I also noticed that they are releasing another 1/35 Premiuim fig set. I believe it is Waffen SS Grenadier Kharkov troops. They look cool. They are listen on the dragonusa website.
Check it out
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What is Dragon up to?
thedutchie
Joined: February 01, 2005
KitMaker: 1,299 posts
Armorama: 919 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 07:05 AM UTC
While big A was down I was hunting around the net for some model info and stumbled upon the MDFC site. I was first amazed at the quality on the newly re-released elefant. Then I saw that dragon is selling an upgrade to the Puma(234) already. The set had many options like a different gun barrel, gun shields, photoetched and some more decals. There use to be a link to the cyberhobby site which listed a price ($9.99 USD) .Is dragon now getting into aftermarket parts? I wonder if they are gonna soon get into the aftermarket track market.
I also noticed that they are releasing another 1/35 Premiuim fig set. I believe it is Waffen SS Grenadier Kharkov troops. They look cool. They are listen on the dragonusa website.
Check it out
I also noticed that they are releasing another 1/35 Premiuim fig set. I believe it is Waffen SS Grenadier Kharkov troops. They look cool. They are listen on the dragonusa website.
Check it out
Halfyank
Joined: February 01, 2003
KitMaker: 5,221 posts
Armorama: 1,245 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 08:51 AM UTC
I noticed a thread over on Track Link that was saying that DML was starting to package some of the upgrade items that was being offered in the 3 in 1 kits as separate, additional cost, items on a kit without all the goodies. I'm not at all sure one way or the other, but I'm sure Jimbrae will keep us up to date with news reports on them.
TacFireGuru
Joined: December 25, 2004
KitMaker: 3,770 posts
Armorama: 2,263 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:06 AM UTC
I received an email (yesterday??) from Dragon offering the Puma and Upgrade for about $58 USD. Nice....but not my forte......now were it an accuate M3 Half-Track???? I'd be broke, VERY broke!!
Mike (++) (++)
Mike (++) (++)
slynch1701
Joined: March 08, 2005
KitMaker: 340 posts
Armorama: 290 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:32 AM UTC
This does look nice. However, with the price increases and the rumors of no more 3 in 1 kits, these could be somewhat troubling signs. It is starting to feel that now that they have more or less cornered the market on being the premier styrene armor producer by offering the most for relatively inexpensive prices, they are now going to start to jack up the prices for perhaps earlier narrow profit margins. Perhaps instead of 3 in1, now you have to buy the extras set. As someone on another post said, this is seaming to be a bit more like Tamiya. Keep in mind they do offer PE upgrades for some their kits, sold seperatly of course. And the $49USD for the base kit is very Tamiya-ish. I think people will still buy, but they will be alot more selective if this pans out across the board for DML.
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 12:51 PM UTC
Quoted Text
.....and the rumors of no more 3 in 1 kits
I honestly wish people would stop recycling this nonsense... NOWHERE , has there been any confirmation or comment on this from DML. I had two e-mails from them yesterday, in neither one was this mentioned...
The story started from a LHS who for their own reasons. may well have a stack of 3-in-1s they want to sell. Please, let's keep the rumors to stories about Brad Pitt etc...Jim
thedutchie
Joined: February 01, 2005
KitMaker: 1,299 posts
Armorama: 919 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 04:55 PM UTC
Thanks Jim for the update.
I dont think they would ever get rid of their 3-1 line. Ludacris. That is one of their trademarks.
Keep it going Dragon
I dont think they would ever get rid of their 3-1 line. Ludacris. That is one of their trademarks.
Keep it going Dragon
Recon
Joined: October 19, 2002
KitMaker: 1,571 posts
Armorama: 764 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 05:01 PM UTC
I also received an email on the 234/4 from Dragon. Offering me the kit for $47.99 and the upgrade for $9.99.
If that is the price of the kit you can keep it!!! It is out of my price range.
recon
If that is the price of the kit you can keep it!!! It is out of my price range.
recon
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 05:17 PM UTC
Quoted Text
It's always funny to see Jim get wound up. I bet his blood pressure goes up every time he reads something that is against Dragon.
Hehehe.. No it's not quite that bad
. No, what I do object to is unsubstantiated rumors (about any manufacturer) it is unfair as rarely are they able to defend themselves against this kind of nonsense. Even though, with some of the comments I've made in the past about Tamiya's 1/35th policy, I have constantly been defending them against the (silly) attacks against their 1/48th range and the infamous 'Honey I shrunk the Kits' legend...I do try and be as neutral as possible about DML - if you feel i'm not, feel free to yank my chain!...Jim
Grumpyoldman
ConsigliereJoined: October 17, 2003
KitMaker: 15,338 posts
Armorama: 7,297 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 05:20 PM UTC
Quoted Text
The story started from a LHS who for their own reasons. may well have a stack of 3-in-1s they want to sell.
Yep.... Old trick to move stock. The truth is kits go in and out of production every day, week, and month. Depending on what the original production run ordered was for. 5,000 unit or 50,000 units, when the last one ordered is molded, the run is done, and a production run for another kit will begin. (That's factory orders, not hobby shop orders) As many kits as Dragon, Tamyia and Hasagawa pump out, I doubt they have 300 molding machines, so the run ends, and molds are change, on a constant basis.
But as soon as Mr. Modeler hears something is out of production, it registers as suddenly unavailable, rare, and a collectors item. Meanwhile there a warehouse with 20,000 units somewhere waiting to be ordered and shipped. Popular kits rotate in this cycle on a constant basis, as their sales drop, they get rotated less and less, and newer kits take their place in the cycle. Unless the molds are destroyed, or changed, chances are you'll see the kit turn up again.... usually at a higher price, and this is normally due to the increase in costs of materials and labor, and R&D for newer items.
I received the same email about the Pumas and upgrade, it's a nice deal, but like Mike, I rarely do German, but just might pick one up as a gift for someone who does.
arnie360
Joined: January 28, 2006
KitMaker: 62 posts
Armorama: 0 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 05:21 PM UTC
i'm miffed tamiya have seemingly abandoned the 1/35 range and are trying to sell us all the same kits again in 1/48.
thank god for dragon is all i have to say.
thank god for dragon is all i have to say.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 06:50 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I agree with the remarks about unsubstantiated rumors, but I do get the impression that you are "pro-Dragon". This is not a yank or slight in any way. I like Dragon kits and like the direction in which they are going.I do try and be as neutral as possible about DML - if you feel i'm not, feel free to yank my chain!...Jim
The "3 in 1" notion that it is Dragon's trademark is rather strange. Long ago building old Monogram 1/48 scale airplane, many of them were 2, 3 or 4 in one kits. The Hurricane, P-38 Lightning, FW-190 all had multiple options.
In the armor modeling world, even going back as far as the ancient 1/48 scale Aurora M109 howitzer. It included a short or long barrel 155mm to make either an M109 or M109A1. Many kits today have similar options such as the Academy M113A1/A2 or the Tamiya M1A2 are 3 in 1 kits inside.
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 09:27 PM UTC
Quoted Text
The "3 in 1" notion that it is Dragon's trademark is rather strange. Long ago building old Monogram 1/48 scale airplane, many of them were 2, 3 or 4 in one kits. The Hurricane, P-38 Lightning, FW-190 all had multiple options.
And, the new AFV Club M548 "Gun Truck" model kit will come out with "3 on 1" on their box illustrating that the modeler has three options inside that box to model too.
I wonder how many uninformed modelers will think AFV Club is riding on "Dragon's" idea too...
Gunnie
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
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Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:20 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I wonder how many uninformed modelers will think AFV Club is riding on "Dragon's" idea too...
It was definitely not DML's idea to include three options in one kit, as many manufacturers did it before, but it was their idea to put "3 in 1" logo on the box and use it as a main selling point for these kits. So of course AFV Club will not be riding on DML's idea by including three versions of M548 in one kit, but they will in a way imitate DML's marketing idea if they put "3 in 1" slogan on the box.
Pawel
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
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Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:57 PM UTC
Quoted Text
The "3 in 1" notion that it is Dragon's trademark is rather strange. Long ago building old Monogram 1/48 scale airplane, many of them were 2, 3 or 4 in one kits. The Hurricane, P-38 Lightning, FW-190 all had multiple options.
In the armor modeling world, even going back as far as the ancient 1/48 scale Aurora M109 howitzer. It included a short or long barrel 155mm to make either an M109 or M109A1. Many kits today have similar options such as the Academy M113A1/A2 or the Tamiya M1A2 are 3 in 1 kits inside.
A true statement, bears repeating.
Gunnie
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
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Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006 - 11:41 PM UTC
Quoted Text
A true statement, bears repeating.
Thanks, but I've read it the first time.
I was just refering to DML's clever usage of "3 in 1" logo and slogan, not to actual contents of their kits, which was hardly innovating in this aspect.
Pawel
GunTruck
Joined: December 01, 2001
KitMaker: 5,885 posts
Armorama: 3,799 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 12:04 AM UTC
Quoted Text
[I was just refering to DML's clever usage of "3 in 1" logo and slogan, not to actual contents of their kits, which was hardly innovating in this aspect.
