Where For Art Thou Dragon Armor?

Dragon Models recently updated their web site and it now appears as if several 1:72 scale Dragon Armor pieces — that had been pushed back for several months running — are no longer any where to be found. It’s not clear if they have been cancelled, postponed or delayed due to poor sales performance of several previous Dragon Armor releases, but the fact remains that it certainly doesn’t bode well for the category in general or the items in particular.

The pieces in question include:

DRR60697 – German Sd. Kfz. 161 PzKpfw IV Ausf. F2 (G) Medium Tank – 13.Panzer Division, Northern Caucasus, Russia, 1942 (1:72 Scale)

DRR60698 – German Sd. Kfz. 161 PzKpfw IV Ausf. F2 (G) Medium Tank – Unidentified Unit, Eastern Front, 1943 (1:72 Scale)

DRR60399 – German Sd. Kfz. 182 PzKpfw VI King Tiger Ausf. B Heavy Tank – “313”, schwere Panzer Abteilung 501, Ardennes, 1944 (1:72 Scale)

DRR60400 – German Sd. Kfz. 182 PzKpfw VI King Tiger Ausf. B Heavy Tank – schwere Panzer Abteilung 509, Hungary, 1945 (1:72 Scale)

We asked Dragon about their removal from their sites several days ago and thus far have not gotten a definitive response. So, we will leave them up on our web site for a few more days until we receive a final answer. If history serves as any indication, then Dragon has posted a number of Dragon Armor pieces in the past that never came to fruition.

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Films in Focus: Top Gun 2 Gets Topped Off

Val Kilmer is back as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, Pete Mitchell’s chief competitor at the Top Gun academy. Still dangerous after all these years.

According to the Aviation Geek Club, Val Kilmer has signed on to lend his talents to Top Gun 2, thereby reprising his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise. Like Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Iceman will likely portray a fellow naval instructor at the Top Gun academy. The site also claims that Kenny Loggins will re-record Highway to the Danger Zone, the song that helped catapult the film into cinematic stardom. Presently, its not clear if any of the other former actors and actresses that appeared in the original film will be asked to rejoin the cast should the script permit and who will be added to the role call to portray a new class of naval aviators.

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Job Posting: We’re Looking for a Lumberjack

As far as new product goes, there seems to be a logjam of sorts, delaying the arrival of a number of important lines and products well past their initial due dates. While Hobby Master has hit the mark time and time again, other manufacturers have seemingly succumbed to a June Swoon, continually getting pushed back on the release schedule month after month. We’re still awaiting word on when the following manufacturers are expected to get their product to market:

Modelcollect

PMA

JC Wings

Eaglemoss 

Walterson’s Force of Valor

Wings of the Great War

Corgi

Solido

Dragon

Come on guys, time to make the donuts and get your product in the pipeline in a timely fashion…

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Modelcollect Continues to Put its Best Foot Forwards

A US M26 Pershing tank turret set atop a quadraped chassis

Never one to shy away from a challenging project which some are saying has led to long-promised projects being left on the back burner, ModelCollect seems to be devoting more and more of its energy and resources into its sci-fi series, Fist of War.

Say hello to Helblar and Kaiserkafer, two 1:35 scale fighting mechs that seem to draw inspiration from the Battletech Universe

In fact, the Company announced recently that they plan to dabble in the 1:35 scale market, meaning some of the monstrosities they are dreaming up are going to be rather large and some what incredible when everything is said and done. Its not clear if the 1:35 scale projects will be offered as pre-assembled models given their size and no doubt higher price tag, so the jury is out for now to determine their fit within our product portfolio. Still, its always nice to think outside the box and applaud their efforts at taking things to new heights, depths and fields of battle.

And lest we forget Wotan, an ungainly 1:72 scale six-legged warrior ready to do the Nazi’s bidding, whatever that might be
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Tales of Transparency – The Importance of Getting it Right

We’re sticklers for getting things right. While we’re the first to admit that some times we goof up from a historical stand point, we also make every effort to get the facts correct as best as we see them, going so far as to research each model from every conceivable angle.

