[The General]

I read on one of the Hobby Master diecast websites that they will be reducing the metal content in their diecast tanks.

They said they will be doing this in order to keep costs down and remain competetive in the diecast market.

It's like the first issue Dragon tanks I have are very heavy but the Russian SU-100 I bought the other day is very light.

I don't think it will be too long before we see the same thing occuring as newer Hobby Master products become available.

[Legio LXXII]

The upcoming Pershing will have a metal turret and barrel with everything else plastic.

[Freefall Kiwi]

There seem to be interesting economics in making 1/72 diecast tanks, depending on which factory in China you go to. The Altaya series had - AFAIK - all metal chassis, and plastic turrets, at a relatively (?) cheaper price (and less detail) than Dragon's plastic fantastics. Admiral had all metal chassis and turrets for their Pz III's, but they haven't produced anymore of these little beauties - so perhaps it is just too expensive to make mostly metal miniatures

[admin]

With Zinc prices going through the roof it sounds as if manufacturers a scrambling for new mediums. I've some allude to the possibility of die-cast manufacturers possibly moving to Aluminum. I would definitely prefer this over plastic.

This subject also came up in the new Halifax thread. Finally here! The Halifax!

[PH-LKK]

I believe Hobby Master has just reversed this decision (stated at the start of this thread): they are going to be maintaining the high-metal content of their tanks.


See HERE:

November 6, 2007
Hobby Master has been listening to comments about their decision to reduce the metal content in the 1/72
vehicles by using plastic chassis's. They have decided that starting in 2008 they will go back to using
metal. They didn't know if this would cause a slight increase because they are trying to find ways to offset
this without affecting any models. I will post any further news on my website as I get it.