1/144 Gundam GFF Zeonography 3005 Zaku II MS-06 F2

Please bear with me if you don't like these Sci-fi stuffs but since not much news today, I try to show some other 1/144 collections I have. First Gundam was released in Japan in 1978 so it is almost 30 years now. Bandai, the owner of Gundam today, normally releases a new series of Gundam every few years. However, my favorite is still the very first one. Not because of the quality, but for the storyline. You can see "Gundam" as the "Star Wars" or "Star Trek" of Asia.

There are many different scales of Gundam from 1/35 to the most popular 1/100 or 1/144 (also has some other smaller scale for space ships.)

Bandai tries to milk every single dollar you have so they also offers them in different forms from a 1/60 injection kit to regular modellers to different scale of trading kits in 1/144 or 1/220 and many more. You can also get a Gundam T-shirt, Gundam key-ring, or even a Gundam credit card. My latest favorite is those in the pictures. They are in 1/144 and pre-painted, called GFF series or Zeonography. What you need to do is just to put all the parts together (normally you can build 1 of 2 versions in one box) .

These 2 shown in picture are the most famous bad guys in the side story of the first series. I like them a lot for their military look (also look like the storm-troopers in Star Wars). For example, the green one above is holding a Panzerfaust.

If you are interested in these, please feel free to check my web for more information and pictures.

Storage of your little gems

How do you store your 1/144 tanks or planes? I use the cereal display box which I bought from Container Store (the box can be found in similar stores). One box normally you can store 1 set of World Tank Museum tanks (18-20 tanks) or 1 set of planes such as the one shown in picture (the Famous Planes of the World Series 3). I found it's good as it can keep your tank or planes from the dust. Easy to clean. It's stackable. It's crystal clear. Anyway, please let me know if you have a better idea on how to store your little gems.

If you haven't vote in my first poll, it's on the right hand side of this blog. Please spend a minute and vote. Thanks.

Wonder Festival 2006 (Winter)

The picture above shows some mouthwatering items will be for sale in the Wonder Festival on 2/19. If anyone has a chance to go there please let me know as I would like to get a hold of these. Thanks in advance.

My First Poll

I have just created this blog for around 2 months. So far, I'm very happy as I found the number of reader is increasing. Second, I found this new toy is very convenient to use and fun to play with. For example, I have just add a Poll to the right hand side of this page in order to track what people want from time to time. Hopefully, one day, someone from Takara or Dragon will stop by and take note on what we really want (for sure it will not be another Tiger I). Any comments or critics, please let me know. Till tomorrow.

Kung Hei Fat Choi or Happy Chinese New Year

Tomorrow (or today in Asia) is Chinese New Year so to all Chinese or any Asian readers who celebrate Chinese New Year, wish you a wonderfull Chinese New Year and Happy Modelling (Collecting)in the Year of Dog!!!

Dragon M1/M2 Twin Pack - Find the differences

Dragon has just published another picture (above) of the M1/M2 twin pack re-releases in the offical Cando website. This time has a serial #20157. Compared to what published long time ago (below), besides the serial number been changed from #20141 and a "Five Star Collectibles" on the top right hand corner of the new picture and the other is called the "value" pack, I couldn't find any differences between these tanks. May be it's like the game my 3 years old son plays, you need to find 10 differences between these 2 pictures and the winner can get a Tiger I Special "re-re-release of the Wittmann Tiger I" in Series 1 from Dragon. What is your thought?

By the way, English is my second language. This question is for any English speaking fans. Is it weird to call a M1 and a M2 packed together a "Twin" pack? I think if we pack 2 M1 with different camo and then call this 2 a twin pack, it makes sense to me. How one M1 and one M2 so lookalike enough to call a twin pack?

Wonder Festival

Can you believe it? I have 2 updates in an hour. I just found this interesting so I share with you immediately. This is a poster from F-Toys on some limited items which will be on sales in the "Winter Wonder Festival" held in Tokyo, Japan on 2/19.

From the poster, you can see one UH-60 and one Ka-50. It also mentioned about a F-4. Probably these are their upcoming releases. I do like what offers from F-toys and let's talk more later.

By the way, I think we will hear more 1/144 news as Wonder Festival is coming. I expected to see the WTM9 or more Dragon Cando future releases in this festival since these companies always want to hold the news and show them out in these kind of festivals. Can't wait.

Something different & Military Railways

You may wonder what the **** is this tank? It does not exist in the real world. It's from the manga - Gundam, which is my another favorite since I came from Asia. It's also in 1/144 scale. This one shown in the picture is a future release from Bandai (the one who produces the "Wing Club" series). I have many other Gundam stuffs in 1/144 which I can show you later. Please bear with me if you're not interested in these sci-fi stuffs but hey, it does hurt just to know something new.

