The Motor Pool – Blog – Page 184 – Pureveyors of Fine Diecast Collectibles

Hobby Master Puts the Hellcat Through its Paces

Its been a very long time since Hobby Master announced anything new in their massive 1:32 scale aircraft line, so it came as a pleasant surprise last week when they shared the news on their forthcoming Grumman F6F Hellcat. Scheduled for a January ship, their inaugural over-sized, piston-engine fighter is based on the mount flown by David McCampbell off the deck of the USS Essex in 1944 (#HA0301). “Minsi II”, as he dubbed it, will sport all the hallmark detail that went into their previous SBD Dauntless range, and will likely be followed up with several other noteworthy Hellcat replicas. A display stand will be sold separately for those collectors inclined to display their aircraft in flight mode.

Share This:

Panzerstahl Gets the Lead Out

As part of their all-new collaboration with the World of Tanks online gaming system, Panzerstahl not only acknowledged work on their upcoming IS-7 heavy tank, but actually posted a picture of it on their web site. Expected some time in October, the IS-7 heavy tank (PS89006) was tested by the Russian military establishment in 1948 but was soon bypassed in favor of other tank designs that were also being examined. Nevertheless, the IS-7 incorporated some important design aspects, which included a rounded turret that became commonplace among subsequent tank designs and can even be found on Russia’s latest armored fighting vehicles.

In other news, Panzerstahl claims that the E-100 Krokodil heavy tank destroyer is available, which means our distributor should be receiving their shipment shortly.

Share This:

Altaya At Last!

Earlier today, we were informed that a small cache of 1:144 scale bombers from Altaya were en route and expected later this month. If you may remember, we first learned of their existence several years ago, so the fact that they have finally made it to our shores is especially good news. Several interesting subjects are among the batch, including this Italian Savoia-Marchetti SM.79 II Sparviero medium bomber (#SM51). Priced at just $25 apiece, these replicas go a long way towards filling in some of the holes in everyone’s scale aviation museum.

Share This:

Aviation 72 Gets “Tatted Up”

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.

Share This:

Aviation 72 Gets "Tatted Up"

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.

Share This:

Dragon Takes the Scenic Route

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.

Share This:

Corgi’s B-17 Set: 12 O’Clock High

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.

Share This:

Corgi's B-17 Set: 12 O'Clock High

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.

Share This:

Enterprise to Sail in November

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.

Share This:

Eaglemoss Offers More than a Penny for your Thoughts

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]

Share This: