Product Announcements – Page 57 – The Motor Pool

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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Wings of the Great War Remembers the Valiant

Late last week, we found out that Wings of the Great War plans on adding three more planes to their WWI aerial armada, each based upon a legendary flier. The trio will include an Albatros D.Va fighter that was flown by First Class Iron Cross Recipient Lt. Kurt Monnington (#WW15002), while the second is a Nieuport 28C.1 that was piloted by 2nd Lt. Quentin Roosevelt, youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt (#WW13002). Finally, there’s a Spad XIII that served as the mount for Medal of Honor Recipient 2nd Lt. Frank Luke. All three warbirds are expected to ship in July and are available for pre-order as we speak.

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Air Force 1 Puts the E2-“C” in Competition

In what appears to be an overt plan to compete with the current dominant modelmaker, Air Force 1 announced plans to build two new 1:72 scale aircraft, as well as a second pair of aircraft that puts them on a direct war footing with Hobby Master. Expected later this year are a 1:72 scale Sukhoi Su-35S multi-role fighter along with a Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter, two aircraft that should score well with aviation enthusiasts.

Interestingly, they also plan to offer a 1:72 scale rendition of the Northrop-Grumman E-2C Hawkeye AEW aircraft, although no firm price and release date has been declared. Also expected is a Lockheed-Martin F-22 Air Dominance Fighter, which makes them the third house to focus on this fifth generation aircraft. Frankly, we are not sure where this strategy will lead in the face of rising production costs, a tepid collector market and an economy still teetering on recovery. We’d prefer to see them tackle other subjects yet to be replicated, so this shot across the bow, if one can call it that, will inevitably lead to other instances where multiple models will be available per subject matter and hopefully create better scale models at the lowest possible prices.

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Blitz 72 Opts to Pull Guard Duty

We’re starting to sense several recurring themes here. Earlier today, Blitz 72 announced the imminent release of a new figure collection as well as a dandy diorama set. The first will feature six German soldiers in differing uniforms and varying poses, all taking up attacking positions, hence the name German Attack Forces. The second, and quite frankly offering tremendous value, is their German Motorcycle and Road Block Display Set. The set features a faux brick wall and assorted road blocks, but more importantly includes a pair of field grey motorcycles, one equipped with a sidecar. For $45, you get two vehicles and a load of diorama fodder, all painted up and ready to go. Look for both sets this March.

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