The latest news from Italeri is a Panzer IV is making a return with upgraded molds for a new tour.
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NEWS
Upgraded Pz.IV from Italeri
SgtRam
Contributing Writer
#197
Joined: March 06, 2011
KitMaker: 3,971 posts
Armorama: 2,859 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 - 10:40 AM UTC
JPTRR
Managing Editor
#051
Joined: December 21, 2002
KitMaker: 7,772 posts
Armorama: 2,447 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 03, 2013 - 01:16 PM UTC
My first 1/35 Pzr IV was Italeri's F2. Except for the tracks and figures the sprues look very familiar. Depending on price I welcome this upgrade.
Totalize
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 04, 2013 - 04:24 AM UTC
I don't have any Italeri kits in my collection. I have both the Dragon equivalants. I wonder how these new molds stack up against Dragon.
Modelltreff
Joined: February 25, 2008
KitMaker: 112 posts
Armorama: 111 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 10:00 PM UTC
Can't believe that they (again) re- release one of their prehistoric kits. This Panzer IV kit is 40+ (!) years old now and (being very good in those days) is clearly outdated nowadays...
So what might be the point to release such an ancient kit in times I can get an minor old Dragon (ex-Gunze) kit (which is far, fa better) for few bucks on ebay? I don't get it...
So what might be the point to release such an ancient kit in times I can get an minor old Dragon (ex-Gunze) kit (which is far, fa better) for few bucks on ebay? I don't get it...
SgtRam
Contributing Writer#197
Joined: March 06, 2011
KitMaker: 3,971 posts
Armorama: 2,859 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 11:11 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Can't believe that they (again) re- release one of their prehistoric kits. This Panzer IV kit is 40+ (!) years old now and (being very good in those days) is clearly outdated nowadays...
So what might be the point to release such an ancient kit in times I can get an minor old Dragon (ex-Gunze) kit (which is far, fa better) for few bucks on ebay? I don't get it...
They have upgraded the molds, thus the kit should be up to todays standards, which Italeri seems to be doing a lot of lately. Which is better then the alternative, that some companies are doing, and just rebox kit with the older molds.
Byrden
Joined: July 12, 2005
KitMaker: 2,233 posts
Armorama: 2,221 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 11:35 PM UTC
They upgraded their Tiger a couple of years ago, but that didn't bring it to "today's standards".
firstcircle
Joined: November 19, 2008
KitMaker: 2,249 posts
Armorama: 2,007 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 11:57 PM UTC
I think you have to consider that Italeri must have their own commerical reasons for such a release; I suspect that they have a long standing and well developed distribution in certain parts of Europe (well, Italy for a start I guess) and this may well mean that their kits are available in non-specialist outlets - which means people like old grannies can buy them in shops as birthday presents for their 10 year old grandchildren. In comparison try finding a 1/35 Dragon kit in anything other than a specialist model shop (at least in the UK). So add in that this kit seems to retail at exactly half the cost of a Dragon near-equivalent, you can start to see why it is actually possible that Italeri might hope to recover their costs and maybe even turn a profit on preparing and releasing it.
Thing is, some people would rather pay £25 for a more basic kit, while others are happy to pay £50 for the cutting edge. Not sure that the fun factor to be had from each is really so very different. I hear what is said about finding bargains etc. on ebay, but again that isn't for everyone. So I'm saying, there is a reason for this release, it's not, like, illogical, even if not everyone's cup of tea.
Thing is, some people would rather pay £25 for a more basic kit, while others are happy to pay £50 for the cutting edge. Not sure that the fun factor to be had from each is really so very different. I hear what is said about finding bargains etc. on ebay, but again that isn't for everyone. So I'm saying, there is a reason for this release, it's not, like, illogical, even if not everyone's cup of tea.
SdAufKla
Joined: May 07, 2010
KitMaker: 2,238 posts
Armorama: 2,158 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 12:52 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I think you have to consider that Italeri must have their own commerical reasons for such a release. ...
Thing is, some people would rather pay £25 for a more basic kit, while others are happy to pay £50 for the cutting edge.
While I agree that Italeri certainly didn't make an irrational decision from their own perspective, at least here in the US, their recent kit retail prices have skyrocketed.
