Product Announcements – Page 21 – The Motor Pool

DeAgostini Removes the Chocks from its 1:72 Scale Warbird Line

We’ve had our eye on several partworks lines that are currently available around the world but have yet to make their way to the North American shores. One of them happens to be the DeAgostini range of 1:72 scale WWII era aircraft, a staple of the Japanese home market for a couple of years running. To date, the manufacturer has now released a whopping 97 different replicas, each accompanied by a Japanese written magazine that explains the aircraft and its role in combat in exquisite detail.

While most of the models in this range are based upon some of the better known fighters, seaplanes and reconnaissance aircraft produced by the Empire of Japan, there is a smattering of releases from the aerial armadas of other nations, meaning you’ll need quite a bit of shelf space to collect them all from start to finish even if you have no interest at all in Japanese warplanes.

Ordinarily, partworks manufacturers wait until each subscription-based line has run its course before making them available as open stock releases that can then be sold outside the home market. Interestingly, we’ve learned that some of the earliest releases are now available at one of our distributors and that they should be in stock at our warehouse by the end of this month. So, if you’re looking for a new line to collect or are simply interested in cherry-picking the range, we strongly recommend you keep an eye out for these models over the course of the next few months.

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Odeon Tries its Hand at Navigating the Field of Battle

Admittedly, we’ve never heard of Odeon, who, as it turns out, is a prolific maker of scale diecast automobiles that has cultivated a rather devoted following across Europe. Apparently, they too want to try their hand at military modeling, by offering up a pair of 1:43 scale WWII-era M4 Sherman tanks.

Currently, we’re not sure if anyone here in North America will be stocking the line or has any information concerning further releases beyond these two introductory vehicles. So, for now, we’ll post what we know right here and keep our fingers crossed that they are looking towards building out the category and hopefully inking a deal with one of our principal suppliers to carry their line of diecast military vehicles.

By the way, a special shout out goes to Achilletalon, a member of the Model Hanger III forum, for bringing these vehicles to everyone’s attention.

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Panzerkampf Gains Some Firepower for the Holidays

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale German Panzerhaubitze 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer – Woodland Camouflage

Our Panzerkampf category of diecast military vehicles has been lying fallow for several months now as we awaited news concerning the manufacturer’s release schedule. Apparently, several previously announced items have been pushed back by a few months into early 2020, no doubt to buy the manufacturer some time to fill production goals and work on other related projects. In the meantime, the following items are reportedly headed our way the third week of October, thereby making them available for the holiday rush:

#PZK12014 – US M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12073A – German Ground Self-Defense Forces M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) – Woodlands Camouflage (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12073B – US Ground Self-Defense Forces M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) – Desert Camouflage (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12042A – German Panzerhaubitze 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer – Woodland Camouflage (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12042B – German Panzerhaubitze 2000 Self-Propelled Howitzer – International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghanistan, 2010 (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12173PA – German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank – Woodland Camouflage (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12174PA – German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A7 Main Battle Tank – Woodland Camouflage (1:72 Scale)

#PZK12172PA – German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A5 Main Battle Tank – Woodland Camouflage (1:72 Scale)

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Oxford Scrambles its Aircraft for a 2020 Take Off

Oxford’s 1:72 scale Royal Navy Grumman Avenger Torpedo Plane – No.855 Squadron FAA, Hawkinge, England, June 1944

Best known for their budget-minded line of WWII-era aircraft, Oxford Diecast announced three more entrants to their aerial armada. Due out some time in 2020, the three warbirds include:

#OXFAC097 – Imperial Japanese Army Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa “Oscar” Fighter – 2nd Squadron, 50th Group, 1942 (1:72 Scale)

#OXFAC098 – RCAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXe Fighter – ML417, No. 443 “Hornet” Squadron (1:72 Scale)

#OXFAC099 – Royal Navy Grumman Avenger Torpedo Plane – No.855 Squadron FAA, Hawkinge, England, June 1944 (1:72 Scale)

