Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on July 18, 2017, 04:57:33 pm

Title: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Rubicon Models on July 18, 2017, 04:57:33 pm
We have finally had the chance to rework the resin sculpts we purchased
from Neucraft earlier.  Most of the work done are cosmetic and some are
structural to simplify production.  Will now send them off to 3D print and
then to our mould maker for duplication.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Neucraft%20Revised%20170718-01_zpscf8a3eys.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Neucraft%20Revised%20170718-02_zps9lr0val5.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Neucraft%20Revised%20170718-03_zpszkofdioc.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 18, 2017, 06:58:13 pm
Interesting.

Was working from a physical sculpt to a digital sculpt a new experience?

I do not think I would have a use for the tanks (but when has that stopped me buying shiny stuff) but the 11CV will be useful.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: Rubicon Models on July 18, 2017, 07:05:48 pm
Was working from a physical sculpt to a digital sculpt a new experience?

They are all digital sculpts from the beginning, with some minor detail defects...  ;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: elias.tibbs on July 19, 2017, 03:17:29 pm
These are looking good!

So if your production time for a plastic kit is 9 months (or that's what you're aiming for), what would you think the production time for your resin kits would be?
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: Rubicon Models on July 19, 2017, 05:58:55 pm
So if your production time for a plastic kit is 9 months (or that's what you're aiming for), what would you think the production time for your resin kits would be?

About 6 weeks if we can get them on the queue!
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: elias.tibbs on July 20, 2017, 03:23:39 am
Wow. So much quicker!
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: lou passejaire on August 01, 2017, 05:18:18 pm
some decals planned ?  ;)

Title: Re: Neucraft Resin Reworked 170718
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 06, 2017, 05:29:37 pm
As mentioned on the M24 wishlist thread, I wondered what kind of resin you will use?

Not having seen the original Neucraft models, I have no idea what was used.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Assembly Instruction 170807
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 07, 2017, 08:17:51 pm
Preparation work continues prior to the re-release of the Neucraft resin kits.
New assembly instructions are now completed.  Still waiting for the moulds
to be done, then trail casting before the final commercial run!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Renault%20R35%20Manual%20170806-p1_zps2bx8go2s.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Renault%20R35%20Manual%20170806-p2_zpsqsdkgunc.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Hotchkiss%20H39%20Manual%20170806-p1_zpsuvpgosza.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Hotchkiss%20H39%20Manual%20170806-p2_zpsxamq39ph.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Citroeumln%20Traction%20Avant%2011CV%20Manual%20170806-p1_zps8rjui6im.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Citroeumln%20Traction%20Avant%2011CV%20Manual%20170806-p2_zpswrxpsyny.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Assembly Instruction 170807
Post by: tyroflyer on August 07, 2017, 08:45:30 pm
My reference suggests 50 Renault R35's were in use by the Poles in September 1939. It also indicates there were a few (probably three) Hotchkiss H35's also in their inventory. Although very similar to the H39 I believe there were differences. Wikipedia suggests these were H39's but without pictures of the tanks in Polish service I can't be sure whether they were 35's or 39's. Anyway most potential purchasers of these are likely to building a French force and H39's will be a welcome addition to the line up.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Resin Samples 170822
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 22, 2017, 03:36:45 pm
Test cast sample of our resin vehicles just arrived at our studio!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/RM%20Resin%20170822-1_zps6jloazzr.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Resin Samples 170822
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 22, 2017, 04:06:53 pm
Nice. I expect some 11CVs to be appearing as scenery.

I have only just noticed, but was the tank assembly instructions created by a different person to the 11CV instructions? I ask because the alternative gun assemblies are shown for the tanks but the alternative headlights are just described not shown.

Actually while writing this I noticed that the two tanks have different styles of instruction for the turret (because one has two turret options I assume).

All are perfectly reasonable for a model of this kind and (with the exception of not showing what the two headlights look like, I assume that they are numbered on the sprue) should allow their assembly with no problem.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Resin Samples 170822
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 22, 2017, 04:16:44 pm
Bonus points for two instances of part 9 on the R35.

Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Early French Decals 170823
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 23, 2017, 11:46:27 pm
Our first try on early French markings... any good suggestions to improve the quality of this decal sheet?  ;)

BTW, the few decals on the lower right corner are licence plates for the Citroën Traction Avant 11CV, simply ignore it for now.

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Waterslide%20Decals/Early%20French%20170823-1s_zpsttwafear.jpg)

C&C welcome!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Early French Decals Final 170827
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 27, 2017, 12:55:35 pm
The final version of the Early French decal sheet:

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Waterslide%20Decals/Early%20French%20170822-3_zps8xcvnspq.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Early French Decals Final 170827
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 27, 2017, 03:35:25 pm
Will the 11CV model get the decals as well?
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Early French Decals Final 170827
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 27, 2017, 04:06:20 pm
Will the 11CV model get the decals as well?

The licence plates are on the lower right-hand corner... ;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Early French Decals Final 170827
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 27, 2017, 05:20:00 pm
Will the 11CV model get the decals as well?

The licence plates are on the lower right-hand corner... ;)
I noted them (including what looks like a German one),  so the sheet is in the 11CV box?
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Early French Decals Final 170827
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 27, 2017, 06:32:30 pm
I noted them (including what looks like a German one),  so the sheet is in the 11CV box?

The billings did not come in yet, will decide what to do afterwards.  Our hope is to include decal sheets for all resin products.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Rubicon Models on August 27, 2017, 08:33:12 pm
Painted test samples for the French light tanks...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/RM%20Resin%20Painted%20170827-1_zpsreoegt8s.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on August 27, 2017, 10:33:14 pm
They look good.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Pinky on August 28, 2017, 12:06:57 am
Very nice indeed.  They look as good as plastic kits.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Captain Blood on August 28, 2017, 01:33:41 am
They look superb.

Would the Vichy French have used these in Syria and Lebanon? And would the markings be the same, or did the Vichy regime adopt a new system of AFV markings?

Really quite tempting to add to my desert collection...
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: johan on August 28, 2017, 04:50:40 am
Richard , as far as I can find, there were some FT17's, R-35 and R-39's and some Somua S35 in African/middle eastern service with Vichy France. They also had several outdated armoured cars including some halftracked.

Hope this gives you some scope already
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Captain Blood on August 28, 2017, 03:50:31 pm
Thank you Johan :)
I have now done some Wikipedia-ing, and it seems there was indeed a regiment of R35's in Syria that fought for Vichy, and another in Morocco, although that didn't see action until Operation Torch in 1942.
There were a few of the H39 tanks sent to 'the colonies' although their disposition doesn't seem quite so certain.
However, it seems as though I would have reasonable grounds to include one or two of each type in a small Vichy force to add to my WW2 North Africa collection...  ;D
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: johan on August 28, 2017, 04:17:11 pm
...and looking forward to it  :)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Pinky on August 30, 2017, 11:39:14 pm
Thank you Johan :)
I have now done some Wikipedia-ing, and it seems there was indeed a regiment of R35's in Syria that fought for Vichy, and another in Morocco, although that didn't see action until Operation Torch in 1942.
There were a few of the H39 tanks sent to 'the colonies' although their disposition doesn't seem quite so certain.
However, it seems as though I would have reasonable grounds to include one or two of each type in a small Vichy force to add to my WW2 North Africa collection...  ;D

There were 95 Renault R35s in the French Levant (now Syria), which saw action against the Commonwealth forces (mostly Australians) in 1941.

There were also 45 H35s and R35s stationed in Morocco as part of 1er Regiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique.  These saw action against the US Army following Torch, along with Char D2s and Somua S35s in other units.  The French forces then switched sides, but seem to have continued to use D1s and S35s.  When these units switched to M4A2s, they kept the Somua plaques and fixed them to their Shermans.

Vichy tanks were usually painted and marked in the usual French fashion. S35s had a sand overspray and oversized French national flags.  The R35s in the Levant seem to have been quite plain, judging from the few photos I've found.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Captain Blood on August 31, 2017, 04:41:06 am
Interesting stuff, thank you Pinky.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: tyroflyer on August 31, 2017, 08:01:11 am
Note Pinky talks about H35's not H39's that Rubicon will be selling. To me they are as different as welded and cast hull Shermans!
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: Pinky on August 31, 2017, 10:06:35 am
I am still looking for a reference to Vichy H39s.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: tyroflyer on August 31, 2017, 11:30:56 am
I'm no expert on the subject but one of the difficulties appears to be the historical interchange of the H35 and H39 designations. Certainly I've found this to be the case with the few Polish examples. Although I'm inclined to believe Osprey's recent publication these were H35's Rubicon think otherwise. Without photographic evidence or something else substantial it is currently a mystery. Or at least it is to me.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: ripley on August 31, 2017, 08:28:02 pm
Encyclopedia of German Tanks says the H-35 had the small engine and short gun , the H-38 had the large engine and short gun , while the H-39 had large engine , long gun .  The rear hull and exhaust layout changed with the larger engine , but pictures show the early hull with long gun labelled as H-39 . Might they have labelled the tank by the gun , not the engine / hull variant ? It dosen't help that the tank seemed to have a longer / more distinguished service life in German hands , then its original owners . And the Germans seemed to swap the gun / turret around from hull to hull as needed , as seen in many pictures . Hmm , need to find a good book on French tanks
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - Painted Test Samples 170827
Post by: tyroflyer on August 31, 2017, 09:20:06 pm
Further trawling suggests 400 H35's built and a further 800 or so H39's (all of the H35's and 240 of the H39's by 1 Sept 1939). Although the H38 is mentioned it is in the context of a description used by the factory rather than a different vehicle. Of the 400 H35's 50 subsequently modified with the longer gun. If this is true the gun is not a distinguishing feature between the two types. H39's went with the French army to Norway with the short gun. The most obvious difference is the sloping engine deck on the 35 and an almost flat one on the 39 to accommodate the larger engine. Of these 1200 H35/39's some 550 captured examples thought to have been used by the Germans. They appear to have added to the confusion by calling the tanks Panzerkampfwagen 35H and 38H.

It appears common for H39's to be described as H35's even when built. My current thinking is a tank described as an H39 in unit strength reports etc probably is. Those labelled H35 (including the Polish ones) are more problematic. The Encyclopedia of German Tanks is describing accepted wisdom post war (and might prove to be correct yet!).

Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Rubicon Models on September 06, 2017, 01:49:33 am
We have out done ourselves again!!

Did some minor changes to the overall design of the Hotchkiss H39 in terms of assembly structure, plus a new German copula and rear stowage!
Now can also be assembled as a PzKpfw 38H 735(f), but without the German decals.  Should be plentiful from our other kits!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Neucraft%20H39%20Revised%20170830-1_zpsb4xobyn0.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Resin/Neucraft%20H39%20Revised%20170830-2_zpssmf2jdum.jpg)

Enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Captain Blood on September 06, 2017, 03:37:24 am
Very nice. When do you expect these reworked resin kits to be available?
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on September 06, 2017, 05:08:16 am
That makes it more useful.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ripley on September 06, 2017, 08:04:53 am
Fantastic .  Wasn't to sure about getting any  French tanks , but French tanks in German service , YES !
(https://s26.postimg.org/pwycjpuz9/selfb38hfp1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/pwycjpuz9/)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: tyroflyer on September 06, 2017, 10:27:03 am
The German cupola is a very useful addition. I hope a forum member will provide a review of this kit when it comes out. I'd be particularly interested to know if it is a leap forward from Resin vehicles already available or not.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on September 06, 2017, 02:12:57 pm
Fantastic .  Wasn't to sure about getting any  French tanks , but French tanks in German service , YES !
(https://s26.postimg.org/pwycjpuz9/selfb38hfp1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/pwycjpuz9/)
That must be Rubicon's first multimedia kit.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ripley on September 06, 2017, 08:32:22 pm
Would be nice if Rubicon would  cross kit plastic and resin parts to make other variations of vehicles , but I think the idea of using the plastic rockets from the 251 is all mine . It all goes back to my youth in the 70s swapping bits of Bandi 1/48 tank kits to make some cool ( and not so cool ) Frankentanks . I still do the same thing now but with a lot less glue smears and finger prints in the paint , most of the time  ::)
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: elias.tibbs on September 07, 2017, 03:09:17 am
I'm looking forward to resin conversion kits.

Sandbags, snorkels, etc
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ripley on September 07, 2017, 08:31:51 am
Some deep wadding kits and Sherman Ark or Dozer add ons in resin would be great .
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: tyroflyer on September 07, 2017, 09:22:01 am
I agree that resin opens up some interesting possibilities. Although I am a little concerned we don't end up with things in resin that would have been significantly better done in plastic. This tank maybe an example of that. I'm trying to keep an open mind.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Pinky on September 07, 2017, 10:33:44 am
I agree that resin opens up some interesting possibilities. Although I am a little concerned we don't end up with things in resin that would have been significantly better done in plastic. This tank maybe an example of that. I'm trying to keep an open mind.

Everything is better in plastic! 

If it came down to a choice of a French tank in plastic, I would go for the Somua S35.  I see that Warlord have a plastic Char B1 bis in the pipeline.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: elias.tibbs on September 07, 2017, 01:33:01 pm
Plastic is better than resin in my opinion, but we all know there's either whole kits or potential conversion kits that just wouldn't be cost effective to do in plastic.

I think forge world (despite the price) have proved what you can do with resin/plastic hybrid conversion kits.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Rubicon Models on September 07, 2017, 02:07:30 pm
Plastic is better than resin in my opinion, but we all know there's either whole kits or potential conversion kits that just wouldn't be cost effective to do in plastic.

It all depends on the forecasted sales volume vs breakeven point of the mould(s).  If sales volume is low, resin or pewter is always the best choice.


I think forge world (despite the price) have proved what you can do with resin/plastic hybrid conversion kits.

Resin/plastic hybrid is always on our project list, but never had the chance to go to that point yet.  Other companies are doing this already with our products, so we are not in a hurry.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on September 07, 2017, 02:27:49 pm
I agree that resin opens up some interesting possibilities. Although I am a little concerned we don't end up with things in resin that would have been significantly better done in plastic. This tank maybe an example of that. I'm trying to keep an open mind.
This allows Our Gracious Hosts to test the market for French tanks. If stuff is going to sell in sufficient quantities it is more economical to produce it in plastic. The moulds last much longer, the materials are easier to handle (and cheaper?) and there is a certain cachet to a plastic kit.

Remember these are a bought in product that has been given the Rubicon treatment.

I hope they make it to Warfare in November.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: tyroflyer on September 07, 2017, 04:09:37 pm
I see your point UVS. The difficulty, as I see it, is you might sell X number H39's in resin and convince yourself there isn't much of a market. Whereas if they had been plastic the sales could have been something else entirely. Rubicon I suspect will know this isn't the best test of the popularity of early French vehicles. Particularly when early French tanks have been available in resin for some time.

Nonetheless I acknowledge it is good Rubicon plan to use both materials. As a potential purchaser of the kits I would probably wish they had been made in plastic more often than the business bottom line will permit.
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: ripley on September 08, 2017, 12:55:39 am
Warlord are  also releasing some plastic / resin / metal hybrid kits , they showed  a Japanese SPG ( Ho - Ra ) based on the Type 97 plastic kit in one of their news letters . And 1/35 companies have been doing it for years
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Pinky on September 08, 2017, 11:16:53 am
I saw the new Japanese SPG; initially I was wondering why they would do such an obscure vehicle in plastic.

Given that Rubicon will soon be doing some early-ish Panzers in plastic, and Warlord has the Char B1 bis in the works (which looks as though it's plastic), hopefully both Warlord and Rubicon will start to explore more early war armour - such as the Somua S35 I mentioned earlier, and perhaps an early British Cruiser.  The Somua could (like Rubicon's H35  and the forthcoming Char B1 bis) include parts for a German version.  I guess the Cruiser could be a MkIII/MkIV combination. 
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: EarlyWarGamer on September 27, 2017, 12:10:48 am
I also hope Rubicon will explore more early war stuff in plastic!
Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: lou passejaire on October 24, 2017, 06:17:02 pm
for those who searched for Vichy French H39 in Levant :
some R35 ( with the short barell low velocity AT gun all )
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/la_sec10.jpg)
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/sans_t12.jpg)
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/sans_t11.jpg)
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/sans_t14.jpg)
some Lorraine 37
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/sans_t13.jpg)
and some FT
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/liban_10.jpg)
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/11/63/95/43/ft_17_10.jpg)


Title: Re: Neucraft Resin - PzKpfw 38H 735(f) 170906
Post by: Captain Blood on October 28, 2017, 03:37:05 am
Merci Lou.

Very interesting to see on the photographs of the FTs that they still wore their very bold and distinctive camouflage scheme, even in the middle east.