Announced some time ago, it finally appears as if Aviation 72 is preparing to roll out their eagerly anticipated Saab Viggen Jet Fighter (#AV724001). Slated for an October ship, the Viggen is one of those next generation aircraft everyone asks about but cannot readily claim to have in their diecast collection. Priced at just $54.99 and scaled in 1:72, this particular Viggen was flown at the Royal International Air Tattoo Air Show in 1995.
Announced some time ago, it finally appears as if Aviation 72 is preparing to roll out their eagerly anticipated Saab Viggen Jet Fighter (#AV724001). Slated for an October ship, the Viggen is one of those next generation aircraft everyone asks about but cannot readily claim to have in their diecast collection. Priced at just $54.99 and scaled in 1:72, this particular Viggen was flown at the Royal International Air Tattoo Air Show in 1995.
Several years ago, Dragon launched a line of ancillary pieces called “DiorArmor”, an obvious play on words that combined one of their Dragon Armor pieces with a dioramic base. They seem to have revisited the theme somewhat, by offering a new range of vehicles called PanorArmor. Another play on words (“panorama”), this all-new sub set of vehicles combines several of their more recent releases with scenic, theatre appropriate backgrounds, making them more attractive to look at under glass.
Four vehicles make up the initial series, all of whom are expected some time in October.
Well, we got the call today from Corgi to indicate that their long awaited B-17 combination set is in stock and headed our way. Because the manufacturer is located up in Washington and we’re clear across the country in New York (not to mention our upcoming vacation closure), we expect to take delivery of these aircraft on or around the 16th. At this time, virtually all of the sets allocated to us have been spoken for since enthusiasts and historians alike recognize their worth as valuable additions to any collection. Don’t be surprised if all of the sets get snapped up tout de suite, and rise in value quickly once they become increasingly hard-to-find. Also expected in this cache is a brand new Panavia Tornado and Vickers Valiant.
Well, we got the call today from Corgi to indicate that their long awaited B-17 combination set is in stock and headed our way. Because the manufacturer is located up in Washington and we’re clear across the country in New York (not to mention our upcoming vacation closure), we expect to take delivery of these aircraft on or around the 16th. At this time, virtually all of the sets allocated to us have been spoken for since enthusiasts and historians alike recognize their worth as valuable additions to any collection. Don’t be surprised if all of the sets get snapped up tout de suite, and rise in value quickly once they become increasingly hard-to-find. Also expected in this cache is a brand new Panavia Tornado and Vickers Valiant.
According to a note found in a bottle that recently washed up on our shores, Unimax will be releasing their 1:700 scale replica of USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in late November (#UNI86012). The Enterprise is the latest capitol ship in their Combat Vessel series, and should make a wonderful gift this holiday season for collectors, veterans and historians alike.
UK-based Eaglemoss Collections will soon be launching a “partwork” line of diecast military vehicles aimed at the European market. A “partwork” is a written publication released as a series of planned magazine-like issues over a period of time. If the line does well, it may be offered here in North America, although its not clear, at present, if we’re talking a 1:43 or 1:72 scale range, whether or not the line will be based solely on World War II, and if the vehicles will come bundled with each issue or sold separately much like the Altaya/ IXO Models collection.
Anyway, they’ve asked us to post a link to their survey page, which essentially asks our clientele about their collecting criteria. According to the literature, respondents will be entered into a drawing whereby they can win a complete range as they are released. The survey can be found here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ6NRP3.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_lNx-Xec5s&w=560&h=315]
We’ve been pleasantly surprised with some of the new introductions coming out of the Blitz 72 camp, including three of their latest offerings. Word from our distributor is that they will soon be shipping a trio of deluxe vignettes, which combine a vehicle with some sort of structure or figures.
All three sets have been posted to our Blitz 72 combat vehicles section and are scheduled for a September arrival.
We’ve all seen those amazing concept cars at the annual auto shows, reflecting space age design and cutting edge form that never seem to make the transition from the drawing board to the road. German model maker, Minichamps, is apparently an admirer of “form over functionality” and plans to honor these vehicles with a line of 1:18 scale concept cars. Several of the most iconic cars of years past encompass the range, including the 1954 Lincoln Futura seen here, which was used as the basis for the futuristic-looking Batmobile that took center stage in the hit 1966 TV series. Look for several of these incredible replicas to show up before year’s end.
Radio-controlled manufacturer, Torro, intends to offer a line of 1:16 scale military figures that can be used with any 1:16 scale military vehicle. Besides working with Taigen’s range of 1:16 scale radio-controlled tanks, the pre-posed and pre-painted figures will work with Unimax’ Extreme Metal static tanks, or any similar line of 1:16 scale vehicles. Strangely, the figures look eerily similar to Unimax’ out-of-production Extreme Metal figures that were released several years ago. We’re guessing that Unimax licensed or sold the molds to Torro as a means of kicking off the series. Look for the first five figures this October.
