Does anyone know what was the thought process behind the addition of 1/48th scale and then come out with AFV's not even produced in 1/35th? (Hetzer)
I'm confused
Thanks
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Tamiya - Why 1/48th scale Armor????
GSPatton
Joined: September 04, 2002
KitMaker: 1,411 posts
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Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 08:09 AM UTC
I went to Tamiya Con last weekend and saw their line-up of 1/48th scale armor and the question I have is WHY???
Does anyone know what was the thought process behind the addition of 1/48th scale and then come out with AFV's not even produced in 1/35th? (Hetzer)
I'm confused
Thanks
Does anyone know what was the thought process behind the addition of 1/48th scale and then come out with AFV's not even produced in 1/35th? (Hetzer)
I'm confused
Thanks
18Bravo
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 7,219 posts
Armorama: 6,097 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 08:20 AM UTC
My only thought is, "Why not?"
I used to have all of the bandai kits when I was a kid. I still have the Jeep I plan to use in a C-47 diorama, so that could be one reason-compatibility. Not to mention all of the of O scale railroad accessories/buildings that could be used. And honeslty, if I knew it was going to be successful, I'd consider starting a collection simply to save space. Probalby a reason why Italeri does a C130 in 1/48 and 1/72, but not 1/35. Only a few nuts out there would want one. (okay, I'm into saving space, but I'd be the number one nut in this case)The detail is almost just as good in 1/48, and if Tamiya saw that it was popular enough, It's conceivable that they could convert a lot of their existing 1/35 scale kits. Most of the design work has already been done.
My real question instead would be, "Why 1/16?" It's too big for my book. I'd prefer them going back to 1/25, like the Centurion, the SU-100, and the T-34. The last two CAN look good, trust me. The possibilities for postwar dios would be enormous, with all the 1/24-25 scale vehicles out there.
I used to have all of the bandai kits when I was a kid. I still have the Jeep I plan to use in a C-47 diorama, so that could be one reason-compatibility. Not to mention all of the of O scale railroad accessories/buildings that could be used. And honeslty, if I knew it was going to be successful, I'd consider starting a collection simply to save space. Probalby a reason why Italeri does a C130 in 1/48 and 1/72, but not 1/35. Only a few nuts out there would want one. (okay, I'm into saving space, but I'd be the number one nut in this case)The detail is almost just as good in 1/48, and if Tamiya saw that it was popular enough, It's conceivable that they could convert a lot of their existing 1/35 scale kits. Most of the design work has already been done.
My real question instead would be, "Why 1/16?" It's too big for my book. I'd prefer them going back to 1/25, like the Centurion, the SU-100, and the T-34. The last two CAN look good, trust me. The possibilities for postwar dios would be enormous, with all the 1/24-25 scale vehicles out there.
GSPatton
Joined: September 04, 2002
KitMaker: 1,411 posts
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Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 08:36 AM UTC
Compatability could be one reason -
But answer me this - Why manufacture and sell 1/32nd scale aircraft and 1/35th scale AFV etc?
But answer me this - Why manufacture and sell 1/32nd scale aircraft and 1/35th scale AFV etc?
Asmenoth
Joined: April 05, 2005
KitMaker: 274 posts
Armorama: 173 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 08:49 AM UTC
I still havn't figured out the logic behind making 1/32 aircraft that would be perfect for a diorama if it was 1/35.
I figure it's one of two things as to the why 1/48. One, since most aircraft kits are 1/48 they make for some great diorama pieces. Two, Tamiya may have decided to save money and reuse old die molds, having only to update a few things. Every now and then these old 1/48 armor kits appear on eBay, do a search for 1/48 tamiya armor and you may get a preview of future releases.
:-)
I figure it's one of two things as to the why 1/48. One, since most aircraft kits are 1/48 they make for some great diorama pieces. Two, Tamiya may have decided to save money and reuse old die molds, having only to update a few things. Every now and then these old 1/48 armor kits appear on eBay, do a search for 1/48 tamiya armor and you may get a preview of future releases.
:-)
18Bravo
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 7,219 posts
Armorama: 6,097 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 08:50 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Compatability could be one reason -
But answer me this - Why manufacture and sell 1/32nd scale aircraft and 1/35th scale AFV etc?
