I totally agree that we are now in 2015 and there are certain standards to be expected... But I also think there were certain standards back when Trumpeter started doing their first Stryker and then HobbyBoss started out.. and as I remember, they were not on par with other companies making models during that period.. But people bought their kits, and they gradually improved and now they give us great kits... Look at Academy's early kits.. I remember even Bronco had somewhat "iffy" kits back in the day.. but look at them now. As far as I remember, most modelling companies had somewhat mediocre beginnings.

As far as Takom and Meng are concerned, if you ask around, you'll find that most of their design engineers came from other bigger and established companies and started these new companies.. So, they kind of had a running start, so to speak.

I might be wrong, but I feel that if we have four new companies start.. three of which do great and the fourth is kind of mediocre.. then encouraging that fourth one to stay in the game and improve is better for modelers on the long run than to have that fourth one close shop and just have the other three... Like I said, just my personal opinion

Does anyone have any news about anything new coming from Orochi after their Bradley kit? I do hope we hear about something

Hisham

I have it on good authority that Orochi has sold their M3A3 molds/masters and will not be making any more armor kits. The company that bought it does have some ideas on other Bradley versions using the M3A3 base molds though. Keep an eye out for future projects.

Actually, I was asked by the one who bought it about what were modelers saying was wrong with it so they can improve it, and I was asked to keep it secret.. but since I'm not an expert, I referred them to two other modelers who were experts on the subject.

My question was somewhat rhetorical.. hoping that Orochi didn't close shop

Hisham

Now I am following.

Back to the Tiger Model kits.

I must be missing something. I look at the sprue and parts pics and personally feel that they look crisp and pretty well detailed. I guess I must be blind, or the "lack of detail" is completely illuding me. I see no difference in detail compared to many highly praised Tamiya kits, for example. They even have clear plastic for the episcopes, something not all manufacturers do even in 2015.

Time for me to get new glasses perhaps

Or is the "negativity" about the egg planes? ;-)

The VBL and AMX look pretty good to me too. We'll see how they look when they come out, but I don't see all the supposed issues either.

I´m looking forward the VBL.

I intend to build one with Portuguese Army markings.

Thanks for sharing, Hisham

According those pics, it seems Tiger Model has made a nice job on both models.
Parts look well done, can't wait to built them.

Considering the fierce competition that there is in the modelling, I don't understand why Heller does not make a new kit of VAB before it is a Chinese brand that makes it.

However if there is a kit of VAB which goes out under a Chinese label I shall buy it probably.

Hello
I'll wait a bit for the VBL since HB has one on the list but i'll buy quickly the 10RCR since it's the version used in Afghanistan.
I don't thinks that these kits have less quality than Heller's VBCI!
My main concern is accuracy , if the detailling and the price of the kit are good too it will be perfect!
Thanks Tiger
Stéphane

This is the only test shot of Hobbyboss's VBL that I've ever seen.. if someone has another one, please post it

But, is it really obvious from these two pics that the Hobbyboss is much finer? Except, of course, for the three panels on the front hood being separate. Like Sven was saying, I'm just wondering if there is something obvious that I'm not seeing

Disclaimer... not bashing any kits.. I'll probably end up getting both kits, like I always do in these cases





Hisham

Hisham,

Thanks for taking the time to post these. The AMX-10RC looks very nice. Hopefully it'll be popular enough to warrant someone to produce a turned metal barrel for it.

Regards,

Greg

Hi;

I DONT CARE IF THEY ARE MADE OUT OF SOFT,HARD,OR MADE OUT OF GUMMY BEARS. WERE GETTING SOMETHING NEW FROM A NEW COMPANY THATS GIVING US NEW VEHICLES !!!!!!!! AND I DONT CARE IF THEY COME IN PINK PLASTIC WITH A BAG OF RUBBER DOG CRAP !!!!! SOME PEOPLE ARE NEVER HAPPY !!!!! THEY WOULD EVEN GRIPE IF THEY WERE GIVEN THE KIT FOR FREE !!!!!
THESE ARE GREAT SUBJECTS AND I SAY YES,YES,YES---SHUT THE HELL UP AND TAKE ALL MY MONEY !!!!!!!
CHEERS; MIKE.

Well, all I can say is : Stop teasing us HB and Tiger and release your kits QUICKLY and do not forget to expand the series of VBLs including the long version.

Amen to that

Hisham

Hisham

Thanks Hisham.
From the pictures of the instructions one can see that an early variant could be released as well.

That AMX-10 - is it the version used in A-stan right now?
I think that it will require some AM part to bring it up to the current standart there.
Plus, who said we're not happy? We're just tryong to help the companie to improve their game. Which is actually by no means imperative to stay in buisness because there are people buying Dragon black series (there is a certain irony here).

Great to see the instructions- looks like there is plenty of detail there! Thanks for keeping us updated Hisham !

As I realy like wheeled vehicles, I hope I can buy both models ASAP.

They look very good and the French 3 tone scheme is fantastic.

Thanks a lot Hisham!

Cheers!

Marco

Here's one there :



The uparmored variant was used there as well :



But French troops left Afghanistan at the end of 2012...

H.P.

Can't wait for that VBL....such a "cute" little 4x4!

Agreed, I really love the look of the car and most French AFvs.

And in Mali as well; along with that little cutie, the VBL! Thankfully, Blast make some great current French ground pounders to use with these. Did someone say "1/35 Puma"?

Kylie

No, but there is the 1/32 Revell Puma that would do quite nicely. It just needs some French markings and maybe some updating to make a current bird (not sure).

Didn't know about that one! thanks for that.

Its Friday morning here in NZ, have a great weekend

K.