We’ve also added the following warplane to their upscale range of aircraft known as History of Flight:

#SW005 – Royal Navy Supermarine Seagull Walrus Reconnaissance Aircraft – L2185, 712 Squadron, HMS Sheffield, 1937 (1:72 Scale)

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Minichamps: What’s Old is New Again

Minichamps’ 1:12 scale 1939 Triumph Speed Twin Motorcycle

Way back when, we did a fair business in the scale motorcycle category and, in particular, sold our fair share of Minichamps bikes. Several years ago, all of that changed when the manufacturer raised their prices substantially, cancelled a number of eagerly-awaited bikes, and generally took a wait-and-see attitude with the whole category that didn’t sit well with a number of folks. As a result, we decided to sell off what we had in inventory, cancel our orders, remove those listings that were no longer pertinent and focused on what we do best — sell diecast military products.

That said, Minichamps claims to be back in the motorcycle category and are looking to start up sales by reintroducing two of their previously sold out classics – a 1939 Triumph Speed Twin and a 1932 Brough Superior SS100 that was ridden by none other than “Lawrence of Arabia.” We’ve listed both bikes on our web site and have begun to accept pre-orders for each of them despite our reservations.

Minichamps’ 1:12 scale 1932 Brough Superior SS 100 Motorcycle – T. E. Lawrence “Lawrence of Arabia”

Now, anyone that knows Minichamps can immediately understand the predicament this course change put us in. While they make a terrific product that oftentimes appreciates in value once they are no longer available, they also do a less than stellar job of forecasting when their products will actually hit the market. Months have a habit of stretching into years, which means we have to constantly reassure our clientele that eventually they are going to happen. Presently, both bikes are slated for a fourth quarter 2019 release based upon information found on their own web site. The reality is that we do not know for sure if this is a pie-in-the-sky best guesstimate on their part or one that we can actually hang our hat on. So, if you’re willing to wait, sometimes years instead of months, and fully understand how this sometimes shakes out, then we are more than willing to accept your pre-order for either or both bikes and will do everything in our power to fill your orders in a timely fashion. Again, the ball is in Minichamps’ court — all we can do is wait for them to arrive on center court and serve the ball.

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The Forces of Valor Update: Chinese National Day and the Liaoning

Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force Liaoning Class Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier – Liaoning (CV-16), Hong Kong Visit, 2017

With National Day of the People’s Republic of China 2019 serving as a back drop, Waltersons took the opportunity today to formally introduce their 1:700 scale replica of the PLAAN Liaoning (CV-16) to the public. First announced more than two years ago, the manufacturer decided to delay its release so that they could update their original plans for the aircraft carrier. Much like their 1:32 scale vehicle series, the Liaoning will come in two flavors: the first (FOV861010A) represents the warship’s configuration as it sailed into Hong Kong harbor in 2017. A second portrayal (FOV861010B) shows the ship as it embarked upon its maiden ocean-going voyage in 2016.

According to the manufacturer, the model encompasses some 240 plastic and alloy parts as compared with 150 used in the construction of their model of the USS Enterprise. Furthermore, 80 pad printed decals have been used throughout, covering everything from identification tags to deck markings. Interestingly, the ship comes with a clear removable display arm attached to the bow and aft of the warship which can then be affixed with a 1:700 scale aircraft. A vertical display stand can be used to show a helicopter as it lifts off or lands. Best of all, a slew of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft also come with the warship, all meticulously researched based upon the latest declassified data and photographs available to the public.

As is customary with the Waltersons line of Forces of Valor warships, the Liaoning can be displayed in two manners. Collectors can sit the warship atop a pair of golden pillars that are attached to a simulated wooden display plinth finished with an etched metallic name plate. Conversely, collectors can detach the ship from its base and display the ship within a blue ocean-inspired shell, giving it a more realistic appearance.

Look for the first version of the Liaoning to make its maiden voyage into the retailer network this holiday season.

