Revell Germany and all of its European interests has been purchased by the American hobby company Hobbico, what does this mean for Revell Germany in the future and us. Take a look inside to see what the new company has to say about it.
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CMOT
Editor-in-Chief
Joined: May 14, 2006
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 05:08 PM UTC
warreni
Joined: August 14, 2007
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 07:07 PM UTC
I don't like the sound of this...
C_JACQUEMONT
Joined: October 09, 2004
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 07:11 PM UTC
Me neither. Especially this :
Quoted Text
we have a great opportunity to extend our new engagement in the RC hobby segment on the European markets
Whiskey_1
Joined: November 22, 2008
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 08:28 PM UTC
I`m getting a little concerned about Revell Germany`s focus on the modern german army. Thinking they might lose that once the americans start having their say in what is good for Revell`s business...
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 09:18 PM UTC
Frankly, Revell (Germany) has been a company which, in the last few years, has served the modeler badly. Apart from their increasingly small number of supporters (mainly on the part of IPMS Deutschland), the rest of the modeling world has pretty much left them to get on with it. Yes, the (handful) of modern German vehicles they've produced in 1/35th, have been useful although very variable in quality. The majority of their catalogue is frankly laughable with 30 and 40 year-old moulds being wheeled out every year.
Do, I like news of this acquisition? Frankly, if it injects a new dynamic into Revell, then all to the good. if not, then I don't think many will lose any sleep over it...
Do, I like news of this acquisition? Frankly, if it injects a new dynamic into Revell, then all to the good. if not, then I don't think many will lose any sleep over it...
C_JACQUEMONT
Joined: October 09, 2004
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 09:57 PM UTC
I find you a bit harsh Jim.
Only Revell would release in 1/35 vehicles like the Wiesel 2 family, the Marder 1A5 or the recent Boxer (which appears to be an excellent kit and a production version unlike the HobbyBoss kit which depicts a prototype). For 2012 we're waiting for their all new tooling Leopard 2A6M and Puma.
They have also done many great 1/72 scale military vehicle and artillery kits.
I'm not into aircraft but their 1/32 Arado AR 196 and Heinkel 111 are highly rated and very keenly priced.
I bought their 1/24 London Bus for Christmas and it's a fantastic kit, also astounding value for money for around 50 euros.
There's also the Aida cruise ship and many many other great kits, I could go on and on and on...
Cheers,
Christophe
Only Revell would release in 1/35 vehicles like the Wiesel 2 family, the Marder 1A5 or the recent Boxer (which appears to be an excellent kit and a production version unlike the HobbyBoss kit which depicts a prototype). For 2012 we're waiting for their all new tooling Leopard 2A6M and Puma.
They have also done many great 1/72 scale military vehicle and artillery kits.
I'm not into aircraft but their 1/32 Arado AR 196 and Heinkel 111 are highly rated and very keenly priced.
I bought their 1/24 London Bus for Christmas and it's a fantastic kit, also astounding value for money for around 50 euros.
There's also the Aida cruise ship and many many other great kits, I could go on and on and on...
Cheers,
Christophe
ChrisDM
Joined: January 01, 2010
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Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 10:22 PM UTC
Have to agree with Christophe
Also, a lot of their moulds might be old, but in some cases they are still the only game in town and some of them are still decent kits, such as the crusader, and when they release them they are always priced very keenly
As for a 'handlful' of modern German kits, its a heck of a lot more modern kts than Dragon, Tamiya or nearly anyone else (except maybe Bronco and Academy) release, so they 'serve' the modern modeller
Plus with their cheap kits of reasonable (if not comparable to 'market leaders') kits are great entry level kits for kids entering the hobby
I just bought their HE-111 and I'm thinking of getting the Boxer. The HE-111 is a very nice kit indeed
Also, a lot of their moulds might be old, but in some cases they are still the only game in town and some of them are still decent kits, such as the crusader, and when they release them they are always priced very keenly
As for a 'handlful' of modern German kits, its a heck of a lot more modern kts than Dragon, Tamiya or nearly anyone else (except maybe Bronco and Academy) release, so they 'serve' the modern modeller
Plus with their cheap kits of reasonable (if not comparable to 'market leaders') kits are great entry level kits for kids entering the hobby
I just bought their HE-111 and I'm thinking of getting the Boxer. The HE-111 is a very nice kit indeed
viper29_ca
Joined: October 18, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 03:32 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Frankly, Revell (Germany) has been a company which, in the last few years, has served the modeler badly. Apart from their increasingly small number of supporters (mainly on the part of IPMS Deutschland), the rest of the modeling world has pretty much left them to get on with it. Yes, the (handful) of modern German vehicles they've produced in 1/35th, have been useful although very variable in quality. The majority of their catalogue is frankly laughable with 30 and 40 year-old moulds being wheeled out every year.
