Rubicon Models
Rubicon Models => Wish Lists => Topic started by: Pinky on January 13, 2016, 04:44:43 pm
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As far as we know, Rubicon have (following their Q4 2015 releases, due out shortly) the following in the pipeline:
- SdKfz 250 Alte and variants
- Studebaker + Katyusha
- Allied stowage set
- GMC CCKW
- SU-85/SU-122
- SdKfz 251 Ausf C and variants
- SdKfz 251 Ausf D variants
- M3A1 variants
- US Jeep
For reasons they've explained, they are probably going to be a bit more circumspect about future releases, but in the meantime it doesn't hurt to throw out more wish lists. Taking into account the fact that more obscure subjects are commercially unattractive, and the rumoured forthcoming releases from Warlord/Italeri, here's my latest wish list:
Kubelwagen - or perhaps a more interesting small German softskin like a Kfz 15 Horch.
Panzer III Ausf F/G/H, with the option of building a Panzerbefehlswagen and parts for a tropicalised version.
SdKfz 232, with parts to build the 263 version.
SU-76, with perhaps (since it's a small vehicle) the option of also building the basic T-70 light tank on which it was based.
M4A3E2 'Jumbo or mid-production Sherman, preferably one which can also be built as a Firefly. I realise that the Jumbo was only built in small numbers, but it would be a popular vehicle for wargamers, and an attractive model. I think a mid-production Sherman would be popular as well (and usable by the Brits), but then it becomes a question of which version would be best.
Bedford or Morris lorry (the Brits need a softskin too!). Possibly with the option of building it as a 6-pdr Portee.
Humber or Daimler armoured car (they are such great looking vehicles, yet rarely depicted in plastic).
M13/40, with the option of building it as a Semovente (to give the Italians some representation, and expand the range suitable for the North African campaign).
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Pinky - six or eight wheels (evidently a lapse in the SDKFZ number assignment bureau ^____^).
The kubelwagen would be nice, British soft vehicles also.
Mine is nicked wholesale from the earlier survey, with items removed after discussions elsewhere.
Matilda 2, Panzer 38(t) - rivets sorry, Comet, A13 cruiser - again sorry, Dingo, Daimler/Humber/AEC armoured car, Sexton SPG/Kangaroo, KV-1/2, IS series, Sherman 2 (M4A1 - ie cast hull), M4A3E8, LRDG Chevrolet, Quad, Tetrach, Mk VI light tank.
British guns 25lb, 2lb, 6lb, 17lb, Bofors 40mm AA and portees/towing vehicles.
The late model Churchill would still be nice.
Rubicon have mentioned someone else is doing a Sherman V kit and so that had been sidelined, but there is still the option of a Sherman 1 hybrid (cast glacis welded hull) as a firefly.
One thing:
Question, how many boxes of sprues will be required for the spare track for one Polish Sherman? ^_____^.
Be patient and you will get what you wanted later this year... ;D
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Pinky - six or eight wheels (evidently a lapse in the SDKFZ number assignment bureau ^____^).
I meant the 8 Rad...
Matilda 2, Panzer 38(t) - rivets sorry, Comet, A13 cruiser - again sorry, Dingo, Daimler/Humber/AEC armoured car, Sexton SPG/Kangaroo, KV-1/2, IS series, Sherman 2 (M4A1 - ie cast hull), M4A3E8, LRDG Chevrolet, Quad, Tetrach, Mk VI light tank.
British guns 25lb, 2lb, 6lb, 17lb, Bofors 40mm AA and portees/towing vehicles.
Of these, I would have thought the Matilda 2, Comet, Sherman II and M4A3E8 were potentially popular subjects. And the anti-tank guns (Rubicon have said they're looking at artillery).
Rubicon have mentioned someone else is doing a Sherman V kit and so that had been sidelined, but there is still the option of a Sherman 1 hybrid (cast glacis welded hull) as a firefly.
Yeah, that's what I'm hoping for. I would prefer a Rubicon Sherman I Hybrid Firefly to an upscaled PSC Sherman V (which is probably what is rumoured to be in the works).
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2016 will be the year for smaller vehicles with the main focus on figures related project.
This will enable us to build up a solid digital library of components so that we can startup any new projects with minimal leadtime.
Being that said, we will still do a few bigger tanks along the way!
;)
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2016 will be the year for smaller vehicles with the main focus on figures related project.
That's very intriguing! Of course, armoured cars count as 'small' - right?
This will enable us to build up a solid digital library of components so that we can startup any new projects with minimal leadtime.
