Our very good friend Erwin Sell wants to hear feedback on his first production the JAGDPANZER L 70 V. What did you like about it? What did you not like about it. Any suggestions for improvements? Erwin wants to know before he starts his next project.
I ordered two of them, and thought they were quite neat —- good, sturdy, high-quality plastic. I’m sure I could take a hammer to them and smash them, but other than that, the thickness and indestructibility of them was very high, as was the detail and historical accuracy of the design. It was exactly what I expected of someone like Erwin with his emphasis on getting things right.
I did have one question: Are they intended to be “true 54mm”, or 54mm, or 60mm, or something else? I know a lot of other tanks are made to go with 54mm figures, but are actually smaller acale. These actually seem to accurately fit the Marx 54mm WWII figures.
In any event, as to future production, on the basis of this first effort, I would have complete confidence in Erwin’s judgment, and wouldn’t hesitate to order anything new he offers. And I don’t have any suggestions for him on doing anything different. I even liked the new original color of plastic he used.
Once I checked back on your new, updated website (which wasn’t up when I placed my order), I saw that the answer to my question had already been posted: 1/30 – 1/32 scale. Thanks.
Thank you Don, I’m very happy you like and appreciate word; still hope to get more feed back, bad and good as I like to heard both. Yes as original posted when I first mentioned about this line is the fact it will be done in the :1.30-;32 range between so it could work with both scale figures as new range from TSSD,CONTE,FORCES OF BALOR,PARAGO else are in the 1:30=60 mm and old line Marx ,Airfix,Matchbox,Esci,others in the 1:32. I know is not perfect but I think better in that way that 1:35 or less than most done before in plain plastic or kits. The variation done is of barely 3-8 mm all around over the exact 1:32 scale. It is done in a computer program once you give the match real historical data measure.
Most common main battle tank the Germans had in WWII was the Panzer IV. The Airfix version seems hard to find so maybe make one with both short and long barrels
Oh there’s more than enough German AFV’s out there,need some WW2 French,Italian,Japanese,British first and then more “Modern” day stuff.
Brian I agree on many Germans done out there. Other ww2 era countries as you mention will be take in consideration soon. Modern unfortunately are no a sale at all. Less than 20% of kit armor sold are modern versus ww2 most sale according to hobby stores and forum. Modern armor warfare is very limited compare to what happen to ww2 in battles. I won’t touch modern armor any time soon but may considered some post ww2 in the future if is possible. I general I was looking to hear more of what has been done so far on first piece.
Thank you Kent, yes indeed panzerIV series was the most used/build tank and chassis too for many other armors included this just done.
Airfix is only one done in plain plastic toy type is still on sale out there by CTS and other dealers; 21 century did it as well more expensive I know but still plenty to get from out there eBay/else from $30.00 -$50.00 .Forces of valor heavy model are there too. Base on that and limited business of this hobby,my main target as first mentioned are the never done armor in this scale. Still as the line progress the panzer IV in all models/types could be a good potential
And if I do it I won’t use same chassis as CTS did for both models as they were difference from early short cannon chassis to long type D,E,F,J and H-G
First, I don’t collect WW 2, so I have no idea about distinctive tanks either US or German. But I have had dozens and dozens of Marx, Aurburn and others pass through
my hands, so I have some opinion of the toy value.
Erwin, all I can say is that it in not visually appealing. There is lots of dead space with no detail on the plastic all over the body. I’m probably wrong about this, but in all the war movies I ever saw, the tanks always were loaded down with stuff. Not enough detail for me.
I picked up a couple of New Ray or Men at Arms ( wrong name I know) tanks that ran on batteries and were painted, at the flea market and they are way better looking that yours.
I think you either need to paint them or put decals on them to break up all that empty plastic space. Just my opinion, but as I said, I do not collect WW 2 so I would not be buying them anyway. Good luck in any case.
Reply
Ahhh……. Forces of Valor not men at arms. Sheeesh, couldn’t remember that.
Thank you Bill I appreciate your honest feedback, comments and words.
Erwin, I do wish you the best. Anyone who invests their time and money in the hobby deserves to be supported. Maybe come up with a set of decals that can fill in the empty spots or show a paint scheme that make the tank stand out more.
Are these supposed to be painted or played with as is?
How much does it cost?
Can you show a picture next to the Marx German tank for scale?
Again, good luck and much success.
Just out of interest Steve Weston has this model along side the Airfix & 21st Century panzer mk 4’s on his site
Yes.The pictures at Steve Weston were provided by me and posted at this forum back in December as well for scale consideration too.thanks
Bill, thank you for your words once again. I will answer not as a point of defense at all but to clear up the intention of my job as mentioned months ago when first posted about my line of new armor.
As I agree always in productive critics but also want to give my clear reason as what to expect and what not.
They are intended as (toy) military armor(historical accurate as possible) but more as toy (like Marx and later CTS did) with enough detail as possible and in true 1:32 scale or a bit larger to match those new 60mm scale ww2 production being done.
The decals is something easy to buy by most out of hobby stores, eBay or else and I don’t think will be reasoning/fair to add it , then increase a bit the price because of that as other dealers had done before ,because they are sold non painted and if you want to paint then after the decals will have to be removed off.
As far detail mold goes ,the track on this first model are the less detailed and I will increase detail in next model coming. I agree on that part .
As far the parts were you see are missing or look plain, that is the way this model look for the most part in ww2 real time war photos. You may Google or look at books else and will see it. Later 1944 German production abandon the zimmerit texture add on coat armor that give that look you see in some(Forces of valor else)and make look less plain in texture
Forces of valor- are very accurate replicas but expensive and hard to play as if you move then too much many pieces will fall off or broke if fall down from less than 2 feet high….(21 century)brand was same as more neat looking and less battle ready .When you look at those nice kits or before mentioned armor brands all painted you have to see then more from the replica type paint perspective than mine done with the play/cheap intention still with right scale and historical model look.
In movies and some documentary what you see are tanks either in non combat or rear areas . Most of those hanging helmets ,acc and cases/else on outside tanks/armor were gone by the time of battle and slanted armor plate prevent places were to put or hang any in the exterior of vehicles as well.
The plastic used in my armor will sustain more battle/else damage conversion than CTS plastic as it tolerate more heat with out melting(sample to make a shot hole on it with a heat tool ) will be done more realistic and work great if using correct tool please.
Marx did not do any ww2 German historical vehicle ,neither in 54 scale for most. All were very rare object that no even represent any close prototype done during ww2. Only US halftrack and very bad done was the closes they did.
So in overall the intended product is a unpainted armor vehicle as plain possible easy to manipulated and paint/convert as you wish on the 1:32 scale ,enough to drop it and no fall apart several times and roll in floor to play by youngers as well.
I hope this respond some of the question you had.
Still I have not seen any picking up in a minor error(no easy to spot) that I know was done BUT late to correct,I hope some one does. And it will be corrected on future new releases as well of course.
The twin exhaust pipes??
Brian.nope that is for later model last 287 batch of same model.. This model come to field with that in first 600 or so batches/chassis ,when twin exhaust come out some were replaced others not only last batch number produce come from factory with then. Look more PLEASE!!!.I know you will see it
I will give you a tip, is not the chassis..
Bill,sorry I forgot cost is $22.00 on sale at (selltoyco.com.) on( tank, armor/ vehicles) category section on top window of site
I don’t have a Marx vehicle as I sold out mine but I admin did post few pictures about it next to other brands armor in this forum for compare with figures too next to for scale .You can see some more pictures at the site too.thanks
Actually, if you will google “Jagdpanzer photos”, you will see several real life Jagdpanzers depicted with the same smooth armor sides above the hull, free of any accroutrements, looking pretty identical to Erwin’s new toy model. Some are painted with a multi-camoflauged coloring, and some have a painted German cross, but others don’t have even that, and look just like Erwin’s.
