Product Announcements

The Horten Brothers, Literally and Figuratively Speaking

Luft-X 1:72 scale German Horten Ho 229 Fighter Bomber – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, National Air and Space Museum

We had thought that Luft-X was all but dead seeing as how nothing new has been announced from this resin model maker for the better part of five years. That said, it appears as if the creator of exotic German wunderwaffe aircraft is looking to make a comeback in 2023 with the release of not one but two versions of their highly sought after Ho 229 fighter-bomber. LUFT004 was released some time back and quickly sold out almost as soon as it made its maiden flight onto retailer’s shelves. A second version, dubbed LUFT004A, is based upon the aircraft currently on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, an annex of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. Both are scheduled to touch down in April and will likely get snapped up as quickly as they did on the first go round.

There’s a good chance that LUFT-X may resurrect several of their other previous releases as we amble further down the road in 2023, and hopefully add some new subjects once they re-establish their identity in the marketplace and gain traction among military aircraft collectors.

And, in a related announcement, Wings of Glory is re-releasing several of their resin-crafted WWI-themed military aircraft, once again demonstrating that they are looking to play a major role in the aviation sector. Look for their LZ 41 Zeppelin, Manfred von Richthofen’s Fokker Dr.I Triplane fighter, and Eddie Rickenbacker’s Spad XIII biplane fighter to soar over Flanders trenches this coming April.

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Hobby Master Belts Out, “More, More, More!”

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USAAF North American P-51B Mustang Fighter – Lieutenant Steve Pisanos, 334th Fighter Squadron “Fighting Eagles”, 4th Fighter Group, Essex, England, May 1944

Perhaps channeling or celebrating the life of the late great disco singer, Donna Summer, Hobby Master announced yet another wave of new diecast aircraft that are slated to hit the dance floor in September 2023. No surprises were included – rather most are based upon tried-and-true subjects that have sold well over the course of the last few years. Interestingly, a standard as well as a signature edition P-51 Mustang, based upon Steve Pisanos’ famed USAAF mount, is included in the mix even though the war hero passed away back in 2016. Not sure how they managed that but I’m sensing a theme here and I’ll let Hobby Master explain away that one. Anyway, here now the rest of the dance card:

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USAAF North American P-51C Mustang Fighter – Lieutenant William T Whisner, “Princess Elizabeth”, 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, RAF Bodney, England, 1944
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RCAF McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo Fighter – 409 “Nighthawk” Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, 1982
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF McDonnell F-101B Voodoo Fighter – 50-80308, 62nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron “Spike War Dogs”, Ki Sawyer AFB, Michigan, 1965
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF McDonnell F-4E Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 68-0531, 163rd Fighter Squadron “Blacksnakes”, 122nd Tactical Fighter Group, Fort Wayne, Indiana, May 1987
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16B Viper Fighter – 920458, “Top Gun”, 90th Anniversary of Naval Aviation, NSAWC, 2009 [Anniversary Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16A Viper Fighter – 920409, “Centennial of Naval Aviation”, 2006-2008 [Anniversary Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLD “Flogger-K” Fighter – “White 36” (1:72 Scale)
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAF Panavia GR. Mk. 1 Tornado IDS All-Weather Bomber – “Debbie”, ZD790, 31 Squadron, Bahrain, 1991 (1:72 Scale)
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Ukrainian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29C ‘Fulcrum-C’ Fighter – “Yellow 45,” “The Ghost of Kyiv”, Ukraine, 2022
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-35S “Flanker-E” Multirole Fighter – “Blue 01”, 116th Combat Application Training Center of Fighter Aviation, VKS, September 2022
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Grumman F-14D Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – 163904, VF-31 “Tomcatters”, September 2006 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – 71-0291, McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 1980

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Dragon Conjures Up More Armor for 2023

Neo Dragon Amor’s 1:72 scale Sd.Kfz.251/22 Ausf.D w/7.5cm PaK 40 – “Black 248”

As we finish up digging through an avalanche of new armor subjects, comes news that even more Neo Dragon Armor vehicles are slated for an early 2023 roll out. Frankly, its refreshing to see Dragon take such an active stance in reinvigorating the range, several years after the original Dragon Armor series of armored subjects reached the pinnacle of its success.

