When Panzerkampf shows off a new model, they tend to do it in a big way. Yesterday, we learned that they have not one but six different versions of their upcoming Dassault Mirage III interceptor in the hopper, all lovingly festooned in accurate markings and insignia. Currently we are awaiting pricing and release information to flesh them out so we’ll refrain from opening them up for pre-order on our web site. With Toy Fair right around the corner, it shouldn’t be too long before we obtain their background information and pricing so that we can begin accepting pre-orders.
Its a fair bet that few people saw this one coming. While they’ve built a great reputation for modeling several of the world’s current crop of military vehicles, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle is one of those subjects that was likely shunted to the back burner until Panzerkampf could tackle some other more pressing projects.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), known and marketed under Oshkosh development as the L-ATV (Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle), is a light utility/combat multi-role vehicle. The Oshkosh-developed JLTV was selected for acquisition under the US military’s Army-led Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program. In the very early stages of the program it was suggested that JLTV would replace the AM General High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) on a one-for-one basis. It is now suggested that the JLTV will partially replace the HMMWV.
The L-ATV was designed to deliver a level of protection comparable to that of heavier and less maneuverable Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) class designs, these having more protection from blast than up-armored HMMWVs which they were delivered to replace on deployed operations.
Recently, Panzerkampf decided to show off imagery of their prototype JLTV, bereft of any markings or camouflage schemes. Better images showing more complete insignia will almost certainly come in the weeks to come. Its not clear when these vehicles will be turned out for sale of their purchase price. So, hang in there a bit more as we await word on further product information.
When we heard that Panzerkampf had sold through its initial batch of MiG’s we couldn’t believe our ears. Surely a product as successful as the “Farmer-C” was going to be followed up by a new batch of product or, at the very least, even more models that would dazzle the hobby and satisfy the retail trade.
Well, it looks as if our prayers have been answered. According to our distributor, three new models are on the horizon, all expected to hit the streets some time in March. Bear in mind, the upcoming MiG-19PM, better known by the NATO reporting name of “Farmer-E” is a bit different than the original MiG-19S or “Farmer-C” in a very important way. The PM variant had its cannons removed entirely, a bit of a bummer if you like close-in dogfighting, which was typified by air-to-air combat in the Korean conflict. The PM is, however, armed with four Kaliningrad K-5M (NATO: AA-1 “Alkali”)beam-riding missiles, one of the earliest attempts at taking down adversarial aircraft by other means than the traditional gun or cannon.
Beam-riding, also known as Line-Of-Sight Beam Riding (LOSBR), beam guidance or radar beam riding is a technique of directing a missile to its target by means of radar or a laser beam. The name refers to the way the missile flies down the guidance beam, which is aimed at the target. It is one of the simplest guidance systems and was widely used on early missile systems, however it had a number of disadvantages for long-range targeting and is now found typically only in short-range roles. This version of the MiG-19 entered production in 1957.
Look for all three versions to beam in this March.
In our 25 years or so of doing business online, I’ve seen some strange things but I think this one takes the cake. Earlier today Panzerkampf announced that they were planning to bring back their highly successful MH-53 Sea Dragon medium lift helicopter. Priced at just $99.99 a copy, that’s a pretty good bargain considering its track record, size and overall quality. The catch? Well, for some odd reason they plan to offer a squadron’s worth of alternatives to choose from. In the case of their dark blue chopper from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 “Blackhawks”, five different versions will take to the diecast skies this January. Their light blue helo from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 4 “Black Stallions” will see five versions as well and five birds will put in an appearance with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Sixteen “Vanguard”. That’s fifteen helos in total, in case you weren’t counting, all expected at the same time.
Why the manufacturer feels the need to make so many different versions is anyone’s guess. Granted, only 100 pieces of each version are being made for an international audience, so they will likely go fast, at least at the wholesale level. At the retail level, that’s a completely different matter. These are big burly choppers that take up a lot of room even for a relatively larger diecast seller that can sell them across a fairly wide number of e-commerce platforms. Whether or not this will become a pattern for Panzerkampf remains to be seen. I, for one, don’t think its a great idea but what do I know. Enjoy!