Got it friend!
Getting any model building done lately? I'm certainly trying to do so...
Gunnie
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 12:09 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Getting any model building done lately? I'm certainly trying to do so...
Not much... Only assembled some test shots from DML. Most of my workshop is already packed and ready for move to the new apartment.
Pawel
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 12:18 AM UTC
Yeah, that's true, modelers have never heard of Dragon's clever "3 in 1" marketing slogan.
or even a 2 in 1
or even a 2 in 1
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 12:29 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Yeah, that's true, modelers have never heard of Dragon's clever "3 in 1" marketing slogan.
Well, I'm obviously too young...
Never saw any of these before, or any other kit with "3 in 1" slogan on the box other than DML ones.Any armor kit example?
Pawel
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 12:46 AM UTC
New armor models have not been made by a US manufacturer in several decades. I think the last new armor kit that was packaged for sale in the US that may have had a 3 in 1 label was the Lindberg T-55. I do not think the kit was actually made in the US though (Denmark perhaps). I believe the options were for a Soviet T-55, Middle Eastern T-55 variant (A perhaps) and an Israeli Ti-67 (aka Tiran 5).
The Revell kits and the Monogram Chevy can be picked up at most LHS in the US today.
The Revell kits and the Monogram Chevy can be picked up at most LHS in the US today.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 12:59 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The Revell kits and the Monogram Chevy can be picked up at most LHS in the US today.
Car models are not very popular in Poland and those made in the US are not available at all. And I never pay any attention to those few car kits that are available
So, for me DML's idea was fresh :-) Pawel
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 01:10 AM UTC
Car models amount to the largest model sales in the US. Even companies that used to produce armor, like Lindberg, Revell, Monogram, and AMT (Esci reboxes), still have large car model lines that dwarf most armor model manufacturer lines (except for probably Dragon).
HerrGray
Joined: June 28, 2004
KitMaker: 185 posts
Armorama: 174 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 02:09 AM UTC
Hi,
Yeah, I remember those kits.....
I just took a look at the cyber hobby offerings and it looks like a decent deal to me. With most people putting out 12 to 18 euros here for PE fenders for their panzer kits, $9.99 seems like a good deal to me.... and up until latly dragon has not offered etched metal shields for their Pak 40 series guns.... and it looks like bolts are included too (AFV bolts go for 7-8 Euros).
The Last offerings from Dragon the Tiger I and IV E's were really quite good a deal in the box... Above average..... lots of etched metal stuff and other goodies..
What I see as being offered in the 234's box looks to be standard Dragon.... small etched fret and an aluminum barrel... $47.99 yeah.... it is a bit high ... stll cheaper than T's stuff.... and I like dragon quality better...
I am just afraid the hobby shops here in Germany will forget that Euro is worth more than the dollar...
becuase 47.99 Euros is too much for me ($56.65)
Gray
Yeah, I remember those kits.....
I just took a look at the cyber hobby offerings and it looks like a decent deal to me. With most people putting out 12 to 18 euros here for PE fenders for their panzer kits, $9.99 seems like a good deal to me.... and up until latly dragon has not offered etched metal shields for their Pak 40 series guns.... and it looks like bolts are included too (AFV bolts go for 7-8 Euros).
The Last offerings from Dragon the Tiger I and IV E's were really quite good a deal in the box... Above average..... lots of etched metal stuff and other goodies..
What I see as being offered in the 234's box looks to be standard Dragon.... small etched fret and an aluminum barrel... $47.99 yeah.... it is a bit high ... stll cheaper than T's stuff.... and I like dragon quality better...
I am just afraid the hobby shops here in Germany will forget that Euro is worth more than the dollar...
becuase 47.99 Euros is too much for me ($56.65)Gray
slynch1701
Joined: March 08, 2005
KitMaker: 340 posts
Armorama: 290 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 02:55 AM UTC
My apologies to Jim as I was not trying to propagate the rumor of the end of 3 in1. The point I was trying to make was that perhaps they are moving in a slightly different direction and in the futrure may be instead of 3 in1 they would be selling whjat equal the 3 in 1 as more of an after market type situation, as evidenced by this latest offering through the MDHC "special". Just more of a hypthesis than trying to spread rumor.
Sean
Sean
cheyenne
Joined: January 05, 2005
KitMaker: 2,185 posts
Armorama: 1,813 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 02:57 AM UTC
Jim, I know you said to keep down the rumors, ... but Brad Pitt comes in a 3 in 1 ?
Cheyenne
Cheyenne
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