Where are Dragon models made?

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 Stevens International in the United States, Revell/Monogram, Revell Germany and Italeri in Europe, and Hasegawa and GSI in Japan.

History

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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 vehicles. 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.[1]

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.[citation needed] However, Dragon is also trying to appeal to the more casual audience through its current release of 'Smart Kits' (see below).

Product Lines

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Military Miniatures/Plastic Model Kits

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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 II-era military subjects. A kit is usually packaged in a box with a painting of the vehicle alongside photos of the completed model. The number of parts of a kit is always printed on the box.[citation needed]

Dragon also produces 1/72 products. 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 decals printed by Cartograf, an Italian decal maker.

Magic Tracks and EZ tracks

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'Magic Tracks' are individual track links that come in a bag, ready to be assembled without the tedious work of removing them from sprues. 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.[2]

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.[citation needed] 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.[3]

One-Piece DS Tracks

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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 Development 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.[4] 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.[5] The tracks may also come stretched due to packaging limitation, but the issue can be resolved by soaking the tracks in hot water.[6]

Photo-etched Parts

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Dragon almost always includes a small amount of photo-etched 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 eyeglasses, 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.

Decals

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Like its competitors, Dragon also includes decals in its kits. While Dragon sometimes prints its own decal sheets, it usually uses decals printed by Cartograf, an Italian decal maker.

Metal Parts

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Turned aluminum barrels, metal tow cables, brass 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.[7]

Slide Molding

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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 molds 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.[8] The usage of slide mold technology has caused Dragon to rely less on photo-etched parts (See Smart Kit, below).

Smart Kits

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According to Dragon, 'Smart Kits' are designed to be easier to build, without sacrificing the level of detail.[citation needed] 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.[9] 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.[10]

Dragon has so far released thirty one Smart Kits, the first being a Panther G.

Dragon Wings (1/400 scale)

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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 were sold fully finished. Over 100 commercial and national airline models have been released since then. Dragon was the officially appointed supplier of aircraft models for Airbus and Boeing for their promotional and souvenir purposes. In terms of commercial aviation, Dragon Wings was most active in the Early-Mid 2000s.

The 1/400 line of Dragon Wings also included a diecast space collection series. 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. Dragon Wings went defunct in 2014, due to increasing competition.

Military Figures (1/6 scale)

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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 equipment ranged up to paratroopers with aircraft walls, functioning parachutes and many vehicles. During the early 2000s, Dragon Models produced hundreds of action figures, most of them being World War II German figures. However, after 2010, the number of figures that it produced began to sharply decline. Dragon Models stopped producing 1/6 scale action figures in November 2012.

• 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)

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Dragon has released 'The Warbirds' line of mainly 1/72 scale die-cast fighter aircraft ranging from World War II 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 World War II and modern tanks.

Facilities

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Dragon has several large regional divisions. The most notable is in Shanghai, China, which produces its own exclusive lines of products. Its headquarters is located in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.

Previously, the company maintained a subsidiary in Industry, Southern California for marketing and distributing products for Dragon and other affiliated model companies in the US. This operation has been discontinued.

John Adam hoax

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In 2005 a militant group calling themselves the "Mujahedeen Brigades" posted a photograph depicting an American soldier named "John Adam" with his hands tied behind his back with a rifle pointed at him.[11][12] His purported captors claimed that they would execute Adam if the United States did not comply with their demands, which called for the release of several Iraqi prisoners.[13][14] Media sources questioned the photo's legitimacy and a military specialist for CNN commented that the image had several inaccuracies, one of which was the figure's uniform jacket.[15] Soon after a spokesperson for Dragon noted that the man in the photo appeared to be the action figure "Special Ops Cody" and that the gun pointed at his head was an accessory that came with the toy.[16] The toy had been manufactured exclusively for sale at AAFES in the Middle East.[17] Sales of the figure rose after news of the toy's name spread.[17]

See also

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References

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DML was established in 1987 to manufacture plastic Model Kits according to its own designs, and then export them to all parts of the globe via agents in different countries. The high quality products that DML have produced have won numerous awards from magazines and modeling societies throughout the world. The products are marketed under the label "Dragon". Since its establishment, DML has constantly been investing capital in new equipment and tools. Since its founding it has now released more than 1,000 items. Recent years have seen DML's products marketed under the label "Revell/Monogram" in the USA, "Revell" and "Italeri" in Europe, and "Hasegawa" and "GSI" in Japan, all ODM products.

