47381 Super Astute (due December)

[Twinfan 1796]

I can also vouch for Modelsport and for Time Tunnel Models.  Both are excellent, I've used them plenty of times  

[Twinfan 1796]

Sorry - double post

[Hobbimaster 200]

On 9/2/2024 at 8:08 PM, Saito2 said:

Some days I think I'm the only one that likes the 90's-tastic Super Astute box art, j/k. The original Astute livery is quite classy however.

I think those of us who lived through the 90's can relate, and appreciate the Super Astute. Tamiya really did capture that era of bright, splashy colors on a body shell. This time around, I think Tamiya should include an additional decal sheet with regular Astute decals so builders can choose between them. Kind of like what Kyosho did with the Optima mid/Turbo Optima mid. I honestly don't see Tamiya ever releasing a Astute kit after the TD2 version.

[Saito2 7236]

14 minutes ago, Hobbimaster said:

I think Tamiya should include an additional decal sheet with regular Astute decals so builders can choose between them.

That's a great idea.

15 minutes ago, Hobbimaster said:

I honestly don't see Tamiya ever releasing a Astute kit after the TD2 version.

I agree. The Astute has its fans but the rear adjustable hubs were fragile and Tamiya does not seem to want to re-investigate the shim style ball diff nor invest in replacing it with an upgrade like they did with the Egress. How cool would a relatively inexpensive Madcap be, let alone the lusted-after King Cab? The Super Astute was relatively rare and likely didn't move as many units as the original Astute. Tamiya skipping over the original for the Super feeds the theory on their trepidation of an original re-release.