Neo Dragon Armor 1:72 scale Soviet Late Production T-34/85 Medium Tank with Bedspring Armor – Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, 1945
Apparently, we have to think twice about when we are planning our next vacation. Over the weekend, Dragon debuted eleven new 1:72 scale subjects as part of their ever-expanding line of Neo Dragon Armor military vehicles. Most of the new introductions were either German Panther medium tanks or Ferdinand tank destroyers, but one new piece caught our eye – a Russian T-34-85 medium tank with bedspring armor and clad in a winter white camouflage scheme. We’re guessing that most of these new pieces won’t be available until the latter half of the year. That said, we’ve posted them to our June Additions section, completed their addition to our product portfolio and are now entertaining pre-orders.
While Waltersons has been mum of late concerning their Facebook posts, and have become lax updating their own web site, it took a major hobby show to get them to share what they’ve been up to for the last several months. At the Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan, the manufacturer displayed a number of new projects that are presumably in the works and slated for an early autumn release. In point of fact, if we could compare their rollout to a feast, the banquet was quite impressive covering everything from re-launched aircraft appetizers to their bread-and-butter 1:32 scale entrees.
On the ground, several new 1:32 scale tanks were shown for the first time, among them a Soviet KV-2 heavy tank, a US M4A3(76)W Sherman medium tank, their oft-hinted at Ferdnand tank destroyer (to be included in their Inside Out series), and a British Firefly Ic medium tank. Its likely a KV-1 tank is in the offing and their long awaited King Tiger heavy tank could join the entourage in the not-too-distant future. A number of vehicles scheduled for shipment in the June/July time frame were also laid out for all to see, including two Chaffee light tanks, a pair of Open Blitz 3-ton ambulances, and a US 2-1/2 ton cargo truck. It would appear as if the second 1:32 scale model kit is also nearing completion – a prototype of the Sturmtiger assault mortar
In the air, the manufacturer pulled back the curtains on their re-tooled MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, a troop transport that was originally a part of the Unimax range. Two versions of their 1:72 scale AH-64D Apache gunship, and updated renditions of a F-16 Viper were also on the “tarmac” and its a good bet that other Unimax-built aircraft will eventually join the aerial armada. Interestingly, we’ve seen several outlets re-listing their long sold out MH-47 helicopter as being re-released, so we’ve opened up the ordering window for this highly successful helicopter. Waltersons has previously stated that certain items, such as their upcoming 88mm FLaK gun will be made again, so its a fair bet that the MH-47 has undergone a similar vote of confidence.
The Company also took the opportunity to show off their next interlocking play set – a 1:72 scale look at a beach invasion scenario that pits several US- and German built vehicles against one another across a battle-scarred landscape. Its a rather large vignette and we haven’t heard how much the entire display will cost once its ready for prime time.
Lastly, the Company unveiled images of a brand new lineup. Apparently, when the Company took a majority stake in Greenlight Collectibles, they decided to re-purpose their 1:64 scale line so that it dovetailed within their overall Metal Proud product portfolio. Its not clear if the rechristened range will be geared towards big box retailers and mom-and-pop toy stores or redirected towards hobbyists.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Army UH-60 Black Hawk Medium Lift Helicopter
As we await pricing and other information concerning their soon-to-be-released Mi-24 Hind gunships, comes news that Panzerkampf will also be removing the chocks from their US-built Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk troop transports. Featuring sliding side-opening doors, hinged access panels to view the top-mounted engines, and side-mounted FFAR rocket pods, the Blackhawk fills an important void in the marketplace that seems to have been left vacant by Corgi et al over the last few years.
lAs is customary with Panzerkampf, the Company will likely offer the Blackhawk in multiple liveries and perhaps multiple configurations, from Dust Off medical ambulances to naval versions that may include the MH-60 Seahawk and Jayhawk. While the Blackhawk isn’t available just yet to pre-order, it would appear as if we should have information shortly based upon the progress the manufacturer has made to date.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale German Kriegsmarine Bismarck Class Battleship – DKM Bismarck, Operation Rheinubung, Gotenhafen, Poland, May 1941 [Waterline Version]
Waltersons has a number of projects coming to fruition in June, all based upon previous builds and/or reinvigorated classics. Two versions of the battleships USS Missouri and Deutsches Kriegsmarine Bismarck are in the offing – one portraying the vessel in a full hull configuration while the other showcases the ship as a waterline model. Shown here is a picture of the waterline version of the Bismarck, which nestles the ship in a handsome “water-filled” base and framed accordingly. All four ships will carry a retail price of just $99.99 and signals how the manufacturer will likely tackle each new subject going forward.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 1-227 ATKHB, 11th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 1st Cavalry Division, Karbala, Iraq, March 2003
In the air, look forward to seeing 1:72 scale renditions of the US-built Apache helicopter gunship, one tied to the US while the other is based upon an attack helicopter flown by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces. Both are available for pre-order as we speak.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, Fheinberg, Germany March 1945
As we alluded to in a previous post, collectors will be able to wrap their arms around two versions of the US-built M24 Chaffee light tank, along with two dissimilar takes on the German Opel Blitz ambulance. The Chaffee is the first tank to be offered without a removable engine, no doubt in a bid to court collectors at the lower end of the price spectrum. Lastly, the manufacturer has elected to bring back one of their most popular subjects – the German 88mm FLaK gun. Two versions will be available – one in field grey while the other is in a desert sand motif. Priced at just $79.99 apiece, these will almost certainly be gobbled up as quickly as they arrive.
German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun with FLaK Rohr 18 Gun Barrel and Sd. 202 Towing Vehicle – Deutsches Afrika Korps, El Alamein, North Africa, 1942 [Comes with Seven Crewmen and Rommel]
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Chinese PLAN Shenyang J-11BHG “Flanker B+” Multirole Fighter – South China Sea, 2022
While many diecast modelmakers are still fleshing out their plans for 2023, Hobby Master is already turning its attention to early 2024. Several new warbirds were among their January roll out, including a number of aircraft that could potentially see action in the not-too-distant future if geo-political tensions fail to abate and an East-West Cold War turns hot.
On Friday, Corgi debuted its latest round of diecast warbirds, which spans everything from a 1:48 scale BAe Harrier jump jet to a diminutive 1:72 scale Messerschmitt operated by the Regia Aeronautica. Its an interesting roll call of combat fliers, which adds a number of eagerly requested warbirds from a litany of twenty- and twenty first century military engagements.
Corgi’s 1:12 scale Triumph 1962 TR6R 650cc Motorcycle – Steve McQueen, “The Great Escape”
Also up for consideration is a 1:12 scale Triumph 1962 TR6R 650cc motorcycle that was used by Steve McQueen in the feature film The Great Escape.Its their second two-wheeler, and certainly looks like a winner for both McQueen diehards and bike enthusiasts world over.
We’ve listed all of the newest models in our May Additions section, and invite you to take a look and pre-order those models that could be of particular interest to you. As an aside, Corgi has put together this video which helps to add a bit of background information for each new introduction. Enjoy!
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 1st Air Cavalry Division
Perhaps paying homage to the seminal Schwarzenneger film, Predator, Forces of Valor says that their first pairing of 1:72 scale Apache attack helicopters are on track for an early June fly-in. According to their sales literature, one represents a helicopter flown by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces while the other is tied to the US Army’s famed 1st Air Cavalry Division, no doubt the more eagerly sought after item here in the States. Each comes with two seated crewmen figures, a full weapons load out, handsome display base and, of course, a display stand so that collecotrs have a choice of presentation options.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, Fheinberg, Germany March 1945
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – 79th Tank Battalion, Han River, South Korea, 1950
In an effort to get more 1:32 scale vehicles into the hands of collectors, the Company will be releasing a pair of M24 Chaffee light tanks – one connected to WWII and the other the so-called Forgotten War in Korea. Priced below $100, their newest vehicles will no longer come with a removable engine or detailed engine compartment, something the new owners of the brand felt were an important hallmark of their re-launched series. Its not clear if this strategy will become a trend for Waltersons, who have to date sought to improve older Unimax-created toolings wherever and whenever possible by increasing its metal content and including more robust features, be they opening hatches, engines or painting schemes.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Kfz. 305 Opel Blitz 3-Ton Ambulance – Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, 1941. Opening cabin doors permit collectors to see inside the vehicle. A previously hinted at desert sand Deutsches Afrikakorps version will likely be delayed as a future release
Also expected are two German Opel ambulances, a GMC truck armed with an overhead .50 caliber machine gun and two versions of the illustrious US battleship, USS Missouri (previously profiled).
