October 2013 – The Motor Pool

Century Wings Pens its Newest Blackbird

The folks at Century Wings report that a new SR-71 is finally in development and scheduled for take off some time in February 2014. The difference here is that two versions will be offered to aviation enthusiasts: a standard 1:72 scale model and a second variant signed by both the pilot, Major Brian Shul, and the RSO, Major Walter Watson. According to the manufacturer, the signatures will be on a very nice certificate that would be ideal for framing alongisde the model. This particular spy plane, known as the “Lybian Raider” took part in the fly over of Colonel Muamar Qadaffi’s Lybia back in 1986. Only 500 pieces of each version are slated for manufacture, making this a low-run, key release in their SR-71 series.

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Altaya Pours More Fuel on the Fire

We can’t remember when low-cost diecast military vehicles were so plentiful. Just yesterday, another 15 1:72 scale combat vehicles were added to our Altaya selection, bringing the expected November cache up to a whopping 47 products.

While many of the vehicles can be found in other manufacturer’s lines, prices for these reintroductions can’t be beat, costing only a nominal $14.99 apiece. Again, the entire fall harvest is expected in early November, so if you’ve got a hankering to build an inexpensive diorama or just want to fill in some holes in your collection, now would be an excellent time to do so.

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Ebay’s Global Shipping Program

A few months ago, we indicated that we had enrolled and been approved to enter ebay’s Global Shipping Program, which enables us to ship ebay-related sales globally to participating countries. We are happy to report that this program is now live and fully functional.

To determine the shipping and import costs to your country, simply click on the Shipping and Payment tab located within the body of each ebay listing. Next, click on your country from the drop down menu (if your country has been approved to participate in the Global Shipping Program). The buyer can now see, up front, what all of his or her shipping related-costs will be prior to purchasing the merchandise so there are no unexpected surprises once the item clears customs.

Keep in mind that we will be shipping said items to ebay’s fulfillment center, which is located in Kentucky, and ebay will now be responsible for shipping the merchandise direct to the consumer. Ebay will also provide both the seller and the buyer a tracking number, which permits both parties to track the parcel from start to finish. If you have any further questions regarding this program, feel free to contact us or ebay’s customer service.

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Altaya Joins the Fray

Sometimes its feast or famine as far as product availability goes. Earlier today, we learned that Altaya’s range of 1:72 scale diecast military vehicles are finally showing up on North American shores, with 32 vehicles making up the first wave. We’re in the process of listing all of the new vehicles but just wanted to point out that they are a bit cheaper than the comparable line of AmerCom vehicles we just posted plus they come with an acrylic display case. For $15 a pop, you simply cannot go wrong with these little gems and are an ideal way to bring in new collectors into the hobby.

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Eaglemoss Gains Traction in North America

Earlier today, we received several samples of Eaglemoss Collections’ 1:43 scale Military Vehicles of the Second World War series. All of the diecast vehicles we received looks very good and were very reminiscent of the now defunct range of military vehicles once offered by Solido.

Where applicable, each vehicle features a rotating turret, elevating gun and movable vinyl tracks, and in the case of their Stuka zu Fuss halftrack, removable side-mounted rockets. Moreover, each vehicle sports a realistic-looking paint scheme and what looks to be pad printed markings and insignia.

We understand that negotiations are still under way to bring the line to the North American marketplace. That said, we will list the handful of samples we received for sale in the Eaglemoss section later today but keep in mind its first come first served.

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The AmerCom Update

Just to get everyone up to speed, we’ve now completed all of the new listings for both the AmerCom military vehicles section as well as the military helicopter section. We’re now turning our attention towards adding all of the new military aircraft soon to arrive, which encompasses both 1:72 scale as well as the smaller 1:144 and 1:200 scales.

As you might expect, all of this work takes time, and we anticipate completing these tasks towards the end of this week, based upon the length of time it took us to get the first two portfolios properly listed and any new information being passed along to us. We thank you for your patience.

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Hobby Master Strikes Out in 2014

Long rumored but only just confirmed, Hobby Master has announced development of a 1:72 scale replica of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (HA4401). Scheduled to join its burgeoning air armada in February 2014, their first effort will be based upon the US Air Force’s “A” Model, and will no doubt be followed up with versions for both the US Navy and US Marine Corps, as well as several export versions.

Several other new items were announced in conjunction with the announcement, all of which can be found in our October 2013 Additions section. Enjoy!

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Introducing Luft-X

Earlier today we learned of a brand-new line of scale military aircraft called Luft-X. As its name implies, Luft-X is focusing on some of the experimental aircraft the Luftwaffe was developing towards the end of World War II as a means of drawing parity with the Allied air forces. Two subjects are expected by year’s end: a Gotha Go P.60A All-Wing Fighter (#Luft001) and a Blohm & Voss Bv P.210 Fighter (#Luft002).

Both 1:72 scale aircraft come with display stands and a collectible card, which explains the history and developmental work that went into each creation. Considering their relatively inexpensive cost, this line is an ideal way of filling in some of the holes found in most aircraft enthusiast’s aviation collection. Pre-orders are now being accepted.

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AmerCom Penetrates our Air Space

Its always frustrating to see entirely new ranges made available to consumers in other parts of the world and not being able to offer these products to our customer base. Recently, that paradigm seems to be changing, with more and more international brands coming to the North American marketplace. In the case of Polish manufacturer, AmerCom, they may have an American sounding name but its only now that their entire range of military aircraft, combat vehicles and military helicopters will be made available at affordable prices in the Western Hemisphere.

While we’re thrilled to finally be able to stock the line, its going to take us several days to build out every section and add each new item to our web site since there are over 200 SKU’s that have to be added.. With the extended weekend looming, we hope to have this job completed some time next week, and can begin to immediately accept pre-orders. Stock is reportedly arriving in early November, making them ideal stocking stuffers for the holiday season.

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Mad Men Meets The Motor Pool

Our updated web site now enables us to offer unique advertising opportunities to manufacturers, distributors and other interested parties.

For further information, please contact us at support@themotorpool.net and we’d be happy to discuss our rates and potential placements.

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