In the lastest of their announcements concerning the imminent release of the first in their new ''Smart Kit'' series, Dragon have announced their intention to build the kit that doesn''t need aftermarket. Far-fetched? Have a read!

Vinnie

Dragon - The Inside Story Part 3

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Thanks!

I have built a fairly accurate panther G before. As far as I can see on the poster with this DML release, all the parts on this tank are dead on (tool latch,bosch light, track horn, track pin..etc)! DML did a great job with this kit and indeed will save alot of time and money for the aftermarket parts and research.

Great job DML!

WC

Greetings all,

Well if they can produce kits to the highest standard with the necessary extra 'bits' then this has got to be a landmark step forward for the plastic model maker.

This is something I harp on about quite often, having to buy extra AM stuff that costs as much or more than the original kit.

I take my hat off to them, I hope I see some of these developments when the Sherman III comes out, and that they are not just limited to the Axis stuff. Time will tell, but a development like this could save everybody a lot of money.

Regardless of any personal opinion I might have, this has got to be excellent news for modellers in general. 10 out of 10 for going in the right direction.

Cheers and happy modelling

Al

Impressive. I wonder what will become of a 'standard' kit once these are fully developed? I hope they don't 'go away'. A beginner would be ovewhelmed by all of it.
I'm totally in favor of this style kit, I like the idea of having everything in one place! It is a great idea.

These new style of kits look very interesting. Especially if it willl save time on cleanup and some small fiddly stuff. Cant wait to see what their next kit will be.

Keep it up Dragon

The Smart kit seems to be aimed at casual modellers who doesn't want to scratchbuild nor buy aftermarket parts to make an accurate model.
Seems it has the Premium Editon kit's accuracy & options minus the photo etched parts.

Marc, I hope I'm not pointing out the obvious but if the manufacturers got the design correct in the first place their would be no need for AM products or having to scratch lots of stuff that should be on the kit to start with.

Don't believe that I can agree with your comment that these are designed for the casual modeller, designed for ease of modelling might be more appropriate, at least that's my humble opinion.

Cheers

Al

These smart kits do look promising. I cant wait to get my hands on one. But,it doesnt eliminiate the need completely for aftermarket....theres no engine, no drivers compartments..all the goodies inside, almost none.

Anyone knows what would be the price or at least what level would it be?

I'm with Tim(pzcreations) on this.AM isn't going away.Looks like the goal is to bring us a accurate,detailed kit,that doesn't have 900 parts and require $150 in metal working tools to build.A noble effort I'd say!

Still,there is a certain amount of satisfaction to working an Italeri kit into a killer build.
cheers!