Hi,
Out of the box initial assessment.
Upon opening the box:
Looks like Takom had a hand in the development IMHO.
Booklet with 14-step instructions and color plates.
I pulled out 6 cellophane bags containing 7 sprues with the parts logically laid out. Small PE fret. Decals w/ complete SS license plates, metal indicator poles and some 3d printed parts. Soft tires.
Decent attachment points, no sink marks and push outs that will not be seen when the kit is finished.
Full engine, correct steering linkage, full interior. Track is on its own sprue, so look to have fun there… All hatches are open.
Not a weekend build, also IMHO.
Light gray plastic.
So far, I like it.
See that was not so hard. Also you have now introduced the rest of us to a new model offering and perhaps even a new model company. Which is exactly what this site is all about!
Snowman Model is not a new modeling company. They have been around for at least 6 or 7 years. They have produced numerous ship kits and accessories ranging from 1:350 to 1:2000, and are responsible for designing numerous kits that Takom has released. Their name has appeared on numerous Takom boxes and many kits have been released under the Snowman name in some parts of the world, and Takom in other parts.
Snowman seemed to match well with Panzer Tracts for the dimensions checked in the parts of the thread I’ve read so far. Likewise, Border didn’t match PT nearly as well.
@Pak_40 Chris, thank you for sharing impression of the Snowman 251/d
On that site, there are a few people who seem to me to be hyper-critical about certain companies kits. Both kits seems to me to have their high and low points.
Hi,
The only low point to me is the soft plastic tires, but I have 3d printed one from the Lanmo kit 35018 to replace them. I may also use engine parts from the Lanmo 35017 3d printed kit as well. Fantastic details on both.
Catching up on thread with morning coffee today. Have to agree on replacing the rubber tires. Wise choice, eliminating risk of Dragon style split tires or melted goo globs for the future.
As retired “Panzer Police”, I enjoy reading a good accounting of fasteners on occasion but don’t take it too seriously unless it’s a favored vehicle.
I think some enjoy giving Border the time after the owner proclaimed he’d eat 1.5 kg of $#!+ if his company’s Pz IV G wasn’t the best and Border followed it with a series of missteps afterwards. Impression based on comments gleaned from ML.
BTW, several friendly good natured modelers take the RC phrase as a pejorative now days.
My preferred phrase is Experten Aficionado of Infinitesimally Insignificant Fiddle Bits. It has a nice rig to it if quickly said ten times. (Joking)
Border has gained a terrible reputation because they greatly deserve it. Not one of their kits so far, including the new 251, is a winner. Border does not do research. In the great Chinese tradition, Border copies other manufacturers kits for their molds. They produce inaccurate kits with repeated mistakes and sell to the unaware.
“They produce inaccurate kits with repeated mistakes and sell to the unaware.”
“They copy Tamiya and Dragon, at least…”
So Tamiya, and Dragon, are also inaccurate kits with repeated mistakes?
