Shout Outs

Tales of Transparency: Odds and Ends for November

With Thanksgiving just a week away, we thought it might be a good idea to update everyone as we head into the all-important holiday season. So, with that said, lets get to it!

Earlier this week, we received the October shipment of Hobby Master goodies. Our distributor has informed us that they are still expecting the September shipment some time this week, if all goes according to plan. If it does arrive as prescribed, we will likely have everything in stock right before Turkey day. Why these shipments have taken so long is anyone’s guess. You’ve got your pick of reasons, from the pandemic to shipping and customs issues, to well, everything in between.

The often asked about Forces of Valor MH-47G Chinook has arrived at a different distributor and is now on their way to us. Here again, they should land at our doorstep right before Thanksgiving, which means we have a lot of boxing and shipping to do as we scarf down our turkey dinner.

On the downside, we were told several months ago that the Forces of Valor 1:24 scale radio controlled tanks were expected in November, which turned out not to be the case. Grrr. As it stands now, they are now scheduled to arrive in early 2021, unless, of course, this turns out to be another fictitious release date. We aren’t expecting anything else from Forces of Valor this year, although the manufacturer claims that several items are pegged for an early 2021 release, most notably their first 1:32 scale Sturmtiger. Most of the warships are presently in stock save the Yamato and Bismarck, which, as we understand it, are undergoing some modifications so that they can be displayed in either full draught or waterline poses.

We’re not sure what’s happening with Panzerkampf or when we can expect either the three MH-53 Super Stallions or any of the Mirages to arrive. They’re likely loaded on to a very slow boat out of the Far East, so we’re not sure how or when they are hitting our doorstep. The same holds true for their Abrams tanks, tank transporters and Russian APCs, all likely arriving very late this year on possibly in early 2021.

We received a large shipment of PMA products, including their second Karl Gerat mortar and a re-stock of their very popular Otto Carius Tiger I tank. Both are selling rather quickly so if you have your eye on any of these items, we strongly recommend you nab them now.

With that all said, we urge you to purchase only those items listed as being in stock if you intend to give them as gifts for someone special. Otherwise, there’s a good chance we may not be able to supply many of the items still listed as arriving in December. Sales are particularly strong this year, brought on, in part, by more people purchasing online rather than visiting a brick-and-mortar outlet. Please keep all of this in mind this holiday season.

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The Forces of Valor Update: We Own the Night

Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing-Vertol MH-47G Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopter – 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment “Night Stalkers”, 2014

According to our distributor, the Forces of Valor MH-47G Chinook helicopter, which is famously operated by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment “Night Stalkers”, is en route and expected by the end of October. This is a significant announcement because we have quite a few pre-orders to fill as soon as they arrive and won’t have all that many left available for general sale once the pre-orders have been filled. However, we also wanted to point out that the manufacturer has decided to revise the tooling by moving the front set of landing wheels a bit further forward under the fuselage as one savvy collector pointed out on an aviation forum. While we applaud the manufacturer’s decision to revise the mold and bear the cost of making these changes it does create a bit of a lag in the supply chain. According to the manufacturer, they are sold out of the original helicopter model and have begun retooling the mold to address this modification. As a result, a second batch of models sporting this tooling change is not expected before the holidays and could likely make its way back into the distribution network as late as February. So, if you prefer to wait for the second version of the model, we will need to hear from you as soon as possible otherwise we will assume that the initial version is okay with you.

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The Forces of Valor Update: The Sturmtiger Rocket Mortar

We’ve received some preliminary photos for the prototype Sturmtiger rocket mortar, as it was presented to der Fuhrer and other dignitaries at the Ehrenfriedhof Arys Proving Grounds, East Prussia, on October 20th, 1943, which, as you can see, is bereft of any camouflage or unit markings. Besides several shells, this particular version comes with fully-painted 1:35 scale renditions of Adolf Hitler and his Minister of Armaments, Albert Speer. Bear in mind that although production has commenced for this particular version of the Sturmtiger, the vehicle may or may not appear by year’s end due to logistics issues. Based upon previous experience, it will likely show up sometime in early 2021. No word concerning the other two vehicles in the series or when they will become available.

