Two reviews are up on PMMS and on AMPS:
http://www.amps-armor.org/ampssite/default.aspx
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tasca/tasca35009.htm
I know that Tasca is processing the pre-orders too. I'm sure the other outlets will be shipping as well.
Rgrds, RC
Hosted by Darren Baker
Tasca Firefly VC reviews up
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 07:44 PM UTC
AlanL
Joined: August 12, 2005
KitMaker: 14,499 posts
Armorama: 11,675 posts
Posted: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 11:23 PM UTC
Hi Roy,
Thanks for the heads up, looks like a grand kit.
Cheers
Al
Thanks for the heads up, looks like a grand kit.
Cheers
Al
HONEYCUT
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 4,002 posts
Armorama: 2,947 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 12:44 PM UTC
Thanks Roy
Looks like some kit!
The details on the split hatch is great, as is the inclusion of full .30cals... Does the turret look a little light-on for cast texture?
Cheers
Brad
Looks like some kit!
The details on the split hatch is great, as is the inclusion of full .30cals... Does the turret look a little light-on for cast texture?
Cheers
Brad
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 10:26 PM UTC
The texture on the turret is subtle -- similar to the Tamiya M4 turrets -- not as heavy as the older DML turrets.
I think it'll paint up very well, IMHO.
HTH, RC
I think it'll paint up very well, IMHO.
HTH, RC
m4sherman
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 07:43 AM UTC
It's good to see that the radio box is being made in both versions. This model should be a real treat.
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 06:34 PM UTC
Hi All,The Firefly really looks nice....my only problem with Tasca is the price of their models. They are of very good quality, however I bought the Kubelwagen and was kind of disapointed! The quality was not as good as the Tamiya version and it cost $20.00 more!
I'm willing to bet this goes for around $60.00 US.
I guess we'll just wait and see.
I'll probably just stick with the Dragon version.
Just my $.02.
Jeff
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 06:41 PM UTC
I can't speak about the Kubelwagen -- all I can point you to are peoples' opinions about their Luchs. It frequently tops many people's "best 1/35 injection model" list. Once the Firefly gets around, it'll be up there too.
Tasca isn't playing around at all. I think DML makes terrific products and I ABSOLUTELY love their M4A3 HVSS "Thunderbolt" and can't wait for their M4A2s and M4A3 (105)s -- they're are to be commended and will have my money for sure.
However, it's pretty spectacular for me that in their first Sherman attempt, they hit a home run -- in terms of accuracy, attn to details and engineering. Kinda reminds me of when I was building my Skybow WC63. I was literally laughing out loud at how ingenious and thoughtful the kit designers were with the kit. Same goes with the Firefly and Luchs.
Again, just my opionion. We all have it good without any doubts!!!
RC
www.amps-armor.org
Tasca isn't playing around at all. I think DML makes terrific products and I ABSOLUTELY love their M4A3 HVSS "Thunderbolt" and can't wait for their M4A2s and M4A3 (105)s -- they're are to be commended and will have my money for sure.
However, it's pretty spectacular for me that in their first Sherman attempt, they hit a home run -- in terms of accuracy, attn to details and engineering. Kinda reminds me of when I was building my Skybow WC63. I was literally laughing out loud at how ingenious and thoughtful the kit designers were with the kit. Same goes with the Firefly and Luchs.
Again, just my opionion. We all have it good without any doubts!!!
RC
www.amps-armor.org
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 08:07 PM UTC
To add to what Roy just said, with Tasca, you are paying for a product which is (inevitably) going to be less 'mass-market' than DML or any other manufacturer. This means, that in terms of price, it's going to be slightly more expensive than a mass-produced plastic kit, but considerably less than a resin model. Personally, (at for example HLJ or Lucky Model) the price is remarkably cheap. I think for a product of this quality, around $50, comes close to a bargain. Ahhh, I hear you say, the DML Firefly is around half the price... Well, for the basic kit, it is. If you're prepared to build straight from the box and NOT 'accurize' it, it will be cheaper. However, when you add on the AM accesories which, IMO, are necessary, it'll go well over the $50 mark. Might just be cheaper going for the Tasca one in the first place... 
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2006 - 08:25 PM UTC
Listen to the sage words of Jim!
He's correct. You aren't going to see the Tasca kit show up at Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart. (not that it's a bad thing that DML kits are at Hobby Lobby -- I love their sales!!!!)
It's just a very specialty item that will appeal to a very self-select group of buyers. Good for them!!
I don't see anyone saying: "Why did the new Accurate Armour Austin car cost so much? I'm going to buy a 3 Revell Camaros instead for that kinda money."
LOL, have you seen the announcement from Dave Harper about the 3-D printer generated items that Trakz and Hardcorps models is producing? Workable 1/35 and 1/48 T49 3-bar Sherman tracks for $65 each. He said, buy 'em if you want them, don't if it's too expensive. Honest and fair, I'd say! LOL
How about the 1/35 Dora? You can get a plasma flatscreen TV for that kinda money. Everything is priced according to a projected "price point" -- that the company thinks can generate the most profit -- whatever that mystical figure is estimated to be. Gotta love the "science" of economics (my university major)
He's correct. You aren't going to see the Tasca kit show up at Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart. (not that it's a bad thing that DML kits are at Hobby Lobby -- I love their sales!!!!)
It's just a very specialty item that will appeal to a very self-select group of buyers. Good for them!!
