May is a rather intriguing month for both film goers and diecast collectors since it represents the debut of Top Gun: Maverick, the long awaited feature film that marks the return of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell to the silver screen. According to some overnight articles, the initial reaction to the film was quite favorable, and will no doubt serve as an ideal recruitment driver for both the US Navy and Air Force, particularly in the wake of the current Russo-Ukrainian Conflict.
Hobby Maser’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing F/A-18D Hornet Strike Fighter – 165685, VMFA(AW)-242 “Bats”, Yokota AB, Tokyo, Japan, 2020
Thus far, we haven’t heard of any of the major diecast makers offering a replica of Maverick’s Hornet, nor any of the other aircraft portrayed in the film. While Corgi has produced a fit-to-box pairing of his F/A-18 and a P-51 Mustang, we thought that by now someone would’ve stepped forward with a model aimed at capturing the spirit of the sequel and potentially gain market share both in the short- as well as long term. No doubt the fee for Paramount’s highly coveted Top Gun license isn’t cheap, however, even if it hovers around 6%, I think it still make sense for a company such as Hobby Master to explore whether or not they may be passing up a golden opportunity to produce what will certainly become one of the most sought after pre-assembed models in recent years.
In the meantime, Hobby Master released a bunch of final images for the balance of their May releases. According to our distributor, the next Hobby Master shipment is expected mid May, unless of course something occurs along the way to hamper its arrival. While you can now see the entire collection in our Upcoming May release section, we thought you might like to ogle some of the most recent images Hobby Master was gracious enough to provide.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – VMFA-314 “Black Knights”, June 2019 [Low-Vis Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy McDonnell F-4H-1 Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 148390f, VF-74 “Bedevilers”, USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 1962Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy McDonnell F-4H Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 148423h, Test Pilot CDR John Watts Young, Project High Jump, April 1962
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “Alwin”, “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]. Things are possibly pointing to a June/July release here in North America
Its never easy to report disappointing news but it now appears as if the latest Forces of Valor shipment we were expecting to arrive in May has been postponed until late June, perhaps July depending upon a number of factors. No official reason was given for the latest delay although its clear the manufacturer, despite reassurances to the contrary, is still experiencing issues getting product completed and out-the-door on a regular basis. Its not apparent if the latest postponement is due to COVID, which is now ravaging the port city of Shanghai and elsewhere, an overly optimistic production schedule, or the need to ship a full container of assorted goods rather than taking them piecemeal as they come off the line to lessen transport costs. Bear in mind that it is still very expensive to ship product overseas as compared with years past, so a combination of factors could very well be leading to the latest delay. When it does finally arrive, the shipment is expected to include several recently released products that include their second issue Sturmtiger, initial release Tiger I, and its metal tracks, three items that are out-of-stock at our distributor as well as through us. And with demand still outstripping supply, it could be a case where the follow-on shipment gets snapped up almost immediately, meaning little if anything is available for the upcoming holiday season.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(75) Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – Training Vehicle, C Company, 10th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, New York, 1943 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
The good news, if we can call it that, is that it now seems likely that this shipment will contain their second issue Tiger I tank (shown above), second issue M4 Sherman tank, and quite possibly a trio of 1:72 scale Spitfires that appear on the manufacturer’s web site but are not yet available in the marketplace, although this could still be speculation since the manufacturer is claiming near-term availability. Moreover, a handful of back ordered items are supposed to be included, such as their 1:700 scale USS Missouri battleship and USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, that haven’t been available for an extended period of time due to re-tooling. We had hoped that Forces of Valor would be in more plentiful supply in 2022. While they are working in earnest to alleviate delays, it now appears as if product will still be trickling in for the duration of the year.
Update: Earlier today, we received a news blast from Waltersons indicating they are now accepting orders for the three 1:72 scale Spitfires we alluded to in this blog post. Additional images for each of the Spitfires were uploaded to their web site, many of which can now be viewed on our own site, so we can only presume that they are far enough along as to be included in the late June/early July shipment bound for our distributor. We too are accepting pre-orders for these aircraft. Like the previous releases in this series, each features a poseable display stand, simulated section of runway, detailed engine and seated pilot figure.
