Precision Model Art – The Motor Pool

PMA: Pulled Manufacturer Access?

Can someone please translate this for us so that we can figure out their stance?

There’s strange and then there’s strange. In late December, Precision Model Art, better known as PMA, posted several new items to their web site, that included, among other things, an awesome looking M40 self propelled gun presumably due out later this year. Then, last week, they abruptly pulled the plug on their own web site, leaving in its wake a Word Press page written in what I assume is Mandarin. I don’t understand what it says although it appears like a Contact Us page. Moreover, I naturally assumed that the manufacturer was having trouble loading their web site, perhaps falling victim to a hack attack that has periodically plagued other manufacturers. After talking with our US distributor, however, we learned that this is supposedly the new normal for PMA and that from here on out they do not plan on posting any new product to their own web site, claiming its a “low priority” for them.

PMA’s 1:72 scale US 155mm Gun Motor Carriage M40 Self-Propelled Gun – “Big Bruiser”, B Battery, 937th Field Artillery Battalion “Arkansas Long Toms”, Korea, 1953

Now color me wacky but two weeks ago we ushered in 2022 perhaps without a bang but with a whimper, hopefully putting the effects of the pandemic behind us. The point is that in this day and age, placing a “low priority” on updating your own web site is simply inexcusable. As a manufacturer, it is your job to inform both your customers as well as your distribution network about the comings and goings on in your own back yard so that everyone can look forward to the fruits of your labors. To leave everyone in the dark, particularly when others are gleefully posting on social media, their web site and elsewhere is akin to burying your head in the sand, asking others to talk up the line when you yourself are reluctant to do so. I’m not clear if this turning a “blind eye” marketing strategy makes much sense in this newfangled digital world where the running of a web site isn’t all that much trouble given other complexities attached with running a business. Heck, I’ve been doing so for going on 22 years, building out our product portfolio so that it now encompasses over 6,000 SKUs. Trust me, its not that difficult once you have it down to a logical system. So, when a manufacturer with barely a couple of dozen products says they can’t be troubled with keeping their own web site up-to-date, I simply shake my head and say “is it worth the trouble of stocking their line?” Right now, the only answer I can come up with is, it isn’t, sad as that sounds…

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Precision Model Art Bolsters its Summer Line Up

PMA’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and Amphibious Gear

We learned that a new pair of armored vehicles have been added to the PMA arsenal; an updated 88mm FLaK gun in a Norman paint scheme, as well as a USMC M60 Patton tank outfitted with both Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and an amphibious snorkeling device. While neither subject is new to the PMA stable, they do, nonetheless, represent important additions since stocks of their previous incarnations are beginning to run down.

PMA’s 1:72 scale German 88mm Flak 36/37 Anti-Aircraft Gun – Normandy, 1944

No dates of release were listed so we are assuming they’ll hit the streets later this summer.

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PMA Aims for the Heavens with its First Aircraft

Precision Model Art’s 1:72 scale German Horten Ho 229 Fighter Bomber [Bonus Pair of Jumo 004 Turbojet Engines]

Having carved out a respectable niche in the diecast military vehicle space, it appears as if Precision Model Art (PMA) now has its sights set – quite literally – on the skies above. Earlier today, the manufacturer decided to dip its toe into the military aircraft space by announcing plans to build a 1:72 scale replica of the Horten Ho 229 fighter-bomber. Previously, Luft-X had offered the same model in its product portfolio but has since gone dormant over the last few years with no new product announcements. Sensing the time was right to step into the void, PMA’s offering will be made of diecast rather than the resin replica Luft-X created, and will feature a bevy of features commonly found in their military vehicles.

For openers, the PMA version will have removable engine covers so collectors can peer inside the aircraft thereby enabling them to ogle each of the intricately detailed Junkers Jumo 004 engines found within the model. Also shown is a removable canopy and detachable landing gear, so aviation enthusiasts can display the model in multiple configurations.

Precision Model Art’s 1:72 scale German Karl-Gerat Super Heavy Self-Propelled 54cm Mortar – “Fenrir” (Son of Loki), schwere Artillerie Abteilung 833, Hillersleben, Germany, 1945

Also shown for the first time is a new Karl Morser siege mortar, this time portraying the prototype 54cm gun which was capable of firing a huge projectile several miles at fixed enemy fortifications. The pre-order window for both items is now open and shipment is expected to take place some time this summer.

