Monday, October 13, 2008 - 04:10 AM UTC
Unusually, we're now getting some indicators from Dragon Models as to their future direction....
A week or two ago, DML began a publicity campaign entitled 'Committed to the Modeler'. Today, they gave some (not so-subtle) hints as to where their future release policy will be going.

Most significantly, there are two releases which stand-out from the rest. The first is the M3 Half-track with the 75mm Gun. This is the first (official) indication that the M3 will be getting kitted. Some of us HAVE seen the sprues for the body before, but never a poster before... Also, in the Allied 'wants-list' is the Direct-Vision M4a1 (with U.S. markings)

Going onto the mainstay of the company's catalog, Axis, some interesting releases with (finally) the confirmation of the LATE Tiger 1 (with Zimmerit), A Panther Ausf.G (with Zimmerit), the PzIV (Ausf. D) with Turret Schürzen), the Sig 33 on the Pz 1 chassis and what seems like the gun on its normal carriage (very significant) .

Keep watching this space - while not earth-shattering, some real food for thought in these releases!
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Comments

A moderator might want to take a look at that.
OCT 14, 2008 - 03:22 AM
The only time that any thread is locked, edited or (in extreme cases) deleted, is when they become virulently nasty. Take an example. The 'What's New' thread about DML's M4a1 (DV), that was a good example of and (at their best) incredibly informative, well-considered and useful application of these threads. As I mentioned before, we're not going to start editing threads in case they go against the 'flow' - nor would we ever permit an 'anything goes' policy. Personally, I don't know what I hate more - the 'let's have a Boycott of DML' or the 'DML is so wonderful' type threads. They're both, IMO, equally dumb... Nor will we be anytime soon publishing 'fluff' News stories (or Reviews) on ANY manufacturers' product range... People are pissed (and indifferent) to DML's marketing in equal measure, sorry, it's goes with these threads!
OCT 14, 2008 - 03:26 AM
That's just the thing Dave, very few people are truly complaining about the releases or their flaws. I am really grateful for all that Dragon has done in recent years to push the envelope in this hobby. No model is perfect, I'm pretty sure we all know that, but whenever anyone, be it a reviewer or just your average Joe modeller, points out an inaccuracy or a problem with one of Dragons kits, whether it's small or large (and some of us do want to know about this stuff), they are villified and made to look like some sort of villian by a certain group of people and/or a certain blogger . On top of that, Dragon's over the top (IMO) hyperbole ("Hear the Dragon ROAR!" give me a break) and marketing campaign does nothing to help. It seems they think they are above any criticism, and they are quick to make excuses, and attack individuals and other companies through their mouthpiece all too often. All this seems to make them somewhat of a target these days. Regardless, I do hope they continue to release these kits. They are very welcome! Just my 2 cents, (however much that may be these days) Best, Mike
OCT 14, 2008 - 04:35 AM
I can see where you're coming from on this, but definitely, no. I agree with the 'tangental' nature of many threads although whereas frequently its irritating, equally, it can be very helpful. DML has, in many ways, created this situation of 'fans' and 'detractors' if you're unaware of the current situation, they're permitting an 'semi-anonymous' blogger to publish a series of absurd lies and innuendo about many companies and individuals. Most of us are quite aware where his paycheck is coming from.... They are also producing some of the finest kits on the market although with the crappiest PR imaginable. Most other companies sell their products on the basis of accuracy and subject - DML refuses to accept any criticism. You see WHERE threads like this would lead?
OCT 14, 2008 - 06:37 AM
It's great that they are releasing more of the pre-zimm kits. Dosen't do much for me as I have a ton of these vehicles either built or in the stash with cavalier zimm in the box. Not much else appeals to me as I pretty much have German'ed out and armor wise have enough in the stash to satisfy urges. Keep hoping for more modern other than Abrams, Challengrs Hummer's etc. Be nice if they could go back and do some really nice early to late cold war stuff. I also see they are getting more and more into ships. Have a real nce US destroyer kit in 350 coming out. But as has been well noted. Modelers are starting to consider before they buy due to the economy. No longer are folks running out and buying 2 of every release.
OCT 14, 2008 - 07:46 AM
I had not built a DML kit in about 3 or 4 years and to pick up and build the sherman and panther models was to me a real eye opener . The quality of both models with the adition of etch ,clear episcopes, decent vinyl track, or individaul track is exceptional . its all plus's from this happy camper.
OCT 14, 2008 - 11:59 AM
Same old WWII German crap. Why can't anyone do some US military trucks? The Nancy and deuce kits have sold well. Where is a M-54 five ton, a M-37 3/4 ton? Model companies will make infinite versions of some item that there were only 5 ever made. Oh well....
OCT 23, 2008 - 05:29 PM
Well, there's a hell of a lot of German subjects that people ARE going to welcome with open arms. You may not (personally) like it, but the reality is, there are a lot of people who DO. It's a tired old litany, but the reality is clear - German Sells. German is DML's bread and butter they aren't a company who are suddenly going to fly off in a different direction on a whim. You want modern? Follow the Trumpeter release program on THIS site and there's barely a week goes by without images being sent to us of NEW models. Yes, the PzIV Ausf. D may be a 'minority' vehicle but neither the Panther nor Tiger will be anything but BIG sellers. At the end of the day, DML is in it to make money - sentiment is the quickest way to bankruptcy... And no, primarily I consider myself more of an Alied builder - for us, the new releases (from several manufacturers) have really catapulted us into a real 'Golden Age'. It's not 'Crap' it's reacting to what a large part of the market wants...
OCT 23, 2008 - 08:51 PM
I'm glad to see all the new allied stuff coming out, but also can never get enough German armor.
OCT 24, 2008 - 04:35 AM
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