Eaglemoss is offering loads of category extensions for its hugely popular Star Trek series, including a new glow-in-the-dark series scheduled to debut for the holidays
If you’ve been wondering what new rabbits Eaglemoss plans to pull out of its Star Trek hat, wonder no more. Word on the street is that they plan to offer a glow-in-the dark series of standard-sized starships, beginning with the USS Defiant NCC-1764. A fuzzy image was uploaded by Ben Robinson, project manager for the Eaglemoss Star Trek series, showing how the product would likely look when viewed in the dark. No further product information was provided and whether or not the starship would come bundled with the customary magazine.
Ebay is currently running a promotion where buyers receive a generous 10% Ebay Bucks reward for any purchases made by June 16th at 11:59PST. Said discount can be applied with no minimum purchase and across all categories. This discount may be deducted from any future purchases once the buyer has been notified, which generally happens one month later.
Wings of the Great War’s first ever 1:700 scale replica of LZ 41 Zeppelin, Tactical No. L 11, as it looked in 1915
“We who strike the enemy where his heart beats have been slandered as ‘baby killers’ … Nowadays, there is no such animal as a noncombatant. Modern warfare is total warfare.” – Peter Strasser, chief commander of the German Imperial Navy Zeppelins during World War I
There are, without question, certain aircraft that have come to symbolize a conflict. The Harrier and Super Entendard are instantly recognizable as the instruments of war during the Falklands Conflict. The Spitfire, P-51 and Bf 109 are, of course, the tools of the Second World War. The B-52, F-4 Phantom II and MiG 21 are synonymous with the Vietnam War.
When it comes to the Great War, most associate the War to End All Wars with the biplane – the flimsy, open cockpit invention that took chivalry to new heights and created an added dimension to modern warfare. But, it was the Zeppelin that struck fear in the hearts of the civilian population, enabling Germany’s Imperial Air Service to bomb cities, docks and industrial targets with relative impunity – or so they thought.
Recognizing its significance on the battlefield of Central Europe, Wings of the Great War has decided to pay homage to this slow and ponderous behemoth by offering its first ever 1:700 scale replica of a Zeppelin (WW19901). The Zeppelin P Class was the first Zeppelin airship type to be produced in quantity after the outbreak of the First World War. Twenty-two of the type were built as well as 12 of a lengthened version, the Q Class. They were used for many of the airship bombing raids on the United Kingdom in 1915-16, for naval patrol work over the North Sea and Baltic and were also deployed on the eastern and south-eastern fronts.
Look for the Zeppelin to take to the skies this August.
Corgi’s first ever 1:48 scale RAF English Electric F.6 Lightning Fighter – XR728/JS, 5 Squadron, RAF Binbrook, 1987
At long last, Corgi has lifted the veil of secrecy on their upcoming 1:48 scale English Electric Lightning fighter (AA28401). Scheduled for a 4th quarter release, their opening effort in the 1:48 scale category represents a plane flown by the RAF Binbrook Station Commander, which is liveried as a Lightning Training Flight. The actual aircraft is currently curated by the Lightning Preservation Group, located at the Bruntingthorpe Airfield Liecestershire. Thus far, only one image of the massive Lightning is shown on the Corgi web site, so we hope that more detailed photos will be added shortly. Priced at $179.99, it remains to be seen if enough interest can be generated both here and abroad to help it sell out so that a second version can be cranked out for the following year.
Having worked as a so-called “journalist” in the video game industry for a number of years, I’m quite familiar with the term embargo, and how it relates to news stories not yet ready for prime time with our readership. In fact, presently, we are sitting on a number of important developments in the diecast military space, some of which could make your hair turn grey prematurely or cause you to run out and want to purchase stock in these companies, should they ever go public.
So, if you are a manufacturer, and want to share some interesting information about either your company or the products you peddle, feel free to contact us with your salacious bit of gossip. We’ll sit on the story until such time as you feel it satisfactory to release it to your adoring public. Of course, we may have to spin it a tad, just to show how it fits in within the present framework of the diecast community and why its important to everyone involved.
Ebay is currently running a promotion where buyers receive a generous 8% Ebay Bucks reward for any purchases of $50 or more made by June 10th at 11:59PST. Said discount can be applied with no minimum purchase and across all categories. This discount may be deducted from any future purchases once the buyer has been notified, which generally happens one month later.
Hobby Master’s inaugural M60A1 medium tank sports the Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) IR/White Light Spotlight, a failed concept which quickly gave way to the less cumbersome and more survivable Passive night-fighting system seen on later Patton tanks.
With the announcement that Hobby Master plans to produce a scale model of the M60A1 medium tank (HA5601), we thought it made sense to take a moment and explain one of the principal differences between a standard M60 Patton tank and the updated M60A1. Affixed to the main gun barrel is the Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) IR/White Light Spotlight, which differs from the Passive version that replaced it later on in a number of important respects. Essentially, the device was used to gather low ambient light so that the vehicle could identify and engage targets at night, thereby turning the battlefield of the sixties into a potential 24-hour long engagement. The problem was that the searchlight threw off so much light when aimed at the enemy that the vehicle, in turn, could be quickly spotted and fired upon, thereby negating the vehicle’s temporary night-fighting advantage.
