Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57E “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Red 52”, Southern Military District, Russo-Ukraine War, 2022
We’re back from gallivanting around this nation of ours and are ready to resume business. Thus far, it seems to be a Hobby Master June, with loads of new products announced, their May shipment having just arrived, and the June shipment not too far behind. In fact, according to our distributor, the June cache is slated for June 20th, meaning plenty to list on eBay and elsewhere along with updating our main site. That said, we are also in contact with our other distributors to see what’s on tap from them for the month of June. Stay tuned.
Per Hobby Master’s MAP guidelines, we will be removing any price restrictions on all of the November 2022 Hobby Master arrivals. The price for each item has been reduced to their regular selling price and you may now apply any discounts we offer towards the purchase of these items. This process will recur on the first of every month in compliance with their updated MAP pricing program. You can tell if an item is no longer MAP protected if the blue MAP seal that appears alongside its image and just below its price has been removed. In effect, a retailer is no longer bound by the 6-month introductory MAP restriction policy and can sell the item for whatever price they deem appropriate.
Neo Dragon Armor 1:72 scale Soviet Late Production T-34/85 Medium Tank with Bedspring Armor – Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, 1945
Apparently, we have to think twice about when we are planning our next vacation. Over the weekend, Dragon debuted eleven new 1:72 scale subjects as part of their ever-expanding line of Neo Dragon Armor military vehicles. Most of the new introductions were either German Panther medium tanks or Ferdinand tank destroyers, but one new piece caught our eye – a Russian T-34-85 medium tank with bedspring armor and clad in a winter white camouflage scheme. We’re guessing that most of these new pieces won’t be available until the latter half of the year. That said, we’ve posted them to our June Additions section, completed their addition to our product portfolio and are now entertaining pre-orders.
As we get ready for our two-week shut down, we thought it made sense to provide one last look at things prior to us jetting off. For openers, everything expected in late May has now been pushed into early June, in part because we aren’t going to be around to take in the merchandise.
Several companies have seemingly delayed the release of their May shipments, the most notable being Hobby Master. Unless things change, the May shipment has now been delayed until either the first or second week of June and its a good bet that the June allotment will be shunted into July. Typically, sales tend to slow down around this time of year, so there’s no rush to take in goods that will likely sit on warehouse shelves for several weeks running until demand picks up.
The next batch of Forces of Valor items is currently slated for a late June or early July arrival, although this could change based upon the whims of the manufacturer. That’s a bit problematic for us since we are starting to run low on several of their recently introduced 1:32 scale vehicles. Rather amazingly, their winter mottled Tiger I tank is catching up in sales with their “Cobra King” Sherman Jumbo tank, which means we will likely have to place yet another re-order for this fan favorite. Several are being shipped overseas, despite the huge shipping costs associated with mailing out an oversized item to parts outside of CONUS. This usually means that international distributors are having a hard time sourcing the vehicle, and, rather reluctantly, consumers would rather bear any cost in acquiring the vehicle from a well-stocked US retailer rather than having it slip through their fingers.
Likewise their desert sand over-sprayed Tiger I tank is currently out-of-stock and won’t be available again until either late June or early July. Released several months prior to the winter camouflaged Tiger, there likely isn’t all that many pieces still available at the factory level before it sells out. So, if you plan to own every version of their Tiger tank — and let’s face it, who doesn’t — you can still submit an order at our MAP level price before it starts to rise in value or quite possibly lands in the vaunted Force of Valor Hall of Fame.
According to our US distributor representing the line, a new cache of Panzerkampf products is slated to arrive at their warehouse this week. Obviously, we’ve asked them to hold our shipment until we get back in the saddle again. Most of the items are re-stocks, although we’ve learned that their T-14 Armata main battle tank in a May Day victory parade scheme is included in the load. So too is their M1A2 Abrams main battle tank in a NATO woodlands camouflage scheme. If anyone is interested, we have therefore modified our M1070/Abrams combo pack to reflect the fact that both vehicles now come in the exact same palette from head-to-toe.
It would appear as if a number of key Corgi aircraft are scheduled to show in the June/Jule time frame. Its a bit of a hit-or-miss proposition to determine exactly which models will arrive ahead of all the others, so we strongly suggest monitoring our Corgi Aviation Archive section to check for any updates. The likely candidates rolling off the assembly line are their latest Messerschmitt Bf 109 in an Italina scheme, along with their newest Supermarine Spitfire since these are being headlines in Corgi’s most recent Diecast Diaries.
Air Force 1 is showing renewed signs of vigor with several new models pegged for a third quarter fly-in. Admittedly no new toolings have been shown thus far, although there’s quite a few long sold out models that are being pressed back into service in time to make it under the tree this Christmas. To be specific, three new P-61 Black Widows are in the offing as is a trio of SR-71 Blackbirds, as well are a pair of Su-57 Felon fifth generation fighters. We’re hoping that their hot-selling 1:72 scale B-17 Flying Fortresses will also be added to the fleet but we’re also well aware that time is running out if they are to get the go signal for the holidays.
Although we have nothing solid to go by, we are presuming that the next Dragon shipment will probably occur in July. We based this expectation on the frequency we receive their product, which, at present, occurs every two to three months. We realize this isn’t exactly positive news to go by if you’re an ardent Dragon collector, but ever since the manufacturer closed up shop in North America a few years back we have had to rely upon one of our distributors to bring in their merchandise. So, even though Dragon might indicate that a handful of vehicles are available through their web site for several months running, we must wait until they survive their trans-oceanic journey to America to begin doling them out.
Precision Model Art (commonly referred to as PMA) seems to have dropped off of the diecast radar. No new models have been announced and even their web site appears to be AWOL over the last few months. The distributor representing this line has been trying to hail them on an open frequency without much luck so the Company may have gone temporarily dormant or quite possibly decided to throw in the towel in the wake of COVID. Either way we hope to have a definitive answer this summer. Needless to say if they decided to close up shop what we have in inventory will likely be all that remains of this once proud model maker.
That’s pretty much it for now. We’re still pushing out product as fast as orders come in, although Monday the 22nd will be the last day we plan to get orders into the The Motor Pool slip stream. Otherwise the soonest the next batch of outbound orders is earmarked for shipping is June 9th. So, until you hear from us otherwise, we wish you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and a scintillating start to the summer. Enjoy!
While Waltersons has been mum of late concerning their Facebook posts, and have become lax updating their own web site, it took a major hobby show to get them to share what they’ve been up to for the last several months. At the Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan, the manufacturer displayed a number of new projects that are presumably in the works and slated for an early autumn release. In point of fact, if we could compare their rollout to a feast, the banquet was quite impressive covering everything from re-launched aircraft appetizers to their bread-and-butter 1:32 scale entrees.
On the ground, several new 1:32 scale tanks were shown for the first time, among them a Soviet KV-2 heavy tank, a US M4A3(76)W Sherman medium tank, their oft-hinted at Ferdnand tank destroyer (to be included in their Inside Out series), and a British Firefly Ic medium tank. Its likely a KV-1 tank is in the offing and their long awaited King Tiger heavy tank could join the entourage in the not-too-distant future. A number of vehicles scheduled for shipment in the June/July time frame were also laid out for all to see, including two Chaffee light tanks, a pair of Open Blitz 3-ton ambulances, and a US 2-1/2 ton cargo truck. It would appear as if the second 1:32 scale model kit is also nearing completion – a prototype of the Sturmtiger assault mortar
In the air, the manufacturer pulled back the curtains on their re-tooled MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, a troop transport that was originally a part of the Unimax range. Two versions of their 1:72 scale AH-64D Apache gunship, and updated renditions of a F-16 Viper were also on the “tarmac” and its a good bet that other Unimax-built aircraft will eventually join the aerial armada. Interestingly, we’ve seen several outlets re-listing their long sold out MH-47 helicopter as being re-released, so we’ve opened up the ordering window for this highly successful helicopter. Waltersons has previously stated that certain items, such as their upcoming 88mm FLaK gun will be made again, so its a fair bet that the MH-47 has undergone a similar vote of confidence.
The Company also took the opportunity to show off their next interlocking play set – a 1:72 scale look at a beach invasion scenario that pits several US- and German built vehicles against one another across a battle-scarred landscape. Its a rather large vignette and we haven’t heard how much the entire display will cost once its ready for prime time.
Lastly, the Company unveiled images of a brand new lineup. Apparently, when the Company took a majority stake in Greenlight Collectibles, they decided to re-purpose their 1:64 scale line so that it dovetailed within their overall Metal Proud product portfolio. Its not clear if the rechristened range will be geared towards big box retailers and mom-and-pop toy stores or redirected towards hobbyists.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Army UH-60 Black Hawk Medium Lift Helicopter
As we await pricing and other information concerning their soon-to-be-released Mi-24 Hind gunships, comes news that Panzerkampf will also be removing the chocks from their US-built Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk troop transports. Featuring sliding side-opening doors, hinged access panels to view the top-mounted engines, and side-mounted FFAR rocket pods, the Blackhawk fills an important void in the marketplace that seems to have been left vacant by Corgi et al over the last few years.
lAs is customary with Panzerkampf, the Company will likely offer the Blackhawk in multiple liveries and perhaps multiple configurations, from Dust Off medical ambulances to naval versions that may include the MH-60 Seahawk and Jayhawk. While the Blackhawk isn’t available just yet to pre-order, it would appear as if we should have information shortly based upon the progress the manufacturer has made to date.