Do, I like news of this acquisition? Frankly, if it injects a new dynamic into Revell, then all to the good. if not, then I don't think many will lose any sleep over it...
And that is different to 99.9% of all other model companies how?
With the exception of some of the newer companies that have come on board in the last 10-20yrs....most still use molds that go back 40yrs. Tamiya, Revell, Round 2/AMT/MPC, Italeri, Airfix, the list goes on.
ninjrk
Joined: January 26, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 03:32 AM UTC
I would agree that I've been unimpressed with Revell's recent armor, based more on quality than subject. However, as a modeler who dabbles in flying and floating things I am concerned about that area. Simply put, their recent aircraft kits are extremely nice and very moderately priced. Their 1/32 bombers and 1/350 Bismarck/Tirpitz are some of the best modeling values I've seen in an awfully long time and it would be tragic if we never get a BoB "flying pencil" to complete the trio.
Matt
Matt
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 03:58 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Frankly, Revell (Germany) has been a company which, in the last few years, has served the modeler badly. Apart from their increasingly small number of supporters (mainly on the part of IPMS Deutschland), the rest of the modeling world has pretty much left them to get on with it.
One area where I would disagree with you, Jim, is 1/32nd scale aircraft. RoG has released several outstanding aircraft (Junkers JU-88A, Arado 196 float plane, Heinkel HE-111) that nicely combine accurate shape, respectable detailing and sell at a price modelers can afford. The Arado, for example, runs about $35 at LHSs and builds OOB into a very good model, something you don't see from, say a Hasegawa (with very simplified cockpits) or Tamiya (great planes, stratospheric prices only well-off adults can buy) or Trumpeter (plagued with inaccuracies of shape or configuration).
Like the others, I'm concerned about the emphasis on RC. Does that mean the end of these fine large scale planes?
ChrisDM
Joined: January 01, 2010
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 04:14 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Like the others, I'm concerned about the emphasis on RC. Does that mean the end of these fine large scale planes?
To be honest, I'm not that worried about the RC aspect. Why would they buy a company that doesn't really do RC in order to expand in RC? Surely if RC was their only concern it would be better (an probably cheaper) to buy a small to medium European RC company. I'm no wall street analyst (which on recent performance is probably a good thing
) but to me it would make more sense that they bought Revell Germany in order to buy all those moulds and the European focussed plastic static market share. I'm sure teh distribution will help with their RC, but there is no evidence yet that they will jettison all their plastic is there?What worries me more is that we might see the dropping of Bundeswehr vehicles as a subject and the increase in pricing on their aircraft etc .... only time will tell
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 04:30 AM UTC
Chris, Hobbico may have surprisingly little interest in RoG as a company and may be looking at other assets, including their distribution network, factory alliances, etc. As modelers, we're very provincial in our outlook, and think "why is an RC giant looking to acquire this relatively tiny plastic company?" when it may be for reasons we just don't know. European retail is structured very differently from the US, and it may be Hobbico is looking at getting its products into the network of stores that currently stock RoG products, and not thinking "Hmmm, maybe we can get Revell to make our kits for us."
mmeier
Joined: October 22, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 05:44 AM UTC
I can not say much about Revells planes etc. but:
They are basically ONE of TWO companies producing post WWII german vehicles in resonably modern forms AND below 50€ (Italerie is the other).
Most of the others either offer "Another Boooringpart Two A idontcare" or 30+ year old "has some similarities with the real thing" models
So for me Revell is a tiny candel against the darkness of YANT(1) and I hope they keep up their work. There kits may not be perfect but they are a lot better than some rivet-fanatics make them and A LOT better than none at all.
