Mass Produced Versus Small Lot Panzer Quality Photo Comparison (1 Viewer)

[katana]

Comments have been made about mass produced Panzers being of inferior quality to Panzers produced in small lots. A small lot would be 100 pieces; which was a typical Figarti production run of the Panther G first release. Figarti used mixed media to achieve a higher level of detail than its competitors; using metal parts, plastic tracks, sprockets etc. Mass production models like FOV and 21st Century Panzers used injection molded
polystyrene and Zinc alloys to make their models in large quantities, probably 10X the typical Polystone model production run. The result of the increased production volume was an economy of scale resulting in a much lower cost per piece, but no significant reduction in quality IMO.

The first two photo shows two Figarti Panzers; a Tiger I and Panther G. The third and fourth photos show a King Tiger and a Panther G from a mass market manufacturer making die cast metal and plastic models. The photos both use the same Kronprinze Panzer Kommander figures as a comparative size reference. All four models have their original factory paint. The question is; which Panzers are clearly inferior in quality? Which have inferior details or colors? Can you objectively determine from the photos alone which are mass produced and which were produced in small lots?

 

[TomNT]

Kat, I would say that the Figarti tanks look better than the massed produced versions you pictured but that's not to say that they don't look good as well. If someone is handy with a brush and can weather vehicles, they can bring the mass produced armour up to Figarti standards or close to that standard in my opinion. About the only criticism I would say about the massed produced armour is that they have rubber tracks (at least on the FOV armour, don't know about yours or other mass produced brands) and over time I think the tracks would disintegrate in hot and humid climates. I know this as I own a large collection of FOV armour and live in a hot and humid climate and even though the tracks on my armour haven't disintegrated yet, I do worry that over time they will. I had some old plastic Tamiya models where the tracks got sticky and fell apart.

Tom

 

[katana]

The Figarti and First Legion flexible tracks are made of the same material; a flexible plastic; when the resin dries out over a period of years they can become brittle and break. The 1/25 Tamiya tanks I have use individual links of PVC which will last as long as I will; which is long enough!

Thanks for your comments.

 

[sammy719]

I can tell the difference, but what beauty is is in the eye of the beholder, or something like that.

 

[bradleyl30]

Yes, I see a big difference as well. That is the thing about opinions, everyone has them and they are often very different.

 

[katana]

What specific differences do you see in terms of quality i.e. lack of detail, poor paint quality etc.

 

[kilted vampire]

Comments have been made about mass produced Panzers being of inferior quality to Panzers produced in small lots. A small lot would be 100 pieces; which was a typical Figarti production run of the Panther G first release. Figarti used mixed media to achieve a higher level of detail than its competitors; using metal parts, plastic tracks, sprockets etc. Mass production models like FOV and 21st Century Panzers used injection molded
polystyrene and Zinc alloys to make their models in large quantities, probably 10X the typical Polystone model production run. The result of the increased production volume was an economy of scale resulting in a much lower cost per piece, but no significant reduction in quality IMO.

The first two photo shows two Figarti Panzers; a Tiger I and Panther G. The third and fourth photos show a King Tiger and a Panther G from a mass market manufacturer making die cast metal and plastic models. The photos both use the same Kronprinze Panzer Kommander figures as a comparative size reference. All four models have their original factory paint. The question is; which Panzers are clearly inferior in quality? Which have inferior details or colors? Can you objectively determine from the photos alone which are mass produced and which were produced in small lots?

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When it comes to weathering one can mask a great deal of defects and still add realism to the piece. The size difference is marked at close range but useful when developing a forced perspective. I try to pick what I like and there is always the fact that I like Andy and Brian so my money gets tied up with their products not to mention (ok I am going to) the Halls. So for me generally I am staying away from the massed produced unless it is thrown at me.