Our principal distributor confirmed today that Dragon is once again hard at work developing plans for a line of 1:35 scale pre-assembled military vehicles. The Company first released a series of 1:35 scale tanks and self-propelled artillery some 15 years ago, which primarily catered to collectors interested in larger sized military models they could display straight out of the box. Back then, the range primarily consisted of WWII-era German tanks, most notably King Tigers, Tigers, Panthers and Elefants, along with several versions of the Karl Gerat self-propelled mortar. Most of the vehicles sold for between $80-$100, so its a good bet this new range — possibly consisting of the same batch of vehicles — will command much higher prices at retail. Composed of plastic rather than diecast metal, the original group of vehicles was well received and were even supplemented by a Cyber Hobby Tiger I heavy tank that commanded an even higher premium.

From what we understand, the first vehicles slated for release will come out in 2025 and may include tanks from other nations and possibly subjects from other military eras. In effect, what you see in their 1:72 scale subjects will likely get the nod to be included in their all-new 1:35 scale line. Given their penchant for Abrams tanks, for instance, its a safe bet that the vehicle — which has undergone numerous upgrades over the last fifteen years — will get tapped at some point to join the 1:35 scale military parade.

Dragon’s upcoming 1:35 scale range will certainly come as excellent news to those collectors who have been abandoned by Minichamps long forgotten 1:35 scale all-metal series as well as Forces of Valor collectors who have been stymied by Waltersons’ seemingly hush-hush short- and long term plans. Whether or not a $200 price tag for each new product is acceptable is anyone’s guess.