Late yesterday we learned of Hobby Master’s spate of June releases, which includes several repainted WWII and post-WWII era aircraft and a pair of 1:72 scale military vehicles.
We hope to have the entire roster up to our web site by later today. East meets West. An East German MiG-21MF fighter stares down a West German M48A2 Patton tank.
Late last year, we learned of a new partwork range of military vehicles being produced by UK-based Eaglemoss Collections and have been keeping our fingers crossed that a distributor would be able to bring the line to the North American marketplace. Just days after the Nuremberg Toy Fair we have now learned that a distributor has indeed stepped forward, indicating that the first 12 vehicles in the series are expected in April. Big and beefy, these handsome 1:43 scale replicas harken back to the days of Solido, when military replicas were both attractively priced and beautifully displayed.
We hear that the line will encompass some 60 replicas, although we are not sure if that will include any repaints or Post-WWII era armored fighting vehicles. The pre-order window is now open and we anticipate brisk sales for the entire range.
In a surprise move, Hobby Master returned from Chinese New Year with news that they plan to enter the 1:6 scale posable action figure category. Their first 1:6 scale figure will replicated famous WWII ace, Colonel C. E. “Bud” Anderson, a triple ace that has gone on to become one of the most iconic figures of the second world war.
Two versions will be offered – one featuring a signed name plate while the other will not. No word concerning pricing or dates of availability just yet, but we anticipate a mid-Spring release.
Astute collectors will be happy to learn that we are now stocking Italeri’s line of 1:100 scale combat aircraft. Nine manned fixed and rotary wing aircraft comprise the initial mix as well as a 1:72 scale rendition of the Predator drone. All ten aircraft are expected later this month, each carrying a price tag of just $11.95.
Even though they’ve indicated that they plan to change distributors in North America, that hasn’t prevented Oxford Diecast from debuting some of their upcoming models in 2014.
Several notable warbirds are in the offing, including a Do 224 Pfeil fighter, Messerschmitt Bf 108 reconnaissance plane and a Polikarpov I-16 fighter.
War Master has begun revealing details concerning their early 2014 lineup. Four vehicles are expected in March, including a Dicker Max tank destroyer, Bedford QL truck with 6 Pounder anti-tank gun, Russian Katusha rocket launcher and German Sd. Kfz. 8 Famo prime mover with tank transporter.
In the air, look for a 1:72 scale representation of the Heinkel He 219 Uhu night fighter, one of the most successful introductions in the former IXO Models/Altaya series.
Building upon its initial success with the first pair of World of Tanks branded vehicles, Panzerstahl plans on offering a second duo later this winter. The first vehicle will be a 1:72 scale replica of a US T-28 super heavy tank (#PS89007), a huge beast that never actually saw service with the US Army.
Also planned is a Russian Object 704 heavy tank destroyer (#PS89008), which is based, in part, on the development of the Russian IS-3 super heavy tank towards the end of World War II. Pre-orders are now being accepted and we hope to have photos of both replicas shortly.
According to The Collectors Showcase, their first AFV out of the gate in 2014 will be a German Sturmtiger. Two versions will be issued: one in a pea dot ambush scheme and the other in a whitewashed winter camouflage pattern.
One crewmen will come with the vehicle, while the two loading the rocket-propelled ammunition into the fixed turret, will be available as a separate add-on pack. Look for both replicas to roll out some time in February.
Recent scuttlebutt on the forums regarding Unimax plans to offer a scale version of the V-22 Osprey can now be confirmed: the tiltrotor aircraft is indeed on the drawing board for 2014. Not expected before July, the MV-22 represents a unique choice for this prolific manufacturer, as it continues to branch out into new realms and markets. Its not clear which unit will serve as the basis for the replica or the extent to which the rotors can be tilted from the horizontal to the vertical position. Still, its nice to see at least one manufacturer thinking outside the box as they get set to announce some of their other wares for the new year.
