Is This New Tamiya Machine Gun Crew 1/35 Model Worth Your Money?

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

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[@KGmodels]

Those look Like an amazing set,especially that I love Tamiya figures,and ever since they were announced,I have been waiting them,as the only German MG crew that I have right now is that set from the 70s.Great work painting them up!

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

The poses are pretty epic aren’t they? It’s a good set but can go next level with a little bit of work. Thanks for your support here on the channel 👍

[@arsenalofdemocracy9985]

tamiya=absolute joy of assembling，no other scale model brands have anything near of that expreince，thats why they are the GOAT

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hard to argue that. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙏

[@multipl3]

Depends if you want a challenge or not

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I could make an argument that Tamiya could present a challenge for some. It comes down to skill levels and what you want from your hobby. I’m pretty happy with a smooth build though I gotta say 🥳

[@Chilly_Billy]

When I build a model, I don't want to put my limited time into poorly molded parts that need lots of reworking. Tamiya and Fine Molds are my preferred manufacturers.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I hear you ! Our bench time is so limited. Might as well take the path of least resistance 💪💪

[@westring8119]

hi dear Clayton,i agree with you,but i am a collector of Tamiya kits;and despite everything i will buy this one,thanks for the review;good week-end to you,cheers Patrick😊

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I think most of us collect Tamiya kits 😉 Nothing wrong with this one. It’s pretty good. I just try and give you guys all of the details. Thanks for taking the time to join in Patrick 🍺

[@lmmodellismomilitare]

It seems a really good news and really good idea this video. So nice sharing. I have one of this box. It has a lot of details 😊

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thank you so much 🤗 I appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙏

[@adrianaustralia9135]

Resin will always carry more detail than injection moulding. Small resin parts especially (like heads and hands) don't have to use a split mould, so the object/s can face any direction in the mould unlike injected plastic. I'm sure I could have explained that better... 🤔

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Nah, that was perfect 👌🏼 Appreciate you taking the time to share 🍺💪

[@leonardoespino9780]

I really like the poses better compared to the other tamiya machine gun kits. Looks more like action style than the other one (where there’s more machine gun poses). Seeing it close yeah, I would prefer the faces of the other kit but I think that is easily outweigh by the poses that easily imply movement. Thanks for the review and it has made me more interested in buying it in the future

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Great news Leonardo. The poses are amazing aren’t they? Tamiya have really got that visual weight and balance just right haven’t they. Thanks for your comments 🙌🏼🙏🍺

[@jamiestokes1402]

Great little review, and for the hands, careful scraping with a hobby knife may help reshape them. Thanks for the review!

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hey Jamie. Possibly…but as you know, here we have a saying about polishing a turd…🫣 They really should have tried a bit harder I think. Thanks for joining in mate 👍🙏💪

[@jamiestokes1402]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 well.... yes. Cut off the flipper hands and go aftermarket....

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Maybe they are German marines? Special swimming abilities? 🤣

[@MattRollings-jc6gc]

absolute legend can’t wait for the painting video as i am really interested in buy this kit and i like how you have painted yours 👍

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thanks Matt. Glad you liked them. I’ve got a few projects on the go at the moment…going to be a matter of slipping that one in…but nice to know people are interested and would like to see. Thanks for taking the time to comment 💪🍺

[@horrido666]

Great vid. $5 per figure is too high, though. The kit can be purchased for less than $15 online, which is more like $3 per figure. Tamiya is finally making their figures look less stiff. In the past, almost any Tamiya figure is improved on by repositioning the arms and legs, and sometimes even cutting them at the waste and repositioning. Its too bad they included that MP4 gunner. If he is part of the crew, he should be doing crew things, like perhaps spotting. A German heavy MG team has 5-6 people in it. Why not make the entire kit one team? Kit looks good, though, especially the two on the MG34. That is what sold the kit to me.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Perhaps I should have stated I work in Australian dollars 😣 Reasonable value for what you get I think. Thanks for you comments 🙏🍺🫣

[@Barbarossamodels]

That’s a terrific review…. I bought these guys ‘unintentionally’ a while ago after seeing a magazine review & then for sale in the local model shop a week later…😏 Going to use them on my next project and haven’t done anything with them yet. Was also planning on using some Hornet heads too, just to make the scene a little more dynamic, but looking forward to putting them together soon. Great video, new sub!☺👍

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Fantastic! Thanks for joining the community here. Glad to have you 🙏

[@leonhou7137]

I was looking for the machine gun team review and found this. And it's true that the face and the hands are unremarkable compare to the rest of the kit. But as far as i remembered, Tamiya offer the best pastic injection figures on the market after their releases of the Nashorn kit back in 2014. It was a huge improvement not only over their previous releases, but also over their competitors. Back in the day nobody compare resin figure with plastic ones cause plastic ones are awful. Now days people would say something like "just replace their hands and head with aftermarket parts and it's good to go".😅 To be fair 5 AUD per figure is good deal.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I'd agree, they've definitely stepped up their game with the plastic figures. Completely agree with your points there! Thanks for joining in 🍺

[@goforitpainting]

Cool paint job. 🖌

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thank you! Cheers! I’m looking forward to getting a little scene together for them. Just have to find some time now! 😬

[@squidgypoppet]

Be nice for a vickers mg crew as well

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

For sure. Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍💪

[@ModelNerd]

Looks like a great set. I really like the way Tamiya key the parts in their latest figure sets - it really helps get the alignment spot on. Those hands aren't great though!

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Yeah, they do a lot of stuff really well, but let themselves down a little with the finer details. Still a great set, just could have been better. Thanks for your comments 🍺

[@redshadowstheater]

Neither are the faces.. On the latest batch of sets including this one. Facial expressions are not up to standard with the general figure mold. Apart from that I think it's a great new release of the vintage '74 German Machine Gunner set.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Certainly room for improvement isn't there?

[@quadegermany2200]

Hi Clayton hope u are well may u please send me the link of where u got the figures heads and hand replacements please thanks

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Most of this type of thing I buy from BNA Model World - www.bnamodelworld.com/ If you do a search for 1/35 Hands and 1/35 heads you should get a heap of items come up in the search

[@quadegermany2200]

Hi ok thanks but I don't know which ones you used for the mp 40 guy and the mg gunner leaning on a brick wall so just give me those ones

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Most of the heads and hands I have had for a very long time in the spares box, collected over the years - so I couldn't tell you exactly what they were other than they would have been purchased from BNA

[@fjdexx]

Thx for the infos.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching 👀 💪👍

[@cushionbelly2519]

Hey Clayton. My prize arrived. Thank you very much.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Great news! thanks for letting me know 😎

[@Kojak0]

I have the rifle team and the MG team en route, and yes, these figures are a treat and as close to resin you can get without actually getting there. True, the faces are unremarkable in the rifle squad as well, and some of the hands leave some to be desired, and that oversight is to me quite weird; they could just as easily have offered the heads as two parts (as to get the ears right as well), or simply added resin headsculpts and all hands separate; I have so far just found one hand separate, and that is sorry to say way too little. Even without separate hands, most arms could have been twisted on the sprues to ensure a better cast. But, I think this is part of Tamiya's drive to push for better figures overall, and I'm certain future releases will be even better. That said, I can't recommend these enough.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Great insight. Can you imagine how amazing these sets would be if they included cast or 3d printed heads? Appreciate it would add a little to the cost, but man they’d sell a heap! Hope you are enjoying the channel 🍺🙏

[@davidthomspson9771]

Tamiya is excellent...their new tooling far exceeds the past

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hi David. Can’t argue they have improved in leaps and bounds from the old days. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🍺

[@scaleffect]

Great review, much appreciated!

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching and thanks for letting me know it was helpful 😁

[@NguyenVanChung1502]

Nice ! keep it up bro ! 👍❤

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thank you. Keep watching them and Ill keep making them 😇

[@NguyenVanChung1502]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 👍❤

[@ArmorModelsbyGlennBartolotti]

👍 Do you think the tamiya heads are smaller than hornet heads

[@grandpaweber2097]

I myself think the Hornet heads are too large for the scale...more like 1/32.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I didn’t notice at the time but now you mention it it looks that way doesn’t it? Although when attached on the body I didn’t feel it was overscale did you?

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I hadn’t thought that in the past. I’ve always loved these heads. I’ll take another look with a critical eye next time 🫣 Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍

[@ArmorModelsbyGlennBartolotti]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 ai wanted to use hornet on one of the new Tamiya figs but it looked off. Hornet fit with dragon figs and older Tamiya...

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Interesting 🤔

[@johntreloar8203]

I totally agree with you Clayton, the hands and face are lacking, Meng did 2 figures with the King Tiger which were pretty good, and Takom also do some good figures, just happy Tamiya got rid of the slightly overweight figures from the earlier years.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thanks John. I haven’t seen the Meng figures. I’ll have to take a peek. Thanks again for taking the time to comment 🙌🏼🥇

[@TheSaturnV]

Tamiya has an interesting history of their figures having weight issues. 😆 Seems the modern US infantry from the 80's were all anorexic. 🤐

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Rations were light on in the 80s? 😜

[@johntreloar8203]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 😅😅😅

[@modeltankguy]

good show mate nice work n kieep them coming

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thanks for the visit and for joining in as always 🙏

[@countmacula530]

Rightly considered :)

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it 🕺🏽🙏

[@tonyromano6220]

What is the kit number?

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

www.themodellingnews.com/2024/09/video-review-35th-scale-german-machine.html?m=1

[@markdrake6217]

I bought 2 sets

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hey Mark - I don't blame you - very useable figures aren't they ? Thanks for your comments

[@svensvensson2724]

I don't really think these look better than the airfix 1:32 British Paratroops from 1972. Crisper detail, sure, but everything falls apart when the human element fails.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hi Sven - Appreciate your thoughts, but I think these are a vast improvement from 1972 Airfix ? In fairness, the faces are OK.. but you are on the money regarding the 'human elements'. They are so important in creating a realistic looking figure in scale aren't they ? Thanks for joining in 🙏

[@svensvensson2724]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 A miniature essentially represents viewing an object from far away. In that sense getting all the small details correct is a lot less meaningful than the overall shape and pose, and then the paint. Because the you just don't see the smallest details from that distance. The realism is not in crisp details. That's how I see it anyway.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

@@svensvensson2724 - completely reasonable and valid point. Thanks again for taking the time to comment

[@PanzerChicken69]

Not sure when you build your last model but Tamiya were great untill around 2000. From than on they have been surpassed by pretty much any manufacturer exept revell and airfix. I build alot of figures and tamiya ones are both sub standard and expensive. Get a decent figure set from miniart or even better a 3d or resin set.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Completely agree re a 3d set or resin casts. It’s a completely different ballpark though and completely different price point. Maybe I need to revisit new release Miniart figs because from what I recall there were a lot of shortcomings in the older figures. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🍺👍🙏

[@PanzerChicken69]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 Miniart are not perfect by any means (flash) but at least the poses look natural and with a little care you can make them look really good. They offer certain sets with resin heads for basically the same price witch I quite like.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Can’t go wrong with a resin head 😀

[@PeterModelQuatchiKwong]

Those hands do look like a combination of flipper and fingers.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

🤣🤣 my thoughts exactly…hence the penguin gif 🤣

[@UberEvoVIII]

The figures do look good. But, just good, not great. A lot of soft detail. Never been a huge fan of Tamiya's figure line. Honestly the gaming companies, esp Games Workshop are really at the cutting edge of molded figures. Check some out. They are insanely detailed w beautiful fit. I don't play, but do find them to be wonderful "palate cleanser" builds. Anyway, just my 2 cents Love the videos, keep 'em coming!

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Oh yes. You make a great point. It would be interesting to compare details between these Tamiya figures and some of the modern gaming figures. Love that idea! Thanks for your support 🙏

[@derekmcmanus8615]

I was heavily into Games Workshop for many years starting in 1987 and recently started buying again...I honestly find that the current figures are practically monopose and difficult to convert the old metal figures where much more fun! Though I did convert a MK 6 Space Marine to carry an autogun recently in homage to one of those 80s figures

[@perrybuxo77]

It is what it is. I can accept the tradeoffs.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

For sure. As can I. It’s just important to give as much insight in these reviews as I can. Thanks for joining in 🙏

[@gruppenfuhrer45]

Great figs, hate the faces tho

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hate is such a strong word 🤔 I’ll go with ‘room for improvement’ 🫣😉

[@a41166]

The figures are well detailed, well made and nice looking. However, mediocre painting is the worst thing that can happen. Hearing lies doesn't help you at all, it makes you believe something unreal.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

I’m trying to work out what you mean? What are the lies you speak of ? 🤔

[@a41166]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 When someone tells you in the comments that you have done a great job painting the figures, it is a lie. And lies do not help progress, they only fatten the ego. I am sorry, but if you are honest and compare your painting with other figure paintings, you will recognize that your painting work is not good.

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Thank you for your critique. All comments both positive and negative help the you tube algorithm find and promote this video. All the best and good luck with your own modelling 👍

[@voviet19201]

the new kit look more human than all the old kits the soldier's face and hands,legs look to cartoon to me

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. 🙏

[@George-pp2hr]

I have those earlier machine gun set figures and the assault infantry the grenadiers and Afrika korps. Tamiya is getting much better of what I've seen but agree the faces look strange and weird expressions others not too bad. But improving.👍🇭🇲🦘✌️🙂

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Hey George. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Completely agree. Not too bad and certainly heading in the right direction 💪👍🍺

[@George-pp2hr]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 Thanks for the reply. I've seen some good ones lately. You may have I believe the American soldiers at ease like and the poses are very natural same with the German soldiers also in standing and in break kind of mode don't know how to explain but the poses are natural as they are getting to look really good. I still haven't bought any as they seem to be available in US and UK. I checked in Australia but I'm getting the early versions. I have those walking German soldiers, the commander with the MP40. Hopefully soon. I'm more of an Aircraft modeller but I do like the model soldiers. Hope to see next video building and painting.👍🇭🇲🦘✌️

[@workbenchhobbies4316]

Agree the relaxed poses and the weight in the figures are a high point in these Tamiya sets. Appreciate your support George. Thanks for joining in 🙏

[@George-pp2hr]

@@workbenchhobbies4316 Pleasure to speak with fellow model interests. All the best.👍🇭🇲🦘✌️