Never one to shy away from the more intimidating projects, Calibre Wings unveiled their first-ever purpose-built display base designed to accommodate any of their F-14 Tomcats.The diorama is aimed at giving the model a sea-skimming appearance, kicking up a pair of waves as it rockets to its destination. According to the manufacturer, the twin supports shown in these photos will actually come in a transparent acrylic, which preserves the illusion of near-the-deck flying. No word on pricing or a release date just yet so keep your eyes peeled for further announcements if you’re interested in nabbing this cool-looking accessory. Ordering information should be passed along towards the end of April.
Six new Eaglemoss exclusives were announced on Facebook, meaning you’ll need a bigger curio cabinet to hold them all, and a fatter wallet.
In a rather surprising move, Eaglemoss is priming the pumps by coming out with six more exclusive ships in their rapidly expanding standard-sized Star Trek starships series. The six new bonus (chase) exclusives include:
– Rick Sternbach’s Federation USS Voyager Concept
– Klingon Bird-of-Prey configured in a landing position
– Federation Odyssey Class Starship – USS Enterprise NCC-1701-F
– FederationBonaventure Class Starship – USS Bonaventure (10281NCC)
– Doug Drexler’s Federation Voyager Concept – USS Altair
– Federation Assimilated USS Voyager
We’re of the opinion that they will most likely get released in staggered fashion over the course of the summer and fall, thereby giving people enough time to recharge their wallets if they are looking to collect all six ships. Naturally, each will come with a full-color collector magazine and will likely be sought after by Trekies world over.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969
Like clockwork, Hobby Master debuted their monthly introductions, this one scheduled for a September release. The range includes a second look at the B-26K Counter Invader (HA3225), the first having sold out nearly as quickly as it was first introduced. A number of handsomely painted aircraft are also being touted, including a digital cam Ukranian Su-25 Frogfoot (HA6105), a red hot Czech MiG-23 (HA5307) and D-Day Commemorative A-10 Warthog (HA1326).
The 1:48 scale line up reintroduces the Kettenkrad tractor
Also, of note, are a pair of 1:48 scale Kettenkrad tractors, which bodes well for both their military vehicle line up as well as their larger 1:48 scale grouping. We are still fine tuning the new additions but in the mean time, you can begin to pre-order any of the new products from our web site.
Modelcollect’s 1:72 scale Fist of War German WWII E-75 Heavy Panzer – 1946 (1:72 Scale)
April is notorious for being a dry month as far as new products go simply because of the effects of Chinese New Year, and its overall impact on the supply chain. That said, Modelcollect seems to have filled the hole nicely, with nine new vehicles expected to arrive mid month. The grouping includes:
AS72086 – T-80U Main Battle Tank – Russian Army, Biathlon, 2013
AS72087 – 128mm FLaK 40 with Kreuzlafette Mount – Germany, 1944, Grey
AS72088 – Set of Two Rheintochter Mobile Surface-to-Air Missiles – Germany, 1946
AS72089 – T-72AV Main Battle Tank – Soviet Army, 1980s
AS72090 – “Fist of War” German E-75 Ausf.Vierfuessler Heavy Panzer
AS72092 – T-90A Main Battle Tank – 2nd Guards Motor Rifle Division “Tamanskaya,” Russian Army, Victory Day Parade, Moscow, 2010
AS72093 – E-100 Super Heavy Tank with Krupp Turret – German Army, 1946, Three-Tone Camouflage
AS72094 – T-80UK Main Battle Tank – 4th Guards “Kantemirovskaya” Tank Division, Russian Army, Open Day, 2017
Modelcollect’s German E-100 Heavy Tank with Krupp Turret and 128mm Gun – Ambush Camouflage, 1946
Of note is the first item in the Company’s Fist of War series, a pseudo-scientific proprietary range that seems to meld off-the-shelf military technology with strange futuristic applications. As usual, the cache also contains more derivatives of the T-72/T-80/T-90 main battle tanks, a category that seems to remain at the heart of Modelcollect’s model building passion. And, rounding out the cache are three more WWII-era items: an E-100 super heavy tank, a German 128mm FlaK 40 anti-aircraft gun and finally a pair of Rheintochter Mobile Surface-to-Air Missiles. Great value at great prices!
Modelcollect’s 1:72 scale Russian T-90A Main Battle Tank – 2nd Guards “Tamanskaya” Division, Victory Day Parade Red Square in Moscow, May 9th, 2010
A few months back, Hobby Master announced their intent to offer a 1:72 scale build of the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot (HA6101), a ground attack aircraft designed along the sames lines as the US A-10 Warthog. However, late yesterday, we learned that a different version will ship first this June (HA6103) and that the original model has been pushed back all the way until February 2019. As one forum member pointed out when HA6101 was announced, “it would have been nice to have included that big red star on the tail of the aircraft, to give it that menacing look we’ve all associated with Soviet aircraft.” We’re betting this is the principal reason for the line-up change and that other Frogfoots will more than likely come clad with the same star.
Hobby Master’s 1:700 scale US Navy Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser – USS Ticonderoga (CG-47)
In other news, Hobby Master revealed images for their forthcoming USS Ticonderoga (HSP1001), a 1:700 scale guided missile cruiser that will form the nucleus of the new Hobby Master navy. Finely detailed and designed to work in conjunction with other 1:700 scale naval forces, it looks as if Hobby Master is in the warship game for the long haul, with other meaningful releases not-too-far down the road.
Its no secret that Hobby Master has witnessed great success in the 1:48 scale aviation market, taking the hobby by storm with each new subject they put forward. So, it came as no surprise that their next 1:48 scale warbird would look to up the score, by turning back the hands of time to the earliest days of World War II when the conflict in the PTO was still very much in doubt. Scheduled for an August roll out, their latest aircraft is based upon the venerable Grumman F-4F Wildcat, a fighter that was outmatched by the Japanese Zero in virtually every category. Their inaugural aircraft pays tribute to the Cactus Air Force, a conglomeration of US military aircraft tasked with defending Guadalcanal and its newly conquered airfield dubbed Henderson Field (HA8901). Obviously, more versions are in the works, but we thought this particular warbird could be their most noteworthy of the bunch.
If you live, eat, and breathe Star Trek, then this story should come as welcome news. According to sources, Hero Collector, a division of Eaglemoss that helps to promote their latest products across all brands, will publish two new reference books towards the end of 2018, heretofore dubbed Star Trek: Shipyards. Designed along the same lines as the Jane’s Fighting Ships series of pictorial reference guides, the books are being co-authored by brand manager Ben Robinson and Marcus Riley, and will encompass all of the Federation ships portrayed in the Star Trek universe and Star Trek Discovery spin-off series. Word has it that each will contain a special collectible, although its not clear if this will be a memento, such as a pin, or perhaps one of the ships portrayed in Star Trek. No word concerning the length of each book, the depth and breadth of each ship discussed, nor price, although the first of the two reference books is expected this September. In the meantime, here’s some cover art to whet your appetite until we have something more substantial to feed you.
In other news, we’ve learned that Eaglemoss, in conjunction with Hero Collector, will be producing a fourth installment in their reference material series. The latest perfect-bound, hard cover book will cover over 30 different starships, all christened Enterprise, thereby providing a behind-the-scenes look into their creation, schematics and storied existence. Look for it to appear on book shelves later this year.
Now working on its ninth iteration of the venerable McDonnell F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber, Air Commander announced it would take on the Jolly Rogers as its next subject. Pegged for a May release, the vaunted VF-84 will finally get a Phantom to call their own, this one commemorating a warbird that served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62), then deployed off Vietnam during 1965 (AC1009). Its no secret that Air Commander offers the most detailed look at the Phantom, so this particular replica will likely go fast once it screams off the deck.
Eaglemoss’ Battlestar Galactica Space Battleship – 2004 Series
While we are still awaiting the release of their first Battlestar Galactica ship, Eaglemoss, through its Hero Collector subsidiary, announced the next pairing of ships drawn from the Galactica universe. The first is a replica of the Battlestar Galactica space battleship, as it was portrayed in the 2004 televised series (EMBGS03).
Eaglemoss’ Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper Mark I Fighter – 1978 Series
The second is a Colonial Mark I Viper fighter, as it was originally envisaged way back in 1978 (EMBGS04) in the original televised series. The manufacturer has gone on record to say that they will be shipping a new ship every couple of months, so don’t expect to take these beauties home for several more months.
I’m a big Jeep fan. There, I said it. In fact, I think I’m on my fifth Jeep Cherokee, having gotten one in every conceivable package and color except for olive drab. So, when I heard that Welly’s 1:18 scale World War II era Jeep was sold out late last year, I grew a little despondent. A Jeep support group was a phone call away when we learned yesterday that Welly brought back their venerable off-roader for an encore appearance, this time sporting a faux canvas top.
I think I need to top off the Freon, not!
Boasting an opening hood, detailed engine compartment and other goodies, their new Jeep is back in stock and carrying the same sticker price, thereby making it a perfect gift for any occasion.
