Hmmm, not sure about the "New tooling" from them on this. Sounds like a re-box to me. But then again I've been out the loop for a year.

I did check Tamiya's websites however and if this is a new kit, they ain't talking. I did find a "Coming soon" feature on the website. Kit #35316- BSA M20 Motorcycle, M.P. version, Kit #35095 Japanese Type 1, S.P. Gun.

If the Type 1 is already out, my bad, like I said, It's been awhile.

See ya in the funnies!

"New Molding" why not ?? it wouldn't be the first time ,the Jagdtiger,JSU-152,M-1 Super Sherman,and Isherman are all brand new kits,so why not this one ? They have been producing 1-2 new ones a year,not a lot,but they have been new molds.

If this release is really all Tamiya and not just Italeri reboxing with some new sprues, I'm definitely going to get it .......

Here is what the HLJ website says:


1/35 Elefant The 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion
"The Elefant joins the MM kit series!

This is an ALL-NEW TOOLING of the Elefant! Tamiya based this kit on the Elefant on display at the Aberdeen Tank Museum. Tracks are injection-molded assemblies with nice sag molded in. Includes three figures. Again, this is an all-new tooling by Tamiya, not a reboxing of any other company's kit. All new, all Tamiya!"

Interesting choice. I wonder if it will have zimmerit? It'll be hard to compete with DML since they've just announced a premium 1943 Kursk version.

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If this release is really all Tamiya and not just Italeri reboxing with some new sprues, I'm definitely going to get it .......

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Here is what the HLJ website says:


1/35 Elefant The 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion
"The Elefant joins the MM kit series!

This is an ALL-NEW TOOLING of the Elefant! Tamiya based this kit on the Elefant on display at the Aberdeen Tank Museum. Tracks are injection-molded assemblies with nice sag molded in. Includes three figures. Again, this is an all-new tooling by Tamiya, not a reboxing of any other company's kit. All new, all Tamiya!"

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Do you not believe them?

I'm sure they'll remember to add the 2 engine vent covers that are missing on the Aberdeen vehicle.....

Do you have a picture or drawing of those vent covers? I soon will be building the HOOBEN 1/16 Elefant and want to be on the look out for them.

Tamiya kits are not selling around here even when they are cut 25%. Nobody even picks the box up to look at it anymore. They go strait to the Dragon area.

I have to agree that this is not particularly exciting; Tamiya are unlikely to portray Zimmerit so modellers will pursue the Dragon variants, and, let's face it, the venerable Italeri kit was never that bad a model. I also fear for the price: I note that here in UK the T55 Engigma retails for 50 odd quid - a considerable mark up on the £30 for the basic T55. I wonder what they'll ask for the Elefant?

No, I agree with the earlier comment, where is the flair and the truly inspirational that Tamiya did indeed display with the Char B? Whilst I secretly yearn for an injection Conqueror/M103/T10 it ain't going to happen. An Elefant? No thanks.