With drones playing an ever greater role in our nation’s military defense strategy, we thought it made sense to create a brand new section which focuses on the myriad unmanned combat systems fielded by the world’s armies. Thus far, we’ve included the three Italeri unmanned aerial vehicles in this all-new section, but fully anticipate an ever growing array of aerial, submersible and land-based systems to be included in this section.
Our principal distributor has informed us that they have signed an agreement with newcomer Air Forces 1 Model Company to become the sole distributor of their line of multi-scale aircraft for the North American market. While the manufacturer is still working on their own web site, early indications are that the first release will be a 1:72 scale replica of the V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor aircraft. The AF1 version will feature the ability to rotate the wings 90 degrees so that it can be stowed aboard a US Aircraft carrier.
According to reports, AF1 will be relaunching several of the older Armour Collection 1:48 scale aircraft as part of their line, although its not clear if any retooling will be done to bring them up to spec. Moreover, the new line will include aircraft in differing scales and could be as broad and deep as the original Armour Collection range. We hope to have more details concerning this important announcement in the days and weeks ahead.
While we’ve had a photo of the upcoming USS Arizona on our web site for several weeks running, we’ve finally unearthed some detailed images of the ship’s superstructure and packaging.
The images reveal some of the workmanship that has gone into this iconic warship which was sunk at the outset of the Second World War at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7th, 1941. Among the important features is a floatplane attached to the rear of the warship, its catapult, the ship’s superstructure, and the multitude of guns bristling along the length of the deck. The Pennsylvania is scheduled to ship out some time in June.
As 2014 enters its summer months, its becoming increasingly clear that Dragon is starting to reinvigorate its once dormant Dragon Armor line. Their latest offering are a pair of PzKpfw III Ausf. M medium tank that comes equipped with schurzen side armor skirts and a turret girdle (#DRA60451 and DRA60663), which bears the insignia of 2.Panzer Division and 11.Panzer Division respectively.
Expected in June, this all-new vehicle further extends their commitment to its 1:72 scale range, despite facing a tidal wave of inexpensive partworks lines now coming to market.
With their first batch of 1:43 scale military vehicles now rolling on to the diecast battlefield, it was just a matter of time before the Company launched a new offensive on the 1:72 scale front. According to our distributor, their first wave of Russian tanks are slated for a May appearance, and cover everything from pre-WWII designs to modern era main battle tanks.
Costing a measly $11.99 apiece, and offering subjects no one else has gotten around to replicate, their new line boasts tremendous workmanship at entry-level pricing.
Unimax, the maker of the wildly popular Forces of Valor brand, shared new imagery for their upcoming MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft (#UNI85121). The new pix clearly show some of the features built into this stunning warbird, which include a pilot figure, drop down rear ramp, rotatable engine nacelles and more.
The MV-22 is slated for a June landing, and will no doubt be followed up with more new toolings, on the ground, at sea and in the air.
German model maker, Heinrich Bauer, has just announced their latest high-end replica, a 1:12 scale take on the 1934 Bugatti Atalante Type 57SC touring car. Expected later in the year, the Atalante marks a return to the world famous stable of cars that were produced by Italian car maker, Bugatti, back in the 1930s, and features all of the hallmark detail, appointments and workmanship that has become the cornerstone of their premium line.
Price at an eye-popping $2,200, the Atalante isn’t for the feint of heart, and like its brethren releases, is designed to appeal to the high-end collector.
Effective immediately, we are phasing out our entire range of Easy Model merchandise. Any remaining stock qualifies for a 25% discount off of the advertised price. Be advised that we will not be ordering any additional stock, so anything listed as Special Order does not qualify for this discount. Likewise, this is a first come first served sale, so it is entirely possibly that we could run out of select items quickly. To place an order for this line and qualify for this discount, please call us at (718) 465-3292 during normal business hours and we will review our in-stock position with you. Again, please do not ask us to order something that we no longer have available since this is a liquidation sale.
Earlier this year, Oxford Diecast decided to set up its own distribution channel in North America, looking to gain more market share, improve margins and hopefully garner added relevance among the North American collector market. We’re happy to report that they now seem to be ready to resume operations, with many of their most sought after military vehicles and aircraft expected shortly.
On the other hand, long time model maker and train enthusiast, Model Power, posted on their web site that they are ceasing operations immediately, after being in business for nearly 50 years. For those of you unfamiliar with Model Power, they’ve been making their Postage Stamp series of military aircraft for several years running, offering up subjects no one else had the gumption to tackle. Its sad to see another manufacturer close up shop and particularly difficult when its a business “right down the road” from ours in Farmingdale, NY. We wish them the best and hope this isn’t the last we’ve heard from this three-generation operation.
The first of two Amercom shipments are now headed our way and should be arriving shortly. Because of the breadth and depth of the range, we decided to accept delivery of their helicopters first, and then their military vehicles second.
So, please bear with us as we take delivery of these two shipments. We will do our utmost to turn around any orders for these products as quickly as possible.
