Tamiya Robocraft Series No.9 Mechanical Tiger (4-Legged Walking Type) is overly interesting!

Don't you think it would be interesting if you could assemble a robot with your own hands and actually move it? What lets you savor such real pleasure of crafting to the fullest is “Robocraft Series No.9 Mechanical Tiger (4-Legged Walking Type).” This kit themed on a tiger calmly walking through the jungle holds a unique mechanism advancing while moving 4 legs as its charm. Differing from models merely gazing at completed products, the joy of combining parts one by one to give birth to a robot that moves by yourself waits. What's more, clear yellow bodies are impressive, letting you enjoy a mechanical atmosphere different from general animal-type models as well. If a craft lover, expectations seem likely to swell even before assembling.

What we want to pay attention to particularly in this Mechanical Tiger is the structure interlocking front and rear legs utilizing motor power. Inside, motor rotations are transmitted to front legs through cranks, and furthermore rear legs also move via link rods in this mechanism. In other words, converting rotating power into reciprocating motion of legs. While it might feel a little difficult with words alone, if verifying while assembling the real object, you should feel the principle of machines moving more familiar. Transparent gearboxes being adopted is a delightful point too. Because eyes can be turned toward internal mechanisms that tend to be hidden usually, it becomes an opportunity to deepen interest in robot structures, not merely playing.

Some might worry saying “Doesn't assembling robots require specialized tools or difficult wiring?” But this kit considers ease of approach too. Basic work advances by fitting parts and fixing with screws, adopting a method using rubber pipes for electrical wiring. Not requiring complex soldering, being able to assemble relatively easily is the feature. Furthermore, because screwdrivers used for work are attached as well, the burden of gathering tools from scratch can be suppressed. Major parts such as gearboxes, motors, and reverse switches are set together, so if preparing 1 necessary AA battery, you can enjoy movement after completion. For those wanting to challenge craft-making, it can be called an attractive introductory kit.

In Mechanical Tiger, there is an unmissable feature of being able to select 4 types of stride lengths. Even in the same robot, by changing settings you can observe what differences are born in how feet are carried. For example, changing stride lengths to compare ways of advancing, or gazing at states of operation thoroughly seems fun too. Total length of the main body is approximately 155mm, weight 105g, being compact and easy-to-handle size even on desks and such. ABS resin-made bodies, coupled with colorings with sense of transparency, produce personality typical of machine models. In places where various ideas are incorporated into small main bodies, depth unique to robot crafting can be felt.

If completing it at great effort, you come to want to make it walk in various places, don't you? However, what Mechanical Tiger is good at is flat floor surfaces such as flooring. Because it cannot move smoothly on slopes, uneven places, or long-pile carpets, a little caution is necessary for play environments. On the other hand, if utilizing attached roller stays, another way of playing by running on Mini 4WD courses is possible. Being able to discover fun different from usual floor running is delightful, isn't it? Running time when using alkaline batteries is set at approximately 2 hours, being a specification where you can thoroughly enjoy movements of completed robots.

“Robocraft Series No.9 Mechanical Tiger (4-Legged Walking Type)” is an attractive item combining the loveliness of animal-type robots and the fun of machine crafting. Learning structures in the process of assembling parts, and being able to enjoy states where 4 legs interlock after completion, you can taste different discoveries with one kit. Not to mention people interested in robot crafting, it is a product we want people wanting to enjoy craft-making as parents and children or wanting to collect moving models to pay attention to as well. A small tiger born with your own hands advances step by step in front of your eyes. Precisely the sense of achievement felt at that moment is likely the major charm unique to this Mechanical Tiger, isn't it?