Hobby Master’s 1:72 USN Grumman TBF-1 Avenger Torpedo-Bomber – 8-T-1, VT-8, NAS Norfolk, Virginia, May 1942
Hobby Master is one of those companies that seems to enjoy soldiering on despite facing many of the same vexing issues that have plagued other model makers over the past year or so. Case in point. October 2022. While other manufacturers haven’t begun to look that far out yet, Hobby Master already has its ducks in a row with a bevy of new introductions ready to grace the harvest table. Of particular note are a pair of Dauntless dive-bombers commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, as well as a 1:72 scale reproduction of an Avenger torpedo plane. Here now what you can expect to lay out along side the pumpkin pie and apple cider later this year:
Hobby Master’s 1:72 USMC Douglas AD-3 Skyraider Attack Aircraft – 122743, VMA-121 “Green Knights”, K-6 Airfield, Pyongtaek, Republic of Korea, 1951Hobby Master’s 1:72 Czechoslovak Air Force Sukhoi Su-25K “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – 9013, 30th Combat Air Regiment, Zatec, Czechoslovakia, 1992Soviet Sukhoi Su-25K “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – “Red 03”, Lt. Colonel Alexander Rutskoy, 40th Army, Afghanistan, August 4th, 1988Hobby Master’s 1:72 RAAF Boeing F-18B Hornet Strike Fighter – No.75 Squadron “Final Flight,” December 2021Hobby Master’s 1:72 USMC Boeing F/A-18D ATARS Hornet Strike Fighter – VMFA(AW)-224 “Bengals,” MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, 2009Hobby Master’s 1:72 USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – 168843, NAWDC, July 2020 [Low-Vis Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 Polish Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – “Grey 56”, 1 Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego, Minsk Mazowiecki AB, Poland, 2016Hobby Master’s 1:72 Polish Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – “Red 4103”, 41st Eskadra Lotnictwa Taktycznego, Malbork, Poland, 2012Hobby Master’s 1:32 USN Douglas SBD-2 Dauntless Dive-Bomber – Richard Fleming and Eugene Card, “White 2” VMSB-241, June 4th, 1942Hobby Master’s 1:32 USN Douglas SBD-2 Dauntless Dive-Bomber – LCDR Howard Young, Commander Enterprise Group, USS Enterprise (CV-6), December 7th, 1941
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 505, Kursk, Russia, July 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
To borrow the title of a famous Otis Redding song, we should soon be receiving word on when the long-awaited Forces of Valor shipment has cleared customs and made its way to our distributor in Georgia. Right now, we anticipate delivery some time in the beginning of February, unless, of course, something else stands in its way, tsunamis notwithstanding. As all of you know by now, 2021 was an anxiety-filled year as far as getting in new product is concerned and we wouldn’t be surprised if the first half of 2022 is confronted by the very same issues.
Since we have a great many pre-orders in the system, particularly for the first Tiger I and newest Sherman tank, we will start to process each order based upon when it was sent in. So, if you submitted your order to us in, say, July of 2021, then you will get preferential treatment over someone that submitted their order to us more recently. Hey, fair’s fair and it simply doesn’t matter to us the size of your order, how you decided to pay us, or how many times you plan to contact us to ask about you order. Which, naturally enough, leads me to my next point. Communication.
Once we know for sure when our FOV order is on its way to us, we will temporarily ignore any and all messages, emails, phone calls, etc., asking when such-and-such order is expected to go out. Frankly, everything we need to discuss regarding the receipt of new product is posted on our web site along side each item’s description. Each time we’re asked to color outside the lines by fielding a phone call, answering a message or responding to an email means it takes us away from the business of actually processing and shipping out orders. Sorry to be so blunt, but if you’ve waited this long to find out about your order then a few more days won’t matter all that much in the final analysis. If you disagree, then we’ll simply cancel your order, refund your payment if the order was pre-paid, then move on to those customers that are willing to abide by our rules and not cause us any trouble while we do our utmost to get everything out the door as expeditiously as possible. Its a stressful process in its own right and adding additional anxiety by reaching out to us repeatedly doesn’t help anyone concerned, especially those customers more than willing to play ball with us.
While I could go on and on ad infinitum, we’d like to end this discourse on a positive note. We welcome and value your business. Soon, you will embrace your bouncing baby tank in all its glory. Have your nursery, er, display case ready, a box cutter in hand, and know that we’ve done our utmost to get you your prized possession in the quickest possible manner. Thank you and enjoy.
Can someone please translate this for us so that we can figure out their stance?
There’s strange and then there’s strange. In late December, Precision Model Art, better known as PMA, posted several new items to their web site, that included, among other things, an awesome looking M40 self propelled gun presumably due out later this year. Then, last week, they abruptly pulled the plug on their own web site, leaving in its wake a Word Press page written in what I assume is Mandarin. I don’t understand what it says although it appears like a Contact Us page. Moreover, I naturally assumed that the manufacturer was having trouble loading their web site, perhaps falling victim to a hack attack that has periodically plagued other manufacturers. After talking with our US distributor, however, we learned that this is supposedly the new normal for PMA and that from here on out they do not plan on posting any new product to their own web site, claiming its a “low priority” for them.
PMA’s 1:72 scale US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40 Self-Propelled Gun – “Big Bruiser”, B Battery, 937th Field Artillery Battalion “Arkansas Long Toms”, Korea, 1953
Now color me wacky but two weeks ago we ushered in 2022 perhaps without a bang but with a whimper, hopefully putting the effects of the pandemic behind us. The point is that in this day and age, placing a “low priority” on updating your own web site is simply inexcusable. As a manufacturer, it is your job to inform both your customers as well as your distribution network about the comings and goings on in your own back yard so that everyone can look forward to the fruits of your labors. To leave everyone in the dark, particularly when others are gleefully posting on social media, their web site and elsewhere is akin to burying your head in the sand, asking others to talk up the line when you yourself are reluctant to do so. I’m not clear if this turning a “blind eye” marketing strategy makes much sense in this newfangled digital world where the running of a web site isn’t all that much trouble given other complexities attached with running a business. Heck, I’ve been doing so for going on 22 years, building out our product portfolio so that it now encompasses over 6,000 SKUs. Trust me, its not that difficult once you have it down to a logical system. So, when a manufacturer with barely a couple of dozen products says they can’t be troubled with keeping their own web site up-to-date, I simply shake my head and say “is it worth the trouble of stocking their line?” Right now, the only answer I can come up with is, it isn’t, sad as that sounds…
Last week, we published a blog post claiming that several model makers seem to have dropped out of the 1:72 scale pre-assembled market over the last year. Earlier this week, we heard back from one of the companies discussed – Dragon Models. Their representative politely indicated that the manufacturer is still very much interested in continuing their Neo Dragon Armor line. He went on to say that two new vehicles are expected later this month, both M2A3 Bradley Infantry Vehicles. But here’s the rub. Since Dragon shuttered its US distributor, Dragon Models USA, and now pointed its web address to their own web site in Hong Kong, they can only make these items available on a wholesale basis if the merchandise is purchased direct from them in Hong Kong. Frankly, this is a non-starter for us, particularly in light of all of the issues affecting the global supply chain, not to mention the costs and quantities associated with purchasing direct instead of through a middleman. So, unless a distributor steps up to the plate and demonstrates they are ready to take on this task, it could be some time before we actually see some of their latest efforts within North America. In the meantime, you can still order these items direct from Dragon Models, first by clicking on either image, then following Dragon’s checkout procedures.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Short Stirling Mk. III Heavy Bomber – “The Gremlin Teaser”, No.199 Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England, 1943
In an effort to become more nimble in the face of stiffening competition, Corgi unveiled the first of three 2022 product roll outs on its parent web site, Hornby UK. In the past, the Company had shown off their entire annual catalog with one throw of the dice in January, roughly timed to coincide with the London Toy Fair, which oftentimes meant collectors would have to wait an entire year or more to actually lay claim to their prized possession. The new strategy means Corgi can now adjust their release schedule with relative ease, moving some items up and others back in the production pipeline should logistical issues, collector taste and other factors change over the course of a typical year.
Unfortunately, this strategy may have back fired some what as collectors, particularly those in the aviation ranks, were expecting a heavier dose of new introductions for the January-April time frame. Instead of twenty or more new aircraft they were accustomed to seeing, only three new warbirds were shown, none of which were new toolings many a collector had been longing for. As you might expect, this left “many a collector” in the proverbial lurch, feeling as if their requests continue to fall on deaf ears. On the other hand, motorcycle buffs will be happy to learn that Corgi is branching out into bikes with a 1:12 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition as seen in the feature film, “No Time to Die.”
Armor aficionados were greeted with a pair of new 1:50 scale tanks: another Tiger I heavy tank based upon a previous late 2021 release and its feared nemesis, a Churchill tank. Together with a robust price hike, we can only conclude that Corgi and its parent company, Hornby, are content to retrench for the beginning part of the year in an effort to deal with rising material costs, logjams in the supply chain, and the outlays associated with the recent acquisition of Oxford Diecast. Moreover, it would appear as if they are content to hold their key projects for later on when they can put their best foot forward with new toolings, important ranges, and other licensed properties that can better justify their new marketing strategy.
