Wings of the Great War’s 1:72 scale Royal Flying Corps Nieuport 17 Fighter – Lt. William “Billy” Bishop, 60 Squadron, Filescamp, France, March 1917
Until we have evidence to the contrary, we are now presuming that AF-X, Luft-X and Wings of the Great War are no longer being made and have therefore been discontinued by our distributor. Any orders that have been submitted to us thus far for the pair of pre-ordered Wings of the Great War aircraft (WW19002 and WW11004) we were expecting along with any items marked as back ordered will now be cancelled. If our distributor has concrete proof that these lines will be continued then we will re-open the ordering window again and update our site accordingly.
With most modelmakers struggling to get product out the door in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hobby Master saw an opportunity to up the ante and add yet another weapon to its aerial armada. According to Hobbymastercollector.com, the Company plans on offering a model of the Boeing F/A-18XT Advanced Super Hornet Strike Fighter, an aircraft that, for all intents and purposes, is still in the nascent stage of development that hasn’t gone into full production or been pegged to join any front line squadron.
Boeing and Northrop Grumman self-funded a prototype of the Advanced Super Hornet in the early 2010s. The prototype features a 50% reduction in frontal radar cross-section (RCS), conformal fuel tanks (CFT), and an enclosed weapons pod. Features could also be integrated onto the EA-18G Growler; using CFTs on the EA-18 fleet was speculated as useful to releasing underwing space and drag margin for the Next Generation Jammer. Flight tests of the Advanced Super Hornet began on August 5th, 2013, and continued for three weeks, testing the performance of CFTs, the enclosed weapons pod (EWP), and signature enhancements. The U.S. Navy was reportedly pleased with the Advanced Super Hornet’s flight test results, and hopes it will provide future procurement options.
In March 2013, the U.S. Navy was considering the widespread adoption of conformal fuel tanks, which would allow the Super Hornet to carry 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of additional fuel. Budgetary pressures from theF-35C Lightning II and Pacific region operations were cited as reasons supporting the use of CFTs. Flight testing demonstrated CFTs could slightly reduce drag while expanding the combat range by 260 nautical miles (300 mi; 480 km). The prototype CFT weighed 1,500 lb (680 kg), while production CFTs are expected to weigh 870 lb (390 kg). Boeing stated that the CFTs do not add any cruise drag but acknowledged a negative impact imposed on transonic acceleration due to increased wave drag. General Electric’s enhanced performance engine (EPE), increasing the F414-GE-400’s power output from 22,000 to 26,400 lbf (98 to 117 kN) of thrust per engine, was suggested as a mitigating measure. In 2009, development commenced on several engine improvements, including greater resistance to foreign object damage, reduced fuel burn rate, and potentially increased thrust of up to 20%.
In 2014, Boeing revealed a Super Hornet hybrid concept, equipped with the EA-18G Growler’s electronic signal detection capabilities to allow for targets engagement using the receiver; the concept did not include the ALQ-99 jamming pod. Growth capabilities could include the addition of a long-range infrared search and track sensor and new air-to-air tracking modes.
In September 2014, Boeing readied plans to close its St. Louis production lines for the Super Hornet and F-15 in 2017. Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, told the Wall Street Journal that, although “we’re still solidly behind them,” the company could have decided by April 2015 whether to shut down both assembly lines and close the factory, but chose to keep the Super Hornet line going. Due to various Pentagon contracts, Boeing had enough orders to keep things running into 2017 to give Boeing the opportunity to firm up more international orders.
Early on in the Trump administration, the President liked the idea of bolstering its air defense lineup with cheaper to build F/A-18 aircraft that, while no where near as stealthy as say the F-22 or F-35, could still hold its own against many of today’s front line aircraft. Furthermore, the F/A-18XT is far cheaper to build than the F-35, meaning more aircraft can be added to either the USMC or USN arsenal without breaking the bank.
Dragon’s 1:72 scale US M1124 Stryker ATGM Guided Missile Vehicle
With Chinese factories now open, and most workers having returned to their jobs, we were wondering what the status was with Dragon’s newly launched Neo Dragon Armor series. Several items were announced months ago and were already appearing in Asian stores, making it hard to understand why they weren’t available yet here in the North American market. According to our distributor, several items are scheduled to arrive in mid-May, including DRR63005, a US M1124 Stryker ATGM Guided Missile Vehicle. Interestingly, DRR63005 is already sold out at the factory and distributor level, so if you are looking to nab one of these replicas we strongly recommend you pre-order them now before they run out. We have a handful still left for pre-order and we doubt any will be listed for general sale once they do arrive.
Dragon’s 1:72 scale PLA ZBL-09 Snow Leopard Infantry Fighting Vehicle – Digital Camouflage, Parade Version
Also in the hopper is DRR63001, a Peoples Liberation Army ZBL-09 Snow Leopard Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The standard vehicle will come in a digitzed camouflage scheme with white wall tires, making it ideal for Chinese military parades. A special edition vehicle, available in limited quantities, will come with a PLA flag and the more traditional blackened tires. Finally, a limited edition vehicle will come in UN markings and is painted all-white, standard attire for a United Nations vehicle performing a peacekeeping mission. Only one piece in every 24-piece master carton contains the limited edition vehicle, hence the higher price.
Dragon’s 1:72 scale Limited Edition PLA ZBL-09 Snow Leopard Infantry Fighting Vehicle – United Nations Peacekeeping Force
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike Fighter – VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers”, 75th Anniversary Commemorative Scheme, USS Lincoln (CVN-72), 2017 [Anniversary Scheme]
Like clockwork, we’ve received the April shipment of Hobby Master products with just a few days to spare before May rolled in. It’s composed of a rather diverse set of collectibles, covering everything from ROC tanks to a sleek F/A-18F Super Hornet clad in a stunning anniversary scheme. Here’s the run down of what’s now in stock and ready for immediate departure:
It appears as if Corgi is back on track after a herky-jerky start to the new year and finally releasing several warbirds that are part of their 2020 collection. There’s lots to choose from, including this massive 1:72 scale rendition of an Avro Vulcan strategic bomber. So, without further ado, here’s the list of new aircraft we’ve received this week that are now ready for immediate shipment:
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo Assault Tank with VVSS Suspension – “Cobra King”, C Company, 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Bastogne, Belgium, December 26th, 1944 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
Last year, Waltersons announced their intent to make eight different versions of the ubiquitous M4 Sherman tank, the workhorse of the American Army throughout WWII. Initially we were stunned that so many different versions were in the works, when Unimax, the previous owner of the Forces of Valor brand, released only one over the course of several years. While we were a bit skeptical, and hoped they planned on spacing out their releases so that collectors could pick and choose at their leisure instead of having to accept them en masse, the fact remained that we were happy to see so many different variants were going to be offered. Earlier today, we learned which vehicles, units and theatres of action are being replicated and have updated our web site accordingly. Here’s what you can look forward to leading into battle as early as this summer:
CAD images showing some of the new M4 Sherman variants on the drawing board
Interestingly, most of the vehicles will carry an $89.99 price tag while a handful will be pegged at $79.99. Information will soon be disseminated regarding their set of four different Tiger I heavy tanks as well as the first vehicle in their newly launched Inside Out Series, the Sturmtiger assault mortar.
Ever since they started rolling out late last year, I’ve wondered why the display bases for the revitalized 1:32 scale military vehicles seemed a tad unfinished along each of their edges. Well, now I know the reason. Yesterday, we learned that Waltersons has been planning several enhancements for each 1:32 scale set that are designed to give them a bit more polish and added flair. Beginning this summer, the manufacturer plans to release a series of wood-like frames that attach to each of the four display base sides with the forward facing edge mounting an etched metallic name plate. Three sizes will be offered (small, medium and large) as is three types of faux wood finishes: mahogany, black wood and walnut. Pricing hasn’t been set just yet and its not clear if each frame will include an assortment of name plates so that the collector can pick and choose which vignette they are looking to portray. Update: Waltersons informs us that three etched metallic name plates will be included in each set and that the retail price point will probably be fixed at $12.99.
While no images were offered, Waltersons did also indicate that they are planning to come out with an assortment of full-color back drops that can be mounted behind each vignette. Its possible that each back drop will be reversible giving the collector two options to choose from. Its not clear if the back drops will dramatize daytime/nighttime lighting conditions, as hinted at in their T-34/85 medium tank series, or simply provide different vistas and even 3-D pop outs such as buildings and fortifications. Look for these and possibly other enhancement sets later in the year.