Recently, we noticed that Hobby Master announced two new F-16 Fighting Falcons, both done up in an Iraqi livery (HA3863 and HA3864). Although we knew that the Iraqi Air Force never flew the F-16 prior to the Coalition-led 2003 invasion (Operation Iraqi Freedom), we initially didn’t put two and two together and listed them with the incorrect air force roundel and without fore knowledge as to which unit they are attached to or where they are based. What troubled us most was that, over the years, the Iraqi Air Force has employed a number of different roundels on their aircraft, making it rather confusing to showcase them in the proper light.

The Iraqi Air Force roundel employed from 1931 to 2004

Since the 2003 invasion, for example, the IAF has been using a completely different rounded to denote its aircraft, circular like most other air forces, a red semi-circle on top and black on the bottom. There are three green stars strung out across the center of the roundel with an Arabic inscription interspersed between them.

The Iraqis, looking to distance themselves from the Hussein regime, adopted a new air force roundel in 2004 which continues to be used to this day

Anyway, we think we got it right now, but just wanted to point out that sometimes we go to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of each listing, even if the average layperson may not care about minutia like this or wonder if we’re suffering from an advanced case of OCD.

 

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Calibre Wings Shows Off More in the way of Suhkoi

Some manufacturers we don’t hear from for months on end while others seem loathe to dropping the mic anytime soon. Such is the case with Calibre Wings, who today posted pictures of yet another Suhkoi aircraft – the Su-17 “Fitter” fighter-bomber. The Su-17 is an ideal aircraft for model makers, one that can be modified, upgraded and retrofitted into both the Su-20 and Su-22. Since it was exported to seven countries around the world — from the Eastern bloc nations to a handful of Middle Eastern states — a wide array of liveries are also possible, some a bit more eclectic than others..A Yemeni Su-22, for example, may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list.

As a Cold War aircraft, the variable-wing Su-17 entered service way back in 1970 and, because of its endurance and numerous revisions, saw yeoman service in the near decade long war between Iran and Iraq, as well as the Russian incursion into Afghanistan. No fewer than 14 different Su-17 variants were fielded, from trainers to dedicated attack aircraft. While CAD drawings are making their way around the publicity circuit, its likely the first Su-17 won’t see service with the Calibre Wings’ air force until early 2019.

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When Rockets Ruled

Doodlebug Anyone? Modelcollect’s latest rocket has been updated to give it a late war motif.

We are getting closer to the release of Modelcollect’s second look at the V-1 rocket and now we have some close-up images to prove it. This go round, the ramp has been painted in a camouflage pattern, and the V-1 rocket itself now boasts an updated nose cone (AS72105), which resembles an early war Messerschmitt Bf-109. Their first issue V-1 is expected to return to stock as well (AS72068), although our distributor has indicated that this will be its final production run in order to give the newest version its proper due in the limelight.

Not to be out done, PMA’s fourth and perhaps final take on the German V-2 rocket is clad in a Gezackt or “ragged” camouflage pattern

In other news, Precision Model Art is expected to release the fourth take on their V-2 rocket. Their latest iteration has been broad brushed in a Gezackt (ragged) camouflage pattern, indicative of a late war operational scheme (P0323). Its entirely possible that they could be getting set to make even larger and more powerful rockets in the near future, given the success of the series to date. 

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Anatomy of War: All You Need to Know About the Design and Construction of Submarines

Every so often, we open up our forum to other interested parties, thereby providing collectors, historians and digital tacticians the opportunity to step up on our soap box to voice their opinion on matters of great importance. Recently, we were contacted by Casey Heigl, a well-informed maritime authority, who wanted to share his thoughts on the silent service. What follows are his ruminations on the design and construction of a submarine.

The manufacturing of a submarine is a highly complex endeavor, utilizing both automated and manual processes. In fact, submarines are among the most labor-intensive machines ever built. From the design phase until the time it’s put into service, submarine construction can take up to twenty years, depending on the size of the labor force and the capabilities of the shipyard or yards in charge of building them.

Typically, however, the time between a new submarine model’s initial design work, to laying the keel, to commissioning for actual use is closer to 13 years. Submarines with an already existing class would take much less time to build.

Submarines are known for doing most of their travel under the water’s surface, but they can also travel on the surface like a boat. Before the invention of nuclear submarines, diesel engines were used for travel on the surface and electric motors powered by batteries were used for propelling the vessel below the water’s surface.

Electric batteries have a limited lifetime, though, so even the most advanced early submarines could only travel for a few days underwater and at very limited speed. At full speed, their batteries would be exhausted within hours. Nuclear powered submarines, however, allow the vessels to stay underwater and travel at fast speeds for several months.

