Modern Armor, PLA AFT-9 APC Anti-Tank vehicle

[C130IM]

I managed to get a hold if a couple of these vehicles for my opposing forces.

It's a nice piece! Scale I am unsure of but I would say it could pass for 1:18. I do not believe this is 1:24 when compared to other 1:24 military vehicles.

It is apparent that scale discrepency is an issue with some Chinese manufacturers (at least that was what I was told). This vehicle is almost as big as the PTE iFV.

It is diecast and weighs about 11 pounds. No interior detail (I can fix that). Has spring operated missile launcher that pops up at rear of vehicle. All hatches open. Independent suspension. Front wheels steer but not as easy like regular diecast cars which is good.

I can get a PTE figure to fit in the hatch but it's a tight fit.

Here are some pics:

[aferguson]

neat find. I'd say it's probably 1/20. Here's some info:

http://www.armyrecognition.com/chinese_ ... ion_u.html


i suspect these are expensive, are they?

[C130IM]

aferguson,

Thanks! It is a nice vehicle. They were a limited production run ordered by OEM of the actual vehicle over in China. They run retail about 250 to 300 in China. A contact i deal with that manufacturers the 1:24 tanks got me a few samples for $140 each.

As far the source I talk to stated they won't make more unless the OEM gives the okay based on customer order. For this it is basically the military customer (another military gift for members of the PLA type, i guess). Makes me wonder how many diecast gifts do any given soldier or officer in the PLA get each year?! They must have shelves full of them if they do this every year.

Still produce enough to sell to the citizen. I assume that it's a split between military and civilians. Donart sold out of all of their Type-99 tanks for their 60th anniversary state day (I think that's what it was called).

I asked if he could obtain more and he said the company was out of stock. Which limits me to retail. Now how true this is I don't know. He did say that the company focuses on domestic market.

The manufacturer of the AFT-9 also produced the 1:18 ZTZ-99 Tank and 1:18 HQ-7 anti-aircraft vehicle. Now the AA vehicle are selling relatively cheaper with some online dealers. That d*mn 1:18 tank is so far out of reach. Cheapest retail is 360. But that 30lb tank costs 230 just to ship via EMS! And that quote does not change no matter who I talk to. Sucks because that too is a nice piece.

Being that that is a competitor (or whatever they call it over there) he is more focused on getting me to purchase is companys product.

I know some others and will find out what the deal is.