Hobby Boss BT-2 Review Compared to Tamiya BT-7

[@johnstimitz2629]

Hi Harry! Enjoyed your video again! One point I’d like to make is in regard to the Tamiya BT-7 kits. Their Late BT-7 kit does come with the narrower track because the late BT-7 has a different drive wheel than the early BT-7. If I remember correctly, there is a slight sag in the upper track run.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

The amount of sag in the late BT-7 is all due to the smaller track links.. but I only had the 2010 kit to use for a comparison.

[@MrBMBuilder]

One thing I am happy about is that Tamiya are starting to do clear lights for their tanks rather than the solid plastic parts, about time!!!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

..and links, not rubber bands, plus a little stock standard photo etch. I’ll agree Tamiya are well engineered and cleanly moulded kits, but what I don’t like is the high price we pay for them down under. Simply not value for money in my books.

[@hugon2722]

Gday Harry Houdini! I was wondering what you would recommend for cutting ship’s hulls in half to make them waterline versions. I understand that most kits have an option, but the Academy Amazing Grape Seed (lol, good one) only has parts for the full hull version. Thanks!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Kind of off topic for this video but unless you have access to an industrial laser, I would suggest the hot wire method. Google it. There are videos on KZbin showing how to do it, passing your hull through a wire heated by electricity to melt an even level cut.

[@jwrockets]

"Shake and bake." See the Andy's Hobby Headquarters video entro.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes he does have an animation of a Tank being thrown together, almost like building a Tamiya kit!

[@andrealeighv1]

You're gonna get me into armor, mate. I concentrate almost exclusively on ships but all your armor builds look amazing. Great review. I may tackle this one some day.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Andrea hope you do sway to the dark side

[@davidolie8392]

Interesting review; thanks. I notice this kit is specified as the early model BT-2. Looks to me like Hobby Boss is planing to also release a late model kit. That model had a turret-mounted not-mounted-coaxially MG, which I would find more interesting. I noticed a DT MG on one of the sprues you showed towards the end. All they would need to do is throw in a modified turret with the MG mounting, and maybe a few other minor changes.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes I believe you are correct. My research found 3 types of turret for the BT-2. Early with just the 37mm, as in this kit. Then two others, one with an additional MG, as you said, then another with two MG, one either side of the main gun in the turret. Might be worth waiting until Hobby Boss release the later version.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thanks for the great review and comparison Harry! I've built the Tamiya BT-7 and I think you described it well...you just build it with no effort and it's not very gratifying. It feels like a beginner level kit. The HobbyBoss kit looks like a much more exciting build. You get to put together a lot more of the internal suspension and you get a feel for how the tank works in real life. The individual links will also look better than the link-and-length tracks of Tamiya, and give options for posing the suspension over terrain. And of course, the BT-2 looks a lot cooler with those funky spoked (?) wheels and the earlier turret. I would much rather build the BT-2 as well.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks and I’m hoping the Hobby Boss BT-2 will be a great build

[@militarymodellerpaul5932]

Nice comparison Harry, and the h-boss BT2 does look great.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I am so keen to build it, but promised myself I’d finish my Dragon Panther first. So straight after that one!

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Nice comparison Harry. I have only the Tamiya. You did give me a giggle.. you start by saying that Tamiya is boring because it's "shake and bake", (I find them boring TBH) then the first comparison is all about how much more work is involved building the hull? LOL

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

True but that was before I opened both kits and was surprised to see Tamiya using the old method of construction. I still prefer the Hobby Boss tub for its detail and engineering.

[@bpezzano1]

Great comparison and contrast! Thanks for the information, Harry!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks mate... took me 6 hours to research, shoot, voice, edit and upload it

[@SmallSoldier]

Interesting points made in the comparison. Again like you said they're 2 different types of kits, so it's hard to make a true comparison to each other. I've built the Tamiya kit, well almost finished and it built up great no problems at all even with the multi part tub. As far a the figures are concerned they're really pretty good compared to what they use to give you I just replace the heads and some hands. The BT-2 looks great as well and there are several differences to each of the kits and I think it's just personal preference to which kit you prefer. I personally like the whole range of BT tanks and hope they cover them all. Good review.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Mate.. yep it’s Apples and Oranges, but my premise was “Which kit would I build”.

[@syrmalcolm]

very nice kit.. and great review as always, HH. Thanks!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Mal

[@adamstephens4632]

Harry houdini I really enjoy your video and now my girlfriend likes them as well. She loves to hear you talk lmao. Seriously though thanks alot for your time and efforts keep them coming.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I knew this KZbin lark would start pulling the ladies eventually LOL glad you both liked it

[@usssaratogacv3lefevre978]

Like the comparison, even if I'm not an armor builder. And I do see the difference.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks, at least one person got it.

[@vasili1207]

My uncle ran a Mr whippy van from the early 70's to 2018 ..... Never knew that name was in Oz too you learn something everyday. It's a bit confusing because he owned the van lock stock and he wasn't in a franchise. Very strange. O yeah thanks for the comparison Harry matey

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yep Mista Whippy is a nationwide franchise here down under..

[@darronhedges5873]

Quirky little tank the BT,nice lines,the way they hurtle over the bridge made of poles is unbelievable.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes it made for a great propaganda film

[@darronhedges5873]

Seem's you may have shamed Hobby Boss team into painting up a shclepper for German model fair this year.Saw a tour,and spotted it.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Well Schlepper me sideways and call me Harold.

[@darronhedges5873]

When i find the vid of model show ill send title,lots of 2019 kits.Ryefield Sherman!? I got 3 WnWs now,AEG IV,Roland CIi ,junkers,it all started with the academy hetzer and dragon panzer II,im on a typhoon at minnit.You started something here mate,cheers.Ive even got an HPH resin Albatross L39 in stash.

[@darronhedges5873]

MBK on tour 13 at nurenburg speilwarrenmesse?model fair 2019 near end.

[@MattStunts-]

Hi Harry, good and interesting video. I agree with you that HB kit seems to be better but it's pretty new release so it had to be better than older Tamiya. The second thing is how the BT-2 comes together. I'm sure than Tamiya fit like a dream but I don't know how BT-2 assembly will go forward.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes a Tamiya kit is expected to fit well... but then I have rarely had any issue with recent moulded kits from Hobby Boss.. we don’t talk about the very old mould Arizona!

[@Kernozenko]

Nice comparison. been looking to get a look see at that bt-2! Cheers mate

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I will be also building the kit in a few months so we will get to see how it goes together.

[@Jeffsmodelgarage]

great review harry i agree hobby boss is the way to go thanks for the look in the box mate

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Jeff... Hobby Boss FTW

[@attilioledonne2758]

Another great review Harry. The only thing good about the Tamiya kits they supply figures. Harry try a set set of Friulmodel tracks.The Hobby Boss kits are great.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Attilio.. I have Friuls for my Panther and Tiger tanks... plus some other metal track links for my Ka-tsu and Ka-mi Japanese armour... however there is no real sag on the BT-2, and Hobby Boss provide what look like excellent plastic indy links, so I’m happy to go with those.

[@chrisbarber5842]

Nice review Harry I agree with you thanks for the video

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Chris

[@modelman424]

Great review of the HobbyBoss kit. I was on the fence about purchasing it but will now. What company is the aftermarket barrel?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

There are a number of suppliers for metal barrels, but the least expensive yet still good quality I have found, are RB Models at $2. Although most makers will say the barrel for the BT-7 and BT-5 is the same for the BT-2, there is some dispute. It looks virtually identical to the listed 37mm (similar to the one used on the Skoda LT 38/ German 38t) so unless some rivet counter got out his calipers and slide rule, you would get away with the 45mm Soviet 20k.

[@modelman424]

@@HarryHoudiniModels thanks Harry, I see a couple of barrels offered and yes they say BT-5 or 7. Always had good luck with RB or Aber replacement barrels.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

None of them are really expensive but the look and convienice of a metal barrel, I think, are always worth it.

[@guidor.4161]

Forgetting to drill holes seems to be a common issue when you get older - I'm 55 now ;-)

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Yes it happens. Must remember to read instructions..

[@thomasmcelroy3637]

thanks for that.good comparison .the bt 2 looks a good choice.have a good un .tom

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I think the BT-2 will be very rewarding to build.

[@thomasyoest6557]

Harry, are you at all familiar with the steamship "Martiniere"? I really want to build a model of her, but can"t find anything. I besiege your abundent knowledge.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Airfix, Revell and Heller so something similar you could convert with a little scratch building. www.scalemates.com/search.php?fkSECTION%5B%5D=Kits&q=Steamship*

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

Thats a very nice kit and right down your alley it seems :) i like how you brought in the BT-7 as well, it illustrates nicely the different model philosophies between the two brands. I personally like the Hobby Boss kits quite a bit, mainly for their unusual subjects. Right now i am having a blast with the Hungarian Csaba armored car, such a lovely kit! I can barely stop myself from working on it :)

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Michael. I have been watching your current build on Facebook... and if I was buying new kits this year, then I would surely get myself the Csaba, looks great

[@thomasyoest6557]

Those Soviet MRE's caused furious flatulence.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Must be all the potatoes and beetroot

[@MrRon6977]

Well I have the Tamiya BT-7 sitting here. Ive had it on my desk for about 5 months. Nice review Harry. I need to really to get back on this build.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Please do, I’m sure the Tamiya BT-7 will build up into a very fine model.

[@johnmaddox7432]

You've got the straight skinny on the side by side comparison. Tamiya's are way overpriced and lacking detail. Will have to keep my eyes peeled for this Hobby Boss kit. Thanks for a valuable review and worthy wobble ;)!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

No one calls me skinny anymore... so thank you.

[@owenauer3406]

At the very end of your video you show a grey battleship with one big turret, May I ask what ship this is?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

It’s the Trumpeter 1:350 HMS Abercrombie Monitor. I talk about it in my “What a bloody good year” 2018 review

[@owenauer3406]

So I assume it's British?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

H.M.S. = Her/His Majesties Ship. Yep it's from Old Blighty

[@dave_jackson3043]

Totally agree with your comments Harry. Same with the Hobby Boss aircraft kits value for money and then some. Great review buddy and Happy New year by the way fella👍🤓😉

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks Dave... glad you liked it

[@owenauer3406]

I would take the best pieces from each kit and bash them together.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

They are all in the Hobby Boss kit LOL. About the only thing you could steal from the Tamiya box would be the figures and the drivers seat.

[@Yourlocaltankgirl8375]

You should make this kit sometime!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I have already started it and will release videos when I complete the Panther series.

[@Yourlocaltankgirl8375]

@@HarryHoudiniModels Oh right o! PS. The Panther is looking really sweet! 🍬

[@Dreg0]

Well, you should look for Zvezda ARK-models or Eastern Express kits of BT-5, BT-7. Where is a lot more "fun", even Hobby Boss will be like a lego for kids in comparasence with with this vendors, especially ARK and EE

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I built the Zvezda BT-7 and suffered all its issues, but threw a ton of aftermarket at it, then won an award for my build in competition.

[@Duececoupe]

A shared experience, eh....sounds dodgy....will there be ciggies afterwards with "was it as good for you as it was for me?" 😳😲😉😆😂🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Well I have a smile and a warm feeling... how about you?

[@Duececoupe]

Warm and fuzzy feeling mate, warm and fuzzy!

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Do we need a room? LOL

[@owenauer3406]

I just found out my Grandfather was born in Australia. How much is a Sheckle in U.S. Dollars?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Shekel conversions 4 Shekels = $30 USD 3 Shekels = $20 Euros 2 Shekels = £10 Pounds 1 Shekel = $10 AUD 1 Shekel = 800 Yen 1 Shekel = 500 Rupees 1 Shekel = 500 Rubles

[@niarlatotepbasset]

...awesome!!!...me wants it...

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

It is a kit really worth gettng!

[@michaeltiedt6376]

How can anyone not like Tamiya????

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I explain my reasons in this and many other videos.. it’s a bang for your bucks equation.. I like to scratch, modify and correct kits, enjoying the challenge of actually modelling so the build becomes uniquely my own.. Tamiya is shake and bake... any idiot can build one fast... there’s no challenge and the kits are way over priced... so for me, far less bang for my bucks.

[@frankwittner1979]

I don’t know this Hobby Boss kits looks pretty shake and bake to me. I think you should back date the Zvezda bt-7 to a bt-2 and send this idiot the Hobby Boss and hope I don’t screw it up, after all it seems you had sooooo much fun with the Zvezda kit.😁👍 By the way I love Hobby Boss kits.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

So you want a free half built kit?

[@gadjung]

2018 year kit is better than 2010. As if it’s not obvious. :D

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

That wasn’t the premise of the review... as I clearly stated: which kit would I rather build. Age had nothing to do with it. There are many old, I’m talking nearly half a century, Airfix kits I would rather build than a new Tamiya kit.

[@73north]

Tamiya rely too much on old moulds , eg only the latest IJN Japanese Warships like the new tool 1/350 Yukikaze or Yamato for example have been updated to 2019 standards Tamiya really care more for the home Japanese Market - and it still shows ( I think Hasegawa are better at making Models that featured subjects that are from outside Japan )You are right , Hobby Boss is better and more value for money than Tamiya .

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I wonder if anything will change now mista Tamiya has passed away?

[@TacticalJackalope]

I guess you have missed the the 4-5 new releases in 35th scale and the 6-8 new releases they've been doing in 48th scale every year for the last 10 years or so? If their home market was their only concern then why release a new M3A1 Scout Car or their new M3 Stuart or perhaps their new M4A3E8 or the just released M551 Sheridan or perhaps the M40 self propelled howitzer( I can go on)? Every company has own their own business philosophy and Tamiya has always been a to offer a balance of detail and ease of build.

[@TacticalJackalope]

@@HarryHoudiniModels The son-in-law passed away in 2017 Masayuki. Shunsaku the founder of the company still lives and is the chairman of the corporation.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Andy I don't say Tamiya are bad kits.... they are just toooo expensive for what value you get in Australia. I can get many other brands with better quality and much nicer plastic for as little as half their price. Having said that I do have at least a dozen Tamiya kits in my Stash. Subjects that are unique to them or they simply make the best version. I would buy the Tamiya BT-7, although probably a latter version, because right now it's the best kit for that subject out there. The entire premise of my Video was: "Which one would I build?" and although I found a lot of merit in the Tamiya kit, and a number of problems in the Hobby Boss kit... at the end of the day I find a BT-2 more interesting than a BT-7. Does Tamiya make a BT-2?

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

Thanks for the clarification on who had passed away. I know you LOVE Tamiya and that is fine. My mate Becker is a Tamiya fan but hates Airfix... I love Airfix kits but not so much Tamiya... we are still friends... it's good to have different perspectives and I go to length in my videos to note it's "my opinion", "you may have a different experience" and "this is all I have seen".

[@thomasyoest6557]

Mutual Modelation.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I’ve heard that sends you blind?

[@thomasyoest6557]

I'll have to get back to you. Can't seem to find my spectacles.

[@HarryHoudiniModels]

I warned you that it would impaire your eyesight! LOL