Shout Outs – Page 23 – The Motor Pool

Forces of Valor Picks Up Momentum for the Winter Season

Lets face it, if you’re a fan of Forces of Valor, and who isn’t, then you should be delighted to learn that the Company has started to pick up speed, both in terms of production as well as over the air waves. Earlier this week, they embarked upon a series of Facebook posts that explains some of the delays they have faced for 2018 along with some of the projects currently in development and nearing completion. While finished product images are still being held at bay, they have uploaded several shots showing some of the vehicles and accessories currently being created and discussed their philosophy regarding how they plan to take the line to new heights. For more information, click on the image above, which will take you to their Facebook page. You can even ask them questions if you so desire.

Barrel droop. This short video demonstrates some of the issues with the original Sherman Firefly tank. Note how the gun barrel has trouble remaining in a fixed position.

Utilizing a newly machined gun barrel and tighter tooling specifications, the updated Sherman Firefly has no trouble keeping its gun in either a firing or elevated position.

Share This:

Hobby Master Closes Out September With a Big Bang

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969

We’ve learned that the September cache of Hobby Master products has arrived at our distributor and is now headed our way, slated to arrive the first week of October. The September diecast payload is critical from a number of standpoints, since it includes several heavily requested items that cut across the entire spectrum of Hobby Master releases. Certainly, one of the more notable issues is this 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-25K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft (HA3225). A similar plane, released earlier this year, sold out the moment it arrived, which makes this second iteration just as likely to sell out the moment it lands.

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 Tropical Fighter – Black Chevron, Gruppen-Adjutant I/Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, December 1941

Another coveted aircraft is this 1:48 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 tropical fighter, which was attached to Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, then flying in support of the Deutsches Afrika Korps (HA8704). All of the previous 1:48 scale Messerschmitts have sold out, so this version, slathered in a desert sand motif, will certainly go quick once word spreads that its in stock.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-25M1 “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade, Nikolaev, Ukraine, 2014

Also up for your consideration is this sleek-looking Ukrainian Air Force Su-24 Frogfoot attack aircraft, clad in a digitally enhanced scheme (HA6102) that takes the art of camouflage to an entirely new level. Inspiring to look and deadly in the hands of an experienced pilot, this undeniably handsome aircraft makes a welcome addition to anyone’s collection, even if it does fly for a foreign power.

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” Fighter – V-173, Saburo Sakai, Tainan Air Group, Rabaul, June-July 1942

And last, but certainly not least, is this 1:48 scale rendition of famed Japanese ace Saburo Sakai’s Mitsubishi Zero, as it was painted and marked up during his stint at the island fortress of Rabaul (HA8805). Perhaps not as eye-popping as some of the other aircraft we profiled previously, collectors are all too familiar with its historical significance rather than its somewhat monotone scheme. Its a war winner if ever we’ve seen one, and we already have lots of pre-orders in-house to prove it!

Share This:

“Wongo Wongo” is on the Way Way!

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Consolidated B-24D Liberator Heavy Bomber – “Wongo Wongo,” 512th Bomb Squadron, 376th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, North Africa, 1943

Say what you will about some of their modern era aircraft, the fact remains that Air Force 1 does a very credible job in the World War II category. We’ve sold oodles of their 1:72 scale B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers over the past couple of years so the release of their first ever B-24 Liberator bomber is certainly welcome news as the holidays approaches.

When last we spoke with our distributor, “Wongo Wongo”, their inaugural Liberator, is now winging its way to us and should be in stock for general sale early next week. Priced at just $115.99, this aircraft is certainly a bargain, especially when you compare it with similar aircraft released by Corgi over the past several years. Painted in a North African camouflage scheme, “Wongo Wongo” took part in Operation Tidal Wave, the famed Ploesti Oil Field Raid in 1943 which was intended to deliver a knockout blow to the Nazi oil refineries.

Share This:

The Motor Pool: 10,000 and Counting

Well before we started our web site, we began selling diecast collectibles on eBay back in August 1999. Nineteen years later, we’ve finally crossed the 10,000 positive feedback threshold, thanks, in large part, to our customers, many of whom have stuck with us through thick and thin over the years. Believe it or not, we have a handful of buyers that have been purchasing from us for almost two decades, a feat few could replicate but would certainly love to crow about in the digital era where virtually anything goes. Anyway, we just want to say a big thank you to all of our supporters, whether or not you have been with us from the beginning or have just learned about our store. Without you, we could never have lasted this long or have become this prosperous and we look forward to serving your diecast wants and needs for many years to come.

Share This:

What Happened to Eaglemoss?

For the last few months, we haven’t seen hide nor hair from Eaglemoss, which had been one of our monthly staples for several years running. We’ve heard all sorts of reasons why the line’s arrival has been delayed, covering everything from production issues to personnel changes. Frankly, we aren’t sure what the hang up is, since product seems to be readily available in Europe where the Company is based. We do know that the manufacturer has embarked upon a rapid series of expansions over the last twelve months, introducing new line extensions to their existing Star Trek starships range while also kicking off a couple of new series that include Battlestar Galactica and Aliens and Predator. Moreover, they tend to use this time to get ready for Comic Con, which is scheduled to open in early October.

Right now, we aren’t sure when the line is supposed to resurface nor do we know where it will pick up from since its been several months since we last received a shipment. For all we know, everything we have been waiting for could arrive all at once, which is both good and bad news depending upon how you look at it. If everything does show up all at once, we are going to need several days to go through it all and marry up the new arrivals with our existing list of back orders. Obviously, we’re going to need ask for everyone’s patience if that occurs and we will do our best to update our web site where applicable. Keep your fingers crossed that we see some material movement later this month.

Share This:

Should Hobby Master Re-Introduce a Past Favorite?

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN McDonnell Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Attack Aircraft – John McCain, VA-163 “Saints”, USS Oriskany (CV-34), Vietnam, 1967

With the passing of Arizona Senator, John McCain, we’ve noticed that a lot of people have been taking a gander at Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale replica of his A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft produced way back in 2007 (HA1403). Obviously, many people would like to lay claim to this model now that this American hero has been laid to rest. The question, therefore, is should Hobby Master re-release this overnight sensation? The Company has had a longstanding tradition of refraining from re-releasing a fan favorite, largely because they believe it would have a direct impact on the original model’s value. However, we thought the time was right that they re-consider their position, and possibly offer the model in a different scale, say 1:48, so that it doesn’t step on the value of the original 1:72 scale model, thereby enabling thousands of would-be collectors a chance at paying homage to this warrior turned statesman. What say you? Should Hobby Master make a second batch of the 1:72 scale Skyhawk, consider offering it in a larger 1:48 scale, or let the subject lie so that they can get on with other more pressing replicas?

One of the A-4E Skyhawk’s destroyed in a blaze aboard the USS Forrestal

One potential course of action, as a blogger pointed out, is to portray the A-4E Skyhawk he piloted while aboard the USS Forrestal a few months prior to his fateful mission off the Oriskany. His plane was destroyed while aboard the Forrestal in a blaze caused by a Zuni rocket inadvertently fired from an embarked F-4 Phantom. Afterwards, McCain was asked to join VA-163 “Saints”, which was undermanned and in need of experienced pilots. The rest, as they say, is history.

Share This:

Hobby Master’s Pictures at an Exhibition for September

As September rolled in this past weekend, there were several items slated to arrive this month from Hobby Master that were still lacking final production pictures. Fortunately, that issue has now been remedied thanks to some hard work put in by the folks at Hobby Master Collector.

Key among the latecomers is this handsome 1:48 scale rendition of a Mitsubishi Zero flown by legendary Japanese ace, Saburo Sakai (HA8805). We did a profile on Sakai a couple of months back so we were waiting with baited breath to see how his particular model came out. Obviously, we are thrilled with the results and know this will be a highly coveted model by collectors world over.

