Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Bort 053”, MAKS 2019 Aviasalon Air Show
Even though their shipments have fallen behind schedule, that doesn’t mean Hobby Master hasn’t set its eyes on the coming year. Several new warplanes were announced recently, perhaps the most notable being their first 1:72 scale Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighter, which is clad in a scintillating digital camouflage scheme. Here now the list of what you can look forward to nabbing in early 2021:
We’ve learned that another six warships in DeAgostini’s Kriegsschiffe warships line are slated for a September arrival, perhaps the most notable being the German battleship Bismarck. Unless we hear otherwise, each comes bundled with a German written full-color magazine chock full of photos and information regarding each warship. Here now the latest additions to DeAgostini’s growing range of naval vessels:
We were a bit confused several years ago, when Dragon decided to pull up stakes in the 1:6 scale action figure market and stopped producing one of their bread-and-butter lines. Admittedly, prices were starting to rise exponentially from where they started out in the early 2000s, and, when combined with rising competition, likely spelled the end for a series once hailed as the gold standard among action figure collectors.
Apparently, we gave then a standing 10-count well before they were ready to leave the arena. Earlier today, Dragon posted a teaser image on their Facebook page indicating they plan on making a return to the 1:6 scale action figure market, although no further details were provided. So, we’ll follow this lead where ever it takes us, and post news of any new offerings the minute they raise their head and expose themselves to return, and quite possibly, friendly fire.
Barely a day after we first announced plans to resume carrying the Calibre Wings line of military comes in-depth news concerning their upcoming F-16 Fighting Falcon. First hinted at a few years back, and occasionally discussed online in conjunction with different hobby expos, Calibre Wings recently put together a 21-minute video montage explaining the model in detail, which includes the amount of metal being used in its construction, salient features, how the aircraft can be taken apart, and multiple display configurations. While I’d love to go into greater detail and gush over its accuracy, we thought it best to whet your appetite by embedding the manufacturer’s video here. Bear in mind that the model shown is a Block 52 version of the F-16. Follow-on models will be based upon newer builds of the Fighting Falcon, which now come with conformal wing tanks attached to the upper surfaces of the aircraft giving them extended flying time. Enjoy!
Calibre Wings’ 1:72 scale US Navy Grumman F-14D Super Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter
We’ve had a difficult time getting Calibre Wings’ line of military aircraft with any regularity from a reliable seller so we’ve decided what better way to bring them back into the fold than to buy direct. Beginning in October, we plan on carrying the core line of Calibre Wings models which covers their F-14 Tomcats and Su-24 Fencers, along with several of their newer models, among them the Lockheed U-2 spy plane, General Dynamics’ F-16 Fighting Falcon and Convair B-58 Hustler strategic bomber. Based upon fan reaction, all of these models are doing fabulously well at retail, so we expect much the same results when they return to stock. The pre-order window is now open and the first batch of aircraft are expected to arrive some time next month.
Even though they shuffled their release schedule for the balance of 2020, that hasn’t prevented Hobby Master from putting another gaggle of warbirds on the September tarmac. Here’s what you can look forward to nabbing in the months ahead:
As I alluded to earlier, Hobby Master has been moving some projects up in the schedule and others back, so its entirely possible that these are initial release dates that could be altered in the months ahead. Food for thought as we near the all-important holiday selling season.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18XT Advanced Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 168492, 2013 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Like clock work, Hobby Master announced their latest spate of new models due out some time in December. While several intriguing new schemes were shown, the most notable new inductee into the pantheon of Hobby Master aircraft models is a F/A-18XT Advanced Super Hornet Strike Fighter, the latest generation of versatile combat aircraft that are designed to beef up the US Navy’s arsenal of aerial assets. Here now the newest military hardware in the pipeline:
PMA’s 1:72 scale German V-2 Long-Range Guided Ballistic Missile with Meillerwagen Launch Trailer and Brennstand – V-2 Rocket Division, Dark Grey and White [Test Scheme]
Seems as if more and more modelmakers are beginning to show signs of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier today, Precision Model Art (PMA) showed four new military vehicles on their web site, three of which are new takes on something old.
Just when you thought you’d seen every version of the V-2 vengeance rocket comes a new variant, this time around painted in a dark green and white test scheme. Frankly, I had never seen this version prior to today, so it never hurts to pay attention to what careful research and dedication to one’s craft can bring to market.
PMA’s 1:72 scale German Karl-Gerat Super Heavy Self-Propelled 60cm Mortar – “Thor”, schwere Artillerie Abteilung 833, Sevastopol, Russia, 1942
Also up for your consideration is a repainted Karl-Gerat mortar which now bears the name “Thor” on its sides. No doubt other mortars will eventually make its way into the pipeline, once inventory levels have been pared down and consumer interest remains high.
PMA’s 1:72 scale IDF Magach 6B Blazer Medium Tank with KMT-4 Mine Roller – Operation Peace for Galilee, Lebanon, 1982
Third on the docket is this Israeli Defense Force Magach 6B Blazer (Patton M60A1) that has been affixed with a KMT mine roller, which was used with great effect in mine clearing the way for the Israeli armored forces as they drove deeper into Lebanon during Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982.
PMA’s 1:72 scale Iraqi BM-21 Grad Mobile Rocket Launcher – Operation Inherent Resolve, 2017
Lastly, there’s a 1:72 scale replica of a Russian-built BM-21 Grad mobile rocket launcher that was in the employ of Iraqi Ground Forces as it grappled with ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve. An interesting choice for PMA that will undoubtedly be brought back at a later day and likely clad in the markings of the Soviet Army during their invasion of Afghanistan in 1980.
All four new subjects are expected to waylay the hobby sometime later this year.
Looking to get the most mileage out of their existing molds, Dragon announced that they were revisiting their Stryker armory and producing three new versions of previously released Neo Armor vehicles. The vehicles, which include a M1296 Dragoon Armored Personnel Carrier, M1134 Stryker ATGM Guided Missile Vehicle, and M1128 Mobile Gun System, are identical to three earlier efforts although at least one comes caked with a layer of dust to the vehicle’s exterior as can be seen in the accompanying image. Thus far, its not clear if the new assortment will come with any chase vehicles, which oftentimes command higher than market prices due to their limited availability, although we’re willing to bet they won’t. All three vehicles are expected later this summer, so run don’t walk to our updated Dragon Armor section if you plan on nabbing any or all of these re-treads.
Frankly, we’ve been surprised by the success of DeAgostini’s 1:72 scale WWII-era Military Aircraft series, a line of fighters that comes attractively packaged in Japanese-only marketing material. Its a bit difficult to talk up a range when we’re not even sure what the text both inside and outside the box says, although we’re pretty confident collectors aren’t purchasing the line just for the prose. Nevertheless, the models continue to sell extremely well, and we’ve had to re-order several of the models numerous times to maintain inventory. That said, four more fighters are expected to arrive in July, along with yet another restock of models that have been out-of-stock for several weeks running. Here’s what you can add to the DeAgostini stable in just a week’s time:
