Product Announcements

Modelcollect Sets Off on the Great Scud Hunt

Modelcollect has certainly proven it has the wherewithal to produce models of subject matter no one else has dared to touch

When the US-led Coalition forces sought to free Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991, they were initially unprepared for Saddam Hussein’s Scud missile barrage, and the mobile missile launchers that were carrying them. Based upon the Nazi’s V-2 rocket technology from WWII, the Scuds were certainly old technology, but nevertheless a potent thorn in the Allies’ side, launched at fixed sites deep within the Allies’ rear areas where they could do the most damage. What made them so effective wasn’t necessarily the missiles themselves, but the mobile missile launchers that schlepped them around Iraq, which would pop out of a hidden enclave, fire off a salvo, then hide again, making them particularly difficult to target and annihilate by strike aircraft. 

Last week, Modelcollect, as part of their deluxe vehicle series, announced plans to replicate the Scud and its mobile missile launcher, thereby, in an ignominious fashion, paying tribute to the death and destruction they once wrought. Thus far, only a model kit has been shown, but its just a matter of time before the Company makes available a pre-assembled set, further demonstrating its prowess as a model maker par excellence.

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Corgi Draws Inspiration from Hollywood

Corgi’s 1:72 scale replica of a USAAF Consolidated B-24H Liberator Heavy Bomber – Colonel Jimmy Stewart’s “Male Call”, 453rd Bombardment Group, RAF Old Buckenham, England, 1944

Looking to leverage the legendary star power of Hollywood, Corgi announced plans to build a 1:72 scale replica of a Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber that was piloted by none other than screen actor, Jimmy Stewart. While several legends of the silver screen enlisted in the military when their nation called upon them, Jimmy Stewart could be one of the most famous, leading an entire bomb group  to reek vengeance over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe during the latter stages of World War II. While he reportedly flew several bombers, “Male Call”, the lead ship of the 453rd Bombardment Group (AA34018) may be his most noteworthy, surviving the war having completed an impressive 95 bombing missions. In fact, she is thought to have been the only survivor of the original 61 aircraft assigned to the 453rd Bombardment Group, which arrived at RAF Old Buckenham airfield on January 21st, 1944. Look for “Male Call” to be called to action in October.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jimmy Stewart and his wartime experience, we strongly recommend Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe, which is available on Amazon.

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The Modelcollect Train Pulls into the Station

We’ve known for some time that Modelcollect was getting into the model train market, combining its expertise in military modeling with aspirations of becoming a major player in yet another hobby sector. Earlier today, the first two fully assembled items were unveiled – a pair of German flatcars circa 1943. While flatcars aren’t exactly going to set the world on fire, it does demonstrate that they have big plans ahead, likely offering armored trains in the not-too-distant future and perhaps other ancillary products aimed at building out the category. Both products have been listed on our web site in Modelcollect’s Railway Series sub category, along with a pair of two new tanks and some updated photos for several soon-to-be-released vehicles.

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Oxford Vertically Integrates with the Dragonfly

Oxford’s first ever 1:72 scale helicopter is going through a lengthy pre-flight checklist, and not expected to power up until the third quarter of 2019

Seems as if there are a number of diecast model makers trying their luck at the helicopter market. Earlier today, we learned that Oxford plans on testing the “choppy” waters with its first ever helicopter – a Royal Navy Westland Dragonfly HR.5 Utility Helicopter (WD001). Based upon the US Army’s Sikorsky S-51, the Dragonfly entered service with the Royal Navy in 1950, immediately employed in an air-sea rescue role. A number were also used by the Royal Air Force for casualty evacuation. It was replaced in British service by the Westland Whirlwind, another derivative of a Sikorsky design, in the late 1950s. Fifty-one civilian WS-51s were produced. Examples were used by Pest Control Ltd for crop spraying and others were flown as executive transports by Silver City Airways, Evening Standard Newspapers and Fairey Aviation. Exported aircraft operated in Japan, Belgian Congo, Mexico and Norway.

Interestingly, the Oxford model is not expected until the 3rd quarter of 2019, so if you intend on pre-ordering this item, understand that you may have to sit on your hands for at least a year before it materializes.

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Calibre Wings Shows Off More in the way of Suhkoi

Some manufacturers we don’t hear from for months on end while others seem loathe to dropping the mic anytime soon. Such is the case with Calibre Wings, who today posted pictures of yet another Suhkoi aircraft – the Su-17 “Fitter” fighter-bomber. The Su-17 is an ideal aircraft for model makers, one that can be modified, upgraded and retrofitted into both the Su-20 and Su-22. Since it was exported to seven countries around the world — from the Eastern bloc nations to a handful of Middle Eastern states — a wide array of liveries are also possible, some a bit more eclectic than others..A Yemeni Su-22, for example, may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list.

As a Cold War aircraft, the variable-wing Su-17 entered service way back in 1970 and, because of its endurance and numerous revisions, saw yeoman service in the near decade long war between Iran and Iraq, as well as the Russian incursion into Afghanistan. No fewer than 14 different Su-17 variants were fielded, from trainers to dedicated attack aircraft. While CAD drawings are making their way around the publicity circuit, its likely the first Su-17 won’t see service with the Calibre Wings’ air force until early 2019.

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When Rockets Ruled

Doodlebug Anyone? Modelcollect’s latest rocket has been updated to give it a late war motif.

We are getting closer to the release of Modelcollect’s second look at the V-1 rocket and now we have some close-up images to prove it. This go round, the ramp has been painted in a camouflage pattern, and the V-1 rocket itself now boasts an updated nose cone (AS72105), which resembles an early war Messerschmitt Bf-109. Their first issue V-1 is expected to return to stock as well (AS72068), although our distributor has indicated that this will be its final production run in order to give the newest version its proper due in the limelight.

Not to be out done, PMA’s fourth and perhaps final take on the German V-2 rocket is clad in a Gezackt or “ragged” camouflage pattern

In other news, Precision Model Art is expected to release the fourth take on their V-2 rocket. Their latest iteration has been broad brushed in a Gezackt (ragged) camouflage pattern, indicative of a late war operational scheme (P0323). Its entirely possible that they could be getting set to make even larger and more powerful rockets in the near future, given the success of the series to date. 

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Calibre Wings Increases Its Soviet Stars Series by One More Star

A battle for the hearts and minds of collectors is expected this autumn, as two modelmakers unleash their take on the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft

Looking to give Hobby Master a run for the money in the world of modern-era combat aircraft, Calibre Wings showed off a rough prototype of its next 1:72 scale project — a Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft. Debuted on their Facebook page, the Frogfoot, as NATO calls it, is one of those aircraft that can be displayed in a number of different configurations and liveries, none of which steps on the other in terms of sales potential. And, if you’re like me, enjoy aircraft with loads of ordnance and hardpoints to affix them to, then the Frogfoot scratches an itch and then some, thanks to a near infinite supply of different forms of weaponry.

Its not clear when the Frogfoot is expected or which aircraft will likely be replicated first, although we’re confident they’ll show up after Calibre Wings’ Su-24 Fencers have churned up the battlefield some time this summer.

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Corgi Exclaims, “Who Says Lightning Doesn’t Strike Twice?”

Corgi’s 1:48 scale RAF English Electric F.6 Lightning Fighter – XS927/N, RAF No. 74 Squadron “The Tigers”, RAF Tengah, Singapore, 1969

If you missed out on Corgi’s inaugural 1:48 scale English Electric Lightning then you can take comfort in knowing the manufacturer has another one fueling up in the hangar. The second version (AA28402) is based on an aircraft that flew with RAF No. 74 Squadron “The Tigers”, then deployed to RAF Tengah, Singapore, during 1969.

As one of the most famous squadrons of the Royal Air Force, No.74 ‘Tiger’ Squadron can trace its history back to July 1st, 1917, and has been associated with such classic fighting aircraft as the SE5a, Hawker Hurricane and Gloster Meteor since that date. For many enthusiasts though, its most poignant association has been with the mighty English Electric Lightning, an aviation icon of the Cold War Period and one of the most significant achievements of the British aviation industry. As the Squadron selected to welcome the Lightning into frontline service in the summer of 1960, the ‘Tigers’ went on to operate the F.3 variant, T.4 and T.5 trainers, along with the ultimate F.6 fighter version of the Lightning. Indeed, No.74 Squadron was again to be the first unit equipped with the definitive F.6 version of the aircraft, which was capable of being fitted with over-wing tanks to extend the operating range of this potent fighter and resulted in the Squadron being assigned to the RAF Far East Air Force, based at Tengah in Singapore. In June 1967, the Lightnings of No.74 Squadron began leaving Leuchars for their ferry flight to the Far East, with their arrival at RAF Tengah several days later relying on the support of no fewer than seventeen Victor tankers, which provided the aircraft with an essential air to air refuelling platform during their flight. After enforcing the effective air defence of the region for just over four years, the Lightnings of No.74 Squadron were flown to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, where they were handed over to the care of No.56 Squadron, prior to 74 Squadron being disbanded and bringing their proud association with Britain’s only indigenous supersonic fighter to an end.

Get your pre-orders in early cause their second take on this illustrious aircraft will likely sell out as quickly as the first.

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Hobby Master Hunts for Subs this October

 

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Lockheed S-3A Viking Anti-Submarine Aircraft – VS-29 “Dragonfires”, USS Enterprise (CVN-65), 1970s

When a Company heaps on added SKUs for a fourth quarter release, that’s generally viewed as a positive development in the industry since the manufacturer is willing to bet on the consumer for the upcoming holiday season and hopefully get as much mileage out of their product portfolio as possible. Hobby Master has been doing just that in recent months, pumping out added product that seems to supersede their monthly release schedules by leaps and bounds. 

Earlier today, they called attention to a new S-3A Viking anti-submarine aircraft (HA4907) that will ride on the coattails of their October releases. What makes this a significant offering is that the aircraft comes from Viking squadron (VS-29) “Dragonfires”, which served aboard the USS Enterprise during the 1970s. Obviously this means that collectors with a keen interest in “Big E” aircraft will get yet another warbird to round out their embarked squadron replicas. Better still, the price seems to have dropped for their newest Viking, down from a scale-tipping $118.99 to a much more manageable $100. 

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Air Force 1 Braves the AA Fire to Take a Swipe at Ploesti

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Consolidated B-24D Liberator Heavy Bomber – “Wongo Wongo,” 512th Bomb Squadron, 376th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, North Africa, 1943

Air Force 1 isn’t one of those diecast model makers that sticks to any hard-and-fast schedule when it comes to announcing new product. So when they do finally poke their heads out of their research and design room, it usually comes with a bit of fanfare.

With June just a day away, the Company drew back the curtains on “Wongo Wongo”, an odd-sounding Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber that served in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operation during WWII with the US 9th Air Force. Selecting “Wongo Wongo” as their inaugural 1:72 scale Liberator is a bit of a risk for several reasons. First, collectors typically associate the Allied bombing campaign as being waged from England and not North Africa. Second, “Wongo Wongo” never made it to its target, having succumbed to enemy anti-aircraft fire. And third, because it took wing from a North African air base, it is painted in desert sand rather than a European scheme, meaning it tends to stick out a bit in any diecast collection. 

While the choice of aircraft may be a wee bit risky, the aircraft type is as they say, “a no-brainer”, coming hot on the heels of a pair of best selling Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses. Its certainly priced right — carrying a MAP of $115.99 – making it an ideal companion piece to either of their Fortresses. Best of all, because its expected in August, collectors won’t have to wait long to wrap their mitts around this war winner.

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