Now that we have a better handle as to when we can expect to take receipt of several product lines we are once again moving forward with our print advertising campaign, something we have typically done since our inception way back in 2000. The first ad, scheduled to appear in the spring issue of Military Heritage magazine, will feature both the Warbirds of World War II as well as the brand new Legendary Warships of World War II.
Next up is the June issue of World War II History, which will include all of the latest 1:32 scale Forces of Valor vehicles released to date. And last, but certainly not least, is the August issue of World War II History magazine. This issue will be the first time we are advertising the AFV’s of World War II range. Due to its delayed release, the ad will not only encompass the first six vehicles released to date but will also highlight the next six tanks in the series, bringing the total shown to 12 vehicles. Down the road, we will more than likely feature additional vehicles in the series. All three ads are designed to bring new blood into the hobby, showcase our extensive product portfolio, and cast a spotlight on several important lines that help to form the ever-evolving heart of the military diecast market. We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labors. Thumbnails for each ad can be found within our Advertising link.
Even though they seem to have withdrawn from the military vehicle ranks, Hobby Master remains intent on solidifying its position as the preeminent aircraft model maker. Their September release schedule is chock full of new aircraft, further demonstrating they are in this for the long haul despite rising costs and logistical issues. Here’s whats in store for the aviation aficionado next September:
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow “Tigershark” Attack Helicopter – 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Afghanistan, 2011Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale UAE Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – Dubai, 2015Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 30 Viper Fighter – 86-0295, 18th Aggressor Squadron “Blue Foxes”, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska, 2018 [Aggressor Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 30 Viper Fighter – 86-0290, 18th Aggressor Squadron “Blue Foxes”, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska, 2018 [Aggressor Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Royal Saudi Air Force Panavia Tornado IDS Fighter-Bomber – 7 Squadron, Saudi Arabia, 1995Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 2018Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing E/A-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 166856, VX-9 “The Vampires”, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, 2008Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-27SM “Flanker-B” Multirole Fighter – “Blue 26”, 2016
While we’re busy hawking the 1:43 scale Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II, and even the upcoming Forces of Valor 1:32 scale tanks, things aren’t fairing as well in the smaller 1:72 scale market. Earlier this week we learned that Modelcollect has pulled the plug on their pre-assembled military vehicles segment. Ever since COVID struck in late 2019, it wasn’t clear if this prolific model maker intended to resume production or perhaps give up and concentrate solely on their model business. Well, now we know.
Meanwhile, Dragon, once the dominant maker of pre-assembled military vehicles, seems to have withdrawn from the market after first offering a handful of Neo Armor subjects in 2020. Frankly, its not clear where they stand since their web site hasn’t been updated in months and our point of sales contact has vanished. We’re still hoping they pick up the gauntlet and resume production, but the fact remains that nothing new for months on end is never a good sign.
PMA’s 1:72 scale US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40 Self-Propelled Gun – “Big Bruiser”, B Battery, 937th Field Artillery Battalion “Arkansas Long Toms”, Korea, 1953
And then there’s Hobby Master, who hasn’t announced any new 1:72 scale armor subject in a very long time. While their aircraft business is going full tilt, it looks as if they too have pulled back from the ground pounding business, perhaps content to let others move in and steal their thunder.
Happily all is not lost. Companies such as Precision Model Art and Panzerkampf have stepped in and produced all sorts of out-of-the-box subjects, understanding full well that collectors are simply unable or unwilling to purchase more of the same old subjects other manufacturers have churned out year after year. And then there’s Forces of Valor, who have continually hinted at plans to re-enter the 1:72 scale military market, a category they once laid claim to under their previous owner, Unimax. Thus far, Waltersons, the new owners of the FOV brand, have remained mum concerning their plans, so it remains to be seen how they plan to address the sector given their tendency to keep their cards close to their vest. Hopefully, 2022 will prove to be a banner year for each and every scale and plenty to choose from everyone still seated at the diecast table. Armor aplenty? I guess the jury is still out…
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
Waltersons, the new owners of the Forces of Valor brand, seems to be hard at work — both in the audio visual department and mold-making shop — getting their newest steel beasts ready for action. As can be seen here, their second early production Tiger I heavy tank has been unveiled to its adoring public complete with an all-new commander figure drawn from the Deutsches Afrika Korps. While an in-depth video has yet to be hammered out, the manufacturer did provide images of the vehicle from a number of vantage points, and will likely talk up the vehicle in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, their second Sherman tank has gotten its nose powdered, so-to-speak, with a brand new three-minute video showing the vehicle and its attendant features from a multitude of angles. The manufacturer went to great lengths to show the differences between this vehicle and their first Sherman, which is still expected in the weeks ahead. Currently both the new Sherman and Tiger tanks are slated for an April release, although that could easily slip if FOV is unable to hit its target date and the congestion issues plaguing many US ports still haven’t eased.
