As 2013 continues to grind forward, we’ve learned that Oxford Diecast will be expanding its line of 1:72 scale budget-priced aircraft this summer. Several repaints will be offered, but more importantly a number of new aircraft will join the fray, including a Japanese Nakajima Ki-43 “Oscar” fighter (#OXFAC039). Also in development is a German Henschel Hs 123A dive-bomber, a biplane that saw service in WWII well beyond its intended service life (#OXFAC040). Although the pre-order window has now opened for these and other new entries, keep in mind they aren’t expected until June, at the earliest.
Forces of Valor's Next Salvo
The February shipment of Forces of Valor products are expected to leave our distributor’s facility on the 20th. Several key introductions are slated for release, including their first 1:72 scale look at the F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter (UNI85064), as well as the initial gaggle of Smithsonian Wings-2-Wheels 1:72 scale aircraft.
Forces of Valor’s Next Salvo
The February shipment of Forces of Valor products are expected to leave our distributor’s facility on the 20th. Several key introductions are slated for release, including their first 1:72 scale look at the F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter (UNI85064), as well as the initial gaggle of Smithsonian Wings-2-Wheels 1:72 scale aircraft.
Hobby Master Spreads its Wings with the Jug
Dubbed the Thunderbolt but surreptitiously known as the “Jug” by its pilots, the Republic P-47 formed the backbone of the USAAF in Europe during WWII, serving in both the fighter and fighter-bomber roles. Now, Hobby Master plans to honor the Jug with its first 1:48 scale replica due out this spring. The lead plane in the formation will be none other than Francis Gabreski’s P-47D, when he served with the 56th Fighter Group in June 1944 (#HA8401).
Minichamps: Wayne Rainey Crosses the Finish Line
Sometimes we receive product ahead of schedule, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in this industry when we sometimes sit on our hands for the better part of several years waiting for the model to materialize. In the case of Minichamps 1:12 scale 1990 Yamaha YZR500 (OW45) GP Motorcycle driven by world champion, Wayne Rainey, this bike wasn’t expected until March and even the manufacturer has yet to post images of his replica bike on their web site. Nevertheless, the bike arrived just as we’re ready to head out of town, so we may have to post images of the scale model after our return from Africa. Pre-ordered bikes have been handed over to our friendly couriers for immediate dispatch.
Minichamps Debuts its Inaugural 1:18 Scale Mullin Automotive
Produced in cooperation with the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California, Minichamps’ inaugural 1:18 scale replica is based upon a 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6C Saoutchik Xenia Coupe (#MIN107091020). This stunning recreation features all of the attendant detail you come to expect from this modelmaker, complete right down to the exotic lines and rakish appearance of this timeless classic. Constructed from heavy resin with only 1,002 pieces produced for worldwide consumption, this stunning reproduction is a sight to behold and does the original Dubonnet justice in every possible respect.
Psst. What's Your Password?
Recently, our web hosting solution modified the way in which web site administrators can view their customer accounts. In keeping with current industry standards, administrators are no longer able to view a customer’s online password. If you experience any issues logging into your account, please contact us via email or by phone and we will reset your account and provide you with a temporary password. Once logged in, you can then reset your password to whatever you like.
Psst. What’s Your Password?
Recently, our web hosting solution modified the way in which web site administrators can view their customer accounts. In keeping with current industry standards, administrators are no longer able to view a customer’s online password. If you experience any issues logging into your account, please contact us via email or by phone and we will reset your account and provide you with a temporary password. Once logged in, you can then reset your password to whatever you like.
Forces of Valor Pushes the Envelope in 2013
While collectors can look forward to the usual assortment of repaints and repackaging for 2013, Forces of Valor also intends to offer a number of new toolings for the year ahead, cutting across a wide range of scales, weapons platforms and theatres of operation. Of particular note is their upcoming 1:72 scale renditions of a CH-47D Chinook helicopter, 1:72 take on the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, 1:32 scale look at the Krupp truck with towed anti-tank gun, and 1:72 scale modeling of the Russian T-34/76 medium tank. All of the new introductions, excerpted from their 2013 brochure, have been listed in our February 2013 section, and we hope to have better imagery and a clearer idea of when to expect each new product in the days ahead. Enjoy!
Important Changes to USPS Shipping
Earlier this week, in conjunction with a rate hike by the US Postal Service, a number of important changes were made by the USPS to the way they handle parcels. To begin with, they have eliminated the Parcel Post and First Class domestic rates and combined them into a new level of service called USPS Standard. Essentially, this service is still cheaper than Priority Mail shipping and on a par with UPS ground service. Furthermore, they have done away with the green delivery confirmation labels that were affixed to the outside of the box. Now, a second white mailing strip is being affixed by the USPS to the box that contains an automatically generated tracking number. This means we cannot enter the tracking information for a shippable order until our return from the Post Office.








