Artful69

1/24 is niche ... I'm guessing that they won't want to shoot themselves in the foot by doing something that has been done well (or at all) by someone else ... the market isn't that large and they'll want it to sell well. My guesses would be ... * A corsair (they already have the power egg!) * A Hawker Tempest (same reason as above) * Either a later or earlier Mk Spitfire than the IX (a 1a or Vb) * An accurate Bf.109 F or G ... a random left field idea ... A Bristol Beaufighter (I mean - they did a Mossie so it's not an awful shot!) Rog

Maybe the Italian version of 007?? Rog

Dunno why this thread was merged with the other one from last year since it has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!! SMH Rog

Yes sir! … That’s how I managed to reserve my copies … the local hobby store pre-ordered a good stack of them … I didn’t have the cash at the time and wanted to make sure I secured a couple … there’s still quite a few around globally from those stores who preordered a bunch. Rog

The ‘original release’ is, in fact, the special addition … if you are a collector it would be wise to hang onto at least one of these “Siegfried Schnell” special additions unopened as no more of these will be made … otherwise it’s the same kit with different markings. I just paid Y 30800 for 2 on preorder from Volks Japan (I’m in Australia - so $327.68 at the time) … Including shipping to my PO Box upon release - they are cheaper than buying them retail here even with free shipping! I just hope the packaging survives transport!!! according to ZMs list, the next Fw-190 to be released is the A-3 which is slated for “Basic” configuration … of course there could be a kit or two released prior. I wouldn’t expect a drastic decrease in price - though it should be enough to attract some interest from those on the periphery - wanting an accurate model without the in depth assembly. From what I can see from drawings there aren’t that many differences between the A-3 and A-4 so my theory is that there will be some substituted sprues with whole parts that would otherwise be sub-assemblies on the A-4 kit. It will be interesting to find out! Rog

Just to Clarify ... I indicated "Standard" release ... as opposed to "Special Release" - not "Basic Series" To celebrate their 10 year anniversary ZM announced 2 "Special Edition" releases. The Bf.109G-14 "Eric Hartmann" and the Fw190A-4 "Siegfried Schnell". These kits were to be made available by pre-order only ... there was no limit on the pre-order but once the pre-order was finalised there will be no more re-issues as it is, as the name specifies a "Special Edition" ... A while after the kit is released a "Standard Edition" is released ... this is the kit that will not be determined by pre-orders and will continue to be produced from time to time. Rog

Finally the standard release boxing of the Zoukei-Mura Fw190A-4 is up for preorder … https://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/en/ Rog

Easy ... Do-17z Ju-52 BPD Rog

Have you thought about messaging John at AIMS … he did rudder conversions when the A-1 was the only kit to work with … Just an idea … Rog

Ali ... Probably good at this point to bear in mind that the "metal" landing gear that HKM traditionally uses is the crappy SAC stuff ... just go ahead with the brass gear, I reckon ... there will be customers chasing it - preferring to use kit plastic over the SAC stuff ... or any other replacement metal. Rog

They could move on to a G.10 Erla ... the Revell kit is not readily available and was done with a few shape errors to boot ... and since shape accuracy and detail is likely to be Kotare's bag moving forward - with the Erla G.10 having some very subtle shape designs, not a terrible guess! Rog

Nope ... completely skittled with that one! TBH I'm not really all that bothered to know what they are aiming at either - I'll probably buy it regardless ... Surprises are nice sometimes! I had absolutely no interest in WNW until the Lancaster was announced - Not in my wheelhouse subject wise ... But I saw everyone raving about them. I know these guys like Spitfires and other than the Tamiya 3 we have no detailed and accurate representation in '32 scale (with the possible exception of the Hasegawa / Revell kit from WAY back). So early or late ... I'll buy as many as they make ... extras too, considering the values that some of the WNW kits were fetching on e-Bay! They could release a RNZAF Skyhawk for all I know ... More than likely to be subjects that NZ have operated at some point I would have thought? ... ... Or (like the Brian Lane Spitfire) subjects that are allied focused? The 109K is a welcome addition ... and looking forward to the rest Rog

