Dragon Models Limited
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| Private | |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong, China |
| Products | Plastic models, diecast models, action figures |
| Website | www |
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.
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.
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. However, Dragon is also trying to appeal to the more casual audience through its current release of 'Smart Kits' (see below).
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.
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Wikipedia