Product Spotlight: The Fireflies of Summer

As we continue to wait for the Forces of Valor 88mm FLak gun to arrive, there appears to be some progress in the 1:32 scale queue. Earlier today, the manufacturer provided details concerning their second release – a British M4A4 Sherman Firefly Mk. VC medium tank. Based on a vehicle that served with the 24th Lancers, 13th/18th Hussars, 8th Armoured Brigade, the repurposed vehicle now comes with a Chrysler A57 Multi-Bank Engine that fits inside a reworked hull, retooled tracks to make them easier to roll, and a better paint job, making it a fitting addition to the Forces of Valor pantheon of combat vehicles.

The Sherman Firefly was a World War II British variant of the American Sherman tank, fitted with the powerful British 17 pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. Originally conceived as a stopgap until future British tank designs came into service, the Sherman Firefly became the most common vehicle with the 17 pounder in World War II.

Though the British expected to have their own new tank models developed soon, British Major George Brighty championed the already-rejected idea of mounting the 17 pounder in the existing Sherman. With the help of Lieutenant Colonel Witheridge and despite official disapproval, he managed to get the concept accepted. This proved fortuitous, as both the Challenger and Cromwell tank designs experienced difficulties and delays.

After the problem of getting the gun to fit in the Sherman’s turret was solved, the Firefly was put into production in early 1944, in time to equip Field Marshal Montgomery’s forces for the Normandy landings. It soon became highly valued as the only British tank capable of defeating the Panther and Tiger tanks it faced in Normandy at standard combat ranges. In recognition of this, German tank and anti-tank gun crews were instructed to attack Fireflies first. Between 2100 and 2200 were manufactured before production wound down in 1945.

Waltersons, the new caretakers of the Forces of Valor brand, claims that the vehicle run should be completed by the end of April, meaning it will still take several weeks before it arrives here in North America. We have therefore tentatively fixed its arrival for June, appropriate for it marks the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings..

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Dissecting Diecast: The Return of the Golden Age of Diecast


Eaglemoss’ Star Trek Federation Cardenas Class Starship – USS Buran NCC-1412 [With Collector Magazine]

Ask the average collector of diecast military models when the so-called “Golden era of diecast collecting” occurred and they readily point to the early 2000s, when collecting was relatively inexpensive and there were loads of products to choose from. While that may be true to a point, I consider the current era to be equal to or even surpassing that period, largely for a different reason. While pricing for most models has certainly risen over the years, so too has the quality of the finished products we now see coming to market, particularly when it comes to some of the artwork many manufacturers have managed to achieve.

If you disagree, and you are free to do so, consider the following three models as Exhibit A. The Star Trek models produced by Eaglemoss have certainly been a hit-or-miss affair, oftentimes featuring misaligned painting, tattered parts or even missing parts. But when they do hit a home run, it usually comes in the form of a grand slam. Take, for instance, their USS Buran (EMSTDISC07), a special edition Discovery-era starship that features a beautiful multi-hued exterior and a sleek angular design, a far cry from some of the more primitive shapes and schemes seen in some of the original televised episodes.


Corgi’s 1:48 scale German Fokker D VII Fighter – 4649/18 “Seven Swabians” Wilhelm Scheutzel, Jasta 65, September 1918

Then, of course, there’s Corgi’s WWI era 1:48 scale Fokker D VII fighter that sports the famous “Seven Swabians” caricatures adorning the aircraft’s fuselage (AA38906). While they may seem out-of-place for a deadly warplane, they nevertheless showcase some of the talent achieved by the aerodrome artists of the period as well as the craftsmen that have followed in their footsteps 100 years hence.


Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Boeing F-15J Eagle Multi-Role Fighter – JASDF 50th Anniversary Scheme, “Mount Fuji”, 2004

And, if that wasn’t enough to get your heart racing, how about Hobby Master’s upcoming F-15 sporting a delicately created depiction of Mount Fuji ensconced in cherry blossoms (HA4514)? While most collectors seem to gravitate towards operational schemes, its hard to imagine this aircraft doesn’t catch their eye and gets added to even the most crowded shelf space.

Yes, prices have gone up over the years but so too has the work and craftsmanship that goes in to the average model. Golden era? We’ll let collectors decide, as after market prices decide which models are the most sought after and which gathers dust despite their affordable cost.

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Dissecting Diecast: Three Companies Take a Curtain Call for the Holidays


Minichamps’ 1:35 scale German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank – Panzerbataillon 33, Luttmersen, Germany, 2007

2019 is shaping up to be an interesting year from a number of vantage points. While lots of new diecast models are waiting in the wings, three ranges are making an encore performance, if you will, retesting the waters at a time when they’re not sure who is responsible for filling up an empty pool.

Minichamps is reintroducing their 1:35 scale military vehicles, taking four of their most popular molds and trotting them out for a new road show. The problem is that none of them have been refurbished or repainted, so if you own them already then, apart from the new Leopard tank (which was cancelled before it hit the streets), then you may not be interested in these rehashes from the past. In terms of metal content, the Minichamps range can’t be beat, but, of course, a bulging waist line comes at a price. Each is now priced at $179.99, a far cry from their original asking price of $100 over a decade ago.

Corgi’s 1:50 scale Captured German Sd. Kfz. 171 PzKpfw V Panther Ausf. A Medium Tank – 4th Battalion Coldstream Guards “Cuckoo”, Netherlands, 1944-45

Next up is Corgi, who have finally decided to bring back their 1:50 scale collection of World War II era military vehicles. Although each has been repainted, thus giving them new life and new meaning, that’s about as much as we’re witnessing here, re-released largely to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and Battle of the Bulge offensive. Priced at $64.99 each, again quite a bit higher than their original asking prices of around $40 some fifteen years ago, they’ll undoubtedly do well at retail, simply because Corgi is a master at paying homage to battles of long ago.


Forces of Valor 1:32 scale German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun with Trailer – Deutsches Afrika Korps, El Alamein, North Africa, 1942 [Comes with Seven Crewmen and Rommel]

And finally we have the 1:32 scale range from Waltersons, the new caretakers of the Forces of Valor brand. The first entrant in the repurposed range is their 88mm FLaK gun, this time around painted in a desert sand scheme and bundled with an assortment of crew-served troops. Priced at $79.99, the new AT/AA gun features a milled aluminum gun barrel and even comes with the Desert Fox himself, Erwin Rommel. Its not clear when some of the other retread vehicles will make it to market, since they’ve been shunted back-and-forth onto the front burners like steaks needing to be reheated. No doubt some of the new additions hinted at are even further down the road, as Waltersons looks to re-engineer those vehicles already in the hopper before moving on to tackle new subjects.

As you can see three separate manufacturers honing in on three different scales taking three different approaches to the hobby. Whose strategy will prevail is anyone’s guess as collectors are just eager to own many of these battle hardened vehicles before the snow flies this holiday season.

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Tales of Transparency: Walk the Floor

When I broke into retail management back in the late 1970s, one of the responsibilities that came with the job was walking the store’s floor each day before it was opened to the public. “Patrolling the physical plant”, as its called by some, means just that – picking up any rubbish on the floor, inspecting and aligning dump displays, repairing torn or hanging signage, and returning stray shopping carts to the queue. Its a relatively simple task that pays dividends each and every day, particularly if your store was due to be inspected by upper management. It also meant your store looked good for the public-at-large, ready to cater to their every need.

Today, with many retail establishments eschewing brick-and-mortar store fronts in favor of online virtual ones, I’m constantly amazed at how this simple concept seems to have fallen on deaf ears, fallen out of favor, and even fallen by the wayside. Time and again, I see manufacturer web site that feature old, out-of-date information, incorrect information and even no information at all, as if it was a job left for some one else to one day repair and update. There are web sites that time out day-in and day out, are slow to load and even have information that is completely useless to anyone in or out of the industry, making it all but pointless to visit.

People seem to think that Hobby Master has risen to prominence simply by producing an ample supply of collectibles month-in and month-out, outstripping and outselling the competition with an avalanche of product. While that is partly true, one of the reasons they have succeeded where others have failed miserably is the fact that they also update their web site, constantly and continually freshening up the site so that it contains pertinent and up-to-date product announcements. They also provide Hobbymaster.com, an enthusiast-operated and owned site that has been around for a number of years, with regular imagery and updates, making it a go-too page for anyone interested in Hobby Master products. Why this fact has alluded the attention of many competing firms is beyond me. I don’t understand how they can expect to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Hobby Master and a handful of other manufacturers when they approach the business with what can best be described as a lackadaisical attitude, failing to understand the importance of putting their best foot forward by offering timely and accurate information ahead of the release of every item they make.

Ladies and gentlemen, its time to walk your virtual floor. Clean up before the clock strikes twelve.

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Starship Troopers Drops In on the Boob Tube

According to film stars Jake Busey and Casper van Diem it looks as if the duo will be reprising their respective roles from the movie, Starship Troopers, this time around in a televised series. The pair will be returning as Ace Levy and Juan “Johnny” Rico, although much further along in their military careers — perhaps as drill instructors or commanders of mobile infantry platoons — since the original film appeared way back in 1997.

Ed Neumeier, the film’s screenwriter, is being asked to develop the series and other notable actors from the original film could be back as well, although its not clear who are being asked to return and whether or not they have agreed to reboot their former roles. A remake of the classic film is also expected later this year, albeit with a different cast and screenwriter. If the film and television series take off, you can bet certain model makers will be giving the franchise the once over to see if it can be brought to sci-fi enthusiasts the world over.

For the handful of people not familiar with the franchise, Starship Troopers stands as sci-fi writer’s Robert Heinlein’s seminal work in which humanity is pitted against an alien race of over-sized insects called the Arachnids. Seen through the eyes of the so-called Mobile Infantry, Heinlein mixes a good bit of political drama and off-beat wit within a taut yarn that describes what its like to first train as a mobile infantryman of the future and then take on the Arachnids in all its gore and glory. Do you want to learn more?

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GOT Throne?

If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones — and let’s face it, who isn’t? — and happen to live in northeast Queens, New York, where we call home, then you’ll be tickled pink to learn that the last of the six thrones used to help hype the series as part of a worldwide scavenger hunt was set up here within the confines of Fort Totten. Fort Totten is a Civil War era fortress designed to protect northern Queens from a potential attack from the sea. While it was never used nor did it ever fire a shot in anger — the guns have long since been removed — it now plays host to the final Iron Throne made famous in the Game of Thrones fantasy series. Presently, there is a six hour or so wait to take a selfie on the throne and the producers have said the prop will be removed from our home-sweet-home set at 7PM on Monday then promptly returned to the world of Westeros.

Self-promotion aside, don’t forget the final season of Game of Thrones premieres on April 14th. You know where I’ll be when the curtain rises and the dragons take wing!

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Corgi Reshuffles its Aviation Lineup


Corgi’s 1:72 scale German Heinkel He-111H-16 Medium Bomber with Fi 103 (Doodlebug) – A1+HK, 2./Kampfgeschwader 53, Air Launch V-1 Flying Bomb Unit, Late 1944

As we have alluded to previously, 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. It therefore comes as no surprise that Corgi — in an effort to take advantage of the hype — has decided to tinker with its lineup so they can release as many commemorative aircraft as possible around the pivotal time frame. While many models have been moved up well ahead of original forecasts, others have been moved back. In the case of their USMC Sikorsky SH-3A Helicopter (AA33422), the chopper has now been delayed until early 2020, no doubt to get out as many heavies in time for the holidays as possible, even at the expense of other models.

It doesn’t appear as if their 1:50 scale WWII military vehicles has been affected by the production shift, with several expected around the June time frame and others still slated for later in the year to commemorate the Battle of the Bulge.

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Product Spotlight: We Remember


Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN McDonnell Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Attack Aircraft – John McCain, VA-163 “Saints”, USS Oriskany (CV-34), Vietnam War, 1967

Merriam-Webster defines a commemorative as an item “issued in limited quantities for a limited time to honor or feature someone or something.” Poignant, to say the least.

As many of you may remember, Senator John McCain was a former US Navy attack aircraft pilot during the Vietnam War who was shot down over Hanoi and spent several fitful years in the ignominious “Hanoi Hilton” prison. The son of an admiral, he could have gone home early to nurse his wounds yet chose not to do so, deciding to remain in captivity with his fellow airmen for 5-1/2 years.

President George H. W. Bush, also a former US Navy pilot, flew an Avenger torpedo plane in WWII, one in which he too was shot down but fortunately made it back to friendly lines after being rescued by a US submarine. Both were dutifully remembered by our nation, McCain earning the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions and Bush receiving the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross and Presidential Citation for his exploits. Both men have since passed away, having served our nation on and off the battlefield as only they could.


Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN Grumman Avenger TBM-1C Torpedo-Bomber – “Barbara III”, Lt. George H. W. Bush, VT-51, USS San Jacinto (CVL-30), September 1944

Having said that, Hobby Master recently decided to pay both men an additional honor by re-releasing commemorative versions of the aircraft they flew into battle in their respective wars. In the case of Senator John McCain, we will soon take delivery of his A-4E Skyhawk attack aircraft when he was a member of VA-163 “Saints”, then embarked upon the USS Oriskany (CV-34) in 1967 (HA1429). And, in May, we will be accepting Bush’s Avenger TBM-1C torpedo-bomber, which he affectionately dubbed “Barbara III” in honor of his late wife and former first lady, Barbara, an aircraft that he flew into battle with VT-51 then embarked upon the USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) (HA1221). Both models are expected to sell very well at retail despite seeing the light of day for a second time around and produced in far greater numbers this go round than in the past. As we see it, sometimes quantity and recurrence on the collector’s shelf are superseded by fitting memorials to two of our nation’s monumental heroes. The true meaning of a commemorative.

It has been brought to our attention by the distributor that the name plate for the McCain A-4E Skyhawk has been misspelled and that the second “c” was not capitalized as shown in the accompanying photo. The manufacturer has included a corrected name plate with each model that can be easily affixed to the display base after first removing the original name plate.

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Product Spotlight” “Red Flag – Alaska”

Red Flag-Alaska (Color).

The origin of Red Flag was the unacceptable performance of U.S. Air Force fighter pilots and weapon systems officers (WSO) in air combat maneuvering (ACM) (air-to-air combat) during the Vietnam War in comparison to previous wars. Air combat over North Vietnam between 1965 and 1973 led to an overall exchange ratio (ratio of enemy aircraft shot down to the number of own aircraft lost to enemy fighters) of 2.2:1 (for a period of time in June and July 1972 during Operation Linebacker the ratio was less than 1:1).

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon Fighter – 18th Aggressor Squadron, 354th Wing, “Red Flag – Alaska”, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 2017 [Aggressor Scheme]

Among the several factors resulting in this disparity was a lack of realistic ACM training. USAF pilots and WSOs of the late 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s were not versed in the core values and basics of ACM due to the belief that BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missile engagements and equipment made “close-in” maneuvering in air combat obsolete.[c As a result of this BVR-only mindset that reached its zenith in the early 1960s, nearly all USAF fighter pilots and WSO of the period were unpracticed in maneuvering against dissimilar aircraft because of a concurrent Air Force emphasis on flying safety.

An Air Force analysis known as Project Red Baron II showed that a pilot’s chances of survival in combat dramatically increased after he had completed 10 combat missions. As a result, Red Flag was created in 1975 to offer USAF pilots and weapon systems officers the opportunity to fly 10 realistically simulated combat missions in a safe training environment with measurable results. Many U.S. air crews had also fallen victim to SAMs during the Vietnam War and Red Flag exercises provided pilots and WSOs experience in this regime as well.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon Fighter – 18th Aggressor Squadron, 354th Wing, “Red Flag – Alaska”, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, December 2017 [Aggressor Scheme]

RED FLAG-Alaska is a realistic, 10-day air combat United States Air Forcetraining exercise held up to four times a year. It is held at Eielson Air Force Base and Elmendorf Air Force Base in the State of Alaska. Each RED FLAG-Alaska exercise is a multi-service, multi-platform coordinated, combat operations exercise and corresponds to the designed operational capability of participating units. In other words, exercises often involve several units whose military mission may differ significantly from that of other participating units. RED FLAG-Alaska planners take those factors into consideration when designing exercises so participants get the maximum training possible without being placed at an unfair advantage during simulated combat scenarios.

RED FLAG-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces sponsored exercise. Since its inception, thousands of people from all four branches of the US military, as well as the armed services of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, have taken part in multinational RED FLAG-Alaska/COPE THUNDER exercises. Participating aircraft include A/OA-10, B-1B, B-2, B-52, C-130, C-160, E-2, E-3C, F-15C, F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, EA-6B, EA-18, KC-130, KC-135, KC-10, HC-130, various helicopters and Tornadoes, Nimrod, VC-10 and Jaguars as well as Stinger Teams from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Look for both HA3871 and HA3872 to take to the skies this August.

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Eaglemoss Sticks Out Its Neck With its Latest Starship


Eaglemoss’ Star Trek Excelsior Class Starship – USS Excelsior Prototype MK1 [With Collector Magazine]

We were under the impression that only ships-of-the-line and other noteworthy vessels that appeared in Star Trek films or televised series were to be included in the standard starships line and that experimental craft would make up their separate exclusives range. Apparently the lines are being blurred somewhat as Eaglemoss continues to dig ever deeper into the Star Trek universe to come up with even more out-of-this-world additions.

That said, their 152nd entrant in the series represents the USS Excelsior Prototype MK1, an Excelsior class starship in service from the late 23rd to (at least the last quarter of) the 24th century. Originally dubbed the “Great Experiment”, Excelsior was the first Starfleet ship fitted with transwarp drive (EMST0152). Though the “experiment” apparently failed, the vessel played a role in the historic Khitomer Accords and became the prototype for Excelsior-class heavy cruisers, serving the front lines of Federation exploration and defense efforts until the end of the 24th century.

Look for the Excelsior to put its neck on the line later this year.

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