According to the Google Translation, these models are honoring / celebrating the 70th Anniversary of “New China.” I’m not sure what that means, except for two brand new models (a tank and building), and two new color variants for existing models (an aircraft carrier and jet fighter). All of these are slated for release in two days, and appear to have special packaging, with reference to the 70th anniversary. We’ll start with the new ones…
First off (in the way I choose to order it) is the Tian’anmen Rostrum. Yeah, I have no idea what that is, but it’s a cool looking building. I really like the bridges across the front that make me think that there’s some kind of moat around the structure. Once again, I’m reminded of how much Chinese Architecture has so much more flourish.
Next is the 99A Main Battle Tank. And let me tell you, I’ve been looking forward to seeing an actual camouflaged tank, now that they are doing full color models! I’m just not so sure about that maroonish-brown color in the camo / treads. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see it in person.
Moving on to the recycled/upcycled models, the first one I’ll cover is the Plan Liaoning CV-16, an aircraft carrier. I have to say, this model makes a good argument for the full-color printing option. I really like the multi-tone naval models they’ve released lately, where it’s mostly just blocks of solid-color parts. But the additional detail for all the small aircraft and deck… it’s definitely a justification for releasing the same model, just with added color.
Finishing up the set, we have the upcycled J20 Jet. I’ve not yet gotten my hands on this model in silver, and I won’t mind getting it in color instead. The coloration on this one appears to have been done with a light hand, and I think that was the right approach. Just a subtle level of contrast adds a lot of character to this design.
As you can see, the packaging for these sets is, again, quite different from the normal. I don’t know if they’ve decided to change their packaging in general, and this is the new norm, or if these models are getting special packaging due to being a set, much like the Wedding Set. Guess we’ll just have to see.
The Piececool checklist has been updated to include these 4 new models.
Sources: Piececool, Piececool, Piececool, Piececool
Looking forward to the Red Baron (and would do a Snoopy on his dog house, too). I have all 4 original space shuttles in ss. I would do the new one if there are enough differences other than color. I’ve already done the carrier and do not really want a color model next to the ss. If I had bought the color first….that would have been different.
I’ve only built one of the space shuttles, but I think there’s enough design improvements (2 sheets instead of 1 sheet, to start with) for me to get the new one. I would even hazard to say that they designed this new one from scratch, even the main body is wider and shaped more accurately.
Tian’anmen Rostrum Is at the side of Tian’anmen Square, site of the 1989 massacre where they drove tanks over peaceful student protestors.
Ah. Yeah… now I know why Tian’anmen sounded familiar. That’s just horrific. History is quite ugly at times.
Funny they used that for this communist propaganda, but then again in China most young people never heard about the massacre since its beaing vigirously censored and those who do know, now think it was an attempted coup by the CIA…