When they acquired Greenlight Collectibles earlier this year, Waltersons also inherited a new range of armored fighting vehicles in the form of their 1:64 scale “Battalion 64” sub brand. With so many different ranges already in their vast product portfolio, however, it wasn’t clear what they planned on doing with this new brand and how it fit within their overall lineup. When taken in conjunction with their own extensive line of 1:72 scale vehicles, a line originally produced by Unimax and dormant for several years running, it wasn’t certain if this new range had a place in their strategy going forward. Well, we now have an answer.
Eight WWII-era vehicles — complete with updated images and various cosmetic and physical improvements — were recently posted to their new and improved Chinese-based Forces of Valor web site, although pricing was omitted along with release dates. All are based upon US made vehicles, from jeeps to ambulances, tanks to half-tracks. If they are looking for the brand to succeed, we are assuming the manufacturer will eventually create an adversarial range composed of Axis vehicles, and possibly other vehicles to further flesh out the brand.
At this point, we do not know what the new packaging will look like. The original series, developed for several big box retailers, featured J-hook packaging so that it could be displayed alongside other peggable merchandise. However, its not clear if Waltersons will attempt to re-invent the brand by introducing standard-sized boxed packaging that is more in line with their other proprietary ranges.
Interestingly, no word as yet concerning their own range of 1:72 scale combat vehicles, and information concerning their other brands and lines were scanty at best.