model kit question (1 Viewer)
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Phantom Warrior
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There are lots of model kit reviews on the net - just look up the models you want for Dragon and Tamiya
Terry
Terry
Leadmen
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Tamiya models are nice but Dragon models are made with newer slide mold technology which makes a nicer model but more complicated to assemble. The Dragon models have most of their armor kits with individual track links which have to be assembled
They are now making some kits with their new magic tracks which are assembled except around the drive wheels. They are easier to work on and assemble. Also, Dragon instructions are vague and have many sub assemblies and parts not needed. Also, painting instructions are not very good but their decals are fine.
They are now making some kits with their new magic tracks which are assembled except around the drive wheels. They are easier to work on and assemble. Also, Dragon instructions are vague and have many sub assemblies and parts not needed. Also, painting instructions are not very good but their decals are fine.
theBaron
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Do you mean their figures, or a model of a piece of armor? The responses so far seem to assume the latter.
binder001
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Tamiya was the high standard in plastic figures for many years, and they still have many good sets. Dragon keeps getting better and a few years ago they applied their "slide molding" technology to model figures. This lets them do great detail with undercuts and deep detail. On the down side the DML "Gen 2" figures with slide molding are rather complex for a beginner. For instance on a sample figure you might have head - front and back halves, helmet, torso, arms, legs, sometimes a leg may be in parts. The ammo pouches are seperate and some weapons are in several parts. Add bayonets, grenades, etc. They aren't bad, but they aren't for the faint of heart.
I am assuming that you are speaking about the 1:35 market. DEpending on what subject you want, there are not only Tamiya and DML but Masterbox, a new producer that is doing great action poses, Tristar (mixed quality) and others. There is also a WIDE variety of resin figures, many of which are works of art in themselves.
If you are a beginner, I might suggest doing a set or two of Tamiya figures, then move into the DMLs.
Gary B.
I am assuming that you are speaking about the 1:35 market. DEpending on what subject you want, there are not only Tamiya and DML but Masterbox, a new producer that is doing great action poses, Tristar (mixed quality) and others. There is also a WIDE variety of resin figures, many of which are works of art in themselves.
If you are a beginner, I might suggest doing a set or two of Tamiya figures, then move into the DMLs.
Gary B.
gi546
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i mean their figures.
gi546
Specialist
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i've done one tamiya kit so far.the german tank crew at rest.
nice kit, i think it came out well.
theBaron
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It's kind of a difficult question, because you might find many figure modelers who think the comparison between Tamiya and Dragon is invalid to begin with, that Dragon is far ahead of Tamiya in quality.
Personally, I've always liked the figures Tamiya includes with their armor kits, and the sets that are part of the series. But I can't speak to a comparison between Tamiya's and Dragon's, because I've never put together a Dragon figure. I have seen the disdain some of today's modelers have for Tamiya's figures, when the subject has come up at some of the figure painters' or scale modelers' forums.
It might be fairer to compare the two at larger scales, like comparing Tamiya's 1/16 samurai figure to Dragon's figures. Or to compare Tamiya more with some of their original contemporaries, like Airfix and Historex, and view Tamiya in that context.
Having said that, I'll add that I just bought Tamiya's 1/48 set of US Navy pilots and deck crew, and they're excellent figures. Tamiya's 1/48 series to go with their 1/48 armor line are also very well done.
I agree with Gary, if you're starting out, Tamiya's figures are a great value and a good line to start and hone your techniques. Other manufacturers' kits are sure to be more expensive. But I'd like to add that I wouldn't restrict myself to one specific manufacturer. Plastic and resin are easier to work with than metal, in terms of kitbashing and modifying, and you might find yourself eventually taking kits from various sources and reworking them into something new.
Prost!
Brad
Personally, I've always liked the figures Tamiya includes with their armor kits, and the sets that are part of the series. But I can't speak to a comparison between Tamiya's and Dragon's, because I've never put together a Dragon figure. I have seen the disdain some of today's modelers have for Tamiya's figures, when the subject has come up at some of the figure painters' or scale modelers' forums.
It might be fairer to compare the two at larger scales, like comparing Tamiya's 1/16 samurai figure to Dragon's figures. Or to compare Tamiya more with some of their original contemporaries, like Airfix and Historex, and view Tamiya in that context.
Having said that, I'll add that I just bought Tamiya's 1/48 set of US Navy pilots and deck crew, and they're excellent figures. Tamiya's 1/48 series to go with their 1/48 armor line are also very well done.
I agree with Gary, if you're starting out, Tamiya's figures are a great value and a good line to start and hone your techniques. Other manufacturers' kits are sure to be more expensive. But I'd like to add that I wouldn't restrict myself to one specific manufacturer. Plastic and resin are easier to work with than metal, in terms of kitbashing and modifying, and you might find yourself eventually taking kits from various sources and reworking them into something new.
Prost!
Brad
binder001
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Leadmen, some really nice painting work on those figures. You are quite good!
I also agree with not limiting yourself to only one brand. Most 1/35th figures work together better than many lines of toy soldiers. Everybody is working to one clearly defined scale.
Gary B.
I also agree with not limiting yourself to only one brand. Most 1/35th figures work together better than many lines of toy soldiers. Everybody is working to one clearly defined scale.
Gary B.
Leadmen
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Thanks Gary: I don't know if the old man can still make the new Dragon armor kits and I have not painted much since the heart surgery but I called Squadron Shop and ordered some more figures and the New late model Tiger with Zimmerit from Dragon Models. I will see if I can make a kit again and if my painting skills are still around.
John