New Line: TSM Model Wings

TSMW Splash

It’s starting to get awful crowded in the Grumman hangar. We learned today of a newcomer to the model making space, TSM Model Wings, which is a brand new division of TSM Models that plans to test the diecast aviation space in a big way. To mark the occasion, they plan to kick things off with a pair of 1:72 scale F-14 Tomcats that were employed in the smash hit feature film, “Top Gun.” Amazingly, its been 30 years since the film was released to its adoring public, and comes at an especially important time, since a sequel is already in the works and expected to make its theatrical release in 2017.

Two of the central aircraft depicted in the film are being replicated – the first flown by “Maverick” and “Goose” while the other was piloted by “Iceman” and “Slider”. Additionally, several combat accessories are also in the works, including a flight deck, tow tractors, fire fighting equipment and even several flight deck crewmen. Currently, we anticipate the aircraft to buzz the tower some time in January, while the accessories are earmarked for a December release.

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Atlas Hoists the World’s Giant Aircraft on its Shoulders

ATLMGS10a

Some time in November we are expecting a large shipment of Atlas Editions’ 1:144 scale aircraft from their Military Giants of the Sky Series. These are closeouts, hence the lower retail pricing of $19.99 apiece as compared with their original cost of over $25. Thirteen aircraft comprise the shipment, including several that have never been made available before, such as a Martin Model 167 light bomber and Mitsubishi Ki-21 “Sally” heavy bomber.

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We’ve been told that this is a one-off shipment, so once these beauties are gone, we won’t be able to obtain more. We’ve moved a few of our remaining DeAgostini aircraft into the Atlas section, since they are one and the same not to mention are packaged in the same styrofoam and acetate covering.

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War Master Adds Gravy to the November Bird

WMTK062

As it presently stands, it appears as if we are in for a bumper harvest this November. Today, we learned that five more War Master 1:72 scale military vehicles are being laid out with the Thanksgiving bird, all of which should tantalize the senses and heighten the mood, if a little dry to the taste. Look for side dishes that include a Libyan 2K12 Kub Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile System (WMTK061), Russian BM-30 “Smerch” Multiple Rocket Launcher (WMTK062), German Sd. Kfz. 171 PzKpfw V Panther Ausf. A Medium Tank (WMTK063), Russian 203mm heavy howitzer (WMTK064), and a second look at the Russian JS-2 Stalin Heavy Tank (WMTK065).

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Century Wings Latest (Tom)cat on a Hot Tin Roof

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For the last few years, Century Wings seems content to rely upon a pair of replica aircraft to see them through the global recession, reaping the rewards of two toolings produced well over a decade ago. While the strategy has worked, other competitors have crept into their wheelhouse, offering similar, if slightly cheaper versions of their bread-and-butter mainstays to woo away some of their audience. Be that as it may, the Company has announced yet another F-14 Fleet Defense Fighter aimed at a holiday take off, this time based upon a “D” variant which flew with its final cruise with VF-104 “Blacklions”, then embarked upon the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) back in 2006 (CW001617). Thus far, only a line art drawing has been provided to the trade, so we anticipate a completed mock up in the weeks ahead.

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Atlas Turns a Mess into its Message

ATL269002

We recognize that a great many of our customers were unable to obtain the recently released Eaglemoss 1:43 scale US GMC Wrecker Truck because, we, and other retailers, were short-shipped this item. Fortunately, Atlas Editions, the original makers of the replica, has put together its own “Lend-Lease Program” of sorts, by making available this truck once again in its original form and in its original packaging (ATL269002). Expected in November, the GMC Wrecker is one of those vehicles that formed an integral part of the US Army during WWII, oftentimes tasked with rescuing and recovering broken down equipment in the field and bringing them back to the field workshops for overhaul.

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We aren’t expecting all that many pieces to show up with the holiday fixings, so we strongly recommend pre-ordering this vehicle as soon as possible to avoid being shut out of this sale a second time around.

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Mirror, Mirror, on the Eaglemoss Wall

Eaglemoss Star Trek The Official Starships Collection mirror universe ISS Enterprise cover

Eaglemoss has announced plans to offer a new subsidiary line of starships based upon some of the “mirror universe” episodes connected to the Star Trek shows. The inaugural product will be the ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701), although no date has been set for its release.

Eaglemoss Star Trek The Official Starships Collection Enterprise C-E three pack

In other matters, the Company has put together its first multi-pack gift set, just in time for the brisk holiday shopping season, and featuring three of its most recent releases (ST0046, ST0048 and ST0050). Instead of three saddle-stitch collector magazines, the set will come bundled with a thicker perfect bound edition, pooling together information found in all three individual Enterprise infotainment tales. Other similarly conceived gift sets are no doubt in the making.

Eaglemoss Star Trek The Official Starships Collection Enterprise C-E three pack models

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Prinz Eugen Sorties with the Eaglemoss Fleet

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Pronounced “Oygen”, the German heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen is the latest ship to join the vast Eaglemoss Warships of the World armada. The third member of the five ship Admiral Hipper-calss heavy cruisers, she was also the largest German warship to survive the war despite seeing extensive service through out the conflict. Named after Prince Eugene of Savoy, an 18th-century Austrian general, the Prinz Eugen was involved in Operation Rheinubung with the Bismarck, Operation Cerberus and the Norwegian operations, as well as several Baltic exercises. Look for the Prinz Eugen to set sail with the Eaglemoss fleet later this year.

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Atlas Puts its Wolf Pack Tactics to Work

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In WWII, German Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz developed what he called “Rudeltaktik” (Wolf Pack Naval Tactics) as a means of gathering up his scant undersea assets to hunt down and sink the Allied convoys bound for Great Britain. Atlas Editions is using much the same strategy for its growing fleet of submarine replicas, pulling together seven submarines for a September slugfest.

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The list of submarines is quite varied, ranging from a French cruising submarine to a gigantic Imperial Japanese Navy I-401 aircraft carrying boat. The I-401 even has two stowed and one fully deployed float plane on its deck. Several German U-Boats, British subs and the first US Balao-class hunter killer are also coming into range, all designed to silently prey upon the military-themed, diecast collecting community. Dive, dive!

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens Merchandise

Force Awakens

As many of you already know, September 4th is when licensed Stars Wars vendors are allowed to discuss details concerning all of the new Star Wars-related merchandise connected with the upcoming feature film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, scheduled to open on December 18th. As fate would have it, we are headed out-of-town this Friday, so we’re going to have to wait until next week to start listing all of The Force Awakens collectible products we intend to stock. Happily, you can find more information concerning the announcement here: http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-products-to-arrive-on-force-friday-september-4

Remember, may the Force be with you.

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Google Trusted Store Surveys

Google Trusted Store 2

For the astute among you, you may have noticed that we have applied to become a Google Trusted Store, which means added benefits to both you, the customer, as well as us, the merchant. At the conclusion of an online order, a pop-up window will appear similar to the one shown here, which will allow you to submit a survey regarding your overall shopping experience. We would appreciate it if you could take the time out of your busy schedule and rate us for each of the questions posed by Google. High ratings, would, of course, be most welcome!

You can find more information regarding the program here: http://www.google.com/trustedstores/

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