Hobby Master

Should Hobby Master Re-Introduce a Past Favorite?


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

With the passing of Arizona Senator, John McCain, we’ve noticed that a lot of people have been taking a gander at Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale replica of his A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft produced way back in 2007 (HA1403). Obviously, many people would like to lay claim to this model now that this American hero has been laid to rest. The question, therefore, is should Hobby Master re-release this overnight sensation? The Company has had a longstanding tradition of refraining from re-releasing a fan favorite, largely because they believe it would have a direct impact on the original model’s value. However, we thought the time was right that they re-consider their position, and possibly offer the model in a different scale, say 1:48, so that it doesn’t step on the value of the original 1:72 scale model, thereby enabling thousands of would-be collectors a chance at paying homage to this warrior turned statesman. What say you? Should Hobby Master make a second batch of the 1:72 scale Skyhawk, consider offering it in a larger 1:48 scale, or let the subject lie so that they can get on with other more pressing replicas? 

One of the A-4E Skyhawk’s destroyed in a blaze aboard the USS Forrestal

One potential course of action, as a blogger pointed out, is to portray the A-4E Skyhawk he piloted while aboard the USS Forrestal a few months prior to his fateful mission off the Oriskany. His plane was destroyed while aboard the Forrestal in a blaze caused by a Zuni rocket inadvertently fired from an embarked F-4 Phantom. Afterwards, McCain was asked to join VA-163 “Saints”, which was undermanned and in need of experienced pilots. The rest, as they say, is history.


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Hobby Master’s Pictures at an Exhibition for September


Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” Fighter – V-173, Saburo Sakai, Tainan Air Group, Rabaul, June-July 1942

As September rolled in this past weekend, there were several items slated to arrive this month from Hobby Master that were still lacking final production pictures. Fortunately, that issue has now been remedied thanks to some hard work put in by the folks at Hobby Master Collector.

Key among the latecomers is this handsome 1:48 scale rendition of a Mitsubishi Zero flown by legendary Japanese ace, Saburo Sakai (HA8805). We did a profile on Sakai a couple of months back so we were waiting with baited breath to see how his particular model came out. Obviously, we are thrilled with the results and know this will be a highly coveted model by collectors world over.


Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-7 Tropical Fighter – Black Chevron, Gruppen-Adjutant I/Jagdgeschwader 27 “Afrika”, December 1941

Also in the hopper is the gorgeous 1:48 scale replica of a German Messerschmitt Bf-109E-7 tropical fighter (HA8704), which was pressed into service to support the Deutsches Afrika Korps during its campaign to wrest control of North Africa away from the Allies. This particular model is already sold out at the manufacturer and distributor level, so if you’re interested in obtaining one you might want to act fast before they are all gone.


Hobby 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, 1969

A number of other eagerly expected models will make up the next shipment, which should hit our receiving doors around the third week of September.

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Choppers Inbound

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment “Flying Tigers”

Looks as if we are closing out the month of August in particular and summer in general with a couple of eagerly anticipated helicopters – one from Air Force 1 and the other from Hobby Master. Shown here is Hobby Master’s first look at the AH-64 Apache helicopter (HH1201), an attack helo that has served the US Army well for over thirty years. Also inbound is a Sikorsky HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk helicopter from Air Force 1, which provided crucial casualty recovery and transport to US forces operating in South Korea back in 2007.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF General Dynamics F-111F “Aardvark” Strike Aircraft – 70-2403, 493rd Tactical Fighter Squadron “The Grim Reapers”, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England, 1991

A number of other aircraft should be arriving shortly from Hobby Master, geared towards both the 1:72 as well as the 1:48 scale markets. For instance, a pair of F-111 Aardvark fighter-bombers (HA3019 and HA3020) are earmarked for a late August fly-in, both of which are already sold out at the factory and distributor’s level.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B+ Jump Jet – BuNo 165584, VMA-311 “Tomcats”, February 2012 [Low-Vis Scheme]

Also in shorty supply is this USMC Boeing Harrier II AV-8B jump jet (HA2622), which was operated by VMA-311 “Tomcats”. As the economy heats up and a potential blanket tariff could be imposed on all incoming products from mainland China, its very possible that these and other higly sought after diecast collectibles will become increasingly harder to come by should a trade war with China show no signs of abatement.

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Product Spotlight: The Star of France?

