Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Wish Lists => Topic started by: Preda on September 15, 2014, 12:11:21 am

Title: German Tanks
Post by: Preda on September 15, 2014, 12:11:21 am
I wish me a Stug  :o
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: MudDevlan on September 16, 2014, 06:13:59 pm
with Tank war due next week, i am longing for a whole platoon of StuG IIIs. Should not be too hard to design, as Rubicon allready has the Panzer III. Should sell as well, as there is no plastic StuG available right not. And if you do them, do a F Variant as well please.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rubicon Models on September 16, 2014, 09:21:03 pm
Both Preda and MudDevlan wanted a StuG, here is a teaser for you both! 

Even though we have a mid-war Panzer III, the StuG is basically a refined 3D model over the existing one; we have learned a lot since then!  Was thinking about doing a F/F8/G combo, but they are so different in so many ways, we rather prefer to focus more on choices than variant for the StuG.  We might do some earlier StuG III & Panzer III variants at a later stage.

The StuG is not the only project we are working on, so there are no fixed release schedule yet.  THIS is also a good reason to become a member on this forum, this type of info won't be on FB or our website...

Mind you though, not all what you see on these drawings will be on the final product.  Sprue space rules!!

Enjoy!


 ;)

Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Preda on September 17, 2014, 01:16:41 am
I hate it to be put on the rack ;)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: MudDevlan on September 17, 2014, 08:17:29 pm
thank you for the Teaser :)...really looking forward to this.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rubicon Models on September 17, 2014, 10:04:56 pm
This is WIP stuff, you can provide input on what you would like to see on the kit.  We might be able to accommodate if the suggestion is viable.   ;)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Preda on September 18, 2014, 01:27:44 am
Looks amazing from what i can see, only thing you maybe can do would be a seperate sprue for all tanks which contains Accessories.
I mean nearly all pictures you find from WW2 which show a Tank which has a loot of stuff attached to it, from Reservecanister for Fuel to Sleepingbacks :) I mean yeah, you can get that in Resin or Metal, but that would negate the major advantage of you product, being made of plastic :)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rubicon Models on September 18, 2014, 04:59:18 pm
Looks amazing from what i can see, only thing you maybe can do would be a seperate sprue for all tanks which contains Accessories.
I mean nearly all pictures you find from WW2 which show a Tank which has a loot of stuff attached to it, from Reservecanister for Fuel to Sleepingbacks :) I mean yeah, you can get that in Resin or Metal, but that would negate the major advantage of you product, being made of plastic :)
Accessories are something we are working on too!  Seems like you guys (and gals) knew every moves we are taking... haha~
All these accessories are a bit small, making them for wargaming are very different from making them for modelling!
You also need lot of details on the bits, making them in plastic complicated the design for these small parts too!
???
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: PORTA on October 03, 2014, 05:43:34 pm
soo cool stugs!! ;)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Porkmann on October 03, 2014, 07:32:23 pm
Hello Rubicon.  I would echo the StuG III and suggest you have a look at The Plastic Soldier company as they have combined the F8 and G in one kit.  Principal difference being the front upper hull.

To make a new suggestion, I would think Jagdpanzer IV both normal and "zwischelösung" would sell well.  A very nice vehicle.

Also, perhaps a Nashorn/Hummel kit and a Marder IIIM/Grille M/Flakpanzer 38t as well!
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rubicon Models on October 03, 2014, 08:28:01 pm
Porkmann: For the StuG III, it is true the F8 (03/42) and G (11/42) are very similar; but after 1942, the G had many feature changes that make us impossible to combine the F8/G into a single kit.  The question is "Will the customers want a F8/G early production kit in the 1942 era" or "Will the customers wants a G that covers early/mid/late production (1942-44)"?  Sadly, the Plastic Soldier version is in 15mm so they are able to "overlook" a lot of the details, we can't do that in 28mm.

There are some vehicles you had suggested are on our list, some are not. Will continue to monitor this wish list to adjust R&D schedule.

Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Genlt Steiner on October 04, 2014, 02:36:34 am
The G version would be the best choise.
But I want to see the StuG IV in plastic.  ;D
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Drake Corbett on October 04, 2014, 03:09:03 am
Agreement to Mr.Steiner!

Stugs are Out there, but absolutely few StuGs IV wich are Way cooler than the IIIGs. Are you Planing them?

I Need 4-8 of them ;)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Porkmann on October 06, 2014, 04:06:30 am
Am I being censored or is this tablet messing me about?

Let's try again.  A composite F8/G kit is not problematic if one splits the upper hull.  The rear deck is the same the front different.  The mantlet and gun is the same (monoblock and l/48) the differences between Gs are minimal even comparing the F8/G hybrid and late G.  PSC did a very good job on theirs.  Yes compromises are present but nothing too serious.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Preda on October 06, 2014, 12:22:07 pm
Everything is possible, the question is how many sprues are needed, and each sprue rises the price for the master by a huge amount :(
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: zigoR on October 09, 2014, 07:41:30 pm
What's about JAGDPANTHER? :)
AFAIK Currently only warlord games provide this vehicle... but it's not correctly scaled, as well as their old resin Panther. ... the Panther is available soon, so I'll buy at least two of them :D

A JAGDPANTHER would be a nice addition to everyx late german army
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: zigoR on October 09, 2014, 08:55:21 pm
...and maybe u can use the track / hull section of the Panther kit... ?
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: SoC on October 09, 2014, 10:38:39 pm
A JAGDPANTHER would be a nice addition to everyx late german army

100% signed!

A Rubicon Jagdpanther is a great idea! :)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Cavian on October 09, 2014, 11:53:20 pm
100% signed :)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rubicon Models on October 10, 2014, 01:55:25 pm
A Jagdpanther... had been bumped up on the LIST.  Will keep you all posted on progress!
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Ballardian on October 11, 2014, 02:45:15 am
Flakpanzers in general would be appreciated, Wirbelwinds, Ostwinds (& a Kugeblitz would be cool - yes I know only two were built) & mostly only require different turrets.
 Also a plastic Hetzer would be great.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: predatorpt on October 11, 2014, 09:58:11 am
What about the Tiger II? I hope it's already on the to-do list  ;D
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rubicon Models on October 11, 2014, 10:42:13 am
What about the Tiger II? I hope it's already on the to-do list  ;D
The Tiger II would be a challenge!  The size of the tank with two turret variant to fit into 3 or even 4 (like the Tiger I) sprues is something that we need to look into!  The Tiger II is something that we will do much later... after we had gain more experience with plastic production first!
;)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Rhino CO on October 12, 2014, 11:30:32 am
Sturmpanzer IV Brummbar Sd. Kfz. 166
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: ripley on October 12, 2014, 01:14:51 pm
A Stug III G would be an great  kit to produce . Options could include Schutzen side skirts  , the bolted or the so called Pig's Head cast mantlet and a choice of the 75 mm gun or the 105 mm howitzer , as both types of gun were mounted in both mantlets. . And if you want to get real  rivet counter   ::) , both versions of the loader hatch , opening front and rear or side to side , the roof mounted close - defence weapon and the remote control machine gun mount
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Tony1955 on October 15, 2014, 07:36:56 pm
A Jagdt Tiger would be nice, so would some of the open topped Tanks: Nashorn, Hummel, werblewind etc.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: robbie039 on October 16, 2014, 03:44:53 am
I like the Jagdpanther and Jagdtiger., the Hummel and Nahorn I would backup too.

I know that there where only a small number of prototype Maus tanks but they would make fine piece for a what if scenario
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Keith on October 22, 2014, 09:19:05 pm
Really liking the details on the StugIII G. The addition of pilsen etc. on the roof, separate shot deflector, smoke dischargers etc. along with the stowage rack (odd spare wheel placement there though) is great. Little details that make all the difference.

Any chance of a 'two-part' hatch too, with 'rabbit-ear' binoculars?

My vote is for the standard Jagdpanzer IV, ideally both the L/48 and L/70 versions in one box.

I'm interested in how feasible zimmerit is to produce? I image that it is almost impossible to do with standard two-part moulds without some horrible compromise (odd angles in the texture etc.) but perhaps easier on vehicles with larger flatter panels. Maybe even appliqué panels that can be added? Might take up a fair bit of sprue space though  :)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: elcee on November 18, 2014, 06:24:38 am
edited
Well the Tiger II would have been my choice, it seems to be more a wish for 2016

What about the Tiger II? I hope it's already on the to-do list  ;D
The Tiger II would be a challenge!  The size of the tank with two turret variant to fit into 3 or even 4 (like the Tiger I) sprues is something that we need to look into!  The Tiger II is something that we will do much later... after we had gain more experience with plastic production first!
;)

other vehicles that come to my mind would be, for both i know of no plastic kit by other companies. But would the demand for those be enough to justify a plastic kit? Most of "the" german vehicles are covered by your release. In general i can think only of a few that might be interesting in greater numbers (Tiger 2 as mentioned, 38(t) based vehicles (see below, my personal favorites) and maybe the Jagdpanzer IV (with l48 & l70 guns) others are much to rare to really justify a plastic kit (like a Ferdinand, Hummel (& Nashorn), etc.)

1. Sd.Kfz. 138/2 - Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer (& Flammpanzer 38(t) Hetzer)
pro:
- mass produced (about 2500-3000, might not be as may as the StuG IIIG, but it was only produced during 1944-45)
- very good documentation about the vehicle
- fairly "easy" to make (maybe a 2 sprue kit?)
- some parts might be used for other kits (see below or a Panzer 38(t) when you go for early war kits)
- wargaming related: most likely a fairly cheap tank, so a gamer might field more than one or two
con:
- no variants except the flammpanzer
(- demand? can't comment on that though - personally i love the hetzer)

2. Sd.Kfz. 138 Marder III Ausf. M & Sd.Kfz.138/1 Grille (15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschuetz 33/1 auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. M)
pro:
- plenty of common parts except gun (and ammunition storage); only for version M though
- fairly good documentation
- wargamig related: dual purpose kit, it serves very different need if i could be produced in a kombi kit (artillery & AT)
(- maybe there is a possibility for a Flakpanzer 38(t) in there as well, but the supersturcture is different (gun shield) and this would increase the number of parts even further)
con:
- fair complex kit, but you might learn from the Sd.Kfz. 250
- not really a common vehicles "Marder III M" about 900-1200 built, "Grille M"about 300 built
(- demand? Certainly not as high as a Hanomag, but for a lot gamers the combination in the kit could be attractive)

All of those are vehicles id love to see (until i get a Tiger 2)
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Laffe on November 18, 2014, 08:21:25 pm
One more vote for a Hetzer and/or a Pz38-based Marder/flakpanzer kit, as well as Jagdpanzer IV.

If you do an accessory sprue, take a look and see if you can include a star antenna for the command vehicles. Not sure it's doable in plastic but a nice way to depict a command tank.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: trick34 on December 02, 2014, 10:13:29 pm
I like have a Jagdpanzer IV /L70 or a Nashorn, or a Hetzer
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: H0ffmn on December 03, 2014, 02:36:30 am
I would like to see a early Panzer lll.  You could model a lllE thru an early lllJ  with optional  gun mantles, guns, a short 50mm, long 50mm and a 37mm, two options for rear armor for the lll E thru the lllJ and the lllJ itself, optional transmission covers, optional  shock absorbers and optional drive sprockets and rear idlers, similar to what Plastic Soldier Company has done with their Panzer lllE thru lllH
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: H0ffmn on December 03, 2014, 02:39:48 am
I would like to see a early Panzer lll.  You could model a lllE thru an early lllJ  with optional  gun mantles, guns, a short 50mm, long 50mm and a 37mm, two options for rear armor for the lll E thru the lllJ and the lllJ itself, optional transmission covers, optional  shock absorbers and optional drive sprockets and rear idlers, similar to what Plastic Soldier Company has done with their Panzer lllE thru lllH

  You could then cover from every front from 1939 up to at least 1943
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: BourbonKid on December 21, 2014, 12:21:59 am
Dont do any german vechicles now. Start doing some US or GB asap!
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: trick34 on December 21, 2014, 11:07:14 pm
I like have the "Neubaufahrzeug", sdkfz 231, sdkfz 232
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: pmbk on December 23, 2014, 09:51:29 am
Hey, I'd like to suggest something else really.

As far as tanks are awesome, not only them were part of the battlefield. So I would like to plant an idea of doing a vehicle that saw service through the whole war, on every front. It also was quite small, so I have a feeling you guys at Rubicon could fit it on like two sprues.

What am I talking about? Why, SdKfz 222 of course.

- There were a lot of this biult, and it is also very well documented, so finding data, dimensions etc. should be on the easier side.
- Pretty much everyone needs this vehicle, wether it is a modeller who wants to make a diorama with this popular armoured car, or a gamer, needing a reconaissance vehicle in his army. I admit i'm not an expert on the market, but common sense hints it would sell really good (especially if you guys would indeed fit it in 2 sprues, thus reducing the cost compared to wonderful tank kits you already make).
- You could make more than just a 222 with almost no changes. Making SdKfz. 223 and 260 would require different vehicle's top and a new MG turret (for 223), and that's it. Still the 222 should be a main focus as vast majority of people would like just that, not a weird comms variant.
- No one does an SdKfz. 222 in plastic, and it doesn't seem someone would start soon. So there's a niche.

I know at this point you guys have far more German vehicles released, than any other nation's, but please consider this cute little armoured car, as for reasons stated above, I think it would be a good move on your side.

