[hawkonevoodoo]

I was just informed by Hobby Master that they have resisted any changes to their 1/72 tanks as long as possible but it just became a matter of economics. Due to a labor cost increase of 25% and a material increase that happened months ago they were unable to sustain the extra expense any longer and were faced with two options, increase the cost of the tanks so they would retail for $25 US instead of $19 - $20 US or reduce the metal content. Since other companies have been using more plastic and some using nothing but plastic Hobby Master came to the conclusion that the reduction in metal was the lesser of two evils. Hobby Master will still provide us with excellent looking models with great detail and value. Also if there are models that absolutely require metal chassis’ because of design or for manufacturing purposes than metal will be used. It really will be a tank-by-tank decision. At this time this will not affect their 1/48-scale tanks. They want you to know that they regret this measure and hope that you will understand the reasoning behind it.

[ZS-VAN]

So Hawkone, does this mean that the current models remain as is and only new castings like the T55 have the metal content reduced or does this also apply to the first releases like the KVs etc.

[Epapazian]

In view of the high quality of Dragon's 1:72 scale tanks and the huge expansion of the Easy Model AFV line, I am at a loss to understand why Hobby Master is persisting in this area. Why not focus on 1:48 scale tanks where there is a great need for more diversity and superior quality really stands out. Dragon is busily turning out every German tank or AFV ever created in the smaller scale and Easy Model will be duplicating these efforts while offering almost everything that Dragon is ignoring shortly. Is there really a market for a "me too" HM product made mostly in plastic? Wouldn't collectors respond a lot better to high quality Japanese Type 97 tanks or U.S. Stuarts or British Crusader tanks in 1:48 scale? As I have noted in other posts, it seems that HM is exploring more options than are likely to work in view of the competitive situation. Why not focus on a smaller number of viable areas where collector's needs have not yet been effectively addressed instead? This question applies to both tanks and aircraft.

[Cavtanker]

At first, I was a bit appalled by the lack of metal content in some of the Dragons that I had received. But I grew to like them. Likewise, I know I can grow to like HMs mostly plastic as well. If I were HM, I'd browse through some of the plastic modelling forums! In there, you can see what plastic modellers are dying to see made. And there are many more plastic kits in various aircraft/tanks than diecasts.

The HM T-55 is a great start into some modern era armor (yes, even though the T-55 is a bit old). If HM even made an all plastic MLRS, M109 series, M1117, LAV-25, I'd be sure to buy those without hesitation. Try to find the aforementioned vehicles even in a 1:72 plastic build kit...point made?

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by ZS-VAN

So Hawkone, does this mean that the current models remain as is and only new castings like the T55 have the metal content reduced or does this also apply to the first releases like the KVs etc.

I receive pre-production models and everything was the status quo up to the new HG3201 Pershing and HG3301 T-55. These are the first models with the plastic chassis' and will come with a metal cylinder inside the chassis' to give them some weight. This is what another company has been doing for about a year now. The turrets and guns will remain metal in all the 1/72 tanks. If there are some 1/72 tanks that for some structural reason needs to be metal than it will be made using metal for the chassis. I honestly have to say when the models are sitting on the desk or in the display case you can't tell what the are made from and they really are a nice looking tank. I know I would prefer more metal but are people willing to dig into their wallets and cough up another $5 US+ or 3 GBP+ for a 1/72 tank, that's a 25% + increase.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

In view of the high quality of Dragon's 1:72 scale tanks and the huge expansion of the Easy Model AFV line, I am at a loss to understand why Hobby Master is persisting in this area. Why not focus on 1:48 scale tanks where there is a great need for more diversity and superior quality really stands out. Dragon is busily turning out every German tank or AFV ever created in the smaller scale and Easy Model will be duplicating these efforts while offering almost everything that Dragon is ignoring shortly. Is there really a market for a "me too" HM product made mostly in plastic? Wouldn't collectors respond a lot better to high quality Japanese Type 97 tanks or U.S. Stuarts or British Crusader tanks in 1:48 scale? As I have noted in other posts, it seems that HM is exploring more options than are likely to work in view of the competitive situation. Why not focus on a smaller number of viable areas where collector's needs have not yet been effectively addressed instead? This question applies to both tanks and aircraft.

