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Armor/AFV: Softskins
Softskins group discussions.
Hosted by Darren Baker
3 Jeeps Comparison Build Log (TAM/DML/BRO)
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 - 11:05 PM UTC
Thanks for the kind comments guys! As soon as I finished all three I will make a feature out of this.

Cheers!
Stefan "three Jeeps"
retiredyank
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Arkansas, United States
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Posted: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 - 11:11 PM UTC
I would definitely have to go with the Bronco or Dragon offerings. The Bronco kit seems to have more detail, but it is hard to beat the crispness of the Dragon kit.
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 - 11:18 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I would definitely have to go with the Bronco or Dragon offerings. The Bronco kit seems to have more detail, but it is hard to beat the crispness of the Dragon kit.



I have to disagree, Matt. Nothing beats the crispness of the Bronco kit and I would not say that the Tamiya one is less crisp than DML. In some cases it clearly still has the upper hand in my book, especially in the seat cushion department (over both DML and BRO).

Cheers!
Stefan
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
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Posted: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 - 02:50 PM UTC
I agree with Stefan. The best is Bronco's followed by Tamiya. I wouldn't waste my money on any of the Dragon jeeps.
armyguy
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Wisconsin, United States
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Posted: Thursday, May 09, 2013 - 03:37 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I agree with Stefan. The best is Bronco's followed by Tamiya. I wouldn't waste my money on any of the Dragon jeeps.


I'll stick to Tamiya.Just spent 15 minutes trying to get the front axle together on a Dragon Jeep ( key word trying ).
If it comes down to it I'll see how many parts I can use on A Tamiya wont be A total wast of money and besides most after market kits are made for Tamiya Jeep.
I do scale modeling to relax not to be frustrated I can go to work for that.
Bronco ??

Dave
panorama
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Germany
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Posted: Saturday, July 06, 2013 - 08:42 AM UTC
Hello Stefan,

Danke! I am looking for a Willys for a future project and your blog really helps me deciding which one to take. Great effort. Very much appreciated.

Michael
Biggles2
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Quebec, Canada
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Posted: Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 03:33 AM UTC
Even though the Bronco kit is the most expensive, it is still the most economical. The Airborne version come with a trailer and stowage, and the other Jeep comes with a 37mm AT gun and ammo, which more than covers the extra expense. And ,IMHO, you're also getting the best Jeep kit w/PE!
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
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Posted: Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 04:28 AM UTC
All I can say is I am really glad someone finally made a Ford Script jeep and yes I vote for the Bronco as being the best detailed.
Robbd01
#323
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Arizona, United States
Joined: February 13, 2013
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Posted: Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 05:07 AM UTC
Looks like I found the 20+ (actually 40+) year old Tamiya Jeep kit. Thinking I had the same Tamiya kit in my stash it turns out I have the Tamiya MM115-350 "U.S. Jeep 1/4 ton 4x4 Truck Willys MB". From what I can see through the plastic bag it has a date of 1972 on it. With this kit you get a trailer and 4 figures. Oh from the instructions it is completely different kit. For one thing the body is not one piece and it looks like you don't get an engine just what shows up from the underside (oilpan molded with the chassis)

Cheers
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 06:57 AM UTC
Michael, glad I could help! Just remember that in case you're looking for a genuine Willys don't get the Bronco, it's a Ford. Henry Ford yould tunr in his grave if you did...

Biggles, true, if you want those extras. If you're just looking for the plain old Jeep however...

Robb, yes, what you got is the really old Tamiya kit with trailer, something that looks like a .50 cal. MG and three figures. I recommend giving that to your kids, grandkids or neighbour's kids (whichever applies... ) as a great starter kit. I'd even recommend the old Italeri kit before this one.

Build progress is still on hold, however I've finished two other projects and hope to get back to painting these three soon. Stay tuned...

Cheers!
Stefan
Robbd01
#323
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Arizona, United States
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Posted: Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 07:20 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Robb, yes, what you got is the really old Tamiya kit with trailer, something that looks like a .50 cal. MG and three figures. I recommend giving that to your kids, grandkids or neighbour's kids (whichever applies... ) as a great starter kit. I'd even recommend the old Italeri kit before this one.



I had a feeling that was the answer :-/ I am stuck with it. My kids never took up modeling unless you count Warhammer 40K. I guess it stays in the stash. I personally am leaning towards the Tamiya kit.

Will be watching your progress Stef, good old school modeling. Just compare the build and leave the number of rivets out of it...

Cheers
M4A1Sherman
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Posted: Tuesday, July 09, 2013 - 02:10 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Robb, yes, what you got is the really old Tamiya kit with trailer, something that looks like a .50 cal. MG and three figures. I recommend giving that to your kids, grandkids or neighbour's kids (whichever applies... ) as a great starter kit. I'd even recommend the old Italeri kit before this one.



I had a feeling that was the answer :-/ I am stuck with it. My kids never took up modeling unless you count Warhammer 40K. I guess it stays in the stash. I personally am leaning towards the Tamiya kit.

Will be watching your progress Stef, good old school modeling. Just compare the build and leave the number of rivets out of it...

