Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
Hosted by Darren Baker, Mario Matijasic
News
Takom: Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M mit SchurzenMaki
Senior Editor
Croatia Hrvatska
Joined: February 13, 2002
KitMaker: 5,579 posts
Armorama: 2,988 posts
Joined: February 13, 2002
KitMaker: 5,579 posts
Armorama: 2,988 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 04:46 AM UTC
Takom continues their Blitz series of kits with Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.M.
Read the Full News Story
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
Nate_W
Missouri, United States
Joined: April 13, 2012
KitMaker: 395 posts
Armorama: 391 posts
Joined: April 13, 2012
KitMaker: 395 posts
Armorama: 391 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 08:57 AM UTC
I love this. This is one of my favorite panzers and for years the only options were expensive cyber hobby kits or expensive modifications. Dragon released their schuzen ausf m not too long ago but I love having this as an option.
bill_c
Campaigns Administrator
New Jersey, United States
Joined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Joined: January 09, 2008
KitMaker: 10,553 posts
Armorama: 8,109 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 09:50 AM UTC
Sorry, but what makes this kit special? Does it have an engine or other details not generally available? I'm missing something here.
m4sherman
Arizona, United States
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 10:33 AM UTC
Perhaps not special, and perhaps not going to be any better than the Dragon kits. However, maybe it won't be over priced and hard to get, and just perhaps Takom will add the interior, like the Panthers and Tigers, in the future.
nsjohn
Scotland, United Kingdom
Joined: July 26, 2018
KitMaker: 279 posts
Armorama: 265 posts
Joined: July 26, 2018
KitMaker: 279 posts
Armorama: 265 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 11:49 AM UTC
Going for the Tamiya market, and why not. Where it is unusual is that they are releasing the budget models first, with presumably the more detailed kits to follow. Miniart are doing the same with their M3 kits.
obg153
Texas, United States
Joined: April 07, 2009
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,049 posts
Joined: April 07, 2009
KitMaker: 1,063 posts
Armorama: 1,049 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 01:50 PM UTC
I'm a PzIII fan as well and this looks interesting. But I'd want to see some sprue pics before deciding.
Taeuss
Manitoba, Canada
Joined: January 03, 2016
KitMaker: 3,791 posts
Armorama: 3,778 posts
Joined: January 03, 2016
KitMaker: 3,791 posts
Armorama: 3,778 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 02:22 PM UTC
I'm with Jack on this one; unless it has something really special (read: an interior) I can't see why or how it could be appreciably better than the existing Dragon kits.
nsjohn
Scotland, United Kingdom
Joined: July 26, 2018
KitMaker: 279 posts
Armorama: 265 posts
Joined: July 26, 2018
KitMaker: 279 posts
Armorama: 265 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 03:25 PM UTC
But it is likely to be substantially cheaper. Dragon Mark 111 are presently about £60-£70 in the UK.
Bravo1102
New Jersey, United States
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Joined: December 08, 2003
KitMaker: 2,864 posts
Armorama: 2,497 posts
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2019 - 10:41 PM UTC
The sale of a Dragon kit makes no money for Takom.
Also, there is probably a market for a simpler, less parts intensive, less expensive alternative to the Dragon kit.
So Takom is making this for the people who want one. If you don't see what's better, you are not the intended market.
And there is never, ever, anything wrong with choice. Sometimes what may be better is not readily apparent to you because your wants, needs and desires are different from mine.
Also, there is probably a market for a simpler, less parts intensive, less expensive alternative to the Dragon kit.
So Takom is making this for the people who want one. If you don't see what's better, you are not the intended market.
And there is never, ever, anything wrong with choice. Sometimes what may be better is not readily apparent to you because your wants, needs and desires are different from mine.
Kelley
Georgia, United States
Joined: November 21, 2002
KitMaker: 1,966 posts
Armorama: 1,635 posts
Joined: November 21, 2002
KitMaker: 1,966 posts
Armorama: 1,635 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 12:07 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The sale of a Dragon kit makes no money for Takom.
Also, there is probably a market for a simpler, less parts intensive, less expensive alternative to the Dragon kit.
So Takom is making this for the people who want one. If you don't see what's better, you are not the intended market.
And there is never, ever, anything wrong with choice. Sometimes what may be better is not readily apparent to you because your wants, needs and desires are different from mine.
Well put Stephen!
