Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Ukrainian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29C ‘Fulcrum-C’ Fighter – “Yellow 57,” “The Ghost of Kyiv”, Ukraine, 2022
So, I’m officially exhausted. Between all of the new Forces of Valor arrivals, receipt of a huge Hobby Master shipment and, if I may, off-the-charts sales on both our website and marketplace channels, its likely going to take us a couple of days for me to fully recover. Frankly, its a good thing another snow storm is bearing down on our neck of the woods this weekend, which will give me time to take a shower, shave and take stock of everything that has gone on around us. At least that’s my plan.
Why do I bring this up? For starters, I just wanted to thank everyone for holding off sending us missives asking about the status of their Forces of Valor order. As I alluded to previously, its counterproductive for us to take time out and respond to everyone’s query. Because of this, we’ve gotten out all of the tank and aircraft shipments and are now down to a handful of metal track orders, all of which will go out on Saturday. Afterwards, once I’ve downed a few cups of coffee, taken my meds and fed the hound, I’ll begin posting another set of eBay listings for the rest of the products contained within the January/February Hobby Master shipment. Expect them to show up on the Bay by Monday morning.
Lastly, we just received the Hobby Master November release list, which, as we fully expected, contains a number of items directly connected to the current situation in Ukraine. The most notable is the so-called “Ghost of Kyiv” MiG-29 fighter, which is decked out in a handsome digitized winter camouflage scheme. This could well be the best selling aircraft model of 2022, so we’ll do our best to list it first, followed by a scintillating Ukrainian Su-25 “Frogfoot” ground attack aircraft, then address the rest of the new announcements in due course. These should all be up and available for pre-order by Saturday evening. I urge you to place your pre-orders as soon as possible, so we have a fairly good idea how many we need to order from our distributor.
If I have any further thoughts, I’ll update this post over the weekend, once I’ve had a good night’s sleep and gotten my bearings. In the meantime, many of you should be receiving their FOV orders and I certainly hope the product was worth the extended wait. While I may have some reservations about how they conduct business, they happen to make awesome replicas and that is what this hobby is all about.
Lately you can apply at least a half dozen idioms and metaphors to our March arrivals section. Its feast or famine, when it rains it pours, etc. Anyway, I think you get the drift. We’re still digging out from our huge Forces of Valor tank shipment, attempting to get out all of our pre-orders out the door before they turn their guns on us. That said, we learned yesterday that both the January and February Hobby Master shipments arrived at our distributor, which means we have to kick it into high gear so we can make room for all these new items before we get socked in. We’ve already updated our Product in Transit section and will likely receive these new items by week’s end. There’s a number of key aircraft in the mix, many of which will almost certainly get snapped up once we make them available for general sale. So, we strongly urge that you review the in transit section as soon as possible, then place an order for those items that tickle your fancy. Its an eclectic mix, to be sure, that cuts across a wide array of scales, eras and weapons platforms. Enjoy!
Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter – 44 14164 E2 D, “Detroit Miss”, Lieutenant Urban L Drew, 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, October 1944
Looks as if the wheels of progress are finally grinding inexorably forward. Our distributors are reporting progress as far as new items go, with several heavily requested items expected in the coming weeks. Here’s a rundown of product that likely see the light of day throughout the month of March:
Corgi’s second ever Churchill tank is now in stock along with “Detroit Miss”, their latest 1:72 scale P-51D Mustang fighter. Our salesman indicated that a handful of holdovers from their 2021 releases are expected later this month, even as some 2022 products start hitting their street dates. Moreover, they are making a concerted effort to announce the availability of each new item on a global basis, so that they don’t get into the habit of having one item listed as being available in Europe while collectors in other parts of the world wonder when the same item will turn up in their local market. Being a public company, I’m not sure how successful this strategy will turn out, if they are looking to make their sales forecasts each and every quarter to mollify their investors. And, with the global supply chain still in a state of flux, this may become wishful thinking until events warrant a return to normalcy later in 2022.
It would appear as if Wings of the Great War is back up-and-running after taking a multi-year hiatus. Two tanks that had been on back order, a French Saint Chamond and a captured Mark IV male heavy tank, have returned to stock after being out-of-stock for the better part of three years. In the air, two new aircraft, a German Pfalz D.IIIa fighter and a British Nieuport 17 fighter, have finally seen the light of day after being first announced way back in 2018. We’re hoping that their arrival points to even better things on the horizon, including a number of projects that were hinted at quite some time ago.
Our Forces of Valor military vehicle shipment should arrive early next week depending upon how UPS has us scheduled. This includes their first 1:32 Tiger I heavy tank, their second Sturmtiger, their first M4 Sherman medium tank, metal tracks for the Tiger/Sturmtiger, and three 1:72 scale WWII era prop-driven fighters. We’ve already received their pair of 1:48 scale AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters, which are quite literally flying out the door.
In a previous post, we indicated that Panzerkampf’s long awaited M1070 heavy equipment transporter is en route and slated to show up at our distributor mid month. Also returning are a trip of MH-53 Super Stallion helicopters, big and beefy replicas that far outsold our original allotment in 2021. Because of this, we padded our order with several more pieces than we usually do based upon our formulaic method of ordering, so we should have ample stock available throughout the middle part of the year. We’ll review our stock status at a later date to determine if we have to backstop this order with further aerial reinforcements. We’re currently awaiting news concerning several previously announced ground, sea and air models, which may or may not get shared with us over the next few weeks. As a result of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, I think there’s a good chance you may see some replicas based upon unfolding events both on the ground and in the air.
The latest Hobby Master shipment is expected shortly, although we are uncertain if follow-on shipments are still being adversely affected by the logjam at the ports. Its difficult to tell when product will roll out on a more timely basis, so, as always, we strongly ask that you order a cup of patience with each diecast entree. That’s about it for now and we will update this post should any further news trickle down over the next few days. In a related matter, there’s a strong chance Hobby Master will announce a number of aircraft replicas based upon the Ukrainian conflict. A number of weapons platforms are used by both sides, such as the Su-25 Frogfoot and MiG-29 Fulcrum, so don’t be surprised to see a split run created for each type of platform. Some will no doubt be made in greater numbers, such as the supposed “Ghost of Kyiv” MiG-29 that purportedly downed six Russian aircraft in the opening days of the war. To me, its a bit morbid and potentially dangerous to announce replicas based upon an ongoing military invasion, but this wouldn’t be the first time in my 40+ year career that I’ve seen this occur.
Precision Model Art (PMA) has resurfaced after closing down their web site, creating a replacement site, and finally building a brand new web site that now hawks Mecha vehicles. According to Wikipedia:
The term mecha (Japanese: メカ, Hepburn: meka) may refer to both scientific ideas and science-fictiongenres that center on giant robots or machines (mechs) controlled by people. Mechas are typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese: ‘mecha’, after shortening the English loanword ‘mechanism’ (メカニズム, mekanizumu) or ‘mechanical’ (メカニカル, mekanikaru), but the meaning in Japanese is more inclusive, and ‘robot’ (ロボット, robotto) or ‘giant robot’ is the narrower term.
These machines vary greatly in size and shape, but are distinguished from vehicles by their humanoid or biomorphic appearance and size—bigger than a human. Different subgenres exist, with varying connotations of realism. The concept of Super Robot and Real Robot are two such examples found in Japanese anime and manga. The term may also refer to real world piloted humanoid or non-humanoid robotic platforms, either currently in existence or still on the drawing board (i.e. at the planning or design stage). Alternatively, in the original Japanese context of the word, “mecha” may refer to mobile machinery/vehicles (including aircraft) in general, manned or otherwise.
Its not clear if PMA has lost interest in producing historical replicas or if this is a new ancillary line designed to sit side-by-side with their existing ranges of WWII and modern-era ground and aerial vehicles. It could also be a case where they are attempting to cater to their home audience who are big fans of this type of product while still offering their tried-and-true historical lines for the rest of their global audience. Time will tell.
Late yesterday we received word from our distributor that they had received and shipped out order for Forces of Valor’s pair of 1:48 scale AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra attack helicopters. Barring any issues, we could have them in hand by the tail end of this week. If delayed, they will likely arrive the early part of next week. We will process any orders we have received to date as quickly as possible, and list any extra stock on both eBay as well as Amazon.
