What’s wrong with Hasegawa???

[Gainsbourg]

Today I’ve buy two new models and putty to repair and finish paint the B188.

When I got home I started to study the models and it was a great surprise when I realised that Hasegawa’s last model, the Lancia Status didn’t came with any metal part and the lovely high detailed seatbelts were replaced by decals, à lá Tamiya.

I’m really disappointed with this.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Cost cutting obviously.

Cheer up, I've seen Tamiya kits w/the decals used for the belts and they look pretty darned nice. Not as good as the separate items, but in scale they look fine. There are a number of aftermarket producers of belts, though that involves more ordering, more money...the story of our lives as picky modelers.

[daggerlee]

Hasegawa actually offers a separate photoetch set for that kit, shame they didn't actually include it. Gives modelers a choice, but not so convenient for people who don't live in Japan.

http://www.hlj.com/cgi-local/hljpage.cgi?HSGQG4

[turbos86]

Obviously Hasegawa will make more money when you have to buy the PE parts seperately.

[Veyron]

It's the same reason Fujimi makes the wheels too small in their kit's. They know we're suckers and we'll buy their wheel kit's to get the cool wheels!

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

They know we're suckers and we'll buy their wheel kit's to get the cool wheels!

BINGO!

The manufacturers are creating a "return to the trough" scenario. Wheel kits and belts and photoetch as consumable/expendable items. Shrewd. We're being played...big time!