Nonetheless, Im very grateful for what you guys done so far, please keep up the good - wait no - fantastic work :)
Cheers, pmbk out!
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Pinky on December 23, 2014, 12:30:03 pm
I like the SdKfz 222 as well, but its importance declined as the war went on because its off-road performance was poor.  They were pretty rare by the middle of the war.  I suspect a kit of some of the 8-wheeler variants would be more useful and more popular. 
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: pmbk on December 23, 2014, 07:16:29 pm
I agree completely!

Although I never said it was the most universal or best-for-the-job armoured car of German Army. I only said that there were a lot of these built, and saw service throughout the whole war. Sure the later the war, the less of them saw action, and there were better vehicles developed (234 series), but still the versatility is what speaks for this car. And that is the reason I think it would be a good move for Rubicon, as their models have to, no matter how gorgeous or niche they are, simply sell. And I can't imagine it not selling (although I might be wrong, as I said earlier I'm not an expert on miniatures market, but that is for Rubicon to determine).

So Rubicon, what do you think about that?

pmbk out!
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Laffe on December 24, 2014, 03:42:41 am
I like the SdKfz 222 as well, but its importance declined as the war went on because its off-road performance was poor.  They were pretty rare by the middle of the war.  I suspect a kit of some of the 8-wheeler variants would be more useful and more popular.

They were still quite numerous by 1944, often paired with 8-wheelers in recon units. The HJ division for instance had both SdKfz 222's and 232's in the Panzerspähkompanie of their PanzerAufklärungabteilung. However, Warlord does a 222 in resin, so maybe a 232 would be a better choice. Yet, a good 222 kit with a few different options could be used from 1939 to 1945 on all fronts.

The 6-wheelers though were strictly early war.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Laffe on December 24, 2014, 04:06:42 am
I did a google search for SdKfz 222, just to see if I could find any late war pics.

Here's one in Italy, january 1944
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/IWM-NA-11444-SdKfz-222-Italy-19440125.jpg)

Here's one from Carentan, belonging to 17th SS panzer.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9985530426_ff8cf0bb96.jpg)

(In case hotlinking doesn't work above, the original is also here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kruegerrossi/9985530426/in/pool-1905359@N20-58422024@N04 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kruegerrossi/9985530426/in/pool-1905359@N20-58422024@N04)

So they were present, and used, to the end of the war.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Garga on January 03, 2015, 02:38:48 am
I fully second the idea of flak versions of pz iv... They are super cool vehicles and also good game wise.. You will perhaps reuse most of your pziv sprues or add a third sprue to the pziv to get these vehicles so one can have both versions...

Also hetzer is super cool and useful and the idea of pz 38 based tank hunters and sp guns is great...


I definitely want also the sd 250 neu
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Cat on January 05, 2015, 01:36:48 am
For German tanks, I would variants of the 38t would be great and lend themselves nicely to multi-kit options.  (The Czech company SDV Model has done a lovely series of kits in 1/87 re-using the chassis parts in each one.)
 
The cutest one which I would absolutely have to get is the recon tank 140/1 with the 222 turret ^,^
http://www.sdvmodel.cz/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=39&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53&lang=ru (http://www.sdvmodel.cz/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=39&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&pop=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53&lang=ru)

(And of course the 222 turret would lend itself to doing the 222 itself, and the 250/9 halftrack which would also be irresistibly cute; and while not in the tank category, if you had a 250 variety of kits, I'ld have to build a whole Recon force with them!)
 
But back to the 38t variants, a Marder/Grille multi-kit would be very nice, and of course a Hetzer, and even options for the Flakpanzer model.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Laffe on January 05, 2015, 07:22:25 am
Just be aware that the SdKfz 250/9 neu had a redesigned turret. Only the alte had the same turret as the Sd.Kfz 222.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: pmbk on January 05, 2015, 08:14:29 am
Indeed, the older decagonal turret was used only on SdKfz 222 and SdKfz 250/9 (alt). The new hexagonal turret though, was mounted on most of the vehicles you mentioned, like SdKfz 234/1, SdKfz 250/9 (neu), SdKfz 251/23, SdKfz 140/1.
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: Klank on January 24, 2015, 03:50:45 pm
The Jagdpanzer IV line would be a good for multi version kit with it's different and armored skirts and 75mm gun production types. 

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pEQLRa8CJ3k/UiuwJXEXmpI/AAAAAAAAAXA/q2UWXw8j074/s1600/Jagdpanzer+IV+jagdpanzerivronvolstad.jpg)

 
Title: Re: German Tanks
Post by: runtz5 on March 09, 2015, 09:37:46 am
It would be nice to see an Elefant/Ferdinand.