Die cast parts and why is this so cheap

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

I was looking for my next build and found this on Squadron’s web-site. Just wandering, why is it so cheap? $15.46 for a model and 5 figures? Is the model sooo simple, I mean, just few parts to glue together, maybe…Or do they really want to get rid of it?

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=TM35020

Also, this one has die cast parts. What exactly is that? Is it something like PE? Has anybody worked with die cast parts?

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=RG3061

Should I bother bying it? Any thoughts?

Thanks…

2

Not 100% sure but I believe that Tamiya kit is pretty old.

Die cast, well, think of matchbox cars, that kind of metal. Thicker and heavier than PE.

mike

3

The first one, the Tamiya halftrack, is quite old, and has been superceded by recent releases which are much more in demand. Theyre probably just clearing out old stock, and putting this one on sale. Its a great deal!

Interesting about the Revell one with dis cast tracks-didn’t know that they actually went that route with this kit. This one could demand more advanced techniques knowledge; I’d be careful buying that unless you think you can manage the tracks.

4

Ancient is more like it. The number says it all…Tamiya’s oldest 1/35 kits started at 35001. This has been around over 30 years. The figures are all but useless compared to today’s figures. Dragon’s 251’s are far superior to this.

5

“Or do they really want to get rid of it?”

Yup. As old as a that old dog, the Panther A. Buy it and build it with your kid or nephews.

It’s MSRP is only $17.00 with a sale price of $15.46. You can get it for $10 at any model swap meet.

Didja notice the thread about “why do we dis old Tamiya stuff?” This is a prime example.

6

Die casting is the process of forcing molten metal under high pressure into mold cavities (which are machined into dies). Most die castings are made from non-ferrous metals, specifically zinc, copper, aluminium, magnesium, lead, and tin based alloys. With other words, what injection molding is for styrene is die casting for metals.

7

I bought this exact kit(Hanomag), at the new Hobby Lobby near me for 14.99.

8

At $US15.49, the old Tamiya Hanomag isn’t especially cheap. In the UK, it can be had from full-price retailers for £GB7.82 (say $US10.95).

Almost 40 years old, wildly inaccurate, crude detail, figures noted for their anatomical squashedness. Rear doors work, though! Things have moved on. Avoid.

As to the RoG Sd.Kfz.10/5, I have this in the stash. The tracks aren’t die-cast, they’re link&length. 29 Bucks ain’t all that cheap either. Same as full UK tax-inclusive retail.

Cheers,

Chris.