Since we’re also talking about Erwin’s “next project”, I propose consideration of a German Tiger (or King Tiger), since like the Jagdpanzer, it is also “late war”, to be followed by whatever the U.S. used “late in the war” (would that have been a Patton tank?). I always wanted a British Centurion, ever since I had my Dinky Toy metal version, but unfortunately I think the Centurian is “post-war”. What, if anything, were the Soviets using “late war”, that would have been different from what they were using “early war”. Was it simply the long-barreled T-34, rather than the short-barreled version?
In any event, since we’ve now got the late-war Jagdpanzer, I think it makes sense to continue the late-war theme, so we’ve got a group of historically compatible, scale-compatible, group of armored vehicles — sort of like a “Road to Berlin” theme, 1944 – 1945.
I’m sorry to keep this going, but a quick Wikepedia check informs me that the Patton Tank was indeed post-war. Our late-war main battle tank was the Pershing.
In any event, I still think that since you have started with the late-war Jagdpanzer, you should stick with the late-war theme for awhile before moving on to other periods. I think of the German Tiger, and the U.S. Pershing, as good “late-war” prospects.
And if it makes you feel any better, Erwin, Nick of TSSD mentioned to me once that with his toy soldiers, hobbyists were always pelting him with a jillion suggestions for what his next line should be. He listened to all the suggestions, but usually ended up doing what he was inclined to do in the first place.
And permit me one final comment, while I’m up on my high horse: Like Bill Nevins, my main historical interest isn’t WWII. But I still have some interest in it, and have been gratified by the CTS line of WWII tanks they’ve released over the years. I acquired all of them, and appreciated all of them. When Barzso released his Stanlingrad playset in conjunction with TSSD a few years back, the CTS Panzers and Panthers, along with the Russian T34s, made for great additions. The CTS versions were like Erwin’s: sturdy, well-designed, historically correct toy soldier-type toys, which didn’t cost an arm or a leg. And I have to mention this again — I really like the color of Erwin’s Jagdpanzers. The color is new to the toy soldier tank world, since it’s not grey or OD green. But it’s nevertheless realistic for a WWII armored vehicle, and adds a little pizazz to WWII toy soldier battle scenes.
Tank looks good to me. I will buy soon. Erwin, please do an allied tank or Japanese next. Too much German stuff out there now. As far as post war, would you consider the Korean War? I’d like to see the Centurian, this could go with a Pershing and T-34/76.
Also if in the future if Vietnam figures are done, a Fast Boat or Huey?
As noted, I have no interest in WW 2, so I can only comment on the appeal of the toy.
I’ll take eveyone’s word that the tanks had plenty of bare spots. I’m sure it is historically correct.
But this is a toy. Any toys need to have a “wow” factor to attract the buyers attention.
As an unbiased consumer, I’m just stating what I see here, which is an bland, one color
toy that has no attention grabbers. There’s nothing that screams “Buy Me”.
Unfortunately, you need bells and whistles to appeal to the non hard core buyer.
I could be confused about what market you are attempting to cultivate. Are you going after kids, who will play with this as a toy. Or are you leaning toward adult purchasers who will use the tank more like a model, for use in dioramas? I mentioned that I bought 2 tanks (for resale) at a flea market and that they were painted, ran on batteries and generally looked way more appealing than yours. I have no idea of the retail price for them (I paid 5 bucks for both) but I know that they have much more sex appeal than the simple gray tank that you offer.
I also think that it’s a very limited market and a difficult one at that.
Of course, this is all just my opinion and it could be absolutely wrong. But except for Don’s, I don’t see too many other opinions.
Paul has been in the toy businees for a long, long time. What’s his view?
Thanks again Bill as intended and mentioned before, they are toy for the adult toy world of this hobby as those thousand and sold by CTS(classic toy soldiers)”hope you know what I’m talking about” as maybe you had not see then before; with the same appeal(no sexy)as mine because unfortunately they are tank/armors ; just bigger-better in scale/historical need for those looking in the same way as many had ask before in same forum, When first posted I did have same pictures and many did comment no only one or two about they like of it.I can clear understand your point from your view as any who does not like armor or ww2 .As I’m myself not interested in modern era conflict or others and will not get impress unless very realistic looking. But that because is something that is not what I like and won’t buy not because of the purpose was to be in the particular item as explained.
What you bought for that price were the (new ray model-more replica line than toy) in 1:35 scale or less done in the late 90 and early 2000 , you pay for very low as a bargain as most are in sale from $12-20 each least in no mint condition by few dealers who had then or eBay seller as .
These are to match unpainted figures and armor to go along with in this hobby as most US collectors use not painted figures .(Same way western wagons and cannons are done by many factory of this hobby with out paint or decal in solid colors Unpainted also for those want to add camo diversity ,and could do some add or conversion at will . I notice the decal factor in CTS when they add it and increase price because of few decals/paint on same armor produced .Yep it attract few not the most but same time most CTS armor sold were going for the $2.00-$3.00 less each vehicle not painted or with out decal add on the same company range product not the add on decal variants. Why!?; because as you same mentioned is a limited budget market where half or more of the collector could not afford to spend the ever increasing cost of living and new items coming with higher prices. I’m part of two armor forum and in both notice an 80% more in favor of not painted option no decals on buyers of the CTS (Classic toy soldiers)series armor way before deciding to go for mine.
Because this hobby is a difficult market and after see what happen to (21 century) line armor company and soon( forces of valor);of which the first went down in market as not enough sales and huge losses and now become collectible value items. I decided to produce more cheap image vehicles than then.Otherwise my price will had been 2-3 times more close to (Forces of valor) in order to get a more pained texture and decals in this case mine are done in non grey color as CTS did for Germans armor to match Marx old tradition and erroneous concept of Germans vehicles that never were grey color after 1943 unless old model not updated in the field. Mine will be in different colors matching base paint used and given by the factory/countries in the war time, sample this done in (RAL 6002-6004 BASE COLOR to be painted over as you like/wish. Or some times called DF German field color, others may carry light brown, tan, green else.
I already had receive before from December base on same picture many good great feedback from others forum around and this . BUT My main idea on this now is to get feed back of those who already had bought it base on what they have got and see/feel in hand as received and purchase as I had sold a good quantity already not counting my wholesale distribution to dealers. I also take consideration their ideas and comments in the same line of what they want. Base on that I will do my evaluation of already decided type of line that I know has the customers and demand but in slow way, still critics base on what the product receive as consumer is my may concern on this to perfect more the future release products.
To make every body happy is my goal, will never be accomplished 100% but I will do my best to stand and fight and give you all my best.!!
Well, best of luck, Erwin.
I can get a Tamiya 1/35 German JAGDPANZER IV L/70 LANG 35088 NIB from Japan delivered for $26.49. But I have to build it. After I build it I might drop it, and have to build it again! So, I think for the WWII players this is perfect for late war scenarios.
Okay, finally broke down and bought two copies of your Jagdpanzer thru your Ebay site. Amazed at how fast they got here and quite impressed with the models themselves. No, they are not FOV but I think with proper paint jobs and posing one could mix them quite well at a bargain price. I think you have achieved your aim and then some! Great job!
Thank you Wayne, Glad you like them and happy with what is been done so far.Hope better on future release. Best regards
Erwin, one of the things that has me hyped on this project is that I know this is your first attempt and that your efforts will only improve with time and each subsequent attempt; the best is yet to come. Best wishes and encouragement on your efforts. You are doing what many of us have thusfar only been able to dream of, make the figures and models we love so much. Congrats!
Paul, what do you mean you might drop it? I’m quite sure of it.
