So I realize that a lot of Hasegawa’s “new” releases are just older kits with a new set of decals. My question is, how do you tell? [%-)] Is there any sort of comprehensive list out there of when there were actual new moldings introduced? Or even a list of which kits are derivative of a certain “original” release? Just interested in 1/48 aircraft for the most part.
Any info highly appreciated! [8]
That would definately be a very valuable list, but I am afraid it would take a computer to handle it. What with all the kits re-released by the same company and those by a current company using the molds from a different company, the list would be quite large.
Darwin
I’d say it would be justa matter of experience and being familiar with what a given kit looks like. Not just with Hasegawa of course, but of any manufacturer
No listing available that I’m aware of. If it’s a subject they have previously released it’s a real good bet that it’s a re-issue with new decals & maybe a couple of resin add on pieces. One of the major mags from overseas, SAMI, provides a pretty comprehensive listing of new releases from all manufacturers each month & will identify those that are re-issues. Course, you have to buy SAMI to read them [:)].
Regards, Rick
The real reason for my question is to determine if an older boxing is the same quality as a newer one. For example, if the molds haven’t changed, then it really makes no difference to me if i’m buying a 9200 series P-47 versus a 9700 series P-47…especially if I’m just going to use aftermarket decals anyway.
Anyone know a site that has a near-comprehensive set of reviews for Hasegawa 1/48? Or even a just a complete list of all the Hase issues to work from? I suppose it would be worth my time to go through all of them to compile a list…and distribute accordingly. [:D]
Again, no such list exists to my knowledge. You could search all of the available kits on retail sites such as Squadron or Great Models. You could also search the Hasegawa site for current listings or order their catalog. That would give you a pretty good base line at least.
As a general rule, re-issues are the same plastic as the original releases. Older molds may show some quality deterioration, but usually not too severe. Some re-issues will include resin detail parts allowing the modeler to modify the kit into a slightly different version. But, more than any other manufacturer, Hasegawa is well known for re-issuing kits repeatedly as “new” when only the decals & art work have changed.
It’s rare, but sometimes Hasegawa releases an all new tooled version of an older kit. The new tool 1/32 Fw-190A series & the re-tooled 1/72 F-14 kits being examples that come to mind. Old timers such as myself & others have a pretty good knowledge of what’s a re-issue. If you have questions on a specific kit, post the questions & I’m sure you’ll get helpful replies.
Regards, Rick
We have a list its just not compiled. Its in the mind of everybody around here, If I ever have a question I just ask, and the right answer just pops up
I know the 1/48 F-4U7 by RG is a Hasegawa mold. That is about all I know of. Armor as you know is my main area of interest.
Check out this page: http://www.modelingmadness.com/splfeat/kr/researchfeat.htm
Someone at Modeling Madness has already done a lot of work on this very subect.
Martin
Oh ho! This is exactly what I was looking for. Not sure if it’s complete, but sure looks mighty close! [tup][tup][tup]
Wow. Upon further inspection, I’m going to have to say that this list is almost miraculous in it’s completeness…I’m glad I didn’t attempt to put something like it together on my own. [;)]
It does, however, confirm my suspicions that some “new” kits that we pay top dollar for are exactly the same kits we pick up in the “discount” bin (minus decals, of course). For example - I just bought the ‘latest’ P-47 from Hasegawa @ pretty much full retail -
09716 |
none |
P-47D |
‘Rescue Squadron’ |
rzr: B,C,D,E,F,G,Jx2,K,L,P,Qx2,Sx2,U,W,Y |
|---|
and also picked up one of their first P-47D releases -
09057 |
JT57 |
P-47D |
‘Razorback’ |
rzr: B,C,D,E,F,G,Jx2,K,L,P,Qx2,Sx2,U,W,Y |
|---|
which, you will note, is EXACTLY the same - for $10. Because it was “old”.
Rocketranger many thanks for the link! [bow]
As has been noted, no one (except possibly Hasegawa) has kept up with the “up grades”. As far as the differences in the initial versions vs the current versions, that seems to depend upon the kit, (note I’m speaking on their 1/72 versions). The later versions seem to have more engraving on the basic kit in a few, some kits there is little or no change to the actual model, just decal changes (the B-17s) and a few have made some changes for the better (check out the first version of the FW190-D9 and the one currently available). Unfortunately, with most kits, they seem to have done nothing more than change the decals and painting instructions in the kits and upped the price 3 to 5 bucks each time they did it.