K&C and the plastic model world (1 Viewer)

[panzeraces]

Has anybody else noticed just how important the model world is to our hobby? I have looked on for many years and, thought when a new piece is released I am sure I have just seen that in a model mag. So, for the last few years I have followed what is being released in the plastic world and in our releases. For me, they are quite similar and, I read the main model mags that are released all over the world. BBG16 released after a short period when a review of a 1/6th king tiger exactly the same as ours was reviewed and painted a few months earlier. Tunisian Tiger SL again, reviewed in model mags a few months earlier and, just recently Tiger S33 remodelled and exactly the same design. I could go on but, you get my meaning.

I also can guess with pretty much accuracy what will be released in future months and, this is just by looking at what will be released by the big plastic makers. So, just some guesses a new long barralled stug, AK 8 wheeled armoured car (repainted for FOB et al) and a kubelwagon with ballon tyres and, for you Arnhem buffs troops on the small portable motorcycles. There are others but, space for now precludes their acknowledgement.

I also had this confirmed when reading some leaflets and collector mags asnd, one which showed the HJ panther in pre-production with Sammy and Lee at HK HQ which, showed a colour chart with Tamiya signs on being used for painting reference.

Its not just K&C who seem to do this NMA motar set was a direct copy of the Tamiya version in pose from their yearly catalogue and, the Sturmtiger by the same company had the same figure as WSS70SL also their Lynx commander was the same figure as the driver in WSS 67/71 king Tiger. I know a lot of companies use the same factories but, the same figures? its concerning.

If you doubt me try this for yourself and see the results. I am a K&C fan before I am castigated as a poster who does not and just winding you up which, I am not its just an observation and, one that I have brought up with fellow collectors in the UK.

We are always hearing about the research which, goes into new AFV's etc but, it just sheds some new light on the narrow world we collect in

 

[damian]

I remeber reading a post by Harrytheheid about this a few years ago.
Why don't you post some of the Tamiya images for us to compare.

 

[lancer]

Very interesting post although I am not really concerned with who copies what from whom or where a certain company gets there ideas. I just care about the finished product I am thinking of purchasing. The companies concerned probably have their hands full combating all the espionage (competition) going on. But that's big boy business in any endeavor, is it not? It may be selfish, but I just want my Tiger tanks. -- lancer

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I agree. Many of the AFV models are copied from 1:35 scale plastic kits. So what? Sometimes they even correct historical errors that were in the kit.

Terry

 

[panzeraces]

I agree. Many of the AFV models are copied from 1:35 scale plastic kits. So what? Sometimes they even correct historical errors that were in the kit.

Terry

More often than not they don't.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

More often than not they don't.

True - usually they copy the mistakes, but sometimes they fix some

Terry

 

[binder001]

Since we are discussing this in the K&C section, I'll mention that Andy has made no secret of the fact that he enjoys 1/35th models and often uses them as masters for some of the K&C releases.

On the good news, the improved plastic models can help improve the accuracy of our collectibles. On the bad news, many collectibles carry the same errors right off the plastic kit.

As a model builder it has struck me as "funny" - you guys will pay a significant sum for a collectible that is based on a plastic model and is "1 of 1200" (or whatever). On the other hand few people will pay for an assembled and painted plastic model that can be built as one-of-a-kind with corrected details and proper historical colors and markings! $225 for a generic King Tiger built the same as 1000 or so others out of a lump of pollystone, but try and charge $225 for a custom assembled unique model and people whine. Life is strange!

Anyway, the relationship between the "toy" market and the model market is very real and very strong. The improvements in the models do affect the quality of what we het in the collectible hobby.

Gary B.

 

[ecuriel]

Since we are discussing this in the K&C section, I'll mention that Andy has made no secret of the fact that he enjoys 1/35th models and often uses them as masters for some of the K&C releases.

On the good news, the improved plastic models can help improve the accuracy of our collectibles. On the bad news, many collectibles carry the same errors right off the plastic kit.

As a model builder it has struck me as "funny" - you guys will pay a significant sum for a collectible that is based on a plastic model and is "1 of 1200" (or whatever). On the other hand few people will pay for an assembled and painted plastic model that can be built as one-of-a-kind with corrected details and proper historical colors and markings! $225 for a generic King Tiger built the same as 1000 or so others out of a lump of pollystone, but try and charge $225 for a custom assembled unique model and people whine. Life is strange!

Anyway, the relationship between the "toy" market and the model market is very real and very strong. The improvements in the models do affect the quality of what we het in the collectible hobby.

Gary B.

Picasso said it best "good artist copy, great artist steal". As far as models vs. Polystone, If the models had more weight to them I think they would be more appealing. I've seen some great plastic models, but I still prefer the polystone stuff.

 

[jbonzo1]

I agree. Many of the AFV models are copied from 1:35 scale plastic kits. So what? Sometimes they even correct historical errors that were in the kit.

Terry

And sometimes they dumb them down...

 

[panzeraces]

Picasso said it best "good artist copy, great artist steal". As far as models vs. Polystone, If the models had more weight to them I think they would be more appealing. I've seen some great plastic models, but I still prefer the polystone stuff.

As a modellor I think that Gary is right but, the modelling world has addressed the weight issue by brass and aluminium parts which gives them real weight. This was never meant to be about price and, I have seen some wonderful models and, some really nice conversions of K&C stuff some, on here and some by that lad who did the article in the Toy soldier mag. I had not heard the bit about the andy liking kits but, it makes sense.

Also, the modelling world is now beginning to address 1/25th scale and, I have heard they will look at 1/30th also which, for converters will allow correct scale pieces to use on K&C.

 

[thebritfarmer]

I think brand name and style of product also play a major part in peoples purchases.

 

[bromhead]

Picasso said it best "good artist copy, great artist steal". As far as models vs. Polystone, If the models had more weight to them I think they would be more appealing. I've seen some great plastic models, but I still prefer the polystone stuff.

Agreed ,,all my 1/700 Warships have added weight,,great heft and feel

 

[HAWKEYE]

i helped stir andy's creative side at the chicago show in 1995. he was selling the first arnhem matte sets and i told him and then showed him a table inside the main hall that was selling tamiya built and painted models for $55. and they sold quite a few. and i told andy if there was a way he could make his wood tanks cheaper they would sell like crazy. eventually we got polystone. i myself always liked the bandai tanks. thay gave great diorama pictures with them. they really stirred the imagination.