For some time now, we’ve been mulling over the idea of waiving any restrictions we enforce pertaining to our sales discount. That said, we’ve decided to waive these restrictions, so customers can now apply any sales discount to merchandise listed as pre-order, special order or back order, in addition to anything noted as being in-stock. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean these items will ship out any sooner, since we still have to check with our distributors to see if they are still available.
Previously, we were under the impression that Corgi’s eagerly expected B-17/F Flying Fortress bomber and Bf 109G-6 fighter set were slated for an early 2014 release, however, according to their latest information has been moved up to an October ship (#AA39915). Likewise, their massive 1:72 scale Avro Vulcan strategic bomber has been advanced to a pre-Christmas debut, no doubt terrific news for everyone that hoped to find one under the tree this holiday (#AA27201).
On the flip side, no dates have yet been set for their pair of 1:72 scale Swordfish torpedo planes, which was being offered in two configurations. No reason has been given for the indeterminate release so we’re not sure what the hold up is behind their delay (#AA36310). Other aircraft have been pushed up in the schedule while others have been nudged back, so we recommend you peruse our Corgi Aviation Archive section for the latest information
In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, we’ve drastically reduced the price of Unimax’ 1:16 scale M4A3 Sherman medium tank to an eye-popping $299.99 plus shipping (#UNI85007). That’s a whopping $200 off of our regular every day price. Remember, several of the previous vehicles in this series are easily fetching $1,000 or more in the after-market, and there’s no telling if this will be the last vehicle Unimax plans on offering as part of their over-sized Extreme Metal series. So, if price was always a consideration, it ain’t any longer, ’cause this is one deal that’s simply too good to pass up!
As more and more model makers struggle to stay afloat, one long time veteran has decided to throw in the towel and call it a day. Effective this July, Yat Ming has decided to end all of its diecast modelmaking production and has already begun to sell off much of its remaining inventory. Presently, we stock their 1:24 scale historic transports and may bring in the rest of their 1:48 scale military aircraft since they are quite affordable, hefty, and make nice entry points into the diecast military market. It’s a shame model makers have had to resort to closing down operations as a result of rising labor costs, a downturn global economy and increasing pressure to maintain margins, and we wish them the best of luck.
Every so often, even a died-in-the-wool military historian such as myself learns a thing or two about the world we live in. For instance, Hobby Master’s latest product announcement concerns an Egyptian-liveried McDonnell F-4E Phantom II fighter-bomber, which apparently arose as a byproduct from the Camp David Peace Accord in the late 70s. Flown by the Egyptian Air Force in the 1980s, this interesting if intriguing replica is painted in a startling desert camouflage pattern with day-glow orange sections adorning the top of the fuselage, wingtips and tail fin (HA1936). Look for this wonderful new entrant some time in August.
As part of their burgeoning Project Cutaway range, Dragon has announced that their long awaited 1:144 scale replica of the Space Shuttle “Discovery” w/Solid Rocket Booster is slated to lift off this July (DRP47403). Like their previously released Air Force One, the upcoming Space Shuttle will feature sections that are transparent, allowing the collector to peer inside the model without taking anything apart.
The model comes with its own circular stand that allows the assembly to be safely displayed as though it is about to launch vertically on one last mission.
Japanese model maker, Century Wings, has announced plans to produce two new 1:72 scale versions of the Grumman A-6 Intruder later this October. One model replicates a US Navy Grumman A-6E Intruder Attack Aircraft that was attached to VA-75 “Sunday Punchers”, then embarked upon the USS Independence.
The second depicts a US Navy Grumman KA-6D Intruder Refueling Aircraft that was attached to VA-145 “Swordsmen”, then embarked upon the USS Saratoga. While the new birds are priced substantially higher than their predecessors of years past, they do augment the steady diet of F-14s this company had been producing for the better part of a year.
Hot on the heels of their announced Kfir Multi-Role aircraft comes word that Falcon Models will also be selling two versions of the F-21 Lion, which were Kfirs leased to both the US Navy and US Marine Corps during the late 80s. Twenty-five modified Kfir C.1s were used in the US arsenal to act as adversary aircraft in dissimilar air combat training (DACT). We’ve posted both models (FA729002 and FA729003) in the Falcon Models section and anticipate delivery in September.
Hot on the heels of their announced Kfir Multi-Role aircraft comes word that Falcon Models will also be selling two versions of the F-21 Lion, which were Kfirs leased to both the US Navy and US Marine Corps during the late 80s. Twenty-five modified Kfir C.1s were used in the US arsenal to act as adversary aircraft in dissimilar air combat training (DACT). We’ve posted both models (FA729002 and FA729003) in the Falcon Models section and anticipate delivery in September.
Ordinarily, we take a pass when it comes to listing civil airliners on our web site, largely because this isn’t our core competency. Add to that the fact that we generally sidestep the smallish 1:200 scale sector, and you can readily see why we prefer to go with larger scale replicas with military overtones. However, when Hobby Master announced that it planned to offer a 1:200 scale Lockheed EC-121D Warning Star Aircraft (#HL9012), we were all ears, figuratively as well as literally. Measuring approximately 7 inches in length by about 7-1/2 inches across, a 1:200 scale representation of this iconic early warning flier seemed to fit the bill, offering unrivaled fidelity and decent scale at a price most collectors can afford. Expected some time in September, we believe aviation enthusiasts will enjoy adding this important aircraft to their diecast collection.
