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.
Showing no signs of abatement, Hobby Master ushered in their March introductions earlier this week. No new toolings were among the mix, although several intriguing aircraft and military vehicles were added to their order of battle, including this F-4 Wild Weasel aircraft (HA1981) painted in a tri-color camouflage pattern. All of their new offerings can be found in our November 2013 Additions subsection, found within our Product Lineup page.
The folks at Century Wings report that a new SR-71 is finally in development and scheduled for take off some time in February 2014. The difference here is that two versions will be offered to aviation enthusiasts: a standard 1:72 scale model and a second variant signed by both the pilot, Major Brian Shul, and the RSO, Major Walter Watson. According to the manufacturer, the signatures will be on a very nice certificate that would be ideal for framing alongisde the model. This particular spy plane, known as the “Lybian Raider” took part in the fly over of Colonel Muamar Qadaffi’s Lybia back in 1986. Only 500 pieces of each version are slated for manufacture, making this a low-run, key release in their SR-71 series.
We can’t remember when low-cost diecast military vehicles were so plentiful. Just yesterday, another 15 1:72 scale combat vehicles were added to our Altaya selection, bringing the expected November cache up to a whopping 47 products.
While many of the vehicles can be found in other manufacturer’s lines, prices for these reintroductions can’t be beat, costing only a nominal $14.99 apiece. Again, the entire fall harvest is expected in early November, so if you’ve got a hankering to build an inexpensive diorama or just want to fill in some holes in your collection, now would be an excellent time to do so.
Sometimes its feast or famine as far as product availability goes. Earlier today, we learned that Altaya’s range of 1:72 scale diecast military vehicles are finally showing up on North American shores, with 32 vehicles making up the first wave. We’re in the process of listing all of the new vehicles but just wanted to point out that they are a bit cheaper than the comparable line of AmerCom vehicles we just posted plus they come with an acrylic display case. For $15 a pop, you simply cannot go wrong with these little gems and are an ideal way to bring in new collectors into the hobby.
