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Forums - Modelling / Kits |
The kits forum is for the discussion of model kits. Typically questions on availability or certain subjects and quality of existing kits are posted here. Short reviews are good here too. |
| Topics | 1212 |
| Messages | 7398 |
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| Subject: | Re: Mike, Mike, Mike...Land this time :-D |  |
| Date: | Aug 31, 2007 |
| From: | Saul Garcia | |
Hi,
Since things are in constant change, I believe in letting the past stay there and look at the current actions. This is why the thread would be better discussing web sites who risk losing a vendor to put out facts.
Here is a slant some are surprised to see me take...
I read and looked forward to each of Vinnie Brannigan's build reviews. Yep, I said the name. Why would I look forward to them?
I am astute enough to look past any adjectives, read about the build ability of the kit, and study the photos. There are not a lot of modelers who do build reviews (here at TL, only Tim Streeter and Chris Wilson are consistent). The insight gained about fit and engineering is invaluable!
The issue many have with Dragon is that they market their kits as ultra accurate only bettered by their next release. This attitude makes modelers look even closer at their kits than they would Tamiya's latest.
Dragon's kit build well if you get past the instructions but their accuracy is sometimes not up to their hype. Remember, model companies do not spend 1000+ hours measuring and photographing a museum specimen as has the Panzer Tracts team. At least some companies approach Panzer Tracts for advice.
If we look at Tamiya, we have no idea what they will release and when they do, very little of their marketing budget seems to be spent on the release. As thrilled as I am about their UE, why couldn't they use slide molding on the hinges of the hemispherical hatches? It is not a proper replication of the hinges but they never claimed their kits to be the best they can do. Yet, I know the instructions will be easy to follow and the fit consistently superb.
What about Tristar? Here is a company whose line up consists of German vehicles only! What, no one noticed? They certainly get better with each release and accuracy rates above fit most of the time.
AFV Club is a brave company. They began with modern Western equipment as a counter to Dragon's Soviet equipment. They made a name for themselves for having intricate parts, good (not perfect) fit, and good instructions. Then, they went into WWII vehicles. They started with the Sd.Kfz. 11 then allied armor, then went head to head with Dragon with Tigers and Sd. Kfz. 251 kits. Wisely buying the Skybow line, they now have the best 1/48th scale armor out there.
Trumpeter's claim to fame comes from producing some unique, although not great kits, then producing resin subjects in plastic, and finally releasing some original and VERY well made kits. Suddenly, the prices go up, the kits are not of such a good quality but their kits are consistently unique.
Each company has its strengths and weaknesses. Dragon's marketing, which comes across as bragging, is what makes many look at their products and state 'put up or shut up' by looking for opportunities for enhancement (normally called nit-picking). Yet, they are a company that does listen to feedback and fixes a lot of their errors. Credit must be given for that. The sheer amount of releases from them (mostly not mentioned in their catalog of stagnant subjects awaiting their turn into production) makes it an attractive addition to a web site by stating they have the latest review.
I understand a web site not wanting to lose them as a vendor. However, the approach to issues is what separates the amateurs from the pros. Tell it like it is and explain how to fix it (whenever possible). Don't make the person who paid good money for a kit feel like a fool and certainly do not mislead.
OK, this is starting to look like a rant so, time to go and get some coffee! :-D
Regards,
Saúl García |
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 | DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - Paul A. Owen - Aug 29, 2007 |
| . . . Re: DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - Martin J. Knyr - Aug 29, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - Mike Bishop - Aug 29, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . Re: DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - Kazutaka YOKOTA - Aug 29, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . Mike, Mike, Mike... - Saul Garcia - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike... - Gary Cooper - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike... - Mike Bishop - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike... - Andrew Herbert - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike... - Saul Garcia - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike... - Gary Cooper - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike... - Mike Land - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike...Land this time :-D - Saul Garcia - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Well said, Saul! - Andrew Herbert - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I agree Saul - Mike Land - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Mike, Mike, Mike...Land this time :-D - Brian Bocchino - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lost a word - Brian Bocchino - Aug 31, 2007 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . word added... - Saul Garcia - Sep 1, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - Gary Owsley - Sep 1, 2007 |
| . . . Sprue Shots Here - Eric Scurlock - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Mine are "in the mail" - Mark Pieters - Aug 30, 2007 |
| . . . Re: DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - Christopher C. Tew - Sep 7, 2007 |
| . . . . . . Re: DML - Pz.II Ausf.F independent reviews? - john naja - Sep 8, 2007 |
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