In an effort to juice sales, eBay announced that they are offering a 20% discount on eligible items being sold on their platform through the Labor Day weekend. We are assuming that diecast models are amongst the list of qualifying items eligible for the discount although we haven’t put this theory to the test. Here’s the marketing blurb straight from eBay:
How to redeem your Coupon:
1. Shop for eligible items from the specific event(s) as listed below.
2. Enter the Coupon code in the redemption code field: LABORDAYTWENTY
3. Pay for your item by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on September 4, 2023.
Terms & Conditions:
This Coupon is a 20% discount on purchases of eligible items in the specific event(s) listed below, valid from 5 AM Pacific Time on August 28, 2023, through 11:59 PM Pacific Time on September 4, 2023. No minimum purchase required. The Coupon discount is capped at a maximum value of $500. Discount applies to the purchase price (excluding shipping, handling, and taxes) of eligible items purchased on eBay.com.
Eligible items exclude warranties and protection plans, as well as items from the Coins & Paper Money, Gift Cards & Coupons, Vehicles in eBay Motors, and Real Estate categories. Coupon must be used within a single transaction (and can include multiple eligible items), while supplies last.
Max two redemptions per user. Only eBay users registered on ebay.com, ebay.ca, cafr.ebay.ca with an address located in the United States and Canada are eligible for the Coupon. Any unused difference between the discount amount, as shown on the Coupon, and the purchase price of an item(s) in a single transaction (or cart) will be forfeited.
eBay may cancel, amend, or revoke the Coupon at any time including in response to fraudulent activity. Use of automated devices or programs for Coupon redemption prohibited.
For Canadian eBay users: Coupon is subject to Canadian laws, void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash, has no face or cash value, and cannot be combined with any other Coupon.
For US eBay users: Coupon is subject to U.S laws, void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash, has no face value, and cannot be combined with any other Coupon, or when paying with PayPal Credit Easy Payments, escrow, or gift cards.
Our web hosting solution has finally integrated the USPS Ground Advantage shipping option within our overall set of shipping choices. You may remember that back in July, the USPS did away with both First Class Mail and Parcel Post in favor of this new shipping option within CONUS in an effort to streamline their system and provide better service. For some, Ground Avantage will lower the price of shipping, particularly if you are located on far from us, while in other instances you probably won’t notice much of a difference. Together with some other minor changes, we believe that we are ready for the upcoming holiday shopping season and are able to provide some of the best shipping rates around, both locally and across this vast nation of ours, small parcels or large. We invite you to try out this new shipping method and see if it helps reduce your cost of shipping.
We aren’t expecting anything else to arrive for the month of August, however, quite a number of new items are slated to come in after Labor Day weekend and well into the month of September. A shipment of Dragon and Panzerkampf are on the water and expected around mid month. Forces of Valor should be back on track shortly, once they iron out some additional logistical issues they’ve run into after moving their warehouse from California to Indiana. A new shipment of Legion, Corgi, Air Force 1 and Luft-X are set for a September release, as is our monthly shipment of Hobby Master products.
We’ve been integrating YouTube videos here and there within our product listings, although not every item we stock will feature them. We will be curating those videos that are available through YouTube, although some will be dispensed with for lack of information. Plugging in a video with music and nothing more is rather pointless as far as we are concerned. If nothing of substance can be found, then we will add a video of this nature too but replace it with something a bit more informative down-the-road. Admittedly, we’ve been doing this for some time with manufacturer-supplied videos from Forces of Valor, however, we’ve decided to expand this feature to other pertinent products to give our customers added background behind the development and usage of each weapons platform.
That’s it for now and we’ll share any additional insight with you as it becomes apparent.
Update: It’s come to our attention that Panzerkampf makes their tanks/vehicles in 500 piece lots and then they are officially retired. So, we’ve updated our web site accordingly, marking those vehicles that are no longer available for re-stock. Up until now, it was never clear how many of each vehicle was being produced so we were working under the impression that more could be obtained. This rather low production number should come as welcome news to collectors, who will likely see their purchases appreciate in value faster than what we originally believed to be the case.
While Waltersons has completed the physical portion of its move from Los Angeles to Indiana, they are apparently still working on setting up everything in their computer system, hence the delay in getting new product into the hands of everyone. Reading between the lines, if you will, they will likely get everything synced up sometime in August barring any additional hiccups or cause for concern. The product marked as en route in our Release Schedule is what we currently expect once the Company gets their act together and is ready — from an operational standpoint — to resume business. Any new items listed in the August Upcoming Releases section will likely arrive a couple of weeks later unless, of course, they run into additional issues. So, hang in there and rest assured everyone in the supply chain is doing their utmost to get product out the door in the most efficient manner possible.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale 1942 Production US Army GMC CCKW 353 6×6 2-1/2 Ton Truck – No Tarp
Update: We’ve learned that a second version of the soon-to-be-released US GMC 2-1/2-ton truck will be arriving some time in August along with the Company’s latest introductions. This new version will come with four figures but, to differentiate it from the first version, has no “tarp” strewn across the rear-mounted bows. As an aside, it would appear as if Walterson’s strategy to offer up two versions of each new introduction simultaneously (see their pair of Chaffees, Opel Blitz trucks amd Apache gunships as examples). A “split-run”, if you will, their goal is to get more product out-the-door, doing so, it would appear, at reduced production costs by releasing similarly conceived items in one batch.
We’ve been told that the shipment containing many of their newest items is on the water and should be arriving by the end of August. We have, however, moved said items into our September Releases section, erring on the side of caution based upon previous experience. The manufacturer is aware that the holiday shopping season is fast approaching and they are working feverishly to announce their next set of new releases so that everyone can weigh their options for their end-of-year purchases.
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Northrop P-61A Black Widow Interceptor – “Midnight Belle,” 6th Night Fighter Squadron, Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, 1945
Lo and behold a new shipment of Air Force 1 aircraft has landed, flying in well below the radar to make an unexpected arrival. Several key models are amongst the passenger list, including this Northrop P-61A Black Widow dubbed Midnight Belle and a long lost B-25 Mitchell bomber that took part in the historic raid over Tokyo in early 1942. We don’t expect these models to last long so if you’re interested we strongly suggest you kick the tires and give them a once over before they head off for parts unknown.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale German Kriegsmarine Bismarck Class Battleship – DKM Bismarck, Operation Rheinubung, Gotenhafen, Poland, May 1941 [Waterline Version]
Now that Waltersons has completed its move to its new Indiana warehouse as a result of the Greenlight Collectibles acquisition, we have been informed that our latest order is being prepared for shipment. Barring any unforeseen issues, we are likely looking to receive it the first week of August. This shipment is mostly composed of re-stocks, but it also contains the long out-of-stock 88mm FLaK gun and some of their newest warships.
Beyond that, it appears as if several new vehicles are slated to arrive later in August, fingers crossed. This follow-on shipment will contain the M24 Chaffee tanks, the GMC cargo truck and two Opel ambulances. Also expected are a pair of 1:72 scale Apache gunships.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale US Navy Iowa Class Battleship – USS Missouri (BB-63), Measure 32, Design 22D Camouflage, Pacific Theatre of Operations, 1944 [Waterline Version]
Frankly, we’ve found that patience is a virtue with this manufacturer particularly since they have taken over their own distribution in an effort to get more product into the sales channel. Its not a knock per se because I can tell you first hand its not easy setting up a brand new warehouse and everything that goes with it. Still, communications could be better, both online and via email, particularly since the holiday season is right around the corner and customers will be seeking out their product as gift-giving ideas. A number of projects have been hinted at yet we see no signs of movement, either through pictures or product information, although we do know they are working diligently to move them along. We recognize that there are a great many fans of the line and wanted to ensure everyone that we are doing our best to pass along information as soon as it is generated. In the meantime, enjoy what you own and know that the manufacturer is burning the midnight oil to get even more product into the pipeline.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(76)W Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – “Julia”, 761st Tank Battalion “Black Panthers”, Task Force Rhine, Germany, 1945 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
More than one million African American men and women served in every branch of the US armed forces during World War II. In addition to battling the forces of Fascism abroad, these Americans also battled racism in the United States and in the US military. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all segregated African Americans into separate units because of the belief that they were not as capable as white service members. Adding to this indignity, the Army frequently assigned White officers from the American South to command Black infantrymen.
In spite of these dispiriting obstacles, African Americans fought with distinction in every theater of the war. Some of the more famous Black units included the 332nd Fighter Group, which shot down 112 enemy planes during the course of 179 bomber escort missions over Europe, and the 761st Tank Battalion, which served in General George S. Patton’s Third Army. Major General Willard S. Paul, of the 26th Division, singled out the 761st for special praise after its first action in France by writing, “I consider the 761st Tank Battalion to have entered combat with such conspicuous courage and success as to warrant special commendation.” African Americans also served in equally vital positions throughout the Army as nurses, engineers, truck drivers, gunners, and paratroopers.
As it turned out, the 761st Tank Battalion was a separate tank battalion of the United States Army during World War II, which was primarily composed of African-American soldiers, who by War Department policy were not permitted to serve alongside white troops; the U.S. military did not officially desegregate until after World War II. The 761st were known as the “Black Panthers” after their unit’s distinctive insignia, and proud of their motto, “Come out fighting”. The battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. In addition, a large number of individual members also received medals, including one Medal of Honor, 11 Silver Stars and about 300 Purple Hearts.
The battalion first saw combat on November 7th, 1944, fighting through towns such as Moyenvic, Vic-sur-Seille, often at the leading edge of the advance. The fighting that 761st engaged in at Morville-les-Vic was particularly brutal. The unit endured 183 days of continuous operational employment.
The 761st Tank Battalion suffered 156 casualties in November 1944; 24 men killed, 81 wounded, and 44 non-battle losses. The unit also lost 14 tanks evacuated and another 20 damaged in combat. In December, the battalion was rushed to the aid of the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. As part of the effort to drive the Germans from the vicinity of Bastogne, the battalion fought to capture the municipality of Tillet, less than 15 km west of the town, in early January 1945. Supporting the elements of the 87th Infantry Division with just 11 tanks, the battalion took control of the city from the 113th Panzer Brigade through two days of combat, losing nine tanks in the process.
After the Battle of the Bulge, the unit opened the way for the U.S. 4th Armored Division into Germany during an action that breached the Siegfried Line. The 761st smashed through dozens of German cities and towns in their rapid advance through the Reich. In the final days of the war in Europe, the 761st was one of the first American units to reach Steyr, Austria, at the Enns River, where they met with the 1st Ukrainian Front of the Soviet Red Army. On May 4th, 1945, the 761st, along with the 71st Infantry Division, liberated the Gunskirchen concentration camp; the German guards had fled not long before.
The 761st was deactivated on June 1st, 1946, in Germany. They have been called “one of the most effective tank battalions in World War II.” In all, the battalion earned about 300 Purple Hearts.
We’ve opened up the pre-order window for this, the latest Forces of Valor Sherman medium tank to roll off the Waltersons’ Forces of Valor assembly line. Currently, we are pegging this item for an autumn release, which could be moved forward or backwards based upon updated manufacturer information. As soon as we have more information we will indicate if this item should be considered as a potential gift-giving item for the 2023 holiday season. Stay tuned.
Update: On Sunday, August 20th, The History Channel will be airing a special documentary that focuses on the men of the 761st Tank Battalion. “Executive Produced and featuring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, “761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers” will tell the true story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII, and explore in-depth the major battles they faced both overseas while in combat and back home in the United States. It features an interview with one of the last surviving members of the 761st Battalion, as well as the current and first Black Secretary of Defense, Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, alongside new and archival interviews, period footage, still photographs and new commentary and stories from family and relatives of the Black Panther soldiers. The documentary will also feature insights and opinions of prominent historians on WWII and experts on race and inequality in America.”
