Happy New Year to one and all

2009 was a very good year for modellers with the quality and number of new releases making for some interesting choices.

On the kit side we saw some innovative subject releases from companies such as AFV Club (Churchills), Bronco (A13s, Bofors, Sd.Kfz.221 and Kfz.13), Miniart (Bantam, Dingo ACs), Zvezda (Mercedes L4500) and Hobby Boss with their V100 and LVTP-7/AAVP-7A1 series to name just a few.

There were new companies dipping their toes in the water such as Vision Models (M1A1 Pack Howitzer), Vulcan Models (2pdr AT Gun) while others starting life as aftermarket producers expanded into full kit production such as Lion Roar/Great Wall Hobbies with the start of their sWS halftrack series.

The list of aftermarket etched and resin conversion and update sets is just too great to list but the quality of these continue to rise in the main with again new companies emerging such as ET Model and Orange Hobby to join the list of established companies.

To pick just one kit out the many excellent releases this year would be a difficult task given the different period and subject preferences of modellers. But taking into account the many kits I have reviewed and seen this year my nomination would go to Bronco Models excellent kit of the 40mm Bofors AA Gun. While not for the inexperienced modeller this is a superbly engineered and produced kit.

2009 also saw the internet modelling continue to expand with the existing “mainstream” sites being joined by new arrivals to offer further choice for modellers, these are too numerous to list so check the links page for the newer sites.

One phenomenon emerging this year was the rise of corporate involvement (ownership) in modelling sites offering the full range of features such as forums, model galleries and news items previously catered for by purely “amateur” sites.

While this could be seen as good for modellers (and the companies) it also sees some content being more “controlled” with an emphasis on promoting the company product and forum minders to ensure things don’t get too critical of those paying the bills.

This has also found its way into product reviews with some “in box” reviews just listing the kit contents with maybe a brief word on quality while using company supplied images, these are little more than product adverts masquerading as reviews.

Comprehensive unbiased reviews still seem to remain the lot of the “amateur” sites free of this type of corporate involvement other than some sponsor banner placement.

Let’s hope 2010 continues the trend on innovative and quality releases both as full kits and aftermarket accessories with initial indications seem to indicate it will, much to the benefit of the hobby and modellers.

Thanks again for the support shown during a difficult year personally but hopefully things will improve over 2010 and get back to “normal”, whatever that is?

Happy New Year.

And let’s not forget those countries that observe the Julian calendar New Year on January 14 and the Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger) which falls on February 14 this year.

Cheers
Terry A