I saw from the other forum that someone is asking about armor locomotives. Here is a link to a Japanese friend, Toropo,s web. If you click to that link, it shows you Toropo's work on some very nice 1/144 railway works. It also includes a few short movie clips. His 1/144 trains do run nicely. Check it out.

WTM 9

Anyone has the March version of Model Graphix? It seems there is a page focused on the WTM 9 but it mentioned the Chiya Japanese tank. Can anyone confirm it?

Updated: I found it. Thanks for BD99's blog pointed me to the link here. I think this new turrent Chiya tank is for the WTM10 rather than WTM9 which we all know what will they be.

Konami - Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) Vol 3

Today, I would like to talk about the JGSDF series from Konami. Konami is new in 1/144 if you compared it with Takara and Dragon. Konami only releases the vehicles from JGSDF. Although I'm not a big fan of Japan JGSDF, I found these small vehicles are interesting as you can get many different kind of vehicles or tanks from this series. You won't get another Tiger I or Panther or Bf109.

I'm not saying everything is good. For example, you always get a Type 90 and Type 74 in one set. They are not exactly the same as sometimes a bulldozer is added. Sometimes an in-fra red light is added. However, to me, you can't get excited to have the same tank again and again. On the other hand, I do understand the main market of these 1/144 kits is still Japan so I think I can accept it as the title said "JGSDF" - rather than Takara markets its "World Airplanes of the World" but what you can get are mostly Bf109. Another complaint I have on the JGSDF is the specials. They are not quite special as they normally just the same tank with a special team logo. If they can have the same tank with different camo such as winter camo, I think the collectibility is a lot higher.

Another good point about these Konami tanks is they keep trying something new to add the value of these little gems. For example, the Type 74 in JGSDF series 3 added 2 figures and some accessories. I found they add a lot of value to the kit as the little diorama is quite lively.

The OH-1 is also good as the runway base is very nice which I used it to take pictures of the Takara planes. I found the result is quite good. You can also get a sub-way station on the base from the Type 87. By the way, you can check more details in my web

In summary, I think the quality although may not be as good as Takara or Dragon but I think they are pretty close. If you like something different, don't miss them. More later.

Commercial - Takara Famous Airplanes of the World #1 & #2

Commercial time: I have just loaded some of my stock of Famous Airplanes of the World Series 1 & 2 to my ebay store. Check them out if you're interested. Thanks.

Takara - Famous Airplanes of the World - Wings of Luftwaffe #2

I spent couple days complaining about the selection of "Famous Airplanes of the World" series from Takara. Let's look at it from the other angle. I have just loaded the Series #2 into my web page. You can see more details of this series.

In summary, if you put aside the selection problem, the kit actually is not a bad one. The painting is as good as what you get from Takara. You also need to do some kind of simple assembly and it does create a little bit of fun to me. The molding is good so when you cut the parts out from the sprue, you won't scratch the paint on the body.

The Ar234 is really a special to me as in one "big box" of 12, you normally get one box of special. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of one Ar234. It means you will only get 2 Ar234 in a box of 12. So, some of these Ar234 (kit #11 and #12) actually are as rare as the special planes. (This is my experience so please comment if you get a different mix).

Again, it's not recommended if you want to buy these for your 5 year old kid as the parts are really small.

Bf-109 AGAIN

Here is another picture I just found. I think the listing is pretty much confirmed as they are from 2 different sources.

I think Takara should change the name to "Collection of BF109 and Fw190" as anything other than these 2 in fact are "Specials". If they do, people will not have high hope so when they see the line-up, they won't be disappointed.

Not a good day, my favorite soccer team lost again today. Till tomorrow.

Takara - Wings of Luftwaffe #3

Here is a rumor from a Japan message board regarding the line up of the next "Famous Airplanes of the World" Series #3. Again, mostly are Bf109 or Fw190.

1.Bf109 E7/B
2.Bf109 E-4 Trop
3.Bf109 K-4 JG52
4.Bf109 K-4
5.Bf109 K-4 JG27
6.Fw190 D9 4/JG3
7.Fw190 D9 Stab/JG4
8.Ta154 V3
9.Ta154 A-0
10.Bf109 F-4
11.Bf109 F-4 Trop

A $1 million question: How many Bf109 and Fw190 Takara is going to produced in this "Famous Airplanes of the World" series?

I think there are tons more other planes qualified for this "Famous Airplanes of the World" title. Why Takara keeps producing FW190 and Bf109 is beyond my understanding except saving cost by using the same mold again, again and again.

Combat Group Dynamix (CGD) - Panzer Crews

This is the first time I bought figures from Combat Group Dynamix (CGD) as I didn't quite like what they released in the past. I think they were more suitable for wargaming but not quite suitable to build any dioramas.

