Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18XT Advanced Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 168492, 2013 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Like clock work, Hobby Master announced their latest spate of new models due out some time in December. While several intriguing new schemes were shown, the most notable new inductee into the pantheon of Hobby Master aircraft models is a F/A-18XT Advanced Super Hornet Strike Fighter, the latest generation of versatile combat aircraft that are designed to beef up the US Navy’s arsenal of aerial assets. Here now the newest military hardware in the pipeline:
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing-Vertol MH-47G Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopter – 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment “Night Stalkers”, 2014
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), abbreviated as 160th SOAR (A), is a special operations force of the United States Army that provides helicopter aviation support for general purpose forces and special operations forces. Its missions have included attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and these missions are usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice.
Nicknamed the “Night Stalkers” and called Task Force Brown within the JSOC, the 160th SOAR(A) is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
On January 15th, 2014, a MH-60M Black Hawk of the 160th performed a hard landing at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. One soldier, CPT Clayton Carpenter of NY (posthumously promoted to MAJ), was killed with another two injured. On July 4th, 2014, during Operation Inherent Resolve, the Night Stalkers inserted Delta Force operators into Syria to rescue James Foley and other US hostages. One American was wounded, no hostages were found, but a substantial number of terrorists were killed. CENTCOM mistakenly posted a video on the internet of a flight of four MH-60Ms of the 160th SOAR conducting a mid-air refueling over Iraq in October 2014, the video was hastily taken down. On November 26th, 2014, MH-60s flown by the “Night Stalkers” took part in the first raid in the 2014 hostage rescue operation in Yemen.
The “Night Stalkers” continue to be deployed to Afghanistan as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission after Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan ended in late 2014 and was replaced with Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Throughout that night of December 5th, 2015, a group of Rangers engaged in a firefight with enemy troops near the Afghan-Pakistan border; after about 5 a.m. their commander called for an extraction after they learned of a larger enemy group approaching. A helicopter from the 160th SOAR arrived and began receiving heavy fire from the enemy, with an AH-64 Apache helicopter from the 1st Battalion 101st Aviation Regiment escorting the helicopter, put their Apache directly between the U.S. troops, the helicopter and the enemy forces to draw the fire. As a result, the extraction was a success.
Forces of Valor’s rendition of a MH-47G as it was operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment “Night Stalker” lifts off this autumn. Update: We’ve had quite a few inquiries as to the exact color being applied to the exterior of this particular helicopter. According to the manufacturer, the specific color being used is called Helo-drab. Essentially, it is a very dark olive drab color that, when viewed under daylight conditions, appears grey. Under nighttime conditions, however, the same color looks like a very deep green and is intended to help camouflage the aircraft while in flight. Moreover, a sandy weathering effect was applied to the lower fuselage of the MH-47G to give it a more weather beaten look. Lastly, a rear-mounted M60 machine gun was affixed to the ramp that is intended to provide the crew with suppressive fire capability against ground targets.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Sd. Kfz. 186 Jagdpanzer VI Jagdtiger Heavy Tank Destroyer with Porsche Suspension – “314”, 3.Kompanie, schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653, Germany, March 1945 [Bonus Maybach V-12 HL 230 P30 Engine]
Formed on April 1st, 1943, after first being designated the 197th Sturmgeschutz Battalion, schwere Panzerjager-Abteilung 653 (653rd Heavy Panzerjager Battalion) was a specially created tank destroyer unit of the Wehrmacht designed to take on some of the larger and more destructive allied armor being fielded by both the western and eastern Allied powers. It was originally equipped with the Ferdinand and later the more capable Jagdtiger tank destroyer, perhaps the most powerful anti-tank gun of the Second World War. Elements of the battalion served on the Eastern, Western, and Italian fronts between 1943 and 1945, thereby making it one of the most traveled, and dare we say, deadliest units in the German army.
After bitter fighting in the east, the 3rd Company of schwere Panzerjager-Abteilung 653, returned west to rejoin the 1st Company, which had withdrawn to Vienna with only four operational Elefants. In September, both companies were issued with newly-fielded Jagdtiger heavy tank destroyers. The Jagdtiger was the heaviest armored fighting vehicle produced during the war, mounting a 128 mm main gun inside a 72-tonne chassis. However, it was severely underpowered, having been equipped with an engine (Maybach HL230) originally designed for the 57-tonne Tiger I and which had already been found significantly inadequate even for that vehicle. It was only produced in very small numbers – around 80 were ever built – and the few manufactured would only be issued to two units, the 653rd and the 512th Heavy Panzerjager Battalion.
Once re-equipped, the battalion was again split up, with the 1st Company assigned to the 15th Army on the northern flank of the German Ardennes Offensive and the 3rd assigned to 17.SS Panzergrenadier Division Gotz von Berlichingen to the south, where it would fight in Operation Nordwind in January. By February, the two companies had reunited at Landau in the Palatinate, and by the end of the month, they were reinforced to a strength of 41 Jagdtigers. In April, it fell back to Austria, from where it was to receive new vehicles from the Nibelungenwerk Factory, and finally reached its conclusion in the war under the command of Army Group Ostmark near Linz.
Look for Forces of Valor’s latest Jagdtiger to defend the last vestiges of the Third Reich in early September.
PMA’s 1:72 scale German V-2 Long-Range Guided Ballistic Missile with Meillerwagen Launch Trailer and Brennstand – V-2 Rocket Division, Dark Grey and White [Test Scheme]
Seems as if more and more modelmakers are beginning to show signs of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier today, Precision Model Art (PMA) showed four new military vehicles on their web site, three of which are new takes on something old.
Just when you thought you’d seen every version of the V-2 vengeance rocket comes a new variant, this time around painted in a dark green and white test scheme. Frankly, I had never seen this version prior to today, so it never hurts to pay attention to what careful research and dedication to one’s craft can bring to market.
PMA’s 1:72 scale German Karl-Gerat Super Heavy Self-Propelled 60cm Mortar – “Thor”, schwere Artillerie Abteilung 833, Sevastopol, Russia, 1942
Also up for your consideration is a repainted Karl-Gerat mortar which now bears the name “Thor” on its sides. No doubt other mortars will eventually make its way into the pipeline, once inventory levels have been pared down and consumer interest remains high.
PMA’s 1:72 scale IDF Magach 6B Blazer Medium Tank with KMT-4 Mine Roller – Operation Peace for Galilee, Lebanon, 1982
Third on the docket is this Israeli Defense Force Magach 6B Blazer (Patton M60A1) that has been affixed with a KMT mine roller, which was used with great effect in mine clearing the way for the Israeli armored forces as they drove deeper into Lebanon during Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982.
PMA’s 1:72 scale Iraqi BM-21 Grad Mobile Rocket Launcher – Operation Inherent Resolve, 2017
Lastly, there’s a 1:72 scale replica of a Russian-built BM-21 Grad mobile rocket launcher that was in the employ of Iraqi Ground Forces as it grappled with ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve. An interesting choice for PMA that will undoubtedly be brought back at a later day and likely clad in the markings of the Soviet Army during their invasion of Afghanistan in 1980.
All four new subjects are expected to waylay the hobby sometime later this year.
So, there’s a bunch of things we can report on right now and some that we’ll have to leave on the back burner for now. For openers, we’ve rejiggered our Hobby Master release schedule in keeping with the latest monthly shipments expected from the manufacturer. Some items have been moved up in the schedule, others back, while a handful have been assigned indeterminate dates of release. We can only assume that Hobby Master is still grappling with the affects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that swept through Asia earlier this year.
The first shipment of Panzerkampf products are en route to us and expected as early as late July. The three CH-53 helicopters have temporarily been removed from the release list largely because we are getting conflicting information concerning their availability. Rather than accept more orders, we thought it prudent to close the pre-order window until we have a handle on things and can be assured they are still going to happen. It wouldn’t be the first time we were told something was in the wings only to learn that circumstances have since changed. Update: We have received confirmation that the three CH-53 helicopters are indeed happening although the retail price has now been set at $69.99 apiece. All three are expected in September.
We are expecting a major restock of certain Forces of Valor products some time in August. Presently, we do not anticipate any new items; just a number of previously released items that have been out-of stock for several weeks running. New items will likely trickle in some time in August or September depending upon the go-ahead from the manufacturer.
We have a major product line announcement that we can’t discuss just yet until we are further along in the design and development process. Its a line a lot of people have been asking about for quite some time, so we’re happy to report that movement is afoot in the right direction and the line will certainly enhance our growing portfolio of diecast military products.
That’s it for now. On a personal note, I just wanted to acknowledge the passing of my father, Max, at the age of 90 who passed away on Father’s Day from complications brought on by old age. While the family lost its patriarch, it also gained a new member on July 10th with the birth of my first grandson, Logan Jackson. All is well, although we all have to get used to the idea of having a boy in the family, after a successive string of girls for the better part of 40 years.
Looking to get the most mileage out of their existing molds, Dragon announced that they were revisiting their Stryker armory and producing three new versions of previously released Neo Armor vehicles. The vehicles, which include a M1296 Dragoon Armored Personnel Carrier, M1134 Stryker ATGM Guided Missile Vehicle, and M1128 Mobile Gun System, are identical to three earlier efforts although at least one comes caked with a layer of dust to the vehicle’s exterior as can be seen in the accompanying image. Thus far, its not clear if the new assortment will come with any chase vehicles, which oftentimes command higher than market prices due to their limited availability, although we’re willing to bet they won’t. All three vehicles are expected later this summer, so run don’t walk to our updated Dragon Armor section if you plan on nabbing any or all of these re-treads.
Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Fokker Dr.1 Triplane Fighter – Wolfram Freiherr von Richthofen, Jasta 11, Cappy Aerodrome, France, April 21st, 1918
As he prepared for his first combat patrol, novice fighter pilot Wolfram von Richthofen was keen to impress his famous cousin, the famed ‘Red Baron’ and the flight leader for the mission. Although suffering from fatigue and combat stress, Manfred von Richthofen was the consummate professional and the safety of his fellow airmen was of paramount importance to him.
As the Fokker DR.1 fighters of Jasta 11 climbed away from Cappy aerodrome on April 21st, 1918, Wolfram had been given strict instructions to stay out of trouble should the formation encounter the enemy, staying on the periphery of the action and experiencing what the melee of a dogfight looked like.
As his comrades later engaged in combat with the Sopwith Camels of RAF No.209 Squadron, Wolfram did as instructed, but found himself under attack by one of the Camels, which had also been loitering on the edge of the fighting, an aircraft which was flown by the similarly inexperienced Wilfred ‘Wop’ May.
Taking immediate evasive action, the Camel sped past his triplane, with the incident attracting the attention of his famous cousin – Manfred von Richthofen pursued the Camel which seemed destined to become his 81st victim. Wolfram von Richthofen would survive the encounter to become a fighter ace in his own right, however, this meeting of two novice pilots over the trenches of the Western Front would ultimately claim the life of the world’s most famous airman.
Having just led an attack against two British RE8 reconnaissance aircraft above the Somme battlefield, Manfred von Richthofen re-joined the rest of Jasta 11’s Fokker triplane fighters, in time to lead a further attack against a formation of Sopwith Camels from No.209 Squadron RAF. Displaying all his legendary flying skills, the Red Baron attacked the enemy aircraft, whilst at the same time keeping an eye on his cousin Wolfram, a novice pilot who had been instructed not to engage in combat.
On seeing that one of the Camels had attacked Wolfram’s triplane, he broke away from the dogfight and went to his aid, quickly positioning himself on the tail of the Sopwith fighter. Clearly flown by an inexperienced pilot, the Camel was the mount of young Canadian airman Wilfred ‘Wop’ May, who realizing his error, dived at high speed for the ground and the safety of Allied lines.
Flying perilously close to the ground and narrowly missing the church steeple at Vaux-sur-Somme, May knew that if he pulled up, he would fall to the guns of the ace pilot behind him, but as the high ground of Morlancourt Ridge approached, he had no option.
Miraculously, his aircraft was not peppered with bullets and the Triplane giving chase was seen to rear up and make a forced landing in a nearby field – although he didn’t know it at the time, May was being hunted by Manfred von Richthofen and whilst he had managed to escape with his life, the famous Red Baron had not been so fortunate and lay dead in the cockpit of his red Fokker Triplane.
Corgi’s replica of this famous triplane is now in stock and ready for immediate shipment.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Douglas A-1H Skyraider Attack Aircraft – “The Good Buddha”, 1st Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, 1968
Its been quite awhile since we last received a shipment of Hobby Master products and with good reason: the COVID-19 pandemic created a logjam for several months running that affected a number of successive Hobby Master shipments. This logjam created a ripple effect for the balance of 2020, delaying the arrival of other new products heretofore not received by at least two months.
In any event, no need to despair because there is some good news to report: a new Hobby Master shipment is en route to us and expected to land at our facility early next week. Here now the rundown of new products we anticipate receiving:
Frankly, we’ve been surprised by the success of DeAgostini’s 1:72 scale WWII-era Military Aircraft series, a line of fighters that comes attractively packaged in Japanese-only marketing material. Its a bit difficult to talk up a range when we’re not even sure what the text both inside and outside the box says, although we’re pretty confident collectors aren’t purchasing the line just for the prose. Nevertheless, the models continue to sell extremely well, and we’ve had to re-order several of the models numerous times to maintain inventory. That said, four more fighters are expected to arrive in July, along with yet another restock of models that have been out-of-stock for several weeks running. Here’s what you can add to the DeAgostini stable in just a week’s time:
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M1A2 SEP Abrams Main Battle Tank with TUSK II Survivability Kit
Several years ago, in a bid to further protect their M1 Abrams tanks against RPGs, mines, IEDs and the latest generation of anti-tank missiles being fielded by the Russian Army, the US Army began to up-armor their fleet of tanks with the TUSK survivability kit. TUSK, which stands for Tank Urban Survival Kit, improves protection, firepower, and Situation Awareness of the tanks. The TUSK includes such components as add-on explosive reactive armor and a slat armor, which provides protection against RPG rounds, 32 dischargers for 66-mm defensive grenades, which loaded with a combination of smoke and anti-personnel grenades, a transparent shielding around vehicle commander’s 12.7-mm machine gun that allow vehicle commander to be protected from enemy fire.
The TUSK also has a thermal weapon sight for a shielded loader’s 7.62-mm machine gun that allows him to locate targets and fire from his machine gun at night, additional remotely controlled 12.7-mm machine gun over the main gun that is fitted with a spotlight. In addition, the TUSK includes a 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, a 360-degree camera for a vehicle commander that improves SA, new safety sear and rear vision camera for a driver, and an infantry phone that allows the nearby infantry to communicate with the tank commander and coordinate their actions in combat.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank with TUSK I Survivability Kit
The TUSK includes additional protection at the loader’s gun station on the turret and the commander’s gun station, reactive armor to protect the tank’s side from attack by rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and slat armor to protect the tank’s rear from the same weapon, and the tank/infantry telephone to allow infantry and armor soldiers to work together in combat.
All the upgrades use off-the-shelf technology, and the goal is for the entire TUSK to be applied by units in the field, without requiring a return to a depot for modification. The reactive armor, for example, is a product similar to what’s on the Bradley (Armored Fighting Vehicle). It’s explosive armor that protects the vehicle. Another example would be the slat armor designed to protect the tank’s rear from RPG attack. It is similar in design and concept to the slat armor used on the Stryker armored vehicles for the same purpose.
The first TUSK component to reach the field was the Loader’s Armored Gun Shield, which provides protection to the loader when the soldier is firing the 7.62mm machine gun on the Abrams’ turret.
Panzerkamp’s 1:72 scale US M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank with TUSK I Survivability Kit
The Abrams Reactive Armor Tile system is a component of the Tank Urban Survival Kit that was mounted on Abrams tanks during deployments to the Middle East. It consists of a set of two types of reactive armor tiles. Maneuvering the Abrams on the European continent requires different armor configurations. Using the ARAT and not the TUSK will allow the tanks the maneuverability and operability they will need in more verdant areas. ARAT retains the cross-country abilities of the tank because it is not completely loaded down with extra armor. This has the added benefit of being more capable against things like heat rounds and things like explosive ordinance that get fired at the tank.
Looking to demonstrate the effectiveness of this upgraded armor, Panzerkampf plans to release three different 1:72 scale M1 Abrams tanks equipped with the TUSK I and II surviavibility kits. One model represents an M1A2 SEP Abrams equipped with the TUSK II kit. A second showcases a M1A2 Abrams with the TUSK I kit while a third looks at the older M1A1 series of Abrams tanks being fitted with the TUSK I kit. Look for these and other vehicles this fall.