UPS workers may go out on strike as early as late July, looking for better pay and improved working conditions. Should they go out on strike, there’s a good chance that most parcel deliveries will have to be dealt with by the US Postal Service. During its off-peak season, UPS handles more than 22,000,000 packages daily. USPS claims it can handle a further 30,000,000 packages daily, thereby surpassing UPS’s volume, but that claim hasn’t been substantiated. Therefore, its not clear if the USPS will be able to contend with the sudden increase in package volume nor is it certain when the strike will end. As a result, increased volume could impact the speed at which the USPS can deliver parcels, at least for the duration of the strike. As a result, we strongly recommend that you keep any tracking information we send you on hand so that you can monitor the progress of your delivery and avoid any disappointment.
Obviously, should the strike drag on into the holiday shopping season, then all bets are off, particularly if FedEx pilots walk off the job in sympathy with the UPS workers. Earlier today, FedEx pilots failed to ratify a tentative agreement they had reached with management back in May that would have met most of their demands.
In other news, Volusion, our web hosting solution, has not implemented the recently introduced Retail Ground Advantage shipping option within their shipping framework. As soon as they do, we will discontinue both First Class and Parcel Post shipping options in favor of this new class of delivery. This service is expected to be implemented by mid August, however, we will make a formal announcement once this service is made available.
News Update: On Tuesday, July 25th, CNBC reported that the Teamsters and UPS have reached a tentative agreement that would prevent a walkout from occurring on July 31st. Naturally, UPS workers will have to vote on the plan for it to take effect but it appears as if a strike has been averted.
Several new models are rolling in later this month from Legion Models, the budget-branded arm of Panzerkampf. Expected are several 1:72 scale Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik ground attack aircraft as are a column of KamAZ 4310 cargo trucks. While their packaging is a bit spartan relative to other makes, the products themselves are being well-received, priced with affordability in mind given the continual rise in cost of similar lines.
Also due are several key re-stocks, among them both 1:1000 scale aircraft carriers and a handful of the F4U Corsairs that have rapidly been snapped up by collectors world over.
USPS will launch USPS Ground Advantage™ service, an affordable and reliable way for you to ship packages in 2–5 business days.
USPS Ground Advantage will combine USPS Retail Ground®, First-Class Package®, and Parcel Select Ground® services (as well as returns options such as First-Class Package Return® service and Ground Returns) into a single, streamlined ground shipping service.
USPS Ground Advantage is a perfect option for shippers of all sizes who want affordable domestic ground shipping to all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions, and Freely Associated States.
Features & Benefits
Packages delivered in 2–5 business days.
Best-priced service for items up to 15.999 oz, based on weight (rounded up to 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 15.999 oz) and zone (distance).
Packages greater than 15.999 oz are charged by the pound (rounded up).
Free Package Pickup service at your home or office.
Pay for postage using stamps, a self-service kiosk, Click-N-Ship® service, or at a Post Office™ location.
Tracking is included.
Business customers can use USPS Ground Advantage return service as a convenient option for customers who need to send items back.
$100 insurance is included (for both outbound and return shipments), and you can purchase up to $5,000 in additional coverage against loss or damage for merchandise.
Currently, our web hosting solution has yet to implement the USPS Ground Advantage rates into our shipping settings. However, once they do it would appear as if this new rate will supplant our First Class and Parcel Post rate options, thereby making them non-viable options within the CONUS. We will update this post once the rates have been enabled. Pre-orders that have yet to be filled will then be shipped out under the Ground Advantage program. Moreover, according to our Marketplace sites (eBay, Amazon, et al.) Ground Advantage will go live on July 9th and again replace both First Class and Parcel Post shipping options. Priority Mail will be a separate option.
We have also updated our online calendar to reflect the revised cut off dates for USPS Ground Advantage during the holiday season. When you have a moment, we invite you to review all of our cut off dates for each type of domestic and international service.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57E “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Red 52”, Southern Military District, Russo-Ukraine War, 2022
We’re back from gallivanting around this nation of ours and are ready to resume business. Thus far, it seems to be a Hobby Master June, with loads of new products announced, their May shipment having just arrived, and the June shipment not too far behind. In fact, according to our distributor, the June cache is slated for June 20th, meaning plenty to list on eBay and elsewhere along with updating our main site. That said, we are also in contact with our other distributors to see what’s on tap from them for the month of June. Stay tuned.
