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Post by Deano on Dec 9, 2014 8:59:21 GMT -5
Little Bird ? Im a little late lol but Im here now , excellent work so far Andy . I have 2 choppers in the stash , might start one in the new year  |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 9, 2014 11:23:11 GMT -5
Jimmy- Yikes, if the shop still has it, you BETTER grab it... like Todd said you can not get for less than $75 now. I bought mine at a garage sale by a local modeler for $50. Took me nearly a year to look for it... Mr T- Exactly... never understand Dragon's business plans especially with their helicopter kits. I find myself buying other makers kits now anyway... Deano- Its called Night Stalker for some reason... trying not to be caught.  LOL Glad you found me... what took you long? Wait a minute I started the kit two weeks ago I think. Thanks buddy! Worked on the Little Bird last night, I am happy to report that it is ready to be primed tonight I hope!!!
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Post by wbill76 on Dec 9, 2014 13:43:15 GMT -5
I suspect the reason you don't see these kits being re-released is down to 3 possible causes: 1) The molds weren't original Dragon molds but instead were licensed for a set period of time (much of Dragon's earlier kits were of this type) and/or were purchased and their production life was worn out in the process. These kits were originally produced and released in the late 90's/early 2000's after all and the fact that they haven't been re-popped since then could be due to the terms of the original contract license or similar, hard to say. 2) The technology used for those molds has become obsolete and Dragon doesn't see the ROI in retooling them to bring them up to a modern standard comparable to their current level of kits. Their 'core' product lines after all are aimed squarely at the 1/35 armor market and demand for 1/35 helicopters overall is relatively limited by comparison. 3) They are biding their time and watching the secondary markets like e-bay to see when the supply/demand mix might/might not reach the point where a new kit would be justified. Sort of tied in to the ROI point in #2. This could drive them to do an 'Orange Box' type release instead of a true new-tool depending...you never really know what goes into these types of decisions at times. So while it may seem like the time is ripe for Dragon to re-do this particular kit, the broader numbers just might not be there as even though the prices for existing kits can be high, that doesn't necessarily mean there's a deep enough demand overall to get the ROI needed to produce one.  |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 9, 2014 13:50:42 GMT -5
AHHHH! That makes sense... really appreciate you taking your time to list possible causes. I know there is a lot of guys who want to get this kit Little Bird... crazy, huh? I have to say that I am surprised that Special Ops are making those great aftermarket sets for Little Bird despite the fact how hard it is find them nowadays.
Let's hope Dragon folks are reading this right now... LOL Or even better their competitors...
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Post by JimD on Dec 9, 2014 13:54:08 GMT -5
Well...I'm guessing this isn't the kit at Hobby Lobby...I know they have 2-3 helis...I've never paid attention to them that closely, but I did think I had seem some little heli similar in design. Not likely this kit given its availability, but I'm certainly looking tonight haha.
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Post by Deano on Dec 9, 2014 15:16:04 GMT -5
Primed already! glad I didnt miss the paint fly! |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 9, 2014 15:41:04 GMT -5
Not yet... it will be done tonight if the wife lets me. LOL
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M1Carbine
Senior Member
November '23 Showcased Model Awarded
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Nov 16, 2012 2:49:11 GMT -5
Nov 16, 2012 2:49:11 GMT -5
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Post by M1Carbine on Dec 10, 2014 1:01:01 GMT -5
WoooooooHooooooo some color is in bound
Bob
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 10, 2014 9:35:46 GMT -5
Thanks bro!!! Posting an update in a minute...
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 10, 2014 9:38:28 GMT -5
My little bird and figure have been primed... of course in black! That will help me skip a step later on when I paint the bird. LOL  Love this guy... from evolution miniatures.  Will probably not do anything til tomorrow when primer is fully dry. Maybe I can start work on the base tonight... |
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Post by wbill76 on Dec 10, 2014 13:46:30 GMT -5
Always have to start somewhere and might as well be with primer! I have a feeling I know why the black is going to help you out but will wait to see how this all plays out.  |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 10, 2014 13:59:06 GMT -5
LOL! Yep, next coat will be heavily thinned black gray paint... no way black can stay "black" out there in Iraq or Afghanistan...
Thanks professor!
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Post by Leon on Dec 10, 2014 18:35:23 GMT -5
Looking really good in primer Andy! |
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Post by Deano on Dec 10, 2014 18:46:30 GMT -5
There is all the detail popping already! look forward to colour buddy!
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 10, 2014 21:08:22 GMT -5
Leon- Thanks my fav wizardo!!! Hope your PC will be working properly soon!
