It makes sense that as the Discovery Channel gets set to roll out their annual expose on shark encounters that we would stumble upon a shark with a different bite all its own. Earlier today, I came across a set of photographs of a Russian-built Ka-50 “Black Shark” attack helicopter, only I have no idea who produces it,. It appears to be made of diecast and created in 1:72 scale, although that’s about as much as I currently know. There’s a good chance its being developed by Panzerkampf, seeing as how they love to make diecast military helicopters and seem to have cornered the market over the last couple of years producing all sorts of medium and heavy lift choppers.Anyway, we have our feelers out, looking for additional information should it surface from our usual suspects. In the meantime, enjoy!
US M1A2 SEP V3 Main Battle Tank – 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (1:72 Scale)
Apparently, Panzerkampf isn’t done replicating the venerable M1 Abrams tank in 1:72 scale. According to online literature, they plan to release four different iterations of the M1A2 SEP V3 version of the inimitable main battle tank, all of which are likely to roll out this autumn. We’re still knee deep in some of their older versions so, to make room for the newest incarnation of the Abrams, we’ve decided to reduce the retail price point on some of their original releases. You can now purchase these items on either our web site or through eBay for a limited time, that is until we exhaust our stocks, which we presume will be a rather quick affair. When you get right down to it, the Abrams is a very popular subject in scale — the problem we face is that we can only stock so many versions of the tank before crying uncle.
On a separate matter, we will be including either the newest version of the Abrams tank (M1A2 SEP V2) with the M1070 tank transporter in place of the older Abrams or potentially the SEP V3 should our distributor follow suit in order to clear out some of their existing stocks of Abrams tanks. Please bear this in mind should you wish to purchase the set going forward.
We’re still hoping that Panzerkampf will consider the M1A2 E3 Abrams tank as their next 1:72 scale subject. Currently, a prototype of the E3 is undergoing field test with units of the US Army, and will likely enter full-scale production in 2027 once certain bugs are worked out and the DoD is happy with its current hardware and software load out. With drones taking an ever greater role on today’s battlefield, its a strong bet that the DoD will give the nod to full scale production once defensive measures are put in place to defeat the latest drones being produced by certain adversary nations.
A prototype of the US Army’s M1A2 E3 Abrams main battle tank currently undergoing rigorous testing in California
While the Army has not made public the M-1E3’s design requirements, reportedly, a 2019 Army Science Board study on a future tank influenced senior Army leadership to establish the M-1E3 program. The Army Science Board study reportedly recommended a $2.9 billion, seven-year program to develop a “fifth generation combat vehicle” with proposed capabilities including the following:
masking capabilities to reduce the vehicle’s thermal and electromagnetic signatures.
a hybrid electric drive;
an autoloader and new main gun;
advanced munitions, such as maneuvering hypersonic and gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles;
integrated armor protection;
improved command, control, and networking capabilities;
artificial intelligence (AI) applications;
ability to pair with robotic vehicles; and
The Army has said little publicly about the M1-E3’s desired capabilities and features. Some reports suggest that prototypes are to feature a hybrid-electric engine and be “lighter, more fuel-efficient, AI-enabled, built for manned-unmanned teaming, and armed with a new generation of weapons.” Other reports suggest the M1-E3 is to feature “an autoloader, enabling a 3-person crew (possibly with an unmanned turret),” advanced armor, an active protection system (APS) to counter enemy anti-tank systems, and integrated counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities.
After speaking with the powers that be, there’s an excellent chance that Hobby Master plans on celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation with several commemorative aircraft schemes. Rumor has it that both of the models shown here will be replicated, along with other modern era aircraft painted in the good old red, white and blue.
The F-16 Viper will likely get a similar skin and possibly some of the other aircraft still in the USAF/USN inventory, such as the A-10 Warthog and even the AH-64 Apache. Its not clear, however, if either the F-22 or F-35 will get the same “stars and stripes” treatment since repainted stealth aircraft are adversely affected by a fresh coat of paint. Better to keep them in their original schemes should they be suddenly needed in the Middle East or the Sino-Pacific regions. We’re assuming that which ever aircraft they re-skin will also come with special packaging to help differentiate them from the standard models.
Announcing closings seems to be a recurring theme of late, with several longstanding entities throwing in the towel for one reason or another. We learned late last week that the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History in Zephyrhills, Florida, which also goes by the name WWII Armor, plans on closing up shop later this year, although no reason was provided in their online post. For those of you unfamiliar with the Museum they are just a stone’s throw away from us and regularly host events including reenactments on their premises and around the country. We’re sorry to see them call it a day and decided that it made sense to post their final words here rather than try to encapsulate their thoughts, feeling and emotion.
“Now hear this!
It is with a mix of sadness and pride that we announce the closing of WW2 Armor.
Our final two events will be the Morgan County Fair in Jacksonville, IL on 08 JUL, and the Westgate Veterans and Gold Star Families event on 05 DEC. We will cease operations this coming December, 2026.
Following a strategic review by Rabbi Rob and his wife, it was determined that the mission of the organization has reached its apex. A necessary priority shift to focus on the needs of family means that Rabbi Rob and his wife can no longer dedicate the considerable time required to maintain WW2 Armor. By initiating a considered, thoughtful, strategic draw-down now, we can ensure the long-term preservation of the pieces in the collection.
WW2 Armor has much about which to be proud. Over the last 10 years, we restored numerous vehicles and weapons platforms, and conducted wide-ranging research. We published what we learned, and showcased our mistakes so that all could benefit from the wisdom thus begotten. We have attended events both large and small in several states, running and gunning wherever we went. Since we began tracking our activities in 2019, we have conducted 42 training events and 31 public events, and our staff and volunteers have contributed well over 26,000 event man hours, and more then 13,000 training man hours towards the success of our mission. While we never measured it accurately, we do believe we created at least that many smiles on the faces of those who saw our salute firing and mock battles.
To all of our amazing staff members, thank you for your dedication and tenacity. You took on projects that seemed impossible, and overcame all of the many challenges, pulling off miracles that would make any WWII mechanic proud. You did so with positivity, laughter, and skill. Your continued devotion is a testament to your character.
To all of our volunteers, thank you for the years of fun and focus. You gave the most precious gift, the gift of your time. You attended training and public events in all types of weather and in locations throughout the U.S. You were always professional, safe, and respectful. With our full-time staff you are truly elite, and a band of brothers in the truest sense. What we have done is unique in the world and our efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals everywhere.
To all of our fellow reenactors and vehicle owners, thank you for rolling with us. You attended our training events to ensure safe and authentic operations, and brought your teams and talents to take every public event from good to great. You partnered with us brilliantly, adding a critical dimension of humanity to our battlefields, proving the value of teamwork, and forging great friendships as well.
To our many event partners; vehicle clubs, museums, vendors and contractors, thank you for the opportunity to work with you in our mutual mission to educate the public. It has been a journey of learning for us all, made easier by learning together. You have consistently delivered on short-notice, and gone above and beyond. It isn’t easy to source parts for a 80+ year-old tank, all vehicles are breaking or broken, and it isn’t easy to provide a venue for the education of the masses, yet you’ve managed to help us do just that more times than can be counted. Well done.
To all of our community members, you have seen us grow, misstep, learn, improve, and achieve. You have supported us in all of those cases, and enriched us by sharing your stories and those of your family members. Through you we have met the riveter and the tanker, the singer and the sailor, and so many more. You’ve spread the research we published and thus ensured those stories would be more widely known and less likely to be lost. Your warm support energized us during those late nights and difficult projects. You were an inspiration, and we hope we’ve enriched your lives as much as you have lifted ours.
The planning for the disposition of the collection of weapons and vehicles is underway. The priority is to ensure that the collection, and especially the vehicles in the collection, go to equally well-capitalized owners who can appreciate the history, respect the legacy, and maintain the vehicles to the standard they richly deserve. Details about the disposition will be published in due course.
We will maintain our social media and website presence in perpetuity, and we who have served in WW2 Armor will remain linked by a special, indissoluble bond. We hope to keep up with many of you online.
Life consists of seasons of shifting priorities. Our final bit of advice to you is that you take the time to appreciate the blessings in your life, and spend as much time with family as you can. That time, no matter how long, will never be enough. We can’t necessarily make those moments longer or more frequent, but we can make every moment truly special.
Thank you, and may G-d richly bless you and yours!Please direct any and all inquiries to info@ww2armor.org. Questions posted here may not be seen quickly or at all, so email is the best way of reaching us.”
Several weeks ago we posted that Dragon Models was changing its business model to keep up with the times. Largely, the Company no longer felt as if they would be a manufacturer of model kits and instead would sell their IP to other companies that would carry the load for them.
Today, we learned that their sister company, Cyber-Hobby, was following suit, although their plans call for their complete closure rather than soldiering on through IP sales. According to their post on Facebook, the division intends to shutter on June 26th, meaning if you have any pre-orders and/or returns with them, you’d better follow up soon before you have no one to contact. Its sad to see another company close its doors, which in part was a victim of technological advancements and the on-again, off-again Trump tariffs.
For years, collectors have been lamenting the fact that they feel as if their voices aren’t being heard when it comes to new aircraft. Frequent the forums and you’ll see there are loads of Aviation Archive enthusiasts who feel let down every time Corgi announces their upcoming releases.
So, to be fair to their critics, Corgi recently indicated that they wanted to hear directly from their fans, and were even taking a poll as to which aircraft should be produced next. What follows is the email Corgi sent out on Monday morning, along with a link to where collectors can provide details behind their decision. Oddly, no polling questions were provided in the link, so we’re assuming that this is still a work in progress.
Our Next Aircraft Subject is Up to You
CORGI collectors, we are asking your thoughts again.We are considering new tooling subjects for Aviation Archive and we want to know what you think.We’ve put together a questionnaire for some of our most important questions. But ultimately, we want to know if our next big idea is something you actually want.The questionnaire will take no longer than 10 minutes to fill out, and to thank you for your time, we’ll send you a 10% discount code upon completion. Be a part of CORGI’s future. Click the link below to get started!
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(76)W Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – Sgt. Daniel “Buttons” Cardell, “Julia”, 761st Tank Battalion “Black Panthers”, Task Force Rhine, Germany, 1945 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
Even though we are still awaiting information concerning products shown at the recently concluded Beijing Hobby how, we were lucky enough to snag a number of products that had been languishing on the back burner for a lengthy period of time. While they haven’t been added to our New Arrivals section, we decided to include them here, so you can better see what’s back in stock without having to scroll through numerous sections. Bear in mind that Father’s Day is fast approaching, so any Forces of Valor product – on the ground, at sea or in the air – makes an ideal way of putting a smile on dear old dad’s face once he eraps his arms around them.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4(75) Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – 753rd Tank Battalion, Gustav Line, Italy, 1944 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(75) Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – Training Vehicle, C Company, 10th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, New York, 1943 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Late Production RW61 Sturmtiger Rocket Assault Mortar with Loading Crane and Zimmerit – Panzersturmmorser Kompanie 1002, Berlin, Germany, May 1945 [Bonus Maybach HL230P45 V-12 Water-Cooled Engine]
Forces of Valor’s 1:38 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Never Forget”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 “Stingers”, Camp Pendleton, California, March 2012
Forces of Valor’s 1:799 scale US Navy Enterprise Class Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier – USS Enterprise (CVN-65), Mediterranean Sea, 2001 [Full Hull Version]
Update: Please note that Waltersons has changed the display stand for this item. The aircraft carrier now comes on a wooden base atop metal pillars as shown above.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale US Navy Pennsylvania Class Battleship – USS Arizona (BB-39), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 1941 [Full Hull Version]
Update: Please note that Waltersons has changed the display stand for this item. The battleship now comes on a wooden base atop metal pillars as shown above.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Yamato Class Super Battleship – Yamato, Operation Kikusui Ichi-Go, Okinawa, 1945, Okinawa, 1945 [Full Hull Version]
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(76)W Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – Sgt. Daniel “Buttons” Cardell, “Julia”, 761st Tank Battalion “Black Panthers”, Task Force Rhine, Germany, 1945 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
As some companies shutter or slow down production due to an uncertain future, one seems content to keep us guessing as to what’s going on. Recently, at the Beijing Hobby Show, several 1:32 scale subjects were shown for the “first” time — well, lets just say they haven’t been heard from in a very long time. Among them were a King Tiger, Panzer IV Ausf. F1 and Pershing, to say nothing of the illustrious Kubelwagen. When we asked when they were expected and their cost, we got a cold, starry eyed response — if that’s even possible from several thousand miles away and over the Internet.
