Ordinarily, with the holiday rush in full swing, we tend to add blog posts that have something to do with products currently available. This year we are making an exception, largely to help newcomer Calibre Wings get some traction as we enter the new year and put them on a more equal footing with some of the more entrenched players.
Earlier today, the Company release several first test shots for their upcoming 1:72 scale Sukhoi Su-24 “Fencer” attack aircraft. While unpainted and still showing areas where plastic is being used as opposed to metal, the imagery does give collectors an idea as to how far along they are with this project as well as their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Noel Lee, managing director for Calibre Wings, also had this to say about their newest tooling:
1) There will be air intake covers and nozzle covers, these will be made from soft PVC.
2) The pitot tube looks bent because the PVC used during this test shot was too soft. We may change the pitot tube to a hard plastic if the subsequent harder PVC still proves to be unsatisfactory. Due to the length of the pitot tube, it may not hold the shape very well if it was not a straight forward hard plastic. But I am trying to have it PVC, to prevent any accidental breakage.
3) The ordnance will be shown later since at this point of the test shot, the “giove vane” (if I got the term right) pylon is not yet adhered due to the lack of mounting holes on the underside of the model.
4) You can see clearly the differential between the M & MR versions on our test shot, which was previously not visible during the Nuremberg prototype.
5) The wings are sagging at the moment, again, due to the 1st test shot, there are areas that supports the wing that is not yet enough filled with material.
6) The ejection seat is wrongly sized and will be re-done to be made taller to fit the seated pilot
7) We are considering the use of magnets to adhere the landing gear “cartridges” (gear down and gear up) instead of using press fit.
8) The removal of the air intake covers requires the removal of the entire front section of the air intake piece.
9) The canopy will be provided as separate pieces for open position and closed position. This is due to constraint for having a more uni-body front fuselage and hence there is no space for assembly of a movable canopy.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAAF Boeing B-17G-35-VE Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber – “Little Miss Mischief”, 324th Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group “Ragged Irregulars”, Bassingbourn, England, 1944
In year’s past, we would have given our eye teeth for a cache of B-17 Flying Fortresses to sell during the Christmas rush. Easily one of the most popular warbirds of the Second World War, B-17s seem to hold a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts, so long as the replica is accurate, affordable and available when the holidays roll around. This year, it appears as if Santa has answered our prayers with no less than three 1:72 scale Boeing B-17 bombers, all ready to be nestled under the Christmas tree with some room to spare.
Earlier today, we were informed by Corgi that “Little Miss Mischief” (AA33316), their latest and greatest rendition of the Flying Fortress, was being shipped out to us and is scheduled to arrive at our base of operations the last week of November.
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Boeing B-17G-30-BO Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber – “Nine-O-Nine”, 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, Bassingbourn, England, 1944
Of course, we’ve also been selling the heck out of Air Force 1’s second rendition of the B-17, “Nine O Nine” (AF10110A), a more affordable version of the B-17 that does it justice from any number of vantage points. Happily, the Company also managed to scrounge up some of the first B-17s they released earlier in the year, “A Bit ‘O Lace” (AF10110). So while we would ordinarily be content to hawk at least one B-17 during the holidays, this year we have a trio ready for shipping, making 2017 a bumper year for the illustrious Flying Fortress.
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber – “A Bit O’ Lace”, 709th Bombardment Squadron, 447th Bombardment Group, Rattlesden, Norfolk, April 1945
As we head into the extended Thanksgiving Day weekend, we thought it prudent to point out a few things that might make your online shopping experience a bit easier and more enjoyable. First, make sure to keep an eye on our Calendar of Events page, which denotes the cut off dates for both domestic as well as international shipping. Second, sales velocity has already accelerated dramatically over the past week and we haven’t even neared the extended Thanksgiving Day weekend. That means we presently have the best selection available, which will start to diminish as we continue into the holiday rush. So, we strongly recommend making your purchases early, particularly if you are interested in hard-to-find items and/or merchandise we have just recently received. Happy holidays and plan accordingly.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed F-104C Starfighter Interceptor – “World Altitude Record”, Capt Joe Jordan, Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 14th, 1959
Fifty-eight years ago, USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan zoomed a modified USAF/Lockheed F-104C Starfighter to a world altitude record of 103,395.5 feet above mean sea level. The flight originated from and recovered at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
On Tuesday, July 14th, 1959, the USSR established a world altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft when Soviet test pilot Vladimir S. Ilyushin zoomed the Sukhoi T-43-1 (a prototype of the Su-9) to an absolute altitude of 94,661 feet. By year’s end, the Soviet achievement would be topped by several American aircraft.
FAI rules stipulate that an existing absolute altitude record be surpassed by at least 3 percent for a new mark to be established. In the case of the Soviet’s 1959 altitude record, this meant that an altitude of at least 97,501 feet would need to be achieved in a record attempt.
On Sunday, December 6th, 1959, USN Commander Lawrence E. Flint wrested the months-old absolute altitude record from the Soviets by zooming to 98,561 feet. Flint piloted the second USN/McDonnell Douglas YF4H-1 (F4 Phantom II prototype) in accomplishing the feat. In a show of inter-service cooperation, the record flight was made from the AFFTC at Edwards Air Force Base.
Meanwhile, USAF was feverishly working on its own record attempt. The aircraft of choice was the Lockheed F-104C Starfighter. However, with the record now held by the Navy, the Starfighter would have to achieve an absolute altitude of at least 101,518 feet to set a new mark. (Per the FAI 3 percent rule.)
On Tuesday, November 24th, 1959, the AFFTC accepted delivery of the record attempt aircraft, F-104C (S/N 56-0885), from the Air Force Special Weapons Center at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico. This aircraft was configured with a J79-GE-7 turbojet capable of generating nearly 18,000 pounds of sea level thrust in afterburner.
Modifications were made to the J79 to maximize the aircraft’s zoom kinematic performance. The primary enhancements included increasing afterburner fuel flow rate by 10 percent and maximum RPM from 100 to 103.5 percent. Top reset RPM was rated at 104.5 percent. Both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ engine flow bypass flaps were operated in the open position as well. These changes provided for increased thrust and stall margin.
An additional engine mod involved reducing the minimum engine fuel flow rate from 500 to 250 pounds per hour. Doing so increased the altitude at which the engine needed to be shut down to prevent over-speed or over-temperature conditions. Another change included increasing the maximum allowable compressor face temperature from 250 F to 390 F.
The F-104C external airframe was modified for the maximum altitude mission as well. The compression cones were lengthened on the bifurcated inlets to allow optimal pressure recovery at the higher Mach number expected during the record attempt. High Mach number directional stability was improved by swapping out the F-104C empannage with the larger F-104B tail assembly.
USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan was assigned as the altitude record attempt Project Pilot. USAF 1st Lt and future AFFTC icon Johnny G. Armstrong was assigned as the Project Engineer. Following an 8-flight test series to shake out the bugs on the modified aircraft, the record attempt proper started on Thursday, December 10th, 1959.
On Monday, December 14th, 1959, F-104C (S/N 56-0885) broke the existing absolute altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft on its 5th attempt. Jordan did so by accelerating the aircraft to Mach 2.36 at 39,600 feet. He then executed a 3.15-g pull to an inertial climb angle of 49.5 degrees. Jordan came out of afterburner at 70,000 feet and stop-cocked the J79 turbojet at 81,700 feet.
Roughly 105 seconds from initiation of the pull-up, Joe Jordan reached the top of the zoom. The official altitude achieved was 103,395.5 feet above mean sea level based on range radar and Askania camera tracking. True airspeed over the top was on the order of 455 knots. Jordan started the pull-up to level flight at 60,000 feet; completing the recovery at 25,000 feet. Landing was entirely uneventful.
Jordan’s piloting achievement in setting the new altitude record was truly remarkable. His conversion of kinetic energy to altitude (potential energy) during the zoom was extremely efficient; realizing only a 2.5 percent energy loss from pull-up to apex. Jordan also exhibited exceptional piloting skill in controlling the aircraft over the top of the zoom where the dynamic pressure was a mere 14 psf. He did so using aerodynamic controls only. The aircraft did not have a reaction control system ala the X-15.
The F-104C external airframe was modified for the maximum altitude mission as well. The compression cones were lengthened on the bifurcated inlets to allow optimal pressure recovery at the higher Mach number expected during the record attempt. High Mach number directional stability was improved by swapping out the F-104C empannage with the larger F-104B tail assembly.
USAF Captain Joe B. Jordan was assigned as the altitude record attempt Project Pilot. USAF 1st Lt and future AFFTC icon Johnny G. Armstrong was assigned as the Project Engineer. Following an 8-flight test series to shake out the bugs on the modified aircraft, the record attempt proper started on Thursday, December 10th, 1959.
On Monday, December 14th, 1959, F-104C (S/N 56-0885) broke the existing absolute altitude record for turbojet-powered aircraft on its 5th attempt. Jordan did so by accelerating the aircraft to Mach 2.36 at 39,600 feet. He then executed a 3.15-g pull to an inertial climb angle of 49.5 degrees. Jordan came out of afterburner at 70,000 feet and stop-cocked the J79 turbojet at 81,700 feet.
Roughly 105 seconds from initiation of the pull-up, Joe Jordan reached the top of the zoom. The official altitude achieved was 103,395.5 feet above mean sea level based on range radar and Askania camera tracking. True airspeed over the top was on the order of 455 knots. Jordan started the pull-up to level flight at 60,000 feet; completing the recovery at 25,000 feet. Landing was entirely uneventful.
Jordan’s piloting achievement in setting the new altitude record was truly remarkable. His conversion of kinetic energy to altitude (potential energy) during the zoom was extremely efficient; realizing only a 2.5 percent energy loss from pull-up to apex. Jordan also exhibited exceptional piloting skill in controlling the aircraft over the top of the zoom where the dynamic pressure was a mere 14 psf. He did so using aerodynamic controls only. The aircraft did not have a reaction control system ala the X-15.
