Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on January 29, 2015, 05:35:03 pm

Title: German Stowage Pack Set 1 - Project CLOSED!
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 29, 2015, 05:35:03 pm
From feedback and our wish list, here are some of the items that will be on our "German Stowage Pack #1":

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/OilDrumsampPump_zps4c6aef39.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/TowCable_zps5737eea2.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/StowageampAmmoBox_zpsb69146f7.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/Bucket_zps9e947108.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/SdKfz251SpareTracksampWheels_zpsd2080a24.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/PanzerSpareTracksampWheels_zps13a96780.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/PantherSpareTracksampWheels_zps869b1001.jpg)

Digital Sculpt of some rucksacks and blankets...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/GermanBags01_zpsb8b8a365.jpg)


Comments & feedback welcome!

;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Laffe on January 29, 2015, 08:17:16 pm
I like the pump!
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: VolleyfireAndy on January 29, 2015, 09:16:34 pm
Best bucket I've seen!  ;) Love the set, can see myself needing a few of these
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 29, 2015, 09:25:56 pm
Best bucket I've seen!  ;) Love the set, can see myself needing a few of these
The bucket is a two part kit.  The handle's diameter is "out-of-scale" so that figures can hold them securely!  It can flip to an angle too!

;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: ripley on January 29, 2015, 10:06:55 pm
Fantastic ! A few more pair of  cable ends would not go amiss . Fit them anywhere there's space on the sprue . The Panther track should be in sets of 2 to 4  links . It was stored on the hull sides or hanging on the turret sides . Panthers didn't have the large rack for a dozen pieces of   spare track on the nose like the Tiger 1 . If possible the panzer 3 and 4 track should also be made in shorter lengths . Better IMO to have 8 pieces of 4 link track than to have 3 pieces of 8 link track . The long runs can go on the nose and turret roof . But the smaller pieces can be used any where .
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 29, 2015, 10:15:22 pm
Fantastic! A few more pair of cable ends would not go amiss. Fit them anywhere there's space on the sprue.
Will try!  There are already 47 parts on this frame...  :P

The Panther track should be in sets of 2 to 4 links. It was stored on the hull sides or hanging on the turret sides. Panthers didn't have the large rack for a dozen pieces of spare track on the nose like the Tiger 1.  If possible the panzer 3 and 4 track should also be made in shorter lengths. Better IMO to have 8 pieces of 4 link track than to have 3 pieces of 8 link track . The long runs can go on the nose and turret roof . But the smaller pieces can be used any where.
Noted.  Will see what we can do...  Thanks for input!

;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Pinky on January 29, 2015, 11:04:02 pm
These looks great!  I agree with Ripley that shorter lengths of track are a good idea. 

Maybe a smaller variety of ammo boxes, with more duplicates?

The soft stowage looks like it was modelled on Tamiya's.  From experience, I'd say ditch the flat folded item, and maybe the hanging blanket.  They're not as useful as the bedrolls.  However, this kind of stowage tends to look more appropriate on Allied vehicles.   

I hope there will be jerrycans...
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 29, 2015, 11:24:07 pm
Maybe a smaller variety of ammo boxes, with more duplicates?
The ammo boxes basically cover most common tank gun ammo. The box cover is detachable too!

The soft stowage looks like it was modelled on Tamiya's.  From experience, I'd say ditch the flat folded item, and maybe the hanging blanket.  They're not as useful as the bedrolls.  However, this kind of stowage tends to look more appropriate on Allied vehicles.   
They look familiar but these are all new sculpts.  This pack is not just for tank stowage but also for trucks too!

I hope there will be jerrycans...
There are jerrycans, just have not shown them here!

;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 30, 2015, 01:15:03 am
Here are the missing Jerry Cans...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/JerryCans_zps8d6625ff.jpg)

;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Morsleib on January 30, 2015, 01:19:05 am
I like the pump!

Allweiler semi-rotary wing pump if I'm not mistaken  ;)

Pump Geek
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Pinky on January 30, 2015, 10:47:09 am
Here are the missing Jerry Cans...

Awesome!  Can you include at least 8 of them on the sprue?  You can never have too many jerrycans...
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: ripley on January 30, 2015, 12:44:04 pm
As well as being sold separately for those of us who have other companies kits in need of detail bits , it might be an idea to include a  German Stowage Pack in each German vehicle kit if it doesn't add to much to the cost . Other nations can have theirs added  as they are developed . Academy does this in 1/35 scale with all their M3 / M4 US tanks  as well as the Panzer IV . Sprue contains spare wheels , track , tools , gas cans  packs , ammo boxes , tow cable eyes , etc .   Just an idea
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 30, 2015, 01:45:17 pm
As well as being sold separately for those of us who have other companies kits in need of detail bits , it might be an idea to include a  German Stowage Pack in each German vehicle kit if it doesn't add to much to the cost . Other nations can have theirs added  as they are developed . Academy does this in 1/35 scale with all their M3 / M4 US tanks  as well as the Panzer IV . Sprue contains spare wheels , track , tools , gas cans  packs , ammo boxes , tow cable eyes , etc .   Just an idea

It is not a cost issue but rather "number of parts" per sprue dilemma.  To be cost effective and price competitive, we can only do 3 sprues per kit based on our sales forecast and production volume.  We have to decide if our customers want stowage or variant options... it is extremely difficult to fit everything onto 3 frames!

As we go forward, we would like to include tank crew, driver and gunner into each kit.  These figures will also compete on frame space too!

 :(
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Pinky on January 30, 2015, 04:14:53 pm
A lot of wargamers seen to prefer not to add much stowage to their vehicles, and may not want to pay more for a sprue of parts they don't need.  I think crew figures would be regarded as more important.  That said, it'd be nice if each kit came with a spare wheel or two and/or some spare track.  Those who want to cover their vehicles in stowage (like me) will happily pay for separate accessory sets.  And probably lots of them!
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: ripley on January 30, 2015, 09:43:32 pm
On reflection , I would rather have crew figures for the vehicle in the kit . Generic crews for the most part, ( 1/35 scales  , which I usually build  ) are a compromise most of the time . Better to have figure made to fit in the driver's seat of the halftrack ( 251  D ) , or slim enough to perch in that tank turret ( Hellcat ) .  Stowage kits can be picked up as separate sets as Pinky says
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Laffe on January 30, 2015, 09:55:48 pm
Yeah, I agree. Stowage can be a separate kit. The odd extra track length or Jerry can could be included if there's room left on the sprue.
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Screamin Eagle on January 30, 2015, 11:53:08 pm
Another vote for stowage as a separate kit, as it would be great to have these items available to use on some our existing models. It would also keep the cost of the armor models down for those that just wanted the basic unit.
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: mmellow on January 31, 2015, 05:16:14 am
I think I`m in agreement with everyone else, just stowage. If at a later date you decide to do a crew set, then so be it :)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: nazadsam on February 21, 2015, 05:40:32 am
did you consider maybe add some helmets that can hang on tank like that crew did leave them? and maybe some water cantines ?
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: airborne on February 21, 2015, 11:27:40 pm
I like all the ideas but still would like trailer in kit, perhaps with a cold start tank set tools  and a welder all the sort of goodies that would make mission objectives.
Cheers.
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Garga on February 22, 2015, 05:38:24 pm
I agree that stowage should be separate kit... Much useful should also be a crew kit with tank commanders and drivers that fit into your models. Using those of other manufacturer is difficult and there is not much choice... I have 5warlord Willis all with the same driver and I had to work a lot to change the head or arm to give a little variation...
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on March 19, 2015, 09:07:51 pm
Finally some prototype items from our German Stowage Kit #1...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/On%20the%20Drawing%20Board/FB%20German%20Stowage%2001_zpshhoid7uo.jpg)

Other items not shown are the buckets, bed rolls, canvas covers, and storage bags!
;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Pinky on March 19, 2015, 10:08:12 pm
Apart from the wheel to the right of the Panzer IV wheel (is it meant to be a Panzer III wheel?), these are totally awesome!  Please release this set as soon as you can!
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on March 19, 2015, 11:19:29 pm
Apart from the wheel to the right of the Panzer IV wheel (is it meant to be a Panzer III wheel?), these are totally awesome!  Please release this set as soon as you can!
We will have the StuG III wheel instead of this one... just for placement only!   :)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: airborne on March 20, 2015, 03:46:55 am
Very nice a few shackle pins would really finish this set. 
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: ripley on March 20, 2015, 07:48:26 am
Looks great , I'll take 2 sets right now  :)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 16, 2015, 03:33:35 pm
Here is an update on the German Stowage Kit #1... some plastic test pieces!

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/German%20Stowage%2001_zpshcizo5il.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/German%20Stowage%2002_zpsokvb58pn.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/German%20Stowage%2003_zpswob74ueu.jpg)

Will post some painted version later... enjoy!
;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 16, 2015, 10:12:36 pm
Now fully painted...

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/German%20Stowage%2004_zpsl7jyluq6.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/German%20Stowage%2005_zpsmfhif3c3.jpg)

(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/German%20Stowage%2006_zpshkbqe17o.jpg)

;)
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Pinky on April 16, 2015, 11:22:35 pm
Hey, niceā€¦I've been looking forward to this  set.  The tracks, spare wheels and jerrycans will be especially useful. 

I suppose it's too late to say it, but the ends of the oil barrels should be sunken more.  And I wish the soft stowage wasn't quite so obviously copied from the 1/48 scale Tamiya pieces.

When is the release date?
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Suetonius Paullinus on April 16, 2015, 11:43:35 pm
Looking good!
I certainly will buy a few of those.

At long last an accessories pack for 28mm/ 1:56 :-)

Well done Rubicon, keep up the good work!

Cheers

SP
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 29, 2015, 05:33:49 pm
I bought two of these at Warfare, an assortment of very useful pieces.

While assembling one of your Panzer III kits for use by DAK I came across something that might be included in a subsequent set, water bottles. On page 19 of the Osprey book there is a photo of a Panzer III with a large number of water bottles hanging on the turret stowage box. I used a couple of Wargames Factory water bottles because that was all I had to hand, I will see if I can borrow some from the BA sprues as well.

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZYdXsS_0A4/VlbFhkApjxI/AAAAAAAABLM/P1QjeC29FCM/s1600/panzeriii-2.png)

Since the photograph was taken I have added some additional stowage, though one small box (an HO scale item)  fouls the turret. The additional stowage includes hiding what is supporting the bucket.

Small ammo boxes and similar would be useful, the limited clearances on this tank limits what you can add (I assembled an oil drum but there was no where to put it, the only space was too close to the exhaust).

Additional (or replacement) tools would be nice.

Now to add some of these to the Crusader.
Title: Re: German Stowage Pack #1
Post by: Pinky on November 29, 2015, 06:50:14 pm
The DAK also frequently fitted stowage racks along the rear panel for jerrycans.  It was rare for Panzers to carry the oil drums, although you sometimes see Tiger I's and Stug  III's on the Eastern Front carrying these large drums on their engine decks for long marches.

Crusader usually carried most of their stowage along the sides, usually hanging from the rail that was fitted to the sand shields - see the photo below.

I bought 5 of Rubicon's German stowage set.  I've found about 2/3 of the pieces useful - the jerricans, and oil drums, the wooden crates, and the spare wheels and tracks for the Panzer III/IV.  Less useful are the larger, non-specific boxes (basically they're too big), the spare Panther track (not quite the right length) and the SdKfz 251 spare wheels and track (rarely seen on actual vehicles).  The soft stowage is nice, but actually better suited to Allied vehicles (like the Crusader!).

I'd like to see more smaller boxes, such as machine gun ammo boxes, and (as you suggest) clumps of water bottles etc.  Cutting these from Warlord plastic figure sprues is quite time-consuming, and then they have to be super-glued in place.  But I'm much keener to see an Allied set - I have several US vehicles on hold pending the release of this, mostly because I want proper jerrycans.