Rubicon Models
Rubicon Models => General Discussions => Topic started by: H0ffmn on October 27, 2018, 09:55:37 am
-
On Rubicon's Facebook page, they list the M32 recovery vehicle based on the M4A1 chassis ,the M32B1,as a future resin kit. It is shown as being in the 3D drawing phase of development.
Why would Rubicon make a resin and a plastic M4A1chassis and hull? Has the late production small hatch M4A1 plastic hull been placed on hold??????
-
I saw that. Another resin and metal hybrid kit. This isn't where I wanted Rubicon to go. I really want an M32, but not something I have to assemble with superglue (it will be fragile too).
-
You’re never going to get an M32 in plastic at this scale though. It would never pay for the moulds. I’m more than happy with a hybrid kit.
I’m so looking forward to it though. I’ve been bugging them for ages for one! I hope they do the other varieties too.
-
Would really like to see some Sherman engines, transmissions, etc in resin. Would supplement this kit well
-
Rubicon,
What is your thinking here? Is the M32B1really going to be an all resin kit with possible metal parts? Or a add on/accessory kit like you have done in the past with the Sdkfz 251 and M3 halftrack?
Does this change or alter your plans to make a plastic M4A1 Sherman kit as currently listed in your production schedule? I sure hope not!! :'(
-
I feel this is a bad sign for the plastic M4A1 kit.
Seems like a wast of time and resources because why not just have a conversion kit for their M4A1 plastic kit?
First they need to release their plastic M4A1 kit. However, since Rubicon seems to be working on a full resin kit - including M4A1 hull and bogie track pieces - its like Rubicon is hinting to us that they are giving up on the plastic M4A1 kit.
-
On the Facebook page they’ve said they havent decided if it’s going to be a full resin kit or an expansion kit for the plastic Sherman, so I think you can stop panicking over the M4A1 being dropped.
One reason that it might be all resin, I would guess, is they could do the top hull in one piece (and one cast) whereas an expansion pack would would require several pieces to ad do to the top hull.
-
Well I can see going the resin route as it's not going to be a huge seller like a M4 or Panzer IV H . Hopefully the M4A1 comes out in plastic , and the M32B1 turret and assorted bits are in resin . Maybe a Berge Panther kit could be designed that way as well , I'm up for one of those
(https://i.postimg.cc/rdjV8G8K/44865336-10217593721298577-921212550178144256-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rdjV8G8K)
Picture taken from the Rubicon Modellers FB page
-
Yeah people expecting a full plastic kit for a low selling item are being quite silly to be honest and making unrealistic uneducated expectations for themselves.
While doom mongering the early sherman.
Boggles the mind where this all comes from :o
-
Which ever way they release it ( resin / plastic ) , I hope it can be built both in transport mode , and set up in use . Got a couple of diorama ideas . I guess this Tankograd book goes on my " to buy " list now
(https://i.postimg.cc/hXqPGqGf/Manual-M32-Tank-Recovery-Vehicle-TAN-6026-b-0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hXqPGqGf)
-
Which ever way they release it ( resin / plastic ) , I hope it can be built both in transport mode , and set up in use . Got a couple of diorama ideas . I guess this Tankograd book goes on my " to buy " list now
(https://i.postimg.cc/hXqPGqGf/Manual-M32-Tank-Recovery-Vehicle-TAN-6026-b-0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hXqPGqGf)
They said on the Facebook that it’ll be useable in transport and deployed modes. So all good there.
And completely agree jamesvalentine.
And still can’t say how happy this kit makes me!
-
I am looking forward to an all-plastic M4A1 for use in the Western Desert and Sicily. I have seen nothing from Rubicon to suggest they are NOT going to proceed with a plastic M4A1. I think all the bits that make the M32 will be resin, and that is fine with me.
-
I am looking forward to the plastic M4A1 kit as well. It just didn't make a lot of sense to me when they posted that they would release an all resin M32B2 kit,which is built on a M4A1 hull and chassis, when they have talked about and have shown 3D drawings of an upcoming plastic M4A1 kit, which would include a plastic hull and chassis
That is why I am hoping that Rubicon could answer my original question
-
I am not at all interested in a full resin M32B1 kit.
I am very interested in an all plastic M4A1 kit. Especially a Rubicon Models plastic kit.
Should there be a resin M32B1 conversion kit for the M4A1 plastic kit, then that is a different story.
-
I agree. That would make the most sense
-
Unfortunately it seems to be a trend with manufacturers these days to expect to produce a model and sell the entire batch within a short timeframe, rather than just release it and make it available for a long duration. It happens with model railways. A thousand of any model will sell eventually, even (or more likely) the most obscure ones.
-
Yeah people expecting a full plastic kit for a low selling item are being quite silly to be honest and making unrealistic uneducated expectations for themselves.
I think everyone understands the basic economics - this has been discussed many times. There is an argument that a plastic recovery vehicle would sell just as well as some of the other subjects which are being done in plastic.
-
@PeteJones, it is a consequence of modern manufacturing and the economic situation.
Rapid mass production allows you to make a batch fast,
Banks (and shareholders) do not see stock in warehouses as assets.
There are not lots of local shops buying a couple of boxes for stock (see above).
Manufacturers try to make as much as they will sell, and by limiting the quantity hope you will buy it on release and not wait until next year.
-
I think everyone understands the basic economics - this has been discussed many times. There is an argument that a plastic recovery vehicle would sell just as well as some of the other subjects which are being done in plastic.
I have my doubts of that.
I'd happily buy 3 Shermans, 3 T-34, 3 Panzers etc etc. And I think most people I've known buy in sets of 2-4 tanks.
I'd probably buy 1 recovery tank for each major nation. And really don't see many others buying more.
Heck if it's for Bolt action I see nobody buying any. Player attitudes are more along the lines of 'minmaxing' and squeezing efficiency out of points. Not narrative gaming. You play to win or go home.
(Which is why I'm super glad I don't play)
-
To follow-up on JamesV's post ... I have no need for a recovery vehicle. I am a gamer, not a diorama builder. I need 3 half-tracks, or 3 trucks, or 3 tanks, or 3 armored cars. I need 0 recovery vehicles.
Would having one make for an interesting scenario? One time? Yeah, sure. But there will always be other vehicles way higher on my to-buy list, I will never get a recovery vehicle. My hobby time is limited, and spendingt he money to get one, then the time to assemble and paint, and then the time to craft a unique scenario where one is needed ... is all time and money better spent on other things.
I am super happy Rubicon is coming out with one. Love to see the diversity. Means there is hope for some of the lesser-known vehicles to one day see the light of day in this scale. But I can easily see why they would not pursue the full kit in plastic.