Dragon Models Limited
Encyclopedia
Dragon Models Limited (Dragon or DML for short) is a Hong Kong
based manufacturer of plastic model
kits, diecast models and military action figures. Founded in 1987, the company shares distribution agreements with Revell/Monogram
, Revell Germany and Italeri
in Europe, and Hasegawa
and GSI in Japan.
. It later began to share distribution agreement with model companies of other countries, so that their products could be exported worldwide. Since its founding it has released more than 1,000 items.
In 1997 Dragon diversified into other model fields. It started manufacturing a line of 1/400 airliner models called Dragon Wings, which is now one of Dragon's most important series. In 1999, Dragon introduced its styrene, 1:6 scale New Generation Life Action Figure series. The series currently encompasses more than 600 releases.
To capitalize on the success of Dragon Wings, Dragon introduced the Warbirds in 2002. A line of 1/72 scale diecast fighter aircraft, the series included both World War II and modern day planes. In 2003 Dragon began to manufacture 1/72 die-cast tank models to accompany Warbirds, marketed with the label "Dragon Armor".
As a military model maker, Dragon is distinguishable from other makers in that Dragon often has most number of parts, i.e. catering toward top end experienced modellers, rather than beginners.
-era military subjects. Dragon's kits are typically aimed towards more skilled or experienced modellers, because the inclusion of metal accessories and smaller parts necessitates the usage of different glue and finer tools. However, Dragon is also trying to appeal to the more casual audience through its current release of 'Smart Kits' (see below). A kit is usually packaged in a box with a painting of the vehicle alongside photos of the completed model. Unlike its competitors, the number of parts of a kit is always printed on the box.
Recently, Dragon is also rapidly expanding its 1/72 scale production line. Rare or paper-only vehicles like the German
E-100 and Maus
are being manufactured in this scale. While smaller, these kits still feature photo-etched parts and decals common in 1/35
kits.
Beginning 2005, Dragon upgraded a number of its kits to include new features, as well as smaller parts for added details. Most of these kits also included decal
s printed by Cartograf, an Italian
decal maker.
s. Magic Tracks are designed to snap together through a tight friction fit, so that the track can be more easily assembled than tracks molded with sprues. However, glue is still needed after the assembly.
Contrary to Dragon's claims of completely effortless assembly, cleaning the links up is still required, since each link has knock-out pin marks left behind from the molding process. Injection molding
limitations also mean that tracks are not as detailed as traditional link tracks, for example missing the tiny holes in the guide horns of Tiger I
.
team. A cross breed of polystyrene
and vinyl
, DS is an attempt to combine the advantages of the two materials. Delicate details can be reproduced with DS using under-cut molding, reducing the number of small parts. The Tiger I
hollow guide horns, for example, can be replicated on DS using slide-mold technology. These tracks can also be joined with normal plastic cement.
Some recent DS tracks seem to have an issue of being too long or too loose. The tracks may also come stretched due to packaging limitation, but the issue can be resolved by soaking the tracks in hot water.
brass in its kits. Originally Dragon relied heavily on photo-etched parts to model engine deck screens, but it has since expanded its use of photo-etching to include optional parts like chains and fenders. Photo etched brass parts are used in kits to make small or delicate parts that are harder to make in scale from plastic, such as miniature eye glasses, medals, seat belts, machine gun mounts, intake screens, etc.
In addition to photo-etched parts straight from the kit, Dragon also manufactures a small amount of separate photo-etched detail sets. It also has distribution agreement with Chinese
model accessories company Lion Roar to sell and market Lion Roar's detail sets, which are available for kits from Dragon and other model companies.
s in its kits. While Dragon sometimes prints its own decal sheets, it usually uses decals printed by Cartograf, an Italian
decal maker.
antenna and brass ammunition shells are common parts included in Dragon kits as an alternative to styrene parts. Small metal parts may also be included to accurately replicate a tank's wheels and lamp wiring. Some kits have as many as 48 metal parts.
with moving parts (known as "slides") that are inserted into the mold to form parts and then removed so the part can be extracted from the mold. It helps increase the authenticity of the model and reduce the number of parts by molding details onto larger parts. Weld patterns between plates, gratings, one-piece hull and turret interior are common features included in Dragon kits. The usage of slide mold technology has caused Dragon to rely less on photo-etched parts (See Smart Kit, below).
