No stranger to war films (Braveheat, The Patriot, We Were Soldiers, Hacksaw Ridge), Mel Gibson has picked up the directing baton once again to lead his next big budget film, Destroyer. Interestingly enough, Destroyer marks the second time he will return to Okinawa, the closing battle of WWII’s campaign in the Pacific in which the US Marines, Army and Navy paid a terrible price to wrest control of the island from the Japanese. His 2016 film, Hacksaw Ridge, about pacifist medic Desmond Doss’ heroic efforts to save wounded soldiers during the allied assault on the island received wide critical acclaim and was a commercial success. This time around, he’ll be manning the anti-aircraft guns aboard the USS Laffey (DD-724). Laffey, as USNI News points out, is famous for surviving a relentless attack by two dozen kamikaze aircraft while serving on radar picket duty early in the campaign to capture Okinawa. Laffey sustained substantial damage when it was struck by six planes and four bombs, yet was able to stay afloat and continue to fight.
We recognize that information coming out of the Forces of Valor camp has been a little sparse of late, so we’d like to share some news with you concerning the Company’s progress to date. Presently, they are putting the final touches on six different versions of the 1:72 scale CH-47 Chinook helicopter and have almost completed work on the packaging phase (front shown here). All six are expected to finish production by August with the SD version of the helicopter slated to be completed by September.
According to our contact, several 1:32 scale vehicles should be leaving Asia by September and will likely arrive in North America by October, barring any trade-related issues. These include the 88mm FLaK gun, the Sherman Firefly Vc medium tank, the Jagdpanther tank destroyer, Jagdtiger tank destroyer and finally the Elefant tank destroyer. Waltersons has indicated that they have developed a new method of weathering that gives each vehicle a more realistic appearance in line with many of the enthusiast edition vehicles released between 2003-2009. The balance of 2018 will see work continue on a number of other previously announced 1:32 scale projects as well as a bevy of 1:72 scale aircraft. Its not clear which items will be shown at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February since the Company has already gone on record as having a wide array of products in the pipeline.
Heralding its legacy as a pioneer in both civil and military aviation, Dassault Aviation recently unveiled a slick video meant to underscore its past achievements and demonstrate why it too can build the ultimate sixth generation fighter. The video depicts a twin-engine stealth aircraft that will purportedly carry its ordnance internally, much like a F-22 or F-35 fighter. A tailless design with a cranked delta wing configuration, the aircraft will obviously feature stealthy attributes thereby giving it a first-look, first kill advantage over would-be opponents. Other than that, few details emerged from the video, other than to suggest that work has already begun and that both France and Germany will likely be its initial markets, thereby putting it in direct competition with other sixth generation designs being developed at Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed. Check out the video here:
Earlier this year, eBay announced that it was ending its partnership with PayPal, its longtime handler of online payment processing, which has facilitated transactions both here and abroad for the better part of two decades. At one time, eBay actually owned PayPal, but decided to spin off the service a few years ago to unlock its potential — as Wall Street analysts claim — and enable it to enter payment processing agreements with other etailers, such as Amazon. We have since learned that eBay will be rolling out its own payment processor this September, initially offered by invitation only until it is ready to go prime time with all of its sellers and customers. At some point, according to eBay, PayPal will no longer be accepted as its principal form of payment although eBay has hinted that it will make it available again as an alternative means of payment processing, perhaps as early as 2019 once it feels confident that their own service will take center stage.
Adyen has reportedly been enlisted to handle eBay’s payment processing, and the new system has been reportedly called Ebay Payments. According to Ecommerce Bytes, the new payment system has entered the beta phase with a number of select merchants. We will post more information on these changes as soon as they are rolled out this September. Keep in mind we will still accept PayPal as a form of payment on our own web site, in addition to all of the major credit cards, AmazonPay and potentially ApplePay once it too has been approved as a payment processor by our web hosting solution.
On a personal note, we’ve been selling on eBay for almost two decades ourselves, initially selling a couple of lines of diecast classic cars for a friend. Back then, payment was made by cash, check, or money order, and oftentimes we were left in the lurch for weeks on end waiting to receive payment. When PayPal began, we viewed it as a godsend largely because we were getting paid almost as quickly as an item sold. It also streamlined the international payment process, since everyone was now operating on a level playing field and using PayPal as an intermediary should a problem occur. With their being shunted aside, its almost as if we’re starting over again, forced to create new bonds of trust through a brand new payment system. Ebay has hinted that they plan to incentivize the system, either offering bounties for each person/organization that signs up or perhaps lower payment processing fees to make their new system more attractive to the average seller. Still, it feels as if we are taking a step backwards by having to accept a brand new payment processor that no one is familiar with, hoping that it covers the same types of issues that can sometimes occur between a seller and buyer should the transaction go awry. Its not an enviable system for everyone concerned, but one we have no choice but to take on if we are to continue selling on eBay.