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Calibre Wings Debuts Images of its Upcoming F-16

Calibre Wing’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 50D Fighting Falcon Fighter – 91-0353, 77th Fighter Squadron “The Gamblers”, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina

We’ve been a fan of Calibre Wings ever since their inception, silently rooting on the underdog who’s been fighting for its fair share of marketing and shelf space for several years running. That said, the manufacturer has at last unveiled images of their upcoming F-16 multi-role fighters, one clad in Hellenic markings and representing a F-16D Block 52 aircraft, the other draped in US insignia and replicating an older F-16C Block 50 warbird.

Calibre Wings’ 1:72 scale Hellenic General Dynamics F-16D Block 52 Fighting Falcon Fighter – 91353, 337 Squadron “Ghost”, Larissa Air Base, Greece [Low-Vis Scheme]

Both aircraft are likely due out before year’s end, thus capping off a very successful year for this dynamic upstart. Priced at $149.99 apiece, we believe these models are the ultimate in “Viper” reproductions.

Side-by-side images of the forthcoming pair of F-16 Flying Falcons due out by year’s end

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The Forces of Valor Update: See You in September

So now that I’ve finished my rant in our previous post, there is a bit of good news to report in regards to Forces of Valor. We’ve switched to a new distributor, who is offering us much lower price points for all of the new and existing Forces of Valor products. For example, the new Jagdtiger with the Porsche suspension previously carried a MAP of $89.99. We’re happy to say that we can now sell this very same vehicle for only $74.99, a $15 savings for all you tread heads. Other vehicles have witnessed a similar cut and we’re hoping that all of their upcoming products, particularly their deep range of Tiger I tanks, will see a cut as well.

According to our new distributor, they will be shipping out the new Jagdtiger along with several back ordered items the first week of September. Many of the warships will be returning to stock as well along with a pair of new CH-47 Chinooks, this time around wearing Canadian markings.

The manufacturer, perhaps in response to our scathing critique earlier this month, decided to post a short video of their upcoming Sturmtiger, demonstrating its smooth rolling capabilities (see above) even clad in metal tracks. The optional metal tracks will be offered at some point after the Sturmtiger is released, which will undoubtedly be offered for their Tiger I tanks. Its unclear if the previously released Jagdtigers, Jagdpanther and British Sherman Firefly will also gain new tracks. No word concerning pricing nor how they will be sold, either as add-ons or included with the vehicles as a more deluxe offering.

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The Forces of Valor Update: The Sturmtiger and Beyond

Forces of Valor broke its silence and finally posted a bunch of new work-in-progress photos for their three upcoming 1:32 scale Sturmtiger assault mortars. According to the posts, final imagery are still weeks away, which means product won’t likely be built and shipped to our shores until October, at the earliest. The photos show the vehicle in three different configurations — initial, early and late stage variants — and provide up-close looks at some of the detail found both inside and outside the finished product. Previously, FOV posted preliminary photos of some of the figures that will accompany each vehicle, including Adolf Hitler and Albert Speer observing the vehicle during its initial presentation phase. Other figures being sculpted include loaders, drivers, gunners and vehicle commanders.

Unfortunately, the lack of final photos for the Sturmtiger typically means that work on all of their upcoming Tiger I (13) and Sherman tanks (8) haven’t moved all that far along beyond the CAD stage, and that product may not make it out for the holiday season. We’re still hopeful that some of the vehicles may make it under the tree this year but want to remind everyone that we aren’t making guarantees based upon the rate of progress we have seen thus far. We wish we had more hopeful news to offer, but want to remain realistic since the holiday season is fast approaching.

In other news, the Company is moving forward with their line of 1:72 scale prop-driven WWII-era fighters which the manufacturer claims will be out by the close of the year. They have also indicated that they have begun work on their 1:72 scale jet fighter series and have signed a licensing agreement with Bell to re-release their 1:48 scale AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 Huey helicopters that were formerly produced by Unimax. A UH-1N Twin Huey is apparently also in the offing as is a AH-1Z Cobra helicopter. We will likely see all of their 1:48 scale rotary wing aircraft produced in 1:72 scale, although these are probably a ways off considering all of the previous product announcements.

Finally, while we do not have confirmation just yet from our R/C distributor, it would appear as if their 1:24 scale line of radio controlled tanks will be re-released this fall, which will likely be augmented with their M26 Pershing and M1 Abrams tanks. Still no word concerning VS Tanks, a separate line of radio controlled tanks which was acquired four years ago. And, while images of a 1:16 scale T-72 they have been working on for several years were posted on Facebook several weeks ago, no pricing or date of release has yet been set.

Update: Earlier today, Waltersons acknowledged that nineteen (19) different Tiger I tanks are in the hopper and was kind enough to provide line art imagery for each of the proposed projects (no actual product photos were shown). Two models are listed as 2020 releases, although its not clear if that’s when they are scheduled to be produced or actually going to be released to the public. So, we’re going to assume that none of the Tiger I tanks will make it out by Christmas and that 2021 will be a bumper year as far as Tiger tanks are concerned. The same is likely true for all of the Sherman tanks expected as well as the Elefant tank destroyer. Incredibly, a separate line of “Tank Aces” was also hinted at in a recent Facebook post, thereby increasing the Tiger I count by several more vehicles. While collectors will certainly have a field day choosing from all of the different Tiger I tanks being proposed, it remains to be seen how distributors and retailers alike will be able to inventory and sell so many different versions of what is essentially one vehicle type and how this massed shotgun strategy will likely affect other models still waiting in the wings such as the Panzer IV, Panther and Sherman medium tanks, many of which have their own subset of vehicle types. I guess its time to build a new warehouse.

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At Long Last, Hobby Master

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Douglas A-1H Skyraider Attack Aircraft – “The Good Buddha”, 1st Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, 1968

Its been quite awhile since we last received a shipment of Hobby Master products and with good reason: the COVID-19 pandemic created a logjam for several months running that affected a number of successive Hobby Master shipments. This logjam created a ripple effect for the balance of 2020, delaying the arrival of other new products heretofore not received by at least two months.

In any event, no need to despair because there is some good news to report: a new Hobby Master shipment is en route to us and expected to land at our facility early next week. Here now the rundown of new products we anticipate receiving:

On the ground…

#HG4916 – US 75mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M8 Tank (1:72 Scale)

…and in the air

#HA8714 – German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 “Emil” Fighter – Walter Horten, Stab/Jagdgeschwader 26 “Schlageter”, France, Spring 1940 (1:48 Scale)

#HA19015 – US Navy McDonnell F-4J Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – VF-103 “Sluggers”, USS Saratoga (CV-60), 1971 (1:72 Scale)

#HA8219 – USN Chance-Vought F4U-1A Corsair Fighter – Lt (JG). Ira C. Kepford, “White 29”, VF-17 “Jolly Rogers”, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, February 1944 (1:48 Scale)

#HA8220 – USMC Chance-Vought F4U-2 Corsair Fighter – Capt. Howard Bollman, “Midnite Cocktail”, VMF(N)-532 “Night Fighters”, Saipan, July 1944 (1:48 Scale)

#HA2915 – USAF Douglas A-1H Skyraider Attack Aircraft – “The Good Buddha”, 1st Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, 1968 (1:72 Scale)

#HA3023 – USAF General Dynamics EF-111A Raven Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron, 66th Electronic Combat Wing, Upper Heyford, England, 1987 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)

#HA5213B – US Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – “Miss Molly,” VF-111 “Sundowners”, USS Carl Vinson (CV-70), 1989 (1:72 Scale)

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The Forces of Valor Update: Is that a Tiger in Your Tank?

Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – schwere SS Panzerabteilung 103, Zwolle, Netherlands, 1944 [Bonus Maybach HL 230 TRM P45 Engine]

A number of you have pre-ordered some of the upcoming 1:32 scale Tiger I heavy tanks from Forces of Valor. Please be advised that the manufacturer has made several changes to the names and descriptions for each of the vehicles over the past week or so, and could be making further changes as we get closer to their actual release date. In fact, according to a recent blog post on Facebook, the manufacturer plans on offering as many as 20 different Tiger I tanks at some point in time, which means several haven’t even been announced just yet and others seem to be in a state of flux as to which vehicle and unit they plan to represent. Obviously we will post images for each vehicle once they are passed along to us but for now, we would appreciate it if you review each vehicle as they now stand and notify us of any changes you wish to make for pre-orders already submitted. Panzer Vorwärts!

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Hobby Master Jump Starts our May Arrivals

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft – 66th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 2005

Like a dead car battery waiting for a boost from a passerby, we’ve been lollygagging around our diecast garage for the past several weeks waiting for anything new to arrive. Well, I can happily report that the May shipment of Hobby Master products are now on their way to us, which includes, among other things, an F-16 painted in an adversarial “ghost scheme” designed to mimic some of the latest aircraft rolling off the Russian assembly line. Unfortunately, all of the “ghost scheme” F-16s have already been spoken for so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Hobby Master gets around to releasing a second version of this popular scheme sometime in the not-too-distant future. Here now the list of aircraft expected to arrive by the end of this week:

HA0173 – US Navy Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless Dive-Bomber – Lt. Richard Best, VB-6, USS Enterprise (CV-6), June 4th, 1942 “Battle of Midway” (1:72 Scale)

HA0174 – US Navy Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless Dive-Bomber – Lieutenant Commander C. Wade McClusky, USS Enterprise (CV-6) Air Group Commander, June 4th 1942 “Battle of Midway” (1:72 Scale)

HA4210 – USAAF Douglas A-20G Havoc Medium Bomber – “Little Joe”, 389th Bombardment Squadron, 312th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, Early 1945 (1:72 Scale)

HA1328 – USAF Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft – 66th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, April 2005 (1:72 Scale)

HA4519 – USAF Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – “Billy the Kid”, 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron “Bold Tigers”, April 2019 “Operation Inherent Resolve” (1:72 Scale)

HA6104 – Russian Sukhoi Su-25SM “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – “Red 25”, Latakia AB, Syria, November 2015 (1:72 Scale)

HA6105 – Russian Sukhoi Su-25SM “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – “Red 06”, Ramenskoye (Zhukovsky), Russia, August 2012 (1:72 Scale)

HA4611 – USMC Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – 169164, VMFA-121 “Green Knights”, Iwakuni, Japan, 2018 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)

Still no word as to when HA5008, a 1:72 scale US Navy Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 160432, VMAQ-2 “Death Jesters”, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, is expected to arrive since its reportedly making the trek to our distributor via air mail as opposed to surface transport. Could be May or it could be delayed til June.

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Panzerkampf Begins its Summer Offensive

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank – Mixed European Camouflage

We’ve been watching Panzerkampf’s web site for several months running and were growing concerned because there seemed to be no movement one way or the other. The site seemed unfinished with lots of products we had never seen shown in different configurations. Earlier this week, we noticed that the site was finally updated, which included pictures of some of their upcoming projects. Other items were removed or quite possibly hidden from view, meaning they are likely due out later in the year once things settle down and they have a better feel for what they can get out within the calendar year.

So, we invite you to take a look at our revamped Panzerkampf military vehicle section. We’re currently awaiting word as to when several of the items marked as pre-ordered will actually come to fruition, no doubt pushed back because of the pandemic. Right now, we are forecasting a summer release although this could change once more solid information has been passed along by our distributor.

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