I have been wondering this for some time. What's the story with the different 'series' of models that dragon makes?

The '39-'45 series is obvious, ww2. But what is this "Imperial series"? I've seen some ww2 subjects in this series' boxes, shouldn't they have '39-'45 boxes?. And what are "shangai dragon" kits? Are they from other manufacturers' molds?
I hope somebody wiser could tell me what's the point in these different series.
Cheers

Imperial series was their standard kits with some PE bits added and extra figures, etc. Now it seems that their newer kits will all have PE, metal barrels, etc. The Shanghai Dragon kits are the same kits just manufactured on mainland China and are cheaper due to cheaper labor costs etc. They are all basically the same kits, just different packaging. I like the overall quality of Dragon's models. Haven't found one yet that is a total dog of a kit.

Are you sure of this Gino? I have the DML Valentine, which I'm pretty sure is listed as an "Imperial" but it doesn't have any of those things. In that case I understood it meant that it had come from another maker, Marquette I believe.

That could be the case. I remember seeing a russian armored car, that is originally a Zvedza kit, or so I've heard.

Ive always thought the same as you guys ... Imperial meant kits with extra pieces or other manufacturers kits, reboxed.
As far as dogs go ... Ive had the pleasure of their Scud launcher and the maquette SU76M which is also released by dragon. I would feel very sorry for anybody new getting into the hobby and trying to tackle these kits!
I have been modelling for 4 years now, and the only easy built, well fitting, cleanly moulded kit Ive done so far is Tamiya´s JS3. Ive had my share of dogs but those 2 by Dragon head up the list!

I built the Scud launcher, didn't think it wa that bad. Guess it is all a matter of experience level and perspective.

I just dont like the indy track links from Dragon, but once you have a good method for building them, I guess its alright. All but one of the dragon kits I've bought have PE in them. The one that didnt was an older model.

I Have build one Shanghai-Dragom Imperial series. It was Night Fighting Panther G. It was an outstanding kit but there are no PE or other details part . I enjoy building it . and i cant tell no different from their 39-45 series.

So far I've yet to be disappointed with one of their kits. As for their tracks, I've used Fruil's so far but they seem to be decent quality. I just haven't made the "leap" to indy kit tracks.

In my experience the Imperial series have additional details compared to other DML kits. Some may have PE some don't.

Hello all, The Imperial series in most cases are from other manufactures, the early Jagpanther was from Gunze S. without all the pe. and metal parts that the original kits came with. Marrqutte and Vezda(SP) are some other manufactures in the imperial series that come to mind
Steve

The Imperial Series I have are the Panzer II (ex-Alan, with some PE), the SU-76 (also ex-Alan and to be avoided like the plague), and the Panzer III Ausf E which is all Dragon.

Okay. This cleared up things for me. Thanks mates!