Firstly, I think there's a very, very important point to make, in order to protect our main 1/6 scale model crack supplier
. Read the title very, very carefully. While the initial CAD drawings may, at first glance, show a superficial resemblance to a particular historical vehicle, we should avoid any reference to what that vehicle might possibly be (for Copyright and Intellectual Property reasons). We don't want someone else issuing Cease and Desist Notices, do we ?We can regard the late 1940's as the real start of the '4x4 car' movement, that is still with us today (whether you like them or not - personally I do, very, very much). 70 years ago they were pretty rough and ready, but formed a basis for development by a number of companies that have, quite literraly, changed the World.
How so ? For those of you interested in this model, I would suggest that you move away from the usual military sphere. Vehicles like this model definitely had military applications (starting in Korea 1950-53), but I would suggest that they have much more interest in their civilian guises, especially:
Emergency services. There's loads of conversion potential for fire engines, accident recovery vehicles, mountain rescue ..... the model car producers, like Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox, have been selling them like hot cakes for years.
Exploration and Expeditions. This is where I think the real potential lies. It's no exaggeration to say that vehicles like this opened up the previously inaccessible parts of our planet - Africa, South America, East Asia. They were able to push through previously impenetrable jungles, swamps, mountains, deserts and rivers - whether or not you think that's a Good Thing, it happened. And such vehicles, and their descendents, are still vital tools in such areas today - for farmers, resource explorers, humanitarian aid .....
So let your imagination roam - and start reading books ! There are loads out there, and the stories of those early adventurers are inspiring.
This could well be the first non-military model that Armortek has produced, so it deserves to be welcomed as a new departure for the company, hopefully attracting a new market base. If any company doesn't continually try to attract new customers it will die - simple as that. And we don't want that, do we ? It's by expanding the market that we'll get our 88mm guns and JagdPanthers that some people think is the only reason for Armortek's existence ....
I'm going to watch the development of this one with interest (as will my wife !
). The price point looks good for this day and age, although there's always the add-ons. I'll be interested to see how the 4x4 drive system develops, and where the motor, auxiliary packs and batteries are going to go. And I hope there are a range of options - hard tops (with or without windows), truck cabs, fabric tilts, or just an open back.And yes, if I eventually jump, I already have a plan ...... indeed two plans (#clue).
Give it a chance, people !
Chris
a journey down another track