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 Fighter – Hans-Joachim Marseille, I.Jagd/Lehrgeschwader 2, Calais-Marck, France, September 1940

Before he became forever known as “the Star of Africa”, Luftwaffe ace, Hans-Joachim Marseille, took wing against Britain’s RAF during the Battle of Britain in September 1940. Curiously, his exploits were viewed as lackluster, largely a result of poor discipline by his superiors after it was discovered he enjoyed partying into the wee hours of the morning. Therefore, at the conclusion of the British campaign, he was immediately transferred to another unit, Jagdgeschwader 27, which relocated to North Africa in April 1941 in support of Rommel’s Deutsches Afrika Korps.

Under the guidance of his new commander, Marseille quickly developed his abilities as a fighter pilot. He reached the zenith of his career on September 1st, 1942, when, during the course of three combat sorties, he claimed 17 Allied aircraft. For this he received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. A month later, Marseille was killed in a flying accident after his aircraft suffered engine failure. Forced to abandon his fighter, Marseille struck its vertical stabilizer and was either killed instantly or incapacitated and unable to open his parachute.

Messerschmitt Bf 109E-4 W,Nr.3579 ‘White 14’ is thought to have been the aircraft in which Marseille scored his first aerial victory – an RAF Spitfire.Although he was able to shoot down the British fighter, ‘White 14’ sustained damage during the dogfight – Marseille was able to nurse the fighter back to Calais-Marck airfield, where he made a successful crash landing. Initially thought to be beyond repair, the Messerschmitt was later sent back to Germany for rebuild and upgrade, before going on to serve for a further two years with a number of Luftwaffe pilots on the Eastern Front. In August 1942, the aircraft was shot down by a pair of Soviet Air Force Hurricanes, crashing on marshland in the vast, unforgiving landscape of rural Russia.

Remarkably, the wreckage of the aircraft was discovered in the early 1990s and salvaged for a US Warbird collector. Following an extensive period of restoration in the UK, this genuine combat veteran Bf 109 made its first post restoration flight in California in September 1999, in the hands of experienced Warbird pilot Charlie Brown. Finished in the famous ‘White 14’ scheme worn by the aircraft as flown by Hans Joachim Marseille during the Battle of Britain, this historic fighter is one of only two genuine Daimler-Benz powered airworthy Bf 109Es in the world. After spending many years on the North American Airshow circuit, ‘White 14’ currently resides with the aircraft collection at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar – UK enthusiasts will definitely be hoping to see this rare and historic aircraft flying in 2017.

While we have no doubt that Hobby Master will eventually recreate the aircraft he piloted during the North African campaign, collectors will unquestionably take an interest in the aircraft he first cut his teeth on (HA8706). It is therefore with great pride that we announce Marseille’s first mount will take wing this coming January, and, according to our distributor, has already sold out at the factory level. With just 400 units being produced for a worldwide market, we believe this model will not only become the pride and joy of your early war WWII collection but will almost certainly rise in value as word of the aircraft’s availability spreads.

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Hobby Master Dons Its Snow Shoes as it Announces Their January Roster

Hobby Master’s 1:72 Scale USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – VFA-101 “Grim Reapers”, CAG Bird, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, 2013 [Low-Vis Scheme]
While much of the country will no doubt be digging out from heavy snow falls this coming January, Hobby Master has the perfect way to keep you warm and toasty once you make your way back into the house. Earlier this week, the manufacturer announced what’s on tap for the beginning of the new year and, as usual, they have lots to crow about in the diescast military space.

In the air, look forward to shaking hands with their first ever F-35C Joint Strike Fighter (HA6201), which is larger than both the A and B versions and boasts stronger landing gear to deal with violent catapult launches and high-speed captured landings. Also expected are the following:

1:48 Scale German Messerschmitt Bf 109E-3 Fighter – Hans-Joachim Marseille, I.Jagd/Lehrgeschwader 2, Calais-Marck, France, September 1940 (HA8706)

1:48 Scale USAAF North American P-51D Mustang Fighter – 3rd Fighter Squadron (Commando), 3rd Fighter Group, Philippines, 1945 (HA7740)

1:72 Scale USAF Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor Air Dominance Fighter – 95th Fighter Squadron “Boneheads”, 325th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England, April 2016 [Low-Vis Scheme] (HA2819)

Hobby Master;s 1:72 Scale USAF Lockheed F-117A Stealth Fighter-Bomber – 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Detachment 1, 53rd Wing, Holloman AFB, New Mexico, 2004

1:72 Scale) USAF Lockheed F-117A Stealth Fighter-Bomber – 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Detachment 1, 53rd Wing, Holloman AFB, New Mexico, 2004 (HA5804)

1:72 Scale US Navy Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet Strike Fighter – 166957, VX-9 “Vampires”, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, 2018 (HA5109)

Hobby Master’s 1:72 Scale German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover – Winter Camouflage

1:72 Scale) German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover – Summer Camouflage (HG5004)

1:72 Scale German Sd. Kfz. 7 8-Ton Personnel Carrier / Prime Mover – Winter Camouflage (HG5006)

 

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Product Spotlight: “The Aleutian Zero”

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale Captured US Army Air Corps Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero Fighter – Tadayoshi Koga’s “Akutan Zero”, September 1942

“These flights covered performance tests such as we do on planes undergoing Navy tests. The very first flight exposed weaknesses of the Zero which our pilots could exploit with proper tactics … immediately apparent was the fact that the ailerons froze up at speeds above 200 knots so that rolling maneuvers at those speeds were slow and required much force on the control stick. It rolled to the left much easier than to the right. Also, its engine cut out under negative acceleration due to its float-type carburetor. We now had the answer for our pilots who were being outmaneuvered and unable to escape a pursuing Zero: Go into a vertical power dive, using negative acceleration if possible to open the range while the Zero’s engine was stopped by the acceleration. At about 200 knots, roll hard right before the Zero pilot could get his sights lined up.”

– Lieutenant Commander Eddie R. Sanders, test pilot for the captured Zero, in his classified report after undergoing flight testing, September-October 1942

In a previous installment of Product Spotlight, we pointed out the obvious disadvantages the Grumman F4F Wildcat possessed against the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero. While tactics were worked out in the short haul to deal with the Zero, it wasn’t until the US actually laid claim to a crash landed Zero that it could move forward and build an aircraft capable of defeating the Zero in a typical one-on-one engagement.

The Akutan Zero, also known as Koga’s Zero and the Aleutian Zero, was a type 0 model 21 Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter aircraft that crash-landed on Akutan Island, Alaska Territory, during World War II. It was found intact by the Americans in July 1942 and became the first flyable Zero acquired by the United States during the war. It was repaired and flown by American test pilots. As a result of information gained from these tests, American tacticians were able to devise ways to defeat the Zero, which was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s primary fighter plane throughout the war.

The Akutan Zero has been described as “a prize almost beyond value to the United States”, and “probably one of the greatest prizes of the Pacific War”. Japanese historian Masatake Okumiya stated that the acquisition of the Akutan Zero “was no less serious” than the Japanese defeat at the Battle of Midway, and that it “did much to hasten Japan’s final defeat”. On the other hand, John Lundstrom is among those who challenge “the contention that it took dissection of Koga’s Zero to create tactics that beat the fabled airplane”.

The Akutan Zero was destroyed in a training accident in 1945. Parts of it are preserved in several museums in the United States.

Hobby Master’s rendition of the Aleutian Zero (HA8804) is expected to take wing in August.

 

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Hobby Master’s Ship-to-Shore Bombardment

Hobby Master’s 1:700 scale US Navy Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser – USS Ticonderoga (CG-47)

Hobby Master’s July cache of new products may be one of the most significant in months, containing a number of eagerly awaited items that depict everything from warships to helicopters. The Company’s first-ever warship is slated to come ashore, a 1:700 scale replica of the USS Ticonderoga (HSP1001).

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Army Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow Attack Helicopter – 8th Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment “Flying Tigers”

At treetop level, expect to see their inaugural look at the venerable AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, a piece of hardware that has stood the Army well for the past several decades (HH1201).

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US M35 2-1/2-Ton Cargo Truck with M60 Machine Gun (1:72 Scale)

On the ground, new versions of the M35 cargo truck are expected. And lest we forget their aerial contingent, which includes a new look at the F-117 stealth fighter (HA5803), several multi-national F-15 Eagles, and a flock of other notable warbirds.

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed F-117A Stealth Fighter-Bomber – 88-0842, 8th Fighter Squadron “The Black Sheep”, Holloman AFB, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003

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Product Spotlight: “The Thach Weave”


Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale USN Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat Fighter – Lt. Commander John Thach, “White 23”, VF-3, USS Yorktown (CV-5), June 4th-6th, 1942

One of the most important tactical developments arising from the early stages of the war in the Pacific was known as the Thach Weave. Created and tested by Lt. Commander John Thach, who served aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-5) as a member of VF-3, Thach was determined to come up with a solution to a problem daunting Navy pilots. Flying a Grumman F4F Wildcat, Thach and his fellow airmen were well aware of the issues the Wildcat faced against the Japanese Zero, which could out turn and out climb the Wildcat, thereby putting the Wildcat at a serious disadvantage in air-to-air combat. Thach examined the problem and eventually came up with a tactical solution that gave the War Department and US Navy time until it could field more versatile aircraft better suited at dealing with the Zero.

The Thach Weave (also known as a Beam Defense Position) is an aerial combat tactic developed by naval aviator John S. Thach and named by James H. Flatley of the United States Navy soon after the United States’ entry into World War II.

