Word from the neutral zone indicates that a new fleet of Eaglemoss Star Trek starships are expected to uncloak in November. According to our distributor, #20-#31 should be hitting shelves just prior to Thanksgiving, all accompanied with their full-color, multi-page magazine.
Priced at just $22, these spectacular replicas have become instant hits in the Trekkie universe, with loads more to come well into 2015.
According to Rebelscum.com, Bandai has released an official image showcasing their upcoming first assortment of Star Wars helmet replica collection. These helmets will stand 2.75-inches tall and will retail for approximately $7.50 each. Included in the first wave will be Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper, Boba Fett, R2-D2, C-3PO or a TIE Fighter Pilot. Scheduled for release in February 2015.
Frankly, we’re not sure why the manufacturer chose to use C-3PO or R2-D2 as the basis for a helmet replica, other than their iconic places in Star Wars lore, but we’re happy to see information starting to appear regarding the upcoming film.
As an aside, we hear that the Empire’s Stormtroopers will be wearing an updated, if somewhat less sinister looking helmet for the new feature-length film, calling into question how much of the past films will be rehashed for the next set of Star Wars productions. With Disney sparing no expense to make the upcoming film a monster hit, we are of the opinion that virtually everything will be new this time around, with merchandising tie-ins no doubt playing a huge part in the decision making process.
We don’t want to hold out any false hope concerning Minichamps 1:12 scale 1955 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle but it could be showing some signs of life after first being announced some six years ago. When last we checked, the supposed release date for this classic was changed from December 2014 to January 2015 on the Minichamps web site, although no imagery of the sample has been uploaded. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this isn’t proving to be yet another delaying tactic on the road to its release, and will keep everyone update should more concrete information be passed along.
Fancy yourself as a tank commander, or, perhaps, a fighter pilot, or maybe a ship’s captain, engaging other military buffs in real-time combat? Well, maybe you should take a look at War Thunder, a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online gaming environment that gives players the opportunity to engage in WWII combat from the leisure of their easy chair. Now celebrating their second anniversary, the developers have just rolled out a bevy of new features and weapons systems, all designed to keep you slugging it out with other would-be combatants the world over. Tell ’em Kilroy sent ya.
http://warthunder.com/
Announced earlier this year, Oxford has finally taken the wraps off of several of their upcoming military aviation titles due out around the holiday time frame.
Several of these warbirds have been eagerly sought after since being revealed, including a Dornier Do 335 Pfeil fighter (AC048) and Rommel’s North African taxi (AC047). Other notable entrants are shown below.
As we edge ever closer to the start of 2015, we know that everyone will be waiting with baited breath for the debut of the Walt Disney-produced Star Wars film, which is expected in theaters for the holiday season. On a personal note, I fondly remember working at a major toy store chain when the first Star Wars movie shocked theater goers way back in 1977, feverishly stocking shelves with Kenner’s Star Wars merchandise then stepping back as kids of all ages snapped up the product in the blink of an eye.
At this time, we are aware of several collectible lines that will begin appearing in 2015, each aimed at different sectors of the marketplace. We plan on bringing in the more adult-oriented ranges, just like we did with the Eaglemoss Star Trek starship line, and we anticipate brisk sales for years to come as each new movie comes out. As product is announced, we strongly urge collectors to place their orders early to avoid disappointment and help us gauge interest among our collecting audience once word begins to spread. Thank you.
A couple of weeks ago, we reported that speculation was running wild concerning rumors that Hobby Master was planning on building and deploying a fleet of North American A-5 Vigilante strike bombers. Well, we can put those rumors to rest because earlier today our distributor confirmed that the first 1:72 scale look at the Vigilante is slated for a June release (#HA4701). Based upon a RA-5C that served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, their first look at this short-tenured, Cold War-era strike bomber is being met with eager anticipation, and will no doubt be followed up with other variants and liveries in the months ahead.
News out of the Eaglemoss diecast shipyard is that five new 1:100 scale warships are expected to make port in November. The five new WWII-era warships include a Japanese I-400 aircraft carrying submarine, IJN battleship Nagato, IJN aircraft carrier Kaga, IJN heavy cruiser Aoba, and the Italian battleship Littorio.
Granted the packaging comes in Japanese, which may not be ideal for the North American marketplace, but these are nevertheless fine scale reproductions that deserve a place in anyone’s replica fleet.
We’re not sure what the heading means either, however, the good news is that Aviation 72 will soon be offering their 1:72 scale take on the Saab Gripen jet fighter (#AV7243001). Long a staple of the Swedish Air Force, the Gripen is both affordably priced and attractively regaled, weighing in at just $57.99 for all you get. Look for a Gripen fly over some time in February.
