Shizuoka Hobby Show 2006

It's amazing as we can see the pictures of Shizuoka Show right after the opening day of the show. Here is the homepage. Please check out details of these pictures in the above web directly.

The first picture to the left is the Dragon Merkava series, which can be found in page 20. There are 4 different Merkavas and 3 M113 variants on display so one should be the special. May be I will get just 1 set because of the M113s.

Another picture showed here is the F-toys Heliborne Collection 3. I'm very impressive with these little choppers so I think these are "Must Buy" items.

On the same page, you can find the pictures of "War Birds" also from F-Toys. This series is going to be released very soon as the target date is end of May.

One more item I want to point out are those new tanks from Metal Troops. The Sd Kfz 232, the Churchill and the Crusader all look interesting. Although the high price-tag, I think I may still get one. There is also the 1/144 Dora on display on the same page. Looks nice but I don't think I will build it.

Since these pictures are produced by someone else, I don't want to take the credit of it so please check the original site directly. There are tens or hundreds of picture so take your time and enjoy them.

Cafereo Big Bird

I also bought this from Japan - the Big Bird Series from Cafereo. The first sight is very impressive as even the boxes are huge.

I'm not a big fan of Imperial Japan armors or planes so I just pick up one of the Type 1 Bomber as they are all the same and the only difference is the marking and the tail numbers. The special is also a Type 1 with a Ohka (Sakura) Kamikaze plane. I do pick up all B-24J Liberators.

On the models themselves, they are pretty huge. I still can't find a place to display them so I put them all in a box. The B-24J is very nice. The only problem is the plane not in balance (heavier at the tail) so you either add a weight to the head or as suggested by Cafereo to put a clear stand at the end to balance it.

The Type 1 looks ok too but it seems something is missing at the tail as you can see a big hole there. Another minor issue with these planes are most clear parts are loosely attached to the plane so you may want to glue them to the plane in order not to lose them while you're playing with them. I can also understand there are only 2 models with 3 different versions as Cafereo need to recover the tolling cost . But the Type 1 only have 1 paint scheme and the only difference is the marking is very disappointing. If there is a second series, I hope we can see more variants in the painting and not just the marking or numbers.

Click here for more pictures. I'm still editing other pictures of my trip. Stay tuned.

Japan Trip Report - 2 (Resin - Hummvee)

One main object of my visit to Akihabara was to get some resin kits which are not available on-line normally. Hummvee is one item I was looking for as you can't find any today in the pre-build category to accompany your M1 or M2/M3 in combat.

The first one is a Hummvee Ambulance (on top). I don't know what number this vehicle is but it seems to be an up-armor version.

The second one is a troop carrier with soft-top. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I think it's a M966 or M988. I prefer a hard-top version but only these 2 are available. More pictures can be found here. I think with some patience, they can be good additions to your US squad.


Here is also a piece of news on up-coming stuffs as Shizuoka Hobby Show will be taking place from May 18 - 21. Here is the original link. Nothing really new as the F-Toys War Bird and Heliborne Collection 3 has been talked about in the forum for a couple months.

Japan Trip Report - 1 (Akihabara - Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby)

Akihabara - Radio Hall

I didn't have much time shopping so I only went to the one suggested by many bloggers - the Radio Hall in Akihabara (Electric Street). If you get off the JR Akihabara Train Station, just take the Electric Street exit. You can see the above "Radio Hall" building right after you leave the Station Exit.

As you can see from the picture, there is the Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby Shop on the 4th floor. There is another chain hobby shop "Yellow Submarine" on the same floor. These 2 are highly recommended to visit if you do not have too much time. There is also a Kotobukiya shop in the same building which you can also take a look if you have more time.

Back to the best shop - Hobby Lobby. As you may aware, Kaiyodo is the company who designs WTM for Takara. I think normally you can get some first hand information there. In addition, you can buy some 1/144 resin kits which you normally don't see in other shops. More pictures will be shown later on this topic.

There are also many 1/144 diorama on display but since I wasn't sure whether it's allowed to take photos or not so I decided to take a couple quick shots when the shop keeper was handling my purchases. Again, very impressive.

The "Yellow Submarine" was also interesting as it sells 1/144 kits in open box (of course with mark-up). There are many shops in Japan sell gashapon toys in open box but this one is focused on 1/144 military kits.

I'm sorry as some pictures do not have the quality I expected but more pictures will be showed in the next couple days. Stay tuned.

I'm back.

Hi everbody

I'm back from Japan. I still feel like a zombie after the flight though. I did go to Akihabara and found the famous "Radio Hall". As El basser suggested, the Hobby Lobby and Yellow Submarine shops in there are great. Unfortunately, I could only squeeze 30 minutes so my visit was a brief one. But it was still a nice one too as I managed to buy a lot stuffs. Anyway, will load some pictures later.

