You won't (or certainly haven't heard) hear me badmouth DML. There's a big jump between badmouthing a company and criticizing them. I've gone on record on this site, saying that we WOULDN'T be where we are today if it WASN'T for what DML have done. GEN2, the Smart Kits (even, dare I say it DS) and areas such as the technology they've put into areas (so long ignored) as tracks. It'd also be churlish not to mention what DML have done in 1/72nd armor. What I don't like about DML is their marketing. I don't like them giving a VERY public platform to people like Hiroshi. I certainly don't like the orchestrated campaign of vilification against people like Terry Ashley, nor do I like the ethics of a 'Blogger' who has done everything possible to destroy the reputation of a company like Tristar (go back in his rantings and you'll see what I mean ) @Hisham, yes, I apologize, I should have mentioned Aircraft (and Warships) - in these two areas, (perhaps even more than armor) Trumpeter is doing some of the most extraordinary things in these sectors. One thing I have also said before, in terms of more 'engineered' subjects (principally German) DML has a definite technical edge. The less (subtle?) subjects such as Trump's impressive KVs are not, IMO, the forté of DML. In that respect, I prefer that DML continue with the U.S. halftracks and Trumpeter expand their Warsaw Pact vehicles. What both should do however, is pay less attention to 'one-offs' and theoreticals and concentrate on what was (once) in production.

Uhm... Don't they do that? Well DML at least. Almost the whole line of PzIV has been kitted, from Ausf A to Ausf. G, leaving the Ausf H and J to be possible future releases (smart kits like the F and G) The Pz 38(t) had been given a wide range, which 251 would you still like to see kitted, or 250? Panther D, A, G and F are out, as is the JagdPanther G1. Tiger-E is out, initial, late, Fehrmann and some more. Tiger-B has several versions, the JagdTiger has all variants kitted. Tiger Ferdinand and Elefant are out. Flak 88's, other Flak as wel. And yes, a number of projects and one offs. Compare their share in the catalogue to all those regular tanks and other subjects and you must agree, it ain't that bad. And if you're going to get anal about the oddities, Trumpeter's E-100B is a complete fantasy turretwise, everyone knows that. In that respect, DML's is better...

*Talkin' in western accent* It's suuuuuure got a prrrrretty mouuuuthhhh

Hi Herbert and you've just quoted only German WW2 armour I think Jim was probably speaking about AFV's as a whole not just panzers when referring to "production" models. Such remarks as seen on the forum as "Oh no not another paper panzer when what we really need is a new kit of the Churchill (or ......Fill in the blank but make it Allied) " Much as I know you love your Panthers and Tigers there are other modellers who prefer other armour for whatever reason. Although of late I think they are beginning to get quite a few good releases coming their way. Alan

Ok, I'll bite, just what inside info do you have that blogger-boy is one of Dragon's pattern makers?? Or have I missed that since I was banned from their site for voicing my support for Terry Ashley. Oops, I hope I wasn't showing my bias by referring to "him" as blogger-boy. Mike

I was trying to...

Which is the reason I quoted only German armour, I have really really little knowledge of non-German kits so I wouldn't know what is and is not out there.

Herbert, personally, I prefer the 38 (t), the 35, the Panzer II and want to see a VAST increase in German softskins and ancilliary equipment rather than another Tiger or Panther... Personal preferences...

Jim, I was merely indicating that the percentage of Paper Panzer versus actual series produced vehicles was far minor than it would appear to be. But it is true that a vast amount of German army subjects is sorely lacking. Horses anyone? Just check pictures and footage of the Blitzkrieg, and you see plenty of horses, soldiers on horses, horsedrawn carriages, horsedrawn artillery. We could certainly use new Protzes and Horches, as well as new Mercedes trucks, Ford trucks, other SdKfz marks like the 222 series could also benefit from a major overhaul. Or some staff cars, there's hardly any out there, and whilst not part of any combat action, they ARE a part of the German Army and make for a nice different diorama subject. Speaking of dio-subjects, a repair platoon could be a great starting point for some very nice items. Since the 7 was used to tow disabled tanks as well, it could be a nice venture into that area. And a kit of the VK-4502(H) Tiger-2 design is really really overdue...