Whispers

The Third Times the Charm for Hobby Master’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

The F-35C can carry ordnance both internally and externally, thereby enabling it to take on a wide variety of missions

Even though no model has been officially announced, it appears as if Hobby Master will soon be rolling out the third and perhaps most important version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Larger than either the A or B variants, the C version of the JSF (CV) is flown by the US Navy and features larger wings, a wider splayed tail assembly, more robust landing gear for catapult launches and fly-in arrestments, greater payload and fuel capacity and other things under the hood. With their October product schedule already in the public’s hands, its likely that the first C replica will come out just before the holidays.

Lockheed Martin has this to say about the F-35C (CV) variant. “Aircraft carriers remain at the forefront of U.S. military power, and the backbone of any carrier strike group is the aircraft it brings to the fight. The 5th Generation F-35C Lightning II is the only fighter that can respond to tomorrow’s threats and preserve the U.S. Navy’s maritime supremacy. Our naval aviators deserve nothing less than the most advanced capabilities to ensure they are able to perform their missions and return home safely.

More than 50 years of aircraft carrier-based fighter evolution culminates in the F-35C. Never before has low observable stealth been available at sea. The F-35C carrier variant (CV) is the world’s only 5th Generation, long-range stealth strike fighter designed and built explicitly for carrier operations.The U.S. Navy is the largest customer receiving F-35Cs, with the U.S. Marine Corps also planning to acquire the C variant in addition to the F-35B. 

The F-35C combines this unique capability of operating from a carrier deck with the unmatched 5th Generation capabilities of stealth, fused sensors and reliability, making the F-35C the Navy’s future first-day-of-the-war strike fighter.

The Navy and Marines require an aircraft capable of overcoming a variety of threats — surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles and tactical aircraft. By leveraging this potent combination of stealth, advanced jamming and threat system destruction, the F-35C enhances survivability and increases mission success rates.

The F-35C variant has larger wings and more robust landing gear than the other variants, making it suitable for catapult launches and fly-in arrestments aboard naval aircraft carriers. Its wingtips also fold to allow for more room on the carrier’s deck while deployed.

The tail wings are splayed farther apart on the C version to accommodate the larger wing. Larger wings enable it to carry more fuel giving it greater range than either the A or B version

The F-35C also has the greatest internal fuel capacity of the three F-35 variants. The F-35C carries nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel for longer range and better persistence than any other fighter in a combat configuration. And, like the F-35B, the F-35C uses probe and drogue refueling. This allows the Navy to operate its carriers a safe distance from the threat while its fighters reach remote targets.”

Recognizing the importance of differentiating between each type of F-35 and their effects on each service branch, we have decided to further separate the Hobby Master F-35 section into three distinct sub categories. We have also learned that the Hobby Master rendition of the F-35 variant will not feature folding wing tips to make it more compact on an aircraft carrier. No reason was given for the design omission and its entirely possible the manufacturer could reverse this decision.

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Eaglemoss: Smoke and Mirrors in the Star Trek Universe

Eaglemoss’ Star Trek Discovery Klingon Bird-of-Prey (23rd century)

I have to admit that when I first laid eyes on the Eaglemoss rendition of a Star Trek Discovery Klingon Bird-of-Prey I was a bit mystified. To me, it looked nothing like I was expecting and resembled something from a different sci-fi universe. Apparently, the sample was photographed from a strange angle, showing off little in the way of detail and an oddly-shaped configuration to boot. Happily, the manufacturer has finally uploaded a couple of more acceptable images of the starship, which better shows off the craftsmanship that when into the replica as well as the angle of its dihedral wings. Expected some time in June, we anticipate brisk sales of this replica now that everyone can better appreciate what is in the offing.

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The Herndon Climb

If you know anything about US naval tradition, then you are likely aware of the Herndon Climb, a rite of passage where the freshmen class at the Naval Academy form a human pyramid around an obelisk covered in lard in order to reach its summit. Exhausted, soaked and dressed only in their skivvies, both men and women embark upon the grueling multi-hour exercise under a punishing midday sun, demonstrating their determination and team building skills, and representing the class’ transition from plebes to mid-shipmen, thereby symbolically ending their first year at the academy.

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The Motor Pool – More than a Play on Words

The Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, as it looked way back in 1908 upon its completion. Initially a dirt covered toll road with ropes acting as guard rails, it was designed for use by the elite of New York looking for a fast way to “motor” out to the Hamptons. Bereft of any lights and with wild animals still scouring the island, it was an adventure, to say the least, just to get out of the city, much less drive all of the way out to the summer residences without so much as a flat tire. The borough of Manhattan can be seen in the distance.

Over the years, some people have asked us how we came by the name “The Motor Pool.” The obvious implication is that is has something to do with an army Motor Pool, where military vehicles are repaired, put into storage or are simply awaiting assignment to different military units. In part, that’s true, but it also pays deference to The Motor Parkway, a segment of which runs right behind our house in Oakland Gardens, Queens, New York. While vehicular traffic hasn’t run along the highway in several decades, there is a lovely bike path that is used by joggers, runners, bicyclists and other enthusiasts year round.

The Long Island Motor Parkway (LIMP), also known as the Vanderbilt Parkway and Motor Parkway, was a parkway on Long Island, New York, in the United States. It was the first roadway designed for automobile use only. The road was privately built by William Kissam Vanderbilt II with overpasses and bridges to remove intersections. It opened in 1908 as a toll road and closed in 1938 when it was taken over by the state of New York in lieu of back taxes. Parts of the parkway survive today in sections of other roadways and as a bicycle trail in Queens.

William Kissam Vanderbilt II, the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, was an auto-racing enthusiast and created the Vanderbilt Cup, the first major road racing competition, in 1904. He ran the races on local roads in Nassau County during the first decade of the 20th century, but the deaths of two spectators and injury to many others showed the need to eliminate racing on residential streets. Vanderbilt responded by establishing a company to build a graded, banked and grade-separated highway suitable for racing that was also free of the horse manure dust often churned up by motor cars. The resulting Long Island Motor Parkway, with its banked turns, guard rails, reinforced concrete roadbed, and controlled access, was the first limited-access roadway in the world.

The Motor Parkway, as it looks today, now bracketed by trees, fauna and other growth and serving as a popular bike path, runner’s lane and mile long walkway near our location. Just don’t ask us about the supposed ancient Indian burial grounds, now covered over by trees, situated just a block or two away from us.
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Happy Mother’s Day

Wishing everyone a happy and joyous Mother’s Day. Put down the tanks, planes and toy soldiers for a day and make sure to celebrate everything she has done for you and yours over the years.

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Do the Hustle(r)!

Having spent much of my glory days in the seventies, I can tell you first hand that one of the most memorable songs of the period was “Do the Hustle.” While I’d prefer to forget about the Huckapoo shirts and platform shoes that helped me while away the weekend evenings, thank you very much, I can’t help but reflect on one of the most iconic aircraft of the era – the Convair B-58 Hustler, the first operational jet bomber capable of Mach 2 flight. Despite its place in the annals of aviation history and importance during the Cold War era, this iconic aircraft seems to have been overlooked from a diecast stand point, briefly offered in a 1:200 scale by Sky Defenders that never quite did the aircraft or the collecting community justice.

One of the reasons why diecast model makers seem loathe to offering a 1:72 scale replica of the Hustler was, as some claim, only a handful of variations are available to justify the costs associated with building a mold. This, however, is anything but the case, as shown by the accompanying infographic, which clearly shows five different variations and an equal number of paint schemes that could be easily adopted should a savvy manufacturer decide to take up our challenge.

So what say you collectors? Should a company such as Hobby Master pick up the gauntlet and take a shot at diecast immortality by building the Hustler or are you content with what you’ve gotten thus far? (Hint, nudge them with a quick jab to the abdomen so you too can add the B-58 to your diminutive collection)

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Forces of Valor – What Goes Up, Must Come Down

“It’s a wasted trip baby. Nobody said nothing about locking horns with no Tigers.”

– Sergeant “Oddball”

A few diehard fans of the Forces of Valor range have pointed out that Walterson’s latest production schedule unveiled last week now indicates that the upcoming 1:16 scale Tiger I tank will be a late production model instead of the mid production version announced previously. To be frank, we haven’t had the opportunity to discuss this apparent change with the manufacturer so we’re not sure what’s in the cards as it stands right now. With the Shizuoka Hobby Show just a week away, we’re hoping that the manufacturer will provide some insight as to which model they indeed plan to portray, as well as its crew, commander and unit affiliation. So, before we get bombarded with requests for more information, please hang tight until we can get hard-and-fast details regarding which version they plan to offer. Lets just hope its not the T-34 conversion shown here.

In other news, we contacted the manufacturer to determine the feasibility of offering a Tiger I tank as depicted in the feature film, “Kelly’s Heroes”. Thinking outside the box, if you will, the hypothetical set would include a 1:16 scale figure of its commander, actor Karl-Otto Alberty, along with scale replicas of Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland and Telly Savalas as they approached the tank on foot in sort of a High Noon scenario. We’re not sure if the manufacturer would entertain such an idea, and if so, the costs associated with using the actor’s likenesses, not to mention the licensing fee from the film studio. In this day and age anything is possible so we’ll keep our fingers crossed and shrug off any “negative waves” that might come our way.

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The Great Motor Pool Give Away

Extreme Metal 1:16 scale German Mid Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank

In years past, we would often times run a promotion where we ended up giving away a freebie as a token of our appreciation. For 2018, we decided to resurrect this give away, this time with a bit of a twist. Beginning May 1st and ending December 31st, 2018, whom ever purchases the most product from us, measured in terms of net dollars, will receive Forces of Valor’s upcoming Extreme Metal 1:16 scale Tiger I heavy tank. Obviously, said merchandise must have been purchased and shipped within this time frame, and any returns will be counted against this total. Pre-orders for merchandise expected to ship after January 1st, 2019, will not count towards this promotion. Moreover, purchases made on eBay or any other online marketplace will not count towards the total amount spent.

