Reports from the 62nd All Japan Model and Hobby Show are indicating that Dragon Models plans on expanding their 1:72 scale Neo Dragon Armor range with the addition of several Japanese armored fighting vehicles. From what we can make out in the accompanying image, it appears as if both the Chi-Ha medium tank and Ha-Go light tank will make the cut. Its a good bet Dragon Models will round out the assortment with the inclusion of the Ka-Mi amphibious tank.

We didn’t see any signs of the 1:35 scale tanks hinted at some time ago so its a fair bet that they are still a ways off or pulled from the showing for competitive reasons. With Panzerkampf’s recent announcement that they are getting into the 1:35 scale AFV market it could be a situation where Dragon wants to see Panzerkampf’s initial offerings, price points and overall quality before they themselves commit to making a formal announcement regarding their own 1:35 scale vehicles. Interestingly, Waltersons, the owners of the Forces of Valor line, was not in attendance so its difficult to say what they themselves have waiting in the wings in terms of 1:32 scale combat vehicles.

Unfortunately, its difficult to make out some of the other new products shown at the expo from this or some of the other photos Dragon uploaded to Facebook, so we will have to wait and see what our distributor has been told following the show’s conclusion. Keeping their cards close to the vest is nothing new for Dragon. With competition heating up from Forces of Valor, Panzerkampf and quite possibly Hobby Master if they decide to jump in, it makes sense to closely guard their product pipeline like a rooster standing sentry duty over the hen house.

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.