[23enigma61]

I have recently been informed on this forum that TAMIYA produce pre build models in 1.35 and 1.48 scales,i have never seen any ,can someone supply where i can see examples and from where i can purchase them or if anyone collects them can i have some opinions please inc what vehicles are available,sorry for my ignorance,as i said ,this product is news to me,Are they diecast or plastic based and do the models come with figures.I know this section specialises in dragon armor,but i need help.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I have seen a few of these and are very nice...I really liked there 1/48 M4 Sherman Early Prod but here all sold out...
You should check out their Tamiya USA Masterworks web site.
JP

[dasboot]

23enigma61

check out this link;
themotorpool.net/Tamiya-Masterworks-s/58.htm]Tamiya Masterworks diecast military vehicles

[watou06]

Tamiya also produces a line of finished 1:350 boats which are very good. I believe so far they have done the missouri, bismarck, and yamato.

[Berkut76]

When it comes to armor Masterworks Collection 1:35 models, I give them a skip. Even if you get them heavily discounted there are other better choices on the market. I've owned a Stug and a Panther, and both were returned. The Made in Philippines models cannot compete with Made in China ones. Assembly was flimsy (Panther skirts were in the box), and the finish wasn't good either. They are all plastic AND feel like one. Dragon, heck even FoV are miles ahead in terms of "production value". I haven't owned a 1:48, so I cannot comment on them.

Regards,

Sergey

[Gambit]

Michigan Toy Soldiers has them and also puts them on sale occasionally.

You can try Hobby Link Japan, but I think Michigan has better prices

[A3driver]

Don't know if you've already seen this page:
1/48 MM Collection

The 1/48 models look great (my personal opinion), the 1/35 ones are way to expensive though at least here in Germany (EUR 115 to 150 for a tank - no, thanks).

[Paladin18]

Originally Posted by 23enigma61

I have recently been informed on this forum that TAMIYA produce pre build models in 1.35 and 1.48 scales,i have never seen any ,can someone supply where i can see examples and from where i can purchase them or if anyone collects them can i have some opinions please inc what vehicles are available,sorry for my ignorance,as i said ,this product is news to me,Are they diecast or plastic based and do the models come with figures.I know this section specialises in dragon armor,but i need help.

Howdy, there are some recent threads with photos of Tamiya 1/35 Masterworks and 1/48MM collection models in the general ground vehicles models section. The threads also contain comments from various forummers and info regarding on-line retailers where you can purchase from.

I have posted some pics of my Tamiya pre-built M1A2, M2A2 (both in 1:35 scale) and M10 (in 1:48 scale). (I have also a couple of Tigers in 1:48 scale.) As advised by Starman, you can see the entire collection in the Tamiya USA corporate webpages. Some of the 1:35 models come with figures, e.g. Type 90 and M1A2, but many do not. I don't recall that any of the 1:48mm stuff comes with figures either.

Michigan Toy Soldier Company and Hobby Link Japan used to carry a pretty good range but many of the models are now out of stock because of limited production runs. You can therefore try your luck on etamiya.com, rocousa.com and zootoyz.net.

Tamiya's pre-built models are all-plastic construction, which make them light and flimsy. IMHO, I like them because the finishing and weathering is very nicely done, and I plan to add a few more to my little collection. Be forewarned, the models are prohibitively expensive. I paid US$120 for my Abrams, not incl. shipping & handling. The price is a major put off for some collectors given that alternatives available in the market are more price competitive, e.g. Dragon, Minichamps, FoV and K&C.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

Paladin18