(1) Yet Another Nazi Tank
They are basically ONE of TWO companies producing post WWII german vehicles in resonably modern forms AND below 50€ (Italerie is the other).
Most of the others either offer "Another Boooringpart Two A idontcare" or 30+ year old "has some similarities with the real thing" models
So for me Revell is a tiny candel against the darkness of YANT(1) and I hope they keep up their work. There kits may not be perfect but they are a lot better than some rivet-fanatics make them and A LOT better than none at all.
(1) Yet Another Nazi Tank
ChrisDM
Joined: January 01, 2010
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 05:46 AM UTC
I know that Bill, my point was that if that is ll they want, surely a static plastic company is an expensive way to go about it. I'm sure they are not the ONLY option
Actually, my main point was that all this speculation is somewhat premature and pointless. No-one here has a crystal ball, they could just as easily keep all the plastic kit side of Revell for all anyone here knows. No point to all the rampant doom mongering until we actually see what happens (unless you count having the satisfaction of saying 'I told you so' if I'm wrong)
Way too much negativity in this hobby
Actually, my main point was that all this speculation is somewhat premature and pointless. No-one here has a crystal ball, they could just as easily keep all the plastic kit side of Revell for all anyone here knows. No point to all the rampant doom mongering until we actually see what happens (unless you count having the satisfaction of saying 'I told you so' if I'm wrong)
Way too much negativity in this hobby
Byrden
Joined: July 12, 2005
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 06:09 AM UTC
It's quite a network.
I live in Vienna, Austria. You can walk into any toy store here and expect to see some Revell kits, or at least Revell combined kit-and-paint sets. Other manufacturers have about 1/10 as many outlets.
I live in Vienna, Austria. You can walk into any toy store here and expect to see some Revell kits, or at least Revell combined kit-and-paint sets. Other manufacturers have about 1/10 as many outlets.
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 06:13 AM UTC
Thanks, David, for confirming what I suspected.
Chris, I'm not meaning to be negative. But corporate acquisitions mean change, if only because someone else's butt is in the squisher, so they're going to make sure it's done THEIR way. Acquiring companies sometimes can't leave well enough alone.
That being said, we won't really know how this shakes out for probably a year or two. But I certainly hope RoG continues on its current path.
Chris, I'm not meaning to be negative. But corporate acquisitions mean change, if only because someone else's butt is in the squisher, so they're going to make sure it's done THEIR way. Acquiring companies sometimes can't leave well enough alone.
That being said, we won't really know how this shakes out for probably a year or two. But I certainly hope RoG continues on its current path.
ChrisDM
Joined: January 01, 2010
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 06:27 AM UTC
Quoted Text
But corporate acquisitions mean change, if only because someone else's butt is in the squisher, so they're going to make sure it's done THEIR way. Acquiring companies sometimes can't leave well enough alone.
Thats certainly true. They tend to approach it with the attitude of the successful company that knows how to make money buying the failure that didn't and that they feel justifies their changes
But I'm a glass half full kind of guy. I'm hoping they want the plastic business, plus the distribution network and what that can do for their RC business
bill_c
Campaigns AdministratorJoined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 06:44 AM UTC
Agreed. My LHS says she makes 90% of her money from RC, with the rest from paint & supplies. The plastic kits are a net money-loser. So perhaps this will mean more robust financial support for RoG. At least we can hope so, as there are a bunch of 32 scale kits I'd like to see from them, including the Dornier Do-17 "flying pencil."
didgeboy
Joined: September 21, 2010
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 06:44 AM UTC
I do not have a lot of experience with RoG kits armour or otherwise, so I will not comment on their quality or choice of subjects. But it seems to me that if an American company is looking to expand into other markets and is willing to add capital into a company and a market segment, then maybe it is a good thing for all of us and the hobby in general.
If you own a business and your goal is to make money, and grow your business, why would you buy a failing company in a failing market? Why not just wait for it to fail and then scoop it up at a discounted price?
It seems to me that we are undergoing a "second golden age" of modeling right now. We have more producers, more choices in more scales and mediums than at any time before. And with less and less new consumers entering into the hobby. My guess is that they are looking for a way to reach a new segment of the market with RC stuff, much like Tamiya was doing in the late 70's and early 80's. Why not motorize some of those tank, and ship kits if you can get the next generation into it?
