Appears that Tamiya are to release a Mk IV male tank in 1:35 scale:
This is Tamiya's very first model of a WWI tank subject. This release celebrates the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities in what was then known as the Great War. The tanks which appeared in the conflict were the first ever seen on the battlefield, and were the forerunners of a whole line of military vehicles which is still being developed further today. The Mk.IV tank was a successor to the Mk.I, which was drawn up by British designers in attempt to break the stalemate of trench warfare experienced on the Western Front; the rhombus-shaped hull was designed to aid in crossing the extensive network of trenches. The Mk.I, first thrown into live action in September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, had �male� (fitted with 57mm, 6-pound guns) and �female� (fitted only with machine guns) versions. Around 1,000 Mk.IV tanks were manufactured after 1917, and they inherited their shape and male/female weaponry and classifications from the Mk.I, but with significantly upgraded armor. Around 400 were used massively in the November 1917 Battle of Cambrai to great effect, and with the world accepting the new vehicle's potential the maiden tank vs. tank battle was not far behind: in 1918, the Mk.IV faced off against its German counterpart the AV7. The Tamiya model is highly accurate as extensive study of the tank was conducted at the Tank Museum in Bovington, England.
According to some of the other updates this kit will be motorised so not sure what that all turn out like although I believe Tamiya did a range of remote control tanks some years back.
On the Tamiya USA site it mentions:
Photo-etch parts Included
Decals Included
Special feature 1 Length: 230mm.
Special feature 2 Pre-assembled single motor gearbox enables forward movement.
Special feature 3 The assembly of the armor plates mirrors that on the Mk.IV.
Special feature 4 Numerous road wheels, idler wheels and drive sprockets are accurately captured with hassle-free assembly.
Special feature 5 Chains on the unditching beam are depicted using metal parts.
Special feature 6 Comes with 3 marking options, including one to recreate a vehicle which took part in the Battle of Cambrai.
They are also releasing a WW1 British infantry figure set.
More news apparently after the Shizuoka model show in May.
Should be an interesting to see Tamiya's build method for this one.
Tony
Happy Modelling
BUILDING: Hachette Spitfire Mk 1A, Constructo Mayflower
SUBSCRIPTION COMPLETE (Awaiting building): USS Constitution, Sovereign of the Seas, 1:200 Bismarck (Hachette)
COMPLETED: Porsche 911, E-Type Jaguar, Lam Countach
US