The first time I saw this, I was quite impressive as it was shown in a small diorama and all the poses are pretty well done so I decided to give it a try. Please note the ad said only 50 sets would be produced so please act quickly if you want to have one.

Each pack has 2 sets of 8 poses. One set is painted in Panzer Black and the another one is painted in pea pattern camo. If you also like 1/72, you probably like those figures by Presier. I think this is similar to the one produced by Preiser in 1/72 in term of poses and quality.

I have more pictures in my home page, please feel free to check them out if you want more details. More updates tomorrow on other stuffs.

Möbelwagen

Ok. I know it's 1/32 and not 1/144. I came across these the other day when I was browsing the web. They're from 21st Century Toys. The same one in 1/144 will be in the next Yujin release. I found these are good references to how you paint the one from Yujin.

I think I can't wait for this release as this Möbelwagen is very attractive to me. I also like the Brummbär and Sd Kfz 234/1 very much. Although I haven't touched the paintbrush for a while but I think I have a good reason to pick it up again.

In the last few days, I was updating my home page. Will post them here in the next couple of days.

Bandai Wing Club Series 4

Here is another news from the Obake Blog - the Bandai Wing Club Series #4. Here is the translation:

Total 9 types:
1. Mistubishi Zero Type 52 Carrier Fighter
2. Nakajima Type 11 Gekko Night Fighter
3. Bf 109F (Camo A)
4. Bf 109F (Camo B)
5. F-86F
6. F4U-1
7. DH98 Mosquito
8. IL-2 (Camo A)
9. IL-2 (Camo B)

More info on the Yujin tanks

Here is another link regarding the next Yujin tanks. It mentioned the scale will be 1/144. I don't quite sure how accurate this info is as what Yujin released in the past was 1/150. If these are 1/144, for sure I will at least get a couples of each. Again, expected to be released in April 06.

Doyusha - F-117A NightHawk - No More Black

Regarding my post yesterday on the F-117A from Doyusha, BD99 asked about whether these camo schemes for F-117A are real. I found it's a good question as I'm not a F-117A fan so the image in my mind is always black. However, after I had done a little research, I found most if not all these camo or painting on F-11A are authentic. Here is a link of a F-117A site which I found most interesting.

In fact, the F-117A in camo was the first F-117A produced. It was later painted in light gray before all were painted in black after U.S. Air Force had decided black suited these planes for their night missions.

However, after one F-117A was shot down in Bosnia during a day-time mission, U.S. Air Force decided to find a new camo for these planes so they can be on mission 24 hours a day as the black painting is so obvious a target in the day time. This new camo in gray is similar to that of the F-22.

I like the internet as you can always get an answer in minutes if you have anything in doubt. However, you may end up spending more money as after all the research, I think this topic is more interesting and I think I will try to get a set now.

I need to open the boxes of JGSDF and other stuffs which I received during the week now. More updates later.

Doyusha - F-117 NightHawk

Here is the link from obake blog I mentioned the other day regarding F-117 Nighthawk. The special F-22 is an interesting object. More updates on other stuffs I received lately this weekend.

New Look

Today I spent my time updating my homepage as well as changed the look of this blog with a new header. What do you think? Feel free to comment.

There are some news regarding the F117 - a future release from Doyusha (who released the Cando series in Japan). May post the picture later when I have time.

Dragon Cando - More old stuffs from Dragon

After trying to milk some yen from the Japan market, Dragon tries to milk some US$ this time. These twin "value packs" have been posted in the US Dragon site for a while and now we have more pictures from the offical Cando site. All M1s are re-released. Same tanks and same painting. The only new cars with new painting are 2 M2/M3 as shown here. The MSRP of these twin value pack is $6.95 so it's a good value for Dragon. A guy like me need to spend $6.95 to buy a new re-painted M2/M3. What an offer!

Couple days ago I moaned about the quality of some new manufacturers but I think I should shut up or praise these guys as I think more competition probably will bring better product, rather than re-re-release, from Dragon.

Correction: The M2 above in NATO camo in fact is the "Special" in the M2/M3 series. I paid 25 bucks for it when it first came out and now it's mass produced. S**t.

Konami - Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) Vol 3

I'm a happy guy today as I have just received my shipment of the JGSDF vol 3. (It's by sea but I'm a patient guy as it saved me a lot of money.) I better spend time to open all the boxes. Will let you know more later. :-)

Dragon Cando - more questions than answers

Yesterday, I posted "new" release of Dragon Cando consists of tanks only from previous releases. There are some questions on how these will be released. I tried to do some research thru the web but it seems not many answers.

Someone suggested may be they will be bundled or sent as a gift like the "F01" Tiger I special released for a credit card application before. I doubted it as the F01 is posted in the "Special" session in the offcial Dragon Cando site but these are listed in the regular release page. On the other hand, how special it is if you can get a Panzer III which is the same as the one released in the Panzer III series before.

One interesting point I found this release is the 38t, the Pz II and the Pz III are all from the same division - Pz. Rgt.7, 10. Pz. Div. However, the Pz IV is from the "Grossdeutschland". I tried to match these 2 together and found they fought along side under 2nd SS Panzer Division in the early Barbarossa operation. Here is a link to a page with a little piece of history. So, it means you can put all these tanks together to form a battle group which exists in the history. I think this is an interesting point for wargamers. However, I don't quite understand why Dragon don't just re-paint the Panzer IV for Pz. Rgt. 7 too.

All these are just my 5 minutes research from the web so please feel free to comment if anything doesn't make any sense.

Dragon Cando - Old molds again

My first impression is - "What the ....". It seems Dragon is trying to milk us again. After using the old molds majority in the last release, the "Blitzkrieg Series". Again, here is another one by using the same molds and just re-paint or simply re-box (the Panzer III) and re-re-release again. Here is the link to the Dragon page. I have no words.

Metal Troop Creation

Today I have just placed an order on some Metal Troops Creation tanks. I know I think these are very pricey but I do buy some rare stuffs. One item I ordered is this Tiger I with interior details. I did not buy it last time and this one is for Otto Carius so I just bought one.

As I mentioned, I only buy rare items such as the AS90 which I bought a year ago before Dragon announced the one in Panzer Korp series. (However, I must admit the details still look impressive though compared to the Dragon offer.) But, I still have a hard time to understand who is going to pay 2500 yen plus S&H to buy a Schwimmwagon. You can easily buy one from WTM 08 for a couple bucks and you can get either a M8 or M20. In fact, I think many people who buy this WTM08 kit for the M8 and M20 so the value of a Schwimmwagon alone I think could be $3-$5 bucks. If anyone has ordered this set from Metal Troops, would you share with me the reason of your purchases? My major is business but I have a hard time to figure it out.

If Metal Troops has the money and time to create a mold for Schwimmwagon, why don't they do a more popular choice, such as a Hummer or just a US Jeep in WWII. I'm sure they can sell a lot more than the Schwimmwagon. I know German Armor is the main stream in the Armor Model Market but......

I also bought this Type 1500 truck. I think in the near future, you can't get this from Dragon or WTM, the only choice is resin. That's the only reason I will buy a resin kit.

Will publish more pictures once I receive them.

Militaire Modele

Hello, guys

Not much news lately. May be Japan is still in the golden week holiday after New Year. So I decided to dig something out from my folders and talked about it. The one I want to talk about today is Militaire Modele. A magzine dedicated to the 1/144 world.

From the offical web site, there are 5 publishes so far. I bought the first 3 from Amazon. (The shipping is expensive that's why I don't buy them one by one). I think the quality is good and if you're a newbie in the 1/144 world, you should get a copy as they listed what have been released so far from the World Tank Museum Series 1 to any future releases as well as any resin kits from Japan.

The last copy they released was in September 2005 so I think may be they are not selling well. To me, I think you should get a copy if you're a 1/144 collector. They will become collectors' items soon if the publisher decides to stop publishing more.

I mentioned about new comers yesterday, here is another one which has just been released from a new comer - Cafereo. The pictures of these 1/144 fighters look promising. However, they are pricey too. Total 10 different types and 2 secret items Each box is 500 Yen.

Here is the link to the home page - http://www.cafereo.co.jp/jwing.htm. The first series include two of each following :A-1, A-4, Su-37, F-14A and F-4. I personally like those Su-37. Comments so far from other bloggers are the quality is very good - better than Area 88.

It seems it's much easier to produce a plane than a tank as you can see we have F-Toys, Takara, Bandai, (early) Popy, Yujin, Area 88,...etc. However, now only Takara, Dragon and Konami are selling 1/144 pre-painted/pre-built armor regularly. I know there are a few resin manufacturers but they cannot be counted as mainstream players. I wish Popy can come back with something different or a giant like Bandai can give us something in the future.

Happy New Year. I wish you guys (or gals) all have a wonderful 2006 and more 1/144 kits coming out from Takara and Dragon as well as any new comers.

Talking about new comer, the Picture to the left is a future release from Yujin. The picture quality is not good but I think one is a Sd Kfz 234-1, one Brummar, one Panzer I and one, which I'm most interested in, the Flakpanzer IV Möbelwagen. There is another one heavy tank which I can't recognize it. If anyone has the info, please let me know. TIA.

Release date is 2006/4.