Product Announcements – Page 64 – The Motor Pool

Unimax Ships Out

While we were horrified to learn that Unimax’ 1:700 scale replica of the USS Enterprise has already sold out, we were, nevertheless, thrilled to discover that a new version is already undergoing sea trials. Their second version, #86017, will include a set of diminutive sailors standing on board the deck of the carrier in dress whites spelling out “E=mc2 x 40”, which signifies the 40th anniversary of the ship’s sailing in 2002. For those of you who’d rather not commemorate the “Big E’s” historic voyage, you can dismiss the troops and have them hidden away below deck out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Look for the new carrier some time in July.

Share This:

Eaglemoss Sails the Seven Seas

With Unimax’ shipbuilding program now in full swing, it made sense for other diecast makers to dip their toes in the water, so-to-speak. Partworks producer Eaglemoss has just christened its latest sequential range, which will cover many of the most legendary ships of WWI, WWII and even the present. First offered to a select audience in Japan, it makes sense that most of their early offerings are based upon the Imperial Japanese Navy, featuring some of the most iconic ships of the 20th century.

Replicated in 1:1100 scale, these intricately detailed full draught warships feature rotating turrets and elevating guns along with specially designed display plinths to hold them in place. The first combined fleet is expected in May, and each carries an affordable price tag of just $24.99.

Share This:

Dragon Upguns its Armor Range

Just when we were prepared to throw in the towel concerning the on-again, off-again Dragon Armor range, comes news that they plan to offer a brand new tank this May. (#DRR60664) is a German Berge-Panther mit Pz.Kpfw.IV Turm. Turret Medium Tank (that’s certainly a mouthful), which mates a standard Panther tank chassis with a Panzer IV turret protected by a turret girdle, thereby making it a speedy yet potent armored fighting vehicle on the battlefield. Pre-orders are now being accepted for this handsome beauty.

In related news, their first Sd. Kfz. 232 armored car is slated for an April roll out. What makes this vehicle so special is the bed frame aerial antenna mounted atop the roof of the chassis, making it one of the more noticeable vehicles in the Wehrmacht’s arsenal.

Share This:

Hobby Master Provides Proof of their Pedigree

As part of their July releases, Hobby Master intends to build a 1:48 scale replica of the US Army’s famed MUTT Military Utility Tactical Truck. Their first offering portrays a top-down vehicle used during the Vietnam War (#HG1901), and will likely be followed up with versions operated by other units. Variants will also be made, including towed versions and one equipped with the M121A2 TOW wire guided missile system.

Share This:

Century Wings Conjures Up the Original ‘Flying Tomato’

Snowboarder, Shaun White, eat your heart out. Century Wings will soon be offering its own rendition of the ‘Flying Tomato’ – a F-14B Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter (#CW01608) that was attached to VF-101 “Grim Reapers” way back in 1995. Even though their new Reaper Bird commands a price tag of almost double that of its first Reaper F-14, this diecast investment still seems sounds, with many older CW F-14s easily fetching double or even three times that price tag in the after market on eBay. Expect their newest blushing Tomcat some time in May.

Share This:

Italeri Continues to Build Out is Fleet

With the first batch of aircraft now in our possession comes news that a second aerial armada is slated for a May arrival. Nine new aircraft types are among the mix, including two new helicopters, a UCAV, multi-colored Pakistani fighter and several cutting edge weapons platforms.

All of the aircraft have now been added to our site and we expect brisk sales for these inexpensive favorites.

Share This:

Hobby Master Swoons in June

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.

Share This:

New Line: Eaglemoss Collections

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.

Share This:

Hobby Master Soldiers On

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.

Share This:

New Line: Italeri Dreamwings Collection

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.

Share This: