Messages

1696

Work In Progress / Re: The all NEW M4A3 Sherman - TS1 Plastic Sprue 161017

« on: October 18, 2016, 10:21:01 pm »

Looking at the dedicated M4A3 sprue, if you disregard the accessories and the additional HVSS parts, there seems to be enough space for both a small hatch hull and a large hatch hull.  So, in the case of the M4A2, you could include the common sprue (sprue A), the 76mm turret sprue (sprue D), and the 75mm turret sprue.  That would build at least 3 versions of the M4A2.  You'd almost have enough parts for 2 whole tanks!  But the dedicated M4A2 sprue would need to include sandshields, a British style blanket box, and a Soviet tank commander.

This is exactly what we do not wanted... "almost" two whole tanks! 
Being a business, we need the sales... of course, without sacrificing
our signature features - multiple choices & variants!

Unlike the M4A3/M4A3E8 combo, the M4A2 will be having a different
way of presenting itself, stay tuned!

1697

Work In Progress / Re: The all NEW M4A3 Sherman - TS1 Plastic Sprue 161017

« on: October 18, 2016, 03:53:12 pm »

I would guess there is a 75mm turret sprue in the works, perhaps with parts for the high and low bustle turret.  Then Rubicon would design a specific sprue for each variant - although in most cases they will need to do a 'small hatch' and 'large hatch' hull.

The 75/105mm turret sprue is in the works with BOTH high and low bustle features.

As for the small and large hatch hulls, you might receive BOTH hulls on some variants,
some might not... depending on the number of parts needed for each one!

1698

Work In Progress / Re: The all NEW M4A3 Sherman - TS1 Plastic Sprue 161017

« on: October 18, 2016, 01:04:24 pm »

Thanks all for the compliments.  We have spend a lot of time to build
the M4 Sherman Digital Library in hope to create a product range that
is affordable (low cost) and covers a broad range of M4 variants.

By looking at the sprues, you can see we are creating a number of
"common" sprues that can be used repeatedly for other M4 variants.
The plan is to create only a new mould for each upcoming variant to
save development costs, thus keeping our cost down.  By doing so,
we are also able to release new variants at a faster rate too!

We are also studying the possibility of applying the same logic to
our revising Panzer IV and Panzer III kit too.

1699

Work In Progress / Re: The all NEW M4A3 Sherman - TS1 Plastic Sprue 161017

« on: October 17, 2016, 02:01:23 pm »

Was surprised to see these test shots well ahead of schedule; probably mould making knew we are in a hurry!

Still a lot of work needed to be done, but at least they are now in plastic TS1...































Enjoy!

1700

Work In Progress / Re: Save this space... another German vehicle coming! 161015

« on: October 16, 2016, 12:05:07 pm »

Seems like everyone is keen to know... we have decided to work on the
Panzer IV first, Panzer III will come later.  Research had begun, should
everything goes smoothly, we might be able to create 3 box sets!

As for this particular project... will post something soon! 

1701

Work In Progress / Re: Digital Sculpts - Michael & Balthasar - 161014

« on: October 15, 2016, 01:11:25 pm »

My concern is that companies like Dragon have been rather too enamoured of the whole SS thing, and produce too many kits and figures which basically replicate Nazi propaganda.  In fact, most kit manufacturers focus too much on German subjects.  I really like the Rubicon have kept a reasonable balance of subjects - although the majority of the current pipeline projects do seem to be overwhelmingly German, I'm sure we'll see non-German subjects given equally extensive coverage soon (like the Sherman).

We are trying to keep a reasonable balance of subjects.  Unfortunately, there is a very limited choice for Allies vehicles in general for us to produce them in plastic.  We are a business and need to sell enough in volume to survive; being that said, we are looking into expanding our product range to include resin/metal products for less popular and/or expansion items.

German vehicles are historically more diverse, thus tended to be more popular.  We are already trying our best to keep a good balance of subjects.  For lesser WW2 countries, historical references are not easy to come by, so need more time to research... doesn't mean we are not doing them!

