Tamiya 70224 Swimming Dolphin STEM Build  [70224]

Tamiya 70224 Swimming Dolphin model guide

The Tamiya 70224 Swimming Dolphin joins Tamiya's STEM range and offers an interactive way to explore mechanics by assembling a working model. The completed dolphin swims via a small underwater gearbox, giving a hands-on lesson in motion and mechanism.

Dimensions and how it moves

The model's finished size is 182mm long, 100mm wide and 60mm high, striking a balance between detail and manageability. Movement comes from a submarine mini motor using a single AAA battery (not included), which converts rotary motion into a crank action to move the tail fin up and down while the head bobs and the hull advances.

Materials and build notes

Body panels and fins are cut from resilient polypropylene (PP) sheets so they flex for natural swimming motion. A float with a suction cup is supplied to keep the dolphin buoyant during runs.

Educational aspects

This is a friendly entry-level mechanical project suitable for guided younger builders. Adjusting the fin position provides a simple, visual way to experiment with steering and basic mechanical principles.