Tamiya 70259 - Penguin Robot Kit for STEM Learning  [70259]

Snapshot of the Tamiya 70259 penguin project

The Tamiya 70259 Walking & Swimming Penguin joins the Robocraft line as an educational model that demonstrates motion transfer. It is aimed at hobbyists and younger builders who enjoy constructible models that move convincingly both on land and in water.

How the linkage and wheels function

The design turns the submarine motor's rotation into a sequence of linked movements, driving side-mounted wheels attached to the legs and a central front wheel to produce a charming waddling effect. When placed in water the flippers are driven to swim, while a neck-mounted float helps keep the balance.

Practical learning and customization

The kit allows simple adjustments to wheel and flipper orientation for different directional behaviour, a useful way to explore steering and propulsion. The plastic pieces are paintable so builders can personalise the finished penguin.