I’m back! Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAAF Consolidated B-24H Liberator Heavy Bomber – 42-52534, “Witchcraft”, 790th Bombardment Squadron, 467th Bombardment Group, USAAF Station 145 Rackheath, Norfolk, England, January 1945
Earlier today we were informed by our Corgi representative that they performed some stock balancing between their wholesale warehouse and their retail unit responsible for handling online sales. In so doing, they uncovered several aircraft that they believed were sold out but are now being made available to select retailers. Some models, such as “Witchcraft”, a B-24 Liberator that sold extremely well last year, turned up in the routine administrative process. Naturally, we jumped on the opportunity to purchase it and several other aircraft once indicated as being sold out that have been unearthed and are now shown in our Products in Transit section. I just wanted to point out that since Corgi is located in the state of Washington and we’re clear across the country in Florida, we will likely take delivery of the entire cache by early next week. So, if you’re interested in any of these fan favorites, we recommend you peruse the list and pre-order those you may find tickle your fancy.
Forces of Valor’s 1:700 scale German Kriegsmarine Bismarck Class Battleship – DKM Bismarck, Operation Rheinubung, Gotenhafen, Poland, May 1941 [Waterline Version]
Waltersons has a number of projects coming to fruition in June, all based upon previous builds and/or reinvigorated classics. Two versions of the battleships USS Missouri and Deutsches Kriegsmarine Bismarck are in the offing – one portraying the vessel in a full hull configuration while the other showcases the ship as a waterline model. Shown here is a picture of the waterline version of the Bismarck, which nestles the ship in a handsome “water-filled” base and framed accordingly. All four ships will carry a retail price of just $99.99 and signals how the manufacturer will likely tackle each new subject going forward.
Forces of Valor’s 1:72 scale US Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 1-227 ATKHB, 11th Aviation Regiment (Attack), 1st Cavalry Division, Karbala, Iraq, March 2003
In the air, look forward to seeing 1:72 scale renditions of the US-built Apache helicopter gunship, one tied to the US while the other is based upon an attack helicopter flown by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces. Both are available for pre-order as we speak.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – Company D, 36th Tank Battalion, 8th Armored Division, Fheinberg, Germany March 1945
As we alluded to in a previous post, collectors will be able to wrap their arms around two versions of the US-built M24 Chaffee light tank, along with two dissimilar takes on the German Opel Blitz ambulance. The Chaffee is the first tank to be offered without a removable engine, no doubt in a bid to court collectors at the lower end of the price spectrum. Lastly, the manufacturer has elected to bring back one of their most popular subjects – the German 88mm FLaK gun. Two versions will be available – one in field grey while the other is in a desert sand motif. Priced at just $79.99 apiece, these will almost certainly be gobbled up as quickly as they arrive.
German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun with FLaK Rohr 18 Gun Barrel and Sd. 202 Towing Vehicle – Deutsches Afrika Korps, El Alamein, North Africa, 1942 [Comes with Seven Crewmen and Rommel]
Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Avro Lancaster B Mk. III Heavy Bomber – AJ-T, “T-Tommy”, No.617 Squadron “The Dambusters”, Operation Chastise, May 1943
With the crews of the newly formed RAF No.617 Squadron now briefed on the targets they were being sent to attack, raid preparations for American pilot Flt Lt Joe McCarthy and his crew could hardly have been more challenging. Having practiced exhaustively in their usual aircraft ED915/AJ-Q ‘Queenie’, the crew discovered their Lancaster had developed a technical problem in the seconds immediately prior to taking off for ‘Operation Chastise’, the audacious RAF raid against the mighty dams of the Ruhr Valley. The issue was serious enough to force the crew to abandon their aircraft and transfer to reserve Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T ‘Tommy’ just minutes before they were due to take off. Their new aircraft eventually left Scampton at 22.01 hrs bound for arguably the most difficult target of the entire raid, the Sorpe Dam, which was protected by a huge earth bank.
