Legion

J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!

Legion’s 1:72 scale German Messerschmitt Me 262A “Sturmvogel” Jet Fighter – Adolf Galland, “White 3”, Jagdverband 44, Munich-Riem, Germany, 1945

Coming from New York, I’m very familiar with the rallying cry of the AFC football team, the New York Jets. Perennial losers as compared with several stalwarts, its nevertheless important to cheer on the home team even when they have problems putting points on the board.

That said, I thought it appropriate that the latest 1:72 scale aircraft introduction from Legion might get the same warm welcome even if they’re in a class all by themselves. According to the manufacturer five Messerschmitt Me 262 Stormbirds are on the horizon, each distinctively painted, handsomely produced and attractively priced.

There’s something unmistakably sexy about the Me-262, both as an interceptor and fighter-bomber. Its sleek lines, resemblance to the shark — the apex predator of the seas — and its effect on the prosecution of the air war over Europe earned it a reputation as one of the most important warbirds ever to arise from the Second World War, even if its combat history was short-lived.

The gaggle is expected some time in early 2027, so there’s plenty of time to ogle the batch and get in your pre-orders with time to spare.

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Legion “Ups” Its Game with the SH-3 Sea King

US Navy Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King Helicopter – HS-1 “Seahorses”, USS Hancock (CV-19) (1:72 Scale)

We’ve learned that Legion Models plans on tackling the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King as the basis for its next helicopter subject. Its been reported that six different models will be offered although thus far only information pertaining to three models have been unearthed. While the three may look similar in appearance, each is based upon a different helicopter squadron and naturally a different seaborne platform upon which they operated.

US Navy Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King Helicopter – HS-4 “Black Knights”, USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) (1:72 Scale)

Near as we can tell, all three shown here are expected in early 2026 and its quite possible the remaining three will face a delayed takeoff thereby hitting the streets mid year. We will certainly post information about the second trio of SH-3s as soon as we learn of their existence.

US Navy Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King Helicopter – HS-12 “Wyverns”, USS Midway (CV-41) (1:72 Scale)

We’ve listed all three helos in our Legion rotorcraft section and are now accepting pre-orders.

Update: We’ve learned that LEG14055LE will be available in extremely limited numbers, although no reason was given for its shortfall in availability. Its doubtful that we will list it on any of our marketplace sites and it will probably sell out prior to its arrival once word spreads regarding its availability. So, if you want one, we advise submitting a pre-order ASAP.

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Legion Builds Out Their Aerial Armada

As promised several months ago, Legion Diecast debuted four new warbirds as part of their budget-friendly1:72 scale aviation portfolio. Three of the newest models are based upon the legendary Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb fighter while the fourth replicates a Mk. IIa mount that was attached to the RAF’s Air Fighting Development Unit.

Since Legion is located in China, its not clear when these models will actually make it to our shores largely due to the tariff feud currently underway between the PRC and the Trump Administration. For now we have them listed as a late 2025 arrival but this could change should the trade dispute make it too expensive to bring in these models.

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Legion Pays Tribute to the Flying Tigers

Earlier today we learned that Legion will be offering their take on the P-40 Warhawk fighter. Built by Curtiss, the P-40 was employed in China during the early stages of the country’s war with Japan, taking on the cream of the Japanese Air Forces with slower, less nimble and some would say outdated aircraft. Operated by US pilots looking to both help out China and earn some cash in the process, the American Volunteer Group, as it came be known, performed well in combat despite flying against more capable Japanese aircraft that were flown by skilled Japanese pilots. Later, when the US became embroiled in World War II, many of these very same pilots were called upon by the Department of War to leave the Flying Tigers, head home and serve with the fledgling United States Army Air Corps who badly needed veteran pilots of their own.

Modeled in 1:72 scale, four aircraft will make the cut, all bearing the distinctive shark mouth nose insignia that became the hallmark of the Flying Tigers. Currently, the P-40s are slated to roll out this September, however, with the tariff war still looming, its entirely possible they could be delayed.

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Legion Clamors into the Cockpit of the Mustang

Looking to add more allied fighters to its growing aircraft inventory, Legion announced that they will soon be releasing no less than five different North American P-51B Mustang fighters. Expected later this summer, all five of the models are based upon celebrated aces, running the gamut from Don Gentile to James Howard.

Each model features optional position landing gear, a spinning propeller, historically accurate markings and insignia and a display stand. The quintet of new aircraft have been listed on our website and we are now accepting pre-orders.

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Panzerkampf Starts to Pour In

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian Pantsir S1 Self-Propelled Air Defense System – Russo-Ukrainian War 2022

Its been awhile since we took delivery of any new Panzerkampf items but it looks as if February is going to be a bumper crop as far as new armor is concerned. Several eagerly awaited products are headed our way including this Pantsir S-1 air defense system, which regularly shows up on CNN and other news sites covering the war in Ukraine. While six versions of the Pantsir are planned, thus far the manufacturer has only shown pictures of this model, which prominently features the letter “Z” on its sides.

Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the letter “Z” was seen painted on tanks as well as other military vehicles massing near the border. With both countries using similar tanks and trucks, it was originally thought this was meant to distinguish different units to prevent friendly fire and assist with mobilization.

Some speculate that the “Z” could stand for “zapad,” which means west in Russian. Some have snidely suggested that the symbol stands for other words such as “zhopa,” meaning ass in a reference to stiff Ukrainian resistance. The letter does not appear in the Cyrillic alphabet used by both Russia and Ukraine. Since mid-March 2022, the “Z” began to be used by the Russian government as a pro-war propaganda motif, and has been appropriated by pro-Putin civilians as a symbol of support for Russia’s invasion.

Also rolling in are four different M1083 multi-wheeled cargo trucks – two with machine guns mounted up top and clad in an armored protective shield surrounding the vehicle’s cab.

In other news, Legion, which is Panzerkampf’s budget-minded line of military replicas, is scheduled to make its first showing in March. The range includes a pair of aircraft carriers, four different F4U Corsairs and a wide array of 1:72 scale military vehicles spanning everything from GMC 2-1/2 ton trucks to Hetzer tank destroyers. While their packaging is a bit spartan as compared with their higher-priced brethren, the Legion vehicles make up in quality what they lack in sexy packaging. As a result, many of the vehicles cost about half as much as a Panzerkampf product, making them ideal entry level replicas for younger collectors or avid military buffs gathering their arsenal on a tight budget.

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