February 2013

New Line: AmerCom

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We are pleased to announced that we will soon be stocking the AmerCom line of diecast military vehicles. Produced in the Czech Republic, and distributed throughout much of Europe, this is the first time the line will be imported in to North America. Thus far, it appears as if a dozen or so vehicles will comprise the first wave of releases, with no doubt more added to the portfolio as we move forward. It is not clear, at present, if their line of military helicopters and military aircraft will also become available at a future date. The models will not come with their accompanying magazines and packaging is similar to the DeAgostini line of military vehicles, which were originally designed to be mounted to the magazine. Still, for around $20 apiece, you can’t go wrong with these offerings, with many subjects not previously available from any other manufacturer.

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Unimax Begins its 2013 Barrage

UNI81013H

Barely a week after they attended the American International Toy Fair here in New York City, Unimax, the makers of the Forces of Valor series, has indicated that the first wave of 2013 products are now shipping. Of note is their 1:32 scale replica of a US 105mm field howitzer M2A1 with three crewmen (#UNI81013) and, of course, their first look at the F/A-18F Super Hornet, scaled at 1:72 (#UNI85064). A number of other important items are returning to stock after a brief hiatus, including their 1:72 scale take on the AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter (#UNI85074).

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Dragon Fires Up the First Panzer III

DRA60578

If reports are true, collectors will soon be able to lay their mitts on the first Dragon Armor Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank — the mainstay of the German Panzerwaffe during the early to mid stages of WWII. According to Dragon’s latest shipment status report, their first vehicle (#DRA60578) is due to ship out shortly, no doubt followed by several of the other Panzer IIIs announced several months back and available in different configurations and patterns. Their inaugural vehicle is based upon an “L” variant, which was equipped with a 50mm gun to stand up to some of the more potent Russian armor they were facing on the eastern front. This particular vehicle was attached to Panzer Regiment 25, 7.Panzer Division, which, despite its mottled winter camouflage scheme, served in southern Russia in early 1943.

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Oxford Grouses, "Oscar, Oscar, Oscar"

AC039

As 2013 continues to grind forward, we’ve learned that Oxford Diecast will be expanding its line of 1:72 scale budget-priced aircraft this summer. Several repaints will be offered, but more importantly a number of new aircraft will join the fray, including a Japanese Nakajima Ki-43 “Oscar” fighter (#OXFAC039). Also in development is a German Henschel Hs 123A dive-bomber, a biplane that saw service in WWII well beyond its intended service life (#OXFAC040). Although the pre-order window has now opened for these and other new entries, keep in mind they aren’t expected until June, at the earliest.

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Oxford Grouses, “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar”

AC039

As 2013 continues to grind forward, we’ve learned that Oxford Diecast will be expanding its line of 1:72 scale budget-priced aircraft this summer. Several repaints will be offered, but more importantly a number of new aircraft will join the fray, including a Japanese Nakajima Ki-43 “Oscar” fighter (#OXFAC039). Also in development is a German Henschel Hs 123A dive-bomber, a biplane that saw service in WWII well beyond its intended service life (#OXFAC040). Although the pre-order window has now opened for these and other new entries, keep in mind they aren’t expected until June, at the earliest.

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Forces of Valor's Next Salvo

UNI85064H

The February shipment of Forces of Valor products are expected to leave our distributor’s facility on the 20th. Several key introductions are slated for release, including their first 1:72 scale look at the F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter (UNI85064), as well as the initial gaggle of Smithsonian Wings-2-Wheels 1:72 scale aircraft.

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Forces of Valor’s Next Salvo

UNI85064H

The February shipment of Forces of Valor products are expected to leave our distributor’s facility on the 20th. Several key introductions are slated for release, including their first 1:72 scale look at the F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter (UNI85064), as well as the initial gaggle of Smithsonian Wings-2-Wheels 1:72 scale aircraft.

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Hobby Master Spreads its Wings with the Jug

HA8401

Dubbed the Thunderbolt but surreptitiously known as the “Jug” by its pilots, the Republic P-47 formed the backbone of the USAAF in Europe during WWII, serving in both the fighter and fighter-bomber roles. Now, Hobby Master plans to honor the Jug with its first 1:48 scale replica due out this spring. The lead plane in the formation will be none other than Francis Gabreski’s P-47D, when he served with the 56th Fighter Group in June 1944 (#HA8401).

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Minichamps: Wayne Rainey Crosses the Finish Line

 

MIN122903002

Sometimes we receive product ahead of schedule, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in this industry when we sometimes sit on our hands for the better part of several years waiting for the model to materialize. In the case of Minichamps 1:12 scale 1990 Yamaha YZR500 (OW45) GP Motorcycle driven by world champion, Wayne Rainey, this bike wasn’t expected until March and even the manufacturer has yet to post images of his replica bike on their web site. Nevertheless, the bike arrived just as we’re ready to head out of town, so we may have to post images of the scale model after our return from Africa. Pre-ordered bikes have been handed over to our friendly couriers for immediate dispatch.

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Minichamps Debuts its Inaugural 1:18 Scale Mullin Automotive

MIN107091020

Produced in cooperation with the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, Minichamps’ inaugural 1:18 scale replica is based upon a 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6C Saoutchik Xenia Coupe (#MIN107091020). This stunning recreation features all of the attendant detail you come to expect from this modelmaker, complete right down to the exotic lines and rakish appearance of this timeless classic. Constructed from heavy resin with only 1,002 pieces produced for worldwide consumption, this stunning reproduction is a sight to behold and does the original Dubonnet justice in every possible respect.

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