Heheheh…
I received two of Erwin’s Jagdpanzer’s last month and I am really pleased with them. At first I thought they were a bit big, especially when set next to my BMC Tiger but until Irwin pointed it out, I’d never realised that that Tiger is only about 1/35. For it to be 1/32, let alone 1/30, it would be about 32cm long, which would make it a bit unweildy. Anyway, it seems Irwin has done his vehicle with the 1/30ish figures of TSSD, Conte etc in mind and they do look great alongside it. I think the sculpting is fine, with suitable detail regarding vents, tools and running gear. The commander’s hatch opens and the gun barrell is indented so it actually looks like a gun. I’d have liked it in grey but this green is the ok – plus it could easily be painted as somepne demonstrated above. I’d have preffered the make to have been the Ausf F, with the shorter barrell and muzzle brake but Irwin’s IV/70 is a distinct tank killer and it is unique in the hobby. But these points are minor, I am truly grateful Irwin’s done this.
As for his follow up, perhaps some parts of the chassis could be used for a Hummel. There is almost nothing for German field artillery around and I think a Hummel, in this 1/30 scale would be a winner. Again, the chassis could also be used for a Wirblewind, though the single 37mm Ostwind might be easier to make.
As for American vehicles, I think the Priest self propelled gun, would be welcome. Better still and hopefully extremely profitable, would be a US halftrack. No ones done a proper one. CTS and Newray are too small, even for Airfix figures. I’d imagine most plastic collectors would want several 1/30 halftracks to properly support their troops. The other thing is, if the design is done to incorporate the insertion of 75mm guns, mortars, a variety of AA (quad 50 etc) systems in the ‘back’, then the basic halftrack could be sold over and over again. In fact I’m almost inclined to offer money to help this option along. Anyway, there’s my thoughts.
My thanks to Erwin for having a go at this, I think it has worked out really well.
My thanks also to Paul for his long time efforts to promote the hobby on the web. I’ve been reading his thoughts for years but this is the first time I’ve posted here.
Your new Jagdpanzer is a nice model which I plan to paint and add decals as needed. I know that production of any model toy or figure can be expensive but I would have liked it better if the vehicle had a bottom hull plate and not hollow. I am trying to figure how to make a bottom for the vehicle. Overall though, its a good model and look forward to see your next version of this vehicle.
Robert.I’m glad you got it and like.
Production are very expensive in long run .Main idea of been hollow was, able to make in two mold pieces.
The hull is one mold block, the cannon with funnel receiver and hatch is second mold.
That along are two prices mold fees design and production.
The separated bottom part (only way to do the bottom) and then attach as Airfix are done. Will required a 3er mold that was planed with a top machine gun that would had move in the rail above depicted ,but not done.
If you realize and look well I did intentional the bottom original as even with extra piece in front to do a bottom floor. But then abandon idea.
The piece could be easy done by just doin a exact measures inside bottom in plastic from any piece sold at craft store.
In order to do another model such Hummel and Nashorn base in same enlarger PANZER IV chasis as already planned required a complete new extra mold-(prototypes already done). You can not simple convert an steel mold and reversed to make other thing. These are thick steel mold as I provide picture showing from factory before.
However many plans are ,production of next will take time as hobby is slow as ever. I’m very practical in investments and not rush at all .Unfortunately is a hobby ,not a real profit business. So I do it as I got the time and left over to continued with careful and not like give false hope or info unless product about to be released on hand.
When Airfix Sherman and Panzer-IV were recast,they had not been done since again as the production first done is still around trying to be sold.
Is sad but realistic.
Short production is an option but base in machinery as off now will required an increase=big per price piece ,so will end in same situation as those Russian Plubius and EB sets at sky mark prices. I do not want that as I do not think is right price these items as metal painted or vintage toys.
Wish restart soon to make all happy. Future not date production soon yet, will be base in one of 4 prototypes done(2 German,1 US/British, one soviet). Choice will be base in cost and time production as demand and desire is hard to determined at all.