Look for Hobby Master’s rendition of Captain Joe B. Jordan’s zoom-climbing F-104C (HA1038) to charge the heavens this coming April.
We’re getting closer folks. Modelcollect’s 1:72 scale Ratte could become a reality by mid 2018.
Admittedly, Modelcollect has been hinting at doing a 1:72 scale interpretation of the German P.1000 super heavy tank for some time, even if the concept is nothing more than a fanciful whim that couldn’t possibly have rolled onto the WWII battlefield no matter its sponsor. So, even though its been languishing on the development back burners for what seems like an eternity, it now appears as if this prolific model maker has once again picked up the gauntlet in an effort to get this monster off the drawing board and into collectors hands world over.
According to their most recent Facebook posting, the Ratte is “back on track” and, at least from a model kit standpoint, is tentatively penciled in for a Jan/Feb 2018 release. It still isn’t clear if the Company will offer up this beast in pre-assembled form and, if so, when and for how much. We’re betting that with all of the time, energy and resources sunk into this project that it will be unleashed in a finalized state a few months later, likely offered in multiple configurations to fit the occasion. We’re not going to even speculate how much a finished Ratte might fetch, its weight or overall features. Right now, we’ll drool along with the rest of you as we ogle this marketing billboard and keep a careful eye on upcoming bulletins to gauge its status.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale portrayal of a US Army Air Force Douglas A-26B Invader Light Attack Bomber – 89th Bomb Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group, August 1945
We’re finally caught up pumping out two weeks worth of orders and finally got around to posting the April 2018 releases from Hobby Master. As usual, the newbies cut across all scale, eras and nation states, but one thing that did catch our eye was this USAAF A-26B Invader light attack aircraft that was attached to the 89th Bomb Squadron, 3rd Bomb Group during the tail end of WWII (HA3211). Interestingly, the marketing hype is billing this as the last A-26 to be made by Hobby Master and comes in the wake of its recently introduced A-26K Counter Invader, one of the hottest selling aircraft in recent memory from the folks at Hobby Master. While its not another Counter Invader, we did think this came as a bit of a surprise and so we are bringing it to everyone’s attention before this too sells out this Spring.
We’ve listed the entire spate of April 2018 barn busters on our web site and are now taking pre-orders.
Eaglemoss 1:1100 US Navy Colorado Class Battleship – USS West Virginia (BB-48)
Another quartet of warships will soon join the Eaglemoss navy this November, just in time for the holidays! The latest squadron includes:
EMGC73 – USN battleship USS West Virginia (BB-48) – 1941
EMGC75 – IJN heavy cruiser Haguro – 1944
EMGC80 – IJN light aircraft carrier Shoho – 1942
EMGC78A – IJN light cruiser Oyodo – 1944
Please note that the last warship will come in a clam shell packaging, and will therefore not come bundled with either the outer packaging or magazine. As such, it sells for $2 less than the traditional format and we will make the necessary changes on the invoices to reflect this change in packaging.
If you’re a fan of naval aviation, and would prefer to display your fleet favorites in a non-standard format, then we have some good news to share. At long last, we have taken delivery of TSM Model Wings aircraft accessories sets, all of which were first announced back in 2015.
Responsible for licensing and releasing a pair of 1:72 scale Top Gun F-14s, TSM has finally “called the ball” with a 1:72 scale aircraft carrier deck (TSMWAC001), launch crew figures (TSMWAC002) and several deck servicing vehicles (TSMWAC003-5). We are already starting to run low on several of the sets, and will likely run out as we near the holidays.
Wings of the Great War’s French Saint Chamond Heavy Tank – “Chantecoq,” As31, Laffaux, France, 1917
While we were away on vacation last week, Wings of the Great War announced two new weapons of war for a January roll out. On the ground, the Company unveiled a French Saint Chamond heavy tank, a curious if failed attempt by the French Army to break the stalemate that had settle over the Western Front and prevented either side from winning the war (WW10207).
Wings of the Great War’s 1:72 scale US Air Service Breguet 14 A.2 Bomber – Capt. James A. Summersett Jr., “Photo,” 96th Aero Squadron, Nancy, France, 1918
In the air, a French-built Breguet 14 A.2 bomber is expected to lift off around the same time (WW12101). Attached to the US Air Service’s 96th Aero Squadron, the aircraft was piloted by Capt. James A. Summersett Jr., and deployed to Nancy, France, in 1918.
A new method of paying for your purchases has now been implemented called PayPal Credit. With PayPal Credit, you can enjoy special financing offers like this one: No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on purchases of $99 or more. Buying with the power to pay as you choose and still enjoying the security and reliability of PayPal…now that’s magic. The new method of payment appears in blue underneath the regular yellow PayPal button on our checkout page.
Keep in mind that PayPal Credit works in much the same manner as PayPal in that you are sending us payment once you have completed the transaction. As such, we strongly recommend that you use this payment option for items listed as being in stock rather than for pre-orders or back ordered merchandise.