Quality Assurance

Before construction even begins, the materials used to build various submarine components are closely inspected for any potential structural flaws. When a new design for a nuclear submarine is initiated, a scale model is built so that it’s easier to identify any apparent flaws and make any necessary improvements. Scale drawings are made, and then expanded into larger paper patterns to allow small details to be examined closely.

When the steel plates that are used to form the hull are cut and rolled, they’re closely inspected to ensure all dimensions are accurate to within a sixteenth of an inch. Smaller parts often need to be even more accurate—sometimes to within even one ten-thousandth of an inch or less. When completed, pipes around the submarine are filled with helium and inspected to check for leaks. Every instrument on board is thoroughly tested and examined to ensure it is in proper working condition.

Materials Used in Submarine Construction

The primary material used for building a submarine is steel. The inner and outer hulls, as well as the inner workings of the vessel, all use steel. Ballast tanks are located between the inner and outer hulls, which take in and expel water to make the submarine sink and rise.

In addition to steel, various other metals, including aluminum, brass, and copper, are used on other parts of the vessel. Non-metals, including glass and plastic, are used in the manufacturing of thousands of other components. The onboard electronic equipment is comprised of semiconductors like germanium and silicon. Cyanoacrylate glue and other adhesives are also implemented to secure various materials found onboard.

The Manufacturing of the Hull

Scaffolding is erected during the manufacturing process so that accessibility remains unencumbered. Thick steel plates are received from steel manufacturers and are cut to the proper size using acetylene torches. The cut plates are then inserted between gigantic metal rollers that are set up with one roller resting on two others, which creates a huge amount of pressure. As the steel plates move between the rollers, they’re bent into a curved shape.

The curved steel plates are then placed on a wooden template outlining the hull’s shape. The plates are then welded together to form an individual section of the hull. The completed section is hoisted by a crane and moved next to its adjoining section. The two completed sections are then welded together. This process continues several times, eventually creating an inner and outer hull.

Steel ribs separate the two hulls and allow space for ballast tanks that control the submarine’s depth. The outer hull extends only as far as the sides and bottom of the inner hull. This allows the vessel to remain upright.

More steel plates are welded into the inner hull to divide the submarine into watertight compartments. Steel bulkheads and decks are then welded into place. Exterior welding seams are eventually polished to make them smooth for painting and provide a streamlined surface that reduces friction during travel.

Completing the Exterior

External components, including propellers and rudders, are manufactured using a variety of metalworking techniques. One integral method used in the creation of several metal components is known as sand casting. Sand casting involves making a plastic or wooden model of the individual part being built.

The model of the part is then surrounded by sand, which is tightly packed in a mold. The two halves of the mold are then separated, and the model is removed. The shape of the part being created remains in the hardened sand as a cavity. Finally, liquid metal is poured into the cavity which, when cooled, results in the completed desired part.

Scaffolding around the hull allows workers to reach any part of it. External components are welded to the hull. Certain components, however, such as sonar equipment, are covered in smooth sheets of steel when they are attached to the hull, so there’s a reduction of friction during travel.

Completing the Interior

Larger equipment is generally placed into the inner hull while it is in the process of being built. Smaller equipment, however, is only brought into the inner hull after completion. The submarine is usually launched before a great deal of the interior equipment is even installed.

Following the launching ceremony, the vessel is towed into a special dock called a fitting-out dock, where additional work on the interior structures continues. Important components, such as engines, periscopes, snorkels, and electronic equipment are then installed. Equipment designed for the comforts of the crew, such as air conditioning, refrigerators, electric cooking stoves, and washing machines are also fitted at this time.

On nuclear submarines, the nuclear reactor begins operating at this time, and the submarine begins its sea trials. The crew is trained, weapons are tested and launched, and the submarine is commissioned in an official ceremony which alters its designation. The submarine is then given a shakedown cruise before it is entered into active service. Tests to the maneuverability and speed of the submarine are meant to indicate how the submarine would operate in simulated wartime conditions.

Looking to the Future

Submarines are expected to hold their place as a crucial component of Navy defense systems for years to come. Newer designs could showcase new ways of improving the depth and speed capabilities of submarines. Future research will likely lead to a submarine’s increased ability to detect enemy ships while maintaining its own ability to remain undetected.

 

Image Links

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/submarine-against-evening-sky-321701372?src=YRERpOD70OcdSzyg_TUQ8g-1-0

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/aerial-topdown-photo-submarine-empty-dry-726270649?src=HaxFdbY8Y0dtuMAEAW-ANA-1-3

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/control-devices-immersion-surfacing-handlebars-diesel-159169682?src=HaxFdbY8Y0dtuMAEAW-ANA-1-1

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The Third Times the Charm for Hobby Master’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

The F-35C can carry ordnance both internally and externally, thereby enabling it to take on a wide variety of missions

Even though no model has been officially announced, it appears as if Hobby Master will soon be rolling out the third and perhaps most important version of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Larger than either the A or B variants, the C version of the JSF (CV) is flown by the US Navy and features larger wings, a wider splayed tail assembly, more robust landing gear for catapult launches and fly-in arrestments, greater payload and fuel capacity and other things under the hood. With their October product schedule already in the public’s hands, its likely that the first C replica will come out just before the holidays.

Lockheed Martin has this to say about the F-35C (CV) variant. “Aircraft carriers remain at the forefront of U.S. military power, and the backbone of any carrier strike group is the aircraft it brings to the fight. The 5th Generation F-35C Lightning II is the only fighter that can respond to tomorrow’s threats and preserve the U.S. Navy’s maritime supremacy. Our naval aviators deserve nothing less than the most advanced capabilities to ensure they are able to perform their missions and return home safely.

More than 50 years of aircraft carrier-based fighter evolution culminates in the F-35C. Never before has low observable stealth been available at sea. The F-35C carrier variant (CV) is the world’s only 5th Generation, long-range stealth strike fighter designed and built explicitly for carrier operations.The U.S. Navy is the largest customer receiving F-35Cs, with the U.S. Marine Corps also planning to acquire the C variant in addition to the F-35B. 

The F-35C combines this unique capability of operating from a carrier deck with the unmatched 5th Generation capabilities of stealth, fused sensors and reliability, making the F-35C the Navy’s future first-day-of-the-war strike fighter.

The Navy and Marines require an aircraft capable of overcoming a variety of threats — surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles and tactical aircraft. By leveraging this potent combination of stealth, advanced jamming and threat system destruction, the F-35C enhances survivability and increases mission success rates.

The F-35C variant has larger wings and more robust landing gear than the other variants, making it suitable for catapult launches and fly-in arrestments aboard naval aircraft carriers. Its wingtips also fold to allow for more room on the carrier’s deck while deployed.

The tail wings are splayed farther apart on the C version to accommodate the larger wing. Larger wings enable it to carry more fuel giving it greater range than either the A or B version

The F-35C also has the greatest internal fuel capacity of the three F-35 variants. The F-35C carries nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel for longer range and better persistence than any other fighter in a combat configuration. And, like the F-35B, the F-35C uses probe and drogue refueling. This allows the Navy to operate its carriers a safe distance from the threat while its fighters reach remote targets.”

Recognizing the importance of differentiating between each type of F-35 and their effects on each service branch, we have decided to further separate the Hobby Master F-35 section into three distinct sub categories. We have also learned that the Hobby Master rendition of the F-35 variant will not feature folding wing tips to make it more compact on an aircraft carrier. No reason was given for the design omission and its entirely possible the manufacturer could reverse this decision.

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Calibre Wings Increases Its Soviet Stars Series by One More Star

A battle for the hearts and minds of collectors is expected this autumn, as two modelmakers unleash their take on the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft

Looking to give Hobby Master a run for the money in the world of modern-era combat aircraft, Calibre Wings showed off a rough prototype of its next 1:72 scale project — a Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft. Debuted on their Facebook page, the Frogfoot, as NATO calls it, is one of those aircraft that can be displayed in a number of different configurations and liveries, none of which steps on the other in terms of sales potential. And, if you’re like me, enjoy aircraft with loads of ordnance and hardpoints to affix them to, then the Frogfoot scratches an itch and then some, thanks to a near infinite supply of different forms of weaponry.

Its not clear when the Frogfoot is expected or which aircraft will likely be replicated first, although we’re confident they’ll show up after Calibre Wings’ Su-24 Fencers have churned up the battlefield some time this summer.

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