Back in the sixties, when the apparatus was first introduced, the concept of night-fighting wasn’t exactly new. Germany’s Wehrmacht actually tinkered with the concept as far back as 1936, as explained in this discourse posted on Achtung Panzer.
“In 1936, the AEG was ordered to start the development of infrared night-vision devices and in 1939, first successful prototype unit for use with 37mm Pak 35/36 L/45 anti-tank gun was constructed. In autumn of 1942, unit for use (infrared headlamp with viewer ZG 1221) with 75mm PaK 40 L/46 anti-tank gun was constructed and was also mounted on the Marder II (Sd.Kfz. 131).
In mid 1943, the first tests with infrared night-vision (Nacht Jager) devices and telescopic rangefinders mounted on a Panther started. Two different arrangements / solutions were created and used on Panther tanks.
Solution A – Sperber (Sparrow Hawk) was made up of one 30cm infrared searchlight (with range of 600m) and image converter operated by the commander – FG 1250.From late 1944 to March of 1945, some Panzerkampfwagen V Panther Ausf G (and other variants) mounted with FG 1250, were successfully tested. From March to April of 1945, approximately 50 Panthers Ausf G (and other variants) mounted with FG 1250, saw combat service on the Eastern Front and Western Front. Panthers with IR operated with SdKfz.251/20 Uhu (Owl) half-track with 60cm infra-red searchlight and Sd.Kfz.251/21 Falke (Falcon). This solution could be easily mounted on any type of armored fighting vehicle.
Solution B – Second more complicated arrangement / solution was “Biwa” (Bildwandler), which provided driver (installed on the front hull), gunner (installed on the mantlet in front of the gun sight) and commander (as in Solution A) each with one 30cm infrared searchlight (with range of 600m) and image converter. Various variants of the Panther tank were converted and mounted with “Biwa”. It was reported that tests were successful, but there were very few combat reports from the Eastern or Western Front. Due to the lack of evidence, the existence of Solution B is still questionable and even considered a hoax.
Various units received IR Panthers including 116.Panzer Division (3rd company of 24th Panzer Regiment, Western Front, Summer of 1944), Sixth SS Panzer Army (Hungary, early 1945), Panzer Division Muncheberg and Clausewitz.One combat report is by a veteran of the 1st SS Panzer Regiment, 1st SS Panzer Division “LSSAH”, who states that few Panthers equipped with infrared night-vision devices possibly from 116th Panzer Division were used in 1944/45 during the Ardennes Offensive.In April of 1945, Panthers equipped with IR equipment (solution B) joined Panzer Division Clausewitz and in mid April near Uelzen destroyed entire platoon of British Comet cruiser tanks. Also on April 21st of 1945, same Panthers overran an American anti-tank position on the Weser-Elbe Canal.Most of those reports can’t be confirmed and are questionable.
In addition, it is reported but not supported that single unit equipped with Jagdpanthers also received and used infrared night-vision devices.”
A few weeks ago, we laid out our case explaining why we believed Modelcollect has become the predominant player in the 1:72 scale military vehicle space, outpacing both Dragon and Hobby Master in terms of detail and subject matter. While we are still awaiting information concerning their upcoming P.1000 Ratte mega tank, we learned today that another project may have stolen its thunder, whetting the appetite of collectors until the Ratte takes center stage.
Modelcollect posted images on Facebook concerning their V-1 “Doodlebug” V-1 flying bomb (AS72068), which even come bundled with a scale launch ramp. It would appear as if the ramp will come in five sections, which, when placed end-to-end, should measure at least two feet in length. Despite not being professionally photographed, the accompanying images shows the “lengths” with which the Company is going to nose out the pack, and the range of subjects they plan to tackle to maintain their momentum.
“Showtime 100”, perhaps the most celebrated F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber to have ever served with the US military across all active branches, is now available from Air Commander in 1:72 scale form
Thus far, its been an eventful month, as we continue to list all sorts of wonderful new products from a variety of manufacturers. On the other side of the ledger, we’ve also been bombarded with a number of key introductions that cut across all eras, liveries and manufacturers. So, without any further ado, here’s a short list of some of the newest pieces of air power now available for shipping for Father’s Day:
Calibre Wings
CA721401 US Navy Grumman F-14B Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – VF-103 “Jolly Rogers”, Last Flight (1:72 Scale)
CA721402 US Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – “100” VF-1 “Wolf Pack”, USS Enterprise (CVN-65), Operation Frequent Wind, 1974 (1:72 Scale)
Calibre WIngs’ first pair of Grumman F-14 Fleet Defenders touches down in June
Corgi
AA38408 – RAF Bristol Blenheim Mk. I Light Bomber – L6739 (G-BPIV), The Imperial War Museum, Duxford Airfield, 2015 (1:72 Scale)
AA35313 – USAAC North American B-25B Mitchell Medium Bomber – 40-2249, “Hari Kari-er,” Doolittle Raid, USS Hornet (CV-8), April 18th, 1942 (1:72 Scale)
AA33715 – German Heinkel He-111H-6 Torpedo Bomber – 1H+BB, I./Kampgeschwader 26, Bardufoss Airfield, Norway, July 5th, 1942 (1:72 Scale)
AA28101 – USAAF Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Fighter – 160/15P, 2nd Lt. George Welch, 47th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, Wheeler Field, Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941 [75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Attack Commemorative Packaging] (1:72 Scale)
AA34811 – RNZAF Vickers Wellington Mk. IC Medium Bomber – R1162 / AA-Y, “Y for Yorker”, No.75 (NZ) Squadron, RAF Feltwell, Norfolk, 1941 (1:72 Scale)
Bombs away! Corgi’s RNZAF Vickers Wellington Mk. IC Medium Bomber – R1162 / AA-Y, “Y for Yorker”, No.75 (NZ) Squadron, RAF Feltwell, Norfolk, 1941
Luft-X
LUFT005 – German Messerschmitt Me 329 Fighter (1:72 Scale)
A German Messerschmitt Me 329 Fighter from Luft-X
Air Commander
AC1007 – US Navy McDonnell F-4J Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – “Showtime 100”, Lt. Randy “Duke” Cunningham and Lt. JG. William “Irish” Driscoll, VF-96 “Fighting Falcons”, USS Constellation (CV-64), Vietnam, 1972 (1:72 Scale)
Solido
SOL7200001 – German Heinkel He 219A-7 “Uhu” Night Fighter – 2./Nachjagdgeschwader G1, G9+FK, Ernst-Wilhelm Modrow, Holland, 1944 (1:72 Scale)
Solido’s German Heinkel He 219A-7 “Uhu” Night Fighter – 2./Nachjagdgeschwader G1, G9+FK, Ernst-Wilhelm Modrow, Holland, 1944
Hobby Master
HA5207 – US Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – “MIG Killer”, VF-32 “Fighting Swordsmen”, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-67), Gulf of Sidra Incident, 1989 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)
HA5210 – US Navy Grumman F-14A Block 85 Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – 159625, VF-2 “Bounty Hunters”, USS Enterprise (CVN-65), 1976 (1:72 Scale)
HA5103 – RAAF Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike Fighter – No. 1 Squadron, Operation Okra, Al Minhad Air Base, United Arab Emirates, 2014 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)
HA4906 – US Navy Lockheed S-3A Viking Anti-Submarine Aircraft – VS-24 “Scouts,” 1978 (1:72 Scale)
HA5304 – Syrian Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MS “Flogger-E” Fighter – “F-4E Killer”, Captain Ali al-Masry, al-Mazzah AB, Damascus, Syria, April 19th, 1974 (1:72 Scale)
While the bulk of the first wave of 1:32 scale vehicles are upgraded retreads from the Unimax series, the first new vehicle collectors can expect is a German Sturmtiger assault mortar. Blue areas on the vehicle indicate where metal is being used to replicate the vehicle rather than plastic, thereby returning the series to its earliest roots
Waltersons was gracious enough to post the current status of their 1:32 scale military vehicle line on Facebook. Rather than share snippets of information with our customers, we thought it made more sense to simply copy and paste their text verbatim, so you can draw your own conclusions as to when their first vehicles are expected:
Sorry for the late update everyone! It has been 4 months since we began the preparation of the battleships series, and all 8 ships are now in production line, started fulfilling all the export orders. Meanwhile our team has begun working on the 1/32 scale tank series and the 1/72 scale modern fighter aircrafts series, the first few 1/32 scale tanks rolling out will be the following:
1) 88mm Flak gun with 5 figurines (German grey) 2) 88mm Flak gun with 8 figurines including Desert Fox (Desert yellow)
3) Sherman Firefly Vc. with full engine details enhancement
4) Jagdpanther Early production with full engine details enhancement
5) JagdTiger w/ Henschel wheels with full engine details enhancement & couple open hatches
6) German Tiger I Late production w/ many new parts & engine details
7) German Tiger I Mid production w/ many new parts & engine details
8) Soviet T-34-85 w/ new hull, road wheels, tracks etc…
9) German Elefant w/ zimmerit, not so much changes except colour enhancement because the original Unimax version was well done.
See below pictures from our SturmTiger development, reference were taken from actual sturmtiger @ Munster Museum Germany. We are putting more machines & tool makers in shop floor to expedite the development. That being said, the SturmTiger should be available in 2017 Q4. We heard so much about FOV fans wanted, and we will go back to basic, areas highlighted in blue will be made by METAL!! Tons of metal, tons of steel, long live the FOV slogan 🙂