Having practiced attacking targets flying low, straight and level towards them, they would instead have to drop their ‘Upkeep’ mine in a completely different manner. Flying low over the German village of Langscheid, they would have to avoid the tall steeple of the village church on the run-in, before diving steeply to extremely low altitude to fly along the length of the dam wall, dropping the non-spinning ‘Upkeep’ mine at exactly the halfway point. This attack approach proved so difficult that the aircraft’s bomb aimer George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson could not release the mine on nine previous attack runs, however on the tenth and whilst flying at a little over 30 feet, the Lancaster was perfectly aligned. Johnson shouted, ‘Bomb gone!’ over the intercom, much to the relief of the aircraft’s crew, with the mine exploding exactly where intended, creating a huge crack in the structure. Unfortunately for them, the huge earth bank which supported the Sorpe Dam held firm, but would require extensive repair works to be undertaken in the weeks which followed the raid.
Lancaster ED825 arrived safely back at RAF Scampton at approximately 03.30 in the morning of 17th May 1943, where the crew would learn that whilst the raid had been a success, the men of No.617 Squadron had paid a terrible price. Of the 19 Lancasters which had left the airfield only hours earlier, eight aircraft and their crews had failed to return. The bomb aimer onboard Lancaster ED825/G AJ-T ‘Tommy’ during its attack against the Sorpe Dam and the man with the responsibility for releasing the aircraft’s ‘Upkeep’ mine was George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson. Unless the aircraft was in the optimum position to deliver the mine on target, Johnson would not release the weapon, telling the pilot to go around and have another run at it. On that fateful night, it would take ten attack runs before he was happy to release the mine and allow the pilot to set course for home and their place in the history books.
At the age of 101, George Leonard ‘Johnny’ Johnson was the last surviving airman from the Dambusters raid, but sadly joined the rest of his comrades in early December last year. All 133 of the Dambusters heroes are now reunited once more.
“T for Tommy” is currently in stock and ready for imediate shipment.
The 761st Tank Battalion was a separate tank battalion of the United States Army during World War II. The 761st was made up primarily of African-American soldiers, who by War Department policy were not permitted to serve alongside white troops; the U.S. military did not officially desegregate until after World War II. The 761st were known as the “Black Panthers” after their unit’s distinctive insignia; their motto was “Come out fighting”. The battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. In addition, a large number of individual members also received medals, including one Medal of Honor, 11 Silver Stars and about 300 Purple Hearts.
The battalion first saw combat on November 7th, 1944, fighting through towns such as Moyenvic, Vic-sur-Seille, often at the leading edge of the advance. The fighting that 761st engaged in at Morville-les-Vic was particularly brutal. The unit endured 183 days of continuous operational employment.
The 761st Tank Battalion suffered 156 casualties in November 1944; 24 men killed, 81 wounded, and 44 non-battle losses. The unit also lost 14 tanks evacuated and another 20 damaged in combat. In December, the battalion was rushed to the aid of the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne. As part of the effort to drive the Germans from the vicinity of Bastogne, the battalion fought to capture the municipality of Tillet, less than 15 km west of the town, in early January 1945. Supporting the elements of the 87th Infantry Division with just 11 tanks, the battalion took control of the city from the 113th Panzer Brigade through two days of combat, losing nine tanks in the process.
After the Battle of the Bulge, the unit opened the way for the U.S. 4th Armored Division into Germany during an action that breached the Siegfried Line. The 761st smashed through dozens of German cities and towns in their rapid advance through the Reich. In the final days of the war in Europe, the 761st was one of the first American units to reach Steyr, Austria, at the Enns River, where they met with the 1st Ukrainian Front of the Soviet Red Army. On May 4th, 1945, the 761st, along with the 71st Infantry Division, liberated the Gunskirchen concentration camp; the German guards had fled not long before.
The 761st was deactivated on June 1st, 1946, in Germany. They have been called “one of the most effective tank battalions in World War II.” In all, the battalion earned about 300 Purple Hearts.
Set during WWII, Come Out Fighting focuses on a small, specialized squad of U.S. Army African American soldiers that are sent on an unofficial rescue mission behind enemy lines to locate their missing commanding officer. The squad, upon battling their way through the German defenses, encounter more then they bargain for when they locate a downed U.S. Army fighter pilot. With the help of their friends at the 761st tank battalion, The squad must find a way to survive and make it back in one piece.
AFV’s 1: 43 scale US M4A3 (76mm) Sherman Medium Tank – “Julia”, 761st Tank Battalion “Black Panthers”, Germany, March 1945
Currently we have in stock a 1:43 scale Sherman tank dubbed “Julia” that pays tribute to this elite fighting unit.Meanwhile, Forces of Valor claims they have a 1:32 scale version of the same vehicle on the drawing board that is set to come out later this year that was debuted at the recently concluded Shizuoka Hobby Show in Japan. The FOV version is not yet available for pre-order nor do we have photos of this particular tank. We’ll post information and imagery just as soon as its passed along to us.
