I have been modeling for many years, and there was a day when Tamiya was the ONLY game in town for 1/35th armor, particlarly German armor…they set the standard, I think we will all agree in this area. BUT, since DML has come along I feel that Tamiya is on life-support. DML’s kits IMO are cheaper, cover more subjects, have more in the box and fit almost as well as the Tamiya kits. Even some of Tamiya’s more recent releases: Panther and Tiger series, are getting long in the tooth…will they make a come-back in the 35th scale market? IMO I don’t think so…what do you think?
I think you’re right, M-R. But I haven’t built a “latter generation” Tamiya kit yet, just DML and some old Italerei kits, though I have a 1/48th Tamiya Koenigstiger in the stash.
cool, when I wrote later-generation I was being generous…most of the Tamiya cats are pushing 15-20 years…still very good as a base, particularly the Panther…interesting that you have the 48th scale King Tiger…I think Tamiya is hoping that more guys like you will help them carve a new niche for them with this scale, which I hear is very good as far as quality goes…as for me, I am too hooked into 1/35th…lol
I agree that DML has “stolen” the 1/35 market from Tamiya. I mean they can’t match the quantity and price. They may match or exceed in fit though. Doesn’t one wonder if this is the real reason behind Tamiya’s venture into 1/48? Lack of competition? Me thinks so.
I don’t even really consider Tamiya kits anymore. I am curious as to what Tamiya want for their Hetzer though.
I only picked it up because I mistakenly ordered a ceramic “European Ruined Barn” kit from Squadron Shop. I swear I never saw a scale in the ad!
But I like trying new media and the kit looks cool. Not looking forward to applying the dread Zimmerit!
“I don’t even really consider Tamiya kits anymore. I am curious as to what Tamiya want for their Hetzer though.”
Tigerman, please clarify; don’t know what you mean—is Tamiya about to release a Hetzer?
I guess you missed that. Yes, they are. They have a few teaser pics on Perth’s site. I wanted Tamiya to release this for eons.
Tamiya’s description:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=35285
MSRP: $48! They’re pricing themselves out of the market, unless there’s a full interior and Friuls, and it doesn’t sound like that’s happening!
wow…thanks for the pics…and that is 35th scale? LOL…notice how their boxart is begining to look Dragon-like…lol
Youch. I got DML’s in the pile. I guess she will do for now.
It’s a shame they can’t match their value and price. I do think the Char B is cool, but the price $$$$!!! [yuck]
I have Eduard’s in the stash w/ full interior… and inys…it was about $48 if my memory serves me correct…
I heard, at least seen a review or two, that says it isn’t accurate or whatnot.
By going with 1/48 scale you can integrate much more into your modeling. Now there’s the option of having a tank and atrain and an airplane all in the same scene without a scale difference.
…that would be a heck of a diorama…planes, trains and tanks—wasn’t that a movie with Steve Martin?..LOL
I was reading all the replies to your topic and I sensed a feeling of sadness in all of them. I guess it is because all of us got started with Tamiyas and Revells and Monograms. I also feel dissapointed with Tamiya because they did not put up a fight. They had all the resources and technology when we were still cursing the bad Dragon kits coming one after another! I guess complacency and over self-confidence set in with Tamiya. We also got to hand it to Dragon and all the new kit manufacturers because they came up against a giant and like David of old came out the winner.
I agree…and the irony: sort of what happened to US car makers with Japanese imports in the 70’s and 80’s happened to Tamiya with DML in the late 90’s…isn’t DML a Chinese company?
Hong Kong to be exact, but don’t tell the Chinese. [(-D]
I agree with you both.
were you refering to the eduard or tamiya hetzer being in accurate eric?
He’s referring to the Eduard release, very disappointing.