Lindberg’s I-20 1/72 scale Japanese Submarine has a release date…if enough interest is generated-

At first, I thought the lack of responses to this thread was a beautiful response in itself. But the good Field Marshal has gone one better.

I also regret the original poster didn't get a response for such a long time. It was nothing personal, we have just learned that this particular subject can get people riled up and tend to leave it alone now. A burnt finger teaches best.

I am aware that this subject has generated some strongly worded exchanges in the past, and I certainly do not want to stir up any ill will or bad feelings.  I am also not trying to defend Lindberg-they had a chance to establish some industry credibility and blew it.  As an optimistic person, I do still believe that if Lindberg is considering producing the I-20 there other modelers like myself who would like to see it happen.  Modeling forums like this are a fantasic way to express this connection with those (which may only be a handful) who feel like I do. 

I will give credit to Lindberg for one thing.  They re-issued the Graf Zeppelin airship with an injection molded hull and gondola.  I was not able to build the model as a vacform kit, but was able to finish it in its new form and it turned out real nice.  Pictures of my model are posted on the airshipmodeler.com website (under Finished Models/Photos of P.Gore Graf Zeppelin) and Fine Scale Modeler bought a construction article on it that will be printed in the future.  However, it is the only Lindberg kit I have ever built. 

Phillip1

A very belated WELCOME to the forum, Philip!

Thanks for the welcome.  Good to be here!

Phillip1

We won't get fooled again...

I am attaching several photos (if have done this right) of the custom built I-20 for those who might not have seen them before.

Thanks Phillip1

Check the copyright date on those pictures,  2007.

Some history.    In 2007 Lindberg showed up with a couple of 1:72 scale models at the eHobby Expo trade show.    These picts which were posted at that time  drewcomments that  the weathering was way overdone,  looked amatuerish, and was likely hiding whatever details there were.   These were done by the "master modeler" who was also responsible for the abortive Arizona.    The first was supposed to be out in a year,  it took them almost two to produce the I-53.   Much has been posted about how big a POS the I-53 was.    Lindberg's response was to take the I20 off the presale market.   Vendors who had taken pre-order money,  including Freetime who's icon is on these photos have made refunds.

I checked Freetime's website and they no longer list the I20 as a presale.  

Don't hold your breath for this.    To paraphrase Dr McCoy,  "Its dead, Jim!"

So I'm guessing the line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail wouldn't be appropriate either? - "I'm not dead yet?"

wow manny. Thats really deep

Interesting post-- thanks for taking the time to do the research and actually contact Lindberg.  

I would suggest that people only contact Lindberg if they are serious about the kit-- don't say you want one just so that the company will produce it for someone else.   imagine the impact on the comapny if hundreds of people who have no intention of buying the kit say they want it...... this isn't voting for American Idol, after all. 

I must say that I found it rather amusing when you said "people expected a kit similar in quality to the Revell Gato".   Really?  Who thought that?  Given Lindberg's history, have they ever produced a kit of that quality?    I've built lots of Lindberg kits-- I appreciate them for what they are,  and don't expect more.   (I'm

Personnally, I was intrigued by the kit when it was announced--  and I assumed it would be like other Lindberg kits-- a model of subject not available anywhere else, not up to par detail-wise with other amnufacturers' offerings, but with a real potential for RC conversion.   IMO, the kit still fell short, with the obvious shape issues.

Interesting post-- thanks for taking the time to do the research and actually contact Lindberg.  

I would suggest that people only contact Lindberg if they are serious about the kit-- don't say you want one just so that the company will produce it for someone else.   imagine the impact on the comapny if hundreds of people who have no intention of buying the kit say they want it...... this isn't voting for American Idol, after all. 

I must say that I found it rather amusing when you said "people expected a kit similar in quality to the Revell Gato".   Really?  Who thought that?  Given Lindberg's history, have they ever produced a kit of that quality?    I've built lots of Lindberg kits-- I appreciate them for what they are,  and don't expect more.   (I'm not picking on you-- I realize you were exagerating to make a point-- I'm just saying I found it funny.)

Personnally, I was intrigued by the kit when it was announced--  and I assumed it would be like other Lindberg kits-- a model of subject not available anywhere else, not up to par detail-wise with other amnufacturers' offerings, but with a real potential for RC conversion.   IMO, the kit still fell short, with the obvious shape issues.