Dragon has so far released thirty one Smart Kits, the first being a Panther G
.
The 1/400 line of Dragon wings also includes a diecast space collection serie. This collection includes models of the Space Shuttle, the Saturn V rocket of the Apollo program from NASA and many other launch vehicle such has the Delta II rocket. Other models like the international space station and the Russian space station MIR are supposed to be released in 2011-2012.
, which produces its own exclusive lines of products. Its headquarters is located in Tsuen Wan
, Hong Kong
.
Its US
branch, which is responsible for marketing and distributing products for Dragon and other affiliated model companies in the US, is located in Industry
, Southern California
.
UML was founded in 1974 as a hobby shop on Waterloo Road, in Kowloon
and relies on importing plastic kit sets from other parts of the world. The founding of Dragon is therefore a backward vertical expansion, serving to ensure a steady input of goods for UML. Currently UML has four retail outlets in Hong Kong, including their flagship mega store on Nathan Road, in Mong Kok
, opened in 2004, which is claimed to be the largest hobby store in Hong Kong. The original store is one of the few businesses to be associated with the street.
Concord Publications, founded in 1980, is a publisher of paperback military books. The magazines and books published by Concord serve as a tool to promote and advertise the products that UML and Dragon is selling.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
based manufacturer of plastic model
Plastic model
thumb|300px||4-year-old boy starts painting a plastic model he has assembled of the South Goodwin LightshipPlastic models, often called scale models, are models manufactured as kits which are assembled by hobbyists, and intended for static display....
kits, diecast models and military action figures. Founded in 1987, the company shares distribution agreements with Revell/Monogram
Revell
Revell is the brand name today of two manufacturers of scale plastic models. The original US company merged with another, Monogram, but now trades only under the Revell name. European Revell Germany separated from the US company in 2006.-Early history:...
, Revell Germany and Italeri
Italeri
Italeri Incorporated is an Italian manufacturer of plastic scale models of airplanes, military vehicles, helicopters, ships, trucks, cars and figures...
in Europe, and Hasegawa
Hasegawa (model company)
The is a company that manufactures plastic model kits of a variety of vehicles, including model aircraft, model cars, model ships, model armor, model space craft and science fiction kits...
and GSI in Japan.
History
Dragon was established in 1987, as a sister company to model retailer Universal Models Limited (UML), to manufacture plastic model kits according to its own designs, so that UML would be less reliant on imported products. For the next decade Dragon focused only on models of military vehiclesModel military vehicle
-Scales:The term 'scale' refers to the proportion of actual size the replica or model represents. Scale is usually expressed as a ratio or as a fraction . In either case it conveys the notion that the replica or model is accurately scaled in all visible proportions from a full-size prototype object...
. It later began to share distribution agreement with model companies of other countries, so that their products could be exported worldwide. Since its founding it has released more than 1,000 items.
In 1997 Dragon diversified into other model fields. It started manufacturing a line of 1/400 airliner models called Dragon Wings, which is now one of Dragon's most important series. In 1999, Dragon introduced its styrene, 1:6 scale New Generation Life Action Figure series. The series currently encompasses more than 600 releases.
To capitalize on the success of Dragon Wings, Dragon introduced the Warbirds in 2002. A line of 1/72 scale diecast fighter aircraft, the series included both World War II and modern day planes. In 2003 Dragon began to manufacture 1/72 die-cast tank models to accompany Warbirds, marketed with the label "Dragon Armor".
As a military model maker, Dragon is distinguishable from other makers in that Dragon often has most number of parts, i.e. catering toward top end experienced modellers, rather than beginners.
Military Miniatures/Plastic Model Kits
The oldest category in Dragon's export line is the "Military Miniatures" series of scale figures and vehicles available in kit form. Many of these kits are marketed as "3 in 1", which means modellers can create one of three variations of the vehicle from the same kit. The series focuses on mostly World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
-era military subjects. Dragon's kits are typically aimed towards more skilled or experienced modellers, because the inclusion of metal accessories and smaller parts necessitates the usage of different glue and finer tools. However, Dragon is also trying to appeal to the more casual audience through its current release of 'Smart Kits' (see below). A kit is usually packaged in a box with a painting of the vehicle alongside photos of the completed model. Unlike its competitors, the number of parts of a kit is always printed on the box.
Recently, Dragon is also rapidly expanding its 1/72 scale production line. Rare or paper-only vehicles like the German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
E-100 and Maus
Panzer VIII Maus
Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus was a German World War II super-heavy tank completed in late 1944. It is the heaviest fully enclosed armoured fighting vehicle ever built. Only two hulls and one turret were completed before the testing grounds were captured by the advancing Soviet forces.These two...
are being manufactured in this scale. While smaller, these kits still feature photo-etched parts and decals common in 1/35
1:35 scale
1:35 scale is currently the most popular scale for model military vehicles, with an extensive lineup of models and aftermarket parts available from a wide variety of manufacturers....
kits.
Beginning 2005, Dragon upgraded a number of its kits to include new features, as well as smaller parts for added details. Most of these kits also included decal
Decal
A decal or transfer is a plastic, cloth, paper or ceramic substrate that has printed on it a pattern or image that can be moved to another surface upon contact, usually with the aid of heat or water. The word is short for decalcomania...
s printed by Cartograf, an Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
decal maker.
Magic Tracks and EZ tracks
'Magic Tracks' are individual track links that come in a bag, ready to be assembled without the tedious work of removing them from sprueSprue
A sprue may refer to:*Sprue , a feature in molding and casting molds*Coeliac disease, also known as sprue, a disease of the small intestine*Tropical sprue, disease*Sprue Asparagus, first pickings of asparagus...
s. Magic Tracks are designed to snap together through a tight friction fit, so that the track can be more easily assembled than tracks molded with sprues. However, glue is still needed after the assembly.
Contrary to Dragon's claims of completely effortless assembly, cleaning the links up is still required, since each link has knock-out pin marks left behind from the molding process. Injection molding
Injection molding
Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts from both thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. Material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity...
limitations also mean that tracks are not as detailed as traditional link tracks, for example missing the tiny holes in the guide horns of Tiger I
Tiger I
Tiger I is the common name of a German heavy tank developed in 1942 and used in World War II. The final official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. E, often shortened to Tiger. It was an answer to the unexpectedly formidable Soviet armour encountered in the initial months of...
.
One-Piece DS Tracks
A few of Dragon's newer kits, such as its Sherman M4A2 kit, include one-piece tracks made from 'Dragon Styrene 100' (DS), a plastic developed by Dragon's own Research and DevelopmentResearch and development
The phrase research and development , according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, refers to "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of...
team. A cross breed of polystyrene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene ) also known as Thermocole, abbreviated following ISO Standard PS, is an aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene, a liquid hydrocarbon that is manufactured from petroleum by the chemical industry...
and vinyl
Polyvinyl chloride
Polyvinyl chloride, commonly abbreviated PVC, is a thermoplastic polymer. It is a vinyl polymer constructed of repeating vinyl groups having one hydrogen replaced by chloride. Polyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic, after polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is widely used in...
, DS is an attempt to combine the advantages of the two materials. Delicate details can be reproduced with DS using under-cut molding, reducing the number of small parts. The Tiger I
Tiger I
Tiger I is the common name of a German heavy tank developed in 1942 and used in World War II. The final official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. E, often shortened to Tiger. It was an answer to the unexpectedly formidable Soviet armour encountered in the initial months of...
hollow guide horns, for example, can be replicated on DS using slide-mold technology. These tracks can also be joined with normal plastic cement.
Some recent DS tracks seem to have an issue of being too long or too loose. The tracks may also come stretched due to packaging limitation, but the issue can be resolved by soaking the tracks in hot water.
Photo-etched Parts
Dragon almost always includes a small amount of photo-etchedPhotolithography
Photolithography is a process used in microfabrication to selectively remove parts of a thin film or the bulk of a substrate. It uses light to transfer a geometric pattern from a photomask to a light-sensitive chemical "photoresist", or simply "resist," on the substrate...
brass in its kits. Originally Dragon relied heavily on photo-etched parts to model engine deck screens, but it has since expanded its use of photo-etching to include optional parts like chains and fenders. Photo etched brass parts are used in kits to make small or delicate parts that are harder to make in scale from plastic, such as miniature eye glasses, medals, seat belts, machine gun mounts, intake screens, etc.
In addition to photo-etched parts straight from the kit, Dragon also manufactures a small amount of separate photo-etched detail sets. It also has distribution agreement with Chinese
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
model accessories company Lion Roar to sell and market Lion Roar's detail sets, which are available for kits from Dragon and other model companies.
Decals
Like its competitors, Dragon also includes decalDecal
A decal or transfer is a plastic, cloth, paper or ceramic substrate that has printed on it a pattern or image that can be moved to another surface upon contact, usually with the aid of heat or water. The word is short for decalcomania...
s in its kits. While Dragon sometimes prints its own decal sheets, it usually uses decals printed by Cartograf, an Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
decal maker.
Metal Parts
Metal parts are used by Dragon to enhance the realism of their models. Turned aluminum barrels, metal tow cables, brassBrass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...
antenna and brass ammunition shells are common parts included in Dragon kits as an alternative to styrene parts. Small metal parts may also be included to accurately replicate a tank's wheels and lamp wiring. Some kits have as many as 48 metal parts.
Slide Molding
Although it is not a new technique, the use of slide molds allows more accurate reproduction of details than traditional two-piece molds. This is done by using injection moldsInjection molding
Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts from both thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. Material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity...
with moving parts (known as "slides") that are inserted into the mold to form parts and then removed so the part can be extracted from the mold. It helps increase the authenticity of the model and reduce the number of parts by molding details onto larger parts. Weld patterns between plates, gratings, one-piece hull and turret interior are common features included in Dragon kits. The usage of slide mold technology has caused Dragon to rely less on photo-etched parts (See Smart Kit, below).
Smart Kits
According to Dragon, 'Smart Kits' are designed to be easier to build, without sacrificing the level of detail. Extra engineering has been invested in these kits, so that the construction of the models is more straightforward. Extensive use of slide molding techniques means crisply detailed parts are reproduced without the need of photo etched parts. Hence the kits can be built out of the box by most modelers using standard construction techniques. A 'Smart Kit' generally costs less than ordinary Dragon kits, because of the inclusion of fewer metal parts. However, Dragon emphasizes that the model has not in any way become simpler—only the assembly is less tedious.Dragon has so far released thirty one Smart Kits, the first being a Panther G
Panther tank
Panther is the common name of a medium tank fielded by Nazi Germany in World War II that served from mid-1943 to the end of the European war in 1945. It was intended as a counter to the T-34, and to replace the Panzer III and Panzer IV; while never replacing the latter, it served alongside it as...
.
Dragon Wings(1/400 scale)
In 1997, Dragon started the Dragon Wings line of 1/400 scale aircraft, aiming not only at collectors but also airline companies who need display models. These models are sold fully finished. Over 100 commercial and national airline models have been released since then. Dragon is the officially appointed supplier of aircraft models for Airbus and Boeing for their promotional and souvenir purposes.The 1/400 line of Dragon wings also includes a diecast space collection serie. This collection includes models of the Space Shuttle, the Saturn V rocket of the Apollo program from NASA and many other launch vehicle such has the Delta II rocket. Other models like the international space station and the Russian space station MIR are supposed to be released in 2011-2012.