Now that Waltersons is handling its own distribution within North America it seems as though that production and distribution can now be better coordinated, meaning product should flow more steadily out of Asia and into their most important marketplace. By eschewing the more traditional distribution network, they can bring in larger quantities of product for more extended periods of time and hopefully maintain better in-stock positions across all of their selling venues.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale 1942 Production US Army GMC CCKW 353 6×6 2-1/2 Ton Truck – Unidentified Unit, Europe, 1944
Lastly, the manufacturer was kind enough to send us final imagery for their upcoming British aircraft carrier, HMS Invincible. While nestled in Japanese packaging and by no means indicative of all of its final features, the two shots demonstrates their commitment towards building out their diecast fleet instead of simply re-hashing older toolings that have been around for some time. We are still awaiting pricing for the soon-to-be-released warship, so we will hold off accpeting pre-orders until the manufacturer gives us the go-ahead to begin the advance order process.
HMS Invincible, all packed up and ready to sail into the Japanese home islandsLike their upcoming US battleship, USS Missouri, it’s a good bet that Invincible will be offered in both full hull and waterline editions.
As we await the next wave of Neo Dragon Armor vehicles, the Company debuted yet another pairing of 1:72 scale armored subjects. Like their previously announced Hummel tank destroyers, the Hornisse was developed to provide a mobile anti-tank antidote to the growing array of Allied armor they were facing towards the latter half of the Second World War. As a stop gap measure, the Waffenamt saw the need to develop a special weapons-carrier vehicle based on the PzKpfw IV chassis, which was adapted to take the 8.8cm PaK 43 gun. The first of these so-called Nashorns (“Rhinocerous”) entered service in 1943. Later knows as Hornisse (Hornet), the vehicle had an unusually high profile that was difficult to conceal, a problem increased by poor armor with only the driver being fully protected. It was therefore used as a long-range weapon, in contrast to most other tank destroyers. The powerful gun made the Nashorn a potent battlefield weapon, but it was too bulky for its prescribed role and only the lack of anything better kept it on the production line as long as it did. Some 433 were built before production ceased in 1944.
Featuring a fully detailed fighting compartment, elevating gun and superbly painted exterior, look for Dragon’s Hornisse to rumble onto the diecast battlefield later this year.
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Reconnaissance Aircraft – 61-17974
Air Force 1 seems to be back with a vengeance in 2023, claiming five more warbirds are in store for the latter half of the year. While no new toolings were announced, several fan favorites are making an encore appearance, all attractively packaged and just as attractively priced as they were when they originally flew in. Here now the newest warbirds waiting in the wings for a Harvest Moon release:
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAC North American B-25B Mitchell Medium Bomber – “Whirling Dervish”, USS Hornet (CV-8), April 18th, 1942Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Northrop P-61A Black Widow Interceptor – “Midnight Belle,” 6th Night Fighter Squadron, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, 1945Air Force 1’s 1:48 scale US Army Bell UH-1 Huey Helicopter – 116th Assault Helicopter Company “The Hornets”Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Reconnaissance Aircraft – 61-17980
A couple of months back, Hornby let slip that they were looking to get into the sci-fi universe by offering a range of Star Trek-related products. Today, they confirmed the rumors on Facebook with the following post:
“Happy First Contact Day! We’re delighted to confirm that Corgi will be returning to The Final Frontier later this year as we begin to release a new range of officially licensed models from the Star Trek Universe!”
Its a sort of cryptic message with little substance behind it, since it still isn’t clear if they plan to resurrect the Eaglemoss line of Star Trek starships or launch their own fleet from the Trek yards. Either way, its welcome news for both Trekkies and diecast collectors, all of whom are eager to live out their next five year mission with the help of Corgi warping into space in the captain’s chair alongside them.