At least here in the US, there is no way that this release will be competitively priced. Will it be cheaper than DML - surely. However, its price won't be that far behind DML, and the kit, subject, and accuracy will hardly justify what Italeri will ask for it.
Italeri would have been much better off, IMO, up-dating and re-releasing one of their more "unique" subjects like their M13/40 (really an M14/41) and / or their Semoventi.
Both of Italeri's kits of these two subjects are way more accurate than either of Tamiya's; Both essentially suffer from detail that is engraved too shallow and "soft" rather than anything fundamentally wrong which should allow improvements to the original molds; and both could be "up-graded" with only a few new parts like new fenders, better tracks and a small PE fret (most likely made common to both kits).
Up-dated (if done right) re-releases of either or both of these subjects would have put something on the shelves that would have been unique, more original, and more justified of what will certainly be Italeri's excessively high asking price for a mediocre also-ran Pz IV.
Just my .02... (which, BTW, will not be spent on Italeri's re-released Pz IV)
Biggles2
Joined: January 01, 2004
KitMaker: 7,600 posts
Armorama: 6,110 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 03:02 AM UTC
Fully agree! If Italeri was to re-release the Semovante with German decals it would sell like hotcakes! 
Byrden
Joined: July 12, 2005
KitMaker: 2,233 posts
Armorama: 2,221 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 05:47 AM UTC
I'm in Vienna, Austria.
There are plenty of non-specialist outlets that sell models, but they are usually all Revell (of Germany, naturally).
Italeri come up a poor second in availability. Trouble is, their prices are up to twice that of an equivalent RoG kit.
David
There are plenty of non-specialist outlets that sell models, but they are usually all Revell (of Germany, naturally).
Italeri come up a poor second in availability. Trouble is, their prices are up to twice that of an equivalent RoG kit.
David
Plasticbattle
#003
Joined: May 14, 2002
KitMaker: 9,763 posts
Armorama: 7,444 posts
Posted: Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 09:17 AM UTC
When Dragon or the likes release a kit, many of the older Tamiya and Italeri kits starts surfacing on the Swedish equivelent Tradera. They actaully can sell at prices that are almost similar to the new Dragon kit. I dont think the cost is the problem ... its less parts and an easy build. There are many, many modellers who build just for fun, for themselves and not even aware of online nit-picking, competitions or modelling sites. Accuracy is not their number one concern ... its a fun, easy and quick build. There is a market for this stuff. 
WilliamHarry
Joined: August 07, 2009
KitMaker: 32 posts
Armorama: 30 posts
Posted: Monday, November 09, 2020 - 07:07 AM UTC
Italeri and Dragon are often mixing their kits. For example, the Italeri M4A3E8 "Fury" is exactly the same kit as the DML M4A3E8. Both kits share identical parts, The Italeri M24 Chaffee is almost the same as the Tamiya kit of the same tank. DML/Dragon have been held up as great kits, but they are often the same as Italeri and Tamiya. Buy the brand name if you must; I, for one, will go with price.....
Bill
Bill
GeraldOwens
Joined: March 30, 2006
KitMaker: 3,736 posts
Armorama: 3,697 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 - 06:57 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI think you have to consider that Italeri must have their own commerical reasons for such a release. ...
Thing is, some people would rather pay £25 for a more basic kit, while others are happy to pay £50 for the cutting edge.
While I agree that Italeri certainly didn't make an irrational decision from their own perspective, at least here in the US, their recent kit retail prices have skyrocketed.
At least here in the US, there is no way that this release will be competitively priced. Will it be cheaper than DML - surely. However, its price won't be that far behind DML, and the kit, subject, and accuracy will hardly justify what Italeri will ask for it.
Italeri would have been much better off, IMO, up-dating and re-releasing one of their more "unique" subjects like their M13/40 (really an M14/41) and / or their Semoventi.
Both of Italeri's kits of these two subjects are way more accurate than either of Tamiya's; Both essentially suffer from detail that is engraved too shallow and "soft" rather than anything fundamentally wrong which should allow improvements to the original molds; and both could be "up-graded" with only a few new parts like new fenders, better tracks and a small PE fret (most likely made common to both kits).
