Last week, we published a blog post claiming that several model makers seem to have dropped out of the 1:72 scale pre-assembled market over the last year. Earlier this week, we heard back from one of the companies discussed – Dragon Models. Their representative politely indicated that the manufacturer is still very much interested in continuing their Neo Dragon Armor line. He went on to say that two new vehicles are expected later this month, both M2A3 Bradley Infantry Vehicles. But here’s the rub. Since Dragon shuttered its US distributor, Dragon Models USA, and now pointed its web address to their own web site in Hong Kong, they can only make these items available on a wholesale basis if the merchandise is purchased direct from them in Hong Kong. Frankly, this is a non-starter for us, particularly in light of all of the issues affecting the global supply chain, not to mention the costs and quantities associated with purchasing direct instead of through a middleman. So, unless a distributor steps up to the plate and demonstrates they are ready to take on this task, it could be some time before we actually see some of their latest efforts within North America. In the meantime, you can still order these items direct from Dragon Models, first by clicking on either image, then following Dragon’s checkout procedures.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale RAF Short Stirling Mk. III Heavy Bomber – “The Gremlin Teaser”, No.199 Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, England, 1943
In an effort to become more nimble in the face of stiffening competition, Corgi unveiled the first of three 2022 product roll outs on its parent web site, Hornby UK. In the past, the Company had shown off their entire annual catalog with one throw of the dice in January, roughly timed to coincide with the London Toy Fair, which oftentimes meant collectors would have to wait an entire year or more to actually lay claim to their prized possession. The new strategy means Corgi can now adjust their release schedule with relative ease, moving some items up and others back in the production pipeline should logistical issues, collector taste and other factors change over the course of a typical year.
Unfortunately, this strategy may have back fired some what as collectors, particularly those in the aviation ranks, were expecting a heavier dose of new introductions for the January-April time frame. Instead of twenty or more new aircraft they were accustomed to seeing, only three new warbirds were shown, none of which were new toolings many a collector had been longing for. As you might expect, this left “many a collector” in the proverbial lurch, feeling as if their requests continue to fall on deaf ears. On the other hand, motorcycle buffs will be happy to learn that Corgi is branching out into bikes with a 1:12 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition as seen in the feature film, “No Time to Die.”
Armor aficionados were greeted with a pair of new 1:50 scale tanks: another Tiger I heavy tank based upon a previous late 2021 release and its feared nemesis, a Churchill tank. Together with a robust price hike, we can only conclude that Corgi and its parent company, Hornby, are content to retrench for the beginning part of the year in an effort to deal with rising material costs, logjams in the supply chain, and the outlays associated with the recent acquisition of Oxford Diecast. Moreover, it would appear as if they are content to hold their key projects for later on when they can put their best foot forward with new toolings, important ranges, and other licensed properties that can better justify their new marketing strategy.
Now that we have a better handle as to when we can expect to take receipt of several product lines we are once again moving forward with our print advertising campaign, something we have typically done since our inception way back in 2000. The first ad, scheduled to appear in the spring issue of Military Heritage magazine, will feature both the Warbirds of World War II as well as the brand new Legendary Warships of World War II.
Next up is the June issue of World War II History, which will include all of the latest 1:32 scale Forces of Valor vehicles released to date. And last, but certainly not least, is the August issue of World War II History magazine. This issue will be the first time we are advertising the AFV’s of World War II range. Due to its delayed release, the ad will not only encompass the first six vehicles released to date but will also highlight the next six tanks in the series, bringing the total shown to 12 vehicles. Down the road, we will more than likely feature additional vehicles in the series. All three ads are designed to bring new blood into the hobby, showcase our extensive product portfolio, and cast a spotlight on several important lines that help to form the ever-evolving heart of the military diecast market. We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labors. Thumbnails for each ad can be found within our Advertising link.
Even though they seem to have withdrawn from the military vehicle ranks, Hobby Master remains intent on solidifying its position as the preeminent aircraft model maker. Their September release schedule is chock full of new aircraft, further demonstrating they are in this for the long haul despite rising costs and logistical issues. Here’s whats in store for the aviation aficionado next September:
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow “Tigershark” Attack Helicopter – 1st Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Afghanistan, 2011Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale UAE Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – Dubai, 2015Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 30 Viper Fighter – 86-0295, 18th Aggressor Squadron “Blue Foxes”, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska, 2018 [Aggressor Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 30 Viper Fighter – 86-0290, 18th Aggressor Squadron “Blue Foxes”, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska, 2018 [Aggressor Scheme]Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Royal Saudi Air Force Panavia Tornado IDS Fighter-Bomber – 7 Squadron, Saudi Arabia, 1995Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 2018Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Boeing E/A-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Aircraft – 166856, VX-9 “The Vampires”, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, 2008Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-27SM “Flanker-B” Multirole Fighter – “Blue 26”, 2016
While we’re busy hawking the 1:43 scale Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II, and even the upcoming Forces of Valor 1:32 scale tanks, things aren’t fairing as well in the smaller 1:72 scale market. Earlier this week we learned that Modelcollect has pulled the plug on their pre-assembled military vehicles segment. Ever since COVID struck in late 2019, it wasn’t clear if this prolific model maker intended to resume production or perhaps give up and concentrate solely on their model business. Well, now we know.
Meanwhile, Dragon, once the dominant maker of pre-assembled military vehicles, seems to have withdrawn from the market after first offering a handful of Neo Armor subjects in 2020. Frankly, its not clear where they stand since their web site hasn’t been updated in months and our point of sales contact has vanished. We’re still hoping they pick up the gauntlet and resume production, but the fact remains that nothing new for months on end is never a good sign.
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
And then there’s Hobby Master, who hasn’t announced any new 1:72 scale armor subject in a very long time. While their aircraft business is going full tilt, it looks as if they too have pulled back from the ground pounding business, perhaps content to let others move in and steal their thunder.
Happily all is not lost. Companies such as Precision Model Art and Panzerkampf have stepped in and produced all sorts of out-of-the-box subjects, understanding full well that collectors are simply unable or unwilling to purchase more of the same old subjects other manufacturers have churned out year after year. And then there’s Forces of Valor, who have continually hinted at plans to re-enter the 1:72 scale military market, a category they once laid claim to under their previous owner, Unimax. Thus far, Waltersons, the new owners of the FOV brand, have remained mum concerning their plans, so it remains to be seen how they plan to address the sector given their tendency to keep their cards close to their vest. Hopefully, 2022 will prove to be a banner year for each and every scale and plenty to choose from everyone still seated at the diecast table. Armor aplenty? I guess the jury is still out…
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “121”, schwere Panzerabteilung 501, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Tunisia, 1943 [Bonus Maybach HL 210 TRM P45 Engine]
Waltersons, the new owners of the Forces of Valor brand, seems to be hard at work — both in the audio visual department and mold-making shop — getting their newest steel beasts ready for action. As can be seen here, their second early production Tiger I heavy tank has been unveiled to its adoring public complete with an all-new commander figure drawn from the Deutsches Afrika Korps. While an in-depth video has yet to be hammered out, the manufacturer did provide images of the vehicle from a number of vantage points, and will likely talk up the vehicle in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, their second Sherman tank has gotten its nose powdered, so-to-speak, with a brand new three-minute video showing the vehicle and its attendant features from a multitude of angles. The manufacturer went to great lengths to show the differences between this vehicle and their first Sherman, which is still expected in the weeks ahead. Currently both the new Sherman and Tiger tanks are slated for an April release, although that could easily slip if FOV is unable to hit its target date and the congestion issues plaguing many US ports still haven’t eased.
Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II French Char 2C Super Heavy Tank – “Alsace”, 51e Bataillon de Chars de Combat, France, 1939
In 1937, Erwin Rommel wrote and published his seminal military treatise Infanterie Greift An (Infantry Attacks), which caught the attention of both the German General staff as well as the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. Rommel intended to publish a companion piece entitled Panzer Greift An (Armor Attacks), but was both caught up in his exploits during the second world war as well as his supposed complicity in the plot to kill Hitler.
Fortunately, we are in a different position. After a strong start with the first six vehicles released in 2021, the publisher of the highly successful Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II series has asked us to pick out no less than 16 new introductions, all of which will be out at varying intervals in 2022. The next batch will include several soft-skinned military vehicles, transports and, as the name implies, a bevy of tanks from all the world’s armies that fought in World War II, both in the ETO as well as the PTO. A number of highly requested vehicles made the cut, including the massive French Char 2C super heavy tank seen here. We will post updates to our web site as soon as we have more solid information to work from. If you previously placed a pre-order for the Char 2C, then we will apply your order to this vehicle and honor the price quoted. Otherwise, each vehicle in this series has been priced at $39.99 apiece.
Corgi’s 1:50 scale German Late Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. H Heavy Tank – “300”, schwere Panzerabteilung 505, Eastern Front, Summer 1944
It appears as if Corgi has just about caught up with its 2021 release schedule even if some of their competitors are still lagging behind. News from the “pooch” is that both of their 1:50 scale Tiger I heavy tanks have arrived and are now riding the rails to our facility here in New York City. With New Years looming, however, it will likely be the first week of January before they’re ready for battle and able to take up assault positions along side some of their brethren Military Legends vehicles.
Corgi’s 1:50 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. H Heavy Tank – “131”, schwere Panzerabteilung 504, Deutsches Afrika Korps, Point 174, Gueriat el Atach, Tunisia, April 24th, 1943
Looking back, their initial production Tiger I tank, which was decked out in field grey and unleashed two years ago, was easily their best selling vehicle in the line even though it was a tad inaccurate. Perhaps hastily released before it could be properly scrutinized, it failed to properly replicate the actual tank in a number of important respects, most notably in the shape of the turret and type of road wheels chosen. After examining their newly uploaded images for their early production Tiger I tank, it would appear as if they made a concerted effort to get this one right since it now comes with the correct turret and rubber-rimmed road wheels. In any event, based upon pre-orders submitted for these two heavies, these should do exceptionally well too. Enjoy!
Tiger 131 was repaired with parts from other destroyed Tigers and inspected to judge its performance. It was displayed in Tunis and formally inspected there by King George VI and Winston Churchill. The tank was sent to England in October 1943 where it was displayed as a trophy at various locations to raise wartime morale before it was subjected to extensive testing and evaluation by the School of Tank Technology who produced detailed reports on its construction. The captured tank was transferred to The Tank Museum by the British Ministry of Supply on 25 September 1951 where it was given the accession number 2351 (later E1951.23).
In 1990, the tank was removed from display at the museum for restoration by the museum and the Army Base Repair Organisation. The restoration involved an almost complete disassembly of the tank. The Maybach HL230 engine from the museum’s Tiger II was installed as the Tiger’s original Maybach HL210 had been cut into cross sections for display. A modern fire-suppressant system was added to the engine compartment, the only other significant alteration. The wear and performance of the refitted Tiger engine was studied by metallurgists to explore the alloys and performance of WWII German manufacturing.
In December 2003, Tiger 131 returned to the museum with a working engine, making it the only working Tiger tank in the world and the most popular exhibit at the museum. Further work and repainting in period colours completed the restoration in 2012, for a total cost quoted at £80,000.
Several years after it was first announced, Waltersons, the current owner of the Forces of Valor brand, is now advertising that their 4-inch Flight Deck series is entering the production phase and will likely be released some time in the first quarter of 2022. Each of the thirteen interlocking puzzle pieces, which, when joined together, forms the top deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. End-to-end, the complete deck measures approximately 5-1/2 feet in length, meaning collectors will need quite a bit of shelf space to display this set in its entirety. Each individual section also comes with a 1:200 scale aircraft, making them ideal gifts for collectors looking to get into the hobby on a budget and at their own pace.
Thus far, only F-14s seem to have made the cut, among them an Iranian Tomcat, although the manufacturer claims that other aircraft types are in the works thereby representing a truer complement of embarked aircraft. Its not clear if other flattops will be replicated at some point or when the other aircraft types will be introduced to the series. We hope to have additional information in the weeks ahead.
Legendary Warships of WWII 1:1250 US Navy Iowa Class Battleship – USS Missouri (BB-63)
First there was the Armored Fighting Vehicles of World War II. Then came the Warbirds of World War II. Next, as you might imagine, are the Legendary Warships of World War II. Scaled at 1:1250, this all new diecast range examines some of the most iconic warships of the second world war, from the earliest aircraft carriers to the huge Iowa class battleships. Portrayed with their full draught and sitting atop a handsome decorative base, each battleship features rotating main gun turrets and a highly detailed superstructure. Meanwhile the aircraft carriers come with an equally detailed island as well as a complement of aircraft lining the flight deck. The first five warships are posted to our web site and we anticipate taking delivery in early 2022 with more surface ships to follow. Go Navy!
Legendary Warships of WWII US Navy Yorktown Class Aircraft Carrier – USS Hornet (CV-8)
