The Motor Pool – Blog – Page 165 – Pureveyors of Fine Diecast Collectibles

Air Force 1 Scales Up

While some model makers seem to be content to scale down their range, Air Force 1 seems to be hitting the gym and pumping up. A few months back, they released a bevy of 1:72 scale J-35 Joint Strike Fighters, one for each of the three different variants being produced for the military. Now, they’re infusing some steroids into their air frame, making the same aircraft in a much larger 1:48 scale. Amazingly, the first replica is expected momentarily, and is based upon the US Air Force’s “A” variant (#AF100031). Priced at just $109.99, and bearing all of the hallmark detail you’ve come to expect from Air Force 1, we know this replica will surely become a hit with collectors big and small.

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No June Swoon for Eaglemoss

While the Chicago Cubs typically take a nose dive in June, Eaglemoss Collections has other plans this coming summer. Nine new 1:43 scale military vehicles are scheduled to arrive, with another platoon of battle-hardened war wagons not-too-far-behind. Pre-order now to be assured of an early delivery.

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An Early Warning of Hobby Master’s E-2C

Ordinarily we are loathe to posting prototype images since buyers tend to formulate premature purchasing decisions based on non-representative imagery. In the case of the E-2C, however, we are making an exception largely because there seems to be a race to market between Hobby Master and Air Force 1, two modelmakers intent to get their replicas out-the-door first. Enjoy, and remember, these are early shots aimed at giving the collector an idea as to what they can expect from each company’s mold.

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Hobby Master Puts to Sea with the US Navy

Had they been announced just a scant 24 hours earlier, we might have concluded that Hobby Master’s latest products announcements were simply an April Fool’s joke. Despite the timing, Hobby Master doesn’t seem to be pulling a fast one with their two newest toolings – a Lockheed S-3 Viking Anti-Submarine aircraft and a Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler Electronic Warfare Aircraft (HA4901 and HA5001 respectively).

Keep in mind that thus far only line art drawings have been posted, so product shots of both aircraft are likely still months away. Nevertheless, its encouraging to see that Hobby Master is investing the time, energy and resources into producing new toolings instead of sitting on their laurels and pumping out repaint after repaint. We applaud their efforts and recognize that without them, this niche hobby wouldn’t be where it currently is today.

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Modelcollect Takes Aim at the World War II Market

Long rumored but never confirmed, Modelcollect has officially announced plans to enter the pre-assembled WWII Market with an array of 1:72 scale panzers kicking off the attack. The four new models include a German E-50 Flakpanzer Anti-Aircraft Vehicle (AS72022), a German E-50 Medium Tank with 88mm Gun (AS72025), a German E-75 Heavy Tank with 88mm Gun (AS72021), and a German E-75 Flakpanzer Anti-Aircraft Vehicle (AS72023).

Also debuted were three new modern-era battle tanks, one based on a derivative of the ubiquitous T-72 and two more T-90 variants (AS72020, AS72003 and AS72006). Look for all seven new models to arrive as early as next week.

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We’ve Lowered our Free Shipping Threshold!

In an era when everything seems to be rising in cost, we’ve decided to drop our free shipping threshold for domestic orders within the Continental US to $150. We reserve the right to choose the carrier to fulfill this offer, and you may not combine qualifying and non-qualifying merchandise together to take advantage of this promotion. In other words, the order must contain in-stock merchandise only, and may not include back orders, special orders or pre-orders. Moreover, certain over-sized items may not be included in this promotion since these items cost us an arm and a leg to ship.

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The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming!

It is with great pleasure that we announce the imminent arrival of a new line of military aircraft from DeAgostini. This new, multi-scale range traces the evolution of the Russian aircraft industry, with heavy emphasis on the aircraft that took to the skies during WWII and thereafter. Admittedly, its hard to wrap our heads around some on the scales portrayed (1:133, 1:81 or 1:180 to be specific), but as it was explained to us, the manufacturer decided to go with a multi-scale approach so that they could fit all of their introductions into a singular-sized box.

Frankly, at only $15.99 apiece, you really cannot go wrong with this line even if they aren’t designed to be paired with scale aircraft from other houses. And, there are several subjects that won’t likely be replicated by any other manufacturer any time soon. Keep them all on one shelf in your collection, and you’ll be glad you nabbed these little beauties!

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War Master Keeps the Caissons Rolling this July

Even though we seem to be waiting an eternity for the latest wave of War Master products, that hasn’t stopped the manufacturer from announcing their next set of vehicles due out in July. While three of the four vehicles have been replicated by other model makers, there is a fourth vehicle that should stir some interest amongst the armor crowd. Expected is a 1:72 scale representation of a Russian 2S6 Tunguska self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, a nice addition to any armored arsenal. Also touted is a Russian T-40 light tank, Russian KV-1 heavy tank, and a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces Type 61 main battle tank. Prices remain at $19.99 and each comes with a numbered box and handsome acrylic case.

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Wings of the Great War Remembers the Valiant

Late last week, we found out that Wings of the Great War plans on adding three more planes to their WWI aerial armada, each based upon a legendary flier. The trio will include an Albatros D.Va fighter that was flown by First Class Iron Cross Recipient Lt. Kurt Monnington (#WW15002), while the second is a Nieuport 28C.1 that was piloted by 2nd Lt. Quentin Roosevelt, youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt (#WW13002). Finally, there’s a Spad XIII that served as the mount for Medal of Honor Recipient 2nd Lt. Frank Luke. All three warbirds are expected to ship in July and are available for pre-order as we speak.

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Eaglemoss Puts to Sea with the Kaiser’s Navy

Eaglemoss has officially announced that the 58th warship in their Warships of the World series will be SMS Derfflinger, a WWI-era battlecruiser that served with the German Kaiserliche Marine (#EMGC58). This marks the first warship to be replicated for the German Navy prior to the ascent of the Third Reich and the second vessel in the range to have saw service in the First World War.

Dozens of additional vessels are in the offing (we wish we could read Japanese), and we can only hope that soon the series will turn its attention to post-WWII era warships, an era that sorely needs to be addressed beyond the handful of ships that have already made it to market.

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