Tamiya 71112 Mechanical Racehorse STEM Kit  [71112]

Tamiya 71112 Mechanical Racehorse: Hands-on Gallop Project

The Tamiya 71112 Mechanical Racehorse gives builders a practical STEM project that combines model making with visible mechanics. Part of the Tamiya Robocraft Series, it balances educational value and playful interaction while showcasing a mechanical gallop in a compact kit.

Mechanics and Motion

This racehorse uses a leg linkage where left and right limbs move together to improve balance and speed. It achieves about 1.3 times the pace of the earlier mechanical rabbit through a refined wheelbase and improved leg geometry. Power travels from the motor to the legs through link rods, and the kit supports two selectable running modes for varied motion patterns.

Build Notes and Ease of Assembly

Assembly is approachable, relying on a mix of screws and snap-fit components to keep the process straightforward. Wires are fitted with pre-marked ends to simplify connections, making the Tamiya 71112 suitable for younger builders with some supervision or for classroom STEM sessions.

Personalise and Display

The main body uses transparent orange plastic so you can watch the internal mechanism as it moves. Included are three sticker sheets to customise the horse mask, racing number, and jockey colours so each build can be personalised for display or friendly races.

Running Surface Advice

For reliable performance run the model on flat, smooth floors. Avoid steep inclines, uneven paths, or deep-pile carpets that can impede the mechanism and reduce running consistency.