Not unlike a certain much-maligned producer of plastic sci-fi models...I guess their business model makes more sense that some realise!
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Not unlike a certain much-maligned producer of plastic sci-fi models...I guess their business model makes more sense that some realise!
This is very true. A fresh start loosing all existing customers does not mean bankruptcy. A lot of hi-tech companies do this all the time! It is the company vision that is most important!
We are starting to do figures, but these are not just "any" figures! We want each to tell a story of their own... quality miniatures that can be displayed and played!
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What Pinky and ultravanillasmurf said plus:
- a StuG III earlier version (B - E)
- british Valentine
- a early Sherman (with that round hull, like a turtle)
- french tanks - Somua S-35, Hotchkiss H-35/39, Char B1bis
- german tows - SdKfz 8 Schwerer Zugwagen 12 t or Sdkfz 6 or 7
guns: expecially the 8,8 und brit 25 lb
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- a early Sherman (with that round hull, like a turtle)
Sherman tank numbers (and I use the British scheme of Sherman (M4Ax+1) for simplicity) are odd.
The different numbers are not newer or older, the Sherman 2 was supplied first (cast hull as you requested above) the oldest surviving Sherman is a 2, it even has an additional machine gun. They were still in production in July 1945.
The numbers relate to hull type and engine.
There are new and Old features but that is more complicated. One interesting site is http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/index.html
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I thought describing the early M4A1 as looking like a turtle was pretty accurate!
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I thought describing the early M4A1 as looking like a turtle was pretty accurate!
I wholeheartedly agree with the description.
I also find the more I look, the less I know - M4A1 (Sherman 2) tanks have large and small driver's hatches so early Sherman 2 is also accurate (there is also hull rear shape, cast in "appliqué", appliqué and rear deck...).
Apologies.
Amusingly a certain 15mm and 1/72 scale supplier appears to have built full size Shermans according to the reference above ^____^.
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The M4A1 with the large hatches was actually a composite vehicle with the front of the hull cast and everything behind the driver's area was welded flat plate like the M4 . It seems cast armor has better stopping power than flat . But there were not enough factories with the facilities to cast full hulls , hence just the front . Personally I think the 2 versions of the M4A1 are the coolest looking American designed tank .
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Yes, there is also a large hatched M4A1 hull. It was used with the 76mm turret. I'm pretty sure the composite hulled M4 just had the 75mm gun turret used on it.
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Only one source, but http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/sherman_types/m4a1/m4a1.html
http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/m4a1largehatches/m4a1_largehatches.html
Apparently the one at Slapton Sands is a large hatch 75mm, they were rare.
Composite hulls were mainly Sherman 1s, there were Fireflies.
http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/manufacturer/m4composite/m4_composite.html
There were very few Sherman 5 composites.
Sherman 2s were deemed unsuitable for Firefly conversion as they did not have enough room in the hull.
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The 'large hatch' 75mm M4A1 used to be a bit controversial. Esci's 1/72 scale M4A1 (which was otherwise quite a nice kit for its time) depicted this version, and for a long time the prevailing wisdom was that it was inaccurate because this variant didn't exist. It then turned out that there were a few 'large hatch' M4A1s produced with the 75mm gun. It looks as though most if not all of them were converted into DD tanks (possibly because the larger hatches made it easier for the crew to exit if it sank). The only examples I've seen in photos (at least in NW Europe) are DD's.
I don't think the M4A4 (Sherman V) was built in the composite configuration.
As I've said a few times, I think the 'hybrid' version of the Firefly (i.e. the version built on the composite M4) is the best looking Firefly.
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I don't think the M4A4 (Sherman V) was build was built in the composite configuration.
Yes, sorry, the other composite was the M4A6, which married the cast front to an M4A4 (Sherman V) style hull with a diesel radial engine. Original order 775, cut back to 75. Pictures on the composite link above.
What would be nice is an M4 kit that could be large, small and hybrid and Firefly.
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What would be nice is an M4 kit that could be large, small and hybrid and Firefly.
Totally agree. Doesn't sound as though it's on Rubicon's to-do list at the moment, however.
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I second all of the above and I'd like to add the KV series.
