INCOMING: IRON MAN 3 FIGURES FLY IN FROM DRAGON

SMN REPORT:
Hong Kong’s Dragon Models (DML) is hot on the Hollywood trail with these two releases, both 1:9 scale kits, featuring action-figures from the newly released movie, Iron Man 3, starring Robert Downey Jr.


Both kits are due out in May 2013, and represent two figures from the Iron Man 3 movie: the red-and-gold Mark XLII (Mk 42) and the black-and-steel War Machine version.

There are not too many details available yet, so we’ll stick to Dragon’s basic information about the 1:9 scale kits’ special features:

* …faithfully reproduced in model kit form, allowing collectors to assemble their figures individually.
* …end product of exhaustive CAD design, and the heroes are made with an eye to perfect accuracy and authenticity.
* …separated into as few parts as possible to ensure they're extremely easy to assemble.

Too simple?
For those of us that like at least 100 parts (and preferably more!) it sounds like Dragon has come up with what could be two easy-but-boring kits. But maybe not - if assembly is speedy and relatively simple, then that leaves more time to devote to super-detailing, weathering, even a decent diorama setting. So the final result will probably balance out, timewise.

Summation
Great pair of kits for superhero and sci-fi fans alike. Yes please, and the kits fit with other Dragon superhero figures nicely. Even so, at one-third smaller than standard 1:6 scale, these Iron Men might just look a little feeble in a lineup with the bigger scale. Answer: display Dragon superheroes on their own and they'll look excellent.

About DML
DML was established in 1987 to manufacture plastic kits, with world-wide exports as a prime aim. Since its founding, DML has released more than 1000 items, and its high-quality products have won many awards from magazines and model societies around the globe.

DML today
Currently, DML's business scope includes plastic models, action figures and diecast collectibles, as well as resin, PVC, vinyl, and radio-control. According to Dragon, the company, “…sets the industry standard in many areas, and is a market leader in many of its lines. Its fine products are much sought after by collectors on ebay and suchlike, and truly, DML has set an example for other manufacturers to emulate.” So now you know.

Iron Man 3 collectibles here.

Dragon superheroes and other kits here.

DRAGON KITS ON DISPLAY AT JAPANESE MODEL SHOW

SMN report
Last week saw the 2010 Tokyo Hobby Show, and Hong Kong-based DML - Dragon Models Limited - put on quite a display there. Founded in 1987, DML is well-known for its excellent action figures, ready-built diecasts, and of course an ever-expanding range of plastic kits.

Farewell to the Harrier - in UK service anyway
So what’s on offer from Dragon at the moment? Well, there’s a smorgasbord of choice, so we’ll just pick and choose a few current faves. The Harrier II-Plus twin-kit to 1:144 scale makes up into a pair of tiny but tasty aircraft - and for this reviewer at least, a sad reminder that next year the Harrier will be phased out of UK military duty. But (grrr) the UK is the country that developed this formidable flying machine in the first place. Let’s hope that UK politicians don’t regret that decision...

Tanks and ships
On the humanoid front, the 1:35 scale 1940 German ‘Ghost’ Division tank crew kit assembles into a four-man set of beautifully sculpted and detailed figures. Away from World War II and up to date, the USS Independence LCS (Littoral Combat Ship) is a trimaran stealth vessel, built to project seapower as a seaborne assault transport. The LCS is a 2800-tonne design, yet can race through the water at more than 80 km/h (50 mph). Dragon’s kit is to 1:700 scale, which allows for a decent level of detail including Seahawk helos, Phalanx defence system, and nicely crafted photo-etch parts for the nets which surround the flight deck.

Bigger and bigger
Dragon has a wide range of kits, and in bigger scales, the 1:48 Messerschmitt Bf110 is particularly well-crafted, as is the 1:35 scale Bell UH-1N Huey, the combat vet chopper that formed the backbone of helicopter operations throughout the Vietnam War. This is such an excellent scale for military fans - and aircraft to the same scale are just so darned BIG! We love ’em.

See the Dragon 1:48 scale Bf110 kit here.

The ace 1:35 scale UH-1N Huey helicopter (our all-time fave helo) kit is here.

The pictures show, top to bottom:
1-2  Tokyo Model Show.
3-6  Dragon kits to various scales.
Pictures courtesy DML.