September 2012

Forces of Valor Chases Down Fireflies

Forces of Valor's 1:32 scale British M4 Sherman Firefly Medium Tank - Unidentified Unit, Normandy, 1944 [D-Day Commemorative Packaging]
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale British M4 Sherman Firefly Medium Tank – Unidentified Unit, Normandy, 1944 [D-Day Commemorative Packaging]
Its been a long time coming, but Forces of Valor has finally decided to modify some of their existing molds in order to come out with completely new vehicles. In the case of their M4 Sherman tooling, the Company has replaced the standard M4A3 Sherman turret with an upgunned Firefly version, typical of the type used by British forces as they marched across northwestern Europe during the latter half of 1944. We hear that other revitalized toolings are in the works, all designed to breathe new life into this stalwart military range.

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Oxford Continues to Churn 'em Out!

Oxford Aviation's 1:72 scale USAAF Lockheed P-38J Lightning Interceptor - Major Maurice McLary, 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, RAF Wittering, England, 1943
Oxford Aviation’s 1:72 scale USAAF Lockheed P-38J Lightning Interceptor – Major Maurice McLary, 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, RAF Wittering, England, 1943

Showing no signs of abatement, Oxford Diecast’s Oxford Aviation range is continuing to expand, offering more aircraft types, new paint schemes and more product for the aviation enthusiast. To open 2013, we’ve learned that they will be offering a US-built Brewster Buffalo and Italian G-55 Centauro, not to mention an S2 livery for its hot-selling de Havilland Mosquito. Furthermore, more new aircraft are in the pipeline for their upscale History of Flight category, including a 1:72 scale reproduction of a de Havilland Dragon Rapide Passenger Airliner that was piloted by Prince of Wales, King Edward VIII. Look for further product announcements and additional imagery to come out shortly…

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Oxford Continues to Churn ’em Out!

Oxford Aviation's 1:72 scale USAAF Lockheed P-38J Lightning Interceptor - Major Maurice McLary, 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, RAF Wittering, England, 1943
Oxford Aviation’s 1:72 scale USAAF Lockheed P-38J Lightning Interceptor – Major Maurice McLary, 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group, RAF Wittering, England, 1943

Showing no signs of abatement, Oxford Diecast’s Oxford Aviation range is continuing to expand, offering more aircraft types, new paint schemes and more product for the aviation enthusiast. To open 2013, we’ve learned that they will be offering a US-built Brewster Buffalo and Italian G-55 Centauro, not to mention an S2 livery for its hot-selling de Havilland Mosquito. Furthermore, more new aircraft are in the pipeline for their upscale History of Flight category, including a 1:72 scale reproduction of a de Havilland Dragon Rapide Passenger Airliner that was piloted by Prince of Wales, King Edward VIII. Look for further product announcements and additional imagery to come out shortly…

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Santa May be Arriving Late for the Holidays

Panzerstahl’s 1:72 scale German Flakpanzer E-100 Anti-Aircraft Gun
Panzerstahl’s 1:72 scale German Flakpanzer E-100 Anti-Aircraft Gun

From our vantage point, it looks as though Santa may be hustling down the chimney with some late tidings. According to one distributor, Panzerstahl’s eagerly awaited limited edition range will likely show up in December making them neat if tardy stocking stuffers hanging from the fireplace. Meanwhile, War Master’s next wave of diecast military vehicles and aircraft will probably roll in some time in late November. While not a disaster, you can surely bet collectors and gift givers will be snatching them up by the bucket load thanks to their affordable price, heft, sharp detail and subject matter.

Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Short Stirling Mk. I Heavy Bomber – OJ-H, No.149 Squadron, Rawdon Hume ‘Ron’ Middleton VC, Turin Raid, November 1942
Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Short Stirling Mk. I Heavy Bomber – OJ-H, No.149 Squadron, Rawdon Hume ‘Ron’ Middleton VC, Turin Raid, November 1942

If you’re a Minichamps fan-boy, then you know full well that their line is always catcher’s catch can, with several products announced eons ago hopefully finding their way onto Santa’s sled this holiday season. Otherwise, you can always hope for next year or pick up some of their recently-released products finally making it to market. And then there’s Corgi, who is still indicating that their 1:72 scale Avro Lancaster and Short Stirling bombers are circling Santa’s house awaiting clearance to land by his elves. Let’s hope both do show up since new renditions of each aircraft are supposedly coming in early 2013.

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Corgi Debuts Their First Half 2013 Lineup

Corgi's 1:72 scale Short Stirling Mk.III Heavy Bomber - Arthur Aaron VC, 218 Squadron, 1943
Corgi’s 1:72 scale Short Stirling Mk.III Heavy Bomber – Arthur Aaron VC, 218 Squadron, 1943

Even though several of their 2012 introductions have yet to be released, Corgi today unveiled their first half 2013 lineup to their adoring fans. Several key items will be offered, including this 1:72 scale Short Stirling heavy bomber piloted by VC recipient Arthur Aaron and a second 1:32 scale rendition of a De Havilland Mosquito fighter-bomber. We’ll be posting all of the new aircraft in their respective sections later today and will begin to accept pre-orders should you be so inclined. Enjoy!

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The Collectors Showcase Claims, "Wittmann Makes a Return Engagement"

The Collectors Showcase 1:30 German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Heavy Tank - Michael Wittmann, 'S04', schwere SS Panzer Abteilung 101, Eastern Front, 1944
The Collectors Showcase 1:30 German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Heavy Tank – Michael Wittmann, ‘S04’, schwere SS Panzer Abteilung 101, Eastern Front, 1944

When you combine legendary panzer ace, Michael Wittmann, with a finely detailed Tiger I tank, you get a winning combination that is sure to wow the collector crowd. And that’s exactly what The Collectors Showcase had in mind when they announced an all-new, limited edition 1:30 scale Tiger I tank based upon a steed he commanded in the winter of 1943-’44 (CS00648). Due out some time in October and with a limited run of just 150 pieces, the Wittmann ‘S04’  Tiger could likely set a sales record as word spreads regarding its release and the holiday season approaches.

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The Collectors Showcase Claims, “Wittmann Makes a Return Engagement”

The Collectors Showcase 1:30 German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Heavy Tank - Michael Wittmann, 'S04', schwere SS Panzer Abteilung 101, Eastern Front, 1944
The Collectors Showcase 1:30 German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Heavy Tank – Michael Wittmann, ‘S04’, schwere SS Panzer Abteilung 101, Eastern Front, 1944

When you combine legendary panzer ace, Michael Wittmann, with a finely detailed Tiger I tank, you get a winning combination that is sure to wow the collector crowd. And that’s exactly what The Collectors Showcase had in mind when they announced an all-new, limited edition 1:30 scale Tiger I tank based upon a steed he commanded in the winter of 1943-’44 (CS00648). Due out some time in October and with a limited run of just 150 pieces, the Wittmann ‘S04’  Tiger could likely set a sales record as word spreads regarding its release and the holiday season approaches.

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New R/C Military Vehicle Line to be Stocked

Taigen's 1:16 scale all-metal Radio Controlled Tiger I Heavy Tank
Taigen’s 1:16 scale all-metal Radio Controlled Tiger I Heavy Tank

We’re stoked to report a new line of 1:16 scale preassembled radio controlled military vehicles will be available in time for the holiday season. Based upon the Heng Long line of R/C tanks, the TaiGen line is, essentially, a premium  line of all-metal vehicles that feature metal caterpillar tracks, a metal gearbox, BB-firing AirSoft capability and even a simulated smoke generator. Several vehicles will form the nucleus of the range, including a Tiger I, M41 Bulldog, Panther medium tank and M26 Pershing. Pricing starts at around $219.99 and goes up from there based upon the vehicle type and onboard features. We should have all of the listings up on our site shortly and will begin to immediately accept pre-orders.

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Hobby Master's September Shipment Cleared for Landing

Hobby Master's German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover – Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Battery

We’ve received word that the September grouping of Hobby Master products should be arriving shortly. Among them are this 1:72 scale German Sd. Kfz. 7 prime mover finished in a desert sand camouflage scheme (HG5003) along with a gaggle of new aircraft which includes a signed 1:48 scale replica of a USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter that was piloted by Ft. Lieutenant Urban Drew and nicknamed ‘Detroit Miss’ (HA7715). Make sure to review our  Product in Transit section as well as our New Arrivals section to see some of the latest collectibles now coming to market.

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Hobby Master’s September Shipment Cleared for Landing

Hobby Master's German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover – Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Battery

We’ve received word that the September grouping of Hobby Master products should be arriving shortly. Among them are this 1:72 scale German Sd. Kfz. 7 prime mover finished in a desert sand camouflage scheme (HG5003) along with a gaggle of new aircraft which includes a signed 1:48 scale replica of a USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter that was piloted by Ft. Lieutenant Urban Drew and nicknamed ‘Detroit Miss’ (HA7715). Make sure to review our  Product in Transit section as well as our New Arrivals section to see some of the latest collectibles now coming to market.

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