On the positive side, we did finally receive a price list for their complete collection sans these new entrants. Apparently, some old favorites will be marking their return including “Julia” a heavily requested Sherman tank, along with a handful of previously sold out earlier Shermans. Also expected is a 1:700 scale reproduction of the USS Arizona along with a pair of USS Missouri battleships. The wholesale price for many of their products seems to have also decreased, so we are finally able to reduce the price on much of the Forces of Valor range to reflect these adjustments. Anyway, we’ve placed a re-order with them and hop to have the whole shebang back in stock by the end of May, just in time for Father’s Day.
In the meantime, we will keep pestering Waltersons to determine when the “new old” products, or should that read “old new” products are ready to make their triumphant return. Wish us luck.
On the surface, it would appear as if Dragon Models has decided to call it quits in the face of the on-again, off-again Trump tariffs, escalating labor costs and higher oil prices. According to a blog post on Facebook made earlier today, it seems as though they will be shuttering their production facilities and instead offer its intellectual properties as digital downloads that can then be 3-D printed by the end-user. We’re not certain what they plan to charge for this service and whether or not this shift in philosophy and business strategy will be successful.
It was, perhaps, a matter of time before home-based 3-D technology was good enough and cost effective from the consumer’s standpoint before companies such as Dragon pulled up stakes and called it a day. Could other model makers follow suit? Almost certainly, if they feel as if there are enough inexpensive 3-D printers being adopted and whether or not end users feel comfortable printing out a model kit instead of buying one off the shelf. Needless to say, customers who prefer pre-assembled models are in for a rude awakening in the coming years unless there are firms willing to print out, decorate and sell IP-based properties for a decent profit to make it worth their while to shoulder the burden of this type of service. In any event, we’ll keep an eye on this developing story and its impact upon other model makers that we deal with.
Update: On May 18th, the following announcement was posted by Dragon Models:
When President Trump announced his plans to increase tariffs on dozens of countries way back on April 2nd of last year, it basically threw the market into a tizzy. The diecast model making business, which is essentially located in both China and Bangladesh, was deeply affected by the move, forcing several to shut down for an indefinite period of time, and others to adjust their shipping schedule to accommodate the changes. One Company that has attempted to soldier on despite the tariffs is Hobby Master, who, up until “Liberation Day”, was pumping out at least a dozen or so new products each month. It too, was eventually forced to alter its battle plan, delaying the release of many products by several months and shunting others to the back burner until the “all-clear” signal was issued.
This April, fully one year after the Trump tariffs took effect, our distributor reports that a large number of Hobby Master products are slated for an April arrival, many of which had been expected months ago. In fact, 24 military aircraft models are destined to reach our shores this month, and that ain’t no April Fools joke. We are currently awaiting confirmation from our distributor regarding which models are in the works and when we can expect them. We will update this blog post once we have firm confirmation regarding their release.
Note: The following products are confirmed to arrive in April: HA33007, HA3383, HA38069, HA9805, HA19081, HA19082, HA38070, HA4447, HA1341, HA38068, HA4625, HA3593, HA6214, HA5143,HA9558, HA5654, HA9707,HA0218