I just don't get why people have to slag on these threads/announcements. I just read over the post, nowhere does it say, this is a "special" release, no different from any of the other news announcements. It's just new, it gives those who want it a choice between different manufacturers, that's it. If you don't like it/not interested, pass on by. (yeah yeah, I know that's not gonna happen )
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 08:51 AM UTC
These Blitz kits are designed for the modeler who doesn't have time for interior, massive PE, etc. They have less parts and require less work than DML kits. I have the Blitz Jagdtiger kit. Other than the two piece barrel it is a nice kit and I got it for $27.00 plus shipping. It was still less than $40.00 shipped from Japan.
I like the Border Model and Blitz (Takom) kits. They fit my lifestyle. I am passionate about modelling, my ever growing stash proves this fact, but now I must get to finishing some of the stash. These type of kits give me a chance to build and finish kits in a shorter period of time. I'm sure there are others in the same boat as me.
I like the Border Model and Blitz (Takom) kits. They fit my lifestyle. I am passionate about modelling, my ever growing stash proves this fact, but now I must get to finishing some of the stash. These type of kits give me a chance to build and finish kits in a shorter period of time. I'm sure there are others in the same boat as me.
brekinapez
Georgia, United States
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 02:58 PM UTC
The last Ausf M Dragon listed in their inventory according to dragonusaonline.con is DRAGON 6558, which was released in 2011.
The only Panzer III's available from their site right now are the Ausf E/F 2-in-1 kit, an Ausf K (both of these are low in stock) and a Tauchpanzer H.
Dragon has stepped away from the plate. Takom is now up to bat. Buy, or do not.
The only Panzer III's available from their site right now are the Ausf E/F 2-in-1 kit, an Ausf K (both of these are low in stock) and a Tauchpanzer H.
Dragon has stepped away from the plate. Takom is now up to bat. Buy, or do not.
ctkwok
Alabama, United States
Joined: May 21, 2018
KitMaker: 197 posts
Armorama: 183 posts
Joined: May 21, 2018
KitMaker: 197 posts
Armorama: 183 posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 - 06:50 PM UTC
Dragon's next neo kit (partial interior +:l&l tracks ) is going to be the exact same vehicle. Get in the ring!
alanmac
United Kingdom
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
Armorama: 2,953 posts
Joined: February 25, 2007
KitMaker: 3,033 posts
Armorama: 2,953 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 06:34 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Dragon's next neo kit (partial interior +:l&l tracks ) is going to be the exact same vehicle. Get in the ring!
This is Dragon tactic of old. Release a kit to try to spoil the release by another manufacturer. They may well remain in the marketplace but I feel their time in the spotlight is done.
Pak_40
Minnesota, United States
Joined: August 12, 2003
KitMaker: 392 posts
Armorama: 281 posts
Joined: August 12, 2003
KitMaker: 392 posts
Armorama: 281 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 12:08 PM UTC
Saw this advertised on Moxingfans. This is a totally new kit and has nothing to do with Dragon. From what I saw it left the possibility for the upgrade to a full interior kit later on. The sprues have been laid out as well. Decals represent 6.Panzer and 3.SS-Totenkopf as far as I can see.
goldnova72
Alberta, Canada
Joined: February 21, 2009
KitMaker: 627 posts
Armorama: 592 posts
Joined: February 21, 2009
KitMaker: 627 posts
Armorama: 592 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 12:19 PM UTC
Always nice to have choices . Dragon's NEO line is a bit of a let down IMO though . Why include the driver's interior which can't be seen in a Panzer III kit but omit the engine compartment which could be seen through open hatches .
brekinapez
Georgia, United States
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Joined: July 26, 2013
KitMaker: 2,272 posts
Armorama: 1,860 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 11, 2019 - 03:10 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Saw this advertised on Moxingfans. This is a totally new kit and has nothing to do with Dragon.
No one said it did. Someone brought up that Dragon also had an Ausf M and others asked what set the Takom kit apart.
basco
Solothurn, Switzerland
Joined: September 24, 2006
KitMaker: 161 posts
Armorama: 121 posts
Joined: September 24, 2006
KitMaker: 161 posts
Armorama: 121 posts
Posted: Monday, December 23, 2019 - 09:59 PM UTC
I know, I am nitpicking, but wouldn't it be neat if the companies would consider checking the names (best not with google translate…)?