Aoshima Countach LP 400

[BVC500]

I can't imagine an HS250 selling better than BMW M cars!

[360spider]

Originally Posted by BVC500

I can't imagine an HS250 selling better than BMW M cars!

To be honest, I don't even know what a HS250 is, and won't even bother to google it.

[jano11]

Originally Posted by BVC500

I can't imagine an HS250 selling better than BMW M cars!

Depends, on the Japanese market they might not sell as many BMW's.

[Khier]

I hate to repeat myself but I still a company can afford development of a new kit, it should be a totally new subject rather than endless perfection of an already existing one. There are hunderds of American and European classics begging for a kit. I still cannot imagine there has never been a single 280 SL kit over half a century of model kits. Where is the BMW 6? or, by the way, the iconic Veyron?? If we move to the French or the Italian cars (except Ferrari), the list is going to be really long. And why is ot there any US car coming out of Japan? Trumpeter has proven huge success can be acheived even by the most terrible kits if the subject is cleverly chosen: the 1960 Pontiac Bonneville.

I am forced to chase the awful Doyosha Nostalgic Heros because they are (actually were) the only kits of these subject. I am dying to have a 69-72 Corona (MK I ?), and a decent MK II. I would love to have the car I grew up with, 1974 Blue bird. I cannot beleive the Japanese market demands only Skylines and therefore the Japanese kit must produce the 147th Skyline variant. And whenever finished, they will re-edit the first version they started with.

[Khier]

Originally Posted by Khier

... but I still a company can afford development of a n.....

I still think if a company .....

[BVC500]

True, there are many great cars that haven't been produced. I'd build a 280SL in a heartbeat. My dad had a red 250SL for 35 years.

But, let's been thankful that it was a bumper year for model cars despite the economy. SLS, DBS, ZR-1, Fiat 500, SL63, California, etc. It could have been worse!

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Originally Posted by Khier

Trumpeter has proven huge success can be acheived even by the most terrible kits if the subject is cleverly chosen: the 1960 Pontiac Bonneville.

I don't think Trumpeter did particularly well with those Bonnevilles. They sat on storeshelves forever, in shops even with frequent 50% off sales, they sat. I saw a couple on clearance for under $10 at some point. Wrong subject, poor attention to detail, shape/detail problems, especially with the roof on the HT and interior of the CV, and too much $$ for such flawed subject matter.

Honestly, if Trumpeter stopped bothering with cars, I wouldn't be bothered. The only one I have that is decent is their '63 Nova, purchased for half price...it looks decent, but they have their issues as well. I wish them well for their upcoming Falcons. Yeah...they're sinking to new lows with those. I can't fathom much of a market for overpriced, underdeveloped, riddled-with-flaws models of some of the most boring cars made in the '60's. Thinking about it...they could have done a '61 Ventura instead of the Bonneville, would have been 10X better subject, a '63 Falcon Futura HT would be far more interesting than the '64, a Cutlass 442 instead of the awful Monte Carlo, I could go on and on...they are quite a disappointing company.

But...I tend to agree with you about choosing something new and fresh. Model companies need bigger balls than just riding on previous coattails of "success".

[73superduty]

Where's my McLaren F1?
Chris

[CrateCruncher]

I have a Fujimi LP400 kit. It's all I need or want.

What I want is a:
Bugatti Type 35
Auburn Speedster
Alfa 8c2900
Jaguar D-Type
Jaguar E-Type
Maserati Birdcage
Ferrari 250 Zagato
Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
'63 Corvette Coupe
and many, many others....

[AmazonSprite]

Originally Posted by CrateCruncher

I have a Fujimi LP400 kit. It's all I need or want.

What I want is a:
Bugatti Type 35
Jaguar D-Type
Jaguar E-Type

Those three have all been done, in one form or another. Monogram did the T35, and Heller has done both roadster and fhc E-Type Series 1, with full engine detail. There is also the Gunze Sangyo roadster, in curbside and Hi-Tech versions. Revell have done an XKSS, which is essentially a D-Type with a regular windscreen and bumpers.

[CrateCruncher]

OK, From my experience the Monogram builds into a surprisingly accurate T35 for a 45 year old kit, but Bugatti's are tiny cars anyway and that kit is 1/24th not 1/20th. Oh, did I mention it's a 45 year old model kit?