On a different note, the Company is looking to branch out a bit by offering a new series of budget-minded interlocking sets that will feature a 4-inch aircraft along with a 1:200 scale section of an aircraft carrier deck. The first “panorama”, if you will, is designed to portray deck operations atop the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) just after its overhaul in 1982. Twelve individual sets make up the entire deck, five on the port side of the ship, five on the starboard side, and two forward over the bow. The embarked air wing will consist of several F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets, and an E-2C Hawkeye Early Warning Aircraft.
Pricing for each section will likely be pegged at around $20 per section, thus bringing the entire 12-section set in at just under $240. The entire series is expected to street some time this summer.
We will be closed for business from May 2nd until May 11th. During this period, you may freely place orders through our web site, although they will not be addressed until our return on May 12th. Moreover, any product inquiries or order updates will be responded to upon our return.
Our marketplace sites on Amazon and Walmart will be temporarily shuttered in compliance with their selling guidelines although our marketplace on eBay will be open and operational albeit with the understanding that any orders received will be shipped out upon our return, again in compliance with their venue-specific selling guidelines. As always, we thank you for your patronage and look forward to delivering the highest quality products and service possible. Enjoy the holidays!
On February 7th, eBay formally launched its eBay International Standard Delivery program. Billed as a more efficient means of getting product into the hands of the international customer it is also designed to save the seller some money, thereby making it a more economical choice than the standard means of delivery used in the past. Here’s what eBay had to say about its functionality:
“Beginning in February, eBay international standard delivery will be available to all sellers. This new program supports shipments to over 210 countries, offers better tracking visibility and includes late delivery protections for standards, service metrics, and feedback.
If you ship to international buyers directly (not using eBay’s Global Shipping Program), you can select the eBay international standard delivery option as an economical choice to deliver your product. eBay international standard delivery is a Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU) shipping solution—buyers won’t pay duties and tax at checkout on eBay, but may have to pay the carrier for duties and tax on delivery.
It’s easy for sellers to save an average of 9% using eBay international standard delivery, as there is no change to the current process.
This new option is available in the listing flow, under Shipping Details. You have the option of selecting Calculated or Flat international shipping cost listings. For either of these options, select “eBay international standard delivery” shipping service from the drop down menu.
After your item sells, select the “eBay international standard delivery” option when you print a shipping label with eBay Labels for buyers in destinations outside of the US. Drop off your package at any US post office or schedule a pick up. Tracking will be automatically uploaded on eBay and tracked to its final destination.
Each purchase of the eBay international standard delivery service includes a shipping protection plan to help in case of lost or damaged items. eBay will also protect you by removing negative and neutral feedback and defects when things happen that are outside your control (like late deliveries due to weather or carrier delays.)”
As a result, we have begun using this shipping program for most international deliveries. In some instances, it could be possible that this new service is more costly than the traditional method of handing off to the USPS. So, we will compare the rates offered, and choose which is the most economical for us while still ensuring our customers get the very best service possible.
On a different subject, we will soon be rolling out additional marketplace options on Amazon, beginning with the United Kingdom. Essentially, we will be able to sell our products on the Amazon.UK web site just as we do on the US Amazon site, although Amazon Prime will not come into play. More on this subject later as we get up to speed.
In case you haven’t been paying attention to the news, over 780 million Chinese people are now subject to lock down mandated by their government, which is roughly half of the Chinese population. As a result, many of the manufacturers that make diecast-related products are not expected to re-open for business within the foreseeable future until the virus has been contained and/or eradicated and the general population can once again go out in public.
Because of this, we are anticipating lengthy delays in the production pipeline and cannot predict when these manufacturers will be up and running again. Some companies, such as Hobby Master, moved their production facilities outside of China to southern Asia several years ago. That said, they oftentimes still maintain staff in China and are just as likely affected by the pandemic as those individuals living within the affected regions.
We will do our best to monitor the situation and update our release schedule as news is passed along to us. We hope you understand that this is an issue beyond our control and affects a great many industries in the manufacturing sector.
