Oh, the French Infantry DO seem to be Tamiya...
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Tamiya OUT of Figure Biz? Interesting News
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 03:59 AM UTC
I've just been updating the Tamiya News Story about their future releases and one interesting little snippet has come to light: The new (or re-pops in many cases) will be including figures from ICM not from Tamiya...Curious little fact what are we to make of this?
Oh, the French Infantry DO seem to be Tamiya...
Oh, the French Infantry DO seem to be Tamiya...
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 04:42 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I've just been updating the Tamiya News Story about their future releases and one interesting little snippet has come to light: The new (or re-pops in many cases) will be including figures from ICM not from Tamiya...Curious little fact what are we to make of this?
Oh, the French Infantry DO seem to be Tamiya...
Yeah Jim, I noticed that was mentioned on the Tamiya America site.
Interesting that the Mechanics and Field Police figures with the Kubel and Marder limited releases are from ICM.
Hopefully it's just a cooperative move with ICM a'la their association with Italeri.
I'd hate to see a capitulation by Tamiya to the other figure makers.
BTW, is that a Citroen Traction 11CV Staff Car I see in one of the photos?
Cheers
jjumbo
toadman1
Vendor
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,141 posts
Armorama: 950 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 04:46 AM UTC
Quoted Text
BTW, is that a Citroen Traction 11CV Staff Car I see in one of the photos?
Cheers
jjumbo
Yes. It is the 1/48 Citroen with ICM figs as well. It too is noted on the Tamiya America site.
Chris "toadman" Hughes
Toadman's Tank Pictures
Shermaniac
Joined: August 06, 2003
KitMaker: 79 posts
Armorama: 75 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 04:53 AM UTC
I would suppose that to use anothers (ICM) product can inject some immediacy into what is in effect a slow year for Tamiya 1/35th releases, 1/48 is plodding along nicely!
ICM have some fine figure sets and I would hope that Tamiya would only release the best of the ICM offerings, unlike Italeri with some of their Figure Sets (those old Heller sets - old they may be, but even then they were pretty bad).
A collaberative move which will form a small resurgence in Tamiya's visibility in the marketplace, and certainly more cost effective with not having the initial research and tooling costs.
We shall see if Tamiya change weapons, add etch, decals or other titbits or just re-box them.
ICM have some fine figure sets and I would hope that Tamiya would only release the best of the ICM offerings, unlike Italeri with some of their Figure Sets (those old Heller sets - old they may be, but even then they were pretty bad).
A collaberative move which will form a small resurgence in Tamiya's visibility in the marketplace, and certainly more cost effective with not having the initial research and tooling costs.
We shall see if Tamiya change weapons, add etch, decals or other titbits or just re-box them.
Shermaniac
Joined: August 06, 2003
KitMaker: 79 posts
Armorama: 75 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 05:03 AM UTC
Just when I sound off Tamiya set up those new releases.
The JS2 should be really nice.
The CharB1 German Army - I don't know, how different is it from the original kit (other than the decals)?
On the face of it though, it seems an awfully cheeky move to re-do the same kit with different decals.
The JS2 should be really nice.
The CharB1 German Army - I don't know, how different is it from the original kit (other than the decals)?
On the face of it though, it seems an awfully cheeky move to re-do the same kit with different decals.
thedoog
Joined: May 14, 2007
KitMaker: 263 posts
Armorama: 260 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 05:23 AM UTC
You have to believe that Tamiya's been taking a huge shot lately with all the fabulous releases from DML, Trumpeter, Tristar, etc...I mean, I know their 1/48 market is probably making up for some of it, but I think that this is just a cooperative venture to spiff-up their new releases because they just don't have anything right now that's really burning up the sales charts--and lets face it--Me and a lot of other guys are about as likely to buy that diminutive French tractor as I am the next Britney Spears record!! 
jjumbo
Joined: August 27, 2006
KitMaker: 2,012 posts
Armorama: 1,949 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 09:34 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just when I sound off Tamiya set up those new releases.
The JS2 should be really nice.
The CharB1 German Army - I don't know, how different is it from the original kit (other than the decals)?
On the face of it though, it seems an awfully cheeky move to re-do the same kit with different decals.
The Char B1 bis or Beutepanzer Pz.Kpfw. B-2 740(f) in their nominclature, was modified by the Germans to suit their needs.
The cupola was replaced or modified with one with top hatches, some additional armour was added to protect the turret ring.
Some vehicles were fitted out as Flammpanzers or converted to 105mm SP's.
The new kit shouldn't be much different from the original issue, hopefully Tamiya will give us the Flammpanzer option.
Cheers
jjumbo
Hohenstaufen
Joined: December 13, 2004
KitMaker: 2,192 posts
Armorama: 1,615 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 11:49 AM UTC
Seems a bit unfair to me to welcome numerous issues of similar German halftracks from one company, then criticise another for doing a second version of a rarely modelled vehicle - but then what do I know? I do know that there was a company of these Char B1 bis @ Arnhem - they were shot up in quick time by AB 6 pdrs. The photos I've seen all have the hull gun replaced by a flamethrower as John has mentioned, so I might be out for one. Come to think of it, Viktor Grabner (CO of 9th SS Recce battalion) was rumoured to have been driving a captured Humber scout car at the time of his death on Arnhem bridge, so I might be after the Bronco one.
