Dragon 1:18 Questions

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 7:02 pm

When did these figures make their appearance? Is there any kind of articulation on them? Those of you who've bought them, are you happy with them? Are they compatible with XD or now bbi? And last but not least, is Dragon still making them? Any new figures in the future?
All this has probably been disgussed before...but this time I'm gonna pay attention!! Sorry for all the questions...

tderespino · Post by **tderespino** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 5:54 am

I like the Dragon figures.. They are semi-articulated,, straight arms and legs, no knee or elbow joint. heads rotate, wrists, boots and waist also.

I use them for custom figues,, they are compatible with bbi and xd

one thing also the equipment and weapons are fantastic, and each figure comes with extra.

You will have to surf around to find them. google dragon 1/18.

tom

digger · Post by **digger** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 7:18 am

TD, our resident figure guru, is right on. You could still find them at decent prices at a few places - PM me if you can't. Their answer to articulation is that you can switch arms/legs/feet etc....to make your own figures, but you still wish they had the elbow & knee.

The S1 US were Paras - very detailed in terms the creases in the uniforms and their gear, but they are very "fresh-faced." At the time they were the most detailed US figure but I have to say that is now the bbi paras. B/w bbi & 21st paras, I would say the only reason to get the Dragon guys now would be the guns! As noted they have the most accurate weapons in 1:18, and each of the paras has at least 2, including carbines, .45s, and variations on the Garand.

The S1 & S2 Germans are the best - similar articulation as above, very detailed uniforms (shame one set wasn't DAK), and again, awesome weapons. The MP-40 had a removable clip! The Panzerfaust has writing printed on and the web gear was removable. There were also Ponchos mixed in, as well as the best German rifles released yet. Imo, if you get any, get a set of S1 or S2 Germans as infantry support for some armor and you will be pleased. Again though, these guys are too "fresh-faced."

Then, things started to slip. They released 2 more sets of US Infantry, and a set of Panzergrenadiers in in Pea-dot. These releases did NOT come loaded down with extras and were actually less detailed imo and so they were not worth the extra $ that Dragon asks (about $7 per, instead of $5). Also, even though you could swap body parts, many of the figures had the same ones so variety was limited (ex: same left leg kneeling). You can see 4 of these US guys outside a schoolhouse in my webshots folder.

I believe the line is done. I have seen the same "coming soon" or "pre-order" for the next set for over a year. It's a shame because A) Dragon knows figures B) they will release online only and in turn TONS of German stuff C) they had the right idea DETAIL DETAIL DETAIL D) they were the only company focusing on soldiers, not vehicles/AC. (those bs Whitman/Peiper "dios" don't count.

). They are so busy with 1/6, 1/35, 1/72 that they're not wasting time on 1:18. Hopefully they have something up their sleeve and took the line back to the drawing board. Imagine an articulated se of Dragon figures before Xmas ?:shock:

Post by **aferguson** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 7:52 am

i've only got a very few of them but i quite like the ones i have. While their minimal articulation does limit what you can do with them the upside is that some of them are molded in poses that are very difficult to simutlate even with highly articulated figures (deep crouches, arm position for shooting a panzerfaust etc) so if used in the right situations they can certainly enhance your other figures.

And as said above, the accessories are fantastic. Mines, three different types of panzerfaust, mp-40 both with stock open and folded etc

Dragon does not seem to have much interest in this scale as they haven't made any new figures for closing in on two years now.

digger · Post by **digger** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 8:28 am

upside is that some of them are molded in poses that are very difficult to simutlate even with highly articulated figures (deep crouches, arm position for shooting a panzerfaust etc)

Very good point - I forgot to mention that. Makes you wish other cos. threw in the extra arm or leg with that tight bend. Every figure should at least include an extra right arm that is in the firing position, period.

tderespino · Post by **tderespino** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 3:09 pm

Yes that is a very good point,, the dragon figures in the kneeling position are very good,, I have 3 of the kneeling US paras,, I replaced the arms with XD so I could have some articulation for firing positions,,let me see if I have any pic's...t

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 3:21 pm

Thanks for the great info tderespino, Digger and Aferguson!!! You guys have me convinced to get 'em! I'll start the Google search! Too bad Dragon isn't doing more...hmmm maybe if we put some pressure on them from here! Look how this forum has gotten great responses from 21C and bbi!! I read that most of us here WANT more figures and Dragon could fill this void! And I don't even have these figures in my hands yet, but from what I've read here on this thread from Tom, Digger and Aferguson, I WANT THESE SETS!!!!!

tderespino · Post by **tderespino** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 3:46 pm

I took some quick shots of the kneeling customs..I did not mention before the dragon figures are made of a softer plastic which is easy to cut and shape....td

http://community.webshots.com/album/459460478TCuPgJ

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 6:28 pm

tderespino wrote:I took some quick shots of the kneeling customs..I did not mention before the dragon figures are made of a softer plastic which is easy to cut and shape....td

http://community.webshots.com/album/459460478TCuPgJ

Great pics! I WANT THESE GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!

75th Ranger · Post by **75th Ranger** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:47 am

Check my pictures of my paratroopes on my website and you will see that i have used the Dragon paratroopers extensively...they are great figures and you can also do custom work with them if you want.
take care.

These are aa few Dragon 1/18 kneeling Paras beside a 21st prone Para. below:

These are two PARAS; one a 21st custom PARA in front and in the back there is a DRAGON 1/18 PARA custom of mine. It has a 21st S1 Captain head, 21st PARA arms but the whole body and accessories are DRAGON 1/18....it is my own personal version of "CAPTAIN WINTERS 1/18" from "BAND OF BROTHERS"....it is articulated now in the arms, head, writs, waist. See below:

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 3:14 pm

Thanks, 75th!! Neat stuff!!! The Dragon's are cool!!

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 5:17 pm

Man, the wife's gonna kill me...BUT...I managed to find and buy online, the 6 German Grenadiers, 6 German Wiking, and 4 Panzergrenadiers. Thanks again for all your help here!

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:12 pm

I just got the Wiking Division and the Panzergrenadiers from Good Stuff TO GO!!! Man these guys work FAST!!!!! I only have time to open one Paner-and despite the lack of articulation-the detail is incredible!!!!! Thanks to all here for their comments on the Dragon's! I'm GLAD I got 'em!!

steelbonnet · Post by **steelbonnet** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:05 am

Yes the DML stuff is great for reusingon customs IMO.

With there almost statue like playability I tend to get these guys just to break apart & use there weapons & accs.

as Tomd say`s great for customizing on & indeed plenty of accs with them.

ja
Steel Bonnet

holensock · Post by **holensock** » Fri Sep 30, 2005 5:09 am

The DML is great for customs and for adding into dioramas! For years I was paying $39.99, $25.99 etc. for ONE 40th Anniversary GI JOE. So even if I have to pay $6.99 for a DML,or XD or bbi, it's like a bargain for me! And with Walmart's $4.97....'priceless'........

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Dragon 1:18 Questions

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