Dragon 1/6 tank

[Threetoughtrucks]

Taowan currently has some really nice models including the Scout Car, which I will get someday.... along with the Taowan Horch 108.

Taowan started out with a problem most of us call "stiniky tires". Their metal models were excellent with very few accuracy complaints but any vehicle with tires made of a rubber compound had a toxic smell. Left in a area exposed to weather (like an unheated garage) for a few days to a week cured the smell (or at least I have not heard that anybody continued to have the smell).

I believe Taowan has fixed the toxic smell, but I am not sure.

Not too long ago I bought a 1/6 German searchlight. It was made by a small Chinese shop (not Taowan) and it has rubber gaskets that reeked at first. After a week in my garage, the smell went away. The original box and Chinese packing were so terrible in a toxic smell that I had to dispose of the box and packing in double heavy plastic "contractor" bags.

I would wait to see how the Puma works out as to smell. With that many big tires, that could be a buy killer for me. As soon as it comes out, guys will scream if there is a problem.

TTT

[Jesse James]

It was probably a mold release agent they were using that stunk. Rubber's tough(er) to de-mold/keep separate.

[Mad Sam]

Threetoughtrucks

Thanks for that advice, it's just excellent, I don't think I'd have ever considered toxic fumes as part of my decision-to-buy process!!

I'll wait and see what experience others have who go ahead and buy it.

Cheers
Sam

[Threetoughtrucks]

Pics of the new DML 1/6 Sherman are up:



My mouth is watering as I type.....

No word on price but as usual with DML, the pre-built Shermie will be out before the kit.

TTT

[Panther F]

Nice. Hope the kit is released first for I have a couple lined up to build for others.


~ Jeff

[MG-42]

* L@@ks nice but may just have to pass on this one and let price be the determining factor here.



- MG

[tmanthegreat]

Cool I take it that is a 1/35 kit next to it? That thing is going to be huge! Part of me would want to fork over the $$ for the assembled version and another part of me would want to build the kit. The more rational side says just to leave the whole thing alone as I simply do not have space for a 1:6 scale Sherman

[Threetoughtrucks]

Big, not huge. I've posted pics on this board of 1/6 and 1/18 comparisons before of trucks and halftracks. Space is also a problem to me also, but I can always sell something to make room.

But seeing as DML should keep their price relatively low on this beast, I'll be in line.

TTT

[ram04]

That is one cool tank, I may need to hold off on getting a Panzer and get the Sherman instead.

[Mad Sam]

If I can get it through the door, it's going in the collection.

And in 1/6, the model should be in the region of 3ft 2" long x 18" high and wide.

So that's me in the queue too.

[gburch]

I've resisted 1/6 successfully since getting back into modeling in a big way a few years ago. The three dozen 1/18 planes hanging from the ceiling in my man cave, the tanks and other vehicles and figures on most flat surfaces and the mad-scientist V-2 rocket factory already freaks out the rare human that is allowed into my sanctum sanctorum.

But that is one seriously cool model. The problem is that I KNOW it would be like an "entry-level drug" . . . .

How much will it cost? (Did I ask that?)

[Threetoughtrucks]

No qualified guess on the price at all. That changes day by day. My guess is that the kit will be in the $300-400 pre-order price and the pre-built will be around $500-700. Regulat price $700-800.

DML has always delivered the pre-built many months before the kit is put out.

Can't tell what is in DML's mind. Could be a limited release, say 2500 pieces worldwide which means the price would be higher than a run of say 5000 pieces which means a lower price. DID made a 2500 piece worldwide limited run on their SdKfz 251 and sold out after a year. A few dealers might have one or two left a high prices. I bought two at pre-orders prices of $500 and $600. Regular price was between $900-1100. My shipping was drop shipped from CA, for $60 which was super for a 60lb metal item from China. Sold one at double my cost and the guy picked it up before last Christmas. The SdKfz 251 was just too heavy for me so my plans of making a different model went out the window. Still might add a 37mm gun to the "251" I have left.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

BTW: Here is a pic of my "251" next to a 1/18 "251" -


TTT

[flyboy_fx]

1/6 is 3x bigger then 1/18

[Mad Sam]

Ah yes, but that's 3 times bigger in 3 dimensions.
1/18 Sherman approx 6" x 6" x 13" = 468 cubic inches
1/6 Sherman approx 38" x 18" x 18" = 12312 cubic inches
should be about 3x3x3 in volume.............

[ram04]

Just recieved a 1/6 Stuart from Pickelhaub, I am totally hooked on this scale now, just hope that they keep the price in a reasonable range.

If a Sherman is in the works what will be next?, a Tiger or Panther?

[Threetoughtrucks]

Who knows? Seriously, the general feeling in the 1/6 world is that DML was going to follow up the Pz II with a small vehicle like a Weasel, Dinko Armored Car or Bren Carrier and we were all blown away with this Sherman news.

Depends of course on how this Sherman is received and that depends on the price. DML is the one to flood the market with low priced Sherman's. There are 101 different versions of the Sherman and customizers can be kept busy for years.

The Pz II already has customizers working. Gary1931 is currently caging interest in his conversion of the Pz II to a 75mm Marder which looks very good.

Guys want a Sherman, but they also was a Firefly, a 105mm Sherman and dozens more ver. Just look at what Pickel has done with 1/18 Shermies.

TTT

[Threetoughtrucks]

DML showed the 1/6 Sherman at a Toy Fair in Japan. Info was from folks who spoke with the DML rep. The pre-built will be released first. No info on the kit.

700 is the number of pre-built Sherman's that will be released. Still no word yet on price.

TTT

[ram04]

This place is taking preorders, http://www.big-tanks-plant.com, they are saying prebuilt $700 - $800, kit version $400 - $500, hope they are being on the conservative side.

[MG-42]

......... word on the street say this is a very late war Sherman that saw little if any real combat in the ETO .

* Speculation is early '45 PTO through Korea . One might want to do a little research on this model first before throwin' down on one.



- MG

[Panther F]

......... word on the street say this is a very late war Sherman that saw little if any real combat in the ETO .

* Speculation is early '45 PTO through Korea . One might want to do a little research on this model first before throwin' down on one.



- MG

Well the word is incorrect. This is a high bustle turret with the first split hatch and M34A1 mantlet. Later M4A3's had the T23 with the T62 gun mount, then even later for Korea were the M4A3E8 tanks.

This version was heavily used in the ETO.


~ Jeff

[MG-42]

...... well , it's not a D-Day tank , maybe Ardennes & later. Good start for DML never the less. An early (rounded) hull M4A1 would've been a more suitable choice I think.


* This is what a few of the guys are saying about it over on the Sixth Div. :

http://onesixthnet.yuku.com/topic/19654 ... qNuCGC0wnU



- MG

[Threetoughtrucks]

Point 1 - I have dealt with Big Tanks with disappointing results. He has a habit of raising prices after you order something. He will return a deposit after about 7 months. I believe his guesses on prices are in the ballpark.

Point 2 - There is a pic of this model Sherman on the beach at Normandy on D-Day after it lost a track to a mine. Good research found the pic.

"Believe nothing of what you read and half of what you see."

Looks good to me.

TTT

[MG-42]

.......... yeah , you're right Charlie. Ya' can't always believe what's said in some of these forums. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in it . Just looks like a late war one to me. Although I'd like to have one , the pri¢e is what's gonna' kill it for me , I think.


- MG

[flyboy_fx]

...... well , it's not a D-Day tank , maybe Ardennes & later. Good start for DML never the less. An early (rounded) hull M4A1 would've been a more suitable choice I think.


* This is what a few of the guys are saying about it over on the Sixth Div. :

http://onesixthnet.yuku.com/topic/19654 ... qNuCGC0wnU



- MG

I also wish they did an M1A1. More possibilities.

[Threetoughtrucks]

The main reason this DML Sherman will be relatively cheap (for a 1/6 tank) is that first "reliable" reports tell us that the running gear will be like the DML Pz II, that is static. Not convertible to RC without major surgery.

Most of us will not care anyway. Our stuff is not played with anyway.

If you want a 1/6 tank with rolling running gear, there are plenty around in the $2-10,000 price range. The Vantex makes a very nice electric Sherman for around $4,000.... Just not nice enough for me to buy to have my 5 year old Grandkiddie to run it around smashing into things...

TTT