I wouldn't say a multi-part hull and split barrel make an "easier to build" kit...[/quote] Since when has been gluing two pieces together hard? Ever think that there are some who know how to fill and sand? Or might want to learn how to use a file and sand paper to take care of a seam? When I went into aircraft a few years back I actually went and found some really tough ancient kits so I could have lots of practice filling and sanding. So I could build up my weak wet sanding skills. But then I've probably had more than my fair share of head trauma over the years so there must be something seriously wrong that I don't mind actually having sand a few seams.

In the German shop where I use to buy most of my kits for reasonable prices, I see DML Tiger IIs range from 55 to 79,95 Euros. The most expensive one is a re-edition. Takom, not yet available, are rated at 55. Next are Tamiyas around 40 Euros. Zvezda, which at least in the production turret versión is a DML repackage, rates below 30 Euros. If ICM enters the competition with a Price around 30 Euros (I have no info about potential prices) like the rest of their 1:35 kits, it´s simplicity will match the price segment. Regarding features like the two-halves gun, Tamiyas are like this, and they are great kits, I have built several. Regarding the multi-part lower hull, now I am working in a company whose core technology is plastic injection. To have a lower hull tub in single piece with today´s expected level of detail requires complex mold with sliders. And important: it does NOT mean you will have a perfect square part (have you ever built a DML Abrams, or a DML Tiger I ???). To produce the hull out of mostlty flat plates is achieved by means of simple (cheap) moulds which again matches the product market niche and Price segment. If you ever built any Zvezda T-34, below the 20 Euros Price tag, it was just like that. So guys, what´s wrong with a cheap kit with simple features? It´s a matter of relationship prices-perceived quality, and we have now plenty of choice. We can buy the complex kit with all included, perhaps even what we don´t need because of our personal preference, or we can buy the cheap one and replace just what we want with AM. We can´t have the 80 Euros features and the 30 Euros Price tag. If you run bussinesses like this, let me know what you sell!

I agree with Nacho. There is definitely a market for such cheaper and in some aspects inferior kits (like the Zvezda T-90 and so on). If this were not the case, a great number of companies would not exis (Italeri???). I guess the sample of modellers frequenting these sites is not representative of the true composition of the scene. - Not everyone has the means to buy Meng or other more expensive brands. - Some people are beginners or just don't care (WOT players). Even well-engineered kits are very hard to build, with lots of fiddly parts, just have a look at some entries in a modelling competition. - gluing two halves of a plastic barrel is not a lost art, contrary to some beliefs held here. And I also have suffered through the infamous Dragon M1A2 lower hull, thats quite the high-tech molding. - an experienced modeller can easily make a cheap kit into a real masterpiece. I guess the Konigstiger has already been figured out, detailwise the kit ought to be close enough.

Cmon guys -- if you don't like it then so be it. If a kit is not to your standards then move on. It is what it is, and I doubt whether the manufacturer will make changes to satisfy each and every nitpick. The good thing we have now is that choices are out there, so go for what equates to your standard.

Trumpeter is capable of MUCH better than this!

...however, replacement tracks - Friules-$40 PE set - $30 - $40 various resin updates - $30 - $50 turned barrel - $15 Why not just buy a Dragon kit? ICM is more cost-effective for beginners.

I just think that ICM softskins are so much fun to build.

Because Dragon does not come with Friul, nor resin and often not PE or turned barrel so you will have to get them anyway.

No. That's right. But you will need these to arrive at the same (or close to) level as the Dragon kit. Not neccesarily Friul tracks, but anything better than the kit tracks. However, this is purely conjecture as I haven't seen the ICM Tiger. Maybe it's as good as the Dragon Tiger OOB.