wtmblog

2010 Shizuoka Hobby Show

2010-05-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hi guys, here is my once a year update. Just click this link to bring you to the Shizuioka Hobby Show by Hobby.co.jp. Enjoy.

2009 Tokyo Hobby Show

2009-10-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

Just found this web has tons of pictures from the 2009 Tokyo Hobby Show. Enjoy!

Project 144

2008-05-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

I found some pictures from the "Project 144" in Shizuoka this year. Pictures are a bit small but there are a few close up pictures of the F-Toys Star Wars Vehicle Collection 1 as well as the Heavy Bomber series. Nice.

JGSDF Equipment 2

2008-05-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Will be released in Mid July. Yen450 each.

Here is a link to more pictures.

Shizuoka Hobby Show 2008

2008-05-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for info from the Shizuoka Show this weekend? Here is a link to Hobby.co.jp which has over a thousand pictures. In my opinion, the 1/144 Star Wars X-Wing, Tie Fighter, and the AT-ST Walker from F-Toys look awesome. Must buy.

As shown below, the F-22 from Doyusha also looks pretty cool. And now I'm in a stage whether another release of Bf-109, I won't complaint.

I haven't glanced thru all pictures yet so please feel free to share with me if you find anything interesting. Or if you still want more, here is another link to Hobby Stock which also has some nice pictures from the show.

F-Toys Heavy Bomber Collection

2008-04-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Heavy Bomber Collection - F-Toys
Release : Early June.
Yen 500 each.

bayareahobby

2008-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have created a new site trying to reload the pictures from my bayareahobby achives. Why I want to move? It's because this new site is free. I have just started the work so it may take a while for everything to be loaded. Please feel free to comment.

Here is the address - http://bayareahobby.webs.com/index.htm

I don't know whether this will be a permanent move. Unless I find a more convenient place, I will use this site as a photo gallery.

USS Hornet Museum

2008-04-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

I went to the USS Hornet Museum here in bay area with my son during the spring break. It was an interesting experience as last time I went on an air carrier was when I was a kid like his age. Anyway, a very interesting experience for him and me. The boat is not the biggest as it was built in WWII but I wrongly thought it was the one fought during the Battle of Midway. In fact, it was a new one as the one fought in the Battle of Midway was sunk soon after that battle.

Not too many plans on board too but at least there is a F-14 and the A-4 actually is one of my favorites. We also went to the bridge but it was quite small. Probably not upto today's standards. Even I said the ship is not too big but we had spent couple houres and couldn't walked thru whole ship (probably only 50% of accessible areas). We need to leave as my wife and son were very tired already. Next time I should go to the Midway which is berthed at San Diego. Pictures can be found below.

USS Hornet Museum

2008-04-04T21:32:00.001-07:00

New Look

2008-03-03T22:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, you may notice that I have changed the look of this site. In fact, I'm trying to re-organize everything. My another site bayareahobby will be re-started on a free host which I'm still working on. I do not want to restore the old one as I found a lot of thing not to my liking. There will be a lot more changes and I'll let you know when the timing is right.

Nuremberg Toy Fair 2008

2008-02-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow bloggers

This is my first post in 2008 and it has been a while since my last post and I know I'm a bit lazy lately but there were not much new 1/144 trading items to talk about. For the few items released in the past couple months such as the new JGSDF or the F-Toys Bi-planes (my order is on the way), I think they were well covered by some fellow sites so I'm not going to repeat here.

As I mentioned, I just ordered the F-Toys Bi-planes as I haven't really checked on 1/144 for a while and when I tried to order, they were all sold out. It seems they are quite popular and I'm very happy to know that so hopefully it would encourage more 1/144 kits coming out this year. (Or may be not as the economy is not so good and the oil price is still so high which makes the cost a lot higher that before.)

Today I came across this Nuremberg Toy Fair 2008 site. Not a lot on 1/144 but the above 1/144 Bismarck is again very impressive. It should be come from the same company which made the 1/144 Yamato. Some very 1/72 items were on show as well so please check them out.

I hope my next post won't take another 3 months. Currently my shopping list includes the 1/144 Macross planes and the 1/144 U-Boat. Will get them when I see a good price.

Project 144

2007-11-23T23:06:00.000-08:00

I found a couple links related to the latest Project 144. First one is from Fumi and the second one is from Obake blog and here is the official page. Enjoy!

Midnight Eagle Trailer

2007-11-18T23:14:00.000-08:00

I just realised the "Midnight Eagle" movie will be released on Nov 23 in the US. probably on just a few selected cinemas. Anyway, here is the trailer.

Cafereo 1/144 JGSDF

2007-11-12T23:23:00.001-08:00

This series has been rumored for a while and here is the official page from Cafereo. 6 types (1 green + 1 camo) plus one special so there are total 13 different types in this series.

Line up -
1. Type 90 MBT (again!)
2. Type 99 Ammunition Transport Vehicle
3. M110A2 203mm Self Propelled Gun
4. Construction Work Vehicle
5. Type 88 Surface to surface missile launcher
6. SUV

Secret : looks like another Type 90 to me.

Will be released in December

Doyusha 1/144 AH-64D

2007-10-02T22:46:00.001-07:00

I finally found something interesting to talk about - the 1/144 AH-64D from Doyusha. I quite like choppers so this probably is the next item I'll buy after F-Toys Bi-planes. Release date - December.

Trucks from YSK

2007-09-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

If you like the ambulance I posted yesterday, you probably like these trucks from YSK too.

Pro-hobby September Releases

2007-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

Above are what scheduled to be released in September from Pro-hobby. The ambulance and fire truck look quite nice.

F-Toys Bi-Plane Collection - Red Baron Albatros D.III

2007-08-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm still exciting about the F-Toys Bi-plane Collection. What special could be better than a Albatros D.III Special of "Red Baron" Manfred von Richthofen. I did a search in the web and I can't find any red D.III but a model of D.V as above but I think this should be pretty close to a D.III.

Here is the line up:

1. British Swordfish
2. Japan Type 93 Trainer
3. SPAD S.VII
4. Albatros D.III

Here are a couple more pictures from the web, a bigger picture of the back of the box:

And these from the latest model shows:

F-Toys Bi-Plane Collection

2007-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Long time no talk and I had some good time in the past few weeks as I spent sometime in South California with my family and I visited a couple model shops there. Will post some pictures later.

Above is the new Bi-plane Collection from F-Toys. I always love bi-planes so for sure I will buy this set. How about you?

Release date : Mid-November

Takara Midnight Eagle

2007-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a new picture of this series. The B-5 Midnight Eagle used in the movie is just a B-2 Bomber and should not be 1/144.

Release date : Mid-November

Furuta Combat Vehicle

2007-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

The above gashapon tanks from Furuta will be released in Japan on Sept 17. But it seems these are non-scale items which you may get a Japan Hummvee which is the same size as the M1.

Takara 1/144 "Midnight Eagle" Trading Kits

2007-07-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

Takara has just announced in this November, they are going to issued a new 1/144 trading kit set partnering with the movie "Midnight Eagle" - which is a stealth bomber coded B-5. Here are details:

Scale :1/144 (B-5 excluded.) All 10 different kits (9 + 1 hidden item)
1. F-15J (Komatsu base 8957)
2. F-15J (Komatsu base 8953)
3. F-15DJ (Komatsu base)
4. B-5 midnight eagle (the low profile painting)
5. B-5 midnight eagle (the WEZARINGU painting)
6. JGSDF UH-1+ Type 73 heavy truck (new)
7. JGSDF UH-1+ Type 73 heavy truck (older model)
8. JGSDF UH-1+ Type 73 medium truck and pickup truck
9. A set of 3 JGSDF Type 73 trucks (new)
10. Hidden

Most items have been issued in other releases before, such as the Type 73 trucks in "Japan Sinks", UH-1 and F-15J in other Takara or F-Toys issues. (They may be different than those from F-Toys though).

Tokyo Toy Show 2007

2007-06-30T21:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Tokyo Toy Show 2007. Not many military items and the above is one of the exceptions - the 1/144 LCAC which you probably have seen before. Looks pretty good but probably too big - storage becomes a big problem to me.

Updated: This link has a B-2 and it looks quite nice but too bad it's 1/120, not 1/144.

Tomy Machinami Collection 7

2007-06-28T20:25:00.001-07:00

This Tomy Machinami Collection 7 series look good as they are quite useful for a diorama.

Pro-hobby

2007-06-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Long time no talk as I was busy working on a project. Will announce it later when it's ready. Regarding the news, besides the JW3, not much to talk about as 1/144 has slowed down significantly in Japan. Except this company, Pro-hobby. Pro-hobby has just updated the site with some interesting pictures. You can find them here or here. They are not military related but just showing the 1/144 world can be more than just tanks and planes.

Dragon 1/144 B-1B

2007-05-23T23:59:00.001-07:00

Dragon US has just posted this B-1B and I think it should still be pretty big even it's a 1/144. You shouldn't miss it if you collect planes.

Project 144

2007-05-21T00:45:00.001-07:00

Fumi's blog has some interesting pictures from the latest "Project 144". Check them out here.

Another link on Shizuoka 2007

2007-05-18T22:59:00.001-07:00

Here is another link to hobby.co.jp on Shizuoka 2007. Besides the Panzer Korp Tiger I's, I can't find anything else special on 1/144. The 1/72 Dragon Armor M4s as shown below look quite nice though. Please note the link has over 500 pictures so the page load may be slow.

1/48 X-Wing

2007-05-17T18:55:00.001-07:00

I haven't seen any 1/144 military kits so far and most interesting items to me are some new Gundams. But I like this X-Wings very much. However, I probably won't buy as I don't think I will build it anyway. I have a garage a un-built models already which my wife complains all the time.

Oops. I forgot the link. Here it is from Run Chickens.

Shizuoka Hobby Show

2007-05-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

The show has just started today in Japan. I saw a couple Gundam's pictures and I'll keep you posted if there are any news on 1/144 scales.

New Panzer Korp - Tiger I

2007-05-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

It's not a surprise Dragon is going to release the new 1/144 Tiger I in kit form (Panzer Korp) before the Cando release. Unlike the Cando releases which are pre-painted, you will get 3 identical tanks (112, 141, 142) as you need to paint them yourselves. I will still buy the Cando version to complete my collection but I don't see any reason to buy these.

Finally. We have soldiers.

2007-04-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. You may say we already have something from Trumpeter/Pegasus, Preiser, or CGD or some other metal wargaming figures. But these figures from Japan looks awesome. At least from the picture. Check here for details.

Targa 1/144 U-Boat

2007-04-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

This 1/144 U-Boat Type VII-C looks very impressive with interior details and crews. Yen 4000 sounds reasonable too. 2 different paint schemes, camo and grey. And also it looks like a die cast model. Release date: Jun 25.

Windows Vista

2007-03-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Hi guys
Long time no talk as I was struggling with my new computer with Windows Vista installed. I know it's not advised to use such a new OS in the first few months, my old PC crashed every 30 minutes so I must buy a new one as it'a 5 years old machine.

If you're an ebay seller like me. Please be careful before you upgraded to Vista as I had waited for a while until ebay finally came up with a Beta version "ebay Lister" which some how fixed the bug with Vista. However, it's not fully functioning yet. Beware.

Anyway, no big news lately except there was a rumor in a Japanese site. If I understand correctly, probably it mentioned WTM 10 actually was on show in the Kaiyodo booth in WF2007 and probably behind doors also everyone saw them had signed a NDA (Non-disclosure Agreement). I don't know how much truth is that but that piece of message excited me already. It would be wonderful if anyone can provide more info.

I have many items need to load them into my ebay shop these 2 days as I haven't done that for a while due to the Vista problem, that's it for today and hope you like the above big bird 2 picture.

OMG - Cando "new" Tiger I

2007-03-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my god. It turns out the re-release of the Tiger Is from Dragon is not the worst news. What even worse is Dragon is so lack of imagination that it releases the same tanks with different decals. As you can see from the pictures, one is 141 and one is 142. I know these are early production tanks so the variations are limited but why picked this topic? I think we got similar tanks from WTM5 and you can buy a whole battalion of decals from a Japan seller to build a whole battalion. If Dragon wants to make this more attractive, why not just give us a tank with no decal and then provide a separate decal sheet similar to those from Panzer Korps. I think we will be more happy and someone may just want to buy it for the decal. BTW, what is that special? Is it the one for Operation Sea Lion?

Big Bird 2

2007-03-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

I found a picture of the Big Bird 2 today. I probably will only buy the HE-111s. The others I probably will skip. Release date : Mid-May. Hope no more delay this time.

More pictures from WF2007

2007-03-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

Nothing new which you haven't seen but very nice pictures. Here has some 1/144 planes and here is the front page.

Takara News - March 07

2007-03-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

This month, Takara News, quite a few coverages are on Votoms and there is a news about the next 1/700 submarines of JMSDF. Good, I can keep my money in my pocket.

20000 Hits

2007-02-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow bloggers

Let me celebrate this site reach 20000 hits couple hours ago. Last time it took 9 months to reach 10000 hits and this time it took 6 months to reach 20000 hits.

I would like to thank everyone who visited my site, especially everything seems so slow in the past few months.

Anyway, here is a piece I found quite interesting. Soar Art Workshop I think is the partner/affiliate of the Metal Troops as it seems they are promoting the same stuffs. In this site, they have a line up for 2007. Some interesting stuffs like FAMO or the British 25 pound field gun look very nice. But tanks like the Hetzer or Stugs III, I don't know how many people will pay US$20+ plus S&H to get one. I don't know it's new or not as I haven't checked this site for a while. I'm sorry if you have seen this before.

I have quite a few boxes to un-pack. Will post them later when they are ready.

WF2007 Winter

2007-02-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

As usual, not much news about military as this show focuses on figures. First set of pictures can be found from here and here. I like the Recovery Tanks and those BRDM2. Also, the Big Bird 2 look promising as well.

WF2007 from Cafereo

2007-02-21T20:54:00.000-08:00

Cafereo's site has a couple special items will be released in WF2007 this weekend (from JWing 1 & 2). Don't miss them if you're lucky enough in Japan to attend this event. It seems more samples from Big Bird 2 will be on display too. Big Bird 2 is the item which I have waited for months.

And Kung Hei Fat Choi if you also celebrate Chinese New Year like me.

Pro-Hobby - March Releases

2007-02-14T23:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the link.

WWI from Pro-Hobby

2007-02-07T23:38:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of WWI armor? The upcoming releases from Pro-hobby are a series of 1/144 armors and guns. Look quite interesting but beside collectors, who else will buy them. May be wargamers can mix them with 12mm figures. What do you think?

WF2007 and more from Nuremberg

2007-02-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

Couple updates today. First of all, Wonder Festival, as usual, F-Toys has a couple special planes for sales in WF 2007. If you like 1/144 planes, you shouldn't miss them as they will be pricey in a couple of months. Here is the link.

Recently, there are not much to talk about on 1/144. If you visit my blog long enough, you may know before I have started collecting 1/144 kits, I mostly collected AND built 1/72 models.

If you also like 1/72 kits, you should know we have a lot more options than, say 5 years ago. I think every 1/72 collectors are very happy today as we now have Dragon coming out quality kits every months. We also have very nice figures from Pegasus or Caeser. You don't need to pay $20+ to bid for a 10 years old ESCI kit. I think I may spend more time and money on 1/72 from now on. (Don't worry. I will keep posting 1/144 news or reviews as long as I get hold any of them).

Finally, here are 2 more links from Nuremburg Toy Fair. Very nice pictures. I think the Feldgendarmen from Preiser are very impressive. If you like 1/144 planes, there are quite a few new items on display.

ipmsdeutschland.de Link 1
ipmsdeutschland.de Link 2
http://www.smallscaleafv.com/ANG/Akce/TFN_2007.htm

Nurnberg Toy Fair

2007-02-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

Dragon has posted some pictures from the show. No 1/144 armor but still worth a look. Check them out here.

Makino Models

2007-01-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

I came across this site with very good 1/144 dioramas. Check it out. Very impressive.

Japan Sinks! - The Movie

2007-01-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

I found the movie today but it's in Chinese sub. I don't know if it works or not but here is the torrent. Let me know if it doesn't work. Please note you need the BT program to load it.

N Scale from Tomytec and other news

2007-01-22T13:22:00.000-08:00

Long time no talk. I have been very busy lately and when I had time, I need to create another blog for my son. By the way, there is not much to talk about lately except piece here and there. What interested me are some N scale figures and buildings from Tomytec. Their first releases of these are some farm houses and farmers which I don't think they are that much usful but these second releases look more promising.

The Wonder Festival 2007 Winter will be held in late February. I think you may see some info sneaking out before that but I think if there are any new announcements, they will be announced there.

The Obake blog has just updated with some interesting pages regarding his last visit of Japan, if you understand Chinese, please check them out here, here and here. I hope I can have a chance to go there again this year. Finger crossed.

Have you guys noticed I add the "Snap" function to my blog which you can preview what the link looks like before you click and I think it's pretty handy. Hope you like it too.

1/144 AT VOTOMS

2007-01-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

I think we saw these couple times. Takara has these in the latest press release. Click here or here for details.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

Merry X'mas

2006-12-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

I have been busy doing my Chrismas shopping with my family lately so that's why there was no updates lately. Anyway, I think 2006 is not a good year for 1/144 world as many things were slowed down or cancelled. We do have some new stuffs such as the 1/144 die cast from Yujin but overall I'm disappointed. I wish 2007 would be a better year. Anyway, wish you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pegasus Russian Farm House

2006-12-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

The above picture is copied from Obake blog. This is new to me as I haven't heard anything about this from Pegasus before. Anyway, looks like an interesting subject. It's a must buy item to me.

Regarding the Dragon Stugs, el-basser's blog has some close-up pictures and the tracks look very nice. Check here for more.

Guess what will be the next Cando release from Dragon, the answer is...

2006-12-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

According to the preview slip included in the box of the Stug III & IV, it seems the next release from Dragon is ......( music : da...da...da.....) - another Tiger I. Although it's a new mold but how many Tiger Is do you need?

Cando Stugs III & IV

2006-12-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

For sure this is the best Christmas Gift I will buy for myself - the Cando Stug III & IV. I found a couple pictures from Japan and they look very good so far. Hope they will release in the US very soon. Can't wait...

F-Toys Acroteam Collection 2

2006-12-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the new Acroteam Collection 2 from F-Toys. Release date Late Feb, 2007. I think besides the F-5E, all others are not that attractive to me.

1st Birthday of wtmblog

2006-12-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow bloggers

Today is the anniversary of wtmblog. I started this blog exactly last year today. There are more than 16,000 click in the past year so it's about 50 per day. It's not a very good number but I think it's not a bad number as well as 1/144 is not a very popular topic in the U.S. (or in Europe). I think there are more viewers in Asia but since there was no such blog in English when I started so I decided to create one in English to serve my fellow 1/144 collectors (as most news are coming from Asia).

English is my second language so hopefully everyone can understand what I'm talking about and like what I share with you regarding the 1/144 world. Unfortunately, it seems Japan's market has switched the focus from the 1/144 world to something else such as 1/48 in the past year. For example, only one release of WTM and one relase of Cando this year proved that. And there are a lot coverages regarding 1/48 in most Japan magazines but most 1/144 coverages are gone. Forward looking, I think the 1/144 airplanes still look good and the release of WTM in the US can stir things up a bit (not so optimistic in my opinion from what they offer and the pricing). But if they start releasing something new not been released in Japan before, I'll be a happy guy.

Anyway, I'm happy with my blog so far and will try to keep posting as frequent as possible. Unless I expand the scope of this blog to something else, it's tough to have a new post everyday since the 1/144 activities are very few today. I think the direction of this blog is what I need to think about in the near future.

At the end, I would like to thank everyone who visits my blog and wish you all have a happy wonderful December ( Stugs, Stugs, Stugs. 8-)..... mouth watering ).

Metal Troops - Horch 4x4

2006-11-30T20:35:00.000-08:00

I also received this Horch 4 x 4 the other day from Metal Troops. You know soft skins are hard to find items so this is a good addition to my collection. The kit overall looks very nice. The painting is pretty good as you can see from the picture. One problem again with this kit is the wind-shield, same as the Steyr, it's a block of resin. If you really want to make it nicer, you need to cut it open and replace it with a piece of clear plastic sheet. It's not a difficult job but difficult enought for me (not taking a risk to break this $25 kit) so I won't do it. If you are mostly a collector like me, it's a big drawback. If you're a modeller, you should get it as the above mod is quite simple.

The kit also comes with 2 sitting figures as a bonus. I assume one is a driver and one is an officer sitting at the back. However, even I broke the driving wheel, I couldn't place it in the driver's seat. And that's why you see them both sit at the back as shown in my picture.

In summary, if you are a collector like me, you should get a hold of one. (More than one is too expensive to me as cost + S&H is over $25). I still think Pro-hobby has a more reasonable price (see those armor cars in my previous post).

Pro-Hobby - Daimler Mk III and Humber Mk II

2006-11-27T23:19:00.000-08:00

How are you guys doing? Did you have a nice Thanksgiving holiday?

I had taken pictures of these 2 UK Armor Cars before I went on my vacation but Blogger just screwed up so I couldn't loaded any pictures. Anyway, back to these kits, they are from Pro-hobby. Made of metal. If I recall correctly, the price is around 1000 yen each. I regret I only bought 1 each as the price point is ok for a pre-painted die cast tank and I like them very much after I receive the real thing. The detail is fine to me and each also comes with a figure. You can also post them as the turrent hatch opened or closed. I highly recommended them if you want any armor cars or UK armors. If you prefer to wait for Takara or Dragon to come out something like these, you may have to wait for another 20 years (if you're lucky).

Second, I took these pictures using my new camera. It's a Nikon S9 (for my wife) as my old Sony Cybershot is huge. I still haven't figured out what is the best setting yet so I think these pictures do not show what the camera can really do. Any comments?

Project 144 - another link

2006-11-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks makino san to provide this link.

Project 144 - More pictures

2006-11-19T23:10:00.000-08:00

More pictures from Project 144 can be found from this forum. I like this Centurion.

Project 144

2006-11-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

Oh. I just found out Fumi's blog has some pictures from Project 144. Some interesting dioramas. Not much new items so far. You can also click here or here to access the pictures. I think more pictures will be posted from other Japan sites in the next few days. Cheers.

Blogger screwed up again

2006-11-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

I tried to upload something but it seems Blogger screwed up again as I can't upload anything using IE or Firefox. Anyway, will try again when I'm back from my vacation later this week. Happy Thanksgiving!

Panzer Korps - StuG III & StuG IV

2006-11-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

Probably not a surprise to you. Dragon US has just published the Panzer Korp StuG III and StuG IV. Release date : January 2007. It seems the only tank missing from the Cando lineup is the StuG III A in box 14044. Any one like me waiting for a StuG III A to complete the Wittmann collection, don't miss the chance. Click here for Dragon's site and the original Cando page.

BergPanther

2006-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

This mouthwatering resin BergPanther looks very nice. Check el_basser's site or sculptor's site for more pictures.

1/144 Pegasus Figures - cont'd

2006-11-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

After years of waiting, Pegasus finally has released these 1/144 figures. We have many tanks, planes from different companies but there are not that many companies produce real 1/144 figures.

The first time I saw these was from the Pegasus web and later there were some pictures with some unpainted figures on the sprue. May be they found it hard to price a couple un-painted 1/144 figures so they decided to sell them pre-painted now. I probably will re-paint some of them so either way does not impact me (except my wallet).

I think you may agree it looks a bit bored if there is no figure in any diorama. They may not be good for wargaming but I think they are a welcome addition for collectors. I know Preiser also has some German Panzer crews but they are hard to find anyway.

There are 5 sets in this first releases - Modern US - desert and NATO uniform, WWII German (early), WWII Americans & WWII Russians. I think the figures are very well sculpted. The painting is ok but I think the WWII German set and Russian set used some glossy paint so they look too glossy to me. May be they will look better if you re-paint them.

My first impression of these figures is they are a bit smaller than others. But if you look at the picture at the bottom, you can find they are not really that small.

