Product Announcements

Hobby Master Ups the Ante for June

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor Air Dominance Fighter – 04-4070, 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53d Test and Evaluation Group, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 2022 [Symbiote Reflective Coating]

With other modelmakers continuing to struggle to pump out new product, Hobby Master proved why they have become the dominant manufacturer of diecast military aircraft. Their latest leaflet shows a dozen new warbirds are being added to the mix, all supposedly slated for a June 2024 release. Interestingly, most of these new introductions are based upon US-built aircraft, most notably their second look at the experimental F-22 Raptor currently undergoing testing at Nellis AFB in Nevada.

Unlike the first “Chrome” scheme that appeared on a previous F-22, this so-called “symbiote” scheme is far less reflective yet intended to attain the same effects – i.e. reduce the radar cross section of the F-22, which, as many experts claim, is already the size of a small bird on most radar apparatus. According to the Aviationist, “it features smaller, mirror-like tiles applied on the nose section, weapons bay doors, fuselage and also inner and outer face of the twin tails.” Apparently, these new schemes are also being tested on the US Navy’s F-35C Joint Strike Fighter as well as the USAF F-117A stealth fighter, meaning these aircraft will likely be around for far longer than was originally intended, even as the upcoming Next Generation Air Dominance fighter (NGAD) approaches its initial production run date. Moreover, its a good bet Hobby Master will eventually get around to releasing “chrome” versions of these aircraft types.

Feel free to visit our October 2023 introductions to review all of the other new replicas due out alongside their newest F-22. Incidentally, the accompanying video does an excellent job of explaining the current thinking behind the F-22’s new super-secretive stealthy cladding and its potential implications for both air combat as well as the forthcoming NGAD program, which is rapidly reaching the selection process in 2024.

In other news, we’ve received word that Hobby Master will be including a pair of interchangeable air intakes with each F-15 Eagle multi-role fighter – one version is canted at a downward angle while the other is angled horizontally. The air intakes on an F-15 jet are pointed slightly downward to prevent the ingestion of foreign object debris (FOD) while the aircraft is on the ground. This is known as a “ground bump” and is designed to keep debris out of the engine while the aircraft is taxiing or parked. Additionally, the angle of the air intake also helps to reduce drag and improve the aircraft’s overall aerodynamic performance.

Also scheduled for inclusion will be interchangeable speed brakes. This updated packaging will begin with the upcoming HA4536 and continue with each version of the F-15 (A through EX). No word if this modification will affect the price of each unit.

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Panzerkampf Bulks Up

Panzerkampf’s 1:64 scale US HMMWV M1046 Humvee with TOW Missile Launcher – KFOR

In a curious development, Panzerkampf announced over the weekend that they would soon be building out their product portfolio by adding 1:64 scale military vehicles to the mix. Two Humvees were shown on their Facebook account, both featuring four-wheel steering, opening engine bonnets and a detailed undercarriage. Its unclear if the doors and rear compartment will swing open as well. Earlier, we reported that Forces of Valor was planning on re-developing its own line of 1:64 scale military vehicles largely due to their take over of Greenlight Collectibles earlier this year.

Panzerkampf’s 1:64 scale US HMMWV M1046 Humvee with TOW Missile Launcher – Desert

No word was provided on the cost of the items, dates of availability and other products scheduled for inclusion in this new line. We are presuming that these vehicles will be marketed under their Panzerkampf label as opposed to their entry-level Legion Models line.

The Humvee’s four-wheel drive as exemplified by its’ two axles angled at opposing directions
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Panzerkampf Tosses Out the Bumerang

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian VPK-7829 Bumerang K16 Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier – Moscow Victory Parade

Hinted at some time ago when their family of Kurganets infantry fighting vehicles was first shown, Panzerkampf is now following up by beefing up their Russian arsenal with a gaggle of Russian-built VPK-7829 Bumerang APCs/IFVs. Two releases are based upon the K16 amphibious armored personnel carrier variant and a second pairing are based upon the K17 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. Europe is well known for its litany of major and minor rivers that run in a north-south direction, so having a troop carrier on hand is important should they ever consider amphibious operations where bridges have either been blown or are nowhere to be found.

