Thoughts on Customs

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:07 pm

I am between CIP pours and painting Pave stuff. I think that I am able to do a T-34 from the ground up. Maybe JSI will pick up the torch and make one who knows ? This would be a major project. Probably in the $300 range. Pouring this would take the better part of a day then you have the cost of the resin. There is a 1/16 Russian TD cast in resin already which sells for $350. So that is the price range. Who would be on board for that?

Was the 105 Howitzer the most widley used American arty ? Is there one that was more widly used? I have thought about doing an arty piece for a while now but it would be a lot of work.

When the 88 came out they had a price tag of $80 a lot of guys said that it was WAY TOO MUCH MONEY . Then the Monkey hit the fan now we all have 1, 2 or 3 of them

But would you guys have any idea what it would take to replicate that piece from scratch then mass produce it ? A lot more than $80.

I can do a 105 with crazy detail or I can do it real simple. The more intricate the more money. Simple equals cheaper.

As I have said before non of my custom would win any scale contest but they are real close. If I could do a 105 with moderate detail I would say that it will be in the $100 -$150 range. Would it be worth it ?

But of course this is all hypothetical. I have a lot on my plate already.

Comments welcome.

Panther F · Post by **Panther F** » Sat May 16, 2009 2:15 pm

I'd like to see a 105MM, maybe pop in on a M3 half-track. I don't get too hung up on scale differences, but since a 1/16th T34 can be had for about $150.00, a $300.00 in 1/18th might be a waste of your time.

I'd like to see support vehicles and equipment, like mortars, artillery ... items that won't cost too much, easy to make and won't break the bank. But more importantly, items that are not on the market right now.

Just my 2 cents worth. I think your mods have been a breath of fresh air so far.

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Sat May 16, 2009 2:37 pm

My opinion would be to stick with the various mods made to existing models.

Your quad 20mm on the Panzer IV was great, even though the tank was hard to find.

You can make the entire tank but I don't think you can make your money back as quickly as making a 75mm to stick on an existing M-3 half track. Or something like a Nebelwerfer on a 251 half track, or any turret or even upper body on a existing tank..

How about a caliope rocket launcher on a Sherman? or any setup of "armor" on a Jeep?

My opinion, for what it is worth.

TTT

Pa Deuce · Post by **Pa Deuce** » Sat May 16, 2009 2:46 pm

I'm sorry, I wish I were into armor or heli's - maybe new ground for a continuing collection obsession

, but after seeing your previous work, whatever you decide will turn out excellent I'm sure - the Kanonenvogel mods were great

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Sat May 16, 2009 3:17 pm

I like the idea of the 105mm. It can be used as a stand alone display. Placed in the M3 halftrack or used in a M7 Priest mod. I believe the 105mm was unchanged up to at least Vietnam era so could be used with the Vietnam figures too.

V2 MAN · Post by **V2 MAN** » Sat May 16, 2009 3:21 pm

I think the 105mm would be the best thing to do. It would have the most use.

pickelhaube · Post by **pickelhaube** » Sat May 16, 2009 7:02 pm

Pa Deuce wrote:I'm sorry, I wish I were into armor or heli's - maybe new ground for a continuing collection obsession , but after seeing your previous work, whatever you decide will turn out excellent I'm sure - the Kanonenvogel mods were great

I have done a few plane projects in the past. I am just taking a break from them.

Post by **aferguson** » Sat May 16, 2009 7:18 pm

there already is a simple 105mm howitzer available in the form of the GI joe mountain howitzer. It's real simple and needs work to make it presentable but it can be done. You can get them on ebay for <$10. However i'm sure many guys would prefer a proper one from pH but whether they'd be willing to fork out the money remains to be seen. No doubt some would.

I'd find it tough to pay $300 for any tank. Not that it wouldn't be worth the money, just that it's not worth that kind of money to me. Most i'd go on a T-34 is probably $150. I love armour and tanks but i still am first and foremost an airplane guy. I'd pay alot more for a 1/18 Betty or Ju-88G nightfigher, for example....eg $750.

I'd love a german 105 or sFH18 or a russian 203mm but i know they'd cost a fortune. I made the PTE howitzer into a reasonable Long Tom (by the way 21c had planned to do a Long Tom after the 88) and another one into a decent US 8 inch howitzer. I could probably make one into a russian 203mm howitzer but the trail is a b*tch.

Anyway, just keep doin what you're doin, pH. You're cranking out great stuff and we have lots of time...

1958Zelda · Post by **1958Zelda** » Sat May 16, 2009 8:46 pm

A T-34/85 WOULD BE GREAT,its been around in every war since WWII,every 21 st century 1/18 American tank ,truck ,jeep can be used by the Russians,GI JOE CRIMSON GRUARD has a WWII russian rifle.