Messages

2806

Work In Progress / Re: Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D - updated with 3D parts

« on: October 22, 2014, 07:59:44 pm »

Some 3D prototypes of the basic SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D - with and without canvas top!





Enjoy!

2807

Official Assembly Instructions / Model Assembly Tips 101

« on: October 19, 2014, 03:13:34 pm »

Would like to share some model assembly tips with you all - even if you are a seasoned gamer!


TIPS 01: BASIC TOOLS - Most items in the picture are what we called "standard tools for modeling".  However, you might noticed two odd items - Old Toothbrush & Nail Clipper.  The toothbrush is used to brush off debris off the modeling pieces and sometimes to clean up primed parts before painting!  A nail clipper is in fact a very good inexpensive modeling tool - with its curved cutting shape, you can trim wheels and other round objects with ease!
Some DOs and DON'Ts... (1) Use an old paintbrush when using liquid cement on detail parts - will glue better!  (2) Never use your Plastic Clipper to cut paperclips or metal bits!  (3) You should use your old toothbrush to clean your files occasionally for better performance!  (4) To drill a big hole, always start with a smaller bit, then the intended size bit on the smaller drilled hole!



TIPS 02: CUTTING POINT - Never cut right at the connecting point where the part and the sprue met!  To avoid damaging the part, ALWAYS cut the piece out with some sprue bits attached; then clean the spare bits off with a cutter, then smooth it out with a file and sandpaper!





TIPS 03: ODD FEATURES ON THE SPRUE - Once in a while, you might notice some odd-shape sprue features... they are there for a reason!  Besides production functions, you can cut the part out by cutting right at the center position of these connectors to remove the piece!  This is a much more effective and safe practice to remove parts from the sprue!





TIPS 04: READ THE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION - Always read the instruction BEFORE assembly!  This is particular true for our multi-option / multi-variant kits!  There are hidden markings (or indents) underneath the surface of some major parts - they are there for you to attach optional parts using your drill bits!




TIPS 05: ALWAYS TEST FIT BEFORE GLUING - Always TEST FITTED all the parts before gluing them together!  Make this a common practice!



That's it for now... we will add some more tips as we go along!
Enjoy!
 

2808

Work In Progress / Re: Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D - updated with 3D parts

« on: October 18, 2014, 12:19:49 pm »

When we started Rubicon Models as a major project, we had already established ourselves with a mission - Need to set us apart from other miniature manufacturers - More choice, more options!  Thanks for all the support and encouragement!

2809

General Discussions / Re: Panthers

« on: October 18, 2014, 12:52:13 am »

Thank you, buy more! 

2810

Work In Progress / Re: Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D - updated with 3D parts

« on: October 18, 2014, 12:51:04 am »

I really like this project! Any chance that we will se a "neu" Sdkfz 250 in the future? Keep up the good work!

Probably yes, but not right now! A lot of people is already yelling at us about making too many German vehicles... It just happened the 251 was something that we already had on file, and can be worked on right away!

2811

Work In Progress / Re: Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D

« on: October 17, 2014, 05:25:09 pm »

The 3D print is back, we now have 55 parts altogether, will probably reduce it down to 45 or so!

Our SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D should feature:
- open or closed back door
- 2 side fenders and stowage options
- optional signal rods
- choice of MG34 or MG42 machine guns
- fully covered or half-open canvas top

2812

General Discussions / Re: About Our Distributors...

« on: October 16, 2014, 02:02:21 am »

We have a new distributor for Poland... Warchimera!

For more info about our distributors, here is the link:
http://www.rubiconmodels.com/distributors.php

2813

Wish Lists / A word about our Wish List

« on: October 15, 2014, 08:27:36 pm »

A Word About Our Wish List

We appreciate your active participation in telling us what you want, and we actually do registered your requests on our ever-changing wish list.  However, for each project, we do have a basic production schedule based on various factors:

1) Research Material - We do need a lot of research material, reference data, photos and blueprints, etc for each project.  It is not possible to make every kit multi-variant or multi-option, but that's our goal.  This is also one of the reasons why we posted our WIP projects on this forum - to collect feedback and be able to make possible changes to the design in case of error or overlook.

2) Market Demand - Even though the cost of molds for plastic had came down a bit, they are still very expensive.  To make each kit cost effective is a major factor for us to produce that particular vehicle or not.  Sometime we can reduce the part counts and minimize the number of sprues to make a project viable, but not always possible!

3) Range Consideration - We want to see our range to cover all countries participating the world war, it is just a matter of time for us to reach that goal!  We are doing the more popular vehicles now because we need the revenue to support new projects.  As time goes by, less popular vehicles will have their chances on our work desks.

We are not just talking about tanks!  We also have plans to produce soft skins, artillery, and other military pieces.  We will announce them as we progress... why spoiled the fun of surprises?

2814

General Discussions / Re: "Spiel" Essen Germany 16-17 Oct.

« on: October 15, 2014, 04:06:51 pm »

The Plastic Solider Co Ltd will also be there too!

2815

Forum Announcement / Re: About Our Website - Feedback PLEASE!

« on: October 15, 2014, 04:06:25 pm »

A Link / Banner from the Boards to the Homepage

We do listen to feedback!  Link going back either to our website or Facebook had been added!

2816

General Discussions / Re: About Our Distributors...

« on: October 15, 2014, 04:05:29 pm »

The Plastic Soldier Co Ltd will also be at SPIEL ESSEN too!

2817

Work In Progress / Re: Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D

« on: October 13, 2014, 11:18:41 pm »

RIPLEY: We are doing exactly the things you are recommending!  Will post some WIP photos later after our 3D prototypes are done!

2818

General Discussions / About Our Distributors...

« on: October 13, 2014, 03:37:48 pm »

With the launch of our website, we had listed distributors for some regions and territories.  Some are not listed because we are still in discussion, and in some cases, we don't even have contacts or interest.  If you think you knew some companies who are reputable and trustworthy, you can recommend them to us; but they must have existing distribution and dealer channels to begin with!  We are a strong supporter of BRICK & MORTAR stores worldwide! 

Building a business partnership takes time, we will not rush to conclusion because we wanted someone to represent us!  All help are welcome!

 

2819

Forum Announcement / Re: Our Website - Feedback PLEASE!

« on: October 13, 2014, 03:25:43 pm »

As it is, it looks pretty good (at least on my phone  ). Easy to navigate and easy to read. Thumbs up.

Yes, when we designed our website, we wanted it to be mobile device compatible, spend a lot of time fine-tuning image and font sizes!
Seems like it works!

2820

Work In Progress / SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D - Project CLOSED!

« on: October 13, 2014, 03:04:22 pm »

Reviving a Shelved Project – SdKfz 251/1 Ausf. D

The Hanomag was our first pilot project when Rubicon Models was created back in Nov 2013.  As it turned out, somebody else was also doing a similar vehicle, so we decided to shelf the project in goodwill and worked on the Panzer IV as our first kit.

A year had passed, and with the launch of our first six plastic kits, we are seriously thinking to revive our pet project back to life!  Some might question why?

Our Hanomag design is quite different in many ways:
- It is an SdKfz 251/1 Ausf D.
- Will be a 2 sprue kit (hopefully).
- A third sprue for options or variants.
- More details on the kit.
- More options for customization.
- Designed to be multi-variant… all in plastic, no resin, no white metal!

Here are some of the possibilities:













Other possibilities included:

SdKfz 251/2 – 80mm Mortar Carrier
SdKfz 251/3 – Communication Carrier
SdKfz 251/4 – Infantry Tractor for towing guns
SdKfz 251/6 – Command version
SdKfz 251/7 – Another version of the Assault Engineering vehicle
SdKfz 251/9 – with 75mm L/24 gun
SdKfz 251/10 – with 37mm PaK 36 anti-tank gun
SdKfz 251/16 – Flammpanzerwagen
SdKfz 251/18 – Armoured Artillery Observation
SdKfz 251/22 – with 75mm Pak 40 anti-tank gun
SdKfz 251/23 – Reconnaissance

What do you think?  Shall we proceed?  Comments and why?

That’s it for now, will keep you posted as we progress!