Hyperscale have ran a few articles this week and last on Tamiya’s 1/48 scale releases. Now that the kits are actually out and being built, any thoughts on their pricing and quality. I especailly like their tracks, looks as good as aftermarket sets when finsihed - to me at least. They also have a metal lower hull, not sure why that is.
I doubt 1/48 armor will ever be as popular as 1/35, as 1/35 is so well established. But I for one am looking forward to building 1/48th armor with my 1/48th aricraft.
They are great kits, no matter how you slice ‘em. I have the Tiger and Sherman, and I’ve held built-ups of those and the StuG III in my hand for close inspection. Excellent detail, and great prices, in Japan anyway. No more than about $15 USD for the Tiger, the most expensive of the new releases.
To me, the diecast hulls are meaningless, and perhaps even a little bothersome, as you must use cyanoacrylate on them, and you can’t easily modify them. No big whoop, but plain ol’ plastic would have been a more logical choice, in my opinion. It has been mentioned that the diecast hull was used to try to lure the diecast collector crowd, and these kits may indeed be released at a later date as finished models that should appeal to just that crowd.
Once these kits start being seen up close and personal, I believe all the current 1/48 anxiety will dissipate and folks will love these little guys.