So Tamiya are using other peoples figures in their sets, who really cares? Most people don't think of Tamiya as a major player in 1/35th any more, lets face it most modellers will be anticipating the next Dragon Gen 2 issue. Got to give credit for the French soldiers though - Tamiya do spring the occasional surprise. I suspect that there may be a tie-up with a French company to get Tamiya stuff into the EU through a "back door" to avoid import duties, this would explain the sudden interest in French subjects.
So Tamiya are using other peoples figures in their sets, who really cares? Most people don't think of Tamiya as a major player in 1/35th any more, lets face it most modellers will be anticipating the next Dragon Gen 2 issue. Got to give credit for the French soldiers though - Tamiya do spring the occasional surprise. I suspect that there may be a tie-up with a French company to get Tamiya stuff into the EU through a "back door" to avoid import duties, this would explain the sudden interest in French subjects.
Kelley
Joined: November 21, 2002
KitMaker: 1,966 posts
Armorama: 1,635 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 12:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
You have to believe that Tamiya's been taking a huge shot lately with all the fabulous releases from DML, Trumpeter, Tristar, etc...I mean, I know their 1/48 market is probably making up for some of it, but I think that this is just a cooperative venture to spiff-up their new releases because they just don't have anything right now that's really burning up the sales charts--and lets face it--Me and a lot of other guys are about as likely to buy that diminutive French tractor as I am the next Britney Spears record!!
Karl, what you have to remember is that 1/35 scale models make up a very small percentage of Tamiya's sales. The RC market is where they make most of their $$$.
Mike
Fitz
Joined: July 11, 2006
KitMaker: 439 posts
Armorama: 331 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 02:15 PM UTC
I think that from a marketing perspective it is probably a win-win for Tamiya and ICM. It broadens the market for both companies for very small cost. ICM is of course much smaller, much less well known and less widely distributed, so this gives them a new outlet for their product. For Tamiya it allows them to go back to something they used to do so well - diorama's in a box - and do it quickly and at minimal cost.
My first diorama as a teenager was a Tamiya FLAK 36/37 because the gun looked cool and the kit came with the limber, the crew, extra ammo and cases, etc. The entire diorama was parts from that kit and a base I made from scratch and it got me hooked. Ever since I have always had a soft-spot for kits that could make a diorama right out of the box. The new Miniart Russian 57mm anti-tank gun is a great recent example of what I am talking about.
My first diorama as a teenager was a Tamiya FLAK 36/37 because the gun looked cool and the kit came with the limber, the crew, extra ammo and cases, etc. The entire diorama was parts from that kit and a base I made from scratch and it got me hooked. Ever since I have always had a soft-spot for kits that could make a diorama right out of the box. The new Miniart Russian 57mm anti-tank gun is a great recent example of what I am talking about.
ADNeate
Joined: July 29, 2007
KitMaker: 93 posts
Armorama: 92 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 03:22 PM UTC
What's up with Tamiya? DML Cranks kits out like crazy with tons of extras and insane detailing. Tamiya released what two kits so far? DML releases that many a month, almost every freaking month. AFV Club's modern stuff is crazy awesome as well and much better than Tamiya's stuff. I remember just a short time ago when I started modeling Tamiya was on top how far they have fallen since then. But uh 1/48 is pretty cool ya know build the same things again only slightly smaller 
Ralgar
Joined: May 24, 2007
KitMaker: 32 posts
Armorama: 25 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 03:40 PM UTC
I'm looking forward to the JS2. I'll always have a spot for Tamiya on my bench, if it wasn't for them I probably would of never started modelling.
allycat
Joined: October 03, 2004
KitMaker: 942 posts
Armorama: 571 posts
Posted: Friday, September 14, 2007 - 08:33 PM UTC
You got that right Jason.
Them and Airfix!
Tom
Them and Airfix!
Tom
Pak_40
Joined: August 12, 2003
KitMaker: 392 posts
Armorama: 281 posts
Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 03:04 AM UTC
Hi kiddies,
Not to knock on Tamiya too much, they never seemed to get their 1/35th figures just right. It always seemed to me that except for some 1/16th scale figs, I was always dissapointed by them. Some of the figures I might use with different heads, hands,feet and equipment. But that is all that I can do with them.
So that is my tale of attempting to use Tamiya figs.
Chris
-mostly clueless 
Not to knock on Tamiya too much, they never seemed to get their 1/35th figures just right. It always seemed to me that except for some 1/16th scale figs, I was always dissapointed by them. Some of the figures I might use with different heads, hands,feet and equipment. But that is all that I can do with them.
So that is my tale of attempting to use Tamiya figs.
Chris
-mostly clueless 
CaptainA
Joined: May 14, 2007
KitMaker: 3,117 posts
Armorama: 564 posts
Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 09:36 AM UTC
Threads appear almost every week, referring to Tamiya in the "Past Tense". Remember how good they used to be. Remember when they turned the market upside down with inovative, accurate, nice to build kits. Remember Tamiya is concentrating on 1/48 scale. Remember when they used to make nice molds that were state of the art.
I think Tamiya needs to remember who buys their kits. I think they also need to remember why a lot of those old loyal customers would rather buy Dragons kits now. Value for the money. Are they just giving up and turning the market over to newer companies because they forgot how to compete? I am puzzled at their decision making process.
I think Tamiya needs to remember who buys their kits. I think they also need to remember why a lot of those old loyal customers would rather buy Dragons kits now. Value for the money. Are they just giving up and turning the market over to newer companies because they forgot how to compete? I am puzzled at their decision making process.
Kelley
Joined: November 21, 2002
KitMaker: 1,966 posts
Armorama: 1,635 posts
Posted: Sunday, September 16, 2007 - 01:59 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Threads appear almost every week, referring to Tamiya in the "Past Tense". Remember how good they used to be. Remember when they turned the market upside down with inovative, accurate, nice to build kits. Remember Tamiya is concentrating on 1/48 scale. Remember when they used to make nice molds that were state of the art.
I think Tamiya needs to remember who buys their kits. I think they also need to remember why a lot of those old loyal customers would rather buy Dragons kits now. Value for the money. Are they just giving up and turning the market over to newer companies because they forgot how to compete? I am puzzled at their decision making process.
Karl, check out my post six back from your's.
As for the first part of your post, well to me at least Tamiya is still turning out good, accurate, nice to build kits. Have you bought any of their latest releases? The subject areas may not be your cup of tea but the kits themselves are still good, ie. the Char B1 bis, the UE, and the Hetzer, just to name a few. No, they might not give you all the "stuff" Dragon does but they are a joy to build and look great even OOTB.
Another thing to remember is Tamiya has never been what you might call prolific in releasing 1/35 military kits. Even several years back when they were still considered the king of the hill by many, they didn't release more than two or three 1/35 kits a year, if that. They are also releasing kits in their 1/48 and 1/32 aircraft range, their model ship line (sorry don't know the scale(s), their 1/16 line and finally their 1/24 (not sure if I have the scale correct) cars and motorcycle line. That's not to mention their big money maker the RC stuff, as I said in my earlier post. Now I would daresay if you added all of the releases up it would equal or surpass Dragons output, but of course us armor modelers forget about all that other stuff, and we get PO'd that Mr. Tamiya isn't making what we want.
I for one am just glad to be able to be around right now, as many people have said before me, we are living in a good time to be an armor modeler. I don't care who makes it as long as I'm interested in it. Sorry to be so long winded but it just seems that people get wound up anytime this subject appears.Regards,
Mike
Finch
Joined: August 03, 2005
KitMaker: 411 posts
Armorama: 273 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 10:29 AM UTC
I love many of tamiya's vehicle kits. Their figures - not so much. I think it has been a long, long time since Tamiya did a decent set of figures. Most of their figures of the last 5-6-8 years have been way too thin and poorly detailed.
The Char B-1bis was a pleasure to build though, and I am not sure I would have rather had DML do it. DML might have gotten a few finer details but it would have been a b*tch to build. Tamiya's Char B-1bis falls together. The UE also has amazing fit and quite good detail.
It's also good to have those 1970s'era simple Tamiya kits to get newer modelers started. The detail is poor by today's standards but they go together easily, and can be finished by a novice.
The Char B-1bis was a pleasure to build though, and I am not sure I would have rather had DML do it. DML might have gotten a few finer details but it would have been a b*tch to build. Tamiya's Char B-1bis falls together. The UE also has amazing fit and quite good detail.
It's also good to have those 1970s'era simple Tamiya kits to get newer modelers started. The detail is poor by today's standards but they go together easily, and can be finished by a novice.
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - 09:43 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I am puzzled at their decision making process.
Carl, it's not really that confusing. Only a small percentage of Tamiya's earnings actually come from plastic kits (the overwhelming majority from R/C) so, they don't really count on the 'Hard-Core' modeler. Remember as well that only a small part of ALL plastic kits sold actually go to the 'Serious' enthusiast. The majority go to those who buy a kit, some paints and build it - these are people who will rarely buy a magazine, visit a site like this or be worried about it's accuracy.
My REAL beef with Tamiya isn't with their release policy it's with their disinterest towards sites ike this. Tamiya doesn't (directly) supply the big sites (Kitmaker, Hyper-scale, PMMS & FSM) with review samples or news of new releases. If we do get them, it's thru importers. I've spoken (face to face) with Tamiya (Europe), Jim Starkweather has spoken with Tamiya (USA) and there is a TOTAL apathy towards us.
The difference between DML, AFV Club, Trumpeter, MiniART, Masterbox etc. and Tamiya is immense - Tamiya don't give a damn or are incapable of understanding just how important for future sales a site like this actually is. The other manufacturers beat a path to our virtual doors....
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