We’re going to handle the sale of these helicopters a bit differently than in the past. As we run out of a particular model, we will automatically fill each order with a helicopter from the same squadron but with a different identification number. In the case of the “Blackhawks”, if we run out of “White 05”, for example, then we will fill the order with a helicopter from the same squadron but with a different identification number. We will NOT be re-ordering these models after we have exhausted our stock of a particular model. Frankly, they take up a lot of room and tie up a lot of inventory dollars plus we have no way of knowing if Panzerkampf will be applying this strategy to future releases. Please be mindful of this process if you have your heart set on a particular model and supplies at our end start to dwindle.
Hot on the heels of their 1:35 sale military vehicle announcement comes news that Panzerkampf plans on adding the CH-53 Sea Stallion to their rapidly expanding airborne arsenal. Previously, the Company had released three different versions of the MH-53 Sea Dragon heavy lift helicopter, all of which have long since sold out at the manufacturer’s level. The Company has responded by now offering four different versions of the Sea Stallion, a bulwark of US naval and Marine Corps aviation since the 1960s.
Thus far, its not clear which units will be represented, since none of the helos have had their unit markings and insignia applied. The Company has stated that they will likely go on sale towards the end of the year, meaning they should hit streets in early 2025. Like their MH-53 cousins, the CH-53s are big and beefy, large by anyone’s standards, and composed of both metal and plastic. So, its entirely possible these will be priced in the mid $100 range, thereby overtaking both the recently released Mi-24 Hinds and MH-60 Black Hawks that took the hobby by storm earlier this year.
The CH-53 Sea Stallion (Sikorsky S-65) is an American family of heavy-lift transport helicopters designed and built by the American manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft. The Sea Stallion was originally developed in response to a request from the United States Navy’s Bureau of Naval Weapons made in March 1962 for a replacement for the Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave helicopters flown by the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
We apologize for the quality of the accompanying images. Better pictures will likely become available as we near the product’s intended release date.
We’ve got terrific news for all you tread heads. Earlier today, Panzerkampf indicated they were getting into the larger scale end of the military vehicle business by offering its first ever 1:35 scale tank. Photos were posted for two mid production Tiger I tanks, although its not clear which units they represent since both were bereft of any unit insignia and markings. According to the Facebook post, the Company is still working on their overall game plan, which includes pricing and dates of release. What is known is that the vehicles will be made of plastic not metal and we’re not certain if the tracks will move or remain static. The manufacturer may decide to slug the vehicles to give them more perceived weight so they don’t feel like a model kit. Its not clear if the vehicles will be bundled with other accoutrements or if they’ll come with figures.
To date, Panzerkampf has offered a wide range of 1:72 scale military vehicles and recently offered a limited series of slightly larger 1:64 scale Humvees. There’s still plenty of collectors who fondly remember both the now defunct line of 1:35 scale military vehicles Minichamps once produced as well as Dragon’s complementary range of 1:35 scale tanks and siege mortars. Having a newcomer step back into the vacant larger scale space is certainly welcome news provided, of course, that Panzerkampf gets it right and doesn’t peg these vehicles beyond the $150 price barrier.
One of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War was the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive-bomber. Responsible for providing aerial support for advancing Wehrmacht forces in both the east and west during the early stages of the War, the Stuka was regarded by many as an integral part of the Blitzkrieg that, when taken in conjunction with armor, motorized forces and artillery, were responsible for overrunning much of Europe.
Recognizing its importance to collectors and historians alike, Panzerkampf decided to pay tribute to the Stuka with an array of 1:72 scale replicas, all of which are expected before the year is out. Thus far, four versions are in the hopper, and we’re certain that more are in the offing as is customary with this manufacturer. Interestingly, Panzerkampf has included them within their Panzerkampf range as opposed to their budget-minded Legion line because they are new toolings created from scratch as opposed to previously released builds that may have been developed by other entities. That said, here’s a pictorial of what we know thus far.
Rumor has it that the Company has been looking at expanding their WWII aircraft range by offering a Henschel Hs 129 “Panzerknacker” ground attack aircraft. The Henschel Hs 129 saw combat in Tunisia and on the Eastern Front.
A key requirement of the original specification was that the aircraft be powered by engines that were not in demand for other designs. Prototypes with low-power German Argus As 410 engines of 465 PS (459 hp; 342 kW) failed acceptance test, a more powerful replacement was found with the French Gnome-Rhone 14M engine of 700 PS (690 hp; 515 kW).
The design was relatively effective when it was first introduced, and saw service on the Eastern Front in a variety of front-line roles. As the war continued and anti-tank support became the main goal, the aircraft was continually up-gunned, eventually mounting a 75 mm anti-tank gun. Only a small number of these B-3 models were produced, late in the war. Production ceased in September 1944.
The Hs 129 would be a good choice for this fledgling aircraft manufacturer since there have been relatively few examples produced to date by just a handful of lesser known companies that have utilized the same mold over and over again. Bear in mind that as the industry matures and more manufacturers enter the fray, choices such as this help to ensure that the manufacturer is charting a path of profitability by selecting subjects few companies have addressed to-date. Given the number of aircraft that took part in the War and the wide appeal of WWII-era machines of war, there are still plenty of warplanes still crying out for replicas to be made. Twin-engined aircraft such as the Russian Pe 2 dive-bomber, Japanese Betty bomber and Grumman F9F Tigercat spring to mind and would make for obvious choices, provided, of course, sales were strong for their initial offerings and they build a loyal following. In any event, its refreshing to see them explore their options by introducing historically accurate models at truly affordable prices.
If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ll know that last week Ukraine invaded Russia near the historically significant town of Kursk, scene of the largest tank battle in history that pitted the forces of Nazi Germany against those of the Red Army. This comes at a time when Russia’s land forces are continuing to apply pressure further south, in a bid to expand their foothold along the eastern flank of Ukraine.
Perhaps because of this, Panzerkampf seized upon this headline and announced the addition of two new Mi-24V Hind attack helicopters to their growing stable of mid-sized rotor craft. Both of the new Hinds bear Russian insignia although its not clear if either of these new choppers were meant to replicate Hinds used to turn back the Ukrainian attacks.
No definite time frame was announced for either of these new helicopters, so we are going to presume they will out be out for the holidays.
No stranger to Russian armament, Panzerkampf recently announced plans to offer an additional three VPK-7829 Bumerang K17 Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicles to their growing arsenal of 1:72 scale military vehicles. Intriguingly, all three feature dust-covered road wheels thereby giving them a more weathered appearance. Its not clear if this will become a trend for this prolific manufacturer or simply a test to see if collectors prefer the look to the more traditional factory fresh motif. No release dates were listed so we are assuming they’ll be out-and-about for the holiday shopping season.
Previously the Company had released a standard fare woodlands scheme K17 earlier this year and we were awaiting word on the release of their Moscow Victory Day parade version that we thought would roll off the assembly line at the same time. So, in effect, we are now awaiting four K17s to hit the market, bringing the combined K16/K17 total to seven. That’s pretty impressive even though we doubt the vehicle has actually been embroiled in a conflict as yet.
Late last night we received word from our distributor that the balance of Panzerkampf’s eagerly awaited helicopters are expected to arrive at their facility next week. The shipment includes two additional Mil Mi-24V Hind gunships along with a trio of MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The cache also includes a pair of JC Wing aircraft (F-14 and F-15) as well as several new Neo Dragon Armor subjects. We’ve updated each of their respective sections accordingly and will begin processing any orders we’ve received to date towards the end of next week. Arrival at our warehouse is tentatively pegged for mid July due to the slowdown in carrier operations caused by the July 4th festivities.