1702

Work In Progress / SdKfz 222/223/260/261 - Question?? 180426

« on: October 15, 2016, 01:02:00 pm »

Save this space... Yes, another German vehicle is coming!   

1703

Work In Progress / Re: SdKfz 250 Alte Light Armoured Halftrack - Rommel 161014

« on: October 14, 2016, 05:30:04 pm »

On this day 72 years ago (Oct 14, 1944 Germany) a great man was taken from his wife and son and the world lost one of her greatest commanders...

1704

Work In Progress / Re: Digital Sculpts - Michael & Balthasar - 161014

« on: October 14, 2016, 12:46:52 pm »

If you like our sitting US soldiers, you will love this more!



Enjoy!

1705

Work In Progress / Re: Codename: Sherman 2016 - More M4 Variants 161012

« on: October 13, 2016, 01:12:02 pm »

It wasn't inaccurate - just a relatively minor variant. 

We know.  Applique armour on the M4A2 is mostly used during the Sicily campaign.

With the release of the M4A2, we will include a template for the extra applique armour so that customers can use plastic sheets to create them if needed.

1706

Work In Progress / Re: Digital Sculpts - US Truck Crew Set 1 - 161013

« on: October 13, 2016, 01:08:52 pm »

One question for Rubicon about the figures that coming.  I noticed that the detail on the existing US truck crew is a bit 'soft', in that it's less well defined than it is on the latest Warlord figures.  Is this because you're still  in the process of getting the moulding right for your figures, or is there an issue with the plastic you're using?   

This is because of the differences between mould production method.  We are using EDM with a copper master, whereas Renedra (WLG) is using the traditional method using "manual" 3 up masters.  Basically in Asia, there are no more mould making using the traditional method... had been obsolete for over 20+ years!  Being that said, there is still room for us to improve the quality of our plastic figures.  It's just a matter of time and experience to fine tune it now!

1707

Work In Progress / Re: Digital Sculpts - US Truck Crew Set 1 - 161013

« on: October 13, 2016, 11:11:25 am »

Preliminary sculpt for one side of the truck...  some poses still needed to be modify, but the general poses are quite interesting!


Enjoy!

1708

Work In Progress / Re: Codename: Sherman 2016 - More M4 Variants 161012

« on: October 12, 2016, 11:44:07 pm »

Pinky: We are aware of the applique armour on the M4A2.  These 3D drawings are earlier renders, we have removed it from the M4A2 hull, but those on the M4 will remain.

Here is a 3D print from the 3D drawing...


Enjoy! 

1709

Work In Progress / Re: Codename: Sherman 2016 - More M4 Variants 161012

« on: October 12, 2016, 10:12:33 pm »

Nice selection of Shermans .  About the Sherman III , those added on pieces on the rear engine deck  are actually the  upside down fr fender extension / sand shield  , removed and welded to the rear deck as stowage holders . If used there should be no full fender / and shield . Seen quite a lot in North Africa , IRC when the veteran units arrived in Normandy with new tanks  they welded them back on the rear decks . Picture in British Tanks In Normandy by Ludovic Fortin , page-42 , 44 , 138 ( Histoire & Collections ) . I also realize these pictures are just cad renderings , actual production will be different , just thought to give you a heads up in case you didn't know what they were .

We are aware of this.  We just put most of the options that are possible in the drawings to show you what is available.

1710

Work In Progress / Re: Codename: Sherman 2016 - More M4 Variants 161012

« on: October 12, 2016, 10:10:01 pm »

Nice to see the M4A4 make an appearance.  I hope you're going to do the hull with bow MG too?

WLG already (sort of) had a M4A4, hence not on our priority list right now.

The Sherman III you has a 75mm turret, I believe, not the 76mm as you noted.

Yes, that was a typo... sorry for the confusion!

Any thoughts on the early & late production M4A1s with cast hulls?

What do you think?