Shout Outs

Product Spotlight: The Original “Black Panthers”

Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(76)W Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – “Julia”, 761st Tank Battalion “Black Panthers”, Task Force Rhine, Germany, 1945 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]

More than one million African American men and women served in every branch of the US armed forces during World War II. In addition to battling the forces of Fascism abroad, these Americans also battled racism in the United States and in the US military. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all segregated African Americans into separate units because of the belief that they were not as capable as white service members. Adding to this indignity, the Army frequently assigned White officers from the American South to command Black infantrymen.

In spite of these dispiriting obstacles, African Americans fought with distinction in every theater of the war. Some of the more famous Black units included the 332nd Fighter Group, which shot down 112 enemy planes during the course of 179 bomber escort missions over Europe, and the 761st Tank Battalion, which served in General George S. Patton’s Third Army. Major General Willard S. Paul, of the 26th Division, singled out the 761st for special praise after its first action in France by writing, “I consider the 761st Tank Battalion to have entered combat with such conspicuous courage and success as to warrant special commendation.” African Americans also served in equally vital positions throughout the Army as nurses, engineers, truck drivers, gunners, and paratroopers.

As it turned out, the 761st Tank Battalion was a separate tank battalion of the United States Army during World War II, which was primarily composed of African-American soldiers, who by War Department policy were not permitted to serve alongside white troops; the U.S. military did not officially desegregate until after World War II. The 761st were known as the “Black Panthers” after their unit’s distinctive insignia, and proud of their motto, “Come out fighting”. The battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. In addition, a large number of individual members also received medals, including one Medal of Honor, 11 Silver Stars and about 300 Purple Hearts.

The battalion first saw combat on November 7th, 1944, fighting through towns such as Moyenvic, Vic-sur-Seille, often at the leading edge of the advance. The fighting that 761st engaged in at Morville-les-Vic was particularly brutal. The unit endured 183 days of continuous operational employment.

The 761st Tank Battalion suffered 156 casualties in November 1944; 24 men killed, 81 wounded, and 44 non-battle losses. The unit also lost 14 tanks evacuated and another 20 damaged in combat. In December, the battalion was rushed to the aid of the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. As part of the effort to drive the Germans from the vicinity of Bastogne, the battalion fought to capture the municipality of Tillet, less than 15 km west of the town, in early January 1945. Supporting the elements of the 87th Infantry Division with just 11 tanks, the battalion took control of the city from the 113th Panzer Brigade through two days of combat, losing nine tanks in the process.

After the Battle of the Bulge, the unit opened the way for the U.S. 4th Armored Division into Germany during an action that breached the Siegfried Line. The 761st smashed through dozens of German cities and towns in their rapid advance through the Reich. In the final days of the war in Europe, the 761st was one of the first American units to reach Steyr, Austria, at the Enns River, where they met with the 1st Ukrainian Front of the Soviet Red Army. On May 4th, 1945, the 761st, along with the 71st Infantry Division, liberated the Gunskirchen concentration camp; the German guards had fled not long before.

The 761st was deactivated on June 1st, 1946, in Germany. They have been called “one of the most effective tank battalions in World War II.” In all, the battalion earned about 300 Purple Hearts.

We’ve opened up the pre-order window for this, the latest Forces of Valor Sherman medium tank to roll off the Waltersons’ Forces of Valor assembly line. Currently, we are pegging this item for an autumn release, which could be moved forward or backwards based upon updated manufacturer information. As soon as we have more information we will indicate if this item should be considered as a potential gift-giving item for the 2023 holiday season. Stay tuned.

Update: On Sunday, August 20th, The History Channel will be airing a special documentary that focuses on the men of the 761st Tank Battalion. “Executive Produced and featuring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, “761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers” will tell the true story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII, and explore in-depth the major battles they faced both overseas while in combat and back home in the United States. It features an interview with one of the last surviving members of the 761st Battalion, as well as the current and first Black Secretary of Defense, Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, alongside new and archival interviews, period footage, still photographs and new commentary and stories from family and relatives of the Black Panther soldiers. The documentary will also feature insights and opinions of prominent historians on WWII and experts on race and inequality in America.”

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Shipping Issues

UPS workers may go out on strike as early as late July, looking for better pay and improved working conditions. Should they go out on strike, there’s a good chance that most parcel deliveries will have to be dealt with by the US Postal Service. During its off-peak season, UPS handles more than 22,000,000 packages daily. USPS claims it can handle a further 30,000,000 packages daily, thereby surpassing UPS’s volume, but that claim hasn’t been substantiated. Therefore, its not clear if the USPS will be able to contend with the sudden increase in package volume nor is it certain when the strike will end. As a result, increased volume could impact the speed at which the USPS can deliver parcels, at least for the duration of the strike. As a result, we strongly recommend that you keep any tracking information we send you on hand so that you can monitor the progress of your delivery and avoid any disappointment.

Obviously, should the strike drag on into the holiday shopping season, then all bets are off, particularly if FedEx pilots walk off the job in sympathy with the UPS workers. Earlier today, FedEx pilots failed to ratify a tentative agreement they had reached with management back in May that would have met most of their demands.

In other news, Volusion, our web hosting solution, has not implemented the recently introduced Retail Ground Advantage shipping option within their shipping framework. As soon as they do, we will discontinue both First Class and Parcel Post shipping options in favor of this new class of delivery. This service is expected to be implemented by mid August, however, we will make a formal announcement once this service is made available.

News Update: On Tuesday, July 25th, CNBC reported that the Teamsters and UPS have reached a tentative agreement that would prevent a walkout from occurring on July 31st. Naturally, UPS workers will have to vote on the plan for it to take effect but it appears as if a strike has been averted.

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Legion Continues its Advance

Legion Models 1:72 scale Soviet Ilyushin IL-2M Shturmovik Ground Attack Aircraft – Nelson Stepanyan, 57 ShAP, 1944

Several new models are rolling in later this month from Legion Models, the budget-branded arm of Panzerkampf. Expected are several 1:72 scale Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik ground attack aircraft as are a column of KamAZ 4310 cargo trucks. While their packaging is a bit spartan relative to other makes, the products themselves are being well-received, priced with affordability in mind given the continual rise in cost of similar lines.

Legion Models 1:72 scale Captured Russian KamAZ 4310 Cargo Truck

Also due are several key re-stocks, among them both 1:1000 scale aircraft carriers and a handful of the F4U Corsairs that have rapidly been snapped up by collectors world over.

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USPS Ground Advantage

USPS will launch USPS Ground Advantage™ service, an affordable and reliable way for you to ship packages in 2–5 business days.

USPS Ground Advantage will combine USPS Retail Ground®, First-Class Package®, and Parcel Select Ground® services (as well as returns options such as First-Class Package Return® service and Ground Returns) into a single, streamlined ground shipping service.

USPS Ground Advantage is a perfect option for shippers of all sizes who want affordable domestic ground shipping to all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States.

Features & Benefits

  • Packages delivered in 2–5 business days.
  • Best-priced service for items up to 15.999 oz, based on weight (rounded up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 15.999 oz) and zone (distance).
  • Packages greater than 15.999 oz are charged by the pound (rounded up).
  • Free Package Pickup service at your home or office.
  • Pay for postage using stamps, a self-service kiosk, Click-N-Ship® service, or at a Post Office™ location.
  • Tracking is included.
  • Business customers can use USPS Ground Advantage return service as a convenient option for customers who need to send items back.
  • $100 insurance is included (for both outbound and return shipments), and you can purchase up to $5,000 in additional coverage against loss or damage for merchandise.

