Originally Posted by
mondo
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I think they sell pretty well outside Japan but I assume it's the investment in doing it the Tamiya way i.e. quality parts and components and actually buying a license rather than going for 'artistic interpretation' or just ignoring legalities like HL. However, that said Tamiya released the JS2 a year ago, the Type 10 this month. I hope that in a years time they'll do another tank. I almost feel like it's my duty to buy one to encourage them.
Part of the problem with Tamiya's is stocking them. The more expensive kits are quite an investment to have sitting on a shelf for a few months.
They do sell well worldwide, but the Home market is their bread and butter. The ridiculous stat from a few years ago was something like half (or more) of all AA batteries in Japan are used in their mini 4WD.
Yeah, no general hobby shop in the US would gladly tie up $500 (wholesale) in that behemoth suitcase, taking up space and cash that would fit a dozen 1/35 kits,all on the hope of moving one eventually. And shipping it is a bear as well, not only the huge box, but the individual outer carton adds up fast. Most people who spend several hundred expect free shipping, at least I do.
The
JS-2 hit on both WW2 and the 'intimacy' Japan has with Russia. Type 10 is theirs so it's logical too. I would think they'd continue with modern to exploit new technology. I don't see them going small with a Pz I or II, unless they dropped a Hetzer, I'd love a good III, but doubt it. I also doubt any other Russian WW2, they've covered it all.