Product Announcements – Page 51 – The Motor Pool

Dragon Returns to Space in a Big Way

Apparently, Dragon’s on-again, off-again Space program has been taken off life support and will soon be offering two 1:48 scale dioramas. First announced way back in 2011, and now showing up again on the Dragon web site, the two upscaled dioramas feature the Apollo 11 “Eagle” Lunar Module (#DRW52501) as well as a matching Apollo 11 Command Service Module (CSM) (#DRW52503).

Unlike their previous 1:72 dioramas, the new and much larger 1:48 scale vignettes boast added-features and detail that could not be integrated into the smaller sets. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that the new sets (along with a handful of previously released 1:72 scale sets now being reissued) will indeed be cleared for liftoff this July.

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Eaglemoss Turns Up the Heat this June

It looks as if we’re going to be doing the back stroke in new Eaglemoss 1:43 scale military vehicles this June. After returning from vacation, we learned that a further nine new vehicles are expected during the back half of June, heretofore dubbed “the second wave”. The nine beachcombers include a Pz Kpfw. 38 (t) medium tank (EM040), Dodge WC54 Ambulance (EM037), Sdkfz 251/1 Hanomag Half Track (EM038), French Peugeot DMA Light Truck (EM039), Ford M20 Armored Utility Car (EM041), Horch Kfz.15 Staff Vehicle (EM044), M3 75mm Gun Motor Carriage (EM047), and a Volkswagen Schwimmwagen (EM049). Get your pre-orders in early cause these are going to fly out!

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Secret Projects Abound at Luft-X

Earlier this week, we were disappointed to learn that the next pair of Luft-X secret weapons aircraft were being delayed until July. Today, however, we learned that three more aircraft are winging their way off the drawing board and into collector’s homes around the September-October time frame. The trio include a German Messerschmitt Me 329 Fighter (#LUFT005), a German Blohm und Voss P.209.02 Fighter (LUFT006) and a German Focke-Wulf Ta 283 Interceptor (LUFT007). Priced at just $34.99, the Luft-X aircraft were an immediate hit with aviation buffs world wide and the introduction of three more secret weapons of the Luftwaffe will be welcome news to all.

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Eaglemoss Sails the Sea Lanes

On Wednesday, we expect to receive a large back order shipment of Eaglemoss warships which encompasses some 11 SKUs. Additionally, the next five warships are on track for an early May arrival, right after we get back from a week’s vacation. The latest squadron includes the following ships:

— IJN aircraft carrier Shokaku, 1942 (EMGC14)

— IJN light cruiser Nagara, 1936 (EMGC33)

— IJN heavy cruiser Takao, 1944 (EMGC36)

— IJN battleship Kirishima, 1942 (EMGC07)

— British Royal Navy battleship HMS Nelson, 1931 (EMGC34)

We anticipate running out of these warships in rapid fashion, so its important to submit your order for any or all of these ships as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and added waiting time.

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Air Force 1 Scales Up

While some model makers seem to be content to scale down their range, Air Force 1 seems to be hitting the gym and pumping up. A few months back, they released a bevy of 1:72 scale J-35 Joint Strike Fighters, one for each of the three different variants being produced for the military. Now, they’re infusing some steroids into their air frame, making the same aircraft in a much larger 1:48 scale. Amazingly, the first replica is expected momentarily, and is based upon the US Air Force’s “A” variant (#AF100031). Priced at just $109.99, and bearing all of the hallmark detail you’ve come to expect from Air Force 1, we know this replica will surely become a hit with collectors big and small.

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No June Swoon for Eaglemoss

While the Chicago Cubs typically take a nose dive in June, Eaglemoss Collections has other plans this coming summer. Nine new 1:43 scale military vehicles are scheduled to arrive, with another platoon of battle-hardened war wagons not-too-far-behind. Pre-order now to be assured of an early delivery.

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Hobby Master Puts to Sea with the US Navy

Had they been announced just a scant 24 hours earlier, we might have concluded that Hobby Master’s latest products announcements were simply an April Fool’s joke. Despite the timing, Hobby Master doesn’t seem to be pulling a fast one with their two newest toolings – a Lockheed S-3 Viking Anti-Submarine aircraft and a Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft (HA4901 and HA5001 respectively).

Keep in mind that thus far only line art drawings have been posted, so product shots of both aircraft are likely still months away. Nevertheless, its encouraging to see that Hobby Master is investing the time, energy and resources into producing new toolings instead of sitting on their laurels and pumping out repaint after repaint. We applaud their efforts and recognize that without them, this niche hobby wouldn’t be where it currently is today.

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Modelcollect Takes Aim at the World War II Market

Long rumored but never confirmed, Modelcollect has officially announced plans to enter the pre-assembled WWII Market with an array of 1:72 scale panzers kicking off the attack. The four new models include a German E-50 Flakpanzer Anti-Aircraft Vehicle (AS72022), a German E-50 Medium Tank with 88mm Gun (AS72025), a German E-75 Heavy Tank with 88mm Gun (AS72021), and a German E-75 Flakpanzer Anti-Aircraft Vehicle (AS72023).

Also debuted were three new modern-era battle tanks, one based on a derivative of the ubiquitous T-72 and two more T-90 variants (AS72020, AS72003 and AS72006). Look for all seven new models to arrive as early as next week.

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The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming!

It is with great pleasure that we announce the imminent arrival of a new line of military aircraft from DeAgostini. This new, multi-scale range traces the evolution of the Russian aircraft industry, with heavy emphasis on the aircraft that took to the skies during WWII and thereafter. Admittedly, its hard to wrap our heads around some on the scales portrayed (1:133, 1:81 or 1:180 to be specific), but as it was explained to us, the manufacturer decided to go with a multi-scale approach so that they could fit all of their introductions into a singular-sized box.

Frankly, at only $15.99 apiece, you really cannot go wrong with this line even if they aren’t designed to be paired with scale aircraft from other houses. And, there are several subjects that won’t likely be replicated by any other manufacturer any time soon. Keep them all on one shelf in your collection, and you’ll be glad you nabbed these little beauties!

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War Master Keeps the Caissons Rolling this July

Even though we seem to be waiting an eternity for the latest wave of War Master products, that hasn’t stopped the manufacturer from announcing their next set of vehicles due out in July. While three of the four vehicles have been replicated by other model makers, there is a fourth vehicle that should stir some interest amongst the armor crowd. Expected is a 1:72 scale representation of a Russian 2S6 Tunguska self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, a nice addition to any armored arsenal. Also touted is a Russian T-40 light tank, Russian KV-1 heavy tank, and a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces Type 61 main battle tank. Prices remain at $19.99 and each comes with a numbered box and handsome acrylic case.

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