If you thought you were pretty handy with a fractal design package, or knew your way around an ArtStation, you’d better think again. Ansel Hsaio, a member of the Starships and Space Stations of the Galaxy group on Facebook, posted his rendition of a so-called Bellator-class Star Destroyer drawn from the Star Wars universe. He claims his design consists of at least a billion polygons. While we’re not going to go over his creation with a fine-toothed comb, or break out our calculator to verify his claim, we believe him and frankly, so should you. Take a gander at his creation and decide if you have the chops or the time to create something as wondrous as this.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun with FLaK Rohr 18 Gun Barrel and Sd. 202 Towing Vehicle – Deutsches Afrika Korps, El Alamein, North Africa, 1942 [Comes with Seven Crewmen and Rommel]
There are a number of distinctions between Unimax, the former makers of the Forces of Valor line and Waltersons, its new caretakers. While both companies cared about quality, consistency and dedication to their craft, its becoming increasingly clear that Waltersons wants to demonstrate its depth of knowledge and keen interest in the subject matter by offering a range of product that will truly sit well with today’s collector. Take, for instance, their 88mm FLaK gun, which first came out earlier this year and will now be reintroduced in just a few short months. The first model reflected a gun used by the Deutsches Afrika Korps at the Battle of El Alamein in late 1942. As such, it comes with the original 8.8cm FLaK Rohr 18 gun barrel, as well other gear designed for the first batch of 88s.
For the uninformed, the Flak 18’s carriage allowed it to fire in an emergency when still on its wheels and without its outriggers, but with a very limited traverse and elevation. For normal emplacement, one single-axle bogie was detached from the front outrigger and one from the rear, side outriggers were then hinged from the vertical position to the ground; the total time to set up was estimated at two and a half minutes. Both modes of operation made the gun much more suitable for fast-moving operations, the basic concept of the Blitzkrieg. The weight of the gun meant that only large vehicles could move it, the Sd. Kfz. 7 half-track becoming a common prime mover.
Targeting indicators were attached from the central controller to each of the four guns of a battery, allowing for coordinated fire. Indeed, with the automatic loading system, the gun layers’ job was to keep the gun barrel trained on the target area based on the signals from the controller. The loaders would keep the weapon fed with live ammunition which would fire immediately upon insertion — all while the gun layer aimed the weapon according to the data.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German 88mm Flak 36 Anti-Aircraft Gun with FLaK Rohr 36 Gun Barrel and Sd. 202 Towing Vehicle – Unidentified Unit, Stalingrad, 1942
Rather than repaint the gun, as Unimax chose to do, to portray an 88mm gun employed at the Battle of Stalingrad, Waltersons decided to go one step further and instead model the improved 8.8cm FLaK Rohr 36 gun barrel, which had a two-piece barrel for easier replacement of worn liners. Flak 36s were often fitted with an armored shield that provided limited protection for the gunners. These shields could be retro-fitted on older Flak 18s as well.
There’s a better than average chance that the third gun in the series, the FLaK 37, will also be modeled at some point in time, thereby covering all three different versions, and hopefully appeasing collectors and historians alike. Will the average layperson be able to distinguish one gun from another? Apart from the paint schemes probably not, but Waltersons thought it important enough to avoid making some of the same mistakes the former owners of the series tended to make when addressing the evolution of the gun and its employment throughout the war in differing theaters of operation.
Eaglemoss Star Trek Federation Cardenas Class Starship – USS Buran NCC-1412
Things seem to be looking up for Eaglemoss. Last week we received a long overdue shipment of standard-sized Star Trek starships, many of which are quickly selling out. Now, we have learned that a follow-on shipment of Eaglemoss sci-fi stuff is on its way to us, this one largely containing several Star Trek Discovery and Battlestar Galactica ships. We have no doubt that these too will move quickly since many were listed as pre-orders for a number of months. The problem, as we see it, is that re-supply seems to be haphazard, so there’s a good chance we may not receive additional stocks of these items for many more months to come, if at all. So, as always, we strongly recommend reviewing everything that has already arrived as well as those items currently en route to us. The simple truth is that there’s no telling when or if these collectibles will return to stock in any significant numbers so grab ’em while you can.
