We’ve learned that Unimax will soon be offering a F-16 Viper as part of its ever growing 1:72 scale diecast military aircraft collection. Expected some time this summer, their first ever F-16 will be based upon a CJ version and will bear all the hallmark munitions associated with this single-engine workhorse (#UNI85047). This, of course, comes on the heels of their soon-to-be-released Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, and will no doubt be followed by other important aircraft of the modern era.
We’ve learned that Unimax will soon be offering a F-16 Viper as part of its ever growing 1:72 scale diecast military aircraft collection. Expected some time this summer, their first ever F-16 will be based upon a CJ version and will bear all the hallmark munitions associated with this single-engine workhorse (#UNI85047). This, of course, comes on the heels of their soon-to-be-released Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, and will no doubt be followed by other important aircraft of the modern era.
War Master continues to impress, with an ever growing array of diecast military vehicles and aircraft available at very affordable prices. For September, four new vehicles were announced along with a pair of WWII-era military aircraft. For vehicle aficionados, expect an Israeli Merkava Mk. 3 main battle tank (#WMTK0036), US WC 63 weapons carrier with trailer (#WMTK0035), German King Tiger tank (#WMTK0034) and German Jagdtiger tank destroyer (#WMTK0033).
If you’ve got your eyes in the clouds, look forward to seeing an US Grumman Avenger torpedo plane (#WMAPF0024) and German Focke Wulf Fw 190A fighter (#WMAPF0023). When you consider the escalating costs of other lines, its nice to see War Master continue to hold the line and not bow to pricing pressures. Bravo!
Its refreshing to see Dragon getting back on track with their highly successful Dragon Armor line of 1:72 scale military vehicles. Besides releasing a bunch of overdue vehicles, a couple of new product announcements have also been made, including the upcoming release of this German Sd. Kfz. 231 armored car (#DRA60599). Based on a vehicle that participated in the invasion of Russia in 1941, this all-grey replica is expected some time in August, and will no doubt be followed up with other similar vehicles in other liveries.
While we’re all awaiting its debut, we call to your attention the recent release of several Ultimate Armor pieces, including a pair of German VK 45.02 (P)V Ausf. A heavy tanks (#DRR60587 and #DRR60530), a couple of German VK 45.02 (P)H Ausf. A heavy tanks (#DRR60530 and #DRR60588), and two Ersatz M10 tank destroyers (#DRR60529 and #DRR60649).
On both the ground and in the air, Oxford Diecast is continuing to churn out an ever expanding array of military replicas. For the ground pounders, collectors can look forward to such novelties as a 1:76 scale British Army 40mm Bofors gun, along with a convoy of interesting soft-skinned vehicles.
In the air, aviation buffs can wrap their mitts around a Japanese Ki-84 “Frank” fighter, as well as a De Havilland DH.103 Hornet fighter. These and other new introductions have now been posted in our Oxford Diecast military vehicles and aircraft sections.
On both the ground and in the air, Oxford Diecast is continuing to churn out an ever expanding array of military replicas. For the ground pounders, collectors can look forward to such novelties as a 1:76 scale British Army 40mm Bofors gun, along with a convoy of interesting soft-skinned vehicles.
In the air, aviation buffs can wrap their mitts around a Japanese Ki-84 “Frank” fighter, as well as a De Havilland DH.103 Hornet fighter. These and other new introductions have now been posted in our Oxford Diecast military vehicles and aircraft sections.
On the plus side, Century Wings has gotten over its infatuation with the F-14 Tomcat to produce some additional aircraft for 2013. On the down side, no new tooling(s) have been announced thus far, instead more of their older aircraft types at vastly inflated prices. Don’t get us wrong, its nice to see a new Vought A-7E Corsair II attack aircraft parked on the tarmac for the latter half of this year (#CW001604), however, the choice of scheme, price, and proximity to the holidays could have been better planned. No offense to the Ohio National Guard, but an A-7E in southeast Asian camouflage would have generated a lot more interest, especially when their first SEA Corsair II is fetching big bucks in the after market. It also appears as if a $117 price point will be the new normal for Century Wings’ smaller aircraft types (A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II), twice that of comparable Hobby Master jets, such as their F-16 and F-4 Phantoms. We’re happy to see that they are still in the scale aircraft game when others were giving up on them, its just that we have to wonder how they can justify their stance when some of their key competitors are doing well enough at much lower asking prices.
With their second 1:18 scale Mullin Automotive Collection introduction expected at any moment, we’ve added a bevy of new 1:18 scale rides of yesteryear to our Minichamps Classic Cars section. While no definitive release dates have been provided by the manufacturer, we nevertheless thought it important to highlight these impeccable resin replicas, which have already become focal points for many a scale model car collector. Several new Delahaye, Talbot Lago and Delage vehicles have now been posted, all of which can be pre-ordered for 15% off their listed prices.
Every so often, even a died-in-the-wool military historian such as myself learns a thing or two about the world we live in. For instance, Hobby Master’s latest product announcement concerns an Egyptian-liveried McDonnell F-4E Phantom II fighter-bomber, which apparently arose as a byproduct from the Camp David Peace Accord in the late 70s. Flown by the Egyptian Air Force in the 1980s, this interesting if intriguing replica is painted in a startling desert camouflage pattern with day-glow orange sections adorning the top of the fuselage, wingtips and tail fin (HA1936). Look for this wonderful new entrant some time in August.
As part of their burgeoning Project Cutaway range, Dragon has announced that their long awaited 1:144 scale replica of the Space Shuttle “Discovery” w/Solid Rocket Booster is slated to lift off this July (DRP47403). Like their previously released Air Force One, the upcoming Space Shuttle will feature sections that are transparent, allowing the collector to peer inside the model without taking anything apart.
The model comes with its own circular stand that allows the assembly to be safely displayed as though it is about to launch vertically on one last mission.