Same ... In fact I'm pretty sure I saw a Q&A where Members of the Kotare Team said that they will focus on subjects that they like - subject to them having the capacity to be earners ... and that it did not specifically include or exclude any particular era or type ... excepting that WW1 Subjects were fairly well covered already (for those hoping that they'd head back into WNW territory) Rog

Me too! I grabbed a couple back in the day after I got my MDC Typhoon ... I wasn't feeling secure about internet purchases (outside of eBay) at the time, so I made a phone call to Paul in the USA to talk to him before I sent the cash through - Lovely guy! ... Conversation went for about 30 mins ... awesome guy! I understood why everyone was harping on about the difference between vac form, IM and resin when they arrived too Rog

A few days out of the loop and Kotare's announcement hits! ... Typical ... Checking in daily for months and not a whisper other than gossip ... Turn my back for five minutes and this happens! Left field choice ... but a good one I feel. The 'K' hasn't been done properly in this scale ... The only real competition is the Hasegawa kit (still pretty good for it's age) ... which is not readily available now. From memory it wasn't as scale accurate as other Hasegawa 109's in the range? Kotare's '1 wood' is scale accuracy ... so we're likely to get a good rendition! Even though an 'E' would make more sense given the Spitfire Mk.Ia (dogfight competition wise) ... there is a recent release of a very accurate 'E' already out there. For any average Joe wanting to buy an 'E', The Cyber Hobby re-pop through Hobby 2000 represents a much cheaper option. Should sell well, since it will be a while before ZM's 'K' makes an appearance ... and I'll be getting one for sure! Rog

I'm not sure I agree with the "better" business decision thought ... When planning a release of anything into the market place, the ROI of a "1st run" should surpass the financial investment ... If the revenue projections come back to you in the black, you have a successful product ... for most producers, that 1st run is the make or break - anything else is gravy ... I would have assumed that Border have done the math ... and I doubt that we would be seeing newer releases in that scale if it had done poorly with other subjects. If they can create a new niche market with that scale that is profitable for them ... I say go for it! I'll resist pulling the trigger until there are a lot more subjects in that scale though. Rog

I concur Bill ... I wondered why Dragon didn't shoot down that path ... or Trumpeter for that matter ... With the amount of 35th armour Dragon were hoofing out ... and now companies like Takom, Meng, Border etc ... It seems like an inevitable common sense decision to me. I take it that the Asian market has a lower priority on scale accuracy ... Desirable, but not top of the list? Not a Pi$$ take - but a legitimate question! ... Trumpeters 32nd scale (any scale really) is well known to be hit and miss at best ... I think Borders 35th scale Ju-87 was roundly critiqued also? - while their Fw.190A-6 was praised as wonderful ... Most of the 32nd scale crowd place scale accuracy as a high priority if not the top priority ... Heard any whisperings of commitment to AM ... or are most, like me, waiting to see how the tide flows? Rog

Wow! ... It looks like Border are determined to standardise the scale! ... I must admit - I thought it would have been a very short run venture. At one point - about 15 years or so ago - I expected Dragon to have a punt at 35th scale for aircraft ... They were pumping out several very well detailed AND accurate armour kits on a MONTHLY schedule! ... If anyone had the power to standardise a scale through volume (be it 32 or 35) it would have been that company. Alas ... when they did venture into aircraft (with only a couple of aircraft types) - they committed to 32 scale ... Border is a different beast ... they, like Dragon, are a producer of high levels of detail ... The problem is - some of their details are not all that accurate (Their early Tiger being a prime example). A good early tiger CAN be made from the parts in the box ... just not by following the instructions verbatim or for the decals specified (for the most part) ... Some of their kits require a LOT of putty and or sanding to get the fit right ... road wheels on their Pz.III's require some chopping of the pins to fit together correctly. Most Border problems are in no way insurmountable ... but you have to intimately KNOW the subject you are dealing with (so you get parts selection right), and know how the parts are supposed to go together (so you can make adjustments BEFORE glue is applied) - in order to get your model done right. They ARE improving ... and their first ever releases (Pz.IV series) were well done in ALL aspects ... which is why Border have been a puzzle to most - why were some later subjects so poorly done? ... Not as bad as Trumpeter / Hobby Boss etc ... but not as good as Dragon, Takom, Meng etc One thing CAN'T be questioned ... they are pumping out kits at a stunning rate - and selling them! If 35 scale IS going to become a thing in aircraft, fast subject release volumes are needed ... and by all accounts Border seems up to the task here. Also ... scale accuracy is a thing most manufacturers are mindful of ... along with good engineering choices ... fit and finish ... easy to follow instructions. If these things are included alongside the detail ... they may be able to pull it off! Rog

