The Ship Model Forum

Trumpeter is displaying an upcoming release of the Pegasus missile boat in 1/200scale.

ICM posted some pictures of its forthcoming Konig class:
http://www.icm.com.ua/news/455-k246nig- ... l-and.html

The Konig is out all over Ebay.

Is there an estimated release?

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Vlad

While I know whats wrong with the Hasegawa Yukikaze, what is wrong with the Tamiya Yukikaze/Kagero kits in 1/350 to warrant Fujimi having a crack at it?

Due in April:
http://hlj.com/product/FUJ46012/Nav

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Aaron Propper
"I don't understand any of this! But when we get in the giant robots, WE MUST FIGHT!"

"This is how Admiral Okita fights."

At $35, it's certainly a bit cheaper. It's also part of their Kan NEXT series of colour-molded snap kits. You can read a longer description of the kit on Hobby Search: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10445025

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De quoi s'agit-il?

There's nothing wrong with the Tamiya Yukikaze. Fujimi seems to think there is an untapped market for snap together 1/350 IJN warships, just like in 1/700. I suppose their Shimakaze kit success rate (whatever it might be) led them to think so, but my gut says that it was more an untapped need for a new /1350 Shimakaze in the first place that garnered sales.

I suppose there could be a market for this type kit, but with two other mfgs already offering 1/350 Kagero class kits, you would think Fujimi might chosen another class. That would have been more of a lock.

I clearly don't understand Fujimi at all. I mean, how many folks interested in 1/350 IJN, especially in the home market, are going to spring for a snap together version, particularly if they already have one of the other Kagero class kits?

They might not, but they might buy it for their kids to get them into the hobby.

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Vlad

Maybe, but it seems like a pretty marginal play, given that kids have so many entertainment alternatives these days.

Fujimi is trying to broaden a new product line; why not maximize the potential instead of choosing what is more than likely a marginal contributor? They have already done the CAD for their 1/700 Akizuki and Shiratsuyu classes. The Shiratusyu type would have no competition in this scale. Every IJN 1/350 aficionado would likely consider it, snap together kit or not. My two cents worth.

I think it's the recent rise of warship-related "programs" in popular culture that's leading to this - Kancolle and World of Warships have led to a marked (well, anecdotally) increase in awareness and interest in WWII ships amongst the younger population who don't have experience with glue and paint, but want a good representation of the subjects they've come to know. There's been a rise in requests for warship kit suggestions over on the Reddit model making section that seems to correlate with the general phenomenon.

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De quoi s'agit-il?

I have the impression here in Bavaria, that the younger generation is slowly coming back to model kits. In my store and between my colleagues families, I see kids who start different model kits. Younger guys get hooked to model railroading by watching Thomas the Tank Engine, and teenagers ones get hooked by world of warships or world of tanks. Other want a quadrocopter or RC stuff. Being primarily an IT guy, I have the impression that as all classmates have the same playstation and gadgets anyways, it is now back to being cool to have built something. A few days ago, while walking with my daughter, I have overheard some teen boys discussing world of tanks, and one of them told he built a tiger tank model, with paint and glue. He was the local hero for a day And another of the guys who was there, showed up a week later in my store, picking a 1/72 King tiger tank kit, several paints, glue and brushes.

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Model kit manufacturer and distributor: https://b2b.modellbaudienst.de
Distributor of Very Fire, Snowman, Milania Master Korabel, Falkonet, Microdisign in EU
1:350 HMS Diana 1794 - nearly released
Further kits in preparation.

A fair point about the rise of interest in Japanese popular culture.

More of a Arpeggio of Blue Steel fan myself.

In any case looks like I'll be ordering myself one to see what the fuss is about. Not sure I'll be keeping it mind you, but I want to have a look.

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Aaron Propper
"I don't understand any of this! But when we get in the giant robots, WE MUST FIGHT!"

"This is how Admiral Okita fights."

It's pretty amazing what they can do with snap kits and multi-color parts. Bandai's turned it into an art.

Paul

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"There's something wrong with our bloody ships today" - Admiral Beatty

Upcoming ship releases in plastic please!

Cheers, Jabb.

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HMS Hood, the big one!

I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure.

Pardon? That's what this thread is about.

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De quoi s'agit-il?

On Taobao there is this kit by Snowman Models:

Chinese corvette of the Type 056 (early)
https://world.taobao.com/item/544430741757.htm?fromSite=main&spm=a312a.7700824.w4002-9593107521.12.Vkeb24

But it is the only one available from this dealer:
https://sharehighmodel.world.taobao.com/category-1292091923.htm?spm=a312a.7700824.w5842-14812595912.100.zF9dYy&search=y&parentCatId=1292091922&parentCatName=SNOWMAN%C4%A3%D0%CD&catName=%A1%BESNOWMAN%A1%BF1%2F700+%C4%A3%D0%CD#bd

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I can see it from at least 4 different dealers at Taobao now. Would import one with next batch.

P.S. It is a resin kit, not plastic.

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Model kit manufacturer and distributor: https://b2b.modellbaudienst.de
Distributor of Very Fire, Snowman, Milania Master Korabel, Falkonet, Microdisign in EU
1:350 HMS Diana 1794 - nearly released
Further kits in preparation.

World of Tanks had a major impact on the AFV model market. 1/35 injection plastic models of tanks like KV-5, Obj 704, Obj 268 and many more would not have been possible if WoT wasn't so popular. We can expect something similar from the World of Warship now...

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In progress:
- NNT Vice-Admiral Popov
- Hasegawa Soya 2nd Corp
- Heller (kitbash) BB-CV HMS Lion Hybrid

Not sure if this has been posted yet...
But, For those waiting on the 1/350 US Battlecruiser kits. Trumpeter/Hobby Boss has one on display at their booth at the 2017 Nuremberg Toy Fair.

Kit pic link...
http://data3.primeportal.net/models/tho ... _of_80.jpg

Main page link with other companies booth pics...
http://www.primeportal.net/models/nuremberg_2017.htm

Thomas