Guys, I was lucky to be in Chicago for work at the same time as Hobby Expo, the convention for the hobby industry.
My first check was to look for new releases. Most of the major manufacturers did not have any new planned armor releases that were shown at the show except Trumpeter and Hobby Boss.
Hobby Boss - showed pictures only of the planned AALVTP7 variants and V150 variants releases. Most of thses have been seen on other fourms. No release dates given and the indication was spring to spring+ 2009. But the good news is they are coming. It is just a matter of waiting.
Trumpeter - Now they had test shots at the show
VC-105 Centauro - Nov 08 - MSRP $54.95
Looked good with detail. Kit will include PH.
M1134 AT Stryker - No date shown - Based on what was shown, late spring to summer
LAV-M - No date shown - Based on what was shown, late spring to summer
Both will include PH and looke good with plenty of detail
M1078 LMTV - No date shown - Based on what was shown, late spring to summer
Looked good with full interior
M198 - No date shown - Based on what was shown, late spring to summer
Impressive for this Redleg!! Full of detail. Kit includes PH
OK…for you Germaholics
German VK 300 Panzer IV - Jan 09 - MSRP $54.99
In general the Trumpeter upcoming releases were all impressive
For those who want to do landing craft, Lindberg just release LCP in1/32. Looked good but my feeling was why 1/32 and not 1/35
In general, being at this show you see how our hobby is a small part of the hobby industry. The BULK of the companies and displays were either model railroading or rc models.
Vallejo paint showed to be impressive including water based mediums for water and stone. An excellent line for dioramas
Tamiya & Dragon were absent…Hummm. Major manufacurer not represented??
Stopped by the FSM booth but none of our guys were there. Oh well.
Still on the road on buisness but wanted to get this to you. It was fun, lots to look at.
I will try to answer any questions.
Rounds Complete!!