While they’ve been slow to get product to market and have had to make several changes to their production schedule that has led to further release delays, Forces of Valor has been making major strides of late both updating their web site and showing imagery for several upcoming 1:32 scale German weapons due out before the year’s end. Here’s what you can expect to nestle under the Christmas tree this holiday season:
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun with Trailer – Unidentified Unit, Stalingrad, 1942
Originally developed as an anti-aircraft gun, the 8.8cm FLugzeugAbwehrKanone (“Flak”) was first employed in the anti-tank gun role in 1936, when the German Condor Legion was testing out its equipment during the Spanish Civil War. Amazingly, German war planners had designed the gun as an AA weapon with a heavy cruciform platform and central fire control operation, not as a multi-purpose anti-tank gun with proper anti-tank sights. Nevertheless, its capability was seen and quietly noted by commanders operating in the field. While the gun was occassionally used in the anti-tank gun role during the Polish and French campaigns, it wasn’t until the Afrika Korps joined battle in Cyrenaica with the British Eighth Army that the “88” really showed its prowess as a tank killer. Here the tactical situation was such that it was possible to deploy the guns in their anti-aircraft role in positions that would allow them to be re-trained as anti-tank guns. Moreover their range and penetrating power enabled their crews to dispose of British tanks long before the enemy was close enough to engage the guns with their own two- or six-pounder guns.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Mid Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank with Zimmerit – 3/schwere Panzer Abteilung 501, Orsha, Russia, June 1944 [Bonus Maybach HL 230 TRM P45 Engine]
The German Waffenamt issued an order to design the VK4501(H) (as the PzKpfw VI Ausf. E was then known) in May 1941, just one month prior to the commencement of Operation Barbarossa. Interestingly, Henschel und Sohn of Kassel was charged with building the heavily armored chassis while Krupp, by far the largest munitionwerks in Germany, was given the task of developing the turret. The PzKpfw VI Ausfuhrung E (type E) was one of the first German tanks to feature a torsion bar with eight interleaved wheels, which was designed to support the weight of the mammoth 57-ton tank. The Ausf. E mounted a huge 8.8cm KwK36 L/56 cannon and featured two MG34 machine guns for close support against enemy infantry. By war’s end, 1,354 vehicles had been produced, some rolling off the Wegmann assembly line.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Sd. Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther Tank Destroyer – “332”, schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 654, Normandy, 1944 [Bonus Maybach HL230 P30 Engine]
In the fall of 1942, the German Waffenamt issued an order to develop a heavy assault gun to combat the growing menace posed by Russian armored forces all along the eastern front. What resulted was the Sd. Kfz. 173 Jagdpanther tank destroyer, arguably the best long-range tank destroyer of the war. The Jagdpanther mounted a powerful 8.8cm Pak L/71 cannon within a fixed turret, which was situated atop a standard Panther V chassis. Although production of the tank was begun at MIAG in January 1944, it took another ten months before the larger NMH plant could expand the production run in time for the “Wacht am Rhein” counteroffensive. By war’s end only 392 vehicles had entered service with the Wehrmacht, but these had a telling effect on the prosecution of the war.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Sd. Kfz. 186 Jagdpanzer VI Jagdtiger Heavy Tank Destroyer with Henschel Suspension – schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653, Germany, 1945 [Bonus Maybach V-12 HL 230 P30 Engine]
Early in 1943, orders were given to design a heavy, self-propelled anti-tank gun, which would mate a 12.8cm gun with a Tiger II chassis. On October 20th, 1943 a wooden mock-up of the enormous vehicle was shown to the OKH planners who authorized that a prototype be finished by April 1944. Two Jagdtigers were built with the Porsche-designed longitudinal torsion-bar suspension. During field testing, this arrangement proved entirely unsatisfactory, which further delayed production of the tank destroyer. The initial series was set at 150 vehicles, but an order issued in October 1944 stipulated that when these had been completed, production capacity was to be switched over to the Panther. This mandate was reversed in January 1945, and assembly of the Jagdtiger was to be resumed as fast as possible. By March 1945, only 77 examples were produced, all assigned to either Panzerjagerabteilung 653 or schwere Panzerabteilung 512.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Sd. Kfz. 184 Elefant Heavy Tank Destroyer with Zimmerit – schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 653, Italy, 1944 [Bonus Two 300 PS Maybach HL 120 TRM Engines]
The Elefant (Elephant) stemmed from the Porsche design for the PzKpfw VI Tiger. Henschel was awarded the contract for the new tank, but it was decided to use the Porsche design as a tank destroyer. Hitler demanded that the new vehicle be ready for the 1943 offensive on the Russian front, so development was rather hurried. As a result, many broke down to their first action at the Battle of Kursk, and the lack of proper armor and ponderous mobility made them easy targets for Soviet gunners in the battle. In addition, the lack of machine guns meant that there was no defense against Soviet troops disabling them with explosive charges in close-quarter combat. The survivors were withdrawn to Italy, where unreliability and lack of spares ensured their continued ineffectiveness.