Deano- Thanks buddy... funny how black can make details pop this time? LOL
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venom1
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Oct 10, 2012 2:40:03 GMT -5
Oct 10, 2012 2:40:03 GMT -5
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Post by venom1 on Dec 11, 2014 0:09:24 GMT -5
Sam- LOLOLOLOL Oh man, I think my next helicopter has to be a Cobra!!! Damn it... I don't have it in the stash!!! Gonna keep eyes for it at upcoming shows. So AFV makes the best kits for Cobra in 1/35? Trust me you will enjoy the sets from Special Ops... be sure to visit their website as pictures are easier to look at than the instructions. I will be posting a big update right after this... Hey Andy, The only game in town for a 1/35 is the Academy/MRC kit. There are a couple of different boxings out there (such as the AFV kit) but under the cardboard lid it is all the same plastic. I picked one up at a pretty reasonable price on Evilbay a while back, even though they are OOP, they are a much more reasonable price than the Dragon Little Bird. Having said that, I don't know how much longer it will be that way, so I would pick one up sooner rather than later! I have had a good fondle through my Special Ops set and it looks exceptional! The casting is some of the best I have seen, and I love how everything is separated out into labelled bags. Makes it very easy to find the bits you need later on! Cheers, Sam  |
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Momcha
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Feb 16, 2012 9:53:39 GMT -5
Feb 16, 2012 9:53:39 GMT -5
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Post by Momcha on Dec 11, 2014 6:27:54 GMT -5
I think that every AFV modeller like to build models of helicopters too Very nice work so far, and those figures are really detailed. Can`t wait to see more updates. |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 11, 2014 12:04:20 GMT -5
Sam- AWESOME! Thanks for the info... I think I will get rid of that 1/48 kit of Apache I have. I am really a 1/35 boy! LOL Absolutely am with you how Special Ops sort all parts into bags. And instructions are far better than most I have seen so far. Of course you can get more help from their website too if you are not sure because sometimes the pictures are not clear so no worries just go to their website and zoom in the pictures. Bingo!
Thanks again for tagging along. Hoping to start painting the bird tonight...
Momcha- Thanks man... happy to have you tagging along!
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Tobi
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Post by Tobi on Dec 13, 2014 17:32:43 GMT -5
Wow, paint it black!
Looking good Andy.
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 14, 2014 17:25:47 GMT -5
Thanks Tobi... glad you liked it! Crazy weekend... friend's funeral yesterday and fighting a cold today. Hope I find the way back to the bench soon...
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Post by dupes on Dec 15, 2014 1:31:02 GMT -5
I hope so too...can't wait for more! |
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Tobi
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Post by Tobi on Dec 15, 2014 12:40:02 GMT -5
Sorry to read that Andy. Get well soon mate. I had the same problem two weeks ago. Even spent three days at home and still got a slight caugh.  Thursday starts my holiday, then I'll gonna hit the bench really hard! I have an Italeri M-109 in the making, the Puma needs my attention again and I received the brandnew Italeri IVECO Stralis Hi-Way tractor in 1:24. So much work, so little time. |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 16, 2014 0:06:48 GMT -5
Dupes- Big update coming up... had to call in sick today but I spent most of time at the bench while recovering.
Tobi- A lot of people have been sick around here... flu or cold. Man, you sounds like you are one busy man! Hope to see your work especially the Puma... always great builds!
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 16, 2014 0:24:23 GMT -5
Stayed home... great bench day! Did a lot of post-shading job using dark gray which was nearly two hours.  Then I toned it down with heavily thinned black paint.  Sprayed coat of Future so it is ready for next... decals! Once again Dragon has disappointed me... the kit didn't come with decals. I ordered this set from Werner's Wings...  $16 but it comes with plenty for future builds... maybe I should get me 1/35 Blackhawk again as I traded mine for an Alpine 1/16 resin figure. LOL  Between painting jobs, I started working on the base... it will be simple as typical helicopter base. Used Durham's putty.  One of benefits using that putty, you can sand it down. I used stiff brush to create concrete texture.  15 more days til Januuary 1st... I better get busy! LOL |
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Post by wbill76 on Dec 16, 2014 14:47:51 GMT -5
Clock's ticking Andy! Nice progress with the shading and concrete pad. |
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Post by deafpanzer on Dec 16, 2014 15:17:48 GMT -5
Thanks Professor!!! I think I will be OK... holidays coming up and I am taking a week off from work starting on Monday. Not going anywhere for the holidays this year so I am really looking forward to finish this. Not much to do... decals, detail painting and light weathering on the little bird. Little work on the base too. Its the Special Forces guy that will need a lot of my attention but you know how much I enjoy painting figures... LOL
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afvfan
Senior Member
Member since: December 2012
Bob
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Dec 10, 2012 17:32:38 GMT -5
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Post by afvfan on Dec 16, 2014 16:27:15 GMT -5
I keep checking back on this thread waiting for the feathers to be added. I mean it can't be a bird without feathers now, can it?  |
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Post by Leon on Dec 16, 2014 17:21:56 GMT -5
Nice work in the paint department and work on the base Andy. Next update please. |
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Post by Deano on Dec 16, 2014 18:14:09 GMT -5
Excellent progress Andy , even starting the base huh? nice one suddenly got the urge to watch Black Hawk Down ! |
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Post by JimD on Dec 16, 2014 19:08:40 GMT -5
Man that is a killer paint job. This one went together pretty quickly. I don't think you'll have a problem finishing off if you're off for a whole week. Can't wait to see the finished product. The base looks great too.
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