John Hughes
Looks like it hasn't been released yet.

Jeff C. Автор
Thanks. It just seems strange that it isn't available for pre-order anywhere. I know companies announce kits and don't follow through on the manufacturing. I hope this one gets released. I have the Italeri and ADV/ Azimut AB41 kits. Both unbuilt. I really want the AB41 and AB40 from Lanmo Model. I definitely don't need them, but that won't stop me from buying them.

Herr Migraenz
Wait out a bit, the box art is in so we're pretty much guaranteed to see this in stores soon

Jeff C. Автор
Another kit that was announced and supposed to be released by Zimi Models, is the Beobachtungswagen auf Lorraine chassis. It was announced at the beginning of 2024. Still no kit.

Herr Migraenz
He-111 and B-17 were announced around that time by Border Model as well, yet we got box art for Heinkel only recently with nothing more to it. You know, a lot of things can be going on behind the lines. Zimi, AKA Panda Hobby, has been going through some commercial and managerial shenanigans which can explain the delays. Some models take longer due to extensive design and advisor aid, as it happened with Dragon and their tigers - they got literally one of the best "Tiger guys", David Byrden, to assist and it paid off rather massively (still no proper tracks though...). One of the worst examples would be Trumpeter's FAMO - 4 years between the initial announcement and the release of 2 FAMO VARIANTS - not the actual truck!

What I'm saying is, just gather your patience. As you know, our little (so little, my stash is about to spillover from box room into the living room, to my gal's undoubtedly immeasurable joy) hobby bears no haste, whether it's the build or anxious anticipation for another kit we are so eager to stuff into our ever bloating stashes. If I had to take a wild guess, this one should be available around august but don't quote me on that!

Jeff C. Автор
Thanks for your insight. You are correct. I have so many kits that I'll never build. I really do need to be more patient. I appreciate the feedback. Take care. My wife just stopped caring about the stash and started buying workout shoes for every workout outfit she has. She probably has as many shoes as I have kits. lol

Herr Migraenz
My wife is into perfumes and dresses, she too has a stash of her own!

Nigel
I wish my wife was so easily deflected.

Herr Migraenz
Mine is best kept at bay employing other means, but I'd rather not specify what they are to prevent getting booted off the site

pluto455
This model of the AB 41, from the Chinese Lamno model. On their site I saw that you can buy the complete interior separately. It will be more accurate than the AB 40 and AB41 Italeri. I wonder if they bought the molds from Italeri, what do you think?

F Matthews
No way they are using the Italeri molds. These look far better, just wish they were available.

Herr Migraenz
Who'd buy molds from Italeri in this day and age? Although I'm staying vigilant with Lanmo. BA-64 is such a letdown

pluto455
I'm Italian, I know that Italeri molds are almost always a disappointment. Unfortunately, only they build Italian vehicles. What problems did the BA 64 from Lamno model have? Thanks

Herr Migraenz
Pluto, I've written a little review for BA-64 here BA-64B (LANMO Model MM35003, 1:35)
If you ever contemplated buying, it may aid a little.
Yeah, that is my biggest problem with Italeri kits - absence of alternatives! I love Semovente, in all shape and forms, but this affection comes at a price indeed...

pluto455
Thank Herr

Nigel
I think this is all enough to put me off the Autoblinda, if LANMO are so shonky. there's a ton of great models out there (and in my stash) that don't need to be fought.

Herr Migraenz
Nigel, realistically, all we can do is wait and see (duh). I truly wish this one will be revised and polished before mass production, not gonna preorder it before I get to inspect the kit at my local hobby shop either. You're also correct in that we both harbour fatty stashes, full to the brim with truly remarkable kits waiting to be build, we'll live if this one flops. But by God - I hope It doesn't...

Jeff C. Автор
I was on the Lanmo Models' Facebook page and the last bit of news they posted was that they were running into problems with the design of the kit. Originally pre-orders were supposed to be taken in March. This hasn't happened yet.

pluto455
I emailed Lamno Model to find out when the AB 41 armored car model will be available. Here's their reply: Hi, we're very happy to hear from you. There were some initial issues with the product, but we've been working hard to resolve them. You'll find the latest updates in October.

Jeff C. Автор
Thank you. I really want the AB40 and AB41 kits. Looking forward to some good news.

pluto455
Second response from Lamno Models: Indeed, we have designed and produced several Italian armored vehicles and tanks! Since the AB series is not in production, other products are on the back burner. Subsequent products will be released more quickly.

pluto455
I hope they at least produce a model of the AB 41 and then the AB 40. I'd like to read reviews of this model. I don't want it to be as poorly made as the Lamno Models BA 64 model. I'm waiting for reviews.

Jeff C. Автор
I read all of the bad reviews on the BA64. I hope that these AB kits are not bad kits. They have so much potential. I have the Italeri and ADV Azimut AB41 kits. They both leave a lot to be desired.

Jeff C. Автор
What really bothers me is that there are no major US manufacturers of Armor kits. Everything has to be imported. Monogram was the last US manufacturer that was even close to mainstream. I guess that importing kits and paying the tariffs (at least in the US) is cheaper than paying for R&D and labor and manufacturing them here.

pluto455
I've read testimonials on various Italian forums from people who wanted to work for Italeri, and they wrote this: "I live near the Italeri factory and often buy from them when the models are on sale. Italeri is improving its quality, but it needs to invest more if it wants to get back to its current levels. Italeri faces heavy competition from Asian companies that produce models at lower prices than its own."