If it helps grow the hobby then I say, good thing. Cheers.
If you own a business and your goal is to make money, and grow your business, why would you buy a failing company in a failing market? Why not just wait for it to fail and then scoop it up at a discounted price?
It seems to me that we are undergoing a "second golden age" of modeling right now. We have more producers, more choices in more scales and mediums than at any time before. And with less and less new consumers entering into the hobby. My guess is that they are looking for a way to reach a new segment of the market with RC stuff, much like Tamiya was doing in the late 70's and early 80's. Why not motorize some of those tank, and ship kits if you can get the next generation into it?
If it helps grow the hobby then I say, good thing. Cheers.
mmeier
Joined: October 22, 2008
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 09:12 AM UTC
Quoted Text
It's quite a network.
I live in Vienna, Austria. You can walk into any toy store here and expect to see some Revell kits, or at least Revell combined kit-and-paint sets. Other manufacturers have about 1/10 as many outlets.
Same here in Germany. If you say "Plastic model" most germans will say "Oh that Revell stuff". They are everywhere - Toy stores and chains, toy corners of supermarkets and naturally the modelling shops. Same for their colors, tools and the basic airbrush kit.
The other model brands are "specialist hobby shop" only unless the VERY rare event that the shop owner is a modeller himself. In that case you find Tamiya kits in the toy section of a general hardware store in rural Westfalia
Byrden
Joined: July 12, 2005
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 09:58 AM UTC
It's not too bad here. In the center of Wien, within a few hundred meters of the cathedral, there is a toy shop with some Italeri, Trumpeter, A-model, and others. And another shop in the shadow of the cathedral has Airfix and Italeri.
David
David
goldnova72
Joined: February 21, 2009
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 02:07 PM UTC
RoG Ardo float plane and the new Italeri concrete pier .hmm
MacTrucks
Joined: November 12, 2006
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 03:44 PM UTC
I don't know that the RC statement concerns me too much. Hobbico has strong ties to RC, but probably has little presence in the European market. They likely hope to leverage the European distribution.
As a whole, Revell of Germany seemed to be really hot for awhile, but the last few years have been dominated by reissues. Not the worst of things and understandable in the economic slump to be conservative with tools. I don't like it when ANY company issues a "new release" that is either an old tool or someone else's tooling. Between Italeri/Zvezda/Tamiya/RoG/etc. leasing tooling to one another, it can be impossible to keep track if that kit in the new box is any better than the previous one you built by one of the others.
If the economy and hobby do start to pickup I'll be watching RoG for new, interesting kits. As a Braille scaler, RoG has had plenty to offer, but you have to know to pick through older kits that have been done by others.
As a whole, Revell of Germany seemed to be really hot for awhile, but the last few years have been dominated by reissues. Not the worst of things and understandable in the economic slump to be conservative with tools. I don't like it when ANY company issues a "new release" that is either an old tool or someone else's tooling. Between Italeri/Zvezda/Tamiya/RoG/etc. leasing tooling to one another, it can be impossible to keep track if that kit in the new box is any better than the previous one you built by one of the others.
If the economy and hobby do start to pickup I'll be watching RoG for new, interesting kits. As a Braille scaler, RoG has had plenty to offer, but you have to know to pick through older kits that have been done by others.
allycat
Joined: October 03, 2004
KitMaker: 942 posts
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 10:55 PM UTC
Does anyone know what's happened in America re: Revell's static models since 2007, when Hobbico acquired Revell US?
More RC appearing?
Cutting back on static models?
Tom
More RC appearing?
Cutting back on static models?
Tom
retiredyank
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
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Posted: Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 11:10 PM UTC
While I agree that their ac and ship selection is very good, I feel obligated to say that they don't release the best armor kits. I disagree that they are one of only two companies to produce post-WWII armor. Tamiya is a third. I've found many errors in their armor. The pieces don't always fit and it seems that there are glaring with many of them. For the price, they are excellent kits. But, I would recomend them for beginners and scratch-builders. Other companies may be newer, but this should not affect critisism of their kits(some of which are of excellent quality). I sincerely hope that this merger will strengthen their armor section. It is also my hope that, having been bought by a US company, more products produced by RoG will be available stateside.
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