From: Think Tank Subject: Think Tank Vol. 0032 24/04/2000 Think.tank@tesco.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS' INDEX 1: Japanese Toy Manufacturers 2: Duxford vehicle show 2000 3: Beatties - Is there an end to this? 4: 251 applique armour 5: Greif Lenses & Accessories 6: Chains -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: nickbalmer [nickbalmer@ukonline.co.uk] Subject: Japanese Toy Manufacturers Further to the closing of Dragon and Fujimi, recently in the Daily Telegraph there was an article about the Bandai company in Japan being in serious trouble. Apparently Bandai is one of the largest toy manufacturers, and they are finding the reducing numbers of children, in Japan and elsewhere is reducing greatly the number of toys that can be sold. This squeeze is added to by the much larger number of alternatives - games, computer programmes etc, available to children and teenagers. I expect that there is likely to be a severe reduction in kits available etc, in the coming future. You will be alright Bob, I know that you have more than enough unmade ones for a life time! Regards Nick Balmer Enough? Can you ever have enough? Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: Duxford vehicle show 2000 Robert, Many thanks for the 'full SP' on the Duxford show, I would hope that a more static show should be possible at the very least, plus the parade round the airfield of course. While you mention the 'protective berm', I remember the early-days (that is pre-Land Warfare Hall), where the only thing protecting the crowd from an unfortunate 'people/tank interface' was a waist high temporary railing!. Cheers John Harris john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk UK Military Modelling http://www.ukmilmod.force9.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: Beatties - Is there an end to this? Many thanks to all that have contributed to the Beatties discussion, we will see what transpires, though if you check their web site (http://www.beatties.net) it would appear that this is perceived as 'the way forward'. Rather than waste space on this forum, a more immediate discussion is available on my web site, look under 'Have your say'. John Harris john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk UK Military Modelling http://www.ukmilmod.force9.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: John L. Rue [john@rue-98.freeserve.co.uk] Subject: 251 applique armour Having looked at the photograph in Sturm u Drang I also noticed that the front locker door has also been 'plated'. It is my view that this is a repaired vehicle but not by the crew. It would more likely be a rear maintenance gang that repaired it. John Rue -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: PSmith6328@aol.com Subject: Greif Lenses & Accessories My name is Phill Smith and I am now importing Greif lenses and modelling accessories from Mexico. For a price list send an SAE to the following address: PDI Model Supplies 26, Treborough, North Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1LR or Phone 01908 505988 or E-mail PSmith6328@aol.com Lenses are £3.00 packet + P&P each packet contains 4 lenses. I have also just received samples of Nut, Bolt & Rivet makers that will retail at £8.90. Happy Modelling Phill Smith -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: MALCOLM IRESON [ireson@carltons36.freeserve.co.uk] Subject: Chains In answer to your question regarding chains for models, I have found the best place to get them is either craft shops, or your local model railway/ remote-controlled model shop. I went into my local model railway shop and got 1 metre of fine, medium, thick and extra thick chain for a pound each. Both Accurate Armour and Verlinden do nice chain, but not at that price. If you're still having problems, let me know, we will sort something out. Malc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Lockie (Think Tank Listmaster) Visit the Miniature AFV Association website at http://homepages.go.com/~mafva/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume