Over the years, Hobby Master has chosen some interesting schemes for several of their aircraft models, occasionally taking up the challenge some collectors have made. While great for the discriminating collector, as a dealer, some times we’re left scratching our heads wondering if these eclectic liveries will sell and sell well, even when it adorns one of their best selling models.
Earlier today, Hobby Master picked up the latest gauntlet tossed down before them and announced plans to replicate “Toxic Death” – a F-117A stealth fighter that was stripped of its original blackened paint scheme only to bear what can best be described as graffiti before it was flown to its final resting place at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Frankly, we’re not sure how collectors are going to react to this one, unless, of course, they simply must own every version of Hobby Master’s long-running series of F-117 Nighthawks. Anyway, we’ve listed it on our web site, along with all of the other models they recently announced that are expected in February 2023. Lets see what everyone thinks about their most recent edgiest model.
Here now the rest of the lineup scheduled for February 2023:
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US M48A3 Patton Medium Tank with Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) IR/White Light Spotlight – “Zig Zag Men”, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, Landing Zone Schueller, Vietnam, 1971
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC M48A3 Patton Medium Tank with Reliability Improved Selected Equipment (RISE) IR/White Light Spotlight – “Death”, C Company, 1st Marine Tank Battalion, Vietnam, 1970
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USMC Chance-Vought F4U-4 Corsair Fighter – “White 18”, VMF-323 “Death Rattlers”, USS Sicily (CVE-118), 1951Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Viper Fighter – 86-0272, 64th Aggressor Squadron “Aggressors”, 57th Wing, Nellis AFB, Nevada, 2017 [Aggressor Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II Ground Attack Aircraft – “75th Anniversary P-47 Scheme” 78-0618, 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, May 2021 [Anniversary Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale French Dassault Rafale M Multirole Aircraft – 12 EF, Libya, 2011Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Panavia GR. Mk. 1 Tornado ECR All-Weather Bomber – Jagdbombergeschwader 32, Piacenza San Damiano, 1999Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15C Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – “75th Anniversary of the 173rd Fighter Wing Scheme”, Oregon Air National Guard, Kingsley Field, Oregon, 2020 [Anniversary Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Boeing F-15C Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – 85-0114, 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Eglin AFB, Florida, 1991 [Low-Vis Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 166776, VFA-31 “Tomcatters”, USS USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77), 2011Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Grumman F-14A Tomcat Fleet Defense Fighter – 162692, VF-84 “Jolly Rogers”, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), August 1991Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-35S “Flanker-E” Multirole Fighter – “Blue 25”, 22nd IAP, 303rd DPVO, 11th Air Army, Khabarovsk, Russia, 2020sHobby Master’s 1:72 scale Egyptian Sukhoi Su-35S “Flanker-E” Multirole Fighter – “Black 9123”, August 2020 [Notional Scheme]
So, we returned from our semi-regular trip to see one of our daughters for Mother’s Day. While, it was great to see her and her family, it also gives us a breather from the daily chores associated with running an online business that serves the needs of customers worldwide. We pushed out all of the orders we received during our hiatus, addressed several lingering issues that always seem to pop up while we are away, and have started to get back to updating our web site with any news that might have arisen during our time away.
Earlier today, we posted three new Corgi aircraft models expected later this year, which were part of Corgi’s second product announcement made on May 9th. Of note is a new 1:72 scale B-17 Flying Fortress, which always sell well despite their prices rising with each new release. Currently, all three new aircraft are slated for a September fly-in, although this could likely slip or even get moved up depending upon events with the global supply chain, manufacturer-related delays and other factors that seem to regularly occur despite everyone’s best efforts. We also had to increase our pre-order for their upcoming Short Stirling bomber, which has now eclipsed our original forecasts by a substantial margin. While some pundits seem to enjoy taking Corgi to task for any number of reasons, both their twin- and four-engine bombers routinely sell well and with the holidays just around the corner, will likely be in limited supply through the fourth quarter.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAAF Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber – 43-37756, “Milk Wagon”, 708th Bombardment Squadron, 447th Bombardment Group, RAF Rattlesden, England, 1945. While the price has once again increased, their B-17s regularly sell out
In other news, the latest spate of DeAgostini 1:43 scale tanks are en route and should be in stock by week’s end. Designed originally as part of a partworks series for Russian consumption, these vehicles do not come with a traditional hard back exterior package, although for the price, they sell well and represent great value. We had also hoped that more of the 1:72 scale World War II aircraft would be returning to stock but alas they seem to have been relegated for a later release. Likewise, their 1:1250 scale Warships series should receive reinforcements some time this summer barring any unforeseen delays.