Currently, our web hosting solution has yet to implement the USPS Ground Advantage rates into our shipping settings. However, once they do it would appear as if this new rate will supplant our First Class and Parcel Post rate options, thereby making them non-viable options within the CONUS. We will update this post once the rates have been enabled. Pre-orders that have yet to be filled will then be shipped out under the Ground Advantage program. Moreover, according to our Marketplace sites (eBay, Amazon, et al.) Ground Advantage will go live on July 9th and again replace both First Class and Parcel Post shipping options. Priority Mail will be a separate option.

We have also updated our online calendar to reflect the revised cut off dates for USPS Ground Advantage during the holiday season. When you have a moment, we invite you to review all of our cut off dates for each type of domestic and international service.

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Its Been a Hobby Master June

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57E “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Red 52”, Southern Military District, Russo-Ukraine War, 2022

We’re back from gallivanting around this nation of ours and are ready to resume business. Thus far, it seems to be a Hobby Master June, with loads of new products announced, their May shipment having just arrived, and the June shipment not too far behind. In fact, according to our distributor, the June cache is slated for June 20th, meaning plenty to list on eBay and elsewhere along with updating our main site. That said, we are also in contact with our other distributors to see what’s on tap from them for the month of June. Stay tuned.

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Its Time for Some Summer Fun

As we get ready for our two-week shut down, we thought it made sense to provide one last look at things prior to us jetting off. For openers, everything expected in late May has now been pushed into early June, in part because we aren’t going to be around to take in the merchandise.

Several companies have seemingly delayed the release of their May shipments, the most notable being Hobby Master. Unless things change, the May shipment has now been delayed until either the first or second week of June and its a good bet that the June allotment will be shunted into July. Typically, sales tend to slow down around this time of year, so there’s no rush to take in goods that will likely sit on warehouse shelves for several weeks running until demand picks up.

The next batch of Forces of Valor items is currently slated for a late June or early July arrival, although this could change based upon the whims of the manufacturer. That’s a bit problematic for us since we are starting to run low on several of their recently introduced 1:32 scale vehicles. Rather amazingly, their winter mottled Tiger I tank is catching up in sales with their “Cobra King” Sherman Jumbo tank, which means we will likely have to place yet another re-order for this fan favorite. Several are being shipped overseas, despite the huge shipping costs associated with mailing out an oversized item to parts outside of CONUS. This usually means that international distributors are having a hard time sourcing the vehicle, and, rather reluctantly, consumers would rather bear any cost in acquiring the vehicle from a well-stocked US retailer rather than having it slip through their fingers.

Likewise their desert sand over-sprayed Tiger I tank is currently out-of-stock and won’t be available again until either late June or early July. Released several months prior to the winter camouflaged Tiger, there likely isn’t all that many pieces still available at the factory level before it sells out. So, if you plan to own every version of their Tiger tank — and let’s face it, who doesn’t — you can still submit an order at our MAP level price before it starts to rise in value or quite possibly lands in the vaunted Force of Valor Hall of Fame.

According to our US distributor representing the line, a new cache of Panzerkampf products is slated to arrive at their warehouse this week. Obviously, we’ve asked them to hold our shipment until we get back in the saddle again. Most of the items are re-stocks, although we’ve learned that their T-14 Armata main battle tank in a May Day victory parade scheme is included in the load. So too is their M1A2 Abrams main battle tank in a NATO woodlands camouflage scheme. If anyone is interested, we have therefore modified our M1070/Abrams combo pack to reflect the fact that both vehicles now come in the exact same palette from head-to-toe.

It would appear as if a number of key Corgi aircraft are scheduled to show in the June/Jule time frame. Its a bit of a hit-or-miss proposition to determine exactly which models will arrive ahead of all the others, so we strongly suggest monitoring our Corgi Aviation Archive section to check for any updates. The likely candidates rolling off the assembly line are their latest Messerschmitt Bf 109 in an Italina scheme, along with their newest Supermarine Spitfire since these are being headlines in Corgi’s most recent Diecast Diaries.