Cheers



Just my 2 cents, Guys IMO, I'll stick with the more "recent" TAMIYA JEEP (#35219) kits- They can be had on eBay for as little as $5.00; I like to use ABER PE Sets for this kit as they are more comprehensive in content- That's just my own opinion, and I do not intend to open an thread...

In any case, the miniscule size of any 1/35 Jeep begs the use of a magnifying-glass to view its details. This is NOT to say that one would be wasting money by buying the BRONCO kits; But I WOULD question the purchase of the DRAGON Jeep, since it happens to be the most expensive AND, IMO, has the MOST ISSUES of all four 1/35 Jeep kits...

I will probably buy the BRONCO kit w/37mm AT Gun just to have at least one FORD "Jeep" and the AT Gun. I also have a RESIN 37mm AT Gun in my stash, which I will probably build as a USMC AT Gun- I'll have to convert some US Army Figures to represent the Marines, as I don't believe that anyone ever made a USMC AT Gun Crew

To sum up, for the price of a TAMIYA #35219 Jeep and an ABER PE Set, I think that I get the most bang for my buck...
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Saturday, August 03, 2013 - 12:43 AM UTC
Gentlemen!

I have been busy painting. The basic painting is now done, time for weathering next. The end is near!

Here's the current state of affairs:







The Bazooka jeep will be weathered with wet mad (a first for me) as it was used in winter. The Bronco will be only lightly weathered, considering it's fresh off the glider. The Tamiya I don't know yet, probably something in between.

Hope to get these finished next week and the feature up by the end of the month.

Cheers!
Stefan
armyguy
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Wisconsin, United States
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Posted: Sunday, August 04, 2013 - 03:51 AM UTC
At last I can breath I've been holding my breath waiting to see how this comes out.
You've done a great service for you're fellow modelers by doing this comparison build. I thank you.

Dave
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Friday, August 16, 2013 - 12:16 AM UTC
Hi guys,

working on the feature and thought I'd give you a sneek preview:



Cheers!
Stefan
panorama
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Germany
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Posted: Friday, August 16, 2013 - 05:42 AM UTC
This is really mean. Throwing only one picture at us!
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 05:52 PM UTC
I am like that Michael.

To alleviate your suffering, here is the link to the feature now officially published:

A Tale of Three JEEPS

Cheers and thanks all for the support and encouragement!
Stefan
The_musings_of_NBNoG
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Oregon, United States
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Posted: Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 07:43 PM UTC
I ....think my first models were made in '64.

by '75 I was hired to make a few dozen of the high end Tamiya's for the US military teaching dioramas.

I haven't made a model since then.....and now I'm thinking on getting back into it.

The internet is great for getting info...
whereas I'd used to stand at the magazine rack and pretend to eventually buy the model mags.
But they rarely showed me the images I'd want to see; only finished/presentation shots that belittled the creativity that drove me so deeply.

Thank you for your comparison build....
I feel that this one as well as the famous "M1 comparisons page", are what will give the following generation the "muse"
that will inspire more builders to start/support/build.



.....WWII was 68 years ago!
minoradmin
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Barcelona, Spain / España
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Posted: Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 09:22 PM UTC
Stunnig models Stefan !

And superb comparison work !
warreni
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Posted: Thursday, August 22, 2013 - 09:46 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hey guys,

Frank, glad to have you on board, and you’re right, Tamiya still holds it’s ground even though it’s min. 15 years older.

Biggles and David, I’m glad it’s of use to you both. As fort he prices, it’s not easy to compare as you can get them all for a good price if you shop around. Also, there’s more or leas in each box, with TAM a simple Jeep without any extras, DML having PE and Bronco giving you the full monty of weapons and a trailer or 37mm AT gun.

Officially, at my favorite Asian Hobby store (won’t make any advertisement here...) TAM sells for USD 11.50, DML for 37 USD and BRO for 30.50 USD. So with regard to price, TAM is clearly the winner. DML clearly the loser, as it is the most expensive with the least options (and less detail and accuracy than the BRO one...).

James, thanks for the encouragement.

Next (small) update is in the works, should be up within the hour...

Cheers!
Stefan



You need to find another Hobby shop mate as the prices I can get them for put them much closer together .. $21 for the Dragon version, $27.50 for the Bronco version and they don't stock the Tamiya version.
I am not telling yuo this to criticise just to show that the Dragon kit can be picked up for good prices.
Keep up the great work Stefan, and I love your banner..
Cheers mate
Warren
Dangeroo
#023
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Posted: Friday, August 23, 2013 - 12:18 AM UTC

Quoted Text

:D You need to find another Hobby shop mate as the prices I can get them for put them much closer together .. $21 for the Dragon version, $27.50 for the Bronco version and they don't stock the Tamiya version.
I am not telling yuo this to criticise just to show that the Dragon kit can be picked up for good prices.
Keep up the great work Stefan, and I love your banner..
Cheers mate
Warren



Warren,

As I said in the feature, you gotta shop around and get the right price. The numbers above are just one point in time at one seller (who ususally has very good prices!).


Quoted Text

Keep up the great work Stefan, and I love your banner..



bit outdated, innit, mate?
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