Forces of Valor’s 1:48 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Final Flight of the Whiskey AH-1W”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 “Warriors”, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, December 2012
This is important news because it likely means our distributor also received the long awaited Tiger I heavy tank as well as the metal tracks, the second iteration of the Sturmtiger assault mortar, a US Sherman medium tank, and three new 1:72 scale WWII era fighters. We will likely receive shipping confirmation later today then update our site accordingly. It also means these items should arrive by the early part of next week, again barring any logistical issues. As always, we would greatly appreciate it if you could hold off sending us any messages asking about your pre-orders. These only serve to slow us down and prevents us from getting out shipments in a timely manner. If we have any billing questions we will reach out to those customers affected so please stand by with your information so we can process your order as expeditiously as possible.
Lastly, since re-opening for business after Chinese New Year almost three weeks ago, Waltersons has remained mum concerning several other projects purportedly in the hopper. They will likely post any updates to their Facebook account. Hear again we would appreciate it if you could refrain from asking us about these projects since you know as much as we know as this point in time.
Forces of Valor’s 1:48 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Never Forget”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Camp Pendleton, California, March 2012
Note: As a follow up to our discussion yesterday regarding the impending arrival of a pair of 1:48 helicopters, we learned that our distributor is expecting a second FOV shipment to arrive today. This shipment contains the balance of those items that were earmarked for arrival in the month of March, all of which were discussed previously. This second shipment will likely leave our distributor either today or tomorrow, Thursday 3rd, and should arrive at our facility early next week. This series of events actually works to our advantage because we can first address orders for the helicopters then focus our attention on the rest of the items coming in next week. Again, we ask for your patience in this matter and rest assured we will turn around these shipments as quickly as possible.
Update: Our Forces of Valor shipment left the distributor late Friday and is headed our way. According to the tracking information, it is pegged for arrival on Tuesday, March 8th. We will begin to process orders this weekend ahead of its arrival so that we can turn around each order received to date. Customer tracking information will be assigned on the 8th and into the 9th. Once again, please do not contact us to indicate that you have placed an order with us. We will not be responding to these inquiries and instead focus our attention on getting out each order as quickly as possible. If we need to reach out to you for additional information, you will be notified via email or a telephone call. Thanks.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter with M1000 Semi-Trailer – Tri-Color Camouflage
At long last, we’ve finally received word that Panzerkampf’s M1070 heavy equipment transporter is en route to us and should be in stock by month’s end. Thus far, only the tri-color version is reported to be in stock with our distributor, so we are presuming the desert version should roll in some time in March.
More importantly, our wholesale cost isn’t quite as high as originally anticipated, so we were able to reduce its selling price from $149.99 to $129.99, a healthy decrease considering the rising prices of some of the other items we’ve been holding out hope for over the last year. As I alluded to in a previous blog post, anyone that pre-ordered the set at $89.99 can still expect to pay this amount without seeing any upwards price adjustment on their invoice. The same will hold true for the desert sand version since we can only logically conclude that it should carry the same wholesale cost.
In a related announcement, we have now received and shipped out all of the first series of Panzerkampf M1A2 tanks with the TUSK I survivability kit. We have a handful of pieces left over for general sale and plan to re-order those SKUs that are currently listed as being back ordered. While all three SKUs come in the popular desert sand scheme and the M1070 expected comes in a tri-color camouflage scheme, the two products can still be displayed as a set should you wish to do so. Its not unheard of in the military world to combine two items in dissimilar schemes if time doesn’t permit their uniformity in appearance. Otherwise, we strongly suggest pre-ordering the desert scheme heavy equipment transporter, which will likely be snapped up in a hurry when they do arrive in early 2022.
Update: Our distributor informs us that the desert heavy equipment transporter wasn’t completed and ready for shipment at the same time as the tri-color version, so it will likely show up in the summer. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but these types of things do occur on occasion despite the best efforts to prevent them.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank with TUSK I Survivability Kit – 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, FOB Hammer, Iraq, 2011
There appears to be some progress from the Panzerkampf camp, with several diecast military vehicles either headed our way or finally appearing on the radar screen. Frankly, with two different North American distributors its oftentimes difficult to ascertain which company will carry which item, since there is oftentimes overlap in some areas and none in others. Late yesterday, we learned that several of the earliest M1A2 Abrams tanks are finally headed our way, after first being announced well over a year ago. Not all of the Abrams tanks are expected – just a few equipped with the TUSK 1 survivability kit. We presume the balance of the series will be released later this spring, although its not clear who will be stocking them, when they are expected or at what wholesale price.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M42 “Duster” Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun – “How Heavy is Dead”, 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Vietnam, 1970-71
Also in this shipment is a British A39 Tortoise heavy tank as well as a lone example of the US M42 Duster self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. Again, its not clear when or if the other versions of the Duster will be released so we suggest anyone that pre-ordered any of these vehicles choose this version since we cannot guarantee that the others will show up. We’ve ordered extra pieces of this version, so anyone that wants to make the switch to “How Heavy is Dead?” from “Iron Coffin” or II Field Force should be covered. Due to low consumer demand, we would also strongly suggest anyone that pre-ordered the ROC version make the switch to the US vehicle expected.
We’ve also learned that Panzerkampf’s pair of M1070 heavy equipment transporters, originally slated for a 2021 release and available in both Europe and Asia, will finally arrive in the US some time in March. Here again we have no way of knowing presently if these items are being offered on an allocation basis due to strong demand, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to fill all of the orders we have received to date without having to make any harsh decisions. There’s a good chance the manufacturer may revisit this item at a later date should they feel demand warrants a second batch of vehicles.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter with M1000 Semi-Trailer – Tri-Color Camouflage
In other news, Panzerkampf’s trio of MH-53 helicopters are expected to make an encore performance this spring, perhaps arriving with the M1070 heavy equipment transporters in March. No further information has been disseminated on the release date of their many different aircraft, WWII-era aircraft carrier or some of their other projects hinted at online. The manufacturer has unveiled rough sketches, CAD drawings and, in some instances, first shots of several upcoming helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk while offering scant information concerning their Hind heavy attack helicopter.
Finally, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the cost of their most recently released vehicles, including the M1 Abrams as well as the M42 Duster. Their new retail price is set at $49.99. If you placed a pre-order at the $39.99 price point, then we will still honor this price when we begin to process these orders in late February.
Forces of Valor’s 1:48 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Never Forget”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Camp Pendleton, California, March 2012
We recognize that a great many of you are frustrated that they cannot obtain the latest Forces of Valor products here in North America when said products may be available in other parts of the world for months on end. Frankly, we’re just as frustrated, perhaps even more. We’ve heard, on more than one occasion, how a shipment was expected to arrive by such-and-such date, only to learn that the shipment has been delayed for one reason or another and rescheduled to arrive at a later date. Part of this is simply due to COVID and the effects it has had on the global supply chain. Manufacturers have been decimated by sick outs and, in turn, have had to deal with rising costs, and naturally enough, had to endure delays in getting raw materials to their facility so that they could be hammered into finished goods.
That said, we have also been confronted with a number of other issues that have nothing to do with the pandemic and never seem to work themselves out in either a convincing or acceptable manner. Some things we are unable to discuss because it roils egos and generally upsets the delicate equilibrium that exists between the manufacturer, distributor and retailer, who all play a part in getting the product through the supply channel and into the waiting arms of the collector. The last time we commented in a public manner, the manufacturer took us to task on Facebook, essentially attempting to wash their hands of the problem by blaming another entity on a distant shore. We took it in stride, even though on a point by point basis, we were absolutely correct and others silently agreed.
Which leads me to our latest Forces of Valor update, or the lack thereof. We were told to expect the latest shipment in late January and then early February. That delivery date has now morphed into late February and could even slide into early March. We’re not sure why we are continually being told one thing one minute then something entirely different the next. It leaves us scratching our heads wondering who to believe and where to place our trust. Granted these are private companies that aren’t obligated to explain away all of the delays and therefore have no shareholders to answer to, quarterly reports to file or stock prices to follow if they were a public company. Still, it continually leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I’m sure it has an equally unpalatable effect on others as well. The good news, if we can point to a silver lining in this gun metal grey cloud looming overhead, is that a pair of 1:48 scale Cobra helicopters are supposed to be included in this shipment, when it was originally pegged for March or even April. Of course, this news too could change but this is the latest information we are being offered in lieu of missing another target date. Its a bright spot to be sure and hopefully points to other fruitful announcements in the not-too-distant future.