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Precision Model Art Re-Arms

PMA’s 1:72 scale German V-2 Long-Range Guided Ballistic Missile with Meillerwagen Launch Trailer and Brennstand – V-2 Rocket Division, Dark Grey and White [Test Scheme]

Seems as if more and more modelmakers are beginning to show signs of recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier today, Precision Model Art (PMA) showed four new military vehicles on their web site, three of which are new takes on something old.

Just when you thought you’d seen every version of the V-2 vengeance rocket comes a new variant, this time around painted in a dark green and white test scheme. Frankly, I had never seen this version prior to today, so it never hurts to pay attention to what careful research and dedication to one’s craft can bring to market.

PMA’s 1:72 scale German Karl-Gerat Super Heavy Self-Propelled 60cm Mortar – “Thor”, schwere Artillerie Abteilung 833, Sevastopol, Russia, 1942

Also up for your consideration is a repainted Karl-Gerat mortar which now bears the name “Thor” on its sides. No doubt other mortars will eventually make its way into the pipeline, once inventory levels have been pared down and consumer interest remains high.

PMA’s 1:72 scale IDF Magach 6B Blazer Medium Tank with KMT-4 Mine Roller – Operation Peace for Galilee, Lebanon, 1982

Third on the docket is this Israeli Defense Force Magach 6B Blazer (Patton M60A1) that has been affixed with a KMT mine roller, which was used with great effect in mine clearing the way for the Israeli armored forces as they drove deeper into Lebanon during Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982.

PMA’s 1:72 scale Iraqi BM-21 Grad Mobile Rocket Launcher – Operation Inherent Resolve, 2017

Lastly, there’s a 1:72 scale replica of a Russian-built BM-21 Grad mobile rocket launcher that was in the employ of Iraqi Ground Forces as it grappled with ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve. An interesting choice for PMA that will undoubtedly be brought back at a later day and likely clad in the markings of the Soviet Army during their invasion of Afghanistan in 1980.

All four new subjects are expected to waylay the hobby sometime later this year.

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PMA Orders its Tanks Forward into the Modern Era

PMA’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “Saddamizer”, Operation Desert Storm, 1991

It was bound to happen. After playing for years in the World War II sandbox, Precision Model Art (PMA) has finally decided to turn the hands of time forward and move into the modern era. Well, almost. Yesterday we learned that the Company plans to model the US-built M60A1 Patton main battle tank in 1:72 scale, mainstay of the US Marine forces forces for several decades running. To kick things off, they chose three M60A1 tanks that took part in Operation Desert Storm, each one studded with explosive reactive armor (ERA) cells.

PMA’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “Beirut Payback”, 1st Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Kuwait, 1991

From the pictures posted, its not clear if the Pattons will feature removable turrets thereby enabling collectors to peer inside the vehicle. Likewise we do not know if other areas of the vehicle are removable particularly the engine block like it is in their Tiger I series of heavy tanks. Stowage gear has been affixed to the sides of the vehicles although we aren’t sure if these can be detached. Look for each of the three Pattons sometime in late winter.

PMA’s 1:72 scale USMC M60A1 Patton Medium Tank with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) – “American Express”, Operation Desert Storm, 1991

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PMA Ushers in the Heavy Hitters

PMA’s 1:72 German Karl-Gerat Super Heavy Self-Propelled 60cm Mortar – “Adam”

A wee bit pricier than the average 1:72 scale military vehicle, PMA has, nonetheless, carved out a respectable niche in the hobby by offering an ever-widening array of WWII era subjects. Late yesterday we learned that they plan on going one step further by building a replica of a German Karl Gerat super heavy self-propelled mortar — a beast if ever there was one — that was used principally to lay siege to heavily fortified fixed positions. Several years ago, Dragon did much the same by releasing a collection of four Karl Gerats although they were created for the 1:144 scale market along with several larger 1:35 scale versions. PMA’s rendition bounces off of the middle of the diecast racket at 1:72 scale and will even come with an optional set of figures designed to crew the gun.

A set of five figures will come separately, all posed in differing positions.

Since several guns were built for the German Heer during WWII we’re willing to bet that PMA will do likewise, some sporting a narrower 54cm gun while others mount the larger 60cm cannon. Our distributor doesn’t have official pricing just yet so we’re going to hold off on accepting pre-orders until we lock down this and some other preliminary information. So, in the meantime