Forces of Valor – Page 2 – The Motor Pool

Product Spotlight: From Whence the Fog Came

“Ship unmaneuverable. We shall fight to the last shell. Long live the Führer.“
Vice-Admiral Günther Lütjens, onboard battleship Bismarck

**Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale German Kriegsmarine Bismarck Class Battleship – DKM Bismarck, Operation Rheinubung, Battle of the Denmark Strait, May 1941 [Waterline Version]**

Operation Rheinübung (“Exercise Rhine”) was the last sortie into the Atlantic by the new German battleship Bismarck and heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen on May 18th–27th, 1941, during World War II. This operation aimed to block Allied shipping to the United Kingdom as the previously successful Operation Berlin had done. After Bismarck sunk HMS Hood during battle of the Denmark Strait (May 24th), it culminated with the sinking of Bismarck (May 27th), while Prinz Eugen escaped to occupied France port. From that point on Germans would rely only on U-boats to wage the Battle of the Atlantic.

The heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen sailed at about 21:00 on 18 May 1941 from Gotenhafen (Gdynia, Poland), followed at 2:00 a.m., May 19th, by Bismarck. Both ships proceeded under escort, separately and rendezvoused off Cape Arkona on Rügen Island in the western Baltic, where the destroyers Z23 and Z16 Friedrich Eckoldt joined them. They then proceeded through the Danish Islands into the Kattegat. Entering the Kattegat on May 20th Bismarck and Prinz Eugen sailed north toward the Skagerrak, the strait between Jutland and Southern Norway, where they were sighted by the Swedish aircraft-carrying cruiser Gotland on around 1:00 p.m. Gotland forwarded the sighting in a routine report. Earlier, around noon, a flight of Swedish aircraft also detected the German vessels and likewise reported their sighting.

On May 21st, the Admiralty was alerted by sources in the Swedish government that two large German warships had been seen in the Kattegat. The ships entered the North Sea and took a brief refuge in a Grimstadfjord near Bergen, Norway on May 21st where Prinz Eugen was topped off with fuel, making a break for the Atlantic shipping lanes on May 22nd. By this time, Hood and Prince of Wales, with escorting destroyers, were en route to the Denmark Strait, where two cruisers, Norfolk and Suffolk were already patrolling. The cruisers Manchester and Birmingham had been sent to guard the waters south-east of Iceland.

Once the departure of the German ships was discovered, Admiral Sir John Tovey, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Home Fleet, sailed with King George V, Victorious and their escorts to support those already at sea. Repulse joined soon afterwards.

On the evening of May 23rd, Suffolk sighted Bismarck and Prinz Eugen in the Denmark Strait, close to the Greenland coast. Suffolk immediately sought cover in a fog bank and alerted The Admiralty. Bismarck opened fire on Norfolk at a range of six miles but Norfolk escaped into fog. Norfolk and Suffolk, outgunned, shadowed the German ships using radar. No hits were scored but the concussion of the main guns firing at Norfolk had knocked out Bismarck’s radar causing Lütjens to re-position Prinz Eugen ahead of Bismarck. After the German ships were sighted, British naval groups were redirected to either intercept Lütjens’ force or to cover a troop convoy.

Hood and Prince of Wales made contact with the German force early on the morning of May 24th, and the action started at 5:52 a.m., with the combatants about 25,000 yards (23,000 m) apart. Gunners onboard Hood initially mistook Prinz Eugen that was now in the lead for Bismarck and opened fire on her, Capt Leach commanding HMS Prince of wales realizing V/Adm Holland’s error engaged Bismarck from the outset. Both German ships were firing at Hood. Hood suffered an early hit from Prinz Eugen which started a rapidly spreading fire amidships.

Then, at about 6 a.m., one or more of Hood’s magazines exploded, probably as the result of a direct hit by a 38 cm (15 in) shell from Bismarck. The massive explosion broke the great battlecruiser’s back, and she sank within minutes. All but three of her 1,418-man crew died, including Vice Admiral Lancelot Holland, commanding officer of the squadron.

Prince of Wales continued the action, but suffered multiple hits with 38 cm (15 in) and 20.3 cm (8 in) shells, and experienced repeated mechanical failures with her main armament. Her commanding officer, Captain Leach, was wounded when one of Bismarck’s shells struck Prince of Wales’ bridge. Leach broke off the action, and the British battleship retreated under cover of a smokescreen.

Bismarck had been hit three times but Admiral Lütjens overruled Bismarck‘s Captain Ernst Lindemann who wanted to pursue the damaged Prince of Wales and finish her off. All of the hits on Bismarck had been inflicted by Prince of Wales‘ 14-inch (356 mm) guns. One of the hits had penetrated the German battleship’s hull near the bow, rupturing some of her fuel tanks, causing her to leak oil continuously and at a serious rate. This was to be a critical factor as the pursuit continued, forcing Bismarck to make for Brest instead of escaping into the great expanse of the Atlantic. The resulting oil slick also helped the British cruisers to shadow her.

Norfolk and Suffolk and the damaged Prince of Wales continued to shadow the Germans, reporting their position to draw British forces to the scene. In response, it was decided that the undamaged Prinz Eugen would detach to continue raiding, while Bismarck drew off the pursuit. In conjunction with this, Admiral Dönitz committed the U-boat arm to support Bismarck with all available U-boats in the Atlantic. He organised two patrol lines to trap the Home Fleet should Bismarck lead her pursuers to them. One line of 7 boats was arrayed in mid-Atlantic while another, of 8 boats, was stationed west of the Bay of Biscay. At 6:40 p.m. on 24 May, Bismarck turned on her pursuers and briefly opened fire to cover the escape of Prinz Eugen. The German cruiser slipped away undamaged.

At 10 p.m., Victorious was 120 miles (190 km) away and launched an air attack with nine Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers, which were guided in by Norfolk. In poor weather, and against heavy fire, they attacked and made a single torpedo hit under the bridge. However, up against strong belt armor and anti-torpedo bulges, it failed to cause substantial damage. The attacking aircraft were all safely recovered by Victorious, despite poor weather, darkness, aircrew inexperience and the failure of the carrier’s homing beacon.^[7]

At 3 a.m. on May 25th, the British shadowers lost contact with Bismarck. At first, it was thought that she would return to the North Sea, and ships were directed accordingly. Then Lütjens, believing that he was still being shadowed by the British, broke radio silence by sending a long radio message to headquarters in Germany. This allowed the British to triangulate Bismarck’s approximate position and send aircraft to hunt for the German battleship. By the time that it was realized that Lütjens was heading for Brest, Bismarck had broken the naval cordon and gained a lead. By 11 p.m., Lütjens was well to the east of Tovey’s force and had managed to evade Rodney. Bismarck was short of fuel due to the damaging hit inflicted by Prince of Wales which had caused Lütjens to reduce speed to conserve fuel but Bismarck still had enough speed to outrun the heavy units of the Home Fleet and reach the safety of France. From the south, however, Somerville’s Force H with the carrier Ark Royal, the battlecruiser Renown, and the light cruiser HMS Sheffield were approaching to intercept.

The British ships were also beginning to run low on fuel, and the escape of Bismarck seemed more and more certain. However, at 10:30 a.m. on 26 May, a PBY Catalina flying-boat, based at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, found Bismarck. She was 700 miles (1,100 km) from Brest and not within range of Luftwaffe air cover.

This contact was taken over by two Swordfish from Ark Royal. This carrier now launched an airstrike, but her aircrew were unaware of Sheffield’s proximity to Bismarck, mistook the British cruiser for the German battleship and therefore immediately attacked her. Their torpedoes had been fitted with influence detonators, and several of them exploded prematurely. Others missed their target, and the attacking aircraft then received a warning from Ark Royal that Sheffield was in the vicinity, whereupon the Swordfish finally recognized the cruiser and broke off the attack.

Ark Royal now launched, in almost impossibly bad weather conditions for air operations, and from a distance of less than 40 miles upwind of Bismarck, a second strike consisting of 15 Swordfish. These were carrying torpedoes equipped with the standard and reliable contact detonators. The attack resulted in two or three hits on the German ship, one of which inflicted critical damage on her steering. A jammed rudder now meant she could now only sail away from her intended destination of Brest. At midnight, Lütjens signalled his headquarters: “Ship unmaneuverable. We shall fight to the last shell. Long live the Führer.”

The battleships Rodney and King George V waited for daylight on May 27th before attacking. At 8:47 a.m., they opened fire, quickly hitting Bismarck. Her gunners achieved near misses on Rodney, but the British ships had silenced Bismarck’s main guns within half an hour. Despite close-range shelling by Rodney, a list to port, and widespread fires, Bismarck did not sink.

According to David Mearns and James Cameron’s underwater surveys in recent years the British main guns achieved only four hits on Bismarck‘s main armored belt, two through the upper armor belt on the starboard side from King George V and two on the port side from Rodney. These four hits occurred at about 10:00 a.m., at close range, causing heavy casualties among the sheltering crew.

Nearly out of fuel – and mindful of possible U-boat attacks – the British battleships left for home. The heavy cruiser Dorsetshire attacked with torpedoes and made three hits. Scuttling charges were soon set off by German sailors, and at 10:40 a.m., Bismarck capsized and sank. Dorsetshire and the destroyer Maori rescued 110 survivors. After an hour, rescue work was abruptly ended when there were reports of a U-boat presence. Another three survivors were picked up by U-74 and two by the German weather ship Sachsenwald. Over 2,000 died, including Captain Lindemann and Admiral Lütjens.

To commemorate the actions of the battleship, DKM Bismarck, Waltersons is both relaunching its full hull version of the warship, while simultaneously releasing a waterline version. Both versions are expected to grace our shelves in late August.

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The Forces of Valor Update: Patience is a Virtue

While Waltersons has completed the physical portion of its move from Los Angeles to Indiana, they are apparently still working on setting up everything in their computer system, hence the delay in getting new product into the hands of everyone. Reading between the lines, if you will, they will likely get everything synced up sometime in August barring any additional hiccups or cause for concern. The product marked as en route in our Release Schedule is what we currently expect once the Company gets their act together and is ready — from an operational standpoint — to resume business. Any new items listed in the August Upcoming Releases section will likely arrive a couple of weeks later unless, of course, they run into additional issues. So, hang in there and rest assured everyone in the supply chain is doing their utmost to get product out the door in the most efficient manner possible.

**Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale 1942 Production US Army GMC CCKW 353 6×6 2-1/2 Ton Truck – No Tarp**

Update: We’ve learned that a second version of the soon-to-be-released US GMC 2-1/2-ton truck will be arriving some time in August along with the Company’s latest introductions. This new version will come with four figures but, to differentiate it from the first version, has no “tarp” strewn across the rear-mounted bows. As an aside, it would appear as if Walterson’s strategy to offer up two versions of each new introduction simultaneously (see their pair of Chaffees, Opel Blitz trucks amd Apache gunships as examples). A “split-run”, if you will, their goal is to get more product out-the-door, doing so, it would appear, at reduced production costs by releasing similarly conceived items in one batch.

We’ve been told that the shipment containing many of their newest items is on the water and should be arriving by the end of August. We have, however, moved said items into our September Releases section, erring on the side of caution based upon previous experience. The manufacturer is aware that the holiday shopping season is fast approaching and they are working feverishly to announce their next set of new releases so that everyone can weigh their options for their end-of-year purchases.

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The Forces of Valor Days of Summer

**Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale German Kriegsmarine Bismarck Class Battleship – DKM Bismarck, Operation Rheinubung, Gotenhafen, Poland, May 1941 [Waterline Version]**

Now that Waltersons has completed its move to its new Indiana warehouse as a result of the Greenlight Collectibles acquisition, we have been informed that our latest order is being prepared for shipment. Barring any unforeseen issues, we are likely looking to receive it the first week of August. This shipment is mostly composed of re-stocks, but it also contains the long out-of-stock 88mm FLaK gun and some of their newest warships.

Beyond that, it appears as if several new vehicles are slated to arrive later in August, fingers crossed. This follow-on shipment will contain the M24 Chaffee tanks, the GMC cargo truck and two Opel ambulances. Also expected are a pair of 1:72 scale Apache gunships.

**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]**

Frankly, we’ve found that patience is a virtue with this manufacturer particularly since they have taken over their own distribution in an effort to get more product into the sales channel. Its not a knock per se because I can tell you first hand its not easy setting up a brand new warehouse and everything that goes with it. Still, communications could be better, both online and via email, particularly since the holiday season is right around the corner and customers will be seeking out their product as gift-giving ideas. A number of projects have been hinted at yet we see no signs of movement, either through pictures or product information, although we do know they are working diligently to move them along. We recognize that there are a great many fans of the line and wanted to ensure everyone that we are doing our best to pass along information as soon as it is generated. In the meantime, enjoy what you own and know that the manufacturer is burning the midnight oil to get even more product into the pipeline.

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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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Forces of Valor Keeps on Tracking

**Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale Pair of Weathered Metal Tiger Tank Tracks [Early Production]**

We’ve learned that the June/July shipment of Forces of Valor products will contain the oft-requested early production Tiger I metal track set. We were laboring under the impression that the initial batch of tracks were sold out and that we might have to wait for the manufacturer to produce a second batch, which could take months if not years to happen based upon prior experience. So, when we heard that more were on the way we jumped on them (figuratively, not literally), and should have them in hand and ready for shipment some time in July. Frankly, when you consider how many more Tiger tanks are in the pipeline we thought it made sense to have an ample supply on hand to keep the Tigerwaffe rolling along for the foreseeable future.

In other news, Waltersons has completed in principal their acquisition of Greenlight Collectibles. Based in Indiana, Greenlight has carved out a respectable business amongst many of the big box retailers, selling all sorts of budget-minded toys from fire-fighting equipment to, you guessed it, smaller 1:64 scale military vehicles under their Battalion 64 sub brand. Indeed, some of the vehicles were recently on display at the Waltersons booth at the Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan. Greenlight’s 1:64 scale tanks will no doubt serve as the basis for Forces of Valor’s newest line of military collectibles, although these will likely be weathered or outwardly reworked to make them dovetail within their entire spectrum of Forces of Valor military vehicle ranges.

Look familiar? Greenlight’s rendition of “Cobra King” is no doubt off the mark, sporting an M4A3 configuration rather than the correct M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo model recently released by Waltersons. While a model such as this might appeal to the inexperienced eye, collectors will no doubt take up arms if an unaltered Battalion 64 model makes its way into the Forces of Valor lineup.

Greenlight will also serve as the central warehouse for all things Forces of Valor, which had been operating in concert with American Diorama on the west coast since the beginning of 2023. We bring this up because it will no doubt make our job of acquiring Forces of Valor merchandise far easier and similarly cut down on the turn-around time it takes to first place an order with them then get our order delivered to our own warehouse in Florida. It also means that we will at last have a salesperson in North America that we can reach within a matter of minutes rather than have to speak to someone in eastern Asia, which, because of the time difference, typically took a half day to get a response.

We had hoped that their 1:700 scale take on the Royal Navy’s HMS Invincible would complete its sea trails and be made available last year in time for the 40th anniversary of the Battle of the Falklands. Maybe “Forty Plus One”?

We expect Forces of Valor to make a number of product announcements shortly now that they have begun handling their own distribution within North America. Some items, such as their first King Tiger tank, F-16 Viper, HMS Invincible aircraft carrier and V-22 Osprey, have been hinted at on Facebook for several months running, although nothing concrete has turned up in their sales solicitations. With their logistical network now having been worked out, we anticipate a steady stream of new product announcements to follow shortly.

Now, if they could update their web site in a more timely fashion we would be supremely grateful…

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The Forces of Valor Update: Its Show Time

While Waltersons has been mum of late concerning their Facebook posts, and have become lax updating their own web site, it took a major hobby show to get them to share what they’ve been up to for the last several months. At the Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan, the manufacturer displayed a number of new projects that are presumably in the works and slated for an early autumn release. In point of fact, if we could compare their rollout to a feast, the banquet was quite impressive covering everything from re-launched aircraft appetizers to their bread-and-butter 1:32 scale entrees.

On the ground, several new 1:32 scale tanks were shown for the first time, among them a Soviet KV-2 heavy tank, a US M4A3(76)W Sherman medium tank, their oft-hinted at Ferdnand tank destroyer (to be included in their Inside Out series), and a British Firefly Ic medium tank. Its likely a KV-1 tank is in the offing and their long awaited King Tiger heavy tank could join the entourage in the not-too-distant future. A number of vehicles scheduled for shipment in the June/July time frame were also laid out for all to see, including two Chaffee light tanks, a pair of Open Blitz 3-ton ambulances, and a US 2-1/2 ton cargo truck. It would appear as if the second 1:32 scale model kit is also nearing completion – a prototype of the Sturmtiger assault mortar

At sea, collectors can lay claim to two versions of the USS Missouri battleship, a pair of HMS Invincible aircraft carriers, and a retooled USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, no doubt to be offered in both full hull and waterline editions.

In the air, the manufacturer pulled back the curtains on their re-tooled MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, a troop transport that was originally a part of the Unimax range. Two versions of their 1:72 scale AH-64D Apache gunship, and updated renditions of a F-16 Viper were also on the “tarmac” and its a good bet that other Unimax-built aircraft will eventually join the aerial armada. Interestingly, we’ve seen several outlets re-listing their long sold out MH-47 helicopter as being re-released, so we’ve opened up the ordering window for this highly successful helicopter. Waltersons has previously stated that certain items, such as their upcoming 88mm FLaK gun will be made again, so its a fair bet that the MH-47 has undergone a similar vote of confidence.

The Company also took the opportunity to show off their next interlocking play set – a 1:72 scale look at a beach invasion scenario that pits several US- and German built vehicles against one another across a battle-scarred landscape. Its a rather large vignette and we haven’t heard how much the entire display will cost once its ready for prime time.

Lastly, the Company unveiled images of a brand new lineup. Apparently, when the Company took a majority stake in Greenlight Collectibles, they decided to re-purpose their 1:64 scale line so that it dovetailed within their overall Metal Proud product portfolio. Its not clear if the rechristened range will be geared towards big box retailers and mom-and-pop toy stores or redirected towards hobbyists.

Much thanks goes out to the Full Metal Armor Facebook group for providing the accompanying image.

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The Forces of Valor Update: June Swoon

Waltersons has a number of projects coming to fruition in June, all based upon previous builds and/or reinvigorated classics. Two versions of the battleships USS Missouri and Deutsches Kriegsmarine Bismarck are in the offing – one portraying the vessel in a full hull configuration while the other showcases the ship as a waterline model. Shown here is a picture of the waterline version of the Bismarck, which nestles the ship in a handsome “water-filled” base and framed accordingly. All four ships will carry a retail price of just $99.99 and signals how the manufacturer will likely tackle each new subject going forward.

**Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 1-227 ATKHB, 11th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 1st Cavalry Division, Karbala, Iraq, March 2003**

In the air, look forward to seeing 1:72 scale renditions of the US-built Apache helicopter gunship, one tied to the US while the other is based upon an attack helicopter flown by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces. Both are available for pre-order as we speak.

**Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, Fheinberg, Germany March 1945**

As we alluded to in a previous post, collectors will be able to wrap their arms around two versions of the US-built M24 Chaffee light tank, along with two dissimilar takes on the German Opel Blitz ambulance. The Chaffee is the first tank to be offered without a removable engine, no doubt in a bid to court collectors at the lower end of the price spectrum. Lastly, the manufacturer has elected to bring back one of their most popular subjects – the German 88mm FLaK gun. Two versions will be available – one in field grey while the other is in a desert sand motif. Priced at just $79.99 apiece, these will almost certainly be gobbled up as quickly as they arrive.

**German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun with FLaK Rohr 18 Gun Barrel and Sd. 202 Towing Vehicle – Deutsches Afrika Korps, El Alamein, North Africa, 1942 [Comes with Seven Crewmen and Rommel]**

The complete list of anticipated arrivals can be viewed in our June Upcoming Products section.

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The Forces of Valor Update: Get to da Choppa!

**Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 1st Air Cavalry Division**

Perhaps paying homage to the seminal Schwarzenneger film, Predator, Forces of Valor says that their first pairing of 1:72 scale Apache attack helicopters are on track for an early June fly-in. According to their sales literature, one represents a helicopter flown by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces while the other is tied to the US Army’s famed 1st Air Cavalry Division, no doubt the more eagerly sought after item here in the States. Each comes with two seated crewmen figures, a full weapons load out, handsome display base and, of course, a display stand so that collecotrs have a choice of presentation options.

Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, Fheinberg, Germany March 1945
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – 79th Tank Battalion, Han River, South Korea, 1950

In an effort to get more 1:32 scale vehicles into the hands of collectors, the Company will be releasing a pair of M24 Chaffee light tanks – one connected to WWII and the other the so-called Forgotten War in Korea. Priced below $100, their newest vehicles will no longer come with a removable engine or detailed engine compartment, something the new owners of the brand felt were an important hallmark of their re-launched series. Its not clear if this strategy will become a trend for Waltersons, who have to date sought to improve older Unimax-created toolings wherever and whenever possible by increasing its metal content and including more robust features, be they opening hatches, engines or painting schemes.

**Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Kfz. 305 Opel Blitz 3-Ton Ambulance – Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, 1941**. **Opening cabin doors permit collectors to see inside the vehicle**. **A previously hinted at desert sand Deutsches Afrikakorps version will likely be delayed as a future release**

Also expected are two German Opel ambulances, a GMC truck armed with an overhead .50 caliber machine gun and two versions of the illustrious US battleship, USS Missouri (previously profiled).

Now that Waltersons is handling its own distribution within North America it seems as though that production and distribution can now be better coordinated, meaning product should flow more steadily out of Asia and into their most important marketplace. By eschewing the more traditional distribution network, they can bring in larger quantities of product for more extended periods of time and hopefully maintain better in-stock positions across all of their selling venues.

**Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale 1942 Production US Army GMC CCKW 353 6×6 2-1/2 Ton Truck – Unidentified Unit, Europe, 1944**

Lastly, the manufacturer was kind enough to send us final imagery for their upcoming British aircraft carrier, HMS Invincible. While nestled in Japanese packaging and by no means indicative of all of its final features, the two shots demonstrates their commitment towards building out their diecast fleet instead of simply re-hashing older toolings that have been around for some time. We are still awaiting pricing for the soon-to-be-released warship, so we will hold off accpeting pre-orders until the manufacturer gives us the go-ahead to begin the advance order process.

**HMS Invincible, all packed up and ready to sail into the Japanese home islands**

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

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.

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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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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