Overview
The Tamiya Walking & Swimming Penguin is an amphibious motorized model kit from the Educational Construction Series. It recreates the motion of a penguin both on land and in water.
A link mechanism turns the rotation of the included submarine motor into leg and flipper movement. On land, the penguin stands on three wheels (one on each leg and one at the center of the lower abdomen) and moves forward by swinging its body. In water, it swims with its flippers while a float at the neck keeps its head above the surface. You can adjust its direction on land and in water.
Key Features
- Amphibious: walks on land and swims in water
- Link mechanism drives the legs and flippers from one submarine motor
- Three-wheel stance on land, with the body swinging forward like a waddling penguin
- Neck float keeps the head above water while swimming
- Adjustable direction on land and in water
- Plastic parts can be painted
Performance Benefits
- One motor powers both land and water movement, so there is no switching between modes
- The exposed link mechanism shows how rotary motion becomes reciprocating motion
- Adjustable direction lets you steer it around a bath, pool or table
Usage Notes
- This is an assembly kit, not a radio-controlled model; it runs by itself once switched on
- Suitable as a STEM and mechanical learning project; younger builders should work with an adult
- Use on flat, smooth surfaces and in calm water such as a bath or small pool
- Dry the model and remove the battery after running it in water
- Parts can be painted before or after assembly for a custom finish
Technical Specs
- Brand: Tamiya
- Item No.: 70271
- Series: Educational Construction Series
- Type: Amphibious walking and swimming motorized kit
- Motor: Submarine motor (included)
- Power: 1 AAA battery (not included)
- Drive: Link mechanism driving legs, wheels and flippers
What's Included
- (1) Walking & Swimming Penguin plastic parts set (unassembled)
- (1) Submarine motor
- (1) Instruction manual
Needed to Complete
- (1) AAA battery
- Basic tools such as side cutters, hobby knife and Phillips screwdriver
- Paint (optional)
Summary
- Tamiya Educational Construction kit of a penguin that walks and swims
- Submarine motor and link mechanism drive the legs and flippers
- Three wheels for walking and a neck float for swimming, with adjustable direction
- Runs on one AAA battery (not included)