Up-dated (if done right) re-releases of either or both of these subjects would have put something on the shelves that would have been unique, more original, and more justified of what will certainly be Italeri's excessively high asking price for a mediocre also-ran Pz IV.
Just my .02... (which, BTW, will not be spent on Italeri's re-released Pz IV)
Funny you should mention the Semovente...
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2020/10/preview-italeris-five-releases-for.html#more
brekinapez
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 - 05:53 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Funny you should mention the Semovente...
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2020/10/preview-italeris-five-releases-for.html#more
Great! I don't have a Semovente in my stash yet. Glad I waited.
Bravo1102
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 - 10:48 PM UTC
Italeri updated the turret mold, correcting the bulge at the back. The welds and detailing were sharpened.
A close look at the kit compared to older issues show a lot of little tweaks.
The track sprues are nice with lots of options but the track pieces have knock out holes all over.
It's my favorite Pzkpfw IV kit in 1/35 and I have four in the stash. Search long enough you can find a seller in the mid thirties. But the all new Border kit can be found for around the same.
Have to shop around and search out all alternatives. With few exceptions can't afford to pay retail in this hobby.
A close look at the kit compared to older issues show a lot of little tweaks.
The track sprues are nice with lots of options but the track pieces have knock out holes all over.
It's my favorite Pzkpfw IV kit in 1/35 and I have four in the stash. Search long enough you can find a seller in the mid thirties. But the all new Border kit can be found for around the same.
Have to shop around and search out all alternatives. With few exceptions can't afford to pay retail in this hobby.
WilliamHarry
Joined: August 07, 2009
KitMaker: 32 posts
Armorama: 30 posts
Posted: Friday, December 25, 2020 - 11:45 AM UTC
The entire kit has been retooled. It is NOT the same kit as the old original. Having both this and the DML PzKpfw IV (F2), I much prefer the new Italeri offering. Both are equally great kits with little to choose in terms of detail, although the DML kit does offer clear parts for periscope glass.
One thing that impressed me is that both kits offered individual track links; Italeri got rid of their old vinyl tracks. Both turrets are shaped correctly with similar details. The DML lower hull has the return roller axles molded on while the Italeri kit's axles are separate pieces. Both kits' tools look good. Overall fit of both are exceptional.
The Osprey publication "Modeling the Late Panzerkampfwagon IV" by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson features a PzKpfw IV F1 using parts of the old Italeri kit to combine with the DML kit which Mr. Cockle was helping to design for DML. He also used the old Italeri kit to gain some insight into finishing the design. It would seem logical to assume that Italeri might have used his notes to help redesign their kit. Both seem similar.
Bill
One thing that impressed me is that both kits offered individual track links; Italeri got rid of their old vinyl tracks. Both turrets are shaped correctly with similar details. The DML lower hull has the return roller axles molded on while the Italeri kit's axles are separate pieces. Both kits' tools look good. Overall fit of both are exceptional.
The Osprey publication "Modeling the Late Panzerkampfwagon IV" by Tom Cockle and Gary Edmundson features a PzKpfw IV F1 using parts of the old Italeri kit to combine with the DML kit which Mr. Cockle was helping to design for DML. He also used the old Italeri kit to gain some insight into finishing the design. It would seem logical to assume that Italeri might have used his notes to help redesign their kit. Both seem similar.
Bill
WilliamHarry
Joined: August 07, 2009
KitMaker: 32 posts
Armorama: 30 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2020 - 03:45 AM UTC
I would love to see the Border Models kits but my LHS can't get them. His distributor won't get anything other than older companies. I would like to see the new Tamiya PzKpfw IV(F1). Yes, I will mail order the Border kits.
Bill
Bill
RobinNilsson
TOS Moderator
Joined: November 29, 2006
KitMaker: 6,693 posts
Armorama: 5,562 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 26, 2020 - 06:43 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I would love to see the Border Models kits but my LHS can't get them. His distributor won't get anything other than older companies. I would like to see the new Tamiya PzKpfw IV(F1). Yes, I will mail order the Border kits.
Bill
Distributors with that attitude forces consumers to turn to the internet and when that threshold has been crossed the consumer might not come back ...
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