How to convince Tamiya to make a B-17?

Hmmm, I think it is easy to convince them.

1.) Pay for their research into developing the Kit.
2.) Pay for the molds being made.
3.) Pay the factory to take another kit of the production line to produce yours.
4.) Offer to buy any stock from the production run that didn't sell.

Might set you back a few x00.000 USD though.


Unfortunately ANY company will not listen to a few but will always produce to the masses, for the few there are always the Garage-Kit companies and similar.

Most companies will also ONLY do research within their own borders/country as that is their main customer market.

Well, that's kind of obvious! Other than that, does anyone think anything could be done?

If Tamiya were to produce a 1/48 B-17 and include as much of the interior as RM does, the price tag would most likely exceed $250. Sure, it would probably have recessed panel lines & "fall together" with little or no effort, but you could get a few RM kits with aftermarket sets for that price. I wouldn't buy one.

simple. produce your own, hasegawa or tamiya quality, for like 20 american

I dont think it would be all that expensive for a kit. The 1/32 fighter jets they put out only run about $125.00 , why would it cost so much more for the 1/48 B-17 ? I mean, that is if they would make it.

Mayb sign a petition?

Monster beat me to the punch. I'd expect a 48th Fort by Tamiya to be around $120, buck'n' a half at the most.

But I really don't think it's going to happen anytime soon. I got all excited when the rumors started last year, but after about a minute or so I began to think and came back down to earth.

If they were to do a new heavy in 48th I'd like to see a B-24, myself. That might be a better choice for mold-maximizing. Actually, I'd like ANYONE to do a B-32 in 48th. (No stinkin vacs, either. ) But that's just a wet dream...


Fade to Black...

Blackwolf, Im with you about the B-32. Monogram is close enough to do it right now with their B-29 kit. The B-32 used the same engines, nacelles, wheels and Curtiss Electric props that have been on the Monogram B-29 for years. They can also get the two top Martin power turrets and the lower ball turret from either the B-17 or B-24 mold. The lower radar on the B-32 is the same one that is on the recently released B-29 as well. I dont think it would be much for them to get the front and rear turrets either... Swannys PBY conversion used them.

I'd like to see a Tamiya B-17... though i was kinda hoping it would be in 1/72. but i'd buy it and build it all the same if it came in 1/48. What year was the latest B-17 kit created and by whom? I'm willing to bet it's either Hasegawa or Academy.

I know! Let the AARP handle it:

I can see it now... (wither-fade and cue groovy day-dream sequence music here)

Gus, a retired B-17 Pilot walks into Mr. Tamiya's office and sits down.

Gus: Mr. Tamiya?

Mr. Tamiya: Yes?

Gus: Are you aware that modelers all over the world have been grappling with the old Monogram and, worse yet, the old Revell 1/48 B-17's for over 25 years and that they really would like a new kit?

Mr. Tamiya: Yes, I am.

Gus: Could you, maybe, fix that?

*pause*

Mr. Tamiya: Sure!

Gus: Thanks.

"If one person could do it alone, the world wouldn't need AARP. AARP: The power to make it better."


Fade to Black...

I talked to a Rich in sales at Tamiya of America about that the other day and he said the company is aware of the interest in this but has no plans for at least two years for anything like this. I guess us B17 nuts have to hope Panda follows though on it's promise to have one soon? Any info on Pandas progress?

Possible that Trumpeter may make a B-17 before Tamiya, heard that they're coming out with a 1/48 FW-200 sometime this year, they might go on to making other bomber kits?

How 'bout a Waco CG-4A "Hadrian" @ 1/48? These gliders were very common during the war. In fact "Saving Private Ryan" had a few. Remember the FUBAR situation with the dead generals in the jeep with the crashed glider.

I've seen one at 1/72. You could probably do a cool diorama with some 1/48 scale jeeps and troops.