Well, I've never uderstood either scale, truthfully. I've read all of the reasons why, but 1/36 seems as if it would have made the most sense. Most of the other popular scales are multiples of twelve-24th, 48, 72nd, 144th. And if anyone's eye can detect the difference between 287th, (microscale?) and 288th, another multiple of twelve, please let me know. We could use a guy like him on SR.
blaster76
Joined: September 15, 2002
KitMaker: 8,985 posts
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Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 11:24 AM UTC
The question should not be why 32nd scale aircraft, but why 35th scale armor. 32nd scale aircraft were in production long before Tamiya. In fact, I seem to remember making some 32nd scale armor kits way back when. I think the plastic armymen I played with were also 32nd scale. As to the 48th. I think it is to be compatable with the huge aircraft market, it is uncontested, and as has been pointed out Tamiya has got the research/dims all done it's only a matter of shrinking their 35th scale molds to 48th for a good part of the kits. I've still got my collection of Bandai 48th scale that I built back in the late 70's (at $4 a kit)
I am sure I'll pick one of the new Tamiya's to augment the collection
I am sure I'll pick one of the new Tamiya's to augment the collection
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 12:38 PM UTC
Tamiya was making 1/48 scale armor long before they brought out 1/35 scale. 1/35 scale is apparently easier to work with in metrics than 1/32 scale. That is why they made 1/35 scale armor.
Hoovie
Joined: March 14, 2004
KitMaker: 505 posts
Armorama: 217 posts
Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 02:17 PM UTC
Hi~
The real reason is space!!
people in Japan have no place to display
plastic models!
They live in small apartments as do many
people in the world!
Henceforth look for more 1/72 and 1/48 scale
armor kits!
also better buy Tamiya 1/35 kits while you can
or if you can!!
I am!
HTH~
Ron
The real reason is space!!
people in Japan have no place to display
plastic models!
They live in small apartments as do many
people in the world!
Henceforth look for more 1/72 and 1/48 scale
armor kits!
also better buy Tamiya 1/35 kits while you can
or if you can!!
I am!
HTH~
Ron
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
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Posted: Friday, April 22, 2005 - 11:11 PM UTC
Like many other things out there there, no-one forces a gun to your head to buy them....
If people want to do 1/35th or 1/48th or whatever scale, then good luck to them.
Personally, the only thing which Tamiya is doing which interests me is their 1/48th scale range. As I have said, on several occasions, apart from re-issues and a (very) few 1/35th releases, Tamiya is not really in the 1/35th armor biz any more....
Just a question, why are people so obsessed with what Tamiya is doing when there are so many more interesting companies ot there? ...Jim
If people want to do 1/35th or 1/48th or whatever scale, then good luck to them.
Personally, the only thing which Tamiya is doing which interests me is their 1/48th scale range. As I have said, on several occasions, apart from re-issues and a (very) few 1/35th releases, Tamiya is not really in the 1/35th armor biz any more....
Just a question, why are people so obsessed with what Tamiya is doing when there are so many more interesting companies ot there? ...Jim
Rockfall
#202
Joined: December 19, 2004
KitMaker: 884 posts
Armorama: 602 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 01:55 AM UTC
Man hasn't this topic been beaten to death already??
Seems like every week this subject comes up.
Accept it and move on.
Seems like every week this subject comes up.
Accept it and move on.
Hoovie
Joined: March 14, 2004
KitMaker: 505 posts
Armorama: 217 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 09:26 AM UTC
Hi Jim~
thats an honest question that deserves an honest
answer!
You see it goes back like almost 20 years all
the other companies as far 1/35 scale or 1/350
scale just sucked!!
A Tamiya kit just fell together, as a dragon kit
you had to re do the handles!
But times they are a changing!
HTH~
Ron
thats an honest question that deserves an honest
answer!
You see it goes back like almost 20 years all
the other companies as far 1/35 scale or 1/350
scale just sucked!!
A Tamiya kit just fell together, as a dragon kit
you had to re do the handles!
But times they are a changing!
HTH~
Ron
Tankleader
Joined: April 29, 2003
KitMaker: 718 posts
Armorama: 684 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 09:40 AM UTC
Hello All,
I know why, it's to get us to spend money all over again on the same kits in a different scale, and then add in the price of all the aftermarket stuff that is sure too come out because of the lack of detail...
Going Broke
Semper FI
Andy
I know why, it's to get us to spend money all over again on the same kits in a different scale, and then add in the price of all the aftermarket stuff that is sure too come out because of the lack of detail...
Going Broke
Semper FI
Andy
MikeMummey
Joined: February 09, 2005
KitMaker: 672 posts
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Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 10:42 AM UTC
Andy, you have broke the code. Sincerely, your Tank Leader. Out here. 
Henk
Joined: August 07, 2004
KitMaker: 6,391 posts
Armorama: 4,258 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 23, 2005 - 11:29 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Just a question, why are people so obsessed with what Tamiya is doing when there are so many more interesting companies ot there? ...Jim
So true, so true..
I suppose that it's a fact that most people still buy their kits in a shop, which will inevitably stock the big, establised brands almost exclusively. Hence Tamiya has a natural, captive customer base. Before joint the internet family, I had to rely on hobby shops and the odd magazine for any information regarding what was available. This was Lots of Tamiya, Revell, Italeri and so on, some Dragon and Academy, but none of the East European makers, or Asian ones. As for AM, that was very expensive, and only obtainable through mail order. Problem might be just that.. Ignorance.. we must inform and educate these poor souls who know of no other brand than Tamiya :-) . Our work at Armorama is not yet done....
Tankleader
Joined: April 29, 2003
KitMaker: 718 posts
Armorama: 684 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 01:35 AM UTC
Hello All,
Just to comment again, I don't think that the worry is just Tamiya. Over the past month or two many other manufactuer's have announced 1/48 kits. Yes, there are many others out there producing a variety of kits. Lots of these kits are even more expensive than what Tamiya puts out.
In the end, what I would really like to see are new kits of different subjects and not just the same old stuff redone in a different scale with a metal hull.
Semper FI
Andy
Just to comment again, I don't think that the worry is just Tamiya. Over the past month or two many other manufactuer's have announced 1/48 kits. Yes, there are many others out there producing a variety of kits. Lots of these kits are even more expensive than what Tamiya puts out.
In the end, what I would really like to see are new kits of different subjects and not just the same old stuff redone in a different scale with a metal hull.
Semper FI
Andy
MikeMummey
Joined: February 09, 2005
KitMaker: 672 posts
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Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 01:53 PM UTC
Andy, your last sentence says it all. They keep cranking out the same ol' same ol' in a different scale. Some new subjects would be nice. Out here.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 03:11 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Yep, just bought that new 1/48 scale Tamiya Hetzer mid production model. A exact scaled down copy of the Tamiya 1/35 Hetzer. I passed on the 1/48 scale StuG III Ausf. B because I heard the 1/35 scale StuG B had problems...Andy, your last sentence says it all. They keep cranking out the same ol' same ol' in a different scale. Some new subjects would be nice. Out here.
Salticid
Joined: December 25, 2004
KitMaker: 40 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 03:38 PM UTC
I'll miss Tamiya that it may be out of 1/35 biz anymore. I think we won't be sad for long because Trumpeter should do fine on 1/35 kits in the future. It already has made huge improvement ...look at C1 Ariete. Maybe it'll be good enough to replace Tamiya on 1/35 scales. Good thing Trumpeter is very cheap.
Salticid
Salticid
ukgeoff
Joined: May 03, 2002
KitMaker: 1,007 posts
Armorama: 703 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2005 - 09:27 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy, your last sentence says it all. They keep cranking out the same ol' same ol' in a different scale. Some new subjects would be nice. Out here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, just bought that new 1/48 scale Tamiya Hetzer mid production model. A exact scaled down copy of the Tamiya 1/35 Hetzer. I passed on the 1/48 scale StuG III Ausf. B because I heard the 1/35 scale StuG B had problems...
Yeah, and I'll pass on their M4A1 early Sherman and Citroen 11cv, when they come out, for the same reason. :-)
MikeMummey
Joined: February 09, 2005
KitMaker: 672 posts
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Posted: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 05:40 AM UTC
Man , put me down for a Citeron. The 1/35 scale one rocked! Out here.
Drader
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 3,791 posts
Armorama: 2,798 posts
Posted: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 09:53 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Yep, just bought that new 1/48 scale Tamiya Hetzer mid production model. A exact scaled down copy of the Tamiya 1/35 Hetzer. I passed on the 1/48 scale StuG III Ausf. B because I heard the 1/35 scale StuG B had problems...
Today is my day to be confused
I guess the Tamiya 1/35th Hetzer is their reboxed Italeri one, which was quite a good model of the Hetzer at Bovington. This is the vehicle on the cover of the Osprey New Vanguard with a very eye catching colour scheme reconstructed by Tom Jentz.
Which StuG IIIB though?? The only one I can think of in 1/35th is Dragon's.
ukgeoff
Joined: May 03, 2002
KitMaker: 1,007 posts
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Posted: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 10:03 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Today is my day to be confused
Don't be. Check back a few posts and you'll see its a sarcastic response to an earlier comment about Tamiya just releasing scaled down examples of their existing 1/35 range.
Drader
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 3,791 posts
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Posted: Monday, April 25, 2005 - 10:06 PM UTC
Ah-ha!
Thanks
Thanks
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 12:07 AM UTC
If any f yu still have doubts as to what can be done in 1/48th scale, go here:
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/50160&page=1
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/50160&page=1
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