I don't see anyone saying: "Why did the new Accurate Armour Austin car cost so much? I'm going to buy a 3 Revell Camaros instead for that kinda money."
LOL, have you seen the announcement from Dave Harper about the 3-D printer generated items that Trakz and Hardcorps models is producing? Workable 1/35 and 1/48 T49 3-bar Sherman tracks for $65 each. He said, buy 'em if you want them, don't if it's too expensive. Honest and fair, I'd say! LOL
How about the 1/35 Dora? You can get a plasma flatscreen TV for that kinda money. Everything is priced according to a projected "price point" -- that the company thinks can generate the most profit -- whatever that mystical figure is estimated to be. Gotta love the "science" of economics (my university major)
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Friday, December 01, 2006 - 02:54 PM UTC
It's a move that hopefully we'll see more of - direct marketing towards the modeller rather than the occasional builder. Needless to say it also carries its own financial risks. It's also worth knowing that Tasca and DML will NOT be duplicating each other's releases so with the next M4, Tasca will do a version NOT covered by DML...
AlanL
Joined: August 12, 2005
KitMaker: 14,499 posts
Armorama: 11,675 posts
Posted: Friday, December 01, 2006 - 03:43 PM UTC
More good news,
Cheers
Al
Cheers
Al
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Friday, December 01, 2006 - 06:06 PM UTC
I guess you guys can call me a cheapskate.I am a serious modeller...but with a wife, mortgage and car payment I have to watch where and how I spend my money.
I'm not putting Tasca down...I'm sure the quality is excellent....It's just that I am personally satisfied with DML, Tamiya, and I've even purchased some some Tristar (Excellent quality and price, via HLJ).
I suppose that's why some people drive a Porsche and I drive a humble Hyundai!
My wife said either I quit modelling or she would leave....I'm sure gonna miss her! :-)
Jeff
m4sherman
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 07:43 AM UTC
Quoted Text
It's a move that hopefully we'll see more of - direct marketing towards the modeller rather than the occasional builder. Needless to say it also carries its own financial risks. It's also worth knowing that Tasca and DML will NOT be duplicating each other's releases so with the next M4, Tasca will do a version NOT covered by DML...
Won't this sort of limit what options they will have!?!?!?!?!?
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 04:34 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Won't this sort of limit what options they will have!?!?!?!?!?
Why would it? Direct Marketing obviously works - look at the success of Cyber-Hobby's range. As to variants - there are so many possibilities out there it'll be difficult to imagine the subjects drying-up anytime soon..
wbill76
Joined: May 02, 2006
KitMaker: 5,425 posts
Armorama: 4,659 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 09:47 PM UTC
Having built their Luchs I can attest to the sheer joy of building it in terms of engineering, fit, and almost effortless construction. If the Firefly lives up to that same standard it will be worth the extra in the price tag IMHO for those who want the accuracy without resorting to the hefty AM package required for the DML kit. It's not hard at all to take a $20 kit and, in the quest for detail and accuracy, quickly take the starting price and make it 3, 4, or 5x the cost of the base kit depending on how "all out" you go. 
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 10:04 PM UTC
Quoted Text
It's not hard at all to take a $20 kit and, in the quest for detail and accuracy, quickly take the starting price and make it 3, 4, or 5x the cost of the base kit depending on how "all out" you go.
HORRIBLY true... I'm just about to start the Char B1 bis from Tamiya. Base kit was around $30 (bargain!), conversion set to do a Flammpanzer (from Blast) around $45 and the decals from Echelon, around $15. Yes, double the cost of the original...
To bring the DML Firefly 'up to standard', count on $35 for the base kit and around $45 for the Formations update. Add new decals at around $10 and $50 for the Tasca kit is a REAL bargain....
m4sherman
Joined: January 18, 2006
KitMaker: 1,866 posts
Armorama: 1,808 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 02, 2006 - 10:20 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextWon't this sort of limit what options they will have!?!?!?!?!?
Why would it? Direct Marketing obviously works - look at the success of Cyber-Hobby's range. As to variants - there are so many possibilities out there it'll be difficult to imagine the subjects drying-up anytime soon..
I was just thinking in terms of M4 series turreted tanks. With the latest DML, there are the DV hulls left, the early M4 and not much else if you count all the older releases. If you add the TD's and the SP's there is a wider variety still. Now, a Tasca M7 or M10 would be nice. A real top notch early M4A1 with or without DV is what I am waiting for now.
jimbrae
Joined: April 23, 2003
KitMaker: 12,927 posts
Armorama: 9,486 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 01:12 PM UTC
Quoted Text
With the latest DML, there are the DV hulls left, the early M4 and not much else if you count all the older releases. If you add the TD's and the SP's there is a wider variety still. Now, a Tasca M7 or M10 would be nice. A real top notch early M4A1 with or without DV is what I am waiting for now.
A re-doing of the Israeli Shermans would also be desirable as well - a new AMX-13 turret (new HVSS is already available). DD Shermans would also be nice along with a NEW M4a1 (75). Although the majority of the TDs have been done, personally I wouldn't mind another M10..
Regarding the DV hulls, they are under consideration as we speak - giving more mileage to the Sherman III.
I'd still like to see a Crab or BARV from a plastic manufacturer though...
Bodeen
#026
Joined: June 08, 2002
KitMaker: 1,744 posts
Armorama: 1,359 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 05:12 PM UTC
Check this out!http://www.hlj.com/product/tac35009
I may have to eat my words and buy this little GEM!
Don't say I told you so!
Jeff
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