February 2015 – The Motor Pool

The Vincent Saga

We believe that Minichamps first announced their plans to build a 1:12 scale replica of the Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle some six years ago. When it was first announced, the minimum advertised price was set at $109.99. Six years later, and with no sign of the bike showing up, that price has steadily crept up to its new price of $179.99. Likewise, the Rollie free version has inched up in price, and is now quoted at $229.99. Ordinarily, we would absorb these price hikes if they were within reason, however, we simply cannot do that in these particular cases.

So here is where we stand with these bikes. Anyone that has prepaid for either of these bikes via PayPal has two options. They can request a refund or accept the price hike and they will be billed the difference when the bike finally materializes. If you pre-ordered these bikes with a credit card, then the new prices you will be billed are $179.99 and $229.99 respectively. If this is unacceptable, please contact us and we will cancel your order. If we do not hear from you, then we will assume that the new prices are acceptable to you.

Keep in mind that although the bikes have been marked up dramatically, we still do not have any idea when either bike will come out, much less post a picture of the hand sample. So, it is entirely possible that the bikes can be delayed further, in which case the price might rise again. We do not know why the bikes have still not been released and are just as frustrated as our valued customers. We apologize for this predicament and hope that you understand that this situation is beyond our control.

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Star Wars Celebration 2015

“What is thy bidding, my master.”

– Darth Vader

While no secrets were revealed at Toy Fair concerning the upcoming Star Wars film, that doesn’t mean there won’t be goodies galore at the next Star Wars Celebration. Scheduled to run from April 16th-19th, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, several important luminaries will be in attendance, among them both Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, two key actors in the first film trilogy. Also slated to appear is J.J. Abrams, the director for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as well as Kathleen Kennedy, who took over from George Lucas as the head of Lucasfilm.

There’s a good possibility that several merchandising lines could be shown to the public or behind closed doors, all designed to tempt the senses and tantalize the consumer. We’ll have more information concerning the event in the weeks to come.

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The Motor Pool’s ‘March Madness’ 15% Off Sale!

He drives, he shoots, he scores! Scores with our annual 15% off ‘March Madness’ Sale, that is. This sale begins on Monday, February 23ed, and ends on Tuesday, March 31st, 2015. This discount can be used for any type of item except radio controlled military vehicles, from in-stock merchandise to pre-orders, back orders and special orders.

As always, we would greatly appreciate it if you could keep these orders separate and do not combine non-qualifying items with sales merchandise. Please note that this discount cannot be used for any of the radio controlled vehicles we sell. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us. Customers must apply discount code “TMP136” at the point of checkout in the coupon code box. Sale ends Tuesday, March 31st, 2015, 12AM EST

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Blitz 72 Opts to Pull Guard Duty

We’re starting to sense several recurring themes here. Earlier today, Blitz 72 announced the imminent release of a new figure collection as well as a dandy diorama set. The first will feature six German soldiers in differing uniforms and varying poses, all taking up attacking positions, hence the name German Attack Forces. The second, and quite frankly offering tremendous value, is their German Motorcycle and Road Block Display Set. The set features a faux brick wall and assorted road blocks, but more importantly includes a pair of field grey motorcycles, one equipped with a sidecar. For $45, you get two vehicles and a load of diorama fodder, all painted up and ready to go. Look for both sets this March.

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Schuco Brings Back an Old Favorite

Apparently there was a bit of good news emanating from the Nuremberg Toy Fair two weeks ago. German-based Schuco has decided to resurrect one of their highly coveted motorcycles – a 1:10 scale Zundapp KS750 complete with sidecar regaled in desert tan and bearing the markings of the Deutsches Afrika Korps. In the past, we’ve done exceptionally well with these brutes and this one shouldn’t be an exception given its size, detail and sales history. We are now accepting pre-orders and may not have enough available for general sale once it does come out. We hope to have additional product pix in the weeks ahead.

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New Line: Leo Models

Seems as if we’re following an Italian theme of late, but we’re proud to announce that we will soon be stocking a new line of diecast aircraft from Leo Models. Based in Italy, naturally enough, their multi-scale line traces the history of Italian aviation from its inception until the present. Seeing as how there are nearly 50 items in the line, we expect to have everything posted to our web site by the close of business Sunday, February 22nd. Until then, ciao bambina!

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Rio Revisits the Battlefields of World War I

Slightly over one hundred years after the start of World War I, Italian-based RIO Models has decided to revisit the battlefield with a scale model of an Italian Army Fiat 18 BL transport truck. Replicated in 1:43 scale, the vehicle comes with four seated soldiers, two in the front and two in the rear.

Only 100 pieces are to be made with an anticipated release date of May. We are now accepting pre-orders but due to the extremely limited quantities being offered, may have to cut off the acceptance date very quickly and may not have any available for general sale once they do arrive.

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The Motor Pool’s President’s Day 15% Off Sale!

All hail the chief! The chief of sales, that is, with our annual 15% off ‘President’s Day’ Sale. This sale begins on Sunday, February 15th, and ends on Sunday, February 22nd, 2015. This discount can be used for any type of item except radio controlled military vehicles, from in-stock merchandise to pre-orders, back orders and special orders.

As always, we would greatly appreciate it if you could keep these orders separate and do not combine non-qualifying items with sales merchandise. Please note that this discount cannot be used for any of the radio controlled vehicles we sell. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email us. Customers must apply discount code “TMP135” at the point of checkout in the coupon code box. Sale ends Saturday, February 22nd, 2015, 12AM EST

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Dragon Cranks Up the Engine on the Panzer IV Ausf. H

Well, praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! Long rumored to be in development ever since they commissioned its line of Dragon Armor Panzer IV tanks several years ago, the Company has finally pulled back the curtains on its first 1:72 scale Panzer IV Ausf. H medium tank (DRR60651). Sporting a turret girdle and schurzen side armor skirts, the Panzer IV Ausf. H was one mainstay of the Wehrmacht that collectors have been clamoring for for a very long time. Look for Dragon’s inauugaral Panzer IV Ausf. H to tear up the collector countryside in April.

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Air Force 1 Enlists in the 8th Air Force

With its eyes set on the skies, Air Force 1 Model Company announced plans to offer a 1:72 scale replica of the war-winning Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber. Their first effort will be a USAAF Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber, nicknamed “A Bit O’ Lace”, which flew with the 447th Bombardment Group, and was deployed to Rattlesden, Norfolk, England, during 1945 (#AF10110). Priced at just $99.99, this is quite a steal, considering the workmanship. detail, amount of diecast metal and price of other similar 1:72 scale aircraft. It even comes with a heavy metal display stand. Look for “A Bit O’ Lace” to take to the skies this August.

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