The Limited Dragon Model ( Dragon or DML for short) is a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of plastic modeling tools, diecast models and military action figures. Founded in 1987, the company distributes distribution agreements with Revell/Monogram, Revell Germany and Italeri in Europe, and Hasegawa and GSI in Japan.
Video Dragon Models Limited
Histori
Dragon was founded in 1987, as a brothers company to model Universal Models Limited (UML) retailers, to produce plastic kit models according to their own designs, so UML will be less dependent on imported products. For the next decade the Dragon only focuses on military vehicle models. It then began to share distribution agreements with model companies from other countries, so their products could be exported worldwide. Since its establishment has released more than 1,000 items.
In 1997, Dragon diversified into other areas of the model. It started producing a line of 1/400 plane model called Dragon Wings, which is now one of the most important Dragon series. In 1999, Dragon introduced his styrene, the New Life Action Figure 1: 6 series. The series currently includes over 600 releases.
To capitalize on the success of Dragon Wings, Dragon introduced Warbirds in 2002. A line from the 1/72 diecast fighter, this series includes World War II and modern aircraft. In 2003, Dragon began producing 1/72 die-cast tank models to accompany Warbirds, marketed under the label "Dragon Armor".
As a military model-maker, Dragon can be distinguished from other makers in Dragon who often have most parts, ie catering to experienced modelers, rather than beginners. However, Dragon is also trying to attract a more casual audience through the release of the current 'Smart Kit' (see below).
Maps Dragon Models Limited
Product Line
Military Miniature/Plastic Kit Models
The oldest category in the Dragon export line is the "Military Miniature Scale" series and the vehicles are available in kit form. Many of these kits are marketed as "3 in 1", which means mod makers can create one of three vehicle variations from the same kit. The series focuses on most of the World War II military subjects. A kit is usually packed in a box with a painting of the vehicle next to the photographs of a finished model. The number of parts of the kit is always printed on the box.
Dragon also produces 1/72 products. Rare or paper vehicles such as E-100 Germany and Maus are being produced on this scale. While smaller, this kit still displays the parts that are carved photos and common decals in 1/35 kit.
Beginning in 2005, Dragon increased the number of devices to include new features, as well as smaller sections for additional details. Most of these kits also include decals printed by Cartograf, an Italian sticker maker.
Magic Tracks and EZ tracks
'Magic Tracks' is an individual point link that comes in a bag, ready to be assembled without a tedious job of removing it from sprues. Magic Tracks is designed to snap together through tight friction fit, so the tracks can be more easily assembled than the tracks that are printed with sprues. However, glue is still needed after assembly.
Contrary to Dragon's claim of a really easy assembly, cleaning up links is still needed, as each link has a knock-out pin left from the printing process. The limitation of injection molding also means that tracks are not as detailed as traditional links, such as missing a small hole in the Tiger I horns.
DS One Piece
Some of Dragon's new kits, such as his Sherman M4A2 kit, include a one part song made from 'Dragon Styrene 100' (DS), a plastic developed by Dragon's own Research and Development team. Cross breist of polystyrene and vinyl, DS is an attempt to combine the advantages of two materials. The fine detail can be reproduced with DS using a cut-down mold, reducing the number of small parts. The Tiger I hollow guiding horn, for example, can be replicated on the DS using slide-mold technology. This track can also join the normal plastic cement.
Some of the latest DS songs seem to have a problem too long or too loose. Traces may also stretch due to packaging limitations, but problems can be solved by immersing tracks in hot water.
Photos-scratched section
The dragon almost always includes a small number of photographed brass in its kit. Initially Dragon relies heavily on the parts carved into the photo to model the deck machine screen, but has since expanded the use of the etchings to include optional components such as chains and fenders. Photo scraped brass parts are used in the kit to make small or fine parts that are harder to make on a scale than plastic, such as miniature glasses, medals, seat belts, machine gun mounts, intake screens, etc.
In addition to the parts that are carved photos directly from the kit, Dragon also produces a small set of separate photo-etched details. The company also has distribution agreements with Chinese model accessories company Lion Roar to sell and market Lion Roar's detailed set, which is available for kits from Dragon and other model companies.
Decals
Like its competitors, Dragon also includes decals in its kit. While Dragon sometimes prints its own sticker sheet, it usually uses decals printed by Cartograf, an Italian sticker maker.
Metal Section
Changed aluminum rods, metal crane wires, brass antennas, and brass ammunition shells are common parts that are included in the Dragon kit as an alternative to styrene parts. Small metal parts can also be incorporated to accurately replicate the tank and lamp cables. Some kits have as many as 48 metal parts.
