1/350 Enterprise MiniHobby vs Tamiya

PS: Panda is to Dragon (DML) what MiniHobby is to Trumpeter.

MiniHobby is Trumpeter's clone factory. They copy other kits (with or without the original manufacturer's permission--the laws are different in Asia) and release them with about the same quality, though not quite. You'll find their in-box materials to be quite light as well, but if none of that bothers you, then grab them. They are especially handy for getting DML kits that are out of production, or just hard to get (their recent reorg is playing havoc with distribution).

hey thanks fellas I found one of Tamiyas kits on Ebay for $75.00 which includes the p/e set. I hope I win it . If not theres an MH kit ending not long afterwards for just over $60. Im determined to build this kit. And I plan on this puppy being super detailed so , Im expecting this project to last me at least a year. wish me luck

I have both the Tamiya Enterprise and the MiniHobby Enterprise. The MH Big E is a Tamiya mold copyrighted by MH with Tamiya's blessing. They are identical in every aspect. The only difference really is that the MH model can be motorizied. The only bad thing about this is that the switch comes right up through the #3 blast deflector.

The instruction booklet that the MH is only about six pages and does not give the references that Tamiya gives. Heck, even the airwing is the same as the Tamiya kit.

An addition note: even the MH Battle wagons are Tamiya copies too.

All in all though, I guess the only good thing about these two monsters is the MH price is less half of the Tamiya price. One of these days I plan to do the MH Big E as the Kitty or Conny or maybe the America.

The only real reason I picked up the MH Big E is because the box looked to be a more updated Enterprise. It's not, it has all the same faults as Tamiya.

Well that's my in boxe review, hope this helps!

Minihobby just reboxes other manufactures kits (usually Trumpeter). My guess is it's the same as the Tamiya kit. But I couldn't tell you beyond the shadow of a doubt.