I think Hobby Master is trying to find scales that work best for sales and regardless of of how crowded 1/72 seems it is the scale that is drawing the largest number of collectors. They are trying to avoid making what everyone else is making to the best of their ability. I think the 1/48 market is a good size but I don't think it has nearly enough followers to make it viable as their one and only scale to produce models in. It may be a poor analogy but why do all your fishing in a pool with 10 fish when you can increase your odds by fishing in a pool where there are 90 fish? Another thing is the old saying "don't put all your eggs in one basket" so they are feeling out the various scales and will work in each of them.

[Cardinal]

For what it's worth the following is my opinion as posted on the UK forum:

... , the cost of zinc/raw material red-herring argument has been previously debated and found seriously wanting.

I suspect that it's less of a raw material cost issue and more of a manufacturing cost issue - diecast is possibly more expensive to produce than 'plastic kitsets', which can (perhaps ) be more easily assembled and painted ...

Either way, if I wanted plastic I would buy 'Easy Model' products, so for me this is a dealbreaker .

I'm also a little confused given that HM increased the level of metal in their 1/48 range (after complaints about too much plastic) and are now doing totally the opposite in 1/72 . I hope their strategy is successful, but I feel they're on the 'slippery slope' as for me plastic just cannot compete with metal ... on the bright side though - less for me to buy!

[jetlover]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

In view of the high quality of Dragon's 1:72 scale tanks and the huge expansion of the Easy Model AFV line, I am at a loss to understand why Hobby Master is persisting in this area.

I don't think Easy Model 's quality is up to par with Dragon and HM's quality; and Easy Model 's price is not that much cheaper either. I think we need HM and Dragon in the 1:72 scale.

[PickMattock]

I don’t really mind this change at all, as long as they can produce a plastic tank near-par with Dragon’s. As I’ve said before, the finished model’s looks are the most important thing to me. Forces of Valor makes heavy little tanks, but since I don’t weight train with my 1/72 armor I shy away from those because the detail is just not there.

Hobby Master definitely needs to stay in the 1/72 game because there is still plenty of armor to be made. For example, there are absolutely no WWII US light tanks or tank destroyers in 1/72 pre-built. HM’s announcement of the M10 and M24 have me absolutely thrilled. I’d also LOVE to see some Amtanks. I don’t see Dragon getting around to any of these with all the Shermans still left to make…And even if Easy Model makes them at some point, I find their armor lacking as far as detail goes. (No light guards, for example…I have their Pershing, but will be picking up HM’s “Fireball” as well. )

Here comes the though love…If we’ll be paying the same price but getting less metal, we’re going to expect a crisper product. Mean seam lines and molded-on tow rings are only given a pass when the hulls are die-cast, but now that Hobby Master will be switching to mainly plastic, the fit and detail that it allows has also got to be there. I’ll add that it wouldn’t hurt to re-examine how the new plastic-heavy (or is it light?) models will be finished. (To be honest, I think EM’s Kv’s had a very appealing finish that left the Hobby Master pieces looking “toy-like” by comparison.)

Again, I certainly don’t see why Dragon should be the only producer of top-tier pre-builts on the market. I like buying options…Especially options that are more than just various wheels and schemes on Tigers. That's where Hobby Master comes in, and can shine.
Maybe something Japanese? Shinhoto Chi Ha? Yes please!

[lanslide]

I collect diecast models because they are mostly diecast metal. If they become mostly plastic - what's the point? I am not a plastic model collector. I would definitely be willing to pay more for a metal model if I am forced to because the raw material costs more. I believe the metal content of the model will set HM apart from the rest of the pack and most people will prefer HM over others even though they may cost 25% more.