With filming on the upcoming Star Wars movie now at an end, director J.J. Abrams tweeted out the name for the latest installment in the space opera: Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. We anticipate additional details concerning the new film and its merchandising tie-ins in the days and weeks ahead. Stay tuned my young apprentices.
It’s been several months since we last received a shipment of Amercom merchandise so its with a measured degree of consternation that we announce the arrival of certain key introductions. Our latest cache includes a 1:72 scale replica of a British MCV 80 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, British Chieftain heavy tank, and US M60 Patton tank, to name but a few. We’ve also received a flock of helos and aircraft, many of which have been out-of-stock for several months running.
The problem with making these announcements is that new product typically gets gobbled up in a heartbeat, and we then have to wait an inordinate amount of time before it gets replenished by our distributor. Be that as it may, get ’em now before they’re snatched up by the handfuls.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHpY3Sc5I1k&w=560&h=315]
We’re happy to report that the US Postal Service (USPS) has really stepped up its game of late, since making the transition to a real-time scanning and tracking system, particularly to most international destinations. Moreover, they now offer free tracking (something we’ve been asking them to do for a long time) and include $50 worth of free insurance should anything happen to your parcel. Here’s a short primer produced by the USPS that might help allay any fears you may have using their service.
In related news, the USPS has announced that beginning November 17th, they will be delivering packages on Sundays straight through the holiday season. Its entirely possible that the USPS could extend this service well beyond the holiday season, as a means of getting a leg up on their competition.
Word from the neutral zone indicates that a new fleet of Eaglemoss Star Trek starships are expected to uncloak in November. According to our distributor, #20-#31 should be hitting shelves just prior to Thanksgiving, all accompanied with their full-color, multi-page magazine.
Priced at just $22, these spectacular replicas have become instant hits in the Trekkie universe, with loads more to come well into 2015.
According to Rebelscum.com, Bandai has released an official image showcasing their upcoming first assortment of Star Wars helmet replica collection. These helmets will stand 2.75-inches tall and will retail for approximately $7.50 each. Included in the first wave will be Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper, Boba Fett, R2-D2, C-3PO or a TIE Fighter Pilot. Scheduled for release in February 2015.
Frankly, we’re not sure why the manufacturer chose to use C-3PO or R2-D2 as the basis for a helmet replica, other than their iconic places in Star Wars lore, but we’re happy to see information starting to appear regarding the upcoming film.
As an aside, we hear that the Empire’s Stormtroopers will be wearing an updated, if somewhat less sinister looking helmet for the new feature-length film, calling into question how much of the past films will be rehashed for the next set of Star Wars productions. With Disney sparing no expense to make the upcoming film a monster hit, we are of the opinion that virtually everything will be new this time around, with merchandising tie-ins no doubt playing a huge part in the decision making process.
We don’t want to hold out any false hope concerning Minichamps 1:12 scale 1955 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle but it could be showing some signs of life after first being announced some six years ago. When last we checked, the supposed release date for this classic was changed from December 2014 to January 2015 on the Minichamps web site, although no imagery of the sample has been uploaded. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this isn’t proving to be yet another delaying tactic on the road to its release, and will keep everyone update should more concrete information be passed along.
Fancy yourself as a tank commander, or, perhaps, a fighter pilot, or maybe a ship’s captain, engaging other military buffs in real-time combat? Well, maybe you should take a look at War Thunder, a free-to-play, massively multiplayer online gaming environment that gives players the opportunity to engage in WWII combat from the leisure of their easy chair. Now celebrating their second anniversary, the developers have just rolled out a bevy of new features and weapons systems, all designed to keep you slugging it out with other would-be combatants the world over. Tell ’em Kilroy sent ya.
http://warthunder.com/
Announced earlier this year, Oxford has finally taken the wraps off of several of their upcoming military aviation titles due out around the holiday time frame.
Several of these warbirds have been eagerly sought after since being revealed, including a Dornier Do 335 Pfeil fighter (AC048) and Rommel’s North African taxi (AC047). Other notable entrants are shown below.
As we edge ever closer to the start of 2015, we know that everyone will be waiting with baited breath for the debut of the Walt Disney-produced Star Wars film, which is expected in theaters for the holiday season. On a personal note, I fondly remember working at a major toy store chain when the first Star Wars movie shocked theater goers way back in 1977, feverishly stocking shelves with Kenner’s Star Wars merchandise then stepping back as kids of all ages snapped up the product in the blink of an eye.
At this time, we are aware of several collectible lines that will begin appearing in 2015, each aimed at different sectors of the marketplace. We plan on bringing in the more adult-oriented ranges, just like we did with the Eaglemoss Star Trek starship line, and we anticipate brisk sales for years to come as each new movie comes out. As product is announced, we strongly urge collectors to place their orders early to avoid disappointment and help us gauge interest among our collecting audience once word begins to spread. Thank you.