So what makes this promotion so special? Well, if you go on eBay, some of the earliest Extreme Metal products are commanding well in excess of $2,000 US, a five-fold increase in its original asking price. As a result, many people have made quite a killing by buying and storing these items, often times purchasing multiples of these tanks with the notion of selling them down-the-road at a huge profit. Others have kept their prized possession, passing up loads of money so they can say they own one of these beasts.

Keep in mind that whoever wins this promotion will be responsible for covering the shipping cost and may, if they so choose, decline accepting this item. In such case, we will contact the customer that placed the second largest total amount with us to gauge their interest. Lastly, when last we spoke with the manufacturer, the latest vehicle in the series was slated to be a mid-production Tiger I tank. This may have changed since last we spoke with them, so we will post information and pictures of the vehicle as soon as they formally announce it.

Note: Please do not contact us asking how much you have spent during the promotion period. You can determine how much you have spent by simply logging in to your account then clicking on the Review Orders/Track Packages link under the My Orders section. Any requests will be referred back to this message. No exceptions.

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The Online Sales Tax Debate is Finally Being Heard

 

On Tuesday, April 17th, the US Supreme Court will hear the case for imposing sales tax on all online purchases even if an online retailer does not have a physical presence in the state where the purchase is being made. While the debate will likely rage for some time, and advocates on both sides will present their case, we are of the opinion that the Court will likely rule in favor of imposing the tax on all online purchases, thereby leveling the playing field somewhat with brick-and-mortar stores and helping to raise revenue for many cash-strapped states. If they do rule in favor of the tax, it will likely go into effect beginning in 2019, obviously making it more costly to shop online, no matter if you purchase from an online megalith such as Amazon or a vastly smaller operation such as The Motor Pool.

For us, it will make the collection and disbursement of said taxes across all fifty states extremely cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring added paperwork and a revamped infrastructure that monitors when sales tax fluctuates across the entire nation, on a county-by-county basis. If the Court is indeed serious about levying an Internet sales tax, they might want to consider a low-rate flat tax of say 4% across the entire nation, thereby making the collection of taxes, particularly for smaller businesses, a less problematic issue.

We’ll keep an eye on the Supreme Court’s ruling when it breaks and let everyone know how we will approach things going forward should the Court rule in favor of the tax imposition.

 

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The Product Portfolio: How Deep and Broad Should we Go?

Part of our task as a retailer is to curate each manufacturer’s line — essentially, make a determination based upon experience, intuition and, dare we say, a little bit of guesswork as to which lines to bring in and which gets passed over. This process includes assessing the line’s depth and breath, cost, availability, and, of course, comparing it to what we currently carry in inventory. Recently, we decided to pass on a few lines including Atlas Edition’s budget-minded aircraft range as well as Panzerkampf’s military vehicle assortment. In the former’s case, we felt that many of the Atlas Edition’s 1:72 scale aircraft were too similar to those offered by Oxford Diecast so a duplication of effort would only end up taking up valuable space, dollars and marketing, that, at the end of the day, wouldn’t prove all that beneficial to both us as well as our clientele. In the case of Panzerkampf, the line was first introduced way back in 2016, an eternity in the diecast business, so many of the vehicles were either way too similar to products offered by other manufacturers or, truth be told, weren’t all that appealing to us and likely would have ended up as shelf warmers.

That said, we are always willing to listen to marketing pitches by our suppliers, not to mention our valued customers, who could very well have a different viewpoint and be better judges of a range based upon what they have seen and heard. So, don’t be bashful when it comes to inquiring about a new range that we may not stock. It could prove to be beneficial to everyone concerned and may earn you a special place in our Hall of Fame.

While we are on the subject of draw downs, we have begun thinning the herd so-to-speak, reducing the number of active SKU’s in our product portfolio from 6,000 products to 5,000 in an effort to phase out older, under-performing lines and prepare for the onslaught of new items expected throughout the latter portion of the year. Several lines will no longer be carried for various reasons including Fabbri diecast military vehicles, DeAgostini military vehicles and aircraft, Arsenal Models, Aviation 72 military aircraft, Leo Models military aircraft, and Amercom’s helicopters and military vehicles ranges. As we move forward, expect an ever-growing array of products from Altaya, Hobby Master, Eaglemoss, and Modelcollect, along with several ancillary lines that include — but are not limited to — Precision Model Art, Calibre Wings, Luft-X, Wings of the Great War and Corgi. Obviously, the reintegration of Waltersons massive Forces of Valor range — which includes several sub brands such as Extreme Metal and Bravo Team — will have a dramatic effect on the size of our offerings and storage capacity, although they seem to be slow out of the gate.

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