Military Figures (1/6 scale)
In 1999, Dragon introduced its New Generation Life Action Figure series. The series features fully posable military and licensed 12-inch figures with cloth uniforms, weapons and equipment. The series currently stands at some 400-plus individual releases, with subjects varying from World War II, Modern Special Operations and Law Enforcement, to licensed character figures from movies, sports, electronic games and comics. The curral equipment ranging up to paratroopers with aircraft walls, functioning parachutes and many vehicles.- Other action figure/model kit series:
-
- Warrior Series (1/16) - Figures of tank crew and infantry
- World's Elite Force Series (1/35)
- 'Nam' Series (1/35)
- 54mm Figures
Die-cast models (1/72 scale)
Dragon has released 'The Warbirds' line of mainly 1/72 scale die-cast fighter aircraft ranging from WWII classics to the modern day aircraft. In 2003 Dragon introduced another line of die-cast models - Dragon Armor - to complement with its Warbirds series of fighter aircraft. Dragon also markets a line of 1/144 models ('Panzer Korps') of German WWII and modern tanks.Facilities
Dragon has several large regional divisions. The most notable is in Shanghai, ChinaShanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, which produces its own exclusive lines of products. Its headquarters is located in Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan is a bay in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, opposite to Tsing Yi Island across Rambler Channel. The market town of Tsuen Wan emerged for the surrounding villages and fleets of fishing boats in the area. The town is around the present-day Tsuen Wan Station of the MTR...
, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
Its US
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
branch, which is responsible for marketing and distributing products for Dragon and other affiliated model companies in the US, is located in Industry
Industry, California
Industry is an industrial suburb of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. Home to over 2,500 businesses and 80,000 jobs, but only 219 residents at the 2010 census - down from 777 residents as of the 2000 United States census - the city is almost entirely industrial...
, Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
.
Sister Companies
The founder of Dragon has also created two other companies, Universal Models Limited (UML) and Concord Publications.UML was founded in 1974 as a hobby shop on Waterloo Road, in Kowloon
Kowloon
Kowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of...
and relies on importing plastic kit sets from other parts of the world. The founding of Dragon is therefore a backward vertical expansion, serving to ensure a steady input of goods for UML. Currently UML has four retail outlets in Hong Kong, including their flagship mega store on Nathan Road, in Mong Kok
Mong Kok
Mong Kok , less often known as Argyle , is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong...
, opened in 2004, which is claimed to be the largest hobby store in Hong Kong. The original store is one of the few businesses to be associated with the street.
Concord Publications, founded in 1980, is a publisher of paperback military books. The magazines and books published by Concord serve as a tool to promote and advertise the products that UML and Dragon is selling.
Competitors
- Tamiya CorporationTamiya Corporationis a Japanese manufacturer of plastic model kits, radio controlled cars, battery- and solar-powered educational models, sailboat models, acrylic and enamel model paints, and various modeling tools and supplies...
- AFV Club
- Tristar Model Company
- Bronco Models
- Trumpeter CorporationTrumpeter (company)Trumpeter is a Chinese company that manufacturers plastic injection moulding military model kits. Their product line consists of model ships, aircraft, cars and military ground vehicles. Trumpeter kits initially had a reputation of being somewhat less detailed than those of competitors such as...
- TascaTascaTaşca is a commune in Neamţ County, Romania. It is composed of four villages: Hamzoaia, Neagra, Taşca and Ticoş-Floarea....
- Academy Plastic Model Co.Academy Plastic Model Co.Academy Plastic Model Co., Ltd. is a Korean plastic model, chemical, and toy company. It is headquartered in Uijeongbu-Si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea and was established on September 1, 1969. It holds three headquarters in Seoul, Korea; Gelsenkirchen, Germany; and Rosario, Cavite, Philippines...
- Blue Box International
- 21st Century Toys
- RevellRevellRevell is the brand name today of two manufacturers of scale plastic models. The original US company merged with another, Monogram, but now trades only under the Revell name. European Revell Germany separated from the US company in 2006.-Early history:...
- GeminiJets
- Herpa WingsHerpa WingsHerpa Wings are die-cast model airplanes trademark under Herpa of Germany. The collection includes 250 airlines under 17 different aircraft manufacturers in 1,200 versions. The mainstay of Herpa Wings is in the 1:500 scale, while model airliners are also produced in the 1:400, 1:200, 1:1000, and...
- Aeroclassics
- Aviation 400