Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale French Dassault Rafale B Multirole Aircraft – Operation Chammal, Escadron de Chasse 14 “Gascogne”, 4e Escadre de Chasse, France, 2018
Without a doubt, Hobby Master has become the preeminent maker of finished diecast military aircraft. All you have to do is peruse their monthly release schedule to see just how many models they have in the works vis-a-vis other model makers. I think you’ll agree that they are not only in this to stay but to win in virtually every high-flying category save perhaps WWI fighters, drones and perhaps rotary-wing aircraft. And, its just a matter of time before these categories too become the stomping grounds of this behemoth, forcing others to scramble for the scraps.
That said, here’s what you can look forward to ogling and hopefully owning next summer:
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleCuban Revolutionary Air Force Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – 231st Fighter Squadron, San Julian Air Base, Cuba, 1997Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleRussian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – “Red 32”, 906th Fighter Regiment, Russia, 1997Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Israeli Air Force Lockheed-Martin F-35A “Adir” Joint Strike Fighter – No.921, 140 Squadron “Golden Eagle”, Nevatim Airbase, Beersheba, Israel, 2021Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleRAAF Boeing F-18A Hornet Strike Fighter – A21-29, No.75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, 1990Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleRCAF Boeing CF-188B Hornet Strike Fighter – 188902, 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron “Alouettes”, CFB Bagotville, Quebec, Canada, 2004Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleUSAF Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – 11-5021, 65th Aggressor Squadron “Aggressors”, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2022Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleUSAF Fairchild Republic A-10A Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft – 80-0221, 18th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 343rd Composite Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 1982Hobby Master’s 1:72 scaleUS Navy Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 161350, VAQ-132 “Scorpions”, November 2006Hobby Master’s 1:48 scaleGerman Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 “Emil” Fighter – Hauptman Siebelt Reents, Staffelkapitan of 1./Jagdgruppe 88, Spring 1939Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 “Friedrich” Fighter – “Yellow 14”, Hans-Joachim Marseille, 3./Jagdgeschwader 27, Libya, February 1942
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Reconnaissance Aircraft
Its a tad ironic how a diecast model maker names itself after the US President’s venerable 747 jumbo jet yet somehow never gets around to making a model of it. You’d think the Presidential transport would be the first model out the door if they’re leveraging the name as a means of gaining instant notoriety. Be that as it may, AF1 will be unleashing a number of new models this January, all based upon previous best-selling releases, from the high-flying SR-71 Blackbird to a Tokyo-raiding B-25 Mitchell bomber. Here now a quick rundown of what’s in store this winter from, who else, but Air Force 1:
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF North American B-25B Mitchell Medium Bomber – “Hari Kari-er”, USS Hornet (CV-8), April 18th, 1942Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Xi’an JH-7 Fighter-BomberAir Force 1’s 1:72 scale Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Chengdu J-10A “Vigorous Dragon” Multirole FighterAir Force 1’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi PAK FA T-50 Stealth Fighter – Gromov Flight Research Institute, Zhukovsky Air Base, Russia [Advanced Technology Demonstrator Scheme]
While their retail prices may have jumped somewhat over the last six months, AF1 continues to produce a series of high-quality model aircraft that continually sell well year-after-year. Heavy in the hand and offering great value vis-a-vis other similar lines, AF1 can certainly be forgiven for not making a Presidential transport if they continue to knock it out of the park with these and other superb replicas.
JC Wings 1:72 scale Libyan Air Force Sukhoi Su-22 “Fitter” Fighter-Bomber – Gulf of Sidra, Libya, August 1981
While Hobby Master adheres to a monthly releases schedule, and Corgi now announces new products on a trimester basis, JC Wings typically unveils new items in so-called “phases” that aren’t tied to hard-and-fast dates on the calendar but rather hit the market in incremental stages. Phase 16, as they refer to it. has now been officially unveiled and, from what we hear, will likely reach the North American market in either January or February. Interestingly, their latest wave will come with metal display stands, although these will be packaged separately and may not be available in large numbers following the product’s initial roll out. Think of them as a bonus for early purchasers who would gladly accept the freebie when other makers bundle with their aircraft but bump up their prices include them.
No matter, we’ve curated their lineup and are now accepting pre-orders for the following items:
JC Wings 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Viper Fighter – 121st Fighter Squadron “Capital Guardians”, 113th Fighter Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Camp Springs, Maryland, 2011JC Wings 1:72 scale US Navy Vought A-7E Corsair II Attack Aircraft – VA-86 “Sidewinders”, 1972JC Wings 1:72 scale Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Grumman F-14A “Alicat” Fleet Defense Fighter – Iran, 2014JC Wings 1:72 scaleUS Navy Boeing F/A-18F Hornet Strike Fighter – VFA-41 “Black Aces,” 2016 [Anniversary Scheme]
Corgi’s Top Gun Maverick 2020 Maverick’s F/A-18 Hornet (Fit to Box)
Capitalizing on the success of their Showcase Series twin aircraft sets, Corgi unexpectedly announced the imminent arrival of a brand new SKU that focuses solely on Pete “Maverick” Mitchell’s F/A-18 as depicted in the feature film Top Gun: Maverick. Nothing new has been added or embellished to the model but for those collectors that would prefer to nab his aircraft all by its lonesome, now you can do so. Best of all, these should be in stock by the beginning of October making them an ideal stocking stuffer for the upcoming holiday season. Word of advice — better “feel the need for speed” sooner rather than later cause these collectibles are almost certain to sell out once word pf Maverick’s legendary exploits spreads.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopter – 73117, 1st Air Cavalry, Fort Hood, Texas, 2018
Like clockwork, Hobby Master added another flock of warbirds to its growing arsenal of diecast military aircraft. While no new toolings were unveiled, several new models are almost certain to turn heads, many of which have been requested for some time by ardent collectors. Here now the latest additions due out in July 2023.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Northrop T-38C Talon Jet Trainer – 69-7079, 49th Fighter Training Squadron “Black Knights”, Moody AFB, Georgia, 2006 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Northrop T-38C Talon Jet Trainer – 70-1576, 50th Fighter Training Squadron “Strikin’ Snakes”, Columbus AFB, Mississippi, 2009 [Low-Vis Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Cuban Revolutionary Air Force Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A ‘Fulcrum’ Fighter – 231st Fighter Squadron, San Julian Air Base, Cuba, 1997Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAAF General Dynamics F-111C “Aardvark” Strike Aircraft – “Pave Tack Prototype” A8-138, No. 1 Squadron, 1984-5Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Republic F-105G Thunderchief Fighter-Bomber – 63-8336, 17th Wild Weasel Squadron, 388 Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat RTAB, 1973Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15EX Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – 20-0002, 53rd Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, 2022 [Low-Vis Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter – “Daddy’s Girl”, Major Ray Wetmore, 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, East Wretham, Norfolk, 1945
As promised, Corgi unveiled the third and last installment in their 2022 product roll out earlier this month. Several new aircraft are being introduced that are largely tapping into existing ranges, be they WWI fighters or WWII fighters. That said, one new range was launched — WWII: War Under the Sun, which, as its name implies, looks at aircraft flown by both sides of the conflict in the expansive Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. Here now the aircraft you can look forward to treating yourself this holiday season.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2 (Trop) “Gustav” Fighter – “Red 1”, Hpt. Werner Schroer, 8./Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, Gazala, Libya, 1942Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Fighter – Wing Commander James Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson, No.127 (RCAF) Wing, 1944Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Hawker Hurricane Mk. I Fighter – Squadron Leader Ian Richard “Widge” Gleed, No.87 Squadron, Exeter, England, 1940Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Albatros D.V Fighter – 2263/17, Otto Kissemberth, Jasta 23, Puxieux, France, August 1917Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Fokker D VII Fighter – Ltn. Kurt Monnington, Jasta 18, Halluin, France, March 1918
We learned today that Panzerkampf’s upcoming Pantsir S-1 Mobile Self Defense System will carry a MAP of $114.99, a bit higher than where we thought it might be pegged when it was officially announced. Also, only one version will make it out the door in 2022. Six versions were originally displayed in their 2022 catalog but we’re guessing the manufacturer wants to see how the initial roll out goes before committing to the other schemes they touted.
It’s a bit difficult to forecast how the Pantsir will do at retail as compared with, say, their recently released M1070 heavy equipment transporter, a so-called “no-brainer” by some in the industry that will likely sell exceedingly well for the foreseeable future. For one its Russian as opposed to a US built piece of equipment, although that shouldn’t be considered a strike against it. Second, the inaugural vehicle sports the infamous “Z” plastered across it, which was used by Russian forces during the opening stages of their attack into Ukraine back in February 2022. Its a bit like hawking models of German Messerschmitts on September 2nd, 1939, with those big flamboyant swastikas adorning the aircraft’s tail fin. And lastly, there’s the price tag to consider, which is a bit more than we thought it would weigh in at prior to its main bout debut.
So, if you’re interested in this item, I would suggest pre-ordering soon because we will likely stock this item in very limited numbers for the holiday season. And, with our upcoming move to Florida, we cannot predict when we will have it available for restock should sales not live up to expectations.
Waltersons posted an image of their 1:72 Tiger I, 1:32 scale Tiger I, and their newly announced 1:16 King Tiger to demonstrate the size comparison between the three models. Anything larger, and we’d be forced to drive it off the dealer’s lot and to the customer’s home instead of mailing it.
When Waltersons resurrected the Forces of Valor brand some six years ago, we were under the impression that they would immediately bring back many of their fan favorites, including their beastly 1:16 scale Extreme Metal series. Previous releases in the series now command $3,000 or more in the marketplace, so consumer interest is, to say the least, quite voracious given its value as a collectible and importance as a piece of military history. For one reason or another, however, that was the last we heard of the sub brand — at least until today.
In a surprise Facebook posting, the manufacturer indicated they would be bringing back the 1:16 scale series beginning with their King Tiger heavy tank. According to Waltersons, the newest vehicle will be available some time in 2023 although little else is known about the model including its cost, what it will look like, which extras will be included, etc. In other words, we have little to go by other than to say that a new King Tiger is in the offing.
Rather than speculate further, we are providing the following link so you can put your sleuthing skills to the test and help us ascertain more information about the vehicle. Obviously, we will hold off accepting pre-orders until we have more concrete information to go by.
One last thing. Before you reach for your wallet or log in to your PayPal account, there are some important points to consider. Their last 1:16 Tiger I tank came out way back in 2006 and initially fetched $400; their last King Tiger was unleashed in 2005 and also carried a $400 sticker price. Both now command prices well in excess of these figures. However, their last 1:16 scale release, a Sherman medium tank, was unleashed in 2008 and also carried a $400 price tag. How did that do? We had to help Unimax sell off their remaining stock of Shermans for around $100 a pop, otherwise they would have sat in inventory til the cows came home. Its anyone’s guess where a King Tiger in today’s market will initially sell for — as a guess closer to $1,000 or possibly more plus shipping. So, if you’re looking to turn this around and make some quick cash I would suggest you evaluate the marketplace as best you can and decide if spending that kind of dough, possibly during a recession, will pay off handsomely in the short term, long term or if at all. Caveat emptor, my friends.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale Royal Navy Invincible Class Light Aircraft Carrier – HMS Invincible (R05), Falkland Islands, 1982 [Full Hull Version]
It was forty years ago when the Royal Navy was forced to steam thousands of miles away into the South Atlantic in an effort to liberate the British territory known as the Falkands Islands — a relatively small chain of islands off the South American coast that was claimed and forcibly seized by Argentina. The Malvinas, as the Argentinians called them, were unexpectedly occupied in 1982 as a means of diverting political attention away from failed domestic policies at home and an attempt at galvanizing a nation beset by all manner of turmoil.
To celebrate their achievement, Forces of Valor plans on relaunching one of the key warships involved in the conflict — the HMS Invincible, a medium-sized aircraft carrier that proved instrumental in providing air support for the Royal Marines. Thus far, the manufacturer has released this lone picture of the warship, and haven’t as yet indicated its retail price or expected date of delivery. Nevertheless, we’ll keep an eye on this new release and update our site once information is passed along.
In other news, we’ve been told by our distributor that the September shipment of Forces of Valor product has been pushed back until October. As a guess, they are still awaiting some items to be completed so they can fill a container. We aren’t sure if this will the last container from FOV for the 2022 calendar year based upon performance to date. Moreover, we do not know if several items, such as their recently announced waterline version of the Yamato, will be repackaged for their English-speaking audience, or if it will be solely available in Japan. Lots of speculation at this point and little to go by.
Dragon Neo Armor’s upcoming 1:72 scale US M103A2 Heavy Tank with Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) IR/White Light Spotlight
Earlier today, Dragon announced two more new vehicles that will join their Neo Dragon Armor line. The newest of the new are both M103A2 heavy tanks, immensely powerful vehicles that served our country well if for a short period of time during the Cold War. While Dragon is indicating that these vehicles will be available in September we will more than likely stock them towards the end of this year.
Which brings me to the real purpose of this post. When Dragon Models USA closed their doors last year, it created a void in the marketplace whereby product was still being made by Dragon Models but not being stocked by any distributor here in North America. We had the opportunity to import the line ourselves but declined because we are unable to store that much new product to make it worth our while. A month or so ago, one distributor did decide to step up to the plate and will be importing the Neo Dragon Armor range into North America. Because they must purchase the product in larger lots so they can fill a container, we fully expect that it could be some time before they are able to fill each new container with the latest product. More likely, they will be bringing in merchandise once per quarter, based, in large part, upon what is ready in Asia at the time they are placing their order. Of course, should the manufacturer decide to delay the release of new product, then this will have a detrimental effect on when the latest new items will actually reach our shores. Hopefully this won’t occur too often but I thought you might want to take notice of this should there be extended delays from here on out.
