Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Ukrainian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29C ‘Fulcrum-C’ Fighter – “Yellow 57,” “The Ghost of Kyiv”, Ukraine, 2022
So, I’m officially exhausted. Between all of the new Forces of Valor arrivals, receipt of a huge Hobby Master shipment and, if I may, off-the-charts sales on both our website and marketplace channels, its likely going to take us a couple of days for me to fully recover. Frankly, its a good thing another snow storm is bearing down on our neck of the woods this weekend, which will give me time to take a shower, shave and take stock of everything that has gone on around us. At least that’s my plan.
Why do I bring this up? For starters, I just wanted to thank everyone for holding off sending us missives asking about the status of their Forces of Valor order. As I alluded to previously, its counterproductive for us to take time out and respond to everyone’s query. Because of this, we’ve gotten out all of the tank and aircraft shipments and are now down to a handful of metal track orders, all of which will go out on Saturday. Afterwards, once I’ve downed a few cups of coffee, taken my meds and fed the hound, I’ll begin posting another set of eBay listings for the rest of the products contained within the January/February Hobby Master shipment. Expect them to show up on the Bay by Monday morning.
Lastly, we just received the Hobby Master November release list, which, as we fully expected, contains a number of items directly connected to the current situation in Ukraine. The most notable is the so-called “Ghost of Kyiv” MiG-29 fighter, which is decked out in a handsome digitized winter camouflage scheme. This could well be the best selling aircraft model of 2022, so we’ll do our best to list it first, followed by a scintillating Ukrainian Su-25 “Frogfoot” ground attack aircraft, then address the rest of the new announcements in due course. These should all be up and available for pre-order by Saturday evening. I urge you to place your pre-orders as soon as possible, so we have a fairly good idea how many we need to order from our distributor.
If I have any further thoughts, I’ll update this post over the weekend, once I’ve had a good night’s sleep and gotten my bearings. In the meantime, many of you should be receiving their FOV orders and I certainly hope the product was worth the extended wait. While I may have some reservations about how they conduct business, they happen to make awesome replicas and that is what this hobby is all about.
Lately you can apply at least a half dozen idioms and metaphors to our March arrivals section. Its feast or famine, when it rains it pours, etc. Anyway, I think you get the drift. We’re still digging out from our huge Forces of Valor tank shipment, attempting to get out all of our pre-orders out the door before they turn their guns on us. That said, we learned yesterday that both the January and February Hobby Master shipments arrived at our distributor, which means we have to kick it into high gear so we can make room for all these new items before we get socked in. We’ve already updated our Product in Transit section and will likely receive these new items by week’s end. There’s a number of key aircraft in the mix, many of which will almost certainly get snapped up once we make them available for general sale. So, we strongly urge that you review the in transit section as soon as possible, then place an order for those items that tickle your fancy. Its an eclectic mix, to be sure, that cuts across a wide array of scales, eras and weapons platforms. Enjoy!
Corgi’s 1:72 scale USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter – 44 14164 E2 D, “Detroit Miss”, Lieutenant Urban L Drew, 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, October 1944
Looks as if the wheels of progress are finally grinding inexorably forward. Our distributors are reporting progress as far as new items go, with several heavily requested items expected in the coming weeks. Here’s a rundown of product that likely see the light of day throughout the month of March:
Corgi’s second ever Churchill tank is now in stock along with “Detroit Miss”, their latest 1:72 scale P-51D Mustang fighter. Our salesman indicated that a handful of holdovers from their 2021 releases are expected later this month, even as some 2022 products start hitting their street dates. Moreover, they are making a concerted effort to announce the availability of each new item on a global basis, so that they don’t get into the habit of having one item listed as being available in Europe while collectors in other parts of the world wonder when the same item will turn up in their local market. Being a public company, I’m not sure how successful this strategy will turn out, if they are looking to make their sales forecasts each and every quarter to mollify their investors. And, with the global supply chain still in a state of flux, this may become wishful thinking until events warrant a return to normalcy later in 2022.
It would appear as if Wings of the Great War is back up-and-running after taking a multi-year hiatus. Two tanks that had been on back order, a French Saint Chamond and a captured Mark IV male heavy tank, have returned to stock after being out-of-stock for the better part of three years. In the air, two new aircraft, a German Pfalz D.IIIa fighter and a British Nieuport 17 fighter, have finally seen the light of day after being first announced way back in 2018. We’re hoping that their arrival points to even better things on the horizon, including a number of projects that were hinted at quite some time ago.
Our Forces of Valor military vehicle shipment should arrive early next week depending upon how UPS has us scheduled. This includes their first 1:32 Tiger I heavy tank, their second Sturmtiger, their first M4 Sherman medium tank, metal tracks for the Tiger/Sturmtiger, and three 1:72 scale WWII era prop-driven fighters. We’ve already received their pair of 1:48 scale AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters, which are quite literally flying out the door.
In a previous post, we indicated that Panzerkampf’s long awaited M1070 heavy equipment transporter is en route and slated to show up at our distributor mid month. Also returning are a trip of MH-53 Super Stallion helicopters, big and beefy replicas that far outsold our original allotment in 2021. Because of this, we padded our order with several more pieces than we usually do based upon our formulaic method of ordering, so we should have ample stock available throughout the middle part of the year. We’ll review our stock status at a later date to determine if we have to backstop this order with further aerial reinforcements. We’re currently awaiting news concerning several previously announced ground, sea and air models, which may or may not get shared with us over the next few weeks. As a result of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, I think there’s a good chance you may see some replicas based upon unfolding events both on the ground and in the air.
The latest Hobby Master shipment is expected shortly, although we are uncertain if follow-on shipments are still being adversely affected by the logjam at the ports. Its difficult to tell when product will roll out on a more timely basis, so, as always, we strongly ask that you order a cup of patience with each diecast entree. That’s about it for now and we will update this post should any further news trickle down over the next few days. In a related matter, there’s a strong chance Hobby Master will announce a number of aircraft replicas based upon the Ukrainian conflict. A number of weapons platforms are used by both sides, such as the Su-25 Frogfoot and MiG-29 Fulcrum, so don’t be surprised to see a split run created for each type of platform. Some will no doubt be made in greater numbers, such as the supposed “Ghost of Kyiv” MiG-29 that purportedly downed six Russian aircraft in the opening days of the war. To me, its a bit morbid and potentially dangerous to announce replicas based upon an ongoing military invasion, but this wouldn’t be the first time in my 40+ year career that I’ve seen this occur.
Precision Model Art (PMA) has resurfaced after closing down their web site, creating a replacement site, and finally building a brand new web site that now hawks Mecha vehicles. According to Wikipedia:
The term mecha (Japanese: メカ, Hepburn: meka) may refer to both scientific ideas and science-fictiongenres that center on giant robots or machines (mechs) controlled by people. Mechas are typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese: ‘mecha’, after shortening the English loanword ‘mechanism’ (メカニズム, mekanizumu) or ‘mechanical’ (メカニカル, mekanikaru), but the meaning in Japanese is more inclusive, and ‘robot’ (ロボット, robotto) or ‘giant robot’ is the narrower term.
These machines vary greatly in size and shape, but are distinguished from vehicles by their humanoid or biomorphic appearance and size—bigger than a human. Different subgenres exist, with varying connotations of realism. The concept of Super Robot and Real Robot are two such examples found in Japanese anime and manga. The term may also refer to real world piloted humanoid or non-humanoid robotic platforms, either currently in existence or still on the drawing board (i.e. at the planning or design stage). Alternatively, in the original Japanese context of the word, “mecha” may refer to mobile machinery/vehicles (including aircraft) in general, manned or otherwise.
Its not clear if PMA has lost interest in producing historical replicas or if this is a new ancillary line designed to sit side-by-side with their existing ranges of WWII and modern-era ground and aerial vehicles. It could also be a case where they are attempting to cater to their home audience who are big fans of this type of product while still offering their tried-and-true historical lines for the rest of their global audience. Time will tell.
Late yesterday we received word from our distributor that they had received and shipped out order for Forces of Valor’s pair of 1:48 scale AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra attack helicopters. Barring any issues, we could have them in hand by the tail end of this week. If delayed, they will likely arrive the early part of next week. We will process any orders we have received to date as quickly as possible, and list any extra stock on both eBay as well as Amazon.
Forces of Valor’s 1:48 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Final Flight of the Whiskey AH-1W”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 “Warriors”, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, December 2012
This is important news because it likely means our distributor also received the long awaited Tiger I heavy tank as well as the metal tracks, the second iteration of the Sturmtiger assault mortar, a US Sherman medium tank, and three new 1:72 scale WWII era fighters. We will likely receive shipping confirmation later today then update our site accordingly. It also means these items should arrive by the early part of next week, again barring any logistical issues. As always, we would greatly appreciate it if you could hold off sending us any messages asking about your pre-orders. These only serve to slow us down and prevents us from getting out shipments in a timely manner. If we have any billing questions we will reach out to those customers affected so please stand by with your information so we can process your order as expeditiously as possible.
Lastly, since re-opening for business after Chinese New Year almost three weeks ago, Waltersons has remained mum concerning several other projects purportedly in the hopper. They will likely post any updates to their Facebook account. Hear again we would appreciate it if you could refrain from asking us about these projects since you know as much as we know as this point in time.
Forces of Valor’s 1:48 scale USMC Bell AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra Attack Helicopter – “Never Forget”, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Camp Pendleton, California, March 2012
Note: As a follow up to our discussion yesterday regarding the impending arrival of a pair of 1:48 helicopters, we learned that our distributor is expecting a second FOV shipment to arrive today. This shipment contains the balance of those items that were earmarked for arrival in the month of March, all of which were discussed previously. This second shipment will likely leave our distributor either today or tomorrow, Thursday 3rd, and should arrive at our facility early next week. This series of events actually works to our advantage because we can first address orders for the helicopters then focus our attention on the rest of the items coming in next week. Again, we ask for your patience in this matter and rest assured we will turn around these shipments as quickly as possible.
Update: Our Forces of Valor shipment left the distributor late Friday and is headed our way. According to the tracking information, it is pegged for arrival on Tuesday, March 8th. We will begin to process orders this weekend ahead of its arrival so that we can turn around each order received to date. Customer tracking information will be assigned on the 8th and into the 9th. Once again, please do not contact us to indicate that you have placed an order with us. We will not be responding to these inquiries and instead focus our attention on getting out each order as quickly as possible. If we need to reach out to you for additional information, you will be notified via email or a telephone call. Thanks.
In the midst of heavy fighting half way around the world, it would appear as if model makers, authors, gamers and others are sitting on the edge of their seats taking note of the brutal fighting occurring throughout the nation of Ukraine. Its a rather sad state of affairs that while property is destroyed, families are getting displaced and innocent people are losing their lives, many are seeing it as a golden opportunity to cash in on the heartache and brutality of war, but that’s a debate that will likely take place at another time when the fighting has subsided.
I’m not going to discuss how I personally feel about the conflict and whether or not its wise to discuss this right now when the fighting could well be entering its most ferocious stage of the war. Instead, I’m simply going to point out that you will likely see a number of models arising from the conflict, some historically accurate while others notional at best, all aimed at capitalizing on the successes of a modern day David standing toe-to-toe with a Goliath the likes of Russia.
Last week, for instance, a Ukrainian MiG 29 pilot, heretofore known as “the Ghost of Kyiv”, supposedly shot down six Russian aircraft in a little more than a day, defending the capital city when few Ukrainian aircraft were capable of taking to the skies. No one, to date, knows if the tale is actually true, particularly when the Russian Air Force has dominated the battlespace over Ukraine since the start of the fighting. Moreover, like the thirteen Ukrainian soldiers holding Snake Island in the face of overwhelming Russian firepower, it could be a story spun by the media and others to help galvanize the nation when they need it the most. It wouldn’t be the first time a tale was told in the middle of fighting to bolster a nation at its most critical juncture.
In any event, I would not be surprised if we see a bevy of new products announced very shortly by a number of manufacturers both in the scale military world and outside it. I would suggest, however, that a portion of the proceeds be donated to the Ukrainian war effort so that they at least can use the funds to purchase both lethal and non lethal aid to help them defend their land from further aggression. I think that’s the least we can do.
Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-4 Fighter – Rudolf Eisele, 8/Jagdgeschwader 2 “Richthofen”, Brest-Guipavas, France, January 1943
Looking to add more firepower across the entire spectrum of military conflicts, Hobby Master announced four more warbirds to its growing list of scale combat aircraft, all due out at varying intervals throughout 2022. By clicking on each line art image, you can then determine its price and estimated arrival date.
Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale RAF Harrier GR7A Jump Jet – ZD437, “Michelle”, 1 Squadron, Afghanistan, 2007Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Soviet Air Defense Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25PD “Foxbat-E” Interceptor – “Blue 56”, 8th Air Defense Army, 1980sHobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Navy Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye AEW Aircraft – 165648, VAW-113 “Black Eagles”, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), June 2006
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter with M1000 Semi-Trailer – Tri-Color Camouflage
At long last, we’ve finally received word that Panzerkampf’s M1070 heavy equipment transporter is en route to us and should be in stock by month’s end. Thus far, only the tri-color version is reported to be in stock with our distributor, so we are presuming the desert version should roll in some time in March.
More importantly, our wholesale cost isn’t quite as high as originally anticipated, so we were able to reduce its selling price from $149.99 to $129.99, a healthy decrease considering the rising prices of some of the other items we’ve been holding out hope for over the last year. As I alluded to in a previous blog post, anyone that pre-ordered the set at $89.99 can still expect to pay this amount without seeing any upwards price adjustment on their invoice. The same will hold true for the desert sand version since we can only logically conclude that it should carry the same wholesale cost.
In a related announcement, we have now received and shipped out all of the first series of Panzerkampf M1A2 tanks with the TUSK I survivability kit. We have a handful of pieces left over for general sale and plan to re-order those SKUs that are currently listed as being back ordered. While all three SKUs come in the popular desert sand scheme and the M1070 expected comes in a tri-color camouflage scheme, the two products can still be displayed as a set should you wish to do so. Its not unheard of in the military world to combine two items in dissimilar schemes if time doesn’t permit their uniformity in appearance. Otherwise, we strongly suggest pre-ordering the desert scheme heavy equipment transporter, which will likely be snapped up in a hurry when they do arrive in early 2022.
Update: Our distributor informs us that the desert heavy equipment transporter wasn’t completed and ready for shipment at the same time as the tri-color version, so it will likely show up in the summer. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but these types of things do occur on occasion despite the best efforts to prevent them.
Forces of Valor’s 1:32 scale German Early Production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank – “100”, schwere Panzerabteilung 505, Kursk, Russia, July 1943 [Model Kit]
Let’s face it. Some of us like to purchase a pre-assembled replica straight out of the box while others prefer to make ’em. Personally, I gave up on modelling in my teens when I realized I didn’t have the expertise, tools or time to build what was clearly being advertised. Nearly fifty years later, poor eye sight, lack of patience and other demands on my time means I’d prefer to ogle the finished product by tearing open the shrink wrap rather than trying to cobble one together.
Fortunately, Waltersons, the new caretakers of the Forces of Valor brand, sees things from both sides of the ledger, offering their customers both finished products as well as build ups, all designed to cater to a wider audience than their predecessors ever envisaged. In fact, earlier today, the manufacturer finally posted images of their first ever 1:32 scale tank: an early production Sd. Kfz. 181 PzKpfw VI Tiger I Ausf. E heavy tank. The pictures clearly show how much metal content is included in the kit, as well as the detail that goes into each and every tank they make, be they finished vehicles or model kits. Presently, no price has been announced for their first kit nor has a definitive release date been provided.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank with TUSK I Survivability Kit – 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, FOB Hammer, Iraq, 2011
There appears to be some progress from the Panzerkampf camp, with several diecast military vehicles either headed our way or finally appearing on the radar screen. Frankly, with two different North American distributors its oftentimes difficult to ascertain which company will carry which item, since there is oftentimes overlap in some areas and none in others. Late yesterday, we learned that several of the earliest M1A2 Abrams tanks are finally headed our way, after first being announced well over a year ago. Not all of the Abrams tanks are expected – just a few equipped with the TUSK 1 survivability kit. We presume the balance of the series will be released later this spring, although its not clear who will be stocking them, when they are expected or at what wholesale price.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M42 “Duster” Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun – “How Heavy is Dead”, 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Vietnam, 1970-71
Also in this shipment is a British A39 Tortoise heavy tank as well as a lone example of the US M42 Duster self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. Again, its not clear when or if the other versions of the Duster will be released so we suggest anyone that pre-ordered any of these vehicles choose this version since we cannot guarantee that the others will show up. We’ve ordered extra pieces of this version, so anyone that wants to make the switch to “How Heavy is Dead?” from “Iron Coffin” or II Field Force should be covered. Due to low consumer demand, we would also strongly suggest anyone that pre-ordered the ROC version make the switch to the US vehicle expected.
We’ve also learned that Panzerkampf’s pair of M1070 heavy equipment transporters, originally slated for a 2021 release and available in both Europe and Asia, will finally arrive in the US some time in March. Here again we have no way of knowing presently if these items are being offered on an allocation basis due to strong demand, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to fill all of the orders we have received to date without having to make any harsh decisions. There’s a good chance the manufacturer may revisit this item at a later date should they feel demand warrants a second batch of vehicles.
Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Oshkosh M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter with M1000 Semi-Trailer – Tri-Color Camouflage
In other news, Panzerkampf’s trio of MH-53 helicopters are expected to make an encore performance this spring, perhaps arriving with the M1070 heavy equipment transporters in March. No further information has been disseminated on the release date of their many different aircraft, WWII-era aircraft carrier or some of their other projects hinted at online. The manufacturer has unveiled rough sketches, CAD drawings and, in some instances, first shots of several upcoming helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk while offering scant information concerning their Hind heavy attack helicopter.
Finally, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the cost of their most recently released vehicles, including the M1 Abrams as well as the M42 Duster. Their new retail price is set at $49.99. If you placed a pre-order at the $39.99 price point, then we will still honor this price when we begin to process these orders in late February.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing and protracted conflict that started in February 2014, primarily involving Russia and pro-Russian forces on one hand, and Ukraine on the other. The war has centered on the status of Crimea and parts of the Donbas, which are largely internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.
Following the Euromaidan protests and the subsequent removal of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on February 22nd and amidst pro-Russianunrest in Ukraine, Russian soldiers without insignias took control of strategic positions and infrastructure within the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. On March 1st, 2014, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation unanimously adopted a resolution to petition Russian President Vladimir Putin to use military force in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted several days later, after the start of the Russian military operation on the “Returning of Crimea”. Russia then annexed Crimea after a widely criticized local referendum which was organized by Russia after the capturing of the Crimean parliament whose outcome was for the Autonomous Repulbic of Crimea to join the Russian Federation. In April, demonstrations by pro-Russian groups in the Donbas area of Ukraine escalated into a war between the Ukrainian government and the Russian-backed separatist forces of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republic. In August, Russian military vehicles crossed the border in several locations of Donetsk Oblast. The incursion by the Russian military was seen as responsible for the defeat of Ukrainian forces in early September.
In November 2014, the Ukrainian military reported intensive movement of troops and equipments from Russia into the separatist-controlled parts of the eastern Ukraine. The Associated Press reported 40 unmarked military vehicles on the move in rebel-controlled areas. The Organziation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission observed convoys of heavy weapons and tanks in DPR-controlled territory without insignia. OSCE monitors further stated they observed vehicles transporting ammunition and soldiers’ dead bodies crossing the Russian-Ukrainian border under the guise of humanitarian aid convoys. As of early August 2015, OSCE observed over 21 such vehicles marked with the Russian military code for soldiers killed in action. According to The Moscow Times, Russia has tried to intimidate and silence human rights workers discussing Russian soldiers’ deaths in the conflict. OSCE has time and again reported that its observers were denied access to the areas controlled by “combined Russian-separatist forces”.
The majority of members of the international community and organizations such as Amnesty International have condemned Russia for its actions in post-revolutionary Ukraine, accusing it of breaking international law and violating Ukrainian sovereignty. Many countries implemented economic sanctions against Russia, Russian individuals or companies.
In October 2015, The Washington Post reported that Russia has redeployed some of its elite units from Ukraine to Syria to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In December 2015, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin admitted that Russian military intelligence officers were operating in Ukraine, insisting though that they were not the same as regular troops. As of February 2019, 7% of Ukraine’s territory is classified by the Ukrainian government as temporarily occupied territories.
As of February 6th, 2022, Russia has surrounded Ukraine militarily, and its force presence and posture continue to raise concerns that Russia will invade its neighbor and ignite a new conflict in Europe.
Russia now has over 130,000 troops, as well as a significant amount of weaponry and other hardware, in positions around Ukraine. Though Russia has denied having plans to attack, many in the West remain skeptical. Russia has troops in Belarus, western Russia, and Crimea.
US intelligence previously suggested Russia had plans to launch a military offensive against Ukraine in “early 2022” with a force of 175,000. Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said last week that Russia had enough troops and equipment in place now to launch an attack with “little warning.”
Ukraine is bracing for a Russian invasion as regular civilians train for war, and NATO is hardening its positions in Eastern Europe to deter Russia from pushing past Ukraine, should it decide to attack.
JC Wings’ recently released Ukrainian Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29MU1 ‘Fulcrum-C’ Fighter clad in a digitized winter camouflage scheme is now in stock and available for immediate shipment.
