Product Announcements

Panzerkampf: Dark Star Rising

While some manufacturers seem to have slowed down their production efforts, others seem to have unfurled their sails, aiming to catch the wind before their competitor’s do the same. Panzerkampf is one such modelmaker, churning out a growing array of military vehicles, aircraft and helicopters that have been widely accepted into diecast collections by the worldwide community. Over the weekend, Panzerkampf added yet another 1:72 scale modern vehicle to their arsenal: the Russian built Typhoon-VDV K-4386 Mine-Protected Armored Vehicle.

While not exactly widely known in military circles, the Typhoon nevertheless fills an important niche in the Russian Army, much like the US-built MRAP was developed by the US in the face of accelerating use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The Tayfun/Typhoon-VDV K-4386 is a 4×4 mine-protected wheeled armored vehicle designed and manufactured by Remdiesel, a subsidiary of Kamaz. It is the newest member of the Typhoon family of armored vehicles.

The Typhoon K-4386 is intended to support combat missions, crew transportation, logistics, cargo transport, medical support, and other intense armored offensive strikes.

Typhoon K-4386 is a single-compartment frameless armored cross country vehicle with two entrance doors in the front and one access door in the rear. It also features a roof-top hatch cover, allowing the troops to access weapons systems.

The K-4386 is built on a rugged hull, which provides the vehicle with a strong base, along with less curb weight and general centre of mass, leading to compact vehicular dimensions. The optimized hull enables the vehicle to carry more payloads and offer superior performance off the road.

The vehicle is 6m-long, 2.54m-wide and 2.4m-high and has a curb weight of 11,000kg, while its gross weight is 13,000kg. The armored vehicle can accommodate eight personnel, including crew and fully-equipped troops.

The 4×4 armored vehicle can integrate a range of multi-mission support systems and tools such as an assault ladder, a 6.75t self-recovery winch module, strobe lights for night missions, loudspeakers, a circular video camera for surveillance, and communication systems for inter-vehicle communication.

The vehicle was on display during the Russian Army’s 2019 International Military and Technical Forum in June 2019. It completed testing in December 2019 and is purportedly entering service with the Russian Army as we speak.

In a related development, Panzerkampf has also posted CAD drawings of their first Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks as well as a Russian-built VPK-7289 Bumerang (Object K-16) armored personnel carrier. Both are likely pegged for a 2022 release as other vehicles, long hinted at on their web site and elsewhere, have yet to be released here in North America. Despite these delays, the announced vehicles come as welcome news for diecast military vehicle collectors, who haven’t had much to choose from in recent years.

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DeAgostini Flies High into August

DeAgostini’s 1:72 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi J8M Shusui Rocket-Powered Interceptor

Looking to avoid the summer doldrums, DeAgostini announced the imminent arrival of four more 1:72 scale fighter aircraft to their rapidly growing portfolio of WWII-era aircraft. Packaged with a Japanese language magazine and packed inside a Janguage-language bookcase format box, the DeAgostini WWII-era fighter series is designed to present a wide range of combat aircraft to the worldwide community and, just as importantly, does so at a budget price. While many of the more common aircraft are portrayed, from Zeros to Corsairs, P-51s to Oscars, several of the more exotic aircraft are also depicted, such as this Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi J8M Shusui Rocket-Powered Interceptor, which was clearly modeled after the German Messerschmitt Me0-163 Komet interceptor. Look for all four new introductions to arrive by the third week of August.

DeAgostini’s 1:72 scale American Volunteer Group Curtiss P-40N Warhawk Fighter – “Boss’s Hoss,” Lt. Col. William Reed, 7th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Fighter Group, Chinese-American Composite Wing, 1944
DeAgostini’s 1:72 scale Italian Macchi C.202 Folgore Fighter – 356 Squadriglia, 21 Gruppo Autonomo Caccia Terrestre, Regia Aeronautica, Russia, 1942
DeAgostini’s 1:72 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Fighter – Kazuo Tsunoda, 2nd Kokutai, Buna Airfield, New Guinea, 1942
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Hobby Master Adds More Firepower to its Spring Roster

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Junkers Ju-87G-2 “Kanonenvogel” Dive-Bomber – T6+AD, Hans Ulrich Rudel, Gruppenkommandeur of IIII/Schlachtgeschwader 2, Budapest-Ferihegy, Hungary, October 1944

While most of the other diecast manufacturers seem to have stalled as a result of COVID, Hobby Master continues to soldier on, announcing even more aircraft models for 2022. Of particular note are a pair of 1:72 scale Ju-87 dive-bombers, perhaps signalling their intent to return to modeling World War II era aircraft. Additionally, the March announcement includes a pair of over-sized 1:32 scale World War II era aircraft, which have been absent from their lineup for several consecutive years. Here’s what you can expect to see around the March time frame:

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Junkers Ju-87D-3 Stuka Dive-Bomber – T6+EK, Friedrich Reissner, II./Schlachtgeschwader 2, Eastern Front
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German McDonnell F-4E Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 37-51, Jagdgeschwader 71 “Richtofen”, Germany, 1976
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 Multi-Role Fighter – ZK344, No.1(F) Squadron, Operation Shader, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, 2021
RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 Multi-Role Fighter – ZK343, No.1(F) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, England, 2020
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Navy Sukhoi Su-33 “Flanker-D” Air Superiority Fighter – “Red 70”, Major General Timur Apakidze
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed U-2R Reconnaissance Aircraft – 80-1084, 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Fairford AFB, England, 1990s
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-4 Fighter – Oberleutnant Walter Nowotny, 1/Jagdgeschwader 54 “Grunherz”, Staraya, Russia, March 1943
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
Hobby Master’s 1:32 scale USN Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat Fighter – “Paper Doll”, VF-27 “Kangaroos”, USS Princeton (CVL-23), October 1944
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Hobby Master Clears More Aircraft to Buzz the Tower in Early 2022

Hobby Master 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 “Gustav” Fighter – Erich “Bubi” Hartmann, 9./Jagdgeschwader 52, October 1943

As is customary, Hobby Master announced their latest spate of new model introductions right around the middle of the month. While no new toolings were debuted, there were a number of important releases based upon some of their older molds that have taken a back seat in recent months to some of the trendier “darlings of diecast” that seem to have won the hearts and minds of collectors world over. Here now the latest list aircraft expected some time in either February or March:

Hobby Master 1:72 scale JASDF Mitsubishi F-2A Multirole Fighter – 13-8557, 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Air Wing, Tsuiki Air Base, Japan
Hobby Master 1:48 scale USAF McDonnell F-4D Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 66-7733, 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron “The Warhawks”, Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, 1969
Hobby Master 1:72 scale German Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon Multi-Role Fighter – 30+29, Jagdgeschwader 74, Neurburg Air Base, Germany, 2013
Hobby Master 1:72 scale RAAF Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – A35-028, Exercise Arnhem Thunder, 2021 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Hobby Master 1:72 scale Israeli Boeing F-15I Ra’am Strike Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – 69 Hammers Squadron, Hatzerim, Israel, 2010s
Hobby Master 1:72 scale Soviet Air Defense Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25PD “Foxbat-E” Interceptor – “Blue 75”, 1979
Hobby Master 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – VFC-12 “Fighting Omars”, NAS Oceana, Virginia, June 2021
Hobby Master 1:72 scale US Navy Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye AEW Aircraft – 166503, VAW-120 “Greyhawks”, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, 2010
Hobby Master 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Blue 056”, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia, 2016
Hobby Master 1:72 scale US Navy Grumman F-14B Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – 163217, VF-103 “Jolly Rogers”, NAS Oceana, Virginia, June 2005
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The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming

DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale Soviet ISU-152 Self-Propelled Gun – “Liberate Kirovograd”

Leveraging the title of a popular 1960s era feature film, we thought you might like to know that we are, at last, due to receive our first shipment of DeAgostini’s critically acclaimed 1:43 scale military vehicles. As far as we know, the first group of vehicles are based upon some of the more noteworthy Soviet-era battle tanks that were either field tested or produced in the 1940s and 50s. As the series expands, other Cold War era tanks will be incorporated into the line. Later on, this series will encompass vehicles from other nations too, although its not clear if all of the original introductions made available in Europe will make the cut here in the North American marketplace.

Each vehicle comes with a decorative display base with its name etched in Cyrillic markings. They also feature rotating turrets and elevating guns, just like the real McCoys. Priced at just $36.99 apiece, we feel that this series will sell rather well particularly since they are a lot larger than some of their comparable 1:72 scale counterparts that typically sell for around the same price point. The first group of seven vehicles are expected to arrive later in July.

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Hobby Master Signals More Aircraft are Taking to the Skies in 2022

Hobby Master 1:72 scale USAF Convair F-102A Delta Dagger Interceptor – 70907, 460th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 337th Fighter Group, Portland IAP, Oregon, 1962

Like clockwork, Hobby Master announced its latest compendium of aircraft models, all scheduled to land in February 2022. Its a bit of an eclectic mix, with models catering to the needs of collectors dabbling in different military eras and scales. Interestingly, the newest US Navy Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft isn’t really a newbie at all: its a second rendition of this icoinc bird sans the shark mouth at the front of the aircraft. Some collectors have said it doesn’t look all that appropriate for an aircraft of this nature. Hobby Master listened, and decided to offer this aircraft without “its teeth”, a wise move that demonstrates Hobby Master’s commitment to its fans. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at what you could be adding to your aircraft collection in early 2022:

Hobby Master 1:72 scale German Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Interceptor – 26+69, Marinefliegergeschwader 2, 1985
Hobby Master 1:72 scale German Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Interceptor – 27+79, Marinefliegergeschwader 2, 1985
Hobby Master 1:72 scale JASDF Mitsubishi F-2A Multirole Fighter – 13-8508, 8th Squadron, Tsuiki Airbase, Japan, 2018
Hobby Master 1:72 scale USAF McDonnell F-4E Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 74-1040, 704th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Nellis AB, Nevada, 1989 “Gunsmoke ’89 Competition”
Hobby Master 1:72 scale RAF Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon Multi-Role Fighter – ZJ914, IX(B) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, England, 2020 [Aggressor Scheme]
Hobby Master 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – “Tiger Meet of Americas 2005” [Tiger Meet Scheme]
Hobby Master 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-35S “Super Flanker” Multirole Fighter – “Red 04”, Russia, 2019 (1:72 Scale)
Hobby Master 1:72 scale US Navy Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 160437, VAQ-142 “The Gray Wolves”, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom
Hobby Master 1:48 scale USN Chance-Vought F4U-1 Corsair Fighter – 17-F-13, VF-17 “Jolly Rogers”, USS Bunker Hill CV-17), 1943
Hobby Master 1:48 scale USMC Chance-Vought F4U-1A Corsair Fighter – Major Greg Boyington, VMF-214 “Black Sheep”, January 3rd, 1944
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Santa Loads up his Sleigh with Tons of Hobby Master Christmas Goodies

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft – “Demo Team 2021” 81-0962, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, 2021 [Heritage Scheme] 

If you like jets, and who doesn’t, then you’ll be delighted by the news that Hobby Master checked its latest list of models twice for the upcoming holiday season. While no new toolings were announced, there was a wide range of models in the announcement covering virtually every conflict and user nation. Here now the latest list of aircraft you can expect to ogle this December:

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale NASA Lockheed F-104N Starfighter Chase Plane – NASA Dryden Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, CA, 1979
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale NASA Lockheed F-104N Starfighter Chase Plane – NASA Dryden Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, CA, 1987
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAAF Boeing F-18A Hornet Strike Fighter – No.77 Squadron, “Hornet 33 Years”, December 2020
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RCAF Boeing F-18A Hornet Strike Fighter – 425 Squadron, QIAS 2016
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29SMT ‘Fulcrum-C’ Fighter – Kubinka AB (UUMB), 2019
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Navy Panavia GR. Mk. 1 Tornado IDS All-Weather Bomber – Marinefliegergeschwader 1, 1980s
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – VMFA-211 “Wake Island Avengers”, HMS Queen Elizabeth, “Operation Fortis,” 2021 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAF Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – No.617 Squadron, HMS Queen Elizabeth, “Operation Fortis,” 2021 [Low-Vis Scheme] 
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – VFA-25 “Fist of the Fleet”, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike Fighter – VFA-103, USS Truman (CVN-75), “Operation Inherent Resolve” 2016 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Grumman F-14D Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – VF-213 “Blacklions,” Final Cruise, 2006
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – 82nd TFS, Khatami AB, Iran, 1987
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New Line: JC Wings

JC Wings 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15C Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – 194th Fighter Squadron, 75th Anniversary, 2018 [Anniversary Scheme]

We’ve made the decision to stock a new line of 1:72 scale diecast military aircraft: JC Wings. Frankly, we’ve had our eye on this particular range for a very long time but haven’t had the chance to add them to our burgeoning product portfolio nor the room to stock their models until very recently. We’ve placed our opening order with our distributor, who hasn’t, as yet, provided a firm release date for any of these new introductions, although we’re presuming they will likely come to market some time later this summer. I did want to make mention that none of the JC Wings military aircraft comes with display stands, although separate display stands can be obtained from other sources.

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Precision Model Art Bolsters its Summer Line Up

PMA’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and Amphibious Gear

We learned that a new pair of armored vehicles have been added to the PMA arsenal; an updated 88mm FLaK gun in a Norman paint scheme, as well as a USMC M60 Patton tank outfitted with both Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and an amphibious snorkeling device. While neither subject is new to the PMA stable, they do, nonetheless, represent important additions since stocks of their previous incarnations are beginning to run down.

PMA’s 1:72 scale German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun – Normandy, 1944

No dates of release were listed so we are assuming they’ll hit the streets later this summer.

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On to Valhalla! Two Lines Take Their Bows and Sign Up for a Return Engagement

Luft-X 1:72 scale German Horten Ho 229 Fighter Bomber

Two years ago, a pair of highly successful lines we stocked suddenly went dormant, no longer available from our principal distributor or the manufacturer in Asia. The reason the lights went out may never fully be known in its entirety, seeing as how they were privately run companies that seemed to ebb and flow with the fickle fate of the marketplace.

Fast forward to 2021 and I’m proud to announce that both Luft-X and Wings of the Great War are returning to the fold, bigger and badder than ever. In fact, some models are expected to return as early as June, while a handful of previously announced but never released items are slated to finally make a soft landing this September. We’ve updated both sections and are now accepting pre-orders. Get ’em while you can.

Wings of the Great War’s 1:72 scale German Pfalz D.IIIa Biplane Fighter – Carl Degelow, Jasta 7, March 1918
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