high-quality, sturdy, and detailed car, plane, helicopter, and boat models. They have been around since 1963 making them one of Japan’s oldest model RC vehicle manufacturers.
So, the major question is: how excellent are Kyosho models? This is a crucial question to ask, especially if you’ve never engaged with the brand before. Thus, this article will talk about Kyosho as a whole especially about their company, are their models good, and what happened to Kyosho.
Are Kyosho models good?
Kyosho models are good and their models have been tested through time. Their models and RC cars are quite sturdy, durable, and overall less maintenance compared to others. This makes them a brand that collectors are usually eager to get their hands on.
The brief answer to this issue is that these cars are excellent, especially considering the company’s history of more than 50 years.
With such a wealth of knowledge in the field, certain characteristics make these cars a popular choice among model and RC car collectors.
Here are some of the qualities that distinguish Kyosho models.
The history of the brand
If you’re a brand loyalist, Kyosho will pique your curiosity.
It’s undoubtedly one of the RC vehicle firms that have been around for a long time.
Since its beginning in 1963, the firm has maintained its reputation as a respected RC car manufacturer.
Kyosho is a brand that has been around for a long time and produces high-quality products.
If you have the same attitude toward model cars as I do, Kyosho is a brand you can trust.
The fact that the brand has stayed popular in the sector for so long indicates that it has a sizable enough market share to keep it going.
Furthermore, its determination to remain relevant in the business is demonstrated by its continued investment in high-quality RC cars based on the demands and tastes of many consumers.
Without a doubt, this is an important aspect to consider for any RC car enthusiast.
Durability
A long-lasting product will always increase its overall value.
You wouldn’t want to invest in a model or RC car that will be destroyed even after a minor collision, would you?
The good news is that Kyosho model and RC cars are built to be durable and can endure harsh crashes.
After hitting multiple hard surfaces, not all RC racing cars can maintain their condition.
As a result, Kyosho RC cars are favored by a large number of RC car enthusiasts.
The quality of the elements that go into making these cars is one of the most critical factors that contribute to their high level of longevity.
If your RC car can stay in shape for a longer period, this is a feature that should set it apart from the competition. As a result, if you’re seeking a durable RC car, a Kyosho RC car is a good option.
Efficiency in terms of cost
The concept of cost-effectiveness is extremely important to users.
An RC car may be costly when purchased, but the expense or cost of maintaining it decreases as you use it.
Isn’t this the kind of car you’d like to buy? Kyosho RC cars are cost-effective since they require less maintenance.
What makes it less expensive than other brands?
It is a money saver because it does not require frequent part replacement or servicing.
Its high level of durability allows it to last a long period in good condition.
If you’ve ever used a product that requires regular maintenance, you’ve probably seen how costly it is to keep it running.
As a result, it appears to be a candidate to avoid if you don’t have the financial means to care for it.
Kyosho RC cars will undoubtedly provide you with the cost-effectiveness you want in a racing car. As a result, think about it and save your money for something else.
Where are Kyosho models made?
Kyosho is a Japanese model automobile manufacturer based in Tokyo.
KYOSHO is the international brand name for the company. The company’s main office is in Tokyo’s Chiyoda district, while the production headquarters are in Kanagawa’s Atsugi.
The company offers a wide range of products, including radio-controlled cars, planes, helicopters, and boats, and is one of Japan’s oldest model RC vehicle manufacturers.
Kyosho also makes die-cast model vehicles that are extremely detailed.
Tamiya is their main competition in the RC car business.
Since the 1980s and 1990s, Kyosho has avoided confrontation with Tamiya in the hobby-grade RC vehicle industry, focusing instead on professional 1/8 scale racing buggies, the Mini-Z series, and RC helicopters, all of which Kyosho dominates today.
The Inferno, its 1/8 scale racing buggies; Mini-Z series; and RC helicopters are the company’s most well-known products, but it also makes remote-controlled bipedal robots in the Manoi series.
What happened to Kyosho?
Kyosho has been in financial trouble since 2013 and was in a dip in 2017 before being purchased by a Japanese investment bank in 2018. Since then, they’ve been reorganizing. They are currently struggling due to shipping docks, labor and union issues on both ends, international shipping, and chaos.
About Kyosho
Kyosho is a Japanese firm that specializes in diecast models, while it is also recognized for its radio-operated toys.
It specializes in 1:18 scale replicas in diecast, although it also produces 1:43 and 1:12 model automobiles.