I wish these sets sell well so Pegasus will keep producing more figures such as late WWII German or some other figures not in action. Anyway, check here for more details.

The long waited item - Pegasus 1/144 Figures

2006-11-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

I have received the 1/144 figures from Pegagus and I'm editing the pictures. Here are the first couples. The first impression is pretty good and they look a bit on the small side (scalewise). More details tomorrow.

Takara - Famous Airplanes of the World - Special

2006-11-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

If you like the "Famous Plane of the World" Series from Takara, the item in the above picture may interest you. It was a special in the past and it seems it is going to be a public sale this month in November. Yen 1500 each bundled with one of the plane below. Here is the original link.

Another Big Bird but not from Cafereo

2006-10-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

While I was spending my Saturday afternoon browing the web as usual while my wife and kid were taking a nap, I found this JU52 from Eduard. It was very well built and I like his idea to use the picture frame as a base and the sea surface looks pretty real to me. Here is the link. I think the only thing missing is a couple figures to give it a life.

Japan Sinks D-2 and more

2006-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you visit my bayareahobby page regularly, you may notice I have updated it with a couple of new items which I received recently.

I ordered a couple big boxes of the Japan Sinks D-2. Unfortunately, none of them has the item #9. Bad luck, I think. Anyone has a spare wants to exchange just let me know. Anyway, it's just a piece of sea surface with a small part of the Deep Dea Drilling Vessel with a crane to lift the Shinkai 2000 (which is included in another box) from the Sea.

One 1/144 item I like is the UH-60J of JASDF. It's similar to the one in F-Toys Heliborne 3 but the one from F-Toys is for JMSDF. The color is different and the details are different too. More pictures can be found here. I'm not a big fan of planes or choppers but I like these very much.

The LCAC is another item I like. They are in 1/700 but they can be put into the Transport Ship LST-4001 Shimokita. With the price of yen3000 for the ship with interior details, I think it's a bargain (think about you may spend $20+ for a special version of 1/144 armor or plane). I'm also thinking to paint these LCACs in green and bought a couple M1A1 to put them in as used by US Marines.

You may wonder why I haven't mentioned the talking point of these series - the little diorama as shown on top. Because I think it's an interesting point which worths its own page so I leave it later, may be tomorrow. Stay tuned.

There are a couple news on the long waited Dragon Cando Stugs, or some interesting items from Pro-hobby and Metal Troops. BD99 has covered them in his page so I'm not going to repeat here. Check them out if you're interested.

Plamo Radiocon Show 2006

2006-10-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

There is nothing so far from the show on the 1/144 armor area. The only thing I'm interested is the 1/144 Gun Tank in Gundam Igloo (above) and some other Gundam kits. There are a lot 1/35 or above new kits though. Too bad, I think they are too big to fit in my home. Anyway, check Runchickens or Hobby Shop Midori for more pictures. If you also like Armor Core, I think those 1/72 Armor Core figures are very cool.

Mercedes-Benz G4

2006-10-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Above is the Mercedes-Benz G4 from "Yokosuka Military Model Arsenal". I pretty like what they produced so far, like this Horch Flak 30. I think this Mercedes G4 is an interesting object. May be Pro-Hobby will release it too. Stay tuned.

Lauda Model Factory

2006-10-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I'm back from my full-time job. Not much news but certainly this guy's work cheer me up. If you like the Bf-109 in my last post, I found he has a site with all his works. This is the link to his 1/144 planes. Bookmark it as I think they are wonderful works. The Comet below is still for sale in Yahoo. It's not what I can afford but if you have $1000 spare money, check it out. Again, I have no connection with this seller. I'm just a fan of his works. If you look at the hand-made machine-gun in metal at the bottom, you may also wonder how he did it.

What a piece of work!

2006-10-02T20:04:00.000-07:00

Below is a 1/144 BF109 in Yahoo Auction! in Japan. By the time I write this, it's selling at around yen60,000. Amazing. If I have that kind of skill, may be I can earn my living from it. Here is the link. I have no connection with the seller.

Cafereo F4 Special Thunderbird and Blue Angel

2006-09-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

If you are a F4 lover like me. You shouldn't miss these F4 Specials from Cafereo. 700Yen each. Target Release Date: Late October.

Japan Sinks! Operation D-1

2006-09-28T20:56:00.000-07:00

I have been busy uploading some of my new collections to my homepage. I'm going to post them here in the next couple days. The first one is the hot topic, the Japan Sinks D-1. Quality-wise, I think this is below par from Takara. Those two CH-47 have some fitting problem (as least the set I received), I need to drill some holes bigger in order to attached some small parts. On the other hand, a wing of the airship is missing as well as the left wheel cover also disappeared. Hopefully you guys are more lucky.

As a 1/144 collector, you should not miss these 2 trucks - a big Type 73 Truck and a small Type 73 SUV/Light Truck. Again, you can combine these 2 with another 3 trucks from D-2 to become a small diorama. Last but not least, the quality is the best in this series. For example, if you compare these to those German trucks from Metal Troops, these Japan Sinks are value for money. First, you can get 2 vehicles in one box. Second, the SUV has a clear windshield. And then, the windshield has wipers (painted). I think the guy who sculpted these together with the JGSDF from Konami is a genius. The painting of these trucks is also top quality.

I'm not a 1/700 collector but those 2 1/700 ships (on top) and the air ship (below) are also quite nice. The only disappointment are those choppers which I think I also have some CH-47 and Super Puma from F-Toysa and too many deep-sea submarines (3 including the secret item).

Overall, an interesting topic with some interesting items. My suggestion is to get one set if you can. If not, just pick the trucks or the 1/700 items if you are a 1/700 collector. More pictures can be found here.

F-Toys Twin Engine Series 2

2006-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here is another picture on F-Toys Twin Engine Airplanes 2. I think may be I'll just pick the Hs-219s. I want the BigBird 2 from Cafereo more.

CGD - Diorama Bases

2006-09-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

Quiet! Quiet! Quiet!

There was not much to talk about lately so I showed you something which I bought and was very impressed about the quality of these diorama bases from CGD. I bought directly from CGD and the price was quite reasonable. I think the pictures can tell you more than my poor writing. More pictures can be found here. Feel free to comment. As usual, tanks and figures are not included.

Panzer Korps - M109A6 and M1A2 SEP

2006-09-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of the Panzer Korp M109A6 and M1A2. I used the Gunze H27 as shown in instruction for the base paint. I don't quite like the glossy finish as you can see from the picture to the right. Although I have covered it with multi layers of matt coating, you can still find the tank is still a little glossy. More pictures can be found here and here.

The base is what I bought from CGD. I bought a couple and I quite like the finish. Will show more pictures later.

Cando Tiger I - US & Japan versions

2006-09-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

Normally there are not many differences between Japan and US versions. However, the Tiger I which Japan first released in Japan was using a different mold than the same tank released in the US later. As you can see from above, the side armor between these 2 versions are visible. The Japan version is more like a straight line and the US version has different slopes for 4 side armors. Check the pictures and you will know what I mean. The paint scheme also has slight differences. Since the special Tiger I of the Japan version is rare and very expensive now and the cost of US version should be pretty much in line with other Cando specials (a lot lower than the Japan version). Please be careful not to buy the wrong tank with the wrong price.

Tomica - Light Armor Mobility Vehicle - Not 1/144

2006-09-08T00:51:00.000-07:00

Sorry. This is not 1/144 but a new release from Tomica. Even it's not 1/144 I found it's a nice one and the price Yen 360 is very reasonable too. If you're also interested in these Tomica cars. Click this link. Release date: Oct 21.

Michael Wittmann Collection

2006-09-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have thought about creating this new subject on special projects or collections for a while. Since there are not that too much news on 1/144 and I want to make some new changes to this blog, I think now is a good time to start. As the first topic, what can be a better selection than this most popular panzer ace in WWII - Michael Wittmann.

As you can see below, there are many options so do you have them all. Here is the line-up:

Tiger I (S04) - Dragon Cando Tiger I Series Special - with 88 hit marks on the barrel. This 1st release in Japan is hard to find now. One may show up in ebay from time to time but the price may well over $100 (I saw a Japan version was sold at $300 in Japan). Please note this price should apply to Japan version only (which were sold out long time ago). The same tank of US version has slight differences (which I will put it in another document another day) and you can still find them from many on-line shops. I think the price should be $25-$50 (a whole carton is $200 with 48 tanks so if the price is too high, just buy a whole carton and then sell off the others.)

Tiger I (S04) - World Tank Musuem Series 05 Special.

Tiger I (1331) - Special Edition of Dragon Cando Tiger I. As shown in Kursk. This was sold in a model exhibition only.

Tiger I (1331) - World Tank Museum Series 07. This is a regular tank so the price should be just a few dollars.

Tiger I (007) - World Tank Museum Series 01 Special - This is the last Tiger I Michael Wittmann used before it was blow up by a Firefly in France. This is a special and it's the 1st release from Takara so it's hard to find now.

There is no Stug III A which Wittmann used in his early stage. May be I need to make one myself.

More info and picture can be found in my web. There are a few more from Metal Troops but the original price was quite high and the production quantity was not that many so I may add them later but not today. Otherwise, if I miss anything, just let me know.

Twin Engine Collection 2

2006-09-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I'm back. I didn't go anywhere but again, I just had a busy week. Anyway, hope everything should be back to normal now. First, above is a picture of WF2006 which I missed. It's about the Twin Engine Collection 2 from F-Toys. It's going to be released soon. Nice Hs-129. It seems this time the focus is Night Fighters. What are the other 2 planes?

I also spent some time to finish a few items on my work bench. Will share with you later.

F-Toys Heliborne Collection 3

2006-08-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

F-Toys has updated the Heliborne Collection 3 here.

More pictures on WF2006

2006-08-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

The following has more pictures on WF2006 and it's not fully updated so please bookmark it and check again later. So far, only new products from Kaiyodo are updated. (Sorry, no WTM news, only figures or robots). Here is the link:

http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~syokugan-honpo/page353.html

Another link on WF2006 - Planes

2006-08-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Click the picture to access.

More news on WF2006 Summer

2006-08-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple links with 1/144 pictures. Not much news but confirmed 3 planes will be included in the next Bigbird series.

http://f22.aaa.livedoor.jp/~raccoon - this link has a few pictures on upcoming F-Toys Heliborne 3, Takara Japan Sinks Series as well as the new Big Bird Series.

Here is a picture of Bigbird. I like the He-111 very much so it's a must buy item for me. Here is the next modern planes from F-Toys.

Gundam in WF2006 Summer

2006-08-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

So far, I can see quite a few sites have pictures regarding Wonder Festival 2006 but most of them are Gundam or figures. May be because the main purpose of the event by Kaiyodo is to promote figures rather than military. Hopefully more pictures can be found in the next few days. Here are some links.

GFF Report
Pam's homepage
Gunpla-custom Ver Blog

10,000 hits!

2006-08-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Since 10,000 hits will happen probably these 2 days, I have been thinking for a while what I should change after writing this blog for 9 months. I have some new ideas which I will probably add to this blog in the near future. Again, thanks for your support in the last 9 months and please feel free to let me know how you feel or what I should change to keep this blog going (especially the 1/144 world in Japan has cooled down a bit).

New WTM distributor in the U.S.

2006-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

BD99's blog has the picture below regarding WTM 07 being distributed in the U.S. by ACD Distribution under the name "AFV collector Series". So far, I'm not too excited by it as the price $4.95 is more expensive than I buy from Japan plus shipment by EMS. Unless, they sell the WTM01 again so that I can pick up more 88. (Just 88, nothing more as the quality of others are not upto today's standard.) The good points are may be with New Millenium and now ACD get sold or distributed in the U.S., more people here know about this 1/144 world. Second, if you just want some Allied tanks, you have a chance to pick up specific items as they will be sold in open boxes. Also, more sales may encourage Takara or Dragon to keep on releasing new products.

DX'06 Europe

2006-08-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

This year, Dragon will have another Dragon Expo in Europe. This time the location is Kent, UK. If Dragon also releases the special in 1/72 Dragon Armor format, I think I will try to get one. Anyone lives in UK or Europe planned to go?

Pro-Hobby - September Releases

2006-08-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

Click here for Pro-hobby's September releases. Again, I like the Horch Flak 30 but the problem is I can't find any picture of the real thing. Normally, a Flak 38 was used so may be one with a Flak 30 was only found in the very early days during WWII.

Small diorama in Obake-blog

2006-08-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

The above diorama is from Obake-blog. If you know Chinese, you should check it out as there are some detailed tips on how to create a small diorama like this without buying expensive materials. But if you don't, even the pictures are worth reading.

More on Wonder Festival - Summer 2006

2006-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

It seems something wrong with my IE as I have some problems to upload any pictures. Deos anyone has the same problem lately? I use Netscape this time and everything is fine. Anyway, the above LVTs will be sold in the Summer Wonder Festival. More news can be found in The 144th Regimental Combat Team.

Pro-hobby - JGSDF Material Transporter

2006-08-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

Bingo, I was right. The "Material Transporter" from Pro-hobby which I posted yesterday is from JGSDF. Click here for more pictures. I love "Google".

Another new item from Pro-hobby

2006-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

There is a new item posted in the Pro-hobby site. Here is the link. It seems the blogger site has some problems as I can't load any pictures. Will post them later.

Picture updated.

Sturmtiger! - Panzer Korp - 2

2006-08-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

First of all, have you found the answer of my quiz the other day. The answer is the same guy who is selling a Yujin tank for $20 or a New Millenium tank for $8 is the same person complaining the ebay price too high. I do sell on ebay myself but as long as no-one force you to buy anything, I think you can't complaint. I also remember he is the one bought a rare tank from me for $80 and then put it back on his ebay site the next day for $160.

Anyway, I posted more pictures of my Sturmtiger and this time I added a few figures from CGW which I bought couple months ago. Hope you like them.

A Quiz!

2006-08-03T21:53:00.000-07:00

Can you find the linkage between a message posted at 8/3/06 12:02 pm in this tread and these 2 auctions items, here and here?

No, this is no an ad trying to sell you something. May be just the opposite. I'll post the answer later.

Wonder Festival 2006 (Summer)

2006-08-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Finally, we have some news. The Wonder Festival which will be held on Aug 20 this summer, now we see some pictures of limited editions from F-Toys. Following this link for more details.

Japan Sinks! DX

2006-08-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

BD99, here is the "DX" you are looking for.

JWings 2

2006-08-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Yen 500 each. Release date: Oct, 2006.