A Quick Update – Feb 27, 2016

[Rubicon Models]

A QUICK UPDATE – Feb 27, 2016

Even though we have been posting a lot of WIP stuff regularly, it had been a while since we have an official update on what we are doing at the studio.  The recent new releases had been particularly popular and we are really pleased with the gaining number of customers buying our products.

The most exciting news is the availability of our US Web Store (www.rubiconmodelsusa.com).  This will enable better access of our products in the Americas.  At the same time, please support our regional distributors as well as all brick and mortar stores that carry our products.
 

Upcoming New Releases – Q2/Q3

1) SdKfz 250/1 Alte – a 2-sprue kit that acts as a base kit for several possible variants.  Choice to build vehicle as a SdKfz 253 as well.  Highly detailed interior.  Driver figure included.

2) SdKfz 251/1 Ausf C – a 2-sprue kit that acts as a base kit for several possible variants.  Open rear door.  Driver figure included.

3) Studebaker SU6 U3 2.5t 6x6 Truck – a 2-sprue kit with two multi-slide mould parts (driver cabin and rear trunk tarpaulin cover) in various possible configurations.  Driver figure included.

4) Studebaker US6 with BM13 “Katyusha” MRL – a 3-sprue kit with a multi-slide mould driver cabin. Katyusha can rotate and elevate if needed.  Driver figure included.

5) GMC CCKW 2.5t 6x6 Truck – a 2-sprue kit with two multi-slide mould parts (driver cabin and rear trunk tarpaulin cover) in various possible configurations.  Driver & 2 gunner figures included.

6) SU-85 / SU-122 Self-Propelled Gun – a 3-sprue kit with choice to build either a SU-85 tank destroyer or a SU-122 assault gun.  Elevating guns and open crew hatches.

7) Allied Stowage Set 1 – a 2 identical sprue kit at an affordable price.  Comes with wood & metal crates, fuel cans and drums (both US & Commonwealth), tow cable wire noose, rucksacks & bed rolls, spare tyre, road wheels, and M4 tracks, plus a M1919 for the M5A1 mid production Stuart.

Waterslide Decals – Finally available for retail, now awaiting packaging.  Come in as blister packs for various German Panzer divisions, German turret numbers, and British Commonwealth sets.


In the Works – 3D Drawings & Prototyping

1) SdKfz 251 Expansion Sets – All components done.  Now queue up for mould making.  These expansion sets will fit BOTH Ausf C and Ausf D variants unless not historically available.  Will include 251/2 81mm Mortar Carrier, 251/3 Communication Carrier, 251/7 Assault Engineers, 251/9 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 gun (2 variants), 251/10 with 3.7cm PaK (full and half shield), 251/16 Flammpanzerwagen, 251/22 7.5cm PaK 40, and 251/23 Reconnaissance.  All with crew figures included.

2) SdKfz 250 Expansion Sets – Most components done.  Now queue up for mould making.  These expansion sets will fit BOTH Alte and Neu variants unless not historically available.  Will include 250/3 Command, 250/7 81mm Mortar, 250/8 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 gun, 250/9 Reconnaissance, 250/10 3.7cm PaK (full and half shield), 250/11 2.8cm sPzB 41.  All with crew figures included.

3) M3/M3A1 Half Track Expansion Set 1 – Our first expansion set will include parts to build a M21 Motor Mortar Carriage (MMC), together with an off-loaded M1 81mm Mortar with crew figures.  Also include two rear trunk tarpaulin covers for the M3 and M3A1.

4) Willys MB – 3D drawing done, now awaiting prototyping.  Will include standard US version together with a special Commonwealth version – SAS / LRDG.  Comes with driver and crew figures.

5) SdKfz 250/1 Neu – 3D drawing also done, now awaiting prototyping.  Base kit for other possible variants.  Driver figure included.

6) Soviet Stowage Set 1 – Planned.  Research in progress!


Think that concluded our summary for now.  Will keep you all updated on what’s coming in the pipeline.  Please support our work by buying our products!    Please also support your local store that supports your hobby!  Happy modeling and gaming!!

[Pinky]

Thanks for the update (nice artwork too).  I'm not surprised to hear that the latest kits are selling well - I bet the Jagdpanzer 38t is especially popular.  I'm very much looking forward to the SU-122 and the SdKfz 250.  And I'll be buying at least 5 Allied stowage sets as soon as they appear.

It makes sense to be producing upgrades for existing kits.  Hopefully the next new kits will include more armoured cars (preferably British and German), as these would really round out your range.

[ripley]

The new stuff looks really good . Can't wait for the 250 and SU kits . Regarding the Russian stowage set , they didn't really have that much issued to them . Going by what I see in the books I have , I think you should include - a couple of larger style tarps . Maybe one specifically for the rear of the T-34 / 85 turret . Un ditching logs , Russian style tow cable ends  and maybe Russian style ( check photos ) shovel , pick and cross cut saw . Lots of pictures show T-34s piled high with ammo boxes , so both 76mm and 85mm types would be useful on the road to Berlin  . And maybe some 2 piece sections of spare track , these you see  stuck under the tank rider grab rails on later war tanks . And I guess some Jerry cans as the Russians liberated a lot of them  Hopefully in this set you could include a few  tank crew figures , one standing in the hatch,  one trying to see around the hatch ( bloody awkward hatch design on early T-34s , actually Russian tanks in general     ) and maybe a seated figure or two  for the large SU hatches .

[Rubicon Models]

ripley, thanks for your input.  In fact, we are also looking into that direction as well... 

[stevepalffy]

Looks good !
Will the 251 c include any extras ?

[Pinky]

Great suggestions, Ripley - seems like there is plenty to fill a Soviet accessory sprue.

As Ripley pointed out in another thread, Soviet tanks almost never carried spare wheels.  Soviet stowage was kind of ramshackle compared to, say, the way British tankers stowed their tanks.  It would be good if Rubicon could capture this when it comes to sculpting things like soft stowage.   

[Rubicon Models]

Looks good !
Will the 251 c include any extras ?

Can't say there is any extras except it will come with a driver figure.  Similar to the Ausf D, it also have the tarpaulins... that's about it.
This is a 2-sprue base kit, you know?

[Yaquir]

Thanks for the update, that are good news