Also in the hopper is the gorgeous 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf-109E-7 tropical fighter (HA8704), which was pressed into service to support the Deutsches Afrika Korps during its campaign to wrest control of North Africa away from the Allies. This particular model is already sold out at the manufacturer and distributor level, so if you’re interested in obtaining one you might want to act fast before they are all gone.

A number of other eagerly expected models will make up the next shipment, which should hit our receiving doors around the third week of September.

Share This:

Choppers Inbound

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment “Flying Tigers”

Looks as if we are closing out the month of August in particular and summer in general with a couple of eagerly anticipated helicopters – one from Air Force 1 and the other from Hobby Master. Shown here is Hobby Master’s first look at the AH-64 Apache helicopter (HH1201), an attack helo that has served the US Army well for over thirty years. Also inbound is a Sikorsky HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk helicopter from Air Force 1, which provided crucial casualty recovery and transport to US forces operating in South Korea back in 2007.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-111F “Aardvark” Strike Aircraft – 70-2403, 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron “The Grim Reapers”, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England, 1991

A number of other aircraft should be arriving shortly from Hobby Master, geared towards both the 1:72 as well as the 1:48 scale markets. For instance, a pair of F-111 Aardvark fighter-bombers (HA3019 and HA3020) are earmarked for a late August fly-in, both of which are already sold out at the factory and distributor’s level.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B+ Jump Jet – BuNo 165584, VMA-311 “Tomcats”, February 2012 [Low-Vis Scheme]

Also in shorty supply is this USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B jump jet (HA2622), which was operated by VMA-311 “Tomcats”. As the economy heats up and a potential blanket tariff could be imposed on all incoming products from mainland China, its very possible that these and other higly sought after diecast collectibles will become increasingly harder to come by should a trade war with China show no signs of abatement.

Share This:

Ruminations for the Month of August and Beyond

So, we’re mid way though the month of August and we thought we’d share some insights we’ve gleaned over the past few weeks even if some of the news may not be what you wanted to hear. Remember, don’t kill the messenger as he passes along the latest messages.

Eaglemoss

To begin with, we are expecting a shipment of new Eaglemoss products by the end of the month. Our distributor should have a list of what’s in store by the end of this week, barring any unforeseen issues. Its been several months since anything has arrived, so the list could be quite long and varied, but we will know more as soon as its passed along to us. Its not up to us to say why its taken so long for the latest cache to hit the high seas. Some things will forever remain under wraps despite the clamor for concrete information, so suffice it to say that we’re happy that the shipments are resuming and in full gear.

JC Wings

We’ve dropped the two JC Wings aircraft originally earmarked for availability this summer. We are not at liberty to discuss the reason for the decision other than to say that we have learned that they are no longer in the pipeline from our sole source provider. It is possible that we will carry the line at some point so we have left our options open for the moment.

Wings of the Great War

Wings of the Great War has been delayed again, this time until the end of September. Production issues at the factory are being cited, although that could cover anything from labor issues to leaky faucets. Again, we can only go by what we’re being told, so we ask for your further patience until the kinks are worked out and the product hits the supply channel.

Forces of Valor

I know a great many of you are wondering why its taking so long for Waltersons, the new owners of the Forces of Valor brand, to pump out all of the products they claimed were in the offing for a 2018 release. The short and long of it, as far as we can tell, is that they are sticklers for details, a carry over from their bathroom-related business which has helped to pay for the FOV acquisition, new warehouse, labor and tooling, Their intent is to bring the FOV line back to its glory days of 2003-2007, a time when the brand really took off and few could criticize the lengths towards which they were headed to make the very best in diecast military subjects. We all know that many of the former products were hit and miss, particularly in their aircraft line, so redeveloping the tooling to address all of the inaccuracies takes time, research, and most of all, money.

As with their warships line, they are redeveloping the 1:32 scale military vehicle range, adding more metal where necessary to give them more heft and modifying the tooling so each vehicle can boast a removable engine rather than including mundane accessories few cared about. Their goal is to make a top notch range of military themed product and, quite frankly, in an era filled with cheaply made partworks series, we feel they are moving in the right direction. Yes, its frustrating to tell people to hang on a bit longer until product finally makes it to market. Yes, we have loads of unfilled orders that have been languishing on the back burners for months on end. But, the finish line is now within sight, so I think I can speak confidently for the owners and myself that the proof will be in the pudding once you get to see the finished products.

Calibre Wings

As many of you may have guessed, Calibre Wings is being spurred on by a passion we’ve rarely witnessed over the course of our eighteen-year tenure. Noel Lee, its owner, has set about creating a line par excellence, which some times means they run into hiccups along the way, spanning everything from getting the right hue for their upcoming Su-24 Fencers, to making sure every rocket, missile and bomb is included and slung under the right hard point. As a result, they too have run into production issues, moving items backwards and forwards in their release schedule and spending the time to get everything right in spite of demands to hit their release dates like tossing a smart bomb through an office window. Give them some breathing room as they look to carve out their own place in the market and support them with orders because there’s lots more to crow about in 2019.

Modelcollect

Modelcollect continues to churn out an ever staggering array of finished diecast military subjects, spanning everything from “what if” World War II era vehicles to apocalyptic missile launchers. Generally, we receive new items every two months or so based upon our past track record with our supplier so a number of new products are starting to appear that are aimed for a holiday release. Their Fist of War category continues to gather momentum, even if it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. At the end of the day, you certainly have to give them credit for thinking outside the box and offering products no other manufacturer has dared to touch.

Hobby Master

There’s a bit of speculation going on right now regarding Hobby Master, the 800-pound gorilla in the room. As far as aircraft goes, the Company will continue to make 1:72 scale aircraft, but perhaps not in the numbers or subjects that some might feel will do the market justice. Truth is, their 1:72 scale jets far outsell their propeller-driven planes, a fact that has not escaped them, their distributors and, of course, their retailer network. It’s hard to justify making more prop-driven plans when the jets sell out so quickly and rather routinely. Occasionally we shoot the powers that be a message indicating they need to make more F-16s, F-35s, F-22s, etc. simply because we are out of them, while staring at some of the prop-driven shelf warmers for months on end. Frankly, if this was your business, you have to ask yourself where the priorities should lie given stellar sales in one category and lackluster movement in another. So, do expect to see more 1:48 scale prop-driven aircraft going forward, as these are priced right and moving at a clip that far outstrips their 1:72 scale cousins. In fact, the category is doing so well, we wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you start to see more 1:48 scale jet aircraft, picking up where the Armour Collection line once reigned supreme.

Share This:

Hobby Master’s Ship-to-Shore Bombardment

Hobby Master’s 1:700 scale US Navy Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser – USS Ticonderoga (CG-47)

Hobby Master’s July cache of new products may be one of the most significant in months, containing a number of eagerly awaited items that depict everything from warships to helicopters. The Company’s first-ever warship is slated to come ashore, a 1:700 scale replica of the USS Ticonderoga (HSP1001).

At treetop level, expect to see their inaugural look at the venerable AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, a piece of hardware that has stood the Army well for the past several decades (HH1201).

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US M35 2-1/2-Ton Cargo Truck with M60 Machine Gun (1:72 Scale)

On the ground, new versions of the M35 cargo truck are expected. And lest we forget their aerial contingent, which includes a new look at the F-117 stealth fighter (HA5803), several multi-national F-15 Eagles, and a flock of other notable warbirds.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed F-117A Stealth Fighter-Bomber – 88-0842, 8th Fighter Squadron “The Black Sheep”, Holloman AFB, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003

Share This: