Dont forget, they are doing all this in the middle of a war zone, you have to ask why so many of their competitors are far less capable. slava Ukraine. But the ex Russian stuff, possibly a bit insensitve dude considering the present situation
removing from their lineup that one model of that plane that never existed, and turned out to be videogame footage would make it easier to take them seriously. ukraine is a society that allowed the most reprehensible ideology in human history to not only survive but fester and ultimately take power. they could improve vastly by dropping this misplaced pride and replacing it with shame. and so could you. better to get out ahead and do it yourself, then to be forced when society figures out what you already know. from the looks of things it won't be long now...
I don't think it's insensitive given the Ukraine is using this sort of equipment - I wouldn't expect them to make an Armata tank, for example, or an Su-57
@@MannsModelMoments Im not so sure, i think you are very sharply focused on just the buisness aspect of it, but ignoring possible more nuanced humand factors, I'll try to explain another way. lets just focus on ICM and their employees. what do you think the employees are going to be happier doing. a 1/32 patriot battery, or a russian SU 34, or a 1 in 350 Moskava. Ive clearly chosen these deliberately to emphasise that peoples feelings are different, and it is the context that affects this. you to understand this clearly with your example of active systems facing ukraine. But it is even more nuanced regarding the Moskava. Clearly there is a line somewhere that folks feel comfortable with, and uncomfortable with, but it will vary between people, and that the line isnt a hard clearly defined one. It is overall more nebulious. what one person feels comfortable with, others would feel less so. But does it not make sence that for Ukranian people the line would be somewhat shifted towards the view of negativity regarding all things not just russian, but soviet. We are not getting invaded in this country, so its easy for us to draw a line in what we may see as a neutral position but that from a ukranian viewpoint might bbe unacceptable to be called neutral or good
@@jukeseyable I think you've completely misconstrued my point. When did Ukraine have a Moskva class warship or Su-34s? That's not what I've said. I said I'd love them to do soviet-era military equipment they have in service, or WWI era soviet equipment, much of which was manufactured in the Ukraine.
A fair and accurate depiction of the company, imo. I've been building ICM kits for over 20 years now, and I'm immensely proud of how far they've come and how much effort they've put in improving the company. Most folks these days never built ICM's early 1/72nd kits, like the original Polikarpov I-15bis. Heavy flash, drenched in release agent, some very dodgy fit issues, the decals were as flat as my income but surprinsingly good. The IL-400b was a lovely kit, on the other hand. Most, if not all, were the result of Valentin Muchichko's amazing scratchbuilding abilities and knowledge on how to turn those masters into production models. His last model for ICM before they moved on to CAD was the outstanding He-70 Blitz. The Tupolev SB was practicaly unbuildable for me, though. Scale modeling genius levels of complexity. The artillery pieces were excellent. And the heavy Soviet tanks were quite the challenge. The key thing many did miss altogether at the time was, their kits were enjoyable. For a few bucks you got the basis for a very involved project or a fairly entertaining quick build, like the Fokker and Pfalz Eindeckers. They were not without their faults, mind you. But, then again, what kit isn't? Tamiya, we all know that. Alas. My absolutely biased two-pence opinion on the matter. Great video, Alex.
Loving this series about how the various kit manufacturers could improve. On the whole ICM aren't doing much wrong and seem to only to need tweaks rather than a complete overhaul. Btw, I also enjoy the graphics to emphasise your points and your narration. 👍
actually they are doing it half a country northwest of the actual war zone. Vovchansk is in the war zone, and i think we can agree it looks very different from kyiv.
@@MannsModelMoments frequently? 'sporadically' would be a better word to use here. and by your logic ukraine has been a war zone since 2014 when the zelensky regime started committing genocide of their own people in the east. kyiv, after slaughtering thousands of their own people in the east, and exiling millions, you have zero credibility when assigning them the role of 'victim'. the people of kyiv, so far, have been troubled by some loud noises and the loss of a few services, that's all! and let me remind you one more time: those are NAZI war criminals you are fellating.
Hi Alex, im 10 months back into the hobby after 35 yrs and being i have it all to learn, ive been watching your channel with great interest, your knowledge across the board i find fascinating, ill admit I get lost in paint science but I do get the basics and between your great paint videos and airfix and chill ive got a good handle on it all, especially Mondays around primers. Thank you in turn for introducing me to MOS, Nigel, black rifle, John, brett and more im watching them and yourself with interest. On another note I and others have found the FB side of the hobby can be a very difficult place to be especially for beginners and novices, I have now found a non rivet counting group, with a family orientated, nurturing and supportive ethos. Thankyou for all the knowledge you have shared in ours and retailers interests, Im going to telford on the sat, hope to meet a couple of the group, cant believe John will be there, would be lovely to stop by shake your hand and say hi, plz jeep up your amazing content, regards, Lee Ford
@@MannsModelMoments I look forward to that Alex, really looking forward to the show, its my 1st one ever, and thanks again for helping uncloud the waters of the hobbie for us, your recent chats on brands , airfix /icm have been fascinating 👍 have a good evening and a good time at Yeovil.
I agree with most of your assessment, and given that ICM unlike almost all other manufacturers already make seated pilots and a flight stand set, and that many of their kits have parts to convert to wheels up (i.e closed wheel wells) that they pioneer a "wheels up only" kit with no internal parts or open panels, but have a seated pilot and one of their clear flight stand. That would sell like hotcakes - I get so many modellers on my channel asking for these types of kits, something Airfix used to do in the past but they have now gone down the road of added complexity and no pilot figures.... cheers, Chris
You hit the nail on the head, Chris. Especially in the 1/72 market, there are very few seated pilots, even with aftermarket figures, which makes inflight models nearly impossible to realistically portray.
Well that Hampden already has me on the Purchase button. I like ICM, their newer kits are solid, and go together with minimal issues. They're a perfect balance between detail and price. Like their A/B-26 series. I picked up an A-26B from the Pacific Theatre for £45 or so. It's in my stash, and it looks amazing.
These observations on companies are interesting, well argued, and positive. Hope there are more in the series but appreciate these must take a lot of time to research and prepare. ICM doing Russian subjects wouldn't be any different to doing WW2 German subjects. Both regimes are/were abhorrent but a kit is just a representation of something. I can understand the not wanting to profit off something that has been killing their fellow citizens but as you say older vehicles are effectively from a different country. If all companies put the original tooling date in a reasonable size and if a rebox also the originator I think we would all be happy. I didn't know about Scalemates when I restarted the hobby and purchased some kits that were absolute dogs and thought it was me being rubbish and not that the kits were 50 years old. Only just tried ICM paints. They are a good alternative to Vallejo and I really like their bottles as they are perfect for my paint storage. I do prefer AK RC/3G though.
The first ICM kit I bought was the Dornier Do17Z-2 - 72304. Apart from some internal detail, I felt this was a better kit than the Airfix Do17z. Plastic was nicer, better instructions and better fit. Between ICM, Eduard and Tamiya, I'm happy.
Alex, another great company assessment. I’ve yet to get an ICM kit so can’t comment on their plastic, nor their paint either. I do like their continuous progress to bring out new toolings and quality. If they are not the market leader yet, they are going the right way about it.
ICM did a great job with having video instructions. It seems they are listening to the community. I feel Tamiya could be doing better, I am thankful that they ended up doing all 3 F-35 variants though.
0:07 Just thought of 2 additional suggestions. The first is right for their line. They produce a lot of models no one else makes. I recently ran across a picture of a sdkfz 250 with zimmerit coating have not found any historical references to it and there was a company that made zimmerit stickers for it that is out of business now. The other being tracks for armor. I personally like the metal tracks with a pin for a pivot. Most people don't like them because it takes too long to assemble a set. It took me 3 days to assemble my first set. As a retired machinist and amateur woodworker, I made a fixture out of 1X2s with my table saw. I cut grooves for the guide horns and put two shoulders on both sides for clearance. I build 2 sets of tracks at a time so they end up at the same length. So I assemble 8 to 10 links tip up the track and peen the burr side of the pins while resting the other side on a flat piece of metal. They then go back into the fixture and the other side gets a very small amount of super glue. It now takes 2 hours to assemble a complete set for a 1/35 scale King Tiger. I don't care for the plastic snap together or the glue together individual links. They have some on the market with plastic pins which are not that great either as the pins are way too fragile. I buy a lot of tracks on ebay as there is a great seller of them with a store and in my opinion they are way better than fruil. The metal tracks will give you that track sag present on a tank sitting still.
ICM is a solid company, they have their Potato's like all the other brands do but I do not agree with some about removing older tool kits. I like the charm and the "Have to think" aspect of older tooling sets and that is what the hobby is all about. If it was perfect match with no work needed then they can buy Bandai snap kits as far as I'm concerned. Decals from all brands work and if they befuddle some they can order sticker kits instead (Again Bandai). Building models is fun but it's also work and if you are looking to have the work removed then just buy $200+ replicas for your shelf. You will always have work to do on parts if you are building models, any expectations against that means you are a replica buyer not a model builder and that's perfectly fine, just know your place in the hobby and you'll be happy. Tamiya kits are not all that and if you disagree buy their Lamborghini kit (Any of them). Aoshima got that car correct, Fujimi is also next level. Tamiya is good but not practical for the money they charge. ICM is a really good balance. Liked this video a lot as it makes really good advice for companies who seem to have forgotten what the Model building hobby is all about.
ICM are very good quality kits, but i have had massive issues with decal silvering, which is so disheartening after spending so much time and effort to build a good model. Never had any bad experinces like this with other brands of decals, and will try to get aftermarket decals in the future. Keep up the good work on this channel 👍👏
I realise that most models I buy are a little leftfield, and therefore generally not the slam dunk commercial 'hits' that are necessary for a successful company, but a huge part of the appeal for me are the 'subjects of interest' (highly subjective ) - but it was what made matchbox really interesting in their day... a little off the beaten track... I'd love some manufacturers to adopt a 2 for commerce 1 for 'interest' approach - so I can build a kit that isn't tricky and limited run but instead is a path less trodden AND is well designed goes together well... sadly, I'm still to find a tamiya aircraft that fits this bill
So I just recently bought the paint set, because they are one of the few producers of the color brass. What I don't like about a lot of these discussions is people who run down someones build because a color doesn't quite match a shade they have worked with. It would be best to remember that towards the end of world war 2 the germans were running out of just about everything so a panzer yellow in 1945 was probably not a match to a 1939 panzer yellow. Thats why I collect paint sets to have a variety if shades. Also there should be a way to order individual colors. Ie if you are painting figures for a diaroma you might run out of field grey or olive drab very quickly. I hope they make kits that are specific to an event. Ie a Abrams and a Bradley from the battle of 73 easting, or a set of panthers from the book of The last Panther, or a tiger 1 from the book tiger tracks. Maybe even a king tiger from the 505th panzer battalion the only tanks with a logo/unit symbol on the turret. Just a few suggestions.
@@clintongaskill1395 that is a good point. I got a vallejo vareriety pack thinking it would be ideal to get started in this hobby. I was painting an a10 which needed like 4 shades of Grey. My kit came with like 4 greens a brown and 2 Grey's. I just practiced my color theory and tried my best to mix. This actually was kind of fun, and while I didn't get to the perfect match I was pretty proud with my slightly purple Grey
I have bought a coupe of ICM kits and find them very, very good. I agree about their paints and do give them a break since they are new to that part of the modeling market. It would be a shame if they don't heed you advice and improve their color line and suggestions. I also think the branding idea would be great to make their kits stand out in a crowded marketplace.
I am building a truck (35002) at the moment, my first ICM kit. Have found the plastic could do with being slightly harder. I have been enjoying the level of detail and construction of it. Some nice suggestions in the video.
I like the idea of the box covers being updated (maybe not quite as large as shown )AND that it would let us save the box art. Making a deal with Cartograph is an excellent suggestion if workable. However, as it wasn't mentioned, my two cents worth of opinion would tend to pre-cut canopy masks particularly for the many-framed ( re : Japanese) bomber/multi engine ) so long as it doesn't affect the prices significantly. I feel that paint is an after-market item to be dealt with separately as well as the stand item. Get an after-market company or even ICM to issue a set of stands in 3 or 4 sizes (4 or 6 to a box) and sell to those who want one - demand will let you know. Thanks, Dane
Precut masks is something I am always keen to promote so I love it when someone else bangs the drum! It is worth noting that in their recent Beaufort kit they didn't include masks but did have a template at the back of the instruction book that modellers could scan/trace to aid in cutting their own masks.
I had a less than satisfying experience with my first ICM kit, "Ghost of Kiev." I learned that it was an early kit, so I don't hold that against them. For me, the thing that has held me back has simply been kit selection. That's highly subjective, but they haven't released anything that screamed "must have" to me.
To me and I could be wrong, but if ICM and Minart would just upgrade the quality of their plastic that they use, I believe it would make a huge difference. Like tamiya plastic.
I think that's a fair assessment. I would like their kits to be just a tad more refined. For example I'd like to see styrene tyres with sidewall detail instead of vinyl tyres with no detail. I'd also like to see them utilise slide moulding.
I think you are pretty close to right but if ICM were to outsource decal production, I would suggest use of Decograph as used by Wingsy and Clearprop rather than Cartograph. The quality is very similar to Cartograph and it would keep the production in Ukraine.
ICM might think about growing the number of model hobbists by creating a snap together kits to compete with Zveda and the Chinese snap-together models. I am thinking that their 1/72 BTR models might be good subjects to explore the market.
@@davidhunt1947 Yes, it's not a phrase that translates well into English - but then I don't think modellers really care about company slogans, hence I don't think changing it really matters
Agreed - place any text & Scale to the left, the title in the centre and ICM brand to the right, even if it means reducing the size of the printed art to fit.
The plastic is a little on the soft side and ok their paint sets are a little bit hit and miss. The paints themselves are generally fine apart from some metallics I only wish the pots were a little bigger. The boxes are ok but I like to use mine as a sort of tray to keep my pieces in while modelling so their odd packaging doesn't help. I cant see anyone competing with Tamiya whose attention to detail, engineering, box art, the whole quality of the package, is second to none. You just get drawn in by their kits as soon as you see the box top. But I wish ICM well they have come a long way over the years and continue to bring out interesting subjects that are a little out the mainstream.
I have no problem with ICM not producing "Russian' models. Nor am I in any dilemma about buying Zveda. I just won't. Ethics shouldn't be compromised for the sake of commerce.
@@MannsModelMoments I think there's a difference between historic 'Russian' - Soviet Union - models which ICM /do/ make BTW, and modern post-Communist Russian models which they don't for obvious reasons. Would I have a problem with /any/ company producing the former? No. The latter? Yes.
see this is a very strong stance clearly defined as money without moral judgement. Its very much against How I am. Im sure you have a better bank balance than I do, but I would question the quality of your friendships. The things that are important are those that you allow to be important. Some things money is very good at, but for many things it is terrible at.
In the past 2-3 years I'm mainly spending my money on Ukrainian kits (ICM and Miniart). Comparing 1/35 vehicles I still find Miniart kits more friendly in terms of building: large piece of PE fret, rubber tyres are from injection molded plastic (even the construction is more time consuming). So if ICM wants to grow, my advise: skip the rubber tyres and go for a plastic rendition instead. (Hardcore modelers will always swap for a resin /3D print), but for average people the plastic is more durable.
Buying a Russian kit isn’t supporting Putin, it’s supporting people who have zero say in how their country is run put food on their tables. This childish boycott mindset makes no sense to me, do people also boycott products from Turkey? Or Israel? Or the US? Those are all countries that have invaded sovereign nations to suit their own geopolitical aims. Or do people just follow the herd and do what’s expected of them? It’s also strange that people are taking a moral stand on Russia, but are quite happy to buy and build kits depicting Nazi vehicles, troops, equipment and aircraft.
Paint - single bottles, and less padding (varnishes, blacks, whites, silvers) in their sets … to be fair other manufacturers pad their sets with generic colours, but the varnishes are a step too far. Definitely need single bottles though if I am to invest in their paints. 1:72 please - this is a selfish request because I build in 1:72 and am jealous of the 1:48 releases. I’m after a Hampden at the moment, the Airfix is too old, the Valom has badly fitting transparencies, so I am waiting on the AZ. If ICM were to do a 1:72 they could definitely have my money.
Im surprised they do the amount of russian subjects considering the situation they are in.....and just to be clear im not talking about "soviet" but actual "Russian"
I would like to see more Soviet stuff, too, but it's not good business advice. It just doesn't sell as well these days. I work for Stevens International and we recently discontinued a lot of Trumpeter kits, almost all Soviet/Russian subjects, directly because the stuff hasn't sold as well since the invasion of Ukraine.
As for link&length tracks, those are a positive only if done like Tamiya's, with careful attention to realism and fit. Otherwise, they're the worst of both worlds!
Sadly ICM kits to me are not exciting in any way apart from at times their subject choices, the only reason I ever bought two of their kits. Compared to their countrymen in modelsvit and dora wings which produce much smaller quantities - they offer a lot more refined detail all over. A bit surprising to say the least. So I hope ICM can focus a bit more on each release and give it some love in the detail and instructions rather than focussing so much on quanitity. I hope they have the financial and logistical base to do so now.
I have a horrible feeling that I will be crossing swords with quite a few people regarding ICM, personally I don’t think they need to do anything more than they are now, I would not want to see them turn into the European version of Tamiya, I don’t want to buy kits that are just perfect in the detail of the subject, a kit where everything just fits perfectly together, decals that are so easy to apply that you can do it blindfolded or where you can buy a full set of paints for that specific model and for every model that they make (you would end up with more paint than it takes to paint the Forth Road Bridge), I want to be challenged by a kit and to make it look 👀 the best I CAN MAKE IT, is that not a big part why so many of us enjoy the hobby, if not then I would suggest that taking up a different hobby might be the way to go. If ICM were to make the changes suggested then they might have no option but to increase their prices to the retailer’s, and those increases could mean that the import duties etc might go up as well, and that would mean that the customer would be the ones facing higher prices that could, more likely would, mean that ICM kits were unaffordable to the average builder. I think that “if it isn’t broken don’t fix it” or in other words ICM should stick with the business model that they have in place because they are obviously in a growth phase of their business and by changing it now might cost them some of their market share. Now obviously I am not a manufacturer, retailer or business advisor, but I do know that too much change could hamper their business model. I’m sure that I will get some huge backlash from people who are far smarter than me, but please remember that this is MY OPINION, nothing more and nothing less, and only time will tell if people respect that. The only thing I agree with is that ICM should not allow their personal opinions regarding Russian equipment kits get in the way of good business sense, by selling kits that are from the Soviet era or even modern Russia would mean that they were making money from their enemy, especially if they included an option to build, for instance, a T-90 in a partially destroyed or disabled diorama vignette, but having said that the Ukrainian leadership might have introduced some form of legislation prohibiting them from manufacturing/selling Russian military equipment, it might sound strange but Ukraine is in a war with Russia and Ukrainian people might see it as promoting Russian military equipment, but hey what do I know. It seems to me that “re-tooling” is a common thread in some TH-camrs wish list, and to a limited extent that is fine, but for companies that are trying to survive in the uncertain future of global financial markets, or, as it is for ICM, investing huge sums for new tooling is a gamble and could easily result in making their financial stability more uncertain, if the global economy and geopolitical situation was more stable then it does make business sense, but we a far from being in a stable situation and it doesn’t seem to be the right time for massive investments that could cost them, and other manufacturers, dear, and even if they did decide to gamble on a favourable outcome then the cost involved would have to be passed on to the end users, namely the model making hobbyists. There is one thing that I am sure about, ICM branding is distinctive and eye catching, I really don’t think 💭 that it needs any change whatsoever. If, as you said @ 17:19 ICM are doing almost everything right then why are you advocating for so many changes to their products and business model, you have criticised virtually every aspect of their products and that equates, in my opinion, to not doing nearly everything right, which is it?, right or wrong?.
Well I disagree with almost everything you've said. As for the "Why?" question you posed, any successful business should always be asking itself how it can do better, ot it risks stagnation and becoming outcompeted. You can be doing almost everything right and still make multiple improvements, which is all I've suggested here.
@@MannsModelMoments I wouldn’t have expected anything less than you disagreeing with me, it is your business to see ways that a business can be successful or improved, but in this case I think that your forgetting that Ukraine is an active war zone right now and ICM amongst many other businesses would be foolish to invest huge sums of money that could easily be lost in the blink of an eye, literally and not figuratively, Russia has shown that they are not concerned about their target acquisition and would literally destroy it in instant. If that is not a good enough reason to hold of on any major investment or change to their business model then I don’t know what is. I find it incredulous that you said as much yourself about the ongoing war but still think that major investment would be a good idea, but that’s your own opinion. I think one of the problems that we have is that when you do record your videos the narration, to me at least, comes across as condescending and that what you suggest or state is the de facto answer or solution, and perhaps that is not what you intend or feel that you do come across as being, is it strictly necessary to list why you are able to make the statements or opinions that you do, I don’t care that you are a veteran model maker, that you have your own retail business or that you are an advisor to industries, what I care about is what you have to say about whatever subject the video is about, and I promise you that I ignore, as far as possible, your qualifications that are irrelevant, stating an opinion or giving advice comes from experience and not what you feel makes you more qualified to comment than anyone else, just as disagreeing with someone comes from experience within the particular subject matter, it makes me feel that no matter what or how I write my opinion down it doesn’t matter because I will be wrong, and that is 100% true, but, again, it might be me being overly sensitive, but considering how many videos I have watched across many many genres you are in a very small minority of those that I feel are TELLING viewers that what you are saying is Gospel, you do say that it is your opinion or suggestions and you want people to comment, just as I say that what I write is MY opinions or suggestions, and perhaps that I come across as being an expert on the subject matter, and if so then I apologise, but in this case I feel that you have a closed mind to anything others might say or think, and that it makes me wonder if I should bother even trying to make my opinions known to you and everyone else who reads my comments (as long winded and sometimes rambling that they are), and for that I apologise for it, but personally I feel that open discourse is the only way to help all viewers see a different approach or reasoning on the subject, after all that is why TH-cam has a comment section, to allow the free flow and exchange of ideas and opinions, just as long as it is within guidelines and not illegal. You said you disagree with almost everything I said, perhaps you could tell me what you did agree with and explain why you don’t agree with the rest of my opinions, I am open to anyone else’s opinions and/or suggestions, just as you say you are, and you never know you could change my point of view, and if so I will be happy to apologise to you and anyone else who disagrees with me, but only if they express their own opinion as to why I am wrong.
@@allandavis8201 What "major investment" are you talking about?? They already put major investment into new toolings, I merely suggested some possible "tweaks" in direction and focus.
@@MannsModelMoments Actually you did say, from 7:09 to 8:10 that ICM should replace old tooling and get new tooling for an SU-27 in 1/48 and 1/72 scale, additionally you said that they should introduce a T-72 and BTM as well as other Soviet era vehicles etc, so if you don’t consider that as major investment then I can’t argue the point anymore, but what do you consider changing their product packaging/branding would cost?, the composition of their plastic, cartography decals, paint composition to better colour match other companies offering RLM paints, those things would also require major investment to accomplish, and during the Ukraine being a war zone even “minor tweaks” could be to much of a financial risk, things like that would be better off waiting until the war is over, and judging by the way it is going it could be a long time before the situation improves for the Ukraine, and goodness only knows what would happen if Russia was to get hold of the country, they would be back under Putin and his fellow hardliners, back to the dark ages of Soviet/Communist rule.
@@allandavis8201 @allandavis8201 Once again, ICM already make between 10-12 new tools a year, plus about the same kits with new parts. I'm simply suggesting the direction of some of that current investment,not additional. They already design boxes for all of these, so making these easier to distinguish with distinctive branding is not additional, it's just different. Same with printing tooling dates and kit origin - no additional resource required. I didn't mention reformulating paint, merely changing the recommended paints in sets.
IMO this hatred towards Zvezda is a bit overblown. When China inevitably invades Taiwan, I’m sure these same folks won’t be protesting Border Model, Temu, and Gaahleri, and our many other products made in china, which would probably kill the hobby overnight.
I haven't heard any hatred of Zvezda, either in this video or elsewhere. Konstantin Krivenko, the owner of the company, is no big Putin supporter, and the war is costing him money. The embargo against Russia is fully justified, but unfortunately it hurts this one good guy who happens to live in Russia.
@@Steve_8341 That's both highly speculative and very unlikely. There's also a big difference between political posturing and sabre-rattling and actually pushing the button on military force. Russia crossed the line and is suffering the consequences, China has not. If it did, it would be very bad for everyone, and I'm sure "those same folks" WOULD be protesting
@@Bellerophonmodeler indeed - the decision of most to not buy from Russian companies whether embargoed or not is generally an ethical and moral stand against the political regime leading the aggressive invasion, not the individual company.
@@Bellerophonmodeler I wasn’t saying in this video, just in general on social media. People go ballistic when any TH-camr posts a video including zvezda or a builder posts photos on social media.
@@MannsModelMoments what I’m saying is it would be a lifestyle change to protest Chinese items, where it’s quite easy to do with Russia as they don’t produce our everyday goods. I wouldn’t say highly unlikely at all, and yes it would be very bad for everyone and I hope it doesn’t happen. My comment wasn’t a knock at your video, I love your stuff. “Folks” refers to the people who will unsubscribe from your channel and leave you a nasty comment just because you decided to build a Zvezda kit you’ve had in your stash since 2007. Or people who say someone’s model looks like 💩 because it’s a Zvezda (all over social media). There’s plenty out there.
What do you think ICM can do to be even better? Let me know in the comments below...
Dont forget, they are doing all this in the middle of a war zone, you have to ask why so many of their competitors are far less capable. slava Ukraine. But the ex Russian stuff, possibly a bit insensitve dude considering the present situation
removing from their lineup that one model of that plane that never existed, and turned out
to be videogame footage would make it easier to take them seriously.
ukraine is a society that allowed the most reprehensible ideology in human history to not only survive
but fester and ultimately take power.
they could improve vastly by dropping this misplaced pride and replacing it with shame.
and so could you.
better to get out ahead and do it yourself, then to be forced when society figures out what you already know.
from the looks of things it won't be long now...
I don't think it's insensitive given the Ukraine is using this sort of equipment - I wouldn't expect them to make an Armata tank, for example, or an Su-57
@@MannsModelMoments Im not so sure, i think you are very sharply focused on just the buisness aspect of it, but ignoring possible more nuanced humand factors, I'll try to explain another way. lets just focus on ICM and their employees. what do you think the employees are going to be happier doing. a 1/32 patriot battery, or a russian SU 34, or a 1 in 350 Moskava. Ive clearly chosen these deliberately to emphasise that peoples feelings are different, and it is the context that affects this. you to understand this clearly with your example of active systems facing ukraine. But it is even more nuanced regarding the Moskava. Clearly there is a line somewhere that folks feel comfortable with, and uncomfortable with, but it will vary between people, and that the line isnt a hard clearly defined one. It is overall more nebulious. what one person feels comfortable with, others would feel less so. But does it not make sence that for Ukranian people the line would be somewhat shifted towards the view of negativity regarding all things not just russian, but soviet. We are not getting invaded in this country, so its easy for us to draw a line in what we may see as a neutral position but that from a ukranian viewpoint might bbe unacceptable to be called neutral or good
@@jukeseyable I think you've completely misconstrued my point. When did Ukraine have a Moskva class warship or Su-34s? That's not what I've said. I said I'd love them to do soviet-era military equipment they have in service, or WWI era soviet equipment, much of which was manufactured in the Ukraine.
A fair and accurate depiction of the company, imo.
I've been building ICM kits for over 20 years now, and I'm immensely proud of how far they've come and how much effort they've put in improving the company.
Most folks these days never built ICM's early 1/72nd kits, like the original Polikarpov I-15bis. Heavy flash, drenched in release agent, some very dodgy fit issues, the decals were as flat as my income but surprinsingly good. The IL-400b was a lovely kit, on the other hand. Most, if not all, were the result of Valentin Muchichko's amazing scratchbuilding abilities and knowledge on how to turn those masters into production models. His last model for ICM before they moved on to CAD was the outstanding He-70 Blitz. The Tupolev SB was practicaly unbuildable for me, though. Scale modeling genius levels of complexity.
The artillery pieces were excellent. And the heavy Soviet tanks were quite the challenge.
The key thing many did miss altogether at the time was, their kits were enjoyable. For a few bucks you got the basis for a very involved project or a fairly entertaining quick build, like the Fokker and Pfalz Eindeckers. They were not without their faults, mind you. But, then again, what kit isn't?
Tamiya, we all know that.
Alas. My absolutely biased two-pence opinion on the matter.
Great video, Alex.
Loving this series about how the various kit manufacturers could improve. On the whole ICM aren't doing much wrong and seem to only to need tweaks rather than a complete overhaul.
Btw, I also enjoy the graphics to emphasise your points and your narration. 👍
@@acfnugget7880 thanks, and agreed!
actually they are doing it half a country northwest of the actual war zone.
Vovchansk is in the war zone, and i think we can agree it looks very different from kyiv.
Kyiv is frequently attacked directly, I think that includes it in the warzone
@@MannsModelMoments frequently?
'sporadically' would be a better word to use here.
and by your logic ukraine has been a war zone since 2014 when the zelensky regime started committing genocide of their own people in the east.
kyiv, after slaughtering thousands of their own people in the east, and exiling millions,
you have zero credibility when assigning them the role of 'victim'.
the people of kyiv, so far, have been troubled by some loud noises and the loss of a few services, that's all!
and let me remind you one more time: those are NAZI war criminals you are fellating.
Excellent, constructive suggestions.
Hi Alex, im 10 months back into the hobby after 35 yrs and being i have it all to learn, ive been watching your channel with great interest, your knowledge across the board i find fascinating, ill admit I get lost in paint science but I do get the basics and between your great paint videos and airfix and chill ive got a good handle on it all, especially Mondays around primers.
Thank you in turn for introducing me to MOS, Nigel, black rifle, John, brett and more im watching them and yourself with interest.
On another note I and others have found the FB side of the hobby can be a very difficult place to be especially for beginners and novices, I have now found a non rivet counting group, with a family orientated, nurturing and supportive ethos.
Thankyou for all the knowledge you have shared in ours and retailers interests, Im going to telford on the sat, hope to meet a couple of the group, cant believe John will be there, would be lovely to stop by shake your hand and say hi, plz jeep up your amazing content, regards, Lee Ford
Thanks! Will look forward to seeing you there!
@@MannsModelMoments I look forward to that Alex, really looking forward to the show, its my 1st one ever, and thanks again for helping uncloud the waters of the hobbie for us, your recent chats on brands , airfix /icm have been fascinating 👍 have a good evening and a good time at Yeovil.
Love your ideas on Box packaging!
Thanks!
Your ideas for improvement are excellent! Especially the graphics on the box cover - that is brilliant 😍
I agree with most of your assessment, and given that ICM unlike almost all other manufacturers already make seated pilots and a flight stand set, and that many of their kits have parts to convert to wheels up (i.e closed wheel wells) that they pioneer a "wheels up only" kit with no internal parts or open panels, but have a seated pilot and one of their clear flight stand.
That would sell like hotcakes - I get so many modellers on my channel asking for these types of kits, something Airfix used to do in the past but they have now gone down the road of added complexity and no pilot figures....
cheers, Chris
You hit the nail on the head, Chris. Especially in the 1/72 market, there are very few seated pilots, even with aftermarket figures, which makes inflight models nearly impossible to realistically portray.
Well that Hampden already has me on the Purchase button.
I like ICM, their newer kits are solid, and go together with minimal issues. They're a perfect balance between detail and price. Like their A/B-26 series. I picked up an A-26B from the Pacific Theatre for £45 or so. It's in my stash, and it looks amazing.
These observations on companies are interesting, well argued, and positive. Hope there are more in the series but appreciate these must take a lot of time to research and prepare.
ICM doing Russian subjects wouldn't be any different to doing WW2 German subjects. Both regimes are/were abhorrent but a kit is just a representation of something. I can understand the not wanting to profit off something that has been killing their fellow citizens but as you say older vehicles are effectively from a different country.
If all companies put the original tooling date in a reasonable size and if a rebox also the originator I think we would all be happy. I didn't know about Scalemates when I restarted the hobby and purchased some kits that were absolute dogs and thought it was me being rubbish and not that the kits were 50 years old.
Only just tried ICM paints. They are a good alternative to Vallejo and I really like their bottles as they are perfect for my paint storage. I do prefer AK RC/3G though.
The first ICM kit I bought was the Dornier Do17Z-2 - 72304. Apart from some internal detail, I felt this was a better kit than the Airfix Do17z. Plastic was nicer, better instructions and better fit. Between ICM, Eduard and Tamiya, I'm happy.
I hope they view your video, so many helpful comments. Wish them well.
@@chrissouthgate4554 They have, and they got in touch - much more than any other company has done!
Alex, another great company assessment. I’ve yet to get an ICM kit so can’t comment on their plastic, nor their paint either. I do like their continuous progress to bring out new toolings and quality. If they are not the market leader yet, they are going the right way about it.
@@IndyR1Simon agreed!
ICM did a great job with having video instructions. It seems they are listening to the community. I feel Tamiya could be doing better, I am thankful that they ended up doing all 3 F-35 variants though.
I think so too
0:07 Just thought of 2 additional suggestions. The first is right for their line. They produce a lot of models no one else makes. I recently ran across a picture of a sdkfz 250 with zimmerit coating have not found any historical references to it and there was a company that made zimmerit stickers for it that is out of business now. The other being tracks for armor. I personally like the metal tracks with a pin for a pivot. Most people don't like them because it takes too long to assemble a set. It took me 3 days to assemble my first set. As a retired machinist and amateur woodworker, I made a fixture out of 1X2s with my table saw. I cut grooves for the guide horns and put two shoulders on both sides for clearance. I build 2 sets of tracks at a time so they end up at the same length. So I assemble 8 to 10 links tip up the track and peen the burr side of the pins while resting the other side on a flat piece of metal. They then go back into the fixture and the other side gets a very small amount of super glue. It now takes 2 hours to assemble a complete set for a 1/35 scale King Tiger. I don't care for the plastic snap together or the glue together individual links. They have some on the market with plastic pins which are not that great either as the pins are way too fragile. I buy a lot of tracks on ebay as there is a great seller of them with a store and in my opinion they are way better than fruil. The metal tracks will give you that track sag present on a tank sitting still.
I’m really enjoying this series, and find your points always valid
Thanks!
Excellent video. I hope ICM listen.
Cheers!
ICM is a solid company, they have their Potato's like all the other brands do but I do not agree with some about removing older tool kits. I like the charm and the "Have to think" aspect of older tooling sets and that is what the hobby is all about. If it was perfect match with no work needed then they can buy Bandai snap kits as far as I'm concerned. Decals from all brands work and if they befuddle some they can order sticker kits instead (Again Bandai). Building models is fun but it's also work and if you are looking to have the work removed then just buy $200+ replicas for your shelf. You will always have work to do on parts if you are building models, any expectations against that means you are a replica buyer not a model builder and that's perfectly fine, just know your place in the hobby and you'll be happy.
Tamiya kits are not all that and if you disagree buy their Lamborghini kit (Any of them). Aoshima got that car correct, Fujimi is also next level. Tamiya is good but not practical for the money they charge. ICM is a really good balance. Liked this video a lot as it makes really good advice for companies who seem to have forgotten what the Model building hobby is all about.
ICM are very good quality kits, but i have had massive issues with decal silvering, which is so disheartening after spending so much time and effort to build a good model. Never had any bad experinces like this with other brands of decals, and will try to get aftermarket decals in the future. Keep up the good work on this channel 👍👏
I realise that most models I buy are a little leftfield, and therefore generally not the slam dunk commercial 'hits' that are necessary for a successful company, but a huge part of the appeal for me are the 'subjects of interest' (highly subjective ) - but it was what made matchbox really interesting in their day... a little off the beaten track... I'd love some manufacturers to adopt a 2 for commerce 1 for 'interest' approach - so I can build a kit that isn't tricky and limited run but instead is a path less trodden AND is well designed goes together well... sadly, I'm still to find a tamiya aircraft that fits this bill
So I just recently bought the paint set, because they are one of the few producers of the color brass. What I don't like about a lot of these discussions is people who run down someones build because a color doesn't quite match a shade they have worked with. It would be best to remember that towards the end of world war 2 the germans were running out of just about everything so a panzer yellow in 1945 was probably not a match to a 1939 panzer yellow. Thats why I collect paint sets to have a variety if shades. Also there should be a way to order individual colors. Ie if you are painting figures for a diaroma you might run out of field grey or olive drab very quickly. I hope they make kits that are specific to an event. Ie a Abrams and a Bradley from the battle of 73 easting, or a set of panthers from the book of The last Panther, or a tiger 1 from the book tiger tracks. Maybe even a king tiger from the 505th panzer battalion the only tanks with a logo/unit symbol on the turret. Just a few suggestions.
@@clintongaskill1395 that is a good point. I got a vallejo vareriety pack thinking it would be ideal to get started in this hobby. I was painting an a10 which needed like 4 shades of Grey. My kit came with like 4 greens a brown and 2 Grey's. I just practiced my color theory and tried my best to mix. This actually was kind of fun, and while I didn't get to the perfect match I was pretty proud with my slightly purple Grey
Excellent video! I'd like to see you do the same for Miniart
There are other manufacturers of Migs and Sukhoi’s such as GWH
There are indeed, but those tend to be more expensive and a European alternative would be nice.
I have bought a coupe of ICM kits and find them very, very good. I agree about their paints and do give them a break since they are new to that part of the modeling market. It would be a shame if they don't heed you advice and improve their color line and suggestions. I also think the branding idea would be great to make their kits stand out in a crowded marketplace.
I am building a truck (35002) at the moment, my first ICM kit. Have found the plastic could do with being slightly harder. I have been enjoying the level of detail and construction of it. Some nice suggestions in the video.
Good luck!
Move into the expanding 1/16th range of accessories and stowage and figures even kits in that scale.
I've always liked Italeri's plastic. I do like special paint sets for specific subjects.
I like the idea too
Great video and excellent perspective.
I like the idea of the box covers being updated (maybe not quite as large as shown )AND that it would let us save the box art. Making a deal with Cartograph is an excellent suggestion if workable. However, as it wasn't mentioned, my two cents worth of opinion would tend to pre-cut canopy masks particularly for the many-framed ( re : Japanese) bomber/multi engine ) so long as it doesn't affect the prices significantly. I feel that paint is an after-market item to be dealt with separately as well as the stand item. Get an after-market company or even ICM to issue a set of stands in 3 or 4 sizes (4 or 6 to a box) and sell to those who want one - demand will let you know. Thanks, Dane
Precut masks is something I am always keen to promote so I love it when someone else bangs the drum! It is worth noting that in their recent Beaufort kit they didn't include masks but did have a template at the back of the instruction book that modellers could scan/trace to aid in cutting their own masks.
I had a less than satisfying experience with my first ICM kit, "Ghost of Kiev." I learned that it was an early kit, so I don't hold that against them. For me, the thing that has held me back has simply been kit selection. That's highly subjective, but they haven't released anything that screamed "must have" to me.
Fair enough
To me and I could be wrong, but if ICM and Minart would just upgrade the quality of their plastic that they use, I believe it would make a huge difference. Like tamiya plastic.
Understood!
I think that's a fair assessment.
I would like their kits to be just a tad more refined. For example I'd like to see styrene tyres with sidewall detail instead of vinyl tyres with no detail. I'd also like to see them utilise slide moulding.
Agreed on styrene tyres, slide moulding I'm not necessarily sold on
@@MannsModelMomentsI think it can be over-utilised, but used judiciously it can lift a kit.
I think you are pretty close to right but if ICM were to outsource decal production, I would suggest use of Decograph as used by Wingsy and Clearprop rather than Cartograph. The quality is very similar to Cartograph and it would keep the production in Ukraine.
couldn't agree more, gen 1 icm is patchy, but latterly there's some real gems in their range
ICM might think about growing the number of model hobbists by creating a snap together kits to compete with Zveda and the Chinese snap-together models. I am thinking that their 1/72 BTR models might be good subjects to explore the market.
They are bringing a 48th Hampden? So you are saying me getting thw vacform from eBay has helped?
@@HotelPapa100 maybe!?
Thank you for the video. I wanted to ask, what is their slogan? I can’t quite understand what that first word is.
I think it reads; _New in the Best_ which really doesn't translate well imo
Thanks, that’s what I was thinking, but it sounds a bit awkward
@@davidhunt1947 Yes, it's not a phrase that translates well into English - but then I don't think modellers really care about company slogans, hence I don't think changing it really matters
@@MannsModelMoments sounds fine to me. Thanks again for your videos and I really like the ones about paint and improving Revell and Airfix.
Just have 1 box banner in blue and yellow on the top
Agreed - place any text & Scale to the left, the title in the centre and ICM brand to the right, even if it means reducing the size of the printed art to fit.
box cover excellent idea as also leave a clear picture for people to display in man cave if they want
The plastic is a little on the soft side and ok their paint sets are a little bit hit and miss. The paints themselves are generally fine apart from some metallics I only wish the pots were a little bigger. The boxes are ok but I like to use mine as a sort of tray to keep my pieces in while modelling so their odd packaging doesn't help. I cant see anyone competing with Tamiya whose attention to detail, engineering, box art, the whole quality of the package, is second to none. You just get drawn in by their kits as soon as you see the box top. But I wish ICM well they have come a long way over the years and continue to bring out interesting subjects that are a little out the mainstream.
Not my subject matter ,thats why i have not gone for ICM yet.
That's fair
I have no problem with ICM not producing "Russian' models. Nor am I in any dilemma about buying Zveda. I just won't. Ethics shouldn't be compromised for the sake of commerce.
I agree, but not everyone has the same moral compass and I'd love to see ICM making money from subjects that otherwise might go to Russia
@@MannsModelMoments I think there's a difference between historic 'Russian' - Soviet Union - models which ICM /do/ make BTW, and modern post-Communist Russian models which they don't for obvious reasons. Would I have a problem with /any/ company producing the former? No. The latter? Yes.
Ive been boycotting things too since the start. It's important to remember what so many people are suffering through
But people are quite happy to buy and build kits depicting Nazi troops, vehicles aircraft and equipment?
see this is a very strong stance clearly defined as money without moral judgement. Its very much against How I am. Im sure you have a better bank balance than I do, but I would question the quality of your friendships. The things that are important are those that you allow to be important. Some things money is very good at, but for many things it is terrible at.
In the past 2-3 years I'm mainly spending my money on Ukrainian kits (ICM and Miniart). Comparing 1/35 vehicles I still find Miniart kits more friendly in terms of building: large piece of PE fret, rubber tyres are from injection molded plastic (even the construction is more time consuming). So if ICM wants to grow, my advise: skip the rubber tyres and go for a plastic rendition instead. (Hardcore modelers will always swap for a resin /3D print), but for average people the plastic is more durable.
Why is buying Russian a difficult choice?
Do you want to support Putin?
Buying a Russian kit isn’t supporting Putin, it’s supporting people who have zero say in how their country is run put food on their tables. This childish boycott mindset makes no sense to me, do people also boycott products from Turkey? Or Israel? Or the US? Those are all countries that have invaded sovereign nations to suit their own geopolitical aims. Or do people just follow the herd and do what’s expected of them? It’s also strange that people are taking a moral stand on Russia, but are quite happy to buy and build kits depicting Nazi vehicles, troops, equipment and aircraft.
I see comments are being deleted….
@@Jimmythefish577 What comments?
Not a difficult choice for me. Both countries are as corrupt as each other so couldn't care less
Paint - single bottles, and less padding (varnishes, blacks, whites, silvers) in their sets … to be fair other manufacturers pad their sets with generic colours, but the varnishes are a step too far. Definitely need single bottles though if I am to invest in their paints.
1:72 please - this is a selfish request because I build in 1:72 and am jealous of the 1:48 releases. I’m after a Hampden at the moment, the Airfix is too old, the Valom has badly fitting transparencies, so I am waiting on the AZ. If ICM were to do a 1:72 they could definitely have my money.
Im surprised they do the amount of russian subjects considering the situation they are in.....and just to be clear im not talking about "soviet" but actual "Russian"
Never built or owned an icm kit
@@deanjans3259 you should!
I would like to see more Soviet stuff, too, but it's not good business advice. It just doesn't sell as well these days. I work for Stevens International and we recently discontinued a lot of Trumpeter kits, almost all Soviet/Russian subjects, directly because the stuff hasn't sold as well since the invasion of Ukraine.
As for link&length tracks, those are a positive only if done like Tamiya's, with careful attention to realism and fit. Otherwise, they're the worst of both worlds!
@@Bellerophonmodeler I think Soviet subjects in Ukrainian colours are a little different though
Nice subjects, but very difficult to build. I much prefer Japanese and Chinese products.
@@darkwood777 I've not personally found that
Sadly ICM kits to me are not exciting in any way apart from at times their subject choices, the only reason I ever bought two of their kits. Compared to their countrymen in modelsvit and dora wings which produce much smaller quantities - they offer a lot more refined detail all over. A bit surprising to say the least.
So I hope ICM can focus a bit more on each release and give it some love in the detail and instructions rather than focussing so much on quanitity. I hope they have the financial and logistical base to do so now.
Well I can't say I agree, but thanks for the comment
I have a horrible feeling that I will be crossing swords with quite a few people regarding ICM, personally I don’t think they need to do anything more than they are now, I would not want to see them turn into the European version of Tamiya, I don’t want to buy kits that are just perfect in the detail of the subject, a kit where everything just fits perfectly together, decals that are so easy to apply that you can do it blindfolded or where you can buy a full set of paints for that specific model and for every model that they make (you would end up with more paint than it takes to paint the Forth Road Bridge), I want to be challenged by a kit and to make it look 👀 the best I CAN MAKE IT, is that not a big part why so many of us enjoy the hobby, if not then I would suggest that taking up a different hobby might be the way to go.
If ICM were to make the changes suggested then they might have no option but to increase their prices to the retailer’s, and those increases could mean that the import duties etc might go up as well, and that would mean that the customer would be the ones facing higher prices that could, more likely would, mean that ICM kits were unaffordable to the average builder.
I think that “if it isn’t broken don’t fix it” or in other words ICM should stick with the business model that they have in place because they are obviously in a growth phase of their business and by changing it now might cost them some of their market share.
Now obviously I am not a manufacturer, retailer or business advisor, but I do know that too much change could hamper their business model. I’m sure that I will get some huge backlash from people who are far smarter than me, but please remember that this is MY OPINION, nothing more and nothing less, and only time will tell if people respect that.
The only thing I agree with is that ICM should not allow their personal opinions regarding Russian equipment kits get in the way of good business sense, by selling kits that are from the Soviet era or even modern Russia would mean that they were making money from their enemy, especially if they included an option to build, for instance, a T-90 in a partially destroyed or disabled diorama vignette, but having said that the Ukrainian leadership might have introduced some form of legislation prohibiting them from manufacturing/selling Russian military equipment, it might sound strange but Ukraine is in a war with Russia and Ukrainian people might see it as promoting Russian military equipment, but hey what do I know.
It seems to me that “re-tooling” is a common thread in some TH-camrs wish list, and to a limited extent that is fine, but for companies that are trying to survive in the uncertain future of global financial markets, or, as it is for ICM, investing huge sums for new tooling is a gamble and could easily result in making their financial stability more uncertain, if the global economy and geopolitical situation was more stable then it does make business sense, but we a far from being in a stable situation and it doesn’t seem to be the right time for massive investments that could cost them, and other manufacturers, dear, and even if they did decide to gamble on a favourable outcome then the cost involved would have to be passed on to the end users, namely the model making hobbyists.
There is one thing that I am sure about, ICM branding is distinctive and eye catching, I really don’t think 💭 that it needs any change whatsoever.
If, as you said @ 17:19 ICM are doing almost everything right then why are you advocating for so many changes to their products and business model, you have criticised virtually every aspect of their products and that equates, in my opinion, to not doing nearly everything right, which is it?, right or wrong?.
Well I disagree with almost everything you've said.
As for the "Why?" question you posed, any successful business should always be asking itself how it can do better, ot it risks stagnation and becoming outcompeted. You can be doing almost everything right and still make multiple improvements, which is all I've suggested here.
@@MannsModelMoments I wouldn’t have expected anything less than you disagreeing with me, it is your business to see ways that a business can be successful or improved, but in this case I think that your forgetting that Ukraine is an active war zone right now and ICM amongst many other businesses would be foolish to invest huge sums of money that could easily be lost in the blink of an eye, literally and not figuratively, Russia has shown that they are not concerned about their target acquisition and would literally destroy it in instant.
If that is not a good enough reason to hold of on any major investment or change to their business model then I don’t know what is. I find it incredulous that you said as much yourself about the ongoing war but still think that major investment would be a good idea, but that’s your own opinion. I think one of the problems that we have is that when you do record your videos the narration, to me at least, comes across as condescending and that what you suggest or state is the de facto answer or solution, and perhaps that is not what you intend or feel that you do come across as being, is it strictly necessary to list why you are able to make the statements or opinions that you do, I don’t care that you are a veteran model maker, that you have your own retail business or that you are an advisor to industries, what I care about is what you have to say about whatever subject the video is about, and I promise you that I ignore, as far as possible, your qualifications that are irrelevant, stating an opinion or giving advice comes from experience and not what you feel makes you more qualified to comment than anyone else, just as disagreeing with someone comes from experience within the particular subject matter, it makes me feel that no matter what or how I write my opinion down it doesn’t matter because I will be wrong, and that is 100% true, but, again, it might be me being overly sensitive, but considering how many videos I have watched across many many genres you are in a very small minority of those that I feel are TELLING viewers that what you are saying is Gospel, you do say that it is your opinion or suggestions and you want people to comment, just as I say that what I write is MY opinions or suggestions, and perhaps that I come across as being an expert on the subject matter, and if so then I apologise, but in this case I feel that you have a closed mind to anything others might say or think, and that it makes me wonder if I should bother even trying to make my opinions known to you and everyone else who reads my comments (as long winded and sometimes rambling that they are), and for that I apologise for it, but personally I feel that open discourse is the only way to help all viewers see a different approach or reasoning on the subject, after all that is why TH-cam has a comment section, to allow the free flow and exchange of ideas and opinions, just as long as it is within guidelines and not illegal.
You said you disagree with almost everything I said, perhaps you could tell me what you did agree with and explain why you don’t agree with the rest of my opinions, I am open to anyone else’s opinions and/or suggestions, just as you say you are, and you never know you could change my point of view, and if so I will be happy to apologise to you and anyone else who disagrees with me, but only if they express their own opinion as to why I am wrong.
@@allandavis8201 What "major investment" are you talking about?? They already put major investment into new toolings, I merely suggested some possible "tweaks" in direction and focus.
@@MannsModelMoments Actually you did say, from 7:09 to 8:10 that ICM should replace old tooling and get new tooling for an SU-27 in 1/48 and 1/72 scale, additionally you said that they should introduce a T-72 and BTM as well as other Soviet era vehicles etc, so if you don’t consider that as major investment then I can’t argue the point anymore, but what do you consider changing their product packaging/branding would cost?, the composition of their plastic, cartography decals, paint composition to better colour match other companies offering RLM paints, those things would also require major investment to accomplish, and during the Ukraine being a war zone even “minor tweaks” could be to much of a financial risk, things like that would be better off waiting until the war is over, and judging by the way it is going it could be a long time before the situation improves for the Ukraine, and goodness only knows what would happen if Russia was to get hold of the country, they would be back under Putin and his fellow hardliners, back to the dark ages of Soviet/Communist rule.
@@allandavis8201 @allandavis8201 Once again, ICM already make between 10-12 new tools a year, plus about the same kits with new parts. I'm simply suggesting the direction of some of that current investment,not additional. They already design boxes for all of these, so making these easier to distinguish with distinctive branding is not additional, it's just different. Same with printing tooling dates and kit origin - no additional resource required. I didn't mention reformulating paint, merely changing the recommended paints in sets.
IMO this hatred towards Zvezda is a bit overblown. When China inevitably invades Taiwan, I’m sure these same folks won’t be protesting Border Model, Temu, and Gaahleri, and our many other products made in china, which would probably kill the hobby overnight.
I haven't heard any hatred of Zvezda, either in this video or elsewhere. Konstantin Krivenko, the owner of the company, is no big Putin supporter, and the war is costing him money. The embargo against Russia is fully justified, but unfortunately it hurts this one good guy who happens to live in Russia.
@@Steve_8341 That's both highly speculative and very unlikely. There's also a big difference between political posturing and sabre-rattling and actually pushing the button on military force. Russia crossed the line and is suffering the consequences, China has not. If it did, it would be very bad for everyone, and I'm sure "those same folks" WOULD be protesting
@@Bellerophonmodeler indeed - the decision of most to not buy from Russian companies whether embargoed or not is generally an ethical and moral stand against the political regime leading the aggressive invasion, not the individual company.
@@Bellerophonmodeler I wasn’t saying in this video, just in general on social media. People go ballistic when any TH-camr posts a video including zvezda or a builder posts photos on social media.
@@MannsModelMoments what I’m saying is it would be a lifestyle change to protest Chinese items, where it’s quite easy to do with Russia as they don’t produce our everyday goods. I wouldn’t say highly unlikely at all, and yes it would be very bad for everyone and I hope it doesn’t happen. My comment wasn’t a knock at your video, I love your stuff. “Folks” refers to the people who will unsubscribe from your channel and leave you a nasty comment just because you decided to build a Zvezda kit you’ve had in your stash since 2007. Or people who say someone’s model looks like 💩 because it’s a Zvezda (all over social media). There’s plenty out there.
Lower their prices🤷♂️
@@CharlieHague-m8u I hardly think they're expensive
what is this goofy ahh ohio thumbnail 💀💀
What?
@@MannsModelMoments mans feinious bruh aw hell nah bluds from ohio frfr im in blakan rage rn MANGO MANGO MANGO amputate coming inside me😈😈😈😈😈😭😭😭💀💀💀
Unlike many I have no care for either country and will happily by Russian aircraft models
I'll quote Dante Alighieri here - 'The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality. '
@MannsModelMoments The two most corrupt countries in the world and we are meant to give a damn about either