Slide Molding
Though not a new technique, the use of slide molds allows for more accurate detail reproduction than traditional two-part molding. This is done by using injection molds with moving parts (known as "slides") inserted into the mold to form parts and then removed so that parts can be extracted from the mold. This helps to improve model authenticity and reduce the number of sections by printing details to larger sections. The welding pattern between plate, grille, one-piece hull and interior turret are common features included in the Dragon device. The use of slide print technology has caused the Dragon less to depend on the photo-scratched part (See Smart Kit, below).
Smart Plan
According to Dragon, 'Smart Kits' is designed to be more easily built, without sacrificing the level of detail. Extra techniques have been invested in this kit, so model development is easier. The use of extensive slide molding techniques means that detailed parts are reproduced in detail without the need for scratched photo parts. Therefore the kit can be built out of the box by most modelers using standard construction techniques. 'Smart Kit' is generally cheaper than regular Dragon devices, because of the inclusion of fewer metal parts. However, Dragon stressed that the model does not in any way be simpler - just a less boring assembly.
Dragon has so far released thirty one Smart Kits, the first being Panther G.
In 1997, Dragon embarked on the Dragon Wings line of 1/400 scale aircraft, aiming not only at collectors but also airlines requiring display models. These models are sold fully completed. More than 100 models of commercial and national airlines have been released since then. Dragon is the official supplier of aircraft models for Airbus and Boeing for promotional purposes and their souvenirs.
The 1/400 Dragon Wings line also includes a diecast space collection series. This collection includes the Space Shuttle model, Saturn V rocket from Apollo program from NASA and many other launch vehicles such as Delta II rocket. Other models such as the International Space Station and Mir Russian space station should be released in 2011-2012.
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Military Figure (1/6 scale)
In 1999, Dragon introduced the New Generation Life Action Figure series. The series features a 12-inch military figure and is fully licensed with uniform fabrics, weapons and equipment. The series currently stands around 400-plus individual releases, with subjects ranging from World War II, Modern Special Operations and Law Enforcement, to licensed character figures from movies, sports, electronic games, and comics. Curved equipment ranges up to paratroopers with plane walls, functioning parachutes and lots of vehicles. During the early 2000s, the Dragon Model produced hundreds of action figures, most of them German figures of World War II. However, after 2010, the number of numbers it generated began to decline sharply. Dragon Model stopped producing 1/6 scale action figures in November 2012.
- Serial action figure/other kit model:
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- Warrior Series (1/16) - Fig tank and infantry numbers
- World Elite Power Series (1/35)
- 'Nam' Series (1/35)
- 54mm figure
Die-cast Model (1/72 scale ))
Dragon has released 'The Warbirds' consisting of 1/72 scale die-cast fighter aircraft ranging from classic World War II to modern aircraft. In 2003, Dragon introduced another line of die-cast models - Dragon Armor - to complement with Warbirds fighter series. The dragon also markets the 1/144 model line ('Panzer Corps') from German World War II and modern tanks.
Facilities
Dragon has several large regional divisions. The most prominent is in Shanghai, China, which produces its own exclusive product line. Its head office is located in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.
The US Branch, which is responsible for marketing and distributing products to Dragon and other affiliated model companies in the US, is located in Industry, Southern California.
Sister Companies
Dragon Founder 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 and relies on importing plastic kit sets from other parts of the world. Therefore, the establishment of the Dragon is a backward vertical expansion, which serves to ensure stable goods input for UML. Currently UML has five retail stores in Hong Kong, including their flagship stores in Langham Place, in Mong Kok, Kwong Wah Street, Mong Kok, Causeway Bay and Zhongcai Center, Central.
Concord Publications, founded in 1980, is the publisher of paperback military books. Concord magazines and books serve as a tool to promote and advertise products sold by UML and Dragon.
John Adam Scam
In 2005, a militant group calling itself the "Mujahideen Brigade" posted a photograph depicting an American soldier named "John Adam" with his hands tied behind his back with a rifle aimed at him. The kidnappers claimed that they would execute Adam if the United States did not meet their demands, which called for the release of some Iraqi prisoners. Media sources questioned the legitimacy of the photograph and a military specialist for CNN commented that the picture had some inaccuracies, one of which was the uniform jacket of the character. As soon as the Dragon spokesman noted that the man in the photo appeared to be a "Special Ops Cody" action figure and that the gun aimed at his head was an accessory that came with the toy. Toys are produced exclusively for sale at AAFES in the Middle East. Sales of that figure increased after news of the pseudonym spread.
See also
- Military vehicle model
- Plastic model
References
External links
- DML's new official page and corporate brothers.
- Official page with links to other DML divisions, with links to model reviews
- Official Dragon Models USA customer page serving in the US
- Dragon Wings plane model database 1: 400 Scale
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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