So, to sum up, please be patient as we continually await the arrival of this oft-delayed shipment. We certainly have learned the meaning of patience. At the end of the day, the manufacturer makes a truly remarkable product that collectors have learned to covet and proudly display for all the world to see. They just have to wait an eternity to receive it, something we wish would finally be addressed to everyone’s satisfaction so that we and others could say you could put credence in what is being said from everyone in the supply chain. Remember, one step forwards…
Now that we have a better handle as to when we can expect to take receipt of several product lines we are once again moving forward with our print advertising campaign, something we have typically done since our inception way back in 2000. The first ad, scheduled to appear in the spring issue of Military Heritage magazine, will feature both the Warbirds of World War II as well as the brand new Legendary Warships of World War II.
Next up is the June issue of World War II History, which will include all of the latest 1:32 scale Forces of Valor vehicles released to date. And last, but certainly not least, is the August issue of World War II History magazine. This issue will be the first time we are advertising the AFV’s of World War II range. Due to its delayed release, the ad will not only encompass the first six vehicles released to date but will also highlight the next six tanks in the series, bringing the total shown to 12 vehicles. Down the road, we will more than likely feature additional vehicles in the series. All three ads are designed to bring new blood into the hobby, showcase our extensive product portfolio, and cast a spotlight on several important lines that help to form the ever-evolving heart of the military diecast market. We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labors. Thumbnails for each ad can be found within our Advertising link.
While we’re busy hawking the 1:43 scale Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II, and even the upcoming Forces of Valor 1:32 scale tanks, things aren’t fairing as well in the smaller 1:72 scale market. Earlier this week we learned that Modelcollect has pulled the plug on their pre-assembled military vehicles segment. Ever since COVID struck in late 2019, it wasn’t clear if this prolific model maker intended to resume production or perhaps give up and concentrate solely on their model business. Well, now we know.
Meanwhile, Dragon, once the dominant maker of pre-assembled military vehicles, seems to have withdrawn from the market after first offering a handful of Neo Armor subjects in 2020. Frankly, its not clear where they stand since their web site hasn’t been updated in months and our point of sales contact has vanished. We’re still hoping they pick up the gauntlet and resume production, but the fact remains that nothing new for months on end is never a good sign.
PMA’s 1:72 scale US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40 Self-Propelled Gun – “Big Bruiser”, B Battery, 937th Field Artillery Battalion “Arkansas Long Toms”, Korea, 1953
And then there’s Hobby Master, who hasn’t announced any new 1:72 scale armor subject in a very long time. While their aircraft business is going full tilt, it looks as if they too have pulled back from the ground pounding business, perhaps content to let others move in and steal their thunder.
Happily all is not lost. Companies such as Precision Model Art and Panzerkampf have stepped in and produced all sorts of out-of-the-box subjects, understanding full well that collectors are simply unable or unwilling to purchase more of the same old subjects other manufacturers have churned out year after year. And then there’s Forces of Valor, who have continually hinted at plans to re-enter the 1:72 scale military market, a category they once laid claim to under their previous owner, Unimax. Thus far, Waltersons, the new owners of the FOV brand, have remained mum concerning their plans, so it remains to be seen how they plan to address the sector given their tendency to keep their cards close to their vest. Hopefully, 2022 will prove to be a banner year for each and every scale and plenty to choose from everyone still seated at the diecast table. Armor aplenty? I guess the jury is still out…
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
Waltersons, the new owners of the Forces of Valor brand, seems to be hard at work — both in the audio visual department and mold-making shop — getting their newest steel beasts ready for action. As can be seen here, their second early production Tiger I heavy tank has been unveiled to its adoring public complete with an all-new commander figure drawn from the Deutsches Afrika Korps. While an in-depth video has yet to be hammered out, the manufacturer did provide images of the vehicle from a number of vantage points, and will likely talk up the vehicle in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, their second Sherman tank has gotten its nose powdered, so-to-speak, with a brand new three-minute video showing the vehicle and its attendant features from a multitude of angles. The manufacturer went to great lengths to show the differences between this vehicle and their first Sherman, which is still expected in the weeks ahead. Currently both the new Sherman and Tiger tanks are slated for an April release, although that could easily slip if FOV is unable to hit its target date and the congestion issues plaguing many US ports still haven’t eased.