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Eaglemoss Drops Out of Hyperspace for NY Comic Con

Never one to disappoint, Eaglemoss today revealed a convention exclusive Star Trek starship that has to be seen to be believed. Available at the upcoming New York Comic Con, which is scheduled to run from October 3rd to the 6th, the “Cloaked Defiant” bears a somewhat crystalline look that attempts to portray the starship as if its was evading detection.

Its not clear if the convention exclusive will be made available to retailers as oftentimes has happened in the past or if it can only be purchased direct from the Show. That said, we’ll take a wait-and-see attitude by holding off listing the ship on our web site until we know for sure.

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Altaya Soldiers On with a New Line of Military Vehicles

As we await the formal conclusion to their 1:43 scale armored fighting vehicle range — which is tentatively set for early 2020 — it appears as if Altaya is launching yet another partworks line, this time around focused on an assortment of cars pressed into military service. According to their web site, this new 1:43 scale range will encompass some of the staff cars, off-road trucks and other vehicles that served both the Axis and Allied powers during WWII. Each will come with a magazine (written in french) discussing the vehicle at length. Moreover the line touts the usual bonus vehicles and accessories a subscriber can obtain once they have reached a predetermined number of orders . For now, the line is available in Europe but we have high hopes that it will eventually reach our shores once it too has formally reached its end and Altaya has moved on to something else collectors might covet.

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Six New Warships Join the DeAgostini Fleet

DeAgostini’s 1:1250 scale US Navy Essex Class Aircraft Carrier – USS Essex (CV-9) [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

Six more warships are joining the DeAgostini Kriegsschiffe fleet next month, adding more muscle and mass to an already growing naval armada. Here’s what you can add to your diecast flotilla the first week of October:

DAKS03 – German Kriegsmarine Deutschland Class Heavy Cruiser – DKM Admiral Graf Spee [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

DAKS13 – German Kaiserliche Marine Derfflinger Class Battlecruiser – SMS Derfflinger [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

DAKS18 – German Kaiserliche Marine Koenig Class Battleship – SMS Koenig [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

DAKS19 – German Kaiserliche Marine Blucher Class Armored Cruiser – SMS Blucher [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

DAKS24 – German Kriegsmarine Auxiliary Cruiser – Atlantis [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

DAKS06 – US Navy Essex Class Aircraft Carrier – USS Essex (CV-9) [With Collector Magazine] (1:1250 Scale)

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Hobby Master Pokes its Head Out of its Burrow for Groundhog’s Day

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Republic F-105G Thunderchief Wild Weasel Aircraft – 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Vietnam War

While we were basking in the warm summer sun, Hobby Master took the opportunity drench us with a cold wake up call by announcing a bevy of new products expected this February. The vehicles and aircraft cut across virtually every category, scale and era, so without further ado, here’s what you can look forward to adding to your collection early in 2020:

For the Ground Pounders:

#HG1704 – German Sd. Kfz. 2 NSU Kettenkrad Light Tractor – 20.Panzer Division, Russia, 1944 (1:48 Scale)

#HG3814 – US M20 Greyhound Light Armored Car – 1st Platoon, B Company, 807th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Germany, 1945 (1:72 Scale)

#HG5611 – Republic of China (Taiwanese) M60A3 Patton Medium Tank – Taiwanese Marine Corps (1:72 Scale)

For the aviation enthusiasts:

#HA5906 – Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Shenyang J-5 “Fresco C” Fighter – 1956 (1:72 Scale)

#HA5907 – Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Shenyang J-5 “Fresco C” Fighter – 1960s (1:72 Scale)

#HA6502 – Polish Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – “100th Anniversary” (1:72 Scale)

#HA6503 – German Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – Jagdgeschwader 73 “Steinhoff”, 1994 (1:72 Scale)

#HA4610 – RAF Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – ZM151, 2019 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)

#HA6203 – USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – “Pole Test Scheme”, 2012 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)

#HA6204 – USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – “ED-104”, Edwards AFB, California, 2016 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)