The Motor Pool's News Bites

lightning2000 · Post by **lightning2000** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 5:16 pm

News You Can Use in 5 Minutes

<img src="http://www.themotorpool.net/v/vspfiles/ ... 7005-1.jpg" align="left">Easy Does It!
Pardon our play on words, but we're delighted to announce that our brand new Easy Model helicopter section is finally completed. Even though these are plastic rather than diecast replicas, Easy Model has delighted quite a few aircraft aficionados with their painstakingly accurate airplane models. Now they're taking their act into the rotary wing market, with plans to produce a dizzying array of combat helicopters. Loads of eagerly requested choppers are in the mix, including many Russian attack and transport helicopters, a bevy of Euro-built helos, and lots of US workhorses. Check out our all-new Combat Helicopters section and pay particular attention to the brand new Easy Model listings.... [posted 9/11/2007]

<img src="http://www.themotorpool.net/v/vspfiles/ ... 6527-1.jpg" align="left">Tamiya Goes KV Happy
After what seemed like an eternity, Tamiya has finally spilled the beans on their next installments in their Masterworks line. Three vehicles are slated for combat with Allied forces in the months to come. The first up is a US 1/4 ton 4x4 light vehicle, which we assume, in English speak, is the legendary Willys jeep. Also scheduled to come out are their first KV-1 and KV-2 heavy tanks, although no image of these behemoths were posted on the Tamiya site. We'll continue to pester our sales contact to see if they have further information regarding these releases and when they can be expected.... [posted 9/11/2007]

<img src="http://www.themotorpool.net/v/vspfiles/ ... 0304-1.jpg" align="left">Dragon Catches the StuG Bug, At Last!
Despite having announced their intent to produce a Sturmgeschutz III a long time ago, it took Dragon almost two years to actually get around to building one. In any event, fans of the Dragon Armor line and 1:72 scale vehicles in general will be happy to learn that the inaugural StuG III sacrificial lamb isnt too far off. The first StuG III will be a G version, which served with distinction with the Panzer-Grenadier Division 'Großdeutschland' on the Eastern Front during 1943 (#60304). Due out sometime in November, we expect this vehicle to sell out quickly so make sure you get your pre-orders in early. Its not clear if the previously announced pair of StuG IIIs are still in the pipeline, so it might be prudent to switch to the new version until we hear definitively from the manufacturer.... [posted 9/11/2007]

<img src="http://www.altaya.fr/uploads/gadgets/32 ... C-peq..jpg" align="left">Altaya Screams, "Bombs Away!"
Altaya, the European distribution arm of IXO Models, has announced plans to roll out a range of 1:144 scale diecast bombers. According to sources, several WWII-era heavies are forming up for an attack, including a Fw-200 Condor, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and Avro Lancaster. Other warbirds are scheduled to join the fray, including a Heinkel He-111 and Ju-88 medium bomber, along with a Russian Pe-2 four-engine ship. Its not clear if IXO Models will be able to offer these birdies in the US in time for the holiday season or details concerning retail pricing, although we are hearing they may come in at the $30 price point. More details to come as we hear about them... [posted 9/10/2007]

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Hanomag · Post by **Hanomag** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 7:03 pm

I don't think your news bites at all. Pretty good infact....

-H

lightning2000 · Post by **lightning2000** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:50 am

Doh!

Col.Pickle · Post by **Col.Pickle** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:18 am

thanks for the heads up lightning. I rly wanna see that KV so post if tamiya releases some pics.

lightning2000 · Post by **lightning2000** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:59 am

Hi,
Will do, but I think we may have to wait until the upcoming iHobby Expo held in mid October. Just a guess but their first offering will probably look vaguely similar to the Hobby Master 1:72 scale KVs in that they'll likely be green with some sort of Cyrillic slogan plastered along the turret walls. They're probably working from the same reference material that other manufacturers use to research their projects.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Post by **aferguson** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:06 am

looks like lots of interesting new goodies are coming for the tiny toy people.

uksubs · Post by **uksubs** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 10:06 am

What scale are the Tamiya masterworks 1/48 0r 1/35

Thxs for the intell

lightning2000 · Post by **lightning2000** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:26 pm

1:48 scale. I'm not sure if they're still producing anything in their 1:35 scale range.

Lightning2000

Panzer_M · Post by **Panzer_M** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 12:58 am

uksubs wrote:What scale are the Tamiya masterworks 1/48 0r 1/35
Thxs for the intell

you can get the Tamiya stuff still but at 100+ a piece, other than the metal tracks which are nice. The Dragon stuff is better IMO

This is comparing the Dragon's King Tiger 106 vs Tamiya MW's King Tiger KG Peiper.

at 71$ vs 100$ Tamiya kit, I feel my Dragon model just is better painted and has more detail.

WGP Klaus · Post by **WGP Klaus** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:37 am

Panzer_M wrote:
uksubs wrote:What scale are the Tamiya masterworks 1/48 0r 1/35
Thxs for the intell

you can get the Tamiya stuff still but at 100+ a piece, other than the metal tracks which are nice. The Dragon stuff is better IMO

This is comparing the Dragon's King Tiger 106 vs Tamiya MW's King Tiger KG Peiper.

at 71$ vs 100$ Tamiya kit, I feel my Dragon model just is better painted and has more detail.

I agree 100% in regards to the Dragon 35th preassembled being a better "deal" when compared to Tamiya Masterworks. Don't get me wrong, the Tamiya pieces are nice, but they're a bit too "clean" and to me, weathering is everything, and Dragons tanks don't look like fresh off the assembly line pieces, not to mention Dragons pricepoint seems to be a bit more realisitc.

lightning2000 · Post by **lightning2000** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:34 am

Hi,
I think you've probably seen the last of the Tamiya 1:35 scale Masterworks products. Last week, we were offered the series at closeout prices, which tells me they're getting out of that scale due to pricing and competitive issues.

On the other hand, their 1:48 scale line is alive and well. A KV-1 and KV-2 are expected shortly, as is a jeep (I guess they cant call it that on their web site due to licensing issues

). Frankly, I dont think their staff cars are much to crow about, so we wont be carrying them.

Anyway, for what you get plus name recognition and short production runs, you cant go wrong with the pre-built Masterworks series. Just wish there were more of them to choose from plus a more ready supply to draw upon.

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

Panzer_M · Post by **Panzer_M** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 12:38 pm

I am just looking for the Tamiya MW Panther G late.

you can order it on thier site still for 160$ shipped.

Love to see Dragon do a Panther and a Sherman soon.

also wish Dragon would do more of it 1/35 Can.do figures...but i think that line died after the HG set was put out.

lightning2000 · Post by **lightning2000** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:29 pm

Hi,
My gut is telling me that Dragon will be ramping up this category in a big way for the forseeable future. Likely candidates for inclusion are the usual suspects:

Jagdtiger
Panther
Ferdinand
Sherman
T-34

Basically, what you see in the 1:144 and 1:72 scale regimes, you'll most likely see in the 1:35 scale space. Sure would be nice if they chose some other new subjects...

Lightning2000
www.themotorpool.net

ltcbj · Post by **ltcbj** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 2:13 pm

Thanks lightning for the update....

Panzer_M · Post by **Panzer_M** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:12 pm

doing a 1/35 seige mortar is still an vague subject with me. Kinda of a just why? vs something more useful.

but a Sherman or T34 might be nice.

esp since I've never built a T34 as of yet.

Col.Pickle · Post by **Col.Pickle** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:16 pm

Panzer_M wrote: also wish Dragon would do more of it 1/35 Can.do figures...but i think that line died after the HG set was put out.

I agree! Got a whole bunch of those guys and they look pretty cool. I wish they made some new ones.

Panzer_M · Post by **Panzer_M** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:25 pm

I love the HG one, taught myself LW splinter came from the NCO and ammo bearer...not bad for a 3.99 for the set ebay buy, to see in 3D how the camo is supposed to look. I am not going to complain.

although the Can.do vs 1/35 DML figures, the Can.dos are bigger a bit(comparing Wittmann vs Wittmann) and the weapons least the rifle seem smaller, but for Dio work in the background as fillers they do the job well.

der Vogelfänger · Post by **der Vogelfänger** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:53 pm

....did someone say "Fw-200"?????????????? Now you're talking

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