Since they are wheeled vehicles instead of being fully tracked, its not likely that the Bumerang will be of much service to the nation’s Arctic Defense Forces that are used to seeing snow ad infinitum in the northern reaches of Russia. As a result, the Bumerang will eventually replace older BTR-60s and BMPs that have been in service with the Russian armed forces since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian VPK-7829 Bumerang K17 Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle – Woodlands Camouflage

Its not clear when the Bumerangs will actually become available, so we are listing them as early 2024 releases unless we hear otherwise.

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Corgi Dons its Flying Goggles for the Holidays

As expected, Corgi unveiled its final set of aircraft introductions for 2023. The range cuts across a number of fronts in World War II, from early war night fighters to late war jet fighter-bombers. The manufacturer even put together this accompanying video, which does a terrific job of explaining each model in greater detail. We invite you to take a look and place your pre-orders as soon as possible.

Corgi’s Fit-to-Box Star Trek Federation Galaxy Class Starship – USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D

Besides military aircraft, Corgi officially kicked off the start to their all-new Star Trek series. Models are designed to fit within a uniform sized box, so there is no set scale for each of the models. Two replicas of the USS Enterprise will initially make the cut: one based upon the original TV series and the second upon the Next Generation franchise. No word if non-Federation-based ships will be added to the range, nor the rate at which new models will be added, given the demise of the Eaglemoss Star Trek line of ships and affiliated merchandise.

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Dragon States, “Who Dares Wins”

In a rather startling development, Dragon announced today plans to move into the 1:35 scale pre-assembled market with no less than three different versions of the world-famous SAS desert raiders jeep. Each is a slight variation on the other, with the twin Vickers machine gun positioned towards the front of the vehicle in two examples and aft in the passenger compartment in the third. Jerry cans are abundant throughout as are spare tires and other paraphernalia that were utilized in the harsh desert sands of North Africa during WWII. Each vehicle is being sold separately, although no word as yet if figures will eventually be offered. Thus far, pricing and release dates are up for grabs. Its unclear if other 1:35 scale pre-built soft-skinned replicas are in the offing, such as Kubelwagens or Dodge light trucks, and whether or not the series will eventually encompass larger vehicles including heavier trucks, half-tracks and tanks, although a Jagdtiger was hinted at previously.

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Forces of Valor Gets Smaller

Forces of Valor’s 1:64 scale US M4A3E8(76)W Sherman Medium Tank – “Thunderbolt VII”, 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Germany, 194

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.

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Dragon Emphatically says, “They’re Back!”

No longer content to offer up a handful of new items at a time, Dragon uploaded a collage of new products that are purportedly in the pipeline, demonstrating once and for all that they’re back in the pre-assembled game. Initially, we thought these were model kits languishing on the drawing board but after taking a closer look realized these were some of the newest pre-assembled replicas intended to grace everyone’s curio cabinets over the course of the next year or so. Of particular note is a Patrol Boat, River, or PBR, which was the United States Navy designation for a small rigid-hulled patrol boat used in the Vietnam War from March 1966 until 1975, and used with great effect across the Mekong Delta in the southern region of South Vietnam. No scale was listed, so we’re assuming it’ll be headed downstream in 1:35 scale since Tamiya, their principal competitor, already makes a kit of the PBR in that size.

We’re not certain if this new branch will retain the Neo Dragon Armor moniker or be christened with a more naval sounding sub brand in line with what they are modeling. If they decide to bring back their Dragon Warbirds or Space ranges, the same can be said for these categories.

Getting back to their armor subjects, two Calliope rocket-launching tanks were shown, along with a vast array of modern era armored fighting vehicles too numerous to list here, many of which have seen action on the field of battle in the Russo-Ukrainian War. For now, we’ll hold off posting each new vehicle to our site since no pricing nor other pertinent information was alluded to in the image. Bear in mind that each vehicle type shown in the accompanying collage typically means that Dragon is developing two-four models, all in differing schemes, variants and other markings. That said, 2024 is looking like a strong year for armored fans, many of whom have been picking and choosing from amongst a handful of new releases for the last several years.

It would appear as if Dragon will once again be selling fully assembled 1:35 scale models. Unfortunately, pricing hasn’t been established, so we’re probably looking in the neighborhood of $200 a pop for a new vehicle, if pricing for their 1:72 scale vehicles can serve as the basis for conjecture

In another related development, it would appear as if Dragon will be starting up a new range of pre-assembled models, this time around in 1:35 scale. A few days ago, Dragon posted this image of a 1:35 scale model sitting alongside a 1:72 scale replica to their Facebook account. Initially, it wasn’t clear if the larger replica was simply a model kit used for size comparison purposes. However, Dragon typically uses a four-digit SKU code for their kit range and a five-digit code for its pre-assembled vehicles. If true, this would certainly come as welcome news, since its been some years since Dragon offered up their larger scale models in fully assembled form. While not exactly the same size as Forces of Valor’s slightly larger 1:32 scale vehicles, they are close enough to be used in dioramas and military-themed vignettes.

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Hobby Master Breaks Out Their Spring Lineup

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Israeli Dassault-Breuget Mirage III Fighter – Yoram Agmom, 101 Squadron, Hatzor Air Base, Israel, July 1966

Like clockwork, Hobby Master announced its latest gaggle of warbirds, all of which are scheduled to fly-in between March and May of 2024. Its an eclectic lineup, with lots to choose from and all sorts of models depicted for the discriminating collector

Of note is their first ever Dassault Mirage III fighter, which is cloaked in Israeli markings and drawn from a 1966 engagement between Israeli pilot, Yoram Agmom, and several Syrian fighters. Agmom would go on to become the first Mirage III pilot to earn a kill in his delta-winged fighter. A number of re-hashed aircraft are also in the mix, as well as several proven favorites, such as their latest F-22 Raptor, F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, and everyone’s perennial hero, a Grumman F-14F Tomcat, this time bearing the markings of VF-31 “Tomcatters”. Enjoy!

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Dragon Continues to Fire Up the Heavies

Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann, “212”, schwere SS Panzerabteilung 101, Normandy, France, Summer 1944

We were patiently awaiting an image for the upcoming Tiger I tank commanded by famed ace, Michael Wittmann – a model that was announced two weeks ago, only to discover an additional pair of Tigers are in the offing as well as a couple of Jagdpanther tank destroyers. This makes three Tiger I tanks that were fielded by Wittmann during the fierce fighting for Normandy in the summer of 1944; a familiar pattern by Dragon when it comes to pumping out models based upon famous aces. No doubt, an Otto Carius Tiger I will eventually put in an appearance along with other panzer aces previously depicted in their standard Dragon Armor series.

Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann, “222”, schwere SS Panzerabteilung 101, Normandy, France, Summer 1944

The two Jagdpanthers shown on the Dragon web site are equally appealing even though they do not represent vehicles commanded by known tank aces. Still, they fill in a conspicuous hole in the Neo Dragon Armor lineup, which will no doubt be bolstered by other versions of the Jagdpanther.

Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann, “007”, schwere SS Panzerabteilung 101, Cintheaux, France, Summer 1944
Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther Ausf. G1 Tank Destroyer – Unidentified Unit, Summer Camouflage

While we’ve opened up the pre-order window for all of their latest models, we do not as yet have a firm release date for all of their latest introductions.

Neo Dragon Armor’s 1:72 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther Ausf. G1 Tank Destroyer – Panzerkorps “Grossdeutschland”, Memel, Prussia, Germany, Winter 1944
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Wings of the Great War Takes Wing Again

We’ll be the first to admit that its been awhile since we received a shipment of models from Wings of the Great War. But as they say, patience is a virtue and we’re happy to report the impending arrival of three previously released 1:72 scale World War I era military aircraft. The list includes a U.S. Air Service Spad XIII Biplane Fighter piloted by famed ace 1st Lt. Eddie Rickenbacker ((WW15001), a German Fokker Dr.I Triplane Fighter commanded by the “Red Baron” himself, Manfred von Richthofen and a 1:700 German Imperial Navy LZ 41 Zeppelin (WW19901), .

While its certainly wonderful to receive some re-stocks, the Company that oversees the production of these models claims that newer aircraft are currently in the works. We’re not certain when some new items will be announced but typically this occurs after a known batch of products, such as the one soon-to-arrive, is finally made available.

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

Since the Luft-X line is made in the same factory as Wings of the Great War, we are also eagerly awaiting a shipment of their latest warbirds, which includes two versions of the Horten Ho 229 fighter-bomber — a super-sleek fighter-bomber that currently hangs in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, at the National Air and Space Museum.

Look for all of these warbirds to soar over the diecast battlefield next week.

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