It seemed like a good idea at the time...

It looks like the 1/72 Landkreuzer P. 1000 Ratte from Modelcollect has hit the shelves and started making its way into the hands of modelers across the world.

I'm conflicted about buying this model because on the one hand, it is just ridiculously massive, but on the other hand it is just ridiculously massive.

Video of moving suspension on Modelcollect Ratte.*

It seems to be priced between US$80 to US$140 from various retailers, and there is also a separate Weapon Set Pack running about US$60 that allows the addition of various wunderwaffe on the rear deck of this behemoth.

I've found one Korean unboxing review for the kit so far.

For the moment I'll postpone any buying decision until more reviews and build reports start to show up. I'm thinking that this model is just calling out for a motorization kit.




* For those of you who don't do the "Facebook" thing, you can find the moving suspension video (and others) at Toyland Hobby Modeling Magazine.

Modelcollect

Modelcollect is a new manufacturer of both pre-built and unassembled model kits from China. Their tanks come with a diecast metal lower hull, but all other parts are in plastic. Currently they produce various versions of the Russian T-90 MBT. Pictures of the built up kits look absolutely fantastic, and they run only half the price of an Ace Models T-90.

These kits have received some praise in the braille scale modeling community, so I decided to order some of their pre-built models to see for myself.

I ordered two T-90As (welded turret), and a TOS-1A. When I received the models, they looked pretty much as advertised, but then I noticed was that there were various small parts rattling around in the boxes. Not a good sign.

T-90A (72001)

T-90A (72004)

TOS-1A Rocket Launcher (72003)

There are a couple of reasons why these models came in such a poor state:

1. The plastic is very soft, and many of the parts look to be made close to scale, so parts and attachment points are very, very thin.


2. The packaging was poorly designed in that there was not really enough buffer space to accommodate the various parts of the model.

I realize that they are a new company and all, but 3 for 3 with multiple breaks is just unacceptable. Overall, these kits are definitely display models only. Many of the parts are just too fragile to hold up to any sort of handling (which includes being forced into its packaging).

絶望した！Modelcollect に絶望した！

The TOS-1A Heavy Flame Thrower System fires FAE munitions, and is also known as the Солнцепёк (Soltsepek), which some translate as "Sun Scorcher," and others as “Blazing Sun.” The multiple rocket launcher (if it was attached) can rotate, but the firing angle is in fixed position. Of all the models, I do think that this one might have the potential of being a wargaming model if built carefully enough.

The T-90As are actually really nice models. Unfortunately, all the parts that broke off all have small attachment points, so will require more than a bit of effort to reattach securely.

My advice is to stay away from the pre-built models until they improve their packaging. However, if you build static models, the unbuilt kits are definitely worth looking at.