[172WWII]

I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread about the 1:72 Altaya tanks, since many of us collect them.

Here’s some more information about Altaya tanks:

• The 1:72 series is being released in Spain under the label of “Carros de Combate”. Carros de Combate
• A review site of the tanks can be found at Altaya "Os Mais Extraordinários Carros de Combate". A list of tanks can be found at Altaya Tanks Collection List
• The series is also being released in France and called “Chars de Combat” and can be found at CHARS DE COMBAT
  Miniatures exclusives de collection.. The only difference I have seen is that the French releases have a Tiger with a grey paint scheme.
• The french releases have a special edition willys jeep, but the jeep appears to be 1:43 scale. Here's a link to one eBay: JEEP Willys MB Légion étrangère échel 1/43 neuf (item 270061221458 end time Dec-08-06 02:30:07 PST)
• There is an Italian version of these tanks, although they don’t seem to be identified as Altaya. They are being released as “Carri Armati” by DeAgostini. Carri Armati in scala 1:72
• Other sites that talk about Altaya tanks include: Military Diecast 1/72 - Altaya/IXO and Altaya - Mikes Diecast Tanks and Armour

[Legio LXXII]

Didn't know about the Italian version, they're really getting around aren't they. They lack crisp detail like Dragon Armor, but make up for it with some of the unique pieces they offer.

[mbv]

Very useful intro. - thanks! They seem to be very difficult to find in the UK at the moment. I usually get them from Spain via Ebay

[fsrpcunha]

Here is another link (this time in portuguese) although it will not add much:

altaya.pt/ficha.php?id=144
Cunha

[172WWII]

Altaya Invades Poland
The 1:72 scale Altaya tanks are now being released in Poland under the name of "KOLEKCJA CZOŁGI ŚWIATA". http://www.amercom.com.pl/czolgi.php
It's interesting to note some of the paint schemes and the bases of the display case are slightly different than previous Altaya releases in the other European countries. For example, the original Altaya King Tiger has a "332" on the turret. The Polish release of the King Tiger has "312" on the turret.

Below is another example of the difference: The Patton on the top left is the original Altaya Patton. The other two pictures are of the Polish Patton. Notice that the yellow identification number of the tank has changed from "C34" to "B23" and white stars have been added.


Atlantic Ocean protects North America from tanks
According to a supplier of IXO (aka - Altaya) models, the 1:72 scale Altaya tanks will not arrive in North America in 2007, but they have a good chance of arriving in 2008. Apparently the demand for diecast 1:72 scale tanks in such countries as Poland is much higher than the demand in the US and Canada.

[ZS-VAN]

I've just posted a question about the quality of they tanks relative to Dragons on 172WWIIs post in the classifieds. I recently saw some pics of Altaya tanks and they didn't seem very detailed. What was nice was the range of tanks on offer. The French Le Clerc stood out for example. Just how good are they models?

[Legio LXXII]

They are not as detailed as Dragon Armor or FOV. The detail they do have is soft, not as sharp and distinct. They make up for that with some of the more rare subjects that no one else makes. I have a side by side review between an Altaya King Tiger and a Dragon Armor King Tiger at the link below. Click on each picture to make it larger and get a good side by side comparison. I will be doing several more comparison reviews between Altaya and other manufacturers soon.

http://www.diecast72.com/review1.asp

172WWII,

Are you "Bloomsburg6" on Ebay? If so, you must have boxes of Altaya tanks as I've seen so many Altaya tank auctions from that seller.

[Legio LXXII]

Originally Posted by 172WWII

Apparently the demand for diecast 1:72 scale tanks in such countries as Poland is much higher than the demand in the US and Canada.

I have a hard time believing that, it would be interesting to see what they base this on. Having spoken to a Dragon Models rep last year, the US is one of the largest markets for 1/72 Dragon Armor (I would bet Forces of Valor too). Who better to base 1/72 diecast tank sales on, than the largest range available.

[Legio LXXII]

I found more info about the Altaya tanks available in Poland. I've seen pictures of some of their other Altaya tanks and I think most of them have different markings. The Polish version of the Altaya Panther tank has the same paint scheme but has tank number "216" on the side of the hull rather than "R02". The T-34 is completely different in that it has an all green paint scheme rather than the camo scheme the other Altaya T-34 versions have.

[fsrpcunha]

New model available LVT(A)-1!!!!

http://mad-dog-kit.tripod.com/altayaww2.htm

Bottom of the page item 42.

I already have one and will buy a couple more!!!!!

Cunha