Admittedly, all are based upon previous releases, however, that’s where the comparison ends. Each vehicle features more metal content, better painting and weathering and even a removable engine designed to better portray the horsepower necessary to get these vehicles moving.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor Air Dominance Fighter – “The Pride of Bay County”, 43rd Fighter Squadron “Hornets”, 325th Fighter Wing, Air Education and Training Command, Tyndall Air Force Base, FL., 2008 [Low-Vis Scheme]
Some times we’re left twiddling our thumbs with nothing to do as we await the next delivery to arrive from our suppliers. And then there’s late July, which is stacking up to become one of our busiest two-week periods ever, with several long awaited items finally hitting the street.
According to our principal distributor, they are looking to receive and turn around the following shipments during the latter half of July:
Eaglemoss – Expected around July 19th
Hobby Master – Expected around July 30th
Forces of Valor – Expected around July 30th
Air Force 1 – Expected around July 26th
Air Commander – Expected around July 30th
Presently, we do not know what is included in the Eaglemoss cache but hope to get a clearer picture in the next couple of days. Keep in mind that these are tentative dates, oftentimes affected by changes in transport scheduling and customs delays.
As an aside, we’ve already taken delivery of our latest PMA shipment, posted some of their latest products slated for a fourth quarter release, and are waiting to see what Corgi has in store for the latter half of the year since they have indicated that two additional aircraft are being unveiled at this week’s Royal International Air Tattoo event. Over the weekend, packaging photos of their upcoming Military Legends series were finally posted online, so it appears as if we are getting close to their shipping dates.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN Grumman TBM-1C Avenger Torpedo-Bomber – “Barbara III”, Lt. George H. W. Bush, VT-51, USS San Jacinto (CVL-30), September 1944
It looks as if we’re going to be busy as bees next week, with lots of product rolling in through our doors ready to find new homes. The latest manufacturer looking to book receiving time with us is Hobby Master — their June shipment now en route to us with several key items shown front-and-center on the manifest. A number of items are already sold out at both the factory and distributor level, meaning they’ll likely go fast once they get listed as being available. Here’s a list of what you’ll be able to wrap your mitts around in the coming days:
HG5007 – German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover – 10.Infanterie Division, 1942 (1:72 Scale)
HG5607 – USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) (1:72 Scale)
HA2011 – Imperial Japanese Navy Nakajima B5N2 “Kate” Torpedo Bomber – Lt. Cdr. Shigekazu Shimazaki, IJN Carrier Zuikaku, Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941 (1:72 Scale)
HA4105 – Royal Navy BAE Harrier II FA.2 Jump Jet – “Operation Deliberate Force” No.800 Naval Air Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, HMS Invincible (R05), Mediterranean Sea, July 1995 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)
HA1221 – USN Grumman TBM-1C Avenger Torpedo-Bomber – “Barbara III”, Lt. George H. W. Bush, VT-51, USS San Jacinto (CVL-30), September 1944 (1:72 Scale)
HA8650 – RAF Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIc Fighter – PZ865, “The Last of the Many!”, 1944 (1:48 Scale)
HA3550 – Royal Canadian Boeing CF-18B Hornet Strike Fighter – “2016 DEMO”, Captain Ryan “Roid” Kean, 2016 (1:72 Scale)
HA4608 – USMC Lockheed-Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – BF-05, Cdr. Nathan Gray, VX-23 “Salty Dogs”, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), 2018 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)
HA6202 – USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – CF-01, VX-23 “The Salty Dogs”, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, Naval Air Systems Command, 2012 [Low-Vis Scheme] (1:72 Scale)
HA5150 – US Navy Boeing E/A-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 168893 VAQ-141 “Shadowhawks”, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), Atsugi Air Base, Japan, 2017 (1:72 Scale)
HA5225 – US Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – 161616, VF-21 “Freelancers”, USS Independence (CV-62), CVW-5, 1994 (1:72 Scale)
Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAF Douglas C-47A Skytrain Troop Transport – “That’s All Brother”, Lead D-Day Aircraft, 87th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier Group, June 5th/6th, 1944 [75th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion]
With just a week to go before the all-important July Fourth weekend, Corgi has touched off its own fireworks extravaganza of sorts with the release of several eagerly-awaited Aviation Archive aircraft. Headed our way are the following models, each meticulously handcrafted and painstakingly researched to evoke memories of days gone by steeped in the annals of aviation history:
AA38707 – RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XIV Fighter – RM740, No.322 (Dutch) Squadron, Deanland, England, August 1944 [75th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion] (1:72 Scale)
AA38508 – German Messerschmitt Bf 110 E Destroyer – Stab II./Nachtjagdgeschwader 1, Deelen, Holland, Spring 1942 (1:72 Scale)
AA38210 – USAF Douglas C-47A Skytrain Troop Transport – “That’s All Brother”, Lead D-Day Aircraft, 87th Troop Carrier Squadron, 438th Troop Carrier Group, June 5th/6th, 1944 [75th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion] (1:72 Scale)
AA27901 – Royal Navy McDonnell F-4 FG.1 Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – No. 892 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Ark Royal (R07), November 1978 (1:48 Scale)
Earlier this month, we were treated to our shipment of Oxford Rail’s 1:76 scale British BL 18-inch Railway Howitzer, which the British Army of WWI dubbed “Gladiator” (BOOM02). Heavy in hand and packed with lots of detail, Oxford’s railway howitzer is one of those extraordinary models that can be displayed alongside other diecast military vehicles or simply added to an OO gauge rail layout. Priced at just $79.99, our shipment of “Gladiators” has already sold out, and, to our dismay, won’t be available again until well into 2020 when Oxford gets around to reproducing it. Now, if you’re a latecomer to the game, eager to own a beast on tracks, you might think you’re sh*t out of luck until you learn that two more iterations are due out shortly.
Expected in July is “Boche Buster” (BOOM03), a 14-inch Railway Howitzer clad in a sumptuous tri-color camouflage scheme. Its roughly the same size as “Gladiator”, but sporting a slimmer gun capable of launching a projectile a bit farther than the wider 18-inch version. While we still have a few available for pre-order, we believe this gun will likely sell out even faster than “Gladiator”, simply because it looks more onerous and will likely attract the attention of those still interested in purchasing “Gladiator”.
Oxford Rail’s 1:76 scale British BL 14-inch Railway Howitzer and Rod 2330 0-6-0 Locomotive Set – “Boche Buster”
And, if that doesn’t whet your appetite, there’s “Boche Buster” deluxe, a more upscale version of the 14-inch gun that comes bundled with a Rod 2330 0-6-0 locomotive and accompanying coal tender. Its a bit pricier, weighing in at $219.99, but it comes with a working locomotive thereby giving it true “Scoot-and-shoot” potential. And lastly, there’s “Boche Buster” super deluxe, which adds digital sound to the deluxe set all aimed at bringing your prized possession to life. Admittedly, it tops out at $349.99, but if price is no object and you’re looking to scare the neighbors out of their beds, then this version has got your name written all over it. Now wipe that smirk off your face…
On June 23rd, the USPS began implementing changes that are better designed to reflect the true costs of shipping various sized packages around the country. Being on the east coast, we anticipate shipping costs to rise dramatically for large and over-sized parcels that need to be shipped across the country, particularly to destinations along the west coast and northwest region of the US. For now, we do not plan to make any adjustments as we wait and see how much it will cost us to ship certain items to different parts of the country. It is more than likely that we will have to dispense with our flat rate shipping rate in favor of a variable rate system that will address these changes. Please bear this in mind if you are looking to order larger-sized items and reside on the West Coast and/or several postal zones away from us.
In the wake of several recent Facebook posts, Forces of Valor has made significant strides updating their web site with relevant information that is designed to keep everyone informed about their progress to date. While some upcoming releases are still showing historical photos instead of product imagery, and not every section of the web site has been worked on in a consistent manner, its comforting to see that the Company is finally spending the requisite time to provide meaningful and pertinent information to both its customers and retail network alike. For more information on the Forces of Valor web site, click on the following link.