Till then.

Yujin - Combat Vehicle Diecast

First of all, I would like to thank Mistuya san (el basser) helping me to get this set from Japan. I really appreciate his help on many occasions.

Ok. Back to business, this is the first Yujin military set in 1/144 scale. Interesting thing is the "Discast" theme. In fact, it's not 100% diecast. It's more like the 1/72 Dragon Armor where a major piece is made of diecast but all other parts are made of plastic. It's good or bad. Good is you get the feeling of a tank as it's much more heavy than a plastic tank. Bad is you almost can't do any modifications.

I pretty like the selections. Although I'm not interested in the Japanese tank but since there is only one in the series, I can handle.

The paint job is not as good as the latest releases from WTM or Dragon but the real things are better than the pictures as the pictures probably magnified the problems. If you look at the real thing on your hand, I think it's acceptable (especially it's only 300 yen then you can get something you normally need to buy a resin kit.) For example, if you look at the Mobelwagan picture above, you don't see any big problem but it you look closer,.... The Sd.Kfz. 234/1 looks ok but I prefer a Puma. Someone said the MG of the 234/1 is too big and I agree as the MG of the 234/1 is almost the same size of the 20mm cannon. Mobelwagan is the one I want but it seems the superstructure is too small that the flak cannot move. The Brummbar is ok as you may need to wait for a while to get the one from Dragon.

I would say, a good set for its selection of tanks. For 300yen each, a must buy for every 1/144 collector. More picture can be found here.

This probably is my last post before I come back from Japan. Will keep you posted if I find anything interesting. Cheers.

Panzer Korps - Challenger 2 & AS-90 - Part 1

Here are 2 more pictures of my work during the weekend. Both are Panzer Korp kits. I have just painted these 2 tanks out of the box. No weathering or wash has been done.

The Challenger 2 has some problems so if you want to make a perfect tank representing the one in OIF, you may need to make some corrections. Regarding the AS90, most pictures I found are long shots so there is no way to compare this kit with the real tank in action.

If you compare to the Metal Troops AS90, I think it's still a good option as the price is a lot cheaper and the kit itself is still a good kit. Will show you more when I complete the work.

Tokyo. I'm coming.

By the way, I may go to Japan next week. Any idea where should I hunt for 1/144 kits? Akihabara?

I have started building again!

If you visit my blog regularly, you may know I had not built anything in the last couple years (to be exact, after my son was born). Anyway, I digged out my paintbrush last week and I have started building something. The first one I built was a "Panzer Korp" SturmTiger. It's built out of the box. I have just finished the paint job so still need to do some weathering and wash. It took me a while as I spent last couple days on this and a few other Panzer Korp kits.

More pictures later. Comments are welcome.

Yujin 1/144 Gashapon tanks - Combat Vehicle Diecast

El Basser's blog has some pictures of this set from Yujin. Sadly, the paint job is awful. But the "Bid Birds" look nice although there is a problem some details do not line up.

Dragon Expo DX06 - Dragon Armor Exclusive

Dragon has just released that the Dragon Armor Exclusive in DX06 will be a King Tiger Henschel Turret of Mr. Alfred Kurzmaul, who is a guest of DX'07 next year (it's kind of weird as I think last year the VIP guest was actually there mark his autograph on the exclusive which I think it's pretty cool but how many people will keep the tank for next year's show). Unfortunately, there is no picture yet. Here is the link of Dragon's page.

Zimmerit

I was not disappeared and now I'm back from my work. Anyway, I mentioned the other day I saw a picture in Model Graphix showing a Tiger I, a King Tiger as well as a Panther with Zimmerit.

I don't know what it means as I don't quite understand what it said on the magazine but when looked at my small collections, I found actually the WTM07 special, Otto Carius Tiger I, has Zimmerit on it. I think Takara already has some molds with Zimmerit and I bet they will be included in the coming releases very soon. (The pictures shown here are the WTM07 special together with the WTM05 Tiger I.)

There are some news last couple days. If you haven't read them, here they are:

1. The mystery Yujin gashapon tanks. It's for sale in Japan but still no news where to buy them. It's a surprise that it does include some figures. So far, from the pictures, the quality looks good. Since they are die cast tanks, I think someone likes the weight but I don't quite like it as I orginal want to get a Mobelwagen and mod all the side armors opened. Now seems not possible.

2. The Dragon Panzer Korp #9. Dragon has udpated its web and here is the link. I like the Japgpanzer IV L/70 (A) because of the PE schurzen. Let me check if anyone sell them seperately (not a whole set).

