U-DO-IT Unit Identifiers for AFV's, Airplanes, etc (1 Viewer)

[Currahee Chris]

I think we are all in agreement that there seems to be a lot of contention regarding unit identifiers being factory applied on AFVs- not correct unit, bumper/turret number is wrong, this unit was in France, not the Eastern Front, etc. I am not really too terribly concerned about this issue though I can certainly understand why it would be a major turn off for some collectors given price points these days.

My other little fun hobby is that I collect 4" GI Joe figures- something I played with as a kid and now enjoy playing with my children. In 1983, Hasbro released the skystriker- a really SWWEEET model of an F-14 Tomcat. Thsi year, they relrelased it for the first time. One of the things that had collectors thrilled about the rerelease was that they included stickers which allowed fans to personalize their skystrikers- different wing insignia, different pilot names, etc.

So, I ask to the forum, If manufacturers began making tanks a tad more generic- putting the Star, iron cross, etc on them but leaving bumper numbers, hull numbers, etc blank and including some unit/division insignia's would that be a deciding factor in buying a particular set?

Sound off chuckleheads!! {sm4}
CC

 

[Mitch]

Chris...

Interesting topic. I am not bothered if a AFV comes with markings or not it would not make me buy it or not want to buy it. What is a put off is when AFV's are clearly misrepresented or marked up totally wrong. I am of the belief that if you are going to place say, 223 on the side of a AFV portraying it from a specific division then, one should at least do the proper research to ensure that 223 was in that division or, even existed.

Manufacturers bring a lot of the debate about accuracy upon themselves IMO and, its got to be harder making this stuff up than taking the small amount of time to check for accuracy.

It depends on whether one is interested in detail and accuracy of the real AFV's or, just happy to go along with what is released. Sometimes they are right sometimes they are not. I don't think extra markings would be helpful or make me want to buy and, would probably confuse some even more. The agony of choice!!!
Mitch

 

[Currahee Chris]

Hey Mitch-

thanks for the post. That is sort of what I am trying to get at here. I have read the CS Jagdpanther discussion and this issue came up- I know it has with other companies as well. I'd really like to see if people are really put off/ impacted by unit markings on AFVs/Planes, etc or if there is perhaps some other underlying cause why they might comment negatively on an item.

 

[fmethorst]

Chris, you have a knack for asking good questions.

My preference is for vehicles to be properly researched and shipped "finished" with all numbers, insignia, tactical symbols etc. I think we all have a level of tolerance for errors, it just varies from individual to individual what that level is. This question could be extended to include equipment/tool placement, paint colors, camo patterns, scale, proportion etc.etc. It boils down to details and for the price we pay these days I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a relatively high level of accuracy. That said I totally appreciate that many collectors simply aren't that fussy and are more interested in acquiring a great looking model that they can display with their existing figures and vehicles.

 

[theBaron]

It depends. For the prices you guys are willing to shell out for ready-made models, I'd be pretty miffed, if the manufacturer made a mistake. Same goes for some scale model kits (viz., the Great Wall P-61). But if I buy a relatively cheaper model, whether complete, a la 21st Century Toys, or a kit, I'm happy to discard the kit markings or repaint it, and research my own. Same goes for figures. If I'm going to spend $30 or more on a single figure, it'd better be accurate. But a $5 Stadden snapped up at a show--I'll modify it as necessary.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Currahee Chris]

Chris, you have a knack for asking good questions.

Cheers Frank- though not nearly the knack you have for excellent photography

Strange though, on my perception, it seems like unit insiginias and the like were a major contention for collectors. Judging by the relatively low turnout on the vote, perhaps it really isn't such a big deal after all. ^&confuse hmmmmmm

 

[Wraith]

I'd be up for the option to determin what unit markings I could slap on a tank. It would also 'allow' multiple purchases of the same vehicle (to use like the HB Panthers).
Besides, I've got all 100 Figarti Bradleys sat here with the same numbers and it doesn't look quite right.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Besides, I've got all 100 Figarti Bradleys sat here with the same numbers and it doesn't look quite right.

You are pure evil taunting me like that!! {sm4}