Kyosho enjoys creating both modern and historic topics, particularly British ones: it has produced replicas of Mini, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Triumph automobiles.
It has produced models for Lamborghini, Lancia, Porsche, BMW, and De Tomaso for European automobiles.
Kyosho’s 1:18 reproductions used to have opening sections, but they now create sealed bodyshell versions to save money. Its models have a consistently high quality.
The firm was founded in October 1963, and its first trademarked R/C car was released in 1970. Die-cast model vehicles were first produced in 1992.
“Only the things I love”
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So, here are the things I love when taking care of my Diecast Models.
Cleaning the Models
The first we are going to talk about is cleaning the models.
Removing Dust
- Air Brush – For me, this is the best since it not just removes dust but you can use it in painting/clear coating.
- Air Duster – This is a good alternative to Airbrush
- Normal Brush – If you are short on budget, you can use a normal brush. However, make sure that the brush has soft bristles because there are some hard brushes than can cause scratches. That’s why I recommended a good brush that can do the job properly.
Cleaning and Shining Hacks
Well, here are some of my cleaning hacks for removing scratches, oxidation, and so much more.
- Removing Decal Adhesive – Use Goo Gone on those hard-to-remove decal adhesives. It works fast and works like charm!
- Waxing and Polishing – Here is something a lot of people don’t know. Waxing protects the clear coat and paint while polishing shines the model. Instead of buying it separately, use a 2 in 1 to save money. Get this instead.
- Beginner Wax – The wax I recommended earlier is good and provides the best results based on my experience. But a beginner might have a problem especially if they’re not good at applying wax. Solid wax reaching hard to reach surface can be hard to remove. You have two choices here. One is to use a qtips to reach those surfaces, another is to use a liquid wax I recommended.
- Cleaning Wheels, Rubber, Plastic – Do not forget that rubber and plastic surface are quite different, especially in the cleaning process. Just wiping it down won’t do the job. That’s why I use Meguiar’s Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner. Works like charm!
- Make the Wheels Shine! – Making our models look good won’t be complete without tiny details such as shiny wheels! Do not forget this because however small this is, the difference can be as big as night and day.
- Remove Scratches Easily – Tiny scratches are not the end for your model. Here is a simple trick I’ve been using to make my models look scratch-free even without repainting. Use T-Cut.
Painting the Models
Painting Tools
Make sure when you paint models, have these ready.
- Tape – A tape is important if you are painting a straight line. Furthermore, it will prevent your paint to scatter on other parts. I recommend Tamiya Tape since it is really made for models. Furthermore, they stick really well preventing paint splatters.
- Brush (Beginner) – Find a good set of brushes to paint your models. Of course, you can opt for an airbrush but it’s quite expensive.
- Airbrush (Intermediate/Expert) – This will yield a significantly better result than an ordinary brush because you can easily spray the paint evenly. I recommend this if you know what you’re doing.
- Stand(Optional) – Stands are good because it can be hard to manually hold the models while painting. It is optional but in my opinion, the price is well worth it for the comfort it gives.
- Drop Cloths – Drop Cloths will protect your surroundings from the paint.
- Primer – The most common beginner mistake I see is painting models without any Primer. A primer will prevent imperfections such as bubbles or paint not sticking to your models. It is a small price to pay for quality results.
- Clear Coat – A clear coat will protect the paint of your models. This will make the paint last longer. Also, it is the one responsible for making your models shine.
Paints
Of course, you can’t do painting properly without paint. So here are the ones I recommend.
- Acrylic Paint – Good for beginners because it dries quickly. However, it doesn’t produce results as good as enamel paint.
- Enamel Paint – Provides a good quality finish and longer-lasting paint. However, it takes longer to dry and requires expertise to use.
Model Maintenance
Model Storage
- Simple Wood Cabinet – While it doesn’t let you display your models, wooden cabinets are good storage for these models. For one, they are not heat conductors which means that the temperature inside will remain constant and remain cool. Furthermore, they prevent light from reaching the models which can cause oxidation.
- Clear Cabinet with Lock – If you want to display your models, then I recommend this. It closes so dust won’t easily get to your models. I also recommend you don’t put more than 1 model in each compartment since metals are good conductors of heat.
Model Photography
So you want to show off your models to others? Well, I got you covered.
Here is my beginner-friendly model photography tutorial that teaches everything from taking pictures to the editing process.
You will also see me doing hands-on photography in that tutorial.
Here is the link: How to Take Pictures of a Diecast Model or Model Kit | Helpful Illustrated and Video Guide
