Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Wish Lists => Topic started by: Pinky on March 25, 2017, 02:44:42 pm

Title: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 25, 2017, 02:44:42 pm
This thread is intended as detailed suggestions for future Rubicon tank kits.  I'm taking the Rubicon Crusader kit as the template, as it includes 2 turrets as well as the parts for a major variant (the Crusader AA).  Not only is it one of Rubicon's most accurate and well engineered kits, it's also very flexible.  The idea is to come up with more kits along these lines.   

First, the M3 Lee.  Not a great tank, or even one of my favourites, but potentially a good subject for a Rubicon multi-option kit.   

The basic Lee only served with the US Army for a short period - it had been replaced by the Sherman by the invasion of Sicily.  The only options needed for the basic Lee would be different 75mm barrels.  The Lee was also used (unmodified) by the Red Army, so that means more marking options (red stars and slogans, mostly).

(https://s28.postimg.org/xbzy8onqh/IMG_0074.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/xbzy8onqh/)

It would be mandatory to include the parts for the British Grant, including the turret and sand shields (as well as some typical desert stowage).  This would be a great companion piece to the Rubicon Crusader.  Grants were also used by Australia, which means even more marking options.

(https://s28.postimg.org/j8430agix/IMG_0076.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/j8430agix/)

The British used the Lee in Burma, and these vehicles were quite distinctive.  The kit could include some extra parts to represent the modifications made for service in Burma - smoke dischargers, extra track armour, revised stowage boxes and a low-profile cupola (although the Grant cupola would probably do).

(https://s28.postimg.org/b1c38pqg9/IMG_0075.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/b1c38pqg9/)

What would really give the kit some versatility would be if it could also build the M31 Tank Recovery Vehicle.  That would mean a crane (which was substantial, and would take up a lot of sprue space), large stowage boxes, dummy 75mm gun mount and other recovery-related fittings. It might be a stretch in terms of the parts count, but it was the main US tank recovery vehicle throughout the war and would be a good addition to the existing US armour range.

(https://s28.postimg.org/ijv8hcht5/IMG_0077.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ijv8hcht5/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Rubicon Models on March 25, 2017, 02:56:06 pm
@Pinky, we will eventually do the M3 Lee/Grant.  The M4 Sherman project is the prelude to other tanks like the M3 Lee/Grant and M7 Priest.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 25, 2017, 04:59:12 pm
There is also a film star markings for Lulu Belle.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahara_(1943_film) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahara_(1943_film))
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 26, 2017, 12:41:35 pm
Another candidate is the Valentine.  It was something of an 'also-ran'; it never achieved the prominence of the Matilda, Grant or even the Crusader, but was widely used for much of the Desert War.  It was always behind the technological curve, being undergunned, slow, cramped and inefficient, but it seems to have been quite popular.  The Soviets quite liked it.  They received 3,690 and used them up to the end of the war.  A few were also used by the New Zealander in the Pacific.   I guess the obvious competition for a kit would be the Matilda, which also saw service on the Eastern Front and the Pacific.  I think the Valentine has more potential as a kit, however.  Both the Matilda and Valentine are well suited to Rubicon's simplified track design, as their narrow tracks are presumably relatively straightforward to mould, but I'd guess the Matilda's is the easier of the two.

As the Valentine is quite a small vehicle, there is presumably scope for several options to be included.  The logical starting point would be the MkII, which was the first type to see widespread service with the British and the Soviets.  A standard feature was the distinctive side-mounted spare fuel tanks.  In desert service it was fitted with sand shields and fuel can racks.  The MkIII, with a redesigned 3-man turret, entered service in 1942, but the MkII was the most common version overall in the Desert War, and probably the best representation of an early version if a choice had to be made.

(https://s21.postimg.org/5302gmllv/IMG_0083.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5302gmllv/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/5d50khhbx/IMG_0080.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5d50khhbx/)

Later types were of marginal importance in British service (most ended up in second-line roles).  The 6-pdr armed MkIX saw service with the British near the end of the Tunisian campaign, and was also used by the Soviets.  It would probably be the best later version to include.

(https://s21.postimg.org/u7r2u1l2b/IMG_0082.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/u7r2u1l2b/)

The most important Valentine variant was the Archer.  This would require a new upper hull (with interior) and of course a 17-pdr.  Including this variant would give the kit much broader appeal to both wargamers and modellers, especially as it was used in NW Europe.  This (I'd suggest) is what would give this kit the edge over a Matilda. 

(https://s14.postimg.org/ht1qe8anx/IMG_0081.png) (https://postimg.org/image/ht1qe8anx/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 26, 2017, 01:52:36 pm
Next up was going to be the M13/40, but I'm going to assume that's being done by Warlord/Italeri.  Just to be clear, aside from the M13/40, these are not subjects I'm personally keen on; I'm trying to think of tank kits that would fill important gaps and have a broad appeal.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on March 26, 2017, 07:39:01 pm
All of Pinky's suggestions are good. The Valentine made me think of other British tanks used in North Africa, particularly early on.

Light tank Mk VI
Cruiser Mk I
Cruiser Mk II
Cruiser Mk III
Cruiser Mk IV

They have the disadvantage they weren't produced in large numbers (some quite small). However this might be offset from a wargaming perspective by their additional use by the BEF in France 1940 and in some cases Greece in 1941. I'm not advocating they appear high up on the priority list but it does highlight there is no shortage of potential subjects for the wargame table and/or display cabinet.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 26, 2017, 09:35:18 pm
I would like these early British tanks too.  In fact, I'd love to see a range of early war tanks in 1/56 scale.  Many of these were quite small vehicles, which is why I suggested earlier that a 2-in-1 approach might work - say a MkVI Light Tank paired with a Dingo Scout Car.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 26, 2017, 09:45:26 pm
I have just re-reading the Osprey book on the British light tanks, and was interested in the VI.

If Rubicon did do it, there are opportunities for the German convertions as well. It also had a limited post war life.

I still think that once there are plastic BEF figures (to go with the existing Blitzkrieg period Germans) that opposing forces (light tank - Panzer I; cruiser - Panzer II; Matilda II-Panzer 38(t) or other pairs) would be a marketing opportunity.

Similarly for French, Polish and Russian.

Of course the Sea Lion book for Bolt Action  should be another opportunity.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 26, 2017, 10:01:17 pm
On the Valentine options, there is also the Bishop 25 pounder SPG.

There is also the possibility of combining it with the Cruiser I and II, as they have very similar (limited research, YMMV) lower hulls and running gear.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ripley on March 26, 2017, 11:02:54 pm
As a modeller I would like to see Rubicon produce more 2 in 1 type of kits like their SU 122 / 85 or their Crusader  . I think a ISU 122 / 152 kit would be great . And if they do decide to produce a M13/40 , do  Semovente  75/34 parts in the box as well .  I would like to see them produce all the Panzer IV based SPGs , and flak tanks once they have the gun tank reissued . If they get around to producing 20 /37 mm AA guns , maybe go the mounted on a halftrack route . I'm sure a SdKfz 7  , 8 or 10 tractor would go over well , and if it came with the option of adding a AA , 50mm Pak , or dare I say a 88mm Bunker Buster , fantastic . The big question is , what do the gamers want ?. If its a cool kit  but over priced in the game or has little use in the game , will they spend their $ on one ? Modellers tend to buy what they like ( sometimes , ok  , most times multiple kits ) , Gamers tend to get things that work well in the game for the least amount of game points ( early war multi mg tanks , flame thrower tanks , cheezy   ::) ) Rubicon has to find the balance of cool model / use- full game piece , and from talking to the gamers at my LHS the opinion that  varies from gamer to gamer .
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 26, 2017, 11:46:53 pm
On the Valentine options, there is also the Bishop 25 pounder SPG.

I left that one out 'cos it's such an awful vehicle...
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 26, 2017, 11:48:19 pm
On the Valentine options, there is also the Bishop 25 pounder SPG.

I left that one out 'cos it's such an awful vehicle...

It is the oversized icing on the cake ^___^.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 27, 2017, 12:01:56 am
Just dug out the Bolt Action army lists.

As suspected the following sets are points comparable.

T26A; light VIB; Panzer I; FT with gun.

T26B; Cruiser III; Panzer II; Char Dx; 7TP (this is half way between this lot and the list below)

BT5; Cruiser I/II/IV; Crusader II; Panzer III C-F, IV A, 38(t); R35
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on March 27, 2017, 06:55:26 am
I'd like to add a note of caution on the 2 in 1 pairing of kits. Some might want to build a particular army and don't want to assemble its opposition. Perhaps they have a friend with the opposing force already. Perhaps in Pinky's example they want 3 Mk VI light tanks but only 1 dingo scout car or the other way around. I don't have any objection to it being used as a marketing tool much like you can buy a Spitfire and Messerschmidt 110 in the same box but can still buy them individually.

Of course making the price of the combined kits less than the sum of its parts would be an incentive. If some of these vehicles are too small Rubicon could simply have 2 in the same box. I guess there is no right solution.

I'm pleased these early tanks have attracted this support.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 27, 2017, 10:37:23 am
I'd like to add a note of caution on the 2 in 1 pairing of kits. Some might want to build a particular army and don't want to assemble its opposition. Perhaps they have a friend with the opposing force already. Perhaps in Pinky's example they want 3 Mk VI light tanks but only 1 dingo scout car or the other way around. I don't have any objection to it being used as a marketing tool much like you can buy a Spitfire and Messerschmidt 110 in the same box but can still buy them individually.

This is a very good point, of course.  It would be a case of choosing the subjects carefully.  I was thinking of the Matchbox 1/76 scale sets that included 2 vehicles and a diorama.  Nitto also did it in the same scale - they would provide a small soft skin with their tank kits.  The only reason I suggested this is because it might otherwise be easier to market than small (presumably 1 sprue) vehicle kits.  You wouldn't put models from opposing armies together - you'd include a support vehicle that complimented the main vehicle.  This seems to work for wargamers and modellers, although admittedly wargamers may end up with multiples of something they don't really need.   

Having 2 of the same vehicle in a box is another approach.  That would probably appeal more to wargamers and less to modellers.

I doubt Rubicon will do down this route, but I thought it was interesting to throw it out there.     
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 27, 2017, 04:39:53 pm
I too remember the Matchbox kits, though they were out of my pocket money range at the time (I did save up and buy the Comet, the tank  is long gone but I suspect the crater may be in a box some where).

I was thinking more that there were opposing models available allowing building of matched forces rather than combined box sets - this would allow resellers to  offer deals etc. That is the reason I built the Panzer III so the Crusader would have some opposition to go with the Perry's figures.

I understand Pinky's point, combining smaller models together might offer better value, but Rubicon are already doing single sprue sets for the add on kits.

An opposing Generals set might also work, two generals and their vehicles.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: H0ffmn on March 27, 2017, 08:59:05 pm
Why even bother with a double kit? What's  wrong with an inexpensive single sprue kit, which would be priced less than a regular priced double kit?That second kit could possibly be a vehicle that you might not want or use.
 The old Nitto 1/76 kits were packaged that way. They put the Sturmgeschutz IIID kit together with a Schwimmwagen,a early war vehicle with a mid to late war car. I ended up throwing away the schwimmwagen kits away.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Ballardian on March 27, 2017, 09:57:36 pm
I have to put in a vote for some British vehicles - (playing Brits & Germans means I don't really need Americans or Soviets) - Pinky's request for a Valentine is a good one, there's plenty of uses for the chassis, with the Bishop (ugly as it is) & Archer being obvious choices. That it covers the whole war from 2pdr/3" howitzer armed MkI's  to the 75mm toting MkXI, so any Brit (or Soviet) player could include one.
 The Western Desert is quite a popular gaming arena so the various Cruiser models would have a place on many shelves, along with Matilda II's.
 Personally, with my focus on late war & post 45 I'd really like a plastic Comet - given late war's popularity I'd imagine it'd be as popular as a Cromwell.
 (I've just picked up WG's new resin Comet & it's a bit of a curates egg - the casting is nice & clean, it goes together nicely, but it appears to actually be a Comet B - a post war version - fish-tail exhausts, no port on the turret roof for the smoke launcher - but no banks of smoke launchers for the B's turret sides either & no lifting rings on the upper edges of the glacis.)
Cromwell & Churchill - well they're undeniably popular choices, so surely there's room for more than one in the market?
 Challenger/Avenger -  despite their sharing a chassis, this one is a big ask, as they'd have to be a stand alone kit, not a Cromwell add-on, but are they less desirable to gamers than the M10/Achilles? (I realise only 200 Challengers were built & nobody seems to know how many Avengers - probably fewer than 100 - but fewer than 500 Tiger II's were built & no-one questions their suitability as a subject.)
 For the Germans, the SPG & Jagdpanzer variants of the PzIV would be great & I second the desire for flak variants of assorted halftracks.
 I'd welcome any or all of these as Rubicon have demonostrated their ability to produce a superior product.

(How about this for a double kit ;))

(https://s1.postimg.org/4rdsmge2z/E-100_hull_again.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4rdsmge2z/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 27, 2017, 10:35:04 pm
I wouldn't mind a Comet either.  It doesn't have many options, but it'd be nice to have one in plastic.  I was disappointed to discover that Warlord's new one is resin.

Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 27, 2017, 11:48:45 pm
I would love a plastic Comet, I have a Die waffenkammer resin kit. Nice model, odd resin.

It has been a while, I would need to check on exhaust pattern. And finish it.

As I mentioned before, in Bolt Action it is equivalent to a Panther.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Ballardian on March 28, 2017, 12:34:31 am
The JTFM Comet is a nice model - definately a wartime Comet A. Jeffs resin does seem to occasionally surprise in its resistance to having paint put on it - I can't speak to this, as every model of his I've bought has behaved impeccably & shown no desire to shuck off its paint - a good plastic primer usually seems to be the answer, but I've used PSC sprays & cheap artists spraypaints (mostly Molotov & occasionally Montana) & had no problems whatsoever (in fact the first vehicle I ever bought from him, an M4A3 never even got washed in soapy water first & still has all its paint, despite considerable handling & occasional dice impacts).
 Pinky - the WG Comet is nice, I wouldn't let it being resin put you off but it's not a wartime Comet - it's a B - I'm not sure how this happened as there are plenty of sources for pictures & blueprints out there ??? The easiest way to tell them apart is the exhausts - see below, firstly an A, (the hood over the exhaust wasn't always present) then a B;


(https://s28.postimg.org/3x6jqte5l/A_34_Comet_A_rear.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/3x6jqte5l/)



(https://s27.postimg.org/6zupicyin/A34_Comet_B_rear.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6zupicyin/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 28, 2017, 01:19:23 am
Okay, lets consider the M13/40 anyway., because there's no guarantee Warlord/Italeri will do it properly.

The basic M13/40 was a badly flawed design, which fragile armour and poor cross-country performance.  Its best feature was its gun, which was acceptable by 1942 standards.  It struggled to cope with the desert conditions, but then so did many British and German vehicles.  Nevertheless it was an important tank for most of the Desert War, if only because it formed a big part of the Axis tank forces.  When it comes to designing a plastic kit, the riveted construction presumably means more parts.  But the narrow tracks mean the suspension won't require many parts, which leaves space on the sprue for more options.
(https://s4.postimg.org/urnytzv1l/IMG_0087.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/urnytzv1l/)

The next version was the M14/41.  The improvements were minor, and the external differences limited to full length mudguards and revised engine grilles.  So it shouldn't be hard to include.  It would be good if the kit could include spare tracks, jerrycans and other stowage.
(https://s4.postimg.org/5a5kaedbd/IMG_0089.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5a5kaedbd/)

The Semovente 75/18 was the most important variant, and the most effective Italian AFV in the desert.  Initially built on the M13/40 chassis, later vehicles were based on the M14/41.  They were also used by the Germans, an added bonus.  This variant would require the parts for a revised superstructure and gun, and a partial interior - quite manageable.
(https://s4.postimg.org/azqe8g8vd/IMG_0090.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/azqe8g8vd/)

It would be even better if the Semovente 90/53 was also an option, although this involved a lengthened hull, so it's probably not practical.  It's a rather cool looking SP gun though.
(https://s4.postimg.org/qgaw8xx8p/IMG_0091.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qgaw8xx8p/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on March 28, 2017, 01:30:41 am
Pinky - the WG Comet is nice, I wouldn't let it being resin put you off but it's not a wartime Comet - it's a B - I'm not sure how this happened as there are plenty of sources for pictures & blueprints out there ??? The easiest way to tell them apart is the exhausts - see below, firstly an A, (the hood over the exhaust wasn't always present) then a B;

No resin for me.  Especially resin and metal hybrid kits. 

Perhaps Warlord should open their kit design process up for comment, like Rubicon does.  Someone would have told them they had the wrong version.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ripley on March 28, 2017, 03:18:47 am
Would be nice if Warlord listened to comments and suggestions .  I've been trying to get them to stop casting all the stowage on their tanks, example the Sherman DD . Who wants 3 tanks with the same messy pile of stowage on the engine deck and fenders ? Not to mention a lot of stuff is molded in places real crews wouldn't put stuff , blocking vision ports , the turrets ability to turn, the guns ability to depress , and covering air intakes and exhausts ( fire hazard ! ) . I would rather have the vehicle molded clean with stowage as parts you add , where you choose . Kind of like Rubicon's stowage sets  :) .  Even with  their plastic kits ( Italeri should know better ) they leave off parts ie  on the rear of the Tiger , there should be 2 armoured covers , left and right , covering the idler adjustment bolts . They completely forgot to mold the right side one .
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on March 28, 2017, 03:23:03 am
Some resins are better than others. Empress resins are far better than the soft resins used by Warlord etc.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on March 28, 2017, 09:40:04 am
This discussion has made me think about how we decide what models we would like to see. I suggest the following either is, or perhaps should be, part of the thought process

- number built
- length of service (could be short because you are Polish or the design is poor/outdated )
- number actually used operationally (an example of this is the British Cruiser Mk V where a substantial 1,771 were built but never left the UK)
- presence in significant battles (Ferdinand's at Kursk for example)
- significance on the battlefield (Tiger)
- bang for the buck in points cost for the ruleset (personally I think if decisions are made on this basis then some things are too cheap or too expensive and the points cost is wrong)
- the aesthetics of the vehicle (doesn't affect me much but I could be in the minority)
- popularity of the army vehicle belongs to (German army more popular than Italian perhaps)
- use by more than one army

Just my thoughts. You might be motivated by something totally different
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: bull-nut on March 28, 2017, 04:06:14 pm
Ballardian: That's an interesting pic of the Comet with Normandy cowl you have there. I'm not sure how the crew would utilise the gun crutch on the rear deck though, it looks like the cowl would foul the gun. Every image of a Comet with the cowl fitted that I have seen has a break in the middle to allow the gun to sit properly, is yours a pre-production model using the Cromwell cowl maybe? Do you have any idea when/where the pic was taken?
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ripley on March 28, 2017, 08:30:43 pm
That's not a Cromwell , it's a late war Comet ( return rollers ) . The gun would lie just above the cowl in the gun crutch . The 2 piece cowl on Cromwells  was a field mod until the production cowl was issued . I've seen pictures of some that look very home made , maybe from deep wadding trunks off other types of tanks ? I believe the the need for the cowl was noted during service in Normandy , when the tank sat in ambush with the motor running , and having the exhaust drift over and choke out the crew .
(https://s16.postimg.org/kf7vae9lt/Laden_Cromwell.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/kf7vae9lt/)

(https://s12.postimg.org/qhikuacd5/dc640419739a3ff563110ffe39ea60b9.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/qhikuacd5/)
Note , Crusader style turret box and a MG 42 on the turret !
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Ballardian on March 28, 2017, 11:45:53 pm
Just in the interest of muddying the waters further, here's a pick of a Comet A with the split cowl over the exhaust & a couple more with the continuous one - most images in action show no cowl - it goes to show that the British army was not one to be bothered by the bugbear of consistency ;D
 The pic is a fairly recent one (I couldn't tell you the exact date or where the tank is from - it's on; primeportal.net/tanks/a34_comet.htm) I can tell you where the middle example comes from - I believe its still outside Camp Curragh in Co. Kildare Ireland, one of the batch sold to the Irish army.
 Neither the WG, or (I believe) the JTFM kits model the vane site in front of the commander's cupola, but I imagine it'd be bugger to do in resin or pewter.


(https://s10.postimg.org/cghfpr9qt/Comet_4.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/cghfpr9qt/)

(https://s13.postimg.org/ems8ao3sj/A34_Comet_rear_3_Camp_Curragh_Co._Kildare.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ems8ao3sj/)



(https://s3.postimg.org/q4ff54sv3/A34_Comet_rear_2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/q4ff54sv3/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: sandsmodels on March 29, 2017, 02:03:25 am
as long as i can do some great conversions on them i don't mind!
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Swamprat33 on March 29, 2017, 09:17:48 pm
i would love to get 3 or 4 Comets from Rubicon.
I have just collected a 1/6 scale Armortek Comet, and this is my current favourite Brit tank

I got quite excited when i heard that Warlord was doing one, then realised they doing it in resin & metal so i will not buy it.

Hoping that Rubicon can do one in Plastic.

Cheers
Tim
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 01, 2017, 01:27:32 pm
Thanks for all the ideas for a future tank kits.  We hear you loud and clear.
Definitely will try to do every single one on the list!

A good friend of ours popped into the studio yesterday for a live 3D sculpting
session. While taking a break, he sketched a prototype we are working on...
and autographed it when finished. We are loving it!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/T26/T-26%20170330-5_zpszuhceiks.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 01, 2017, 01:59:58 pm
Has a T26/7TP/6 ton vibe.

Not sure about the tank though.

Film4 at the weekend for those in the UK.(edit: or not).
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on April 01, 2017, 02:06:06 pm
You beat me to it. A T-26 most likely and if that's the case I feel some Russian vehicles in my future.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on April 03, 2017, 12:13:49 pm
Hang on...this was drawn by Brad Pitt?  Seriously?
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Swamprat33 on April 03, 2017, 07:28:06 pm
That is what I was thinking too... :o
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 04, 2017, 01:07:57 am
What I was wondering was if the midday deadline was not traditional elsewhere.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 04, 2017, 08:40:56 pm
We cannot discuss more than what we had already disclosed.
We now have specific guidelines on when a project can be posted
for preview and comments.  Enemy spies had been lurking around
our HQ for our top secret projects... need to be more diligent!

 :-X  ;D
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ripley on April 08, 2017, 10:26:46 pm
How about releasing a Maus ? I know a  limited edition one was  released in 28mm  resin last year , but I think a plastic kit of both versions would probably go over well with the late war / Conflict  47 / Weird war types .  I'm not really a fan of limited produced WW2 vehicles , but 3 different kits are coming out this year in 1/35 , one with interior !!!! , and that's sort of peaked my interest . And if I get one in 1/35 , I got to have one in 28mm as well , just for diorama purposes
(https://s30.postimg.org/i2cg3rwsd/a_V1_a_proto.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/i2cg3rwsd/)

(https://s18.postimg.org/ol67j5gyt/a._V2.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ol67j5gyt/)

(https://s4.postimg.org/rwi1zkuo9/Oops.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/rwi1zkuo9/)
This is the V1 Maus which the Germans blew up . The turret from this vehicle was mounted on the turretless V2 hull and it now resides in the Kublinka museum  in Russia . Lots of great pictures on the net and a Chieftain's Hatch video walk around ( WOT ) as well as a Russian walk around on youtube
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 09, 2017, 01:35:18 am
Interesting thought, and I would buy one if it was not silly money.

Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on April 09, 2017, 08:28:19 am
It's a fascinating vehicle but as a prototype that never reached the army I think it would be very low on my priority list.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on April 09, 2017, 09:55:48 am
I don't really get the fascination with the Maus.  It was a dead-end design that never saw service, and it's actually a rather boring vehicle (all those slab sides, devoid of detail).  I'd also hope it was very low on Rubicon's to-do list.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on April 09, 2017, 11:20:36 am
I guess there will always be an interest in the biggest, most powerful weapons and think that is part of the attraction with the Maus. However for me wargames that presuppose the war continued beyond 1945 are in the fantasy realm and isn't where my interest lies. Doesn't make those that enjoy the 'what ifs' wrong of course. 
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ripley on April 09, 2017, 01:06:25 pm

(https://s15.postimg.org/6e6jkiiyv/maus_tank_motivator_by_wyvernsblade-d4698g6.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6e6jkiiyv/)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 09, 2017, 02:59:33 pm

(https://s15.postimg.org/6e6jkiiyv/maus_tank_motivator_by_wyvernsblade-d4698g6.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6e6jkiiyv/)
But if you want to see what happens if a Maus is not enough, have a look at Rich H's thread on LAF:
http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=99207.0 (http://www.lead-adventure.de/index.php?topic=99207.0)
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Pinky on April 09, 2017, 03:18:16 pm

(https://s15.postimg.org/6e6jkiiyv/maus_tank_motivator_by_wyvernsblade-d4698g6.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6e6jkiiyv/)


(https://s2.postimg.org/7m2hgwvsl/IMG_20170409_1516342.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/7m2hgwvsl/)

Snap!
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ripley on April 09, 2017, 09:48:13 pm
Rich H is one crazy guy , been following his weird and wonderful builds on the BA forum . And there's a guy on the Armorama site tackling  a Ratte in 1/16 th scale , it looks to be the size of a real life VW Bug  :o . 
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: Ballardian on April 10, 2017, 03:30:33 am
A Maus in plastic would indoubtedly be nice, but I agree that it's unlikely to ever be a priority for Rubicon - there are two out there already (Blitzkrieg & Warlord) with two more incoming (Heer 46 & JTFM). A plastic kit would be cheaper (the existing ones are at the £50 mark & the two coming are likely to be similarly priced) & potentially better/more accurately detailed, but I struggle to put the one I already have into games (it's a lot of points in any system).
 As Pinky said, it's not the most interesting thing to look at (I tend to think 'just about mobile outbuilding'), though that does mean your painting canvas is interestingly open.
 Rich H's Ratte will probably turn out amazingly - his scratch builds are things of beauty & I suppose that you could have use it as a piece of gameable scenery in its own right - fighting compartment to compartment through it (& as JTFM are going to cast it we could all have a go if we so desired, though the price might be a little prohibitive).
 Oh yes, I'd rather see the E series vehicles done than a Maus - though I admit it's about as likely.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 10, 2017, 04:59:41 am
The Maus barely fits in Rubicon's declared current area of interest, the E-series is into the realm of the Paper Panzer.

I would also prefer an E-series.

Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: tyroflyer on April 10, 2017, 07:51:36 am
If we are turning our minds to exotic ideas I'll suggest the Neubaufahrzeug. At least there were five built. Importantly they were even deployed by the army to Norway and possibly elsewhere. Of course in reality there are dozens of tanks that should come before it.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 10, 2017, 02:49:20 pm
If we are turning our minds to exotic ideas I'll suggest the Neubaufahrzeug. At least there were five built. Importantly they were even deployed by the army to Norway and possibly elsewhere. Of course in reality there are dozens of tanks that should come before it.
Fans of the First Avenger would be disappointed when they see the real thing ^___^.

And yes, there are lots of other more relevant tanks.
Title: Re: Ideas for future tank kits
Post by: elias.tibbs on April 17, 2017, 06:21:30 am
Rich H is currently building me an M32 from the new M4A3 kit ^_^