Air Force 1 is showing renewed signs of vigor with several new models pegged for a third quarter fly-in. Admittedly no new toolings have been shown thus far, although there’s quite a few long sold out models that are being pressed back into service in time to make it under the tree this Christmas. To be specific, three new P-61 Black Widows are in the offing as is a trio of SR-71 Blackbirds, as well are a pair of Su-57 Felon fifth generation fighters. We’re hoping that their hot-selling 1:72 scale B-17 Flying Fortresses will also be added to the fleet but we’re also well aware that time is running out if they are to get the go signal for the holidays.

Although we have nothing solid to go by, we are presuming that the next Dragon shipment will probably occur in July. We based this expectation on the frequency we receive their product, which, at present, occurs every two to three months. We realize this isn’t exactly positive news to go by if you’re an ardent Dragon collector, but ever since the manufacturer closed up shop in North America a few years back we have had to rely upon one of our distributors to bring in their merchandise. So, even though Dragon might indicate that a handful of vehicles are available through their web site for several months running, we must wait until they survive their trans-oceanic journey to America to begin doling them out.

Precision Model Art (commonly referred to as PMA) seems to have dropped off of the diecast radar. No new models have been announced and even their web site appears to be AWOL over the last few months. The distributor representing this line has been trying to hail them on an open frequency without much luck so the Company may have gone temporarily dormant or quite possibly decided to throw in the towel in the wake of COVID. Either way we hope to have a definitive answer this summer. Needless to say if they decided to close up shop what we have in inventory will likely be all that remains of this once proud model maker.

That’s pretty much it for now. We’re still pushing out product as fast as orders come in, although Monday the 22nd will be the last day we plan to get orders into the The Motor Pool slip stream. Otherwise the soonest the next batch of outbound orders is earmarked for shipping is June 9th. So, until you hear from us otherwise, we wish you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and a scintillating start to the summer. Enjoy!

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Clearing Corgi’s Cache

I’m back! Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAAF Consolidated B-24H Liberator Heavy Bomber – 42-52534, “Witchcraft”, 790th Bombardment Squadron, 467th Bombardment Group, USAAF Station 145 Rackheath, Norfolk, England, January 1945

Earlier today we were informed by our Corgi representative that they performed some stock balancing between their wholesale warehouse and their retail unit responsible for handling online sales. In so doing, they uncovered several aircraft that they believed were sold out but are now being made available to select retailers. Some models, such as “Witchcraft”, a B-24 Liberator that sold extremely well last year, turned up in the routine administrative process. Naturally, we jumped on the opportunity to purchase it and several other aircraft once indicated as being sold out that have been unearthed and are now shown in our Products in Transit section. I just wanted to point out that since Corgi is located in the state of Washington and we’re clear across the country in Florida, we will likely take delivery of the entire cache by early next week. So, if you’re interested in any of these fan favorites, we recommend you peruse the list and pre-order those you may find tickle your fancy.

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The Forces of Valor Update: Sailing into Harm’s Way

Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale US Navy Iowa Class Battleship – USS Missouri (BB-63), Measure 32, Design 22D Camouflage, Pacific Theatre of Operations, 1944 [Full Hull Version]

Earlier this year, Waltersons debuted their first pairing of new 1:700 warships when they released their Imperial Japanese Navy battleship, Yamato. While the Yamato had been a part of the original Unimax fleet as well as the reinvigorated Watersons navy unleashed several years ago, the updated Japanese battleship is now available in two distinct versions – one with a full hull and a second as a waterline variant that can satisfy wargamers. Both have done well at retail since leaving port, which has encouraged Waltersons to delve deeper into their line, this time around taking their US battleship, USS Missouri, out of proverbial mothballs and back out to sea.

Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale US Navy Iowa Class Battleship – USS Missouri (BB-63), Measure 32, Design 22D Camouflage, Pacific Theatre of Operations, 1944 [Waterline Version]

Expected in early June, the updated warship features new gun turret tooling that enables them to sport individualized gun movement. Additionally, the full hull version comes with an all-new display base, updated packaging, and a slicker tri-color camouflaged paint scheme that better reflects the warship’s appearance during the middle part of the Pacific campaign.

Updated tooling has led to the development of individualized gun movement as can be seen in the photo above

Down the road, or, as the case may be out to sea, its a good bet that Waltersons will offer the same treatment to other previously released warships such as the German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, not to mention the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, along with newer builds that have been hinted at for some time – the USS Kitty Hawk, HMS Invincible and others, to name but a few. Its a good and viable strategy provided they can lay the keels and christen these nautical behemoths in a more timely manner.

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Home the Conquering Hero

As March draws to a close, so too does Women’s History Month, known to many as “Her-story”. I struggled to find the words and sentiment for this post, largely because I promised my eldest daughter, Linda, that I would not publicize her latest achievement — privately telling her that only a handful of people would learn of her latest accomplishment. She’s humble, and I get it, yet her latest and most impressive achievement coincided with the great strides women have made in recent years so it seemed appropriate that I break my silence and quite possibly deal with her misgivings later. A few weeks ago, Linda was promoted to Chief of Surgical Operations at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, making her the youngest female doctor to rise to such prominence at a major metropolitan hospital in the United States. In point of fact, she could be the youngest doctor to have reached that position, breaking through the so-called “glass ceiling” that holds back so many other female doctors, all by the age of 41.

As Chief of Surgical Operations she works with her fellow surgical heads in a variety of roles, and helps to flesh out the one-two punch that the Chief of Surgery position entails. My daughter. Just as importantly, Parkland has and quite possibly will always be known as the hospital in which JFK expired, not exactly something you want to crow about in the medical community. So, by becoming Chief of Surgical Operations it is my hope, nay dream, that Parkland will also be forever known as the hospital that gave a young doctor from New York a chance at living out her own dreams, demonstrating that women of any creed, faith or background can do just as good as job as any man, despite the prejudice some still harbor. I’m sorry, Linda, if I broke my promise by claiming I would remain mum about your latest accomplishment. I just thought it was high time the world knew just how good a surgeon you are, just six years after completing your fellowship at Hopkins and how the torch of womanhood was ably passed on to you. Way to go Linny…

A day at Disney World with the “Dallas Crazies.” The family came in for a week to help us set up in Florida thereby earning a well-deserved break at The Magic Kingdom. P.S. Her daughters still aren’t impressed by her new-found stature
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The Forces of Valor Update: April Showers

Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4(105) Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension and Deep Wading Gear – “White 6”, 711th Tank Battalion, Okinawa, April-June 1945 [Bonus Continental (Wright) R-975, Radial 9 Engine]

After speaking with Waltersons earlier today, they are getting set to ship out our next order, which includes the fourth Sherman tank in their Engine Plus series. The shipment also includes metal tracks expressly developed for the previous Sherman release, an all-new 1:72 scale Chinook helicopter and lots of stuff that was on back order for several weeks running. We should have everything in-house around the second week of April since our order will be shipped out to us via freight instead of a standard ground carrier due to its sheer size and weight.

If you ordered the “Cobra King” Sherman along with this new Sherman tank with wading gear, then we will ship out both vehicles in one parcel to reduce shipping costs. Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long but we originally thought both vehicles would be sent out together instead of this staggered release.

Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale RAF Boeing-Vertol HC.Mk 1 Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopter – No.7 Squadron, BRITFORLEB Task Force, Lebanon, 1984

Again, we would appreciate it if everyone refrains from contacting us to ask about their order. As I have indicated previously, it only ends up slowing us down and prevents us from getting your orders out as quickly as possible. If we have any questions regarding your order we will reach out and contact you – otherwise look forward to receiving an order completion notice followed by tracking information. That’s about it for now and hope you enjoy Forces of Valor’s latest diecast hardware.

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