By the end of the Second World War, the Royal Air Force saw little need to retain the large number of Bristol Beaufighter squadrons it currently had in service, so most units were simply disbanded, a couple were retained for home duties, with the remainder prepared for deployment to the Far East. One notable exception to this rule were RAF No.45 Squadron, who replaced their wartime Mosquitoes with the Beaufighter TF.X fighter bomber, before moving out to operate from a new base in Ceylon. In August 1948, the squadron moved to Kuala Lumpur in response to the Malayan Emergency, where it would take part in the combined Commonwealth actions to quell the guerrilla activities of the Communist backed Malayan National Liberation Army.
Using the legendary range and hard hitting attributes of this capable heavy fighter, the unit’s Beaufighters would loiter over the jungle, waiting to unleash a withering barrage of rocket and cannon fire on enemy positions, once given targeting instructions from Commonwealth troops patrolling in the vicinity. These ageing WWII warhorses were replaced by the new Bristol Brigand ground attack aircraft by the end of 1949, leaving the situation in Malaya to rumble on for a further ten years and with RAF support very much moving into the jet age during that time.
Corgi’s second ever Beaufighter is now in stock and ready for immediate shipment.
As part of their revised strategy to announce new product at varying intervals during the year, Corgi indicated that their next roll out will occur on May 9th. The second of three product roll outs will encompass those items expected to ship between May and August. A third and final roll out will likely occur later in the year, possibly as early as August after most vacation goers have returned home. Frankly we applaud this change in marketing strategy, since it helps them to keep their line fresher and more up-to-date while lessening the likelihood that some customers may have to wait an entire year or more for pre-orders to be filled. Keep in mind that although these items are earmarked for a May-August release, delays can and most likely will still occur based upon issues still plaguing the global supply chain, exacerbated by what is currently occurring in China.
We’ll be on vacation from May 4th-10th, so we will formally post this new range upon our return, just as soon as we have addressed any and all orders we may have received while we are away. So hang in there, take note of any new videos or still images Corgi may debut on Facebook or YouTube, and get ready for some of their newest and finest introductions expected mid year.
Lets start things off on the right foot. Looks as though the USPS has resumed parcel shipments to both Australia and New Zealand. Previously they had suspended any shipments due to COVID, or at least that’s what they claimed on their web site. In any event, we are now accepting orders to both countries although I do want to make it abundantly clear that rates have once again increased, particularly for oversized parcels. Just this week, we had to cancel a U-2 order bound for Hawaii. The cheapest rate available was $95, so we can only presume shipping the very same item down under will cost quite a bit more. So, unless you have deep pockets, it might make more sense to source items like this from a local supplier rather than order from abroad. Just saying.
As we close out the month of April, we aren’t expecting anything of note, so we’ve updated our New Release section accordingly. However, I did want to make mention that Corgi is now providing outer corrugated boxes with all of its newest aircraft releases, something we were hoping more manufacturers would eventually employ if they are willing to go the extra mile towards selling their own products. The new boxes are designed to fit each aircraft model and its inner packaging to a T, thereby reducing the need to add cushioning material to prevent breakage in transit. We’d like to hear back from everyone that may have received these new parcels over the last week or so and hope to pass along any comments, good or bad, to the manufacturer.
New Corgi in a box. Well, not exactly….
When last we spoke to several distributors, each is expecting a major shipment in May, although when that might occur is still in a state of flux. We will be closed for business from May 4th-10th, so anything earmarked for that time period will be pushed back a week. Once we do have a firmer idea as to when the shipments are expected we will once again ask that everyone refrain from contacting us inquiring about their order. Frankly, answering queries slows us down considerably. If we need to contact you for any reason we will do so either by email or by phone. Again, if you do receive a text or call, we would appreciate it if you could respond as soon as possible so we can process your order in the most expeditious manner possible. That’s about it for now. Motor Pool out.