It is a tactical formation maneuver in which two or more allied planes would weave in regularly intersecting flight paths to lure an enemy into focusing on one plane, while the targeted pilot’s wingman would come into position to attack the pursuer.

Thach had heard, from a report published in the September 22nd, 1941m Fleet Air Tactical Unit Intelligence Bulletin, of the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero’s extraordinary maneuverability and climb rate. Before even experiencing it for himself, he began to devise tactics meant to give the slower-turning American Grumman F4F Wildcat fighters a chance in combat. While based in San Diego, he would spend every evening thinking of different tactics that could overcome the Zero’s maneuverability, and would then test them in flight the following day.

Working at night with matchsticks on the table, he eventually came up with what he called “Beam Defense Position”, but which soon became known as the “Thach Weave”. It was executed either by two fighter aircraft side-by-side or by two pairs of fighters flying together. When an enemy aircraft chose one fighter as his target (the “bait” fighter; his wingman being the “hook”), the two wingmen turned in towards each other. After crossing paths, and once their separation was great enough, they would then repeat the exercise, again turning in towards each other, bringing the enemy plane into the hook’s sights. A correctly executed Thach Weave (assuming the bait was taken and followed) left little chance of escape to even the most maneuverable opponent.

Thach called on Ensign Edward “Butch” O’Hare, who led the second section in Thach’s division, to test the idea. Thach took off with three other Wildcats in the role of defenders, O’Hare meanwhile led four Wildcats in the role of attackers. The defending aircraft had their throttles wired (to restrict their performance), while the attacking aircraft had their engine power unrestricted – this simulated an attack by superior fighter aircraft.

Trying a series of mock attacks, O’Hare found that in every instance Thach’s fighters, despite their power handicap, had either ruined his attack or actually maneuvered into position to shoot back. After landing, O’Hare excitedly congratulated Thach: “Skipper, it really worked. I couldn’t make any attack without seeing the nose of one of your airplanes pointed at me.”

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale take on Thach’s F4F Wildcat (HA8902) is expected to deal with the Japanese nemesis this October.

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Hobby Master Underscores Why its the Master

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale USN Lockheed-Martin F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter – VFA-101 “Grim Reapers”, CAG Bird, 2013

Looking to build out a number of categories, add significant line extensions and provide imagery for many of its upcoming projects, Hobby Master showed off a wide array of new items due out later this year. Of note is their first ever F-35C variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (HA6201), which is a bit larger than either the A or B models and features reinforced landing gear aimed at withstanding the rigors of catapult launches and short-landing recoveries. On the ground, several new 1:72 scale military vehicles are being added to the roster, including a pair of late model Centurion tanks and a British Achilles tank destroyer wearing a flocked winter camouflage scheme (HG3422).

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale British Achilles IIC Tank Destroyer – 75th Anti-tank Regiment, Royal Artillery, 11th Armoured Division, Belgium, Winter 1944-45 (1:72 Scale)

Many of the new products are earmarked for an October release, as well as several additions slated for a January fly-in.

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Hobby Master’s Den of Thieves for June

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale Soviet Sukhoi Su-25 “Frogfoot” Ground Attack Aircraft – “Red 59”, 378. OShAP, VVS, 40th Army, Bagram AB, Afghanistan, 1986

Every so often we call attention to the monthly roster of Hobby Master products rolling in through our doors. June seems to be a particularly noteworthy month, since it contains a wealth of important subjects spread out across a number of scales, categories, and eras. Perhaps the most significant release is their first ever Suhkoi Su-25 “Frogfoot” ground attack aircraft (HA6103), the Soviet’s equivalent to our A-10 Thunderbolt II. Their first foray in the world of the Frogfoot is certainly memorable, bearing the Soviet’s trademark red star on its tail and representing a warbird that served in Afghanistan throughout the 1980s.

Hobby Master’s 1:48 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” Fighter – Tetsunzo Iwamoto, 201st Naval Flying Group, Rabaul, November 1943

Also in the hopper is Japanese ace Tetsunzo Iwamoto‘s Mitsubishi Zero, a 1:48 scale IJN fighter that was based at the Japanese fortress of Rabaul (HA8803). Other notable aircraft include a 1:48 scale Corsair from VMF-214 “Black Sheep” (HA8218), a huge 1:32 scale Dauntless dive-bomber (HA0209) and a pair of Soviet ISU-152 self-propelled guns (HG7053 and HG7054). Indeed, the June shipment should be of interest to a wide swath of collectors, cutting across the entire spectrum of diecast military products. Enjoy!

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