| donlowry | 25 Oct 2009 2:04 p.m. PST |
I've only just run across this brand. I have a few questions about it: 1. Can someone link me to a good US source from whom I can order online? 2. How do their models compare in scale with other lines, especially Airfix, and Matchbox? 3. Any comments on quality, consistency, fragility, etc.? I want them for gaming, so can't be too delicate. Ease of assembly is a major plus. |
Troop of Shewe  | 25 Oct 2009 2:12 p.m. PST |
they can scrub ok, if i say so myself: link A lot of people are very happy for them for gaming, fairly robust no fiddly bits and cheap, other dont like them 'cos there too robust, no fiddly bits and cheap! |
| Griefbringer | 25 Oct 2009 2:26 p.m. PST |
2.) Armourfast models are 1/72 (and pretty accurately scaled). Airfix and Matchbox are nominally 1/76. |
| donlowry | 25 Oct 2009 3:23 p.m. PST |
Troop: Those certainly look nice enough, after you got thru with them! :) GB: Yeah, I was afraid of that. But 1:72 seems to be the new 1:76. (I see that Airfix even calls theirs 1:72 now.) I still need a state-side source, tho. |
| Griefbringer | 25 Oct 2009 3:28 p.m. PST |
A lot of Airfix is marketed as 1/72 these days, but that does not make it any bigger… US retailers? Try this for starters: link |
| Timbo W | 25 Oct 2009 5:10 p.m. PST |
Don't buy the Armourfast T34s if you want them to mix in with old Airfix and Matchbox etc, they're horribly overscale. I've heard that most other stuff is OK though but can't vouch for it personally. PS anybody want Armourfast T34s cheap… no .. oh OK then |
| Garand | 25 Oct 2009 6:08 p.m. PST |
The only one I bought was the M4. It's an ok kit for what its supposed to be (personally, I used the hull from mine to convert an Esci M4A1 to an M4), but I think they should have invested a bit more tooling on this kit than what they did. Missing are any headlights whatsoever, as well as the bow machine gun (with some cunning, could have only been 3 additional pieces to add a lot more detail). It seems that on some of their other models they got the idea (though they missed it again on the M4A3 76, to finally get it on the M4A3 75). So while simple to build, in a few instances they really sacrificed for the sake of simplicity. Damon. |
| Fall Rot | 25 Oct 2009 9:05 p.m. PST |
I like scalehobbyist.com as a source for models. They have a very wide selection and the prices are about the best I've found (especially for Airfix) … There's also a guy based out of Escondido (not that far from you I think) who sells a lot of plastic models on Ebay…he's always got alot of Armourfast stuff up there. I think you'd like Armourfast because they are really quick build.. -CH |
| Martin Rapier | 26 Oct 2009 2:25 a.m. PST |
As above, they are proper 1/72nd, so if mixing say, Aifix and Armorfast Shermans, the latter are going to look bigger. OTOH I mix Armorfast M10s with Airfix Shermans and they look OK. Usual suggestion really, don't mix identical vehicles from different manufactures within the same unit. The kits themselves go together really easily as the tracks/suspension are pre-moulded and they usually have very few major parts, although some are more fiddly than others (why oh why does the Stug have separate engine deck covers?), but they generally look pretty good when assembled. Biggest complaints are: a) very basic moulded tracks
b) some models are very plain, but nothing a bit of stowage doesn't fix (some of them come with spare wheels, jerrycans etc)
c) M10/Achilles turret interiors are very plain indeed and need filling up with gun breeches, crew etc (or a tarp over the top if it is raining). Having said all that, I've got a fair number and they are a useful supplement to my 20mm stuff. A compromise between some of the more fiddly kits, and cheapo resin like Frontline. They obviously don't compare to something like MMS, but then they cost 75% less…. |
| Tarleton | 26 Oct 2009 4:14 a.m. PST |
The T34s stink but I love the Shermans. The Stugs and Cromwells I have and like too. The PzIIIs maybe a little big but they're passable. |
| Pat Ripley | 26 Oct 2009 4:19 a.m. PST |
don't overlook that you get two per box. |
| fozman | 26 Oct 2009 3:56 p.m. PST |
Biggest benefits – tracks one piece and two in a box. For wargaming (when most of us are at least 2 – 3 feet away), they're ideal. Yes, there are simplifications, but at least you don't have the converse problem when you have a really detailed kit & then a bit breaks off so you have an unpainted bit!! The new t34/76 1943 edition is to the same standard as teh others & the reason why the Stug (and one of the Panzer 3s) has separate engine deck covers is they were there in "real life" & if they were included as part of the engine deck moulding I guess it would have been too much of a simplification I have lots & they're also a great way to encourage youngsters back into the hobby |
| Timbo W | 27 Oct 2009 12:53 p.m. PST |
Ah good to hear they've remade the T34, will have to have a look at it. |
| Crunchy Frog | 27 Oct 2009 7:12 p.m. PST |
Fozman wrote: "The new t34/76 1943 edition is to the same standard as teh others." Could you clarify: does that mean that they are the same standard as the other T-34s (horrible), or to the same standard as the other newer models (much better)? Everything hinges on what "others" you are referring to. If I may throw in my .02, I agree wholly with Tarleton. I have their T-34s, and they are monstrously overscale, parts fit very badly together, and the plastic is brittle. They are almost as big as Tigers! Also, the tabs on the tracks that supposedly fit into the hull don't line up at all, so I had to do major surgery to get these things to even glue together: so much for quick build! The Pz IIIs are fine, as T stated: they are simple, look good, and are robust and easy to build. If you want decent T-34s, get the Pegasus T--34/85 for late war: cheap, easy to build, lots of detail, and good-looking, robust finished product. |
| Master Caster | 28 Oct 2009 7:27 a.m. PST |
Don:
Armourfast kits are put out by Hat Industries in Europe. They are plastic, and very simple kits to put together. You get two in each box for about $14-17 retail. Scale is 1/72 but I don't have any of the T34s mentioned already so I can't comment on their scale if they are large. You can use them as is, or add dunnage, figures/drivers, packs and things to your hearts content. They do not come with decals – none that I got anyway. Tracks are very simplified but still better than any resin kit I've seen because of the air holes in the intricate resin tracks…a bugga-boo with me personally.
There are some new kits out which you can't get in the states right now at any retailer that I could find. #99022 T34-76, #99023 StugH 42, #99024 Panther G and #99025 US M36 Jackson. I ordered the M36 Jackson kit off of Ebay from Drum & Flag in UK. Cost me about $17 USD USD and it came in about a week. Good service. I'm going to make one of them into a straight M36 and then save the second 90mm turret to put on an M4A3 hull and make an M36AB1. If I get another M36 Jackson kit I'll make an M36B2 (covered top) with one turret and try to put the second one on an M18 Hellcat if I can find a hull in 1/72. The army experimented with some of these at the end of WW2 but the war ended before fielding any. It was said to fire and kick the entire hellcat hull back 2 feet. (Don't set the brakes!) Maybe for one of those 'what if' scenarios extending the war???
For a USA retailer, try AAA Hobbies in Magnolia NJ at (856) 435-1188. They are co-located with Stevens Hobby Distributor and may be able to ship you anything Stevens has in the warehouse. And Stevens carries Armourfast. You'll have to call them, however, and ask for availability, shipping, etc. |
| Master Caster | 28 Oct 2009 7:30 a.m. PST |
Post Script -
I highly recommend the Squadron-Signal US Tank Destroyers in action (Armor #36) book to anyone using the Armourfast M10 or M36 kits. |
Marc33594  | 28 Oct 2009 9:44 a.m. PST |
MC; While not bad a much better book if you are looking for detail is the Squadron/Signal Publications Armor Walk Around Number 3 "Walk Around US Tank Destroyers" #5703. Another excellent resource is Concord Publications Armor at War Series #7005 "U.S. Tank Destroyers in Combat 1941-1945" by Steven Zaloga. |
| donlowry | 29 Oct 2009 5:49 p.m. PST |
Thanks, all. I'll add some to my "as soon as I get some money" list. |
| iceolate | 29 Oct 2009 7:11 p.m. PST |
The new T34/76 mod 43 is great, and as someone mentioned if you need to T34/85, pegasus do a great version. Lets hope armourfast do the hanomag and a PzIVH too sometime! |
| archstanton73 | 29 Oct 2009 8:30 p.m. PST |
Actually I have measured the T34 against scale and it is a wee bit short--So still too small for 1/72nd NOT MASSIVELY OVERSCALE!!! |
| BlackWidowPilot | 08 Nov 2009 11:48 p.m. PST |
Armourfast makes nice, affordable kits for the wargame table. I have built their T34/76 and T-34/85; simple, good price, and yes, there were some issues with the fit of the hull and chassis on the T-34/76, but nothing a little Das putty didn't cure… I have built their Jagdpanther, the Pzkpfw III, the aforementioned T-34 variants, the Stug III, and both variants of the Char Legere Renault FT-17. They are excellent value for the money, and a heckuvalot easier to deal with than a full-blown plastic or resin kit! The Pegasus KV-1C is a DREAM to build and paint, and they have released a BA-6 I am dying to get my claws on! I have also built the Panzer III from Italarei's Alto Zero Fast Assembly line, and it is a very handy kit indeed! All recommended! Now if Armourfast would just release a decent SOMUA S35…
Leland R. Erickson
Metal Express
metal-express.net
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