For more information on the upcoming payment intermediation, visit eBay’s Seller Center.
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale US Navy Sikorsky MH-60 Knighthawk Helicopter – HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”, NAS Norfolk, VA, 2008
With Hobby Master testing the helicopter market and established players such as Forces of Valor and Corgi continuing to provide vertical envelopment, Air Force 1 has quietly staked its own claim the to the rotary wing arena. This summer, two renditions of the ubiquitous Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter are slated to drop in, each looking to provide a different take on the workhorse of US combat forces.
Firs up is this US Navy Sikorsky MH-60 Knighthawk Helicopter, which was attached to HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”, then deployed to NAS Norfolk, VA during 2008 (AF10090A). The multimission Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter entered service in February 2002. The US Navy is expected to acquire a total of 237 of the MH-60S helicopters, to carry out missions such as vertical replenishment, combat search and rescue, special warfare support and airborne mine countermeasures.
The helicopter began full-rate production in August 2002. As of January 2011 52 MH-60R and 154 MH-60S helicopters were in the service with the US Navy. First deployment of the new helicopter took place on board USS Essex, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship, in January 2003 and a number of MH-60S helicopters were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The helicopter was originally designated CH-60S, as a replacement for the US Navy’s Boeing CH-46D Sea Knight heavy-lift helicopters in the vertical replenishment role. The helicopter was redesignated MH-60S as a result of an expansion in mission requirements to include a range of additional combat support capabilities. Retirement of the US Navy Sea Knights concluded in September 2004.
Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale US Army Sikorsky HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk Helicopter – 377th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), South Korea, April 2007
Later this summer, expect to lay claim to this US Sikorsky HH-60M (MEDEVAC) Black Hawk Helicopter, which was attached to the 377th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), then deployed to South Korea during April 2007. The HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter is a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) version of the UH-60M Black Hawk multi-mission helicopter. Built by Sikorsky Aircraf for the US Army, the helicopter is designed to evacuate wounded troops from the battlefield.
The HH-60M helicopter is integrated with medical evacuation mission equipment package (MEP) kit. It provides aerial medical support and ambulatory patient transport services. The helicopter can be reconfigured to carry out missions including personnel transport, search and rescue, resupply, aerial reconnaissance, cargo transport, and wild fire suppression.
Both helicopters are ruggedly constructed out of diecast metal and feature free-spinning rotors, sliding side access doors, accurate markings and insignia and a sturdy display stand.
Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Fokker Dr.1 Triplane Fighter – 425/17, Rittmeister Manfred von Richthofen, Jasta 11, Jagdgeschwader 1, Cappy Aerodrome, France, April 21st, 1918
Manfred von Richthofen, a.k.a. “The Red Baron”, is perhaps the most famous flier in military history, and certainly the most celebrated pilot of WWI. He is considered, as Wikipedia points out, the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories.
Originally a cavalryman, Richthofen transferred to the Air Service in 1915, becoming one of the first members of fighter squadron Jagdstaffel 2 in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and during 1917 became leader of Jasta 11 and then the larger fighter wing unit Jagdgeschwader 1, better known as “The Flying Circus” or “Richthofen’s Circus” because of the bright colours of its aircraft, and perhaps also because of the way the unit was transferred from one area of allied air activity to another – moving like a travelling circus, and frequently setting up in tents on improvised airfields. By 1918, Richthofen was regarded as a national hero in Germany, and respected by his enemies.
Richthofen was shot down and killed near Vaux-sur-Somme on April 21st, 1918. There has been considerable discussion and debate regarding aspects of his career, especially the circumstances of his death.
To commemorate the death of the “ace-of-aces”, Corgi has commissioned this special edition 1:48 scale tribute to the man and his machine (AA38308). Due in early July, Corgi’s rendition of the Dridecker bears all the hallmark detail you’ve come to expect from this legendary model maker, including wire rigging, free-spinning propeller, sturdy display stand and even the “Red Baron” himself, seated behind the controls of his fighter, ready to take on his next opponent.
Modelcollect has certainly proven it has the wherewithal to produce models of subject matter no one else has dared to touch
When the US-led Coalition forces sought to free Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991, they were initially unprepared for Saddam Hussein’s Scud missile barrage, and the mobile missile launchers that were carrying them. Based upon the Nazi’s V-2 rocket technology from WWII, the Scuds were certainly old technology, but nevertheless a potent thorn in the Allies’ side, launched at fixed sites deep within the Allies’ rear areas where they could do the most damage. What made them so effective wasn’t necessarily the missiles themselves, but the mobile missile launchers that schlepped them around Iraq, which would pop out of a hidden enclave, fire off a salvo, then hide again, making them particularly difficult to target and annihilate by strike aircraft.
Last week, Modelcollect, as part of their deluxe vehicle series, announced plans to replicate the Scud and its mobile missile launcher, thereby, in an ignominious fashion, paying tribute to the death and destruction they once wrought. Thus far, only a model kit has been shown, but its just a matter of time before the Company makes available a pre-assembled set, further demonstrating its prowess as a model maker par excellence.
Corgi’s 1:72 scale replica of a USAAF Consolidated B-24H Liberator Heavy Bomber – Colonel Jimmy Stewart’s “Male Call”, 453rd Bombardment Group, RAF Old Buckenham, England, 1944
Looking to leverage the legendary star power of Hollywood, Corgi announced plans to build a 1:72 scale replica of a Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber that was piloted by none other than screen actor, Jimmy Stewart. While several legends of the silver screen enlisted in the military when their nation called upon them, Jimmy Stewart could be one of the most famous, leading an entire bomb group to reek vengeance over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe during the latter stages of World War II. While he reportedly flew several bombers, “Male Call”, the lead ship of the 453rd Bombardment Group (AA34018) may be his most noteworthy, surviving the war having completed an impressive 95 bombing missions. In fact, she is thought to have been the only survivor of the original 61 aircraft assigned to the 453rd Bombardment Group, which arrived at RAF Old Buckenham airfield on January 21st, 1944. Look for “Male Call” to be called to action in October.
If you’re interested in learning more about Jimmy Stewart and his wartime experience, we strongly recommend Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe, which is available on Amazon.
“He maketh wars to cease in all the world. He breaketh the bow and snappeth the spear in sunder and burneth the chariots in the fire.”
– Matthew 16:21-28
In 2014, Russian ground forces invaded and quickly occupied wide swaths of Ukrainian territory which included, among other things, the entire Crimean peninsula. The Ukrainians, looking to resist Russian aggression, called upon its meager forces, both on the ground and in the air, to turn back the invaders, or at least give them a bloody nose and perhaps a moment’s pause. As attempts were made to seek help from the West and mediation by the UN Security Council, two aircraft in the Ukrainian inventory would answer the call in the name of freedom: both were produced by Suhkoi.
The Sukhoi Su-24 (NATO reporting name: Fencer) is a supersonic, all-weather attack aircraft developed in the Soviet Union. This variable-sweep wing, twin-engined side-by-side two-seater carried the USSR’s first integrated digital navigation/attack system. It remains in service with former Soviet air forces and various air forces to which it was exported.
The aircraft was officially sanctioned on August 24th, 1965, under the internal codename T-6. The first prototype, T-6-1 was completed in May 1967 and flew on July 2nd with V.S. Ilyushin at the controls. The initial flights were performed without the four lift engines, which were installed in October 1967. At the same time, R-27s were replaced with Lyulka AL-21Fs. STOL tests confirmed the data from S-58VD that short-field performance was achieved at the cost of significant loss of flight distance as the lift engines occupied space normally reserved for fuel, loss of under-fuselage hardpoints, and instability during transition from STOL to conventional flight. So the six-engine approach was abandoned.
The Sukhoi Su-25 (NATO reporting name: “Frogfoot”) is a single-seat, twin-engine jet aircraft developed in the Soviet Union by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was designed to provide close air support for the Soviet Ground Forces. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 22 February 1975. After testing, the aircraft went into series production in 1978 at Tbilisi in the Soviet Republic of Georgia. Russian air and ground forces nicknamed it “Grach” (“Rook”).
Early variants included the Su-25UB two-seat trainer, the Su-25BM for target-towing, and the Su-25K for export customers. Some aircraft are being upgraded to version Su-25SM as of 2012. The Su-25T and the Su-25TM (also known as Su-39) were further developments, not produced in numbers. The Su-25, along with the Su-34, were the only armored fixed-wing aircraft in production in 2007. Su-25 is in service with Russia, other CIS states, and export customers.
Look for both defenders of the sovereign state of Ukraine (CA722402 and HA6103) to fly again in the name of freedom this September.
Earlier today, the US Supreme Court narrowly ruled in favor of allowing states to collect taxes from online sellers, even if the seller may not be physically located within their jurisdiction. Up til now, a seller was required to collect taxes only from customers purchasing product that were located within the same state as their business. Essentially, it is now up to Congress to determine how the ruling will be handled, since there are more than 12,000 local tax jurisdictions, making the task of collecting taxes onerous at best. Moreover, many smaller online resellers may not have the resources to handle the new tax impositions, which could require loads of paperwork to complete and an inordinate amount of time to fully address. A simple solution would be to impose a flat tax across the entire union, perhaps somewhere in the neighborhood of 4%, which might be low enough to dissuade customers from shopping elsewhere. For more information on the ruling and what it could mean visit USA Today.