More pictures on Preiser figures

Couple weeks ago, I posted some pictures of some "N" scale figures which I had bought for a while. I put them together with my 1/144 collections the other day trying to find out if they can fit in.

The first picture above is a tourist set with the Dragon Maus set in Museum setting. The second picture on the left is the same set but put together with the Konami JGSDF series. I think they can fit in with the tank and little diorama nicely.

Finally, I put together side by side the workers set from Preiser with the soldier from JGSDF series. Surprisingly, they are about the same size. In conclusion, these Preiser figures can be used together with the 1/144 kit without any noticeable differences.

The last picture also shows you the quality of these Preiser figures. I always made a comment that some 1/144 or N scale figures by other manufacturers are dwarf-like or hobbits such as they all have big head, big hands and big feet. However, as shown by Preiser, a right proportion figure in 1/144 is doable. I'm really looking forward to Preiser's first 1/144 military set.

Click here for more pictures.

Metal Troops Tiger I with Interior Details and some other news

I mentioned the other day in April version of Model Graphix, there is a Tiger I from WTM quoted "C3 Special" and it looked like something will be released in the C3 show. The pictures I show here are not the one. They are from Metal Troops. It's not new but I only bought it recently. You may have seen it before or you may already have one.

Details are reasonably well sculpted and re-produced for a mass produced kit (I know it's hand built resin kit but I think they still qualified as mass production). The problem of this kit I think is the proportion of the kit. I tried to put all pieces back together and I found the kit is too tall. Somehow not in proportion. More pictures can be found here.

What about May version of Model Graphix? It shows a Tiger I, a King Tiger and a Panther with Zimmerit. After seeing these, I won't hold my breath for WTM10. Probably some remake from prior series again with some interior details, zimmerit,...etc. To me, Zimmerit is not something high tech. Dragon has done that in their early series such as King Tiger (Porsche turrent) or JagdTiger so nothing new about it. I'm very disappointed if Takara thought it would get us excited.

One last piece is Dragon has updated the Cando page with the new Jagdpanzer series. Check it out.

El basser's Dora

If you like big guns, check out this Dora from El basser's web. He has updated with another movie with the Dora running on a N scale setting. Very impressive. I wish I have his creativity and skills. Here is the link.

Yujin tanks 8-(

Very frustrated. Still don't know where to order this series. Any idea?

1/144 ATVOTOMS

Hi BD99, I think you like Sci-fi stuffs too so this one is for you. Even if you don't like robots but the choppers, tanks, transporters are all very nice. It's not bad to try something different, isn't it? Click the title for the link.

Japan Sinks! Operation D-2

I made a mistake the other day. The LCAC actually is included in the second set called Operation D-2, the one we talked about the other day was D-1. This set is scheduled to release on 8/14 and the first set is scheduled on 7/24. The interesting thing about this set is most of the items are in 1/144 scale. Sadly the LCAC is 1/700. I want a 1/144.

Updated: 04/15/2006

Here is the line-up
1. 1/144 Deep Sea Research Submarine - Shinkai 2000 (Type A)
2. 1/144 Deep Sea Research Submarine - Shinkai 2000 (Type B)
3. 1/144 JASDF Rescue Helicopter UH-60J
4. 1/144 CH47-J (JASDF)
5. 1/700 LCAC Landing Craft
6. 1/700 Deep Sea Research Vessel Chikyu
7. 1/144 JGSDF Type 73 Truck (old) and Type 73 Jeep (old)
8. 1/144 Type 73 Ambulance
9. 1/144 Crane (???)
10. Secret item

More info of the original ships can be found here.

Metal Troops - Steyr 1500

Steyr 1500 are one of the work horses of German in WWII. As WTM has only produced a handful of softskins (and none from Dragon), this Steyr is very attractive to me. In addition, you get a German soldier with the kit (not very nice but better than nothing.)

The only problem with this kit is the windshield is solid and then painted in silver. I prefer Metal Troops put a cover on it and then turn it down on top of the hood or simply made a hold so we can put a clear plate on it. Anyway, a nice kit. Recommended.

More pictures can be found here in my web.

You probaby know WTM09 is selling in Japan now but my vendor has not notified me yet. Any news from you guys?

More news on "Japan Sinks"

I was wondering what is a Observation Flying Boat the other day and the answer is the "LCAC Landing Craft". In addition, there is one Amphibious Assault Ship in 1/700. Although I'm not a collector of ships, this one looks interesting.

F-Toys WWII War Bird Collection & Japan Sinks

Couple items today: First, F-Toys has updated its web with the new WarBird Series, here is the link. Second, I have updated the "Japan Sinks" page with the line-up below. You can also see more pictures and background regarding these deep sea research submarines or investigation ships here.