I don't know much about the Heller E-Type except it's very rare and Heller is out of business. The Gunze hi-tech E-type is a great model but a very difficult kit to build and quite rare too, as is it's curbside cousin.

The Revell XKSS kit is a typical Revell kit and needs a lot of modification and scratchwork to make into a passable D-type.

My point was simply that great LP400 kits are plentiful and there are a lot of important cars that are practically non-existent. There was only a $250 Testa Rossa kit until Hasegawa tooled an injected kit a few years ago. I understand it's a great kit that has sold well.

I'll also add to my list the 1974 Ducati 750SS "greenframe". It's the holy grail of vintage Ducati collectors. And yes AmazonSprite, I know Tamiya did a 900SS in 1/12 which is "essentially" a '74. I've mentally worked out the conversion. There are a LOT of unique parts that make that a difficult build (wheels, engine, tank, windscreen, decals, etc). Just so I don't confuse anyone again, my point in this paragraph is "Why hasn't Tamiya modified 14025 into a greenframe for us?"

[MidMazar]

I love how these threads turn into want they should make threads.

BTW Is there any good shots of the new lambo?

What i want is:

e46 m3
new lotus espirit
any newer euros, like audis,volvos,bmw,etc.

[petesy]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

I don't think Trumpeter did particularly well with those Bonnevilles. They sat on storeshelves forever, in shops even with frequent 50% off sales, they sat. I saw a couple on clearance for under $10 at some point. Wrong subject, poor attention to detail, shape/detail problems, especially with the roof on the HT and interior of the CV, and too much $$ for such flawed subject matter.

If you think the Trumpeter American car kits are selling badly in the US, you should see how they fare in this part of the world... even with a sticker price under $15 USD. And you have to wonder where had that money gone when they are priced at over $30 in the US.

Let's face it, the market for American car kits outside North America is close to zero. Tamiya tried that, and failed miserably.

Honestly, if Trumpeter stopped bothering with cars, I wouldn't be bothered. The only one I have that is decent is their '63 Nova, purchased for half price...it looks decent, but they have their issues as well. I wish them well for their upcoming Falcons. Yeah...they're sinking to new lows with those. I can't fathom much of a market for overpriced, underdeveloped, riddled-with-flaws models of some of the most boring cars made in the '60's. Thinking about it...they could have done a '61 Ventura instead of the Bonneville, would have been 10X better subject, a '63 Falcon Futura HT would be far more interesting than the '64, a Cutlass 442 instead of the awful Monte Carlo, I could go on and on...they are quite a disappointing company.

At least the 64 Falcon can be done as the Monte Carlo 2nd place car, hopefully it will broaden its appeal a bit.

Personally I think the Nova and the Bonneville are decent subject matter, and I am actually looking forward to the Falcon. It can't be worse than the old AMT kit everyone loves so much, can it?

[hirofkd]

Originally Posted by MidMazar

BTW Is there any good shots of the new lambo?

http://www.aoshima-bk.co.jp/kokuchi/lp400/index.htm
Click thumbnail for larger photos.

For those who are expecting for "functional" doors and headlights should take notice that they won't move (but the engine cover will). You either choose the open or close position (though it won't be hard to make a hinge).

[Khier]

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

.... with frequent 50% off sales, they sat. I saw a couple on clearance for under $10 at some point.

Tell me where can I get them for this price and I will but half a dozen. I would save the chassis, suspension and engine, correct the interior and throw away the body. I am dreaming of mating the Trumpeter parts to the MCW '59 and '60 Catalinas, and perhaps to the '61 Ventura.

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

Wrong subject,

The 1960 Bonneville is a wrong subject??? Sounds a bit strange. They goofed with the body, yes, but the subject was an excellent choice in my opinion. Other than the bloody expensive, broken, twisted promos there is almost nothing (well, terrible soft resin from R&R).

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

...some of the most boring cars made in the '60's. Thinking about it...they could have done a '61 Ventura instead of the ...

Partially agree.

Originally Posted by ZoomZoomMX-5

...they are quite a disappointing company....

and expensive