In 1997, DML diversified into the airliner model field, manufacturing airliner models for airline promotional use and for collectors. The resulting Dragon Wings line of 1/400 scale aircraft has since grown to become one of DML's most successful and diverse series, representing the unique livery of over 100 commercial and national airlines ... a total that is still climbing. DML maintains strict standards of quality which reflect the original specifications of the aircraft, feature working parts, accurate commercial markings and scale. Dragon Wings continues to hold a unique and respected position in the die-cast model aircraft industry. DML is the officially appointed supplier of aircraft models for Airbus and Boeing for their promotional and souvenir purposes.

In 1999, DML brought its modeling background and expertise to 1/6 scale with the introduction of its New Generation Life Action Figure series. By January of the following year, this series - which features fully posable military and licensed 12-inch figures with meticulously researched cloth uniforms, detailed weapons and equipment -- was universally recognized as setting the new benchmark in high-quality collectable action figures. This range has won many awards from industry magazines and has attracted a strong and passionate base of Dragon action figure collectors worldwide. 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, popular music, sports, electronic games and comics. This line of 12-inch action figures is arguably of the best quality in the world.

DML continued to expand its catalog of collector-oriented figures in the new millennium with its "Dragon Minis" series -- smaller and more stylized figures that are geared towards a younger audience with high emphasis on both collectability and a "fun factor". Another new range was the "Action18" series of ultra-realistic 1/18 scale fully posable action figures - a unique composite of modeling and action figure philosophies, but at a scale more appropriate for modelers and diorama builders.

The continued success of Dragon Wings led to an entirely new series of die-cast aircraft models for DML in 2002 - the Warbirds - an ever-expanding line of 1/72 scale fighter aircraft ranging from WWII classics to the cutting-edge planes of the modern day. With an emphasis on accuracy and peerless quality, this series has become a market leader in the world of aircraft collectables.

For 2003, DML ventured into yet more uncharted ground with "Micro X Tech" and the CAN.DO series of collectable trading miniatures. "Micro X Tech" is a brand-new Palm Top R/C Armor series in multiple scales, combining the real function of R/C with the versatility of modeling. The CAN.DO line of trading miniatures became a hit with Japan teenagers when it debuted early in 2003, and they sold like hot cakes in Japanese convenience and chain stores. This series brings back the old-style fun of collecting by reintroducing an element of surprise! CAN.DO collectors can choose their subjects from amongst several highly-detailed miniature series like World Soccer, Pocket Armor, Moomin, and more.

2003 also saw DML introducing yet another line of die-cast models - Dragon Armor. Compatible in scale with DML's Warbirds series of fighter aircraft, Dragon Armor adds just the right amount of action to 1/72 scale battlefields! Pre-assembled, pre-painted, and epitomizing DML's tradition of fine detail, superb quality, and accuracy, Dragon Armor immediately became a big hit with modelers and collectors alike, and has set an example for others to follow.

2005 has heralded "the dawn of the golden age of modeling", to quote modelers themselves. During this year DML has inaugurated a quantum leap forward by issuing kits that utilize revolutionary technology and that are engineered down to the smallest detail. In doing so DML has set a new standard in the model kit industry. It does this by offering well researched, multi-material, innovatively designed, value-for-money model kits that leave modelers with a jaw-dropping sense of awe! DML continues to strive to fulfill its motto "Steps Ahead...Always!" and things will not end there. DML will continue to develop new technology, coupling it with innovative design to maintain their market leadership.

Currently, DML's business scope includes plastic models, action figures, die-cast collectables, resin, PVC and vinyl, and R/C products. Dragon sets the industry standard in many areas, and is a market leader in many of its lines. Its fine products are much sought after by collectors on ebay and suchlike, and truly, DML has set an example for other manufacturers to emulate.