Japan Sinks! Operation D-1

There is a sci-fi movie in Japan this summer called "Japan Sinks" or "Submersion of Japan". You can find the promo here. TakaraTomy is going to release a TMW series for this movies. Most items we have seen before from F-Toys or Takara itself such as the CH-47, the Super Puma or the deep sea submarines in 1/144. The only items I'm interested in are those 2 Type 73 trucks (one is a Jeep and one is a truck). They are good addition to my JGSDF collections.

Updated: 04/15/2006

Here is the line-up

1. 1/144 Deep Sea Research Submarine - Shinkai 6500 (Type A)

2. 1/144 Deep Sea Research Submarine - Shinkai 6500 (Type B)

3. 1/144 Fire Rescue Helicopter AS-332 Super Puma

4. 1/144 CH47-J (JASDF)

5. 1/700 Obervation Flying Boat (???)

6. 1/700 Ocean Investigation Ship Natsushima and Shinkai 2000

7. 1/144 JGSDF Type 73 Truck and Type 73 SUV

8. 1/144 CH47-J (JGSDF)

9. 1/700 Tugboat Arasakimaru & Sea Surface Diorama

10. Secret item

Easy Model = Trumpeter !

Here is a web site which sells Easy Model 1/72 planes and it said "Easy Models are imported by MRC and manufactured by Wasan (Trumpeter)" so my assumption probably is right. May be Trumpeter has made up its mind that all prebuilt models besides US will be marketing under the brand as "Easy Model". I like the 1/72 line a lot more such as the As-90 which BD99 pointed out and I also like the IS-3 or Pershing. They are good addition to your Dragon Armor Collections.

Dragon Panzer Korps - Jagdpanzer IV/Hetzer

Dragon US has a picture of the new Panzer Korps (unbuilt kits) - what a surprise, it's the Jagdpanzer IV/Hetzer series. The only tank not included in the Cando version is the Jagdpanzer IV L/70 (A) at the bottom right hand corner. Hmmm... may be I'll just pick up this one. Here is the line-up:

14029 Hetzer Early Production + Jagdpanzer IV A-0

14030 Hetzer Late Production + Jagdpanzer IV L/48

14031 Pz.Aufkl.38(t) w/7.5cm Kwk + Jagdpanzer IV L/70

14032 Flammpanzer 38(t) + Jagdpanzer IV L/70(A)

Easy Model = Trumpeter ?

Hobbylink has a couple of 1/144 items from a company called "Easy Model". There is a LCM 3 (see above) which I think it's very similar to the one from Trumpeter. It's kind of comfusing if they are coming from the same mold. As you may know, these trumpeter kits are distributed in the U.S. under the name of Museum Collection of Pegasus. In Japan, I think some 1/144 tanks were released under the Trumpeter brand. And now, there is another name "Easy Model" which is going to release same tanks from Trumpeter molds. Another reason I suspect these are amde by Trumpeter molds is the other 2 offers from Easy Model are the 60cm Ziu and Odin which have also been released by Trumpeter both in kit and pre-built form.

I can understand for business reasons, manufacturers like Trumpeter need to find some good partners to distribute the products in different region. But I think it's too confusing if the same line of products are distributed under different names. If you're not careful, you may buy unwanted duplicated items. ( Another reason I create this blog to save you $$$ :-) )

Preiser "N" scale figures

When I was looking for something in my garage during the weekend, I found these 2 "N" scale figure sets from Preiser. I totally forgot I had bought these many years ago before I moved to the U.S. as they were hidden in one of those carton boxes. I think I will try to put them together with the Cando or WTM and see how it feels. The first set above is an industrial worker set which I think can be changed to soldiers (or workers in a tank factory :-) ) easily.

Fleischmann "N" Scale Locomotives

Last time I bought a 1/130 Furuta locomotive but it was too small. As a result, I bought this Fleischmann N scale train couple days ago in order to see the difference between this n scale and the 1/144 from Dragon Cando.

As seen in the picture, you can see it's a little bit smaller than 1/144 and yes, it's about 1/10 smaller than Dragon Cando. However, if you don't put them side by side, I think the difference may not be so noticeable. To me, I'm satisfied with the result. Next target, a "N" steam loco with a reasonable price as I don't want to pay for $200 just for a diorama. More pictures can be found here.

I'll keep looking. A class 01 passenger loco or a class 38 will be nice.

sdkfz7.free.fr

I just found a web site from a France model builder who is detailing a Sd Kfz. 251/22. Very nice. Take a look.

1/150 Japanese Temple

Hello all, I'm back from hell work so hopefully I can update regularly. The above is a 1/150 Japanese Temple made by wood. Yen 39900. I won't buy it but it looks pretty nice. Talk to you again tomorrow as I need to tocuh up some pictures which I took recently. Better updates next time.