Firstly, MBox take this site VERY seriously indeed - as we not only get advance images/news from them we also are the first site to actually get our sticky hands on their new products.

However, much as I agree with your idea, all too frequently, the ideas presented here are good in their concept, but poor in terms of practicality. A bigger manufacturer CAN (very occasionally) go into the more obscure releases - the smaller companies have to keep their eyes far more fixed on the balance sheet. They simply can't afford to gamble with less popular (or documented) subjects.

In terms of a 'wish-list', the idea is good, but as for helping manufacturers, it's of limited value. If we could guarantee (as we should be able to) a participation of around 5000 modelers, the idea would have some appeal. As it is, (sadly) there's a reluctance in many to actually participate. Also, it's never as simple as 'suggesting' - NONE of the companies maintain a full-time staff of researchers. The designers need complete documentation on every subject and then they can start doing the actual conceptual work.

On a more positive side, Masterbox are a company who will listen to suggestions - frequently they have referred to the feedback on this site as very useful indeed. So, it's time to get away from the comments of the 'usual suspects' and open the feedback up to those who rarely post or comment...

Yes, that DOES mean the 'lurkers'

Michael you're absolutely right, there are existing " element " pieces out there as in the 25 lb-er, that would be able to have Australians, Commonwealth etc. sell and compliment/ accompany the build. But everything nowadays is geared to the " new releases ".
Have you noticed whenever a new tank or vehicle comes out the said vehicle is inundated with p.e. offerings, and fig. manufactures only stick their toe in the water and put out a companion set of a tanker or two.
This makes manufacturing sense. According to their estimates and bean counting, it'll sell.
That's why the manufactures need that petition push which unfortunatly is our only way to get " era or period " fig. kits that in their eyes [ and cash registers ] will sell.
A nice New Guinea, Buna/Gona area build - I only wish !!!!
Glenn

Sorry forgot the pic.
As I said I'm not against the wishes, we're just fighting city hall. That's why I made the petition suggestion.
I mean, come on who wouldn't want a set of these buggers ???

I'd love a set having had the pleasure of meeting a few of the Vets and knowing that these men never truly got the accolades they so richly desrve. To achieve what these men did with what they had in the conditions is one of the greatest feats of arms in modern history and ranks alongside the "300: etc. To fight a tactical withdrawal across some of the most inhospitable terrain on the planet with only small arms (no mmg, mortars etc) and very little in the way of resupply (all carried by hand) against a foe with support weapons, who were seasoned elite veterans and outnumbered the Aussies 10-1 is miraculous. The tactics used are now standard doctrine for tactical strategic withdrawal in most western militaries. To be publically vilified as cowards by their leaders (Blamey) and the theatre Comd (Macarthur) is unforgiveable. If these men had not undertaken a tactical withdrawal then the Japs would have rolled up the Allied Forces in NG and taken Moresby. This would have been a strategic disaster and set back the war in tha pacific for a few years. These men and the Australian led and manned (98% with a few US engineers) force at Milne Bay inflicted the first Campaign Defeats on the seemingly invincible and unstoppable Japanese forces in the War. In fact history records (although rarely in US Histories) that Australian Commanded and led Forces inflicted the first defeats on both Germany (TOBRUK) and the Japanese (MILNE BAY). Australians committed troops to the SWPA where they were deliberately kept out of any meaningful actions post 44 due to the ego of one Douglas Macarthur despite proving themseleves the elite of the campaigns to date (a fact attested to by the japanese themselves). They also committed three DIV's to the 8th Army where they were the Vanguard of the 8th Army on its early victories and the rearguard in its retreats. They were squandered on the ill feted Greek and Cretan disasters and distuinguisshed themselves at Tobruk (It only fell after it had been releieved and then besieged again but NOT under Australian command and with little in the way of Australian defenders. Rommel considered the Australians and the Kiwis as the Elite of the forces in Africa. The Australians and Kiiws went on to further recognition in the El Alamein battles (and Italy for the Kiwis) achieveing results well above their force size.

I believe a set of Jungle troops and Dwesrt troops would be quite viable given the histories and the conversion potential for other 8th Army and 14th troops which have been little done. Given the amount of DAK kits and japanese Armour it is not unreasonable to believe these could be quite finacially viable (as I'm sure DML will find with t he 8th Army set). Airfix, Revell and Matchbox all had Australians / Anzacs in their 72nd scale figure lineups and these were highly successful.

Just something to consider
Al

Very nice and original sets, especially the Jap.
I also like figures "in action"...but in my opinion some of them have a pose too stiff

tom