Nice try ... would have been a good subject too ... 3 seater ... and no confirmation on the nationality, tho! Rog

Perhaps the English version of the blog article will help? ... "And now, the long-awaited model for Imperial Army aircraft fans, SWS1/32 "the Ki-100" is at the final stage of development. The first sample kit is scheduled to arrive from the factory early next year. If there are no major incidents or disaster and everything goes smoothly ....... No, no, we never know what’s going to happen. Anyway... please look forward to the last fighter of the Japanese Army, which all the pilots who were suffering on the front lines welcomed. “If only we had this!” This kit is going to be amazing! Another thing! The development of a fantastic fighter is currently progressing, and it will be a "double-seater" type! “Is this for real?” Believe it or not. I am sorry but I can't reveal its name yet, but .... If you're a prescient, you might already know. And another! Finally, that very famous aircraft, which was once under development by my wife's initiative, will be coming in a new, completely redesigned form. I can only show you a silhouette of it now, as it is still a long way off. It will fill a big missing piece in the collection of aircraft model! Luftwaffe is under threatl! And another! Of all the training planes that aspiring pilots must fly, the one that I want the most will finally come true. And there will be four types, from A to D in 1/32 scale. I am super excited that I can't even fall asleep. I really want it ~~~~~ There are more, but I should stop before getting into trouble. Please keep an eye on SWS and look forward to our updates because we will surely make your dreams come true. Today is the 22nd of December. The New Year is around the corner. From Kyoto, Japan, I wish you all the best for the coming year 2024. Take care of yourself, and I hope to see you soon on this blog." ----------------- Sooo ... The Ki-100 is an obvious release ... already announced and in the later stages of development, apparently. The next one has me intrigued ... A double seater fighter?? ... I remember the Ar.234 being announced at about the same time as the P.51 and Bf.109G ... but that's a reconnaissance / bomber ... surely they aren't upscaling their F-4 Phantom II's? ... I don't recall any other 'hint's' floating around from aircraft measured or what-not ... Mosquito has been done in 1/32 - so probably not, I'd think? ... Beaufighter? ... Me.410?? ... WWII or later, prop or jet?? ... This one I'd like to see more about! Next is the Mustang ... but still a long way off ... could be a couple of years plus given the other Fw.190's and Bf.109's due for release ... along with other stuff like the Hs.129B-1 etc And finally the T-28 trainer ... Apparently everyone's dreams for a variant of this one will come true here ... A-thru-D variants all due to be released at some point. Rog

Strange indeed… perhaps a clue is in the translated English text for the post … a personal favourite … Now, I know the old man covers anything produced by ZM in superlatives … but a personal favourite?? … Given everything else produced by ZM - the only outliers to the main WWII subject matter are the Skyraiders and this one. But, Hey! Variety is the spice of life! Rog

If ZM are going to do the whole P.51 enchilada ... I'm all for it ... the Hobbycraft kits are getting very thin on the ground and showing their age regardless ... A Mustang Mk.I & II as well as the Mk.III would be nice to see ... .... We're still missing the final Hs.129 kit ... The Fw.190A-4 standard boxing should be out relatively soon ... and the first of the 'Basic Series' - The A-3 with a few small parts changes shouldn't take much time to put together either ... Maybe we'll get more than 1 or 2 ZM kits out next year? Rog

If it's lithium powered, I'm surprised it didn't cook you alive!! Rog

??? you mean end of 2023 … Rog

Ooooof! Rog :/