July 16, 2020

Precision Model Art Re-Arms

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.

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Tales of Transparency: Snippets and Shipments for July

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.

Enjoy the summer!

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