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My top ten for 2016 would be:
1 LVTs for my US Marines
2 Kübel-/ Schwimmwagen for my Jerries (DAK, Early War, Late War, Winter & Summer variants needed, so I'd buy a few)
3 Jeeps
4 KVs
5 Katyushas (GAZ)
6 GAZ Trucks variants
7 King Tigers
8 Jagdpanthers
9 More Early War
10 More Pacific theatre related releases
But most importantly I am wishing for a really successful 2016 for Rubicon Models to make all our wishes eventually become true 8-)
Cheers
SP
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i have identified at least 4 late hulled m4a1's with 75mm turrets, all are dd tanks, mostly usa but 1 was in gb army use.
I think an m4a1 would be ideal, but an early type as both the us and gb forces can use it.
the best bet is an m4a4 to make a firefly, 75mm, arv and crab flail ect.
but a Churchill m3 & 4 also would be great.
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Warlord's M7 got me thinking...
Given Rubicon's kits are usually multi-purpose/model instead of one generalized one, how about the Priest, Defrocked Priest, and Sexton combination?
US 105, UK 25PDR and a transport with a similar/same hull...
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A Priest and Sexton combo kit would be nearly impossible unless it was six or more spues . 1st it had a 25 pounder , not a 105 so the gun compartment was set up differently . 2nd , it was based on the Ram tank , right hand drive , not left hand like the M3 based Priest , so you would need 2 complete interiours , crew compartment , transmission , etc . And then the drive sprocket was a 18 tooth Canadian pattern , not the 13 tooth US one . And last but not least , the track was Candian Military Pattern ( CMP ) short pitch all metal track , not the standard US M3 / M4 rubber pad track . That being said , if they make it , I want a couple ....
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Maybe a Priest/Kangaroo (aka "Defrocked Priest") is more viable. Although I've never found a photo of the interior of a Kangaroo. I can't say it'd be high on my wish list though.
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We are seriously looking into early war vehicles, but need time to build up our M4 Sherman components digital library first.
This is important to us as a design studio to be flexible enough to build "any" variants... may it be M3 / M4 / M7 - US or Commonwealth, whatever!
Just give us some time... a few months?
;)
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Maybe a Priest/Kangaroo (aka "Defrocked Priest") is more viable. Although I've never found a photo of the interior of a Kangaroo. I can't say it'd be high on my wish list though.
The Kangaroo would be a big selling point for me.
I have not found any photographs either. I did find this which I found interesting:
http://www.perthregiment.org/rperth14.html
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Maybe a Sexton/Ram Kangaroo would be a good combination. It's worth looking at APCs because they are generally more useful to BA players than tanks.
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Priest / Kangaroo would be a easy kit . The gun mount and ammo storage boxes were removed . Armoured side extensions were added if the vehicle didn't have them ( a lot of Brit / Canadian Priests had these added for D Day). The gun hole in the front had plate welded to both sides and the resulting space was filled with dirt . Depending on sources , some of the plate is said to have come from damaged landing craft , and not all vehicles were repainted , so some might have Navy grey plates covering the hole . IRC I have seen some color pictures of this combination on an old Life Magazine WW II site .
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Firefly
M4A4 HULL PLEASE !
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Firefly
M4A4 HULL PLEASE !
This probably will be the last to be released... lot of minor changes needed to be made.
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Rubicon,
I absolutely love the tanks that this company puts out. One thing though that I feel is missing in the range as it sits right now are tank commanders/crewmen. For us war gamers some rule sets require us to show wether the tank is "buttoned up" or if the hatches are open and the crew is actively trying to find targets. For the Modelers in the forum, I am quite sure they would love to have a commander peeking his head out or a driver with the hatch open. I love the tanks and the decals that this company produces so I know I can expect some cool looking crew to ride along in my tank. It wouldn't need to be too excessive, just a sprue full of 28mm tank commanders. I really look forward to putting together the new tank kits that are scheduled to come out this year, I just hope to have some characters to ride in them.
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If you have a look, you'll see that Rubicon are working on figures for their vehicles. I'm sure we'll see some sets of tank crew before too long.
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I was doing some early spring cleaning today and came across a box of old 1/72nd scale models. One of these models used to be one of my favourites, the SIG 33 Grille.
(http://www.worldwarphotos.info/wp-content/gallery/germany/artillery/grille/Grille_Ausf._H_15_cm_s.I.G._33_Sf_auf_Panzerkampfwagen_38t.jpg)
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I'd love it if Rubicon would release an M4A1 kit. This would be great for those wanting to field an Operation Torch\North Africa or Sicily\Italian campaign. I'm referring to the M4A1s that had the cast hull and small mantlet. Also, when combined with the current M4A3 kit, you could swap the older turret for the T23 turret and have an M4A1 76W; perfect for a Normandy Invasion period tank, as I understand several of the older M4A1s were re-fitted with the T23 turret and 76MM main gun as an attempt to answer their problems of dealing with the superior German armor...
Thoughts?
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I'd love it if Rubicon would release an M4A1 kit. This would be great for those wanting to field an Operation Torch\North Africa or Sicily\Italian campaign. I'm referring to the M4A1s that had the cast hull and small mantlet. Also, when combined with the current M4A3 kit, you could swap the older turret for the T23 turret and have an M4A1 76W; perfect for a Normandy Invasion period tank, as I understand several of the older M4A1s were re-fitted with the T23 turret and 76MM main gun as an attempt to answer their problems of dealing with the superior German armor...
Thoughts?
I think there's a lot of interest in a a 'small hatch' M4A1 kit. They also saw wide service in Normandy and the Pacific. But there are important detail changes between the early version that was used in North Africa and the subsequent (and more common) version. These include the replacement of the M3-type VVSS suspension with the improved M4-type, a cast instead of bolted transmission housing and the replacement of the direct vision blocks in the glacis with periscopes. So you need quite a lot of parts to cover the versions used for the period 1942-1944, include two sets of tracks/running gear, two different transmission housings and two different hulls. By late 1943, M4A1s had the wider gun mantlet, and also featured armoured panels on the hull sides and on the right turret cheek (to protect a thin spot created by shaving away the inner wall of the turret) - this is how the M4A1s in Normandy were configured. You could use the 75mm turret from the M4A3 kit, but this is a later production 'high bustle' turret, that only appeared on the final version of the 75mm-armed M4A1.
When it comes to the 76mm version, you also need the later 'large hatch' hull as well as the T23 turret. The T23 turret wasn't retro-fitted to the 'small hatch' hull (although they did fit a 76mm gun to the 75mm turret, this wasn't used during the war).
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I agree that a Sherman 2 would be great, and Pinky's comments about the variations.
This has articles on the variations (single source warnings apply).
http://the.shadock.free.fr/sherman_minutia/index.html
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Wow! Thanks for the thorough reply! This just goes to show you that there's always lots more detail to a given subject matter than what you initially thought.
My ultimate wish would be for a model kit that would allow someone to build an M4A1 76W comparable to what is found at Normandy - with the option to have it without the muzzle brake. This is what I had in mind:
http://tank-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/overlord-museum-colleville-sur-mer-m4a1-sherman-tank.html
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My ultimate wish would be for a model kit that would allow someone to build an M4A1 76W comparable to what is found at Normandy - with the option to have it without the muzzle brake.
That's the standard configuration of the M4A1 (76mm) during Normandy. They were the first 76mm armed Shermans to see action. They were gradually replaced in US service by the M4A3 (76mm). The lack of a muzzle brake was typical - these were in short supply and didn't appear till late 1944.
I think Rubicon might be able to squeeze in the parts for a mid and late production M4A1 (75mm) and the 76mm version. That would require 2 hulls and 2 turrets, a choice of mantlets (narrow and wide) for the 75mm turret, and optional appliqué armour plates for the hull and turret.
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I wonder if Rubicon could put all the bits on the sprues to build a common lower hull and turrets and then supply the required hull separately, similar to the cabs on the lorries and the forthcoming Jeep (I know they are in that format because of the different mould types).
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In a slightly different vein, a set of steel resilient wheels for the Panther G kit would be nice, not only for very late war vehicles, but to go with the slew of Panther F turrets popping up at the moment (Heer46, Company B & JTFM).
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In a slightly different vein, a set of steel resilient wheels for the Panther G kit would be nice, not only for very late war vehicles, but to go with the slew of Panther F turrets popping up at the moment (Heer46, Company B & JTFM).
Plus the upcoming Official Bolt Action supplement for the Clockwork Goblin range (Konflikt '47 in July https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/Wargames_The_Big_Reveal/).
Of course it is a question of the market size, plastic moulds have a large initial outlay, so you need to know that you can sell a lot of kits.
Would there be the required interest in a sdkfz 251 style Panther G plus small turret, resilient wheels and infra red sights four sprue kit?
Or a 251 kit with IR searchlight, figures with IR sighted rifles and tank IR sights?
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Would there be the required interest in a sdkfz 251 style Panther G plus small turret, resilient wheels and infra red sights four sprue kit?
Or a 251 kit with IR searchlight, figures with IR sighted rifles and tank IR sights?
These would be very cool kits. And I think there'd be interest. But personally I really prefer Rubicon to focus on more common vehicles (including armoured cars and soft-skins) before heading off into more obscure territory. An early Panzer III, an M4A1 Sherman, a British truck - that kind of thing.
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While I think Panther G / late war paper panzer type stuff would be cool , I do think that some conversion parts and turrets should be left to the after market guys like Company B and S & S . I built a Pz IV Whirbelwind using Comp B's resin turret , a little work but it turned out awesome . Also have some of S & S's conversion kits on my to buy list for ARVs . Rubicon should as Pinky says , continue to release many more important vehicles that were used in greater numbers in the war , than the one offs built by the Germans . There are lots of tanks , trucks and armoured cars types that need some attention in both plastic and resin . Some kick starters are creating great French, Hungarian and Japanese vehicles to fill the need , but cost might prohibit some from getting them . At the end of the day , the more kits the merrier . it doesn't really matter who makes them , I just want to build tanks :-[
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Ripley is right - more non-German subjects would be good. I think Rubicon has done a great job giving equal coverage to non-German subjects - especially US and Soviet vehicles. So it would be good to see something Italian, or maybe French. It's riskier territory though - I have no idea what the market is for an M13/40 or a Somua S35.
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cmp trucks would be good, you can do a lot with the different wheelbases and bodies ect
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All your postings are read daily and we understand what you all wanted.
We have basically finished our "First Wave" of production kits, and is now working on our "Second Wave" kits. This time, the list is not too long and should have the chance to add new projects into this wave. Might be something from the Wish List... stay tuned!
;)
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Ripley is right - more non-German subjects would be good. I think Rubicon has done a great job giving equal coverage to non-German subjects - especially US and Soviet vehicles. So it would be good to see something Italian, or maybe French. It's riskier territory though - I have no idea what the market is for an M13/40 or a Somua S35.
I too agree that non-German subjects would be good. As a modeller of British subjects, more British vehicles would be nice - currently for post D-Day Europe there is only an indigenous AA vehicle. But on further reflection (and slipping into the "what have the Romans done for us" sketch) there is also a light tank, a tank destroyer (with indigenous gun) and an armoured car with jeeps and lorries to come. Which is probably actually better than the Soviets.
No idea what the market would be for French or Italian equipment, the latter might get a boost from the Bolt Action North African supplement. Opportunity for an Italian versus British release (I do not have the Axis supplement so cannot suggest suitable opposing vehicles, possibly a light tank or an A13)?
Trucks make sense, but when it comes to spending my "pocket money" the inner child goes for the shiny tank, at least this one does... But if it was an AEC Matador or Steve Palfry's Scammel ...
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I think manufactureres need to take note of what the oposition is producing as well.....better to have the whole market in plastic for a vehicle ?
Than have both produce the same thing and put their resources into it only to have cut their sales in half or more because it is also produced by another manufacturer. ?
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I would like to see the M-26 Pershing tank come out. I am also hoping that Rubicon Models might also produce some vehicles for both the late WWII period such as the Centurion and the Cold War- Israeli Super Sherman, M-48, T-55, M-112
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I meant the M-113 APC not M-112.
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Rubicon have said they are concentrating on WW2.
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Well the M-26 Pershing i and the Centurion both came out in the 1944-45 time period so they are WWII as is the Comet.
Still would like to see someone release 1/56 scale armor from the 1950-60.
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As ultravanillasmurf said, I think they're sticking to WWII (plenty of subjects after all) - if you're after early cold war stuff, Force of Arms produce a very nice Centurion MkIII (resin/pewter) which I can wholeheartedly recommend & Blitzkrieg are in the process of starting a range of cold war armour (check their facebook page).
Hope that's of some use.
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I meant the M-113 APC not M-112.
For an M113, have a look at the Empress model:
http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/m113-work-in-progress.html
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I think an M26 and Centurion I would be rather cool. But there are a lot of more important WW2 subjects I'd rather see Rubicon do first. See the list at the start of this thread.
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I would agree with adding on some of the early war tanks. Considering that the T-26 served in great numbers during the Spanish Civil War, Invasion of Finland in 1939 and for the First year of the war in the east it might be considered as should the Soviet T-70 tank, which was produced in greater numbers than the T-34. The Earlier models of the Pz III is also a good choice as is the Pz II, which soldier on until nearly the end of the war. Since Rubicon has done the Tiger I then perhaps somewhere down the line should be the JSII. The US 2 1/2 ton truck might be another good idea. Still I am glad to see any new releases.