DeAgostini’s 1:43 British Valentine Mk. III Infantry Tank – “Harry I,” 8th Royal Tank Regiment, Libya, 1941. While it isn’t a Russian tank, per se, the Valentine and other British-built tanks were shipped to the Soviet Union to bolster the Red Army’s own tank production
We are still awaiting news from another distributor to determine if the desert version of the M1070 heavy equipment transporter is still on track for a late May arrival. If it does show up on time, it will likely be accompanied by other Panzerkampf products we’ve had listed in the pre-order section for several months running but have had no updates. Bear in mind that the global supply chain still hasn’t been fully fixed at either the shipping or receiving end, no doubt exacerbated by the current COVID-related lockdown in Shanghai. I know a number of you are getting impatient and awaiting several highly anticipated items to arrive but we have no hand in when they actually hit our shores. And with trans-oceanic shipping costs still well above where they were just two years ago, several distributors are trying to get the greatest bang for the buck possible, by consolidating shipments and using every square inch available in each shipping container before it gets hog tied and placed on a cargo ship.
We’re still waiting on this one. Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter with M1000 Semi-Trailer – Desert Scheme
We’ve received the April Hobby Master shipment albeit without two F/A-18 Hornets (HA3560 and HA3561) that have apparently been delayed and rescheduled to arrive with the May shipment. Several key items were included in the mix among them a pair of 1:72 scale Stuka dive-bombers as well as the latest iteration of their A-10 Warthog, this time around painted in a scintillating blackened veneer. Currently, our distributor does not have a firm idea as to when the May shipment is supposed to show, no doubt affected by the slowdown occurring in China. Frankly speaking, if China does not arrest the problem soon with their so-called “Zero COVID Strategy”, then we are likely looking at a repeat global shipping dilemma where goods are unable to arrive in time for the holiday season.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale German Junkers Ju-87D-3 Stuka Dive-Bomber – T6+EK, Friedrich Reissner, II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 “Immelmann”, Eastern Front. Break up those tank attacks with their latest dive-bomber
The next Forces of Valor shipment has been pushed back until July. While it contains several back ordered items, such as their inaugural Tiger I tank and second issue Sturmtiger, it will also include a handful of new items, chief among them their second Sherman tank as well as their latest Tiger I. While its not clear if their first ever 1:32 scale model kit will make the cut, the manufacturer did post a video on it to Facebook, hyping its components and relative quality to one of their fully completed vehicles released earlier this year.
According to one of our distributor’s who handles Precision Model Art (PMA), the company’s latest shipment is on track to arrive during May, although you’d never know it by the manufacturer’s web site. For the better part of 2022, the site has displayed next to nothing in the way of useful information, a rather sad state of affairs for a company looking to maintain momentum and keep collectors informed as to what’s going on from their standpoint. Be that as it may, it would appear as if their US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40 will likely come in this month (fingers crossed) and hopefully several items that have been languishing on back order status since the beginning of the year.
PMA’s 1:72 scale US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40 Self-Propelled Gun – “Big Bruiser”, B Battery, 937th Field Artillery Battalion “Arkansas Long Toms”, Korea, 1953. The “Duck and Cover” public service announcements of the 50s and 60s come to mind
The second batch of Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II has been pushed back a month and is now pegged for a June arrival. The vehicles are finished, packed up and loaded onto a container — the problem, as we have already discussed, is the slowdown in China which has affected virtually every outbound shipment headed to America and parts unknown. While the third batch of vehicles is currently being worked on, they too will likely be shunted to the back burner if the current COVID crisis isn’t put in check. As difficult as this news is to hear, the fact remains that we are likely going to be addressing the spread of the Corona virus and its ugly variants well into 2023, which, of course, plays havoc with the release of every type of diecast collectible.
Armored Fighting Vehicles of WWII’s 1:43 scale US M24 Chaffee Light Tank – 2nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 4th Armored Division, Germany, April 1945. Like the opening of the second front in Europe during WWII, time waits for no man, particularly if they are awaiting the arrival of these fine replicas
That’s about it for now but if anything else comes to mind over the next day or so, I’ll update this blog post and do my best to keep everyone informed as to what’s happening. Peace out.
Oh yeah, the photo. With our upcoming move to Florida, I asked my son-in-law, who is a world class pistol shooter having fired a gun competitively for well over thirty years, to take me to a gun store in Dallas so I could determine which hand gun might suit my needs for home defense. He ended up taking me to Plano, about a thirty minute ride from Dallas proper, which is where RifleGear has now set up shot. Frankly, I was amazed by the selection of hand guns and long guns they had on display, running the gamut from the “Pink Lady” snub nose revolver to $10k Ruger sniper rifles. Even better, they have an indoor shooting range, where you can rent and test out which ever gun you may be interested in purchasing or do an ammo dump with a fully loaded AR-15 assault rifle set to automatic. So, he attached the silhouetted target to the overhead target carrier system, dimmed the lights using the booth’s side-mounted lighting and atmospheric controller, punched in a ten-yard range setting and let me have at it, after first showing me how to handle a firearm. Well, yours truly blasted away for the next fifteen minutes, emptying three clips into the target, and imagining, if you will, an intruder breaking into our newly-built home at one in the morning. My son-in-law was flabbergasted at the results, muttering to himself he better take care of my eldest daughter or else his father-in-law might pay him an unexpected visit in the wee hours of the morning. Anyway, just call me Dead Eye…
DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale Soviet T-34/76 Medium Tank – 1942
Looking to shore up their armored arsenal, DeAgostini announced the imminent arrival of seven more 1:43 scale tanks to its armored collection. Like its predecessors, these huge beasts are heavy in the hand and pack lots of wallop for the price, each representing some of the most iconic vehicles to arise from the Second World War. Here’s what you can expect to show up later this month:
DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale Soviet Su-122 Assault Gun – Winter 1943DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale Soviet Su-122 Assault Gun – “Glory to Our Tankers!,” Summer 1943DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale French Char B1bis Heavy Tank – Battle of France, Spring 1940DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale British Valentine Mk. III Infantry Tank – “Harry I,” 8th Royal Tank Regiment, Libya, 1941DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale British Churchill Mk. VII Infantry Tank – “Briton,” 107th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps (King’s Own), 34th Tank Brigade, 1945DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale Czechoslovak Cromwell Mk. VIII Tank – 1st Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade, Dunkirk, December 1944DeAgostini’s 1:43 scale US M4A3 Sherman Medium Tank – Creighton Abrams’ “Thunderbolt IV”, 37th Tank Battalion, 4th Armored Division, Bastogne, Belgium, December 1944
According to a recent article that appeared on April 30th in the Ukrainian Kyiv Post, the so-called “Ghost of Kyiv” was, in fact, real. Major Stepan Tarabalka reportedly shot down over 40 Russian aircraft in the early stages of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, only to get shot down himself and die on March 13th. The Mig-29 pilot’s identity was revealed earlier this week by various Ukrainian media and The Times in London also confirmed his real name.
On March 20th, President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded him the country’s top medal for bravery in combat, the Order of the Golden Star, and the Hero of Ukraine title. For more information concerning Tarabalka, visit this link.
But then came this from the Ukrainian military within hours of the first report. “Rumours about the pilot were denounced this week after a number of media outlets identified him as Major Stepan Tarabalka, a pilot who had died last month in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Internet users began praising the ‘Ghost’ after the Ukrainian government tweeted a video showing an artist’s impression of him, claiming he shot down six Russian aircraft on the first day of the invasion.”
So, depending upon who you believe, the Ghost of Kyiv may just be that — a fabrication to further inspire the Ukrainian nation to resist the Russian invasion, much like the Ukrainian marines holding out to the last man on Snake Island against the overwhelming might of the Russian Navy. It wouldn’t be the first time a legend was born out of the crucible of battle, taking on legendary proportions the longer the conflict played out in order to bolster morale both at home and abroad.
May is a rather intriguing month for both film goers and diecast collectors since it represents the debut of Top Gun: Maverick, the long awaited feature film that marks the return of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell to the silver screen. According to some overnight articles, the initial reaction to the film was quite favorable, and will no doubt serve as an ideal recruitment driver for both the US Navy and Air Force, particularly in the wake of the current Russo-Ukrainian Conflict.
Hobby Maser’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing F/A-18D Hornet Strike Fighter – 165685, VMFA(AW)-242 “Bats”, Yokota AB, Tokyo, Japan, 2020
Thus far, we haven’t heard of any of the major diecast makers offering a replica of Maverick’s Hornet, nor any of the other aircraft portrayed in the film. While Corgi has produced a fit-to-box pairing of his F/A-18 and a P-51 Mustang, we thought that by now someone would’ve stepped forward with a model aimed at capturing the spirit of the sequel and potentially gain market share both in the short- as well as long term. No doubt the fee for Paramount’s highly coveted Top Gun license isn’t cheap, however, even if it hovers around 6%, I think it still make sense for a company such as Hobby Master to explore whether or not they may be passing up a golden opportunity to produce what will certainly become one of the most sought after pre-assembed models in recent years.
In the meantime, Hobby Master released a bunch of final images for the balance of their May releases. According to our distributor, the next Hobby Master shipment is expected mid May, unless of course something occurs along the way to hamper its arrival. While you can now see the entire collection in our Upcoming May release section, we thought you might like to ogle some of the most recent images Hobby Master was gracious enough to provide.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – VMFA-314 “Black Knights”, June 2019 [Low-Vis Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy McDonnell F-4H-1 Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 148390f, VF-74 “Bedevilers”, USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 1962Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy McDonnell F-4H Phantom II Fighter-Bomber – 148423h, Test Pilot CDR John Watts Young, Project High Jump, April 1962
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “Alwin”, “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]. Things are possibly pointing to a June/July release here in North America
Its never easy to report disappointing news but it now appears as if the latest Forces of Valor shipment we were expecting to arrive in May has been postponed until late June, perhaps July depending upon a number of factors. No official reason was given for the latest delay although its clear the manufacturer, despite reassurances to the contrary, is still experiencing issues getting product completed and out-the-door on a regular basis. Its not apparent if the latest postponement is due to COVID, which is now ravaging the port city of Shanghai and elsewhere, an overly optimistic production schedule, or the need to ship a full container of assorted goods rather than taking them piecemeal as they come off the line to lessen transport costs. Bear in mind that it is still very expensive to ship product overseas as compared with years past, so a combination of factors could very well be leading to the latest delay. When it does finally arrive, the shipment is expected to include several recently released products that include their second issue Sturmtiger, initial release Tiger I, and its metal tracks, three items that are out-of-stock at our distributor as well as through us. And with demand still outstripping supply, it could be a case where the follow-on shipment gets snapped up almost immediately, meaning little if anything is available for the upcoming holiday season.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale US M4A3(75) Sherman Medium Tank with VVSS Suspension – Training Vehicle, C Company, 10th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, New York, 1943 [Bonus Ford GAA V-8 Engine]
The good news, if we can call it that, is that it now seems likely that this shipment will contain their second issue Tiger I tank (shown above), second issue M4 Sherman tank, and quite possibly a trio of 1:72 scale Spitfires that appear on the manufacturer’s web site but are not yet available in the marketplace, although this could still be speculation since the manufacturer is claiming near-term availability. Moreover, a handful of back ordered items are supposed to be included, such as their 1:700 scale USS Missouri battleship and USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, that haven’t been available for an extended period of time due to re-tooling. We had hoped that Forces of Valor would be in more plentiful supply in 2022. While they are working in earnest to alleviate delays, it now appears as if product will still be trickling in for the duration of the year.
Update: Earlier today, we received a news blast from Waltersons indicating they are now accepting orders for the three 1:72 scale Spitfires we alluded to in this blog post. Additional images for each of the Spitfires were uploaded to their web site, many of which can now be viewed on our own site, so we can only presume that they are far enough along as to be included in the late June/early July shipment bound for our distributor. We too are accepting pre-orders for these aircraft. Like the previous releases in this series, each features a poseable display stand, simulated section of runway, detailed engine and seated pilot figure.
By the end of the Second World War, the Royal Air Force saw little need to retain the large number of Bristol Beaufighter squadrons it currently had in service, so most units were simply disbanded, a couple were retained for home duties, with the remainder prepared for deployment to the Far East. One notable exception to this rule were RAF No.45 Squadron, who replaced their wartime Mosquitoes with the Beaufighter TF.X fighter bomber, before moving out to operate from a new base in Ceylon. In August 1948, the squadron moved to Kuala Lumpur in response to the Malayan Emergency, where it would take part in the combined Commonwealth actions to quell the guerrilla activities of the Communist backed Malayan National Liberation Army.
Using the legendary range and hard hitting attributes of this capable heavy fighter, the unit’s Beaufighters would loiter over the jungle, waiting to unleash a withering barrage of rocket and cannon fire on enemy positions, once given targeting instructions from Commonwealth troops patrolling in the vicinity. These ageing WWII warhorses were replaced by the new Bristol Brigand ground attack aircraft by the end of 1949, leaving the situation in Malaya to rumble on for a further ten years and with RAF support very much moving into the jet age during that time.
Corgi’s second ever Beaufighter is now in stock and ready for immediate shipment.
As part of their revised strategy to announce new product at varying intervals during the year, Corgi indicated that their next roll out will occur on May 9th. The second of three product roll outs will encompass those items expected to ship between May and August. A third and final roll out will likely occur later in the year, possibly as early as August after most vacation goers have returned home. Frankly we applaud this change in marketing strategy, since it helps them to keep their line fresher and more up-to-date while lessening the likelihood that some customers may have to wait an entire year or more for pre-orders to be filled. Keep in mind that although these items are earmarked for a May-August release, delays can and most likely will still occur based upon issues still plaguing the global supply chain, exacerbated by what is currently occurring in China.
We’ll be on vacation from May 4th-10th, so we will formally post this new range upon our return, just as soon as we have addressed any and all orders we may have received while we are away. So hang in there, take note of any new videos or still images Corgi may debut on Facebook or YouTube, and get ready for some of their newest and finest introductions expected mid year.
Lets start things off on the right foot. Looks as though the USPS has resumed parcel shipments to both Australia and New Zealand. Previously they had suspended any shipments due to COVID, or at least that’s what they claimed on their web site. In any event, we are now accepting orders to both countries although I do want to make it abundantly clear that rates have once again increased, particularly for oversized parcels. Just this week, we had to cancel a U-2 order bound for Hawaii. The cheapest rate available was $95, so we can only presume shipping the very same item down under will cost quite a bit more. So, unless you have deep pockets, it might make more sense to source items like this from a local supplier rather than order from abroad. Just saying.
As we close out the month of April, we aren’t expecting anything of note, so we’ve updated our New Release section accordingly. However, I did want to make mention that Corgi is now providing outer corrugated boxes with all of its newest aircraft releases, something we were hoping more manufacturers would eventually employ if they are willing to go the extra mile towards selling their own products. The new boxes are designed to fit each aircraft model and its inner packaging to a T, thereby reducing the need to add cushioning material to prevent breakage in transit. We’d like to hear back from everyone that may have received these new parcels over the last week or so and hope to pass along any comments, good or bad, to the manufacturer.
New Corgi in a box. Well, not exactly….
When last we spoke to several distributors, each is expecting a major shipment in May, although when that might occur is still in a state of flux. We will be closed for business from May 4th-10th, so anything earmarked for that time period will be pushed back a week. Once we do have a firmer idea as to when the shipments are expected we will once again ask that everyone refrain from contacting us inquiring about their order. Frankly, answering queries slows us down considerably. If we need to contact you for any reason we will do so either by email or by phone. Again, if you do receive a text or call, we would appreciate it if you could respond as soon as possible so we can process your order in the most expeditious manner possible. That’s about it for now. Motor Pool out.
Update: We are continually looking at new and affordable ways to grow our business and potentially gaining new customers who may not be fully aware of the benefits and joy of collecting diecast military products. One such opportunity presented itself to me this past week in the form of TheMall. As its name implies, TheMall is designed from the ground up as an online shopping center much like a standard mall with a physical presence sans the food court, out-of-service escalators and baby changing stations. Unlike a standard mall, customers can shop online anywhere from around the globe and at any time of day or night, much like a standard web site. This mall, however, is being billed as having one hundred levels with 100 million square feet of online retail space, where retailers take out leases much like a standard store. With the Metaverse slowly gaining traction amongst younger consumers, TheMall looks to cater to those individuals who enjoy shopping but would rather do so from the comfort of their home without having to deal with parking, standing in line, rude salespeople, and no-good-niks who might frequent a mall for the wrong reasons.
What I like about a virtual mall such as this is that it allows us to create boutique shops within a shop, something I have been looking to do for a very long time. For instance, instead of setting up all of the Forces of Valor tanks on a single page, we can do so by theme, such as War in the European Theatre of Operations, then place those items that pertain to this theme within this particular boutique. We can dress up this boutique with marketing hype that might include pertinent artwork, period music, and an online salesperson or “avatar” dressed in a GI’s uniform who can answer a series of canned questions and help with the checkout process, all thoughtfully designed to further enhance the shopping experience. If, on the other hand, you’re interested in purchasing scale aircraft that are participating in the current Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, we could create a mini boutique that possibly discusses the war in greater detail and even include a fund raiser whereby your donation could be forwarded to Ukraine for humanitarian relief.
Anyway, we are taking a careful look at this type of selling outlet and will make a determination later this year if its the right fit for us. It will likely require us to take and upload rotoscoped images for every item we sell so that customers can get a better idea of how each item looks including its visual dimensions, an idea we have been toying with for some time. While all of this may seem interesting and intriguing, I’ll keep everyone in the loop should we decide to move forward with this or a similarly conceived project.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “Beirut Payback”, 1st Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Kuwait, 1991
While several model makers still seem to be struggling to get out new product, Hobby Master shows no signs of abating, announcing their latest bevy of military items for an early 2023 roll out. Of note are two 1:72 scale M60A1 Patton tanks, both drawn from the epic Operation Desert Storm of 1991. Frankly, we had written off Hobby Master as far as military vehicles goes, since they hadn’t announced anything new for the better part of two years. Hopefully, this marks a new beginning for the company, who had been spending the better part of their time in the diecast aircraft realm, predominantly 1:72 scale jets. I’d like to also point out that they’ll be releasing a new 1:200 scale Space Shuttle, as well as a pair of 1:72 Huey helicopters, two sectors they seemed to have all but abandoned of late. Now if we could only convince them to look at other areas of the military diecast market, cough, 1:32/35 scale military vehicles, then we’d really be excited, but a guy can dream can’t he?
That said, lets get to the rest of the releases you can look forward to seeing this coming January.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “Wicked Bitch”, 3rd Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Kuwait, 1991Hobby Master’s 1:200 NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise – Edwards AFB, California, 1977Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Bell UH-1C Huey Helicopter – “Easy Rider”, 174th Assault Helicopter Company “Dolphins and Sharks”, 1970sHobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Bell UH-1B Huey Helicopter – 57th Medical Detachment, 1960sHobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B Jump Jet – BuNo 165421, VMA-214 “Black Sheep”, Afghanistan, November 2009Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Israeli McDonnell F-4E Phantom II (“Kurnass”) Fighter-Bomber – 201 Squadron “The One”, Tel Nof Air Base, Israel, 1974Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Fighter – Captain W. Duncan-Smith, 323 Wing, August 1944Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale RAF Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX Fighter – PT879, “Russian Spitfire”, Biggin Hill, England, 2020Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USMC Chance-Vought F4U-4 Corsair Fighter – “White 18”, VMF-323 “Death Rattlers”, USS Sicily (CVE-118), 1951Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Chinese PLAAF Shenyang J-11BG “Flanker B+” Multirole Fighter – South China Sea, 2022Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 166608, VFA-143 “Pukin Dogs”, CAG, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), September 20th, 2014Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 166776, VFA-31 “Tomcatters”, USS USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77), 2011Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-57E “Felon” Stealth Fighter – “Blue 054”, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia, January 2013Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – 168842, VX-9 “Vampires”, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, 2018 [Low-Vis Scheme]
