Com-Central.net

Hi Guys-
For those of you that have ever purchased any of the Osprey Modelling books ex. "Modelling the T-34/76"? Have you noticed the following: In that book one of the tanks modelled is the STZ captured and used by the Italians (this particular tank shows up in a colour in Zaloga's T-34/76 book by Vanguard). The modeller uses Dragon kits and alot of aftermarket products (none of the kits in any of these books would be inexpensive!). Well, after the books publication Dragon announced the release of exactly this T-34/76 variant! Now, while reading a review of the recent Osprey "Modelling the Panther" I see one the kits modelled is the late Panther G using the Tamiya kit with alot of mods. This Panther is the one that Dragon has just released (Sd.Kfz.171 Panther G Late Production Dragon Smart Kit No. 6268). There could be more examples than just these two, but it looks like Dragon is releasing kit variants that show up in these Osprey modelling books. Could this be a deliberate policy on Dragon's part? Could Dragon be in some communication with Osprey? Sounds doubtful, in any event it appears to be a little more than mere coincidence.
Cheers-
Geoff Steer [;-{/)

It would certainly be in both thier interests if a kit and its reference materials showed up on the market at the same time. Releasing a reference book on a vehicle that's lacking a kit probably hurts sales somewhat. I had thought there was a direct Dragon/ Concord books link awhile ago.

I've seen links between other media and products too. Have you ever noticed just before Disney comes out with a new movie ABC News coincidentally starts doing hard hitting reports on cuddly polar bears or barnyard animals or flying saucers? Coincidence?