Update: We are continually looking at new and affordable ways to grow our business and potentially gaining new customers who may not be fully aware of the benefits and joy of collecting diecast military products. One such opportunity presented itself to me this past week in the form of TheMall. As its name implies, TheMall is designed from the ground up as an online shopping center much like a standard mall with a physical presence sans the food court, out-of-service escalators and baby changing stations. Unlike a standard mall, customers can shop online anywhere from around the globe and at any time of day or night, much like a standard web site. This mall, however, is being billed as having one hundred levels with 100 million square feet of online retail space, where retailers take out leases much like a standard store. With the Metaverse slowly gaining traction amongst younger consumers, TheMall looks to cater to those individuals who enjoy shopping but would rather do so from the comfort of their home without having to deal with parking, standing in line, rude salespeople, and no-good-niks who might frequent a mall for the wrong reasons.
What I like about a virtual mall such as this is that it allows us to create boutique shops within a shop, something I have been looking to do for a very long time. For instance, instead of setting up all of the Forces of Valor tanks on a single page, we can do so by theme, such as War in the European Theatre of Operations, then place those items that pertain to this theme within this particular boutique. We can dress up this boutique with marketing hype that might include pertinent artwork, period music, and an online salesperson or “avatar” dressed in a GI’s uniform who can answer a series of canned questions and help with the checkout process, all thoughtfully designed to further enhance the shopping experience. If, on the other hand, you’re interested in purchasing scale aircraft that are participating in the current Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, we could create a mini boutique that possibly discusses the war in greater detail and even include a fund raiser whereby your donation could be forwarded to Ukraine for humanitarian relief.
Anyway, we are taking a careful look at this type of selling outlet and will make a determination later this year if its the right fit for us. It will likely require us to take and upload rotoscoped images for every item we sell so that customers can get a better idea of how each item looks including its visual dimensions, an idea we have been toying with for some time. While all of this may seem interesting and intriguing, I’ll keep everyone in the loop should we decide to move forward with this or a similarly conceived project.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “Beirut Payback”, 1st Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Kuwait, 1991
While several model makers still seem to be struggling to get out new product, Hobby Master shows no signs of abating, announcing their latest bevy of military items for an early 2023 roll out. Of note are two 1:72 scale M60A1 Patton tanks, both drawn from the epic Operation Desert Storm of 1991. Frankly, we had written off Hobby Master as far as military vehicles goes, since they hadn’t announced anything new for the better part of two years. Hopefully, this marks a new beginning for the company, who had been spending the better part of their time in the diecast aircraft realm, predominantly 1:72 scale jets. I’d like to also point out that they’ll be releasing a new 1:200 scale Space Shuttle, as well as a pair of 1:72 Huey helicopters, two sectors they seemed to have all but abandoned of late. Now if we could only convince them to look at other areas of the military diecast market, cough, 1:32/35 scale military vehicles, then we’d really be excited, but a guy can dream can’t he?
That said, lets get to the rest of the releases you can look forward to seeing this coming January.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “Wicked Bitch”, 3rd Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Kuwait, 1991Hobby Master’s 1:200 NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise – Edwards AFB, California, 1977Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Bell UH-1C Huey Helicopter – “Easy Rider”, 174th Assault Helicopter Company “Dolphins and Sharks”, 1970sHobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Bell UH-1B Huey Helicopter – 57th Medical Detachment, 1960sHobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B Jump Jet – BuNo 165421, VMA-214 “Black Sheep”, Afghanistan, November 2009Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Israeli McDonnell F-4E Phantom II (“Kurnass”) Fighter-Bomber – 201 Squadron “The One”, Tel Nof Air Base, Israel, 1974Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Fighter – Captain W. Duncan-Smith, 323 Wing, August 1944Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Fighter – PT879, “Russian Spitfire”, Biggin Hill, England, 2020Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USMC Chance-Vought F4U-4 Corsair Fighter – “White 18”, VMF-323 “Death Rattlers”, USS Sicily (CVE-118), 1951Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Chinese PLAAF Shenyang J-11BG “Flanker B+” Multirole Fighter – South China Sea, 2022Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 166608, VFA-143 “Pukin Dogs”, CAG, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), September 20th, 2014Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 166776, VFA-31 “Tomcatters”, USS USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77), 2011Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57E “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Blue 054”, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia, January 2013Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – 168842, VX-9 “Vampires”, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, 2018 [Low-Vis Scheme]
If you thought last year was a bear to get through, then you may want to fast forward to 2023. Even as the logjam that has affected our ports for the past year seems to be waning, signs are already pointing to another troubling year for the upcoming holiday season. That’s because China is experiencing a new wave of COVID-related cases, which is particularly bad in the port city of Shanghai. Currently, 25,000,000 people, or roughly three times the city of New York, are in complete lock down, unable to mill about on the streets, go to work or even obtain groceries at their local markets. The government claims it is doing its best to control the virus but thus far things do not seem to be improving with cases on the rise and its inhabitants literally on the verge of revolt. Keep in mind that Shanghai is one of China’s principal export centers, so when their vast manufacturing sector and trans-oceanic ships end up sitting idle, this has a dramatic effect on the rest of the world, all desperate to get goods and other finished products for the holidays. Stories are already being written about how this is all coming at an inopportune time, as the rest of the world struggles in the wake of their own pandemic relapses. While goods seem to be flowing again for the first half of this year, we expect that the tap will be turned off for the latter half of 2022, with many items likely slipping into early 2023 or later. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but unless COVID isn’t struck down soon, its going to be another tough year for retail, as inflation continues to push up the consumer price index and the pandemic, now in its third year, will slow the rate at which products make it into the global market place.
Hobby Master’s 1:32 scale USN Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat Fighter – “Paper Doll”, VF-27 “Kangaroos”, USS Princeton (CVL-23), October 1944
Established at NAS Norfolk,VA in April 1942 flying the Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat, VGF-27 became one of the most traveled Navy squadrons of the war. Following Operation Torch against French Morocco in November 1942, the squadron remained aboard the USS Suwannee as part of CVEG-27 through most of the next eight months. Upon re-designation as VF-27 in March 1943, the squadron operated their Wildcats ashore at Guadalcanal until July, except for a brief period at sea, again aboard the USS Suwannee, in June. Among the 12 victories credited during April through July, were the first for future standouts Cecil Harris, and Sam Silber.
After refitting with the Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat in the U.S. in early 1944, and intense training in Hawaii during March, and April 1944, VF-27 embarked aboard the USS Princeton CVL-23. This would prove to be one of the most spectacular Light Carrier cruises of the war. Under Lt. Cdr. Ernest Wood, the “Cat Mouthed” Hellcats flew warm-up missions against Saipan, and Tinian, on June 11th and 12th of 1944. Within a week the squadron participated in the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot”, on June 19th. The Hellcats of VF-27 claimed 30 kills against Japanese aircraft attempting to strike Task Force 58. Squadron commander Lt. Cdr Wood was lost on this day however, his replacement was Lt. Cdr. Fred Bardshar. Future aces Bill Lamb, Dick Stambook, and Gordon Stanley splashed four enemy aircraft apiece during the operation. Lt. Cdr. Bardshar led VF-27 on a fighter sweep over Manila on Sept 21st, with VF-27 claiming 38 victories over IJN, and IJAAF aircraft. The days bag included 4.5 kills for Lt. John Rodgers, and 4 kills for Lt. Jim “Red” Shirley.
After strikes against Formosa in mid- October, the Princeton was back in the Leyte Gulf as part of Task Force 38.3 on October 24th. Near Pollilo Island in the eastern part of the gulf VF-27 wrecked havoc on the Japanese, destroying 36 enemy fighters that day. Four pilots emerged as “Aces in a Day” in this engagement. They were Lt’s Carl Brown, and Jim Shirley, plus Lt. (jg) Gene Townsend, and Ensign Tom Conroy.
However upon return to the fleet, “Sweet P”, the USS Princeton was found afire and sinking. At 9:38 that morning a lone Judy dive-bomber appeared suddenly out of thick clouds and dropped a single bomb on the Princeton’s flight deck. The bomb exploded amidst fueled and armed Grumman TBF Avengers on the hanger deck. The ship was rocked by multiple explosions, seven hours later gutted by fire the Princeton was scuttled by American torpedoes. VF-27’s 5 month war cruise was over. Of the 136 victories credited during the deployment, a staggering 104 occurred on three days. A record unbeaten by any other CVL fighter squadron during the war. Lcdr. Bardshar reformed the squadron in time to return to the Western Pacific aboard the carrier USS Independance. One more victory was scored before the war ended. VF-27 officially disbanded Nov 26th, 1945.
Like its counterpart “Minisi II”, Paper Doll is now available for immediate shipment.
Hobby Master’s 1:32 scale USN Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat Fighter – CDR. David McCampbell, “Minsi II,” Commander Air Group 15, USS Essex (CV-9), 1944
Captain David McCampbell (January 16th, 1910 – June 30th, 1996) was an American aviator, who became the US Navy’s all-time leading ace with 34 aerial victories during World War II.
Following service aboard a cruiser, 1935-37, McCampbell applied for flight training and was accepted. He received his “wings of gold” in 1938 and was assigned to Fighting Squadron Four on the East Coast. Subsequently he became a landing signal officer and survived the sinking of USS Wasp (CV-7) off Guadalcanal in September 1942.
From September 1943 to September 1944, McCampbell was commander of Air Group 15, in charge of fighters, bombers, and torpedo bombers aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex. From April to November 1944, his group saw six months of continuous combat and participated in two major air-sea battles, the First and Second Battles of the Philippine Sea. During the more than 20,000 hours of air combat operations before it returned to the United States for a rest period, Air Group 15 destroyed more enemy planes (315 airborne and 348 on the ground) and sank more enemy shipping than any other Air Group in the Pacific War. Air Group 15’s attacks on the Japanese in the Marianas and at Iwo Jima, Taiwan, and Okinawa were key to the success of the ‘island hopping’ campaign.
In addition to his duties as commander of the ‘Fabled Fifteen,’ then Commander McCampbell became the Navy’s ‘Ace of Aces’ during the missions he flew in 1944. In October 1944, he and his wing man attacked a Japanese force of 60 aircraft. During the mission, Captain McCampbell shot down nine enemy planes, setting a single mission aerial combat record. When he landed his Grumman F6F Hellcat, his six machine guns had two rounds remaining and the plane had only enough fuel to keep it aloft for 10 more minutes. Captain McCampbell received the Medal of Honor for that action, becoming the only fast carrier task force pilot to do so. During a similarly courageous mission in June 1944, Air Group 15’s planes routed a large enemy force and McCampbell earned seven kills.
For his brilliant record in command of Air Group 15, McCampbell was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat ‘V’, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars in lieu of the second and third awards, and the Air Medal.
McCampbell’s legendary F6F Hellcat, produced in a mega sized 1:32 scale, is now in stock and ready for immediate shipment.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe Fighter – MK 210, Gustav Lundquist, “Tolly Hello”, USAAF Test Section, Long Range Experimental, Wright Field, Ohio, 1944
Slowly, ever so slowly, Waltersons, the new caretakers of the Forces of Valor brand, has been shedding light on their 2022 line up. To date, images and information have largely centered around their 1:32 scale military vehicles, which many consider their bread-and-butter range, then, now and likely well into the future. Earlier today, however, they finally peeled back the curtain on several of their upcoming 1:72 scale aircraft, another category that has seen success since its re-invigoration late last year.
Three images were posted to their web site, all based upon the next WWII-era aircraft to see the light of day: the legendary Supermarine Spitfire. While only two images were uploaded for each model, it appears as if the trio are pretty far along and will likely get the green light to fly into collector cabinets this summer. Like its predecessors, these new introductions will come with simulated slivers of landing bases and a pose-able display stand that has set it apart from the competition. You can also expect a highly detailed engine, seated pilot figure, and opening cockpit. The Spitfire will likely be followed up by the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, another iconic WWII-era aircraft that severed several user nations well throughout the conflict.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe Fighter – EN315/ZX-6, Squadron Leader Stanislaw Skalski, No.145 Squadron, Polish Fighting Team, La Fouconnerie, Tunisia, April 1943
We’ve opened the pre-order window for the Spitfires but bear in mind it may be several more months before they arrive and are ready for shipping. In the meantime, enjoy their latest creations.