Looking ahead it comes as no surprise that Dragon would offer up a pair of German 251/22 halftracks as part of its 2023 lineup, perhaps hinting at their intent when they first indicated plans to re-release their time-tested Sd. Kfz. 251 halftrack earlier this year. The upcoming pair of 251/22 tracks are fitted with the infamous PaK 75 mm anti-tank guns, which were used with great effect to stem the tide of allied armor rolling across Europe in late WWII. And, if we had to guess, other 251 variants are waiting in the wings, likely signalling a cavalcade of re-purposed German APCs throughout the year.

Neo Dragon Amor’s 1:72 scale Sd.Kfz.251/22 Ausf.D w/7.5cm PaK 40

Also falling in for duty are two US-built M4A1(76W) Sherman medium tanks, which soldiered on late in the war even though they were no match for some of the heavier German armor they were tasked with engaging as the Allied armies advanced through northwestern Europe late in 1944.

Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale US M4A1(76)W VVSS Sherman Medium Tank – “Ferocious III”, 33rd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division, Belgium, 1944
Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale US M4A1(76)W VVSS Sherman Medium Tank – “Elowee”, 2nd Armored Division, France, 1944

Update: We woke up today to see four more new vehicles have been added to the Neo Dragon Armor lineup: two initial production Tiger I heavy tanks and a pair of Hummel tank destroyers. Needless to say, we’ve added these new entrants to our product portfolio and have begun accepting pre-orders but we do want to warn you that they are still several months away from being released here in North America. Remember, patience is a virtue!

Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 165 Hummel Self-Propelled Howitzer
Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 165 Hummel Self-Propelled Howitzer
Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Initial Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. H Heavy Tank – “White 243”, schwere Panzerabteilung 503, Rostov, 1943
Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Initial Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. H Heavy Tank – “White 100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 502, Leningrad, 1943
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With 2022 Drawing to a Close, Hobby Master Looks Ahead to 2023 for Continued Air Domination

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale French Dassault Rafale B Multirole Aircraft – Operation Chammal, Escadron de Chasse 14 “Gascogne”, 4e Escadre de Chasse, France, 2018

Without a doubt, Hobby Master has become the preeminent maker of finished diecast military aircraft. All you have to do is peruse their monthly release schedule to see just how many models they have in the works vis-a-vis other model makers. I think you’ll agree that they are not only in this to stay but to win in virtually every high-flying category save perhaps WWI fighters, drones and perhaps rotary-wing aircraft. And, its just a matter of time before these categories too become the stomping grounds of this behemoth, forcing others to scramble for the scraps.

That said, here’s what you can look forward to ogling and hopefully owning next summer:

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Cuban Revolutionary Air Force Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – 231st Fighter Squadron, San Julian Air Base, Cuba, 1997
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – “Red 32”, 906th Fighter Regiment, Russia, 1997
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Israeli Air Force Lockheed-Martin F-35A “Adir” Joint Strike Fighter – No.921, 140 Squadron “Golden Eagle”, Nevatim Airbase, Beersheba, Israel, 2021
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAAF Boeing F-18A Hornet Strike Fighter – A21-29, No.75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, 1990
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RCAF Boeing CF-188B Hornet Strike Fighter – 188902, 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron “Alouettes”, CFB Bagotville, Quebec, Canada, 2004
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – 11-5021, 65th Aggressor Squadron “Aggressors”, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2022
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft – 80-0221, 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 343rd Composite Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 1982
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 161350, VAQ-132 “Scorpions”, November 2006
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 “Emil” Fighter – Hauptman Siebelt Reents, Staffelkapitan of 1./Jagdgruppe 88, Spring 1939
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 “Friedrich” Fighter – “Yellow 14”, Hans-Joachim Marseille, 3./Jagdgeschwader 27, Libya, February 1942
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Air Force 1 Produces Everything But Air Force One

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Reconnaissance Aircraft

Its a tad ironic how a diecast model maker names itself after the US President’s venerable 747 jumbo jet yet somehow never gets around to making a model of it. You’d think the Presidential transport would be the first model out the door if they’re leveraging the name as a means of gaining instant notoriety. Be that as it may, AF1 will be unleashing a number of new models this January, all based upon previous best-selling releases, from the high-flying SR-71 Blackbird to a Tokyo-raiding B-25 Mitchell bomber. Here now a quick rundown of what’s in store this winter from, who else, but Air Force 1:

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF North American B-25B Mitchell Medium Bomber – “Hari Kari-er”, USS Hornet (CV-8), April 18th, 1942
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Xi’an JH-7 Fighter-Bomber
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Chengdu J-10A “Vigorous Dragon” Multirole Fighter
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi PAK FA T-50 Stealth Fighter – Gromov Flight Research Institute, Zhukovsky Air Base, Russia [Advanced Technology Demonstrator Scheme]

While their retail prices may have jumped somewhat over the last six months, AF1 continues to produce a series of high-quality model aircraft that continually sell well year-after-year. Heavy in the hand and offering great value vis-a-vis other similar lines, AF1 can certainly be forgiven for not making a Presidential transport if they continue to knock it out of the park with these and other superb replicas.

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JC Wings Sets its “Phaser” to Stun

JC Wings 1:72 scale Libyan Air Force Sukhoi Su-22 “Fitter” Fighter-Bomber – Gulf of Sidra, Libya, August 1981

While Hobby Master adheres to a monthly releases schedule, and Corgi now announces new products on a trimester basis, JC Wings typically unveils new items in so-called “phases” that aren’t tied to hard-and-fast dates on the calendar but rather hit the market in incremental stages. Phase 16, as they refer to it. has now been officially unveiled and, from what we hear, will likely reach the North American market in either January or February. Interestingly, their latest wave will come with metal display stands, although these will be packaged separately and may not be available in large numbers following the product’s initial roll out. Think of them as a bonus for early purchasers who would gladly accept the freebie when other makers bundle with their aircraft but bump up their prices include them.

No matter, we’ve curated their lineup and are now accepting pre-orders for the following items:

JC Wings 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Viper Fighter – 121st Fighter Squadron “Capital Guardians”, 113th Fighter Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Camp Springs, Maryland, 2011
JC Wings 1:72 scale US Navy Vought A-7E Corsair II Attack Aircraft – VA-86 “Sidewinders”, 1972
JC Wings 1:72 scale Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Grumman F-14A “Alicat” Fleet Defense Fighter – Iran, 2014
JC Wings 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18F Hornet Strike Fighter – VFA-41 “Black Aces,” 2016 [Anniversary Scheme]
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Corgi Still Feels the Need for Speed

Corgi’s Top Gun Maverick 2020 Maverick’s F/A-18 Hornet (Fit to Box)

Capitalizing on the success of their Showcase Series twin aircraft sets, Corgi unexpectedly announced the imminent arrival of a brand new SKU that focuses solely on Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s F/A-18 as depicted in the feature film Top Gun: Maverick. Nothing new has been added or embellished to the model but for those collectors that would prefer to nab his aircraft all by its lonesome, now you can do so. Best of all, these should be in stock by the beginning of October making them an ideal stocking stuffer for the upcoming holiday season. Word of advice — better “feel the need for speed” sooner rather than later cause these collectibles are almost certain to sell out once word pf Maverick’s legendary exploits spreads.

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Hobby Master Adds Even More Warbirds to Its July Roster

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopter – 73117, 1st Air Cavalry, Fort Hood, Texas, 2018

Like clockwork, Hobby Master added another flock of warbirds to its growing arsenal of diecast military aircraft. While no new toolings were unveiled, several new models are almost certain to turn heads, many of which have been requested for some time by ardent collectors. Here now the latest additions due out in July 2023.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Northrop T-38C Talon Jet Trainer – 69-7079, 49th Fighter Training Squadron “Black Knights”, Moody AFB, Georgia, 2006 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Northrop T-38C Talon Jet Trainer – 70-1576, 50th Fighter Training Squadron “Strikin’ Snakes”, Columbus AFB, Mississippi, 2009 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Cuban Revolutionary Air Force Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – 231st Fighter Squadron, San Julian Air Base, Cuba, 1997
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAAF General Dynamics F-111C “Aardvark” Strike Aircraft – “Pave Tack Prototype” A8-138, No. 1 Squadron, 1984-5
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Republic F-105G Thunderchief Fighter-Bomber – 63-8336, 17th Wild Weasel Squadron, 388 Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat RTAB, 1973
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15EX Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – 20-0002, 53rd Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, 2022 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter – “Daddy’s Girl”, Major Ray Wetmore, 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, East Wretham, Norfolk, 1945
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Corgi Fires Up the Holiday Kiln

Corgi’s 1:72 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 110E-2 (Trop) Destroyer – Zerstorergeschwader 26 “Horst Wessel”, Sirte, Libya, 1941

As promised, Corgi unveiled the third and last installment in their 2022 product roll out earlier this month. Several new aircraft are being introduced that are largely tapping into existing ranges, be they WWI fighters or WWII fighters. That said, one new range was launched — WWII: War Under the Sun, which, as its name implies, looks at aircraft flown by both sides of the conflict in the expansive Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. Here now the aircraft you can look forward to treating yourself this holiday season.

Corgi’s 1:72 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2 (Trop) “Gustav” Fighter – “Red 1”, Hpt. Werner Schroer, 8./Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, Gazala, Libya, 1942
Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Fighter – Wing Commander James Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson, No.127 (RCAF) Wing, 1944
Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Hawker Hurricane Mk. I Fighter – Squadron Leader Ian Richard “Widge” Gleed, No.87 Squadron, Exeter, England, 1940
Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Albatros D.V Fighter – 2263/17, Otto Kissemberth, Jasta 23, Puxieux, France, August 1917
Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Fokker D VII Fighter – Ltn. Kurt Monnington, Jasta 18, Halluin, France, March 1918

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Is Panzerkampf’s Pantsir Pricey?

We learned today that Panzerkampf’s upcoming Pantsir S-1 Mobile Self Defense System will carry a MAP of $114.99, a bit higher than where we thought it might be pegged when it was officially announced. Also, only one version will make it out the door in 2022. Six versions were originally displayed in their 2022 catalog but we’re guessing the manufacturer wants to see how the initial roll out goes before committing to the other schemes they touted.

It’s a bit difficult to forecast how the Pantsir will do at retail as compared with, say, their recently released M1070 heavy equipment transporter, a so-called “no-brainer” by some in the industry that will likely sell exceedingly well for the foreseeable future. For one its Russian as opposed to a US built piece of equipment, although that shouldn’t be considered a strike against it. Second, the inaugural vehicle sports the infamous “Z” plastered across it, which was used by Russian forces during the opening stages of their attack into Ukraine back in February 2022. Its a bit like hawking models of German Messerschmitts on September 2nd, 1939, with those big flamboyant swastikas adorning the aircraft’s tail fin. And lastly, there’s the price tag to consider, which is a bit more than we thought it would weigh in at prior to its main bout debut.

So, if you’re interested in this item, I would suggest pre-ordering soon because we will likely stock this item in very limited numbers for the holiday season. And, with our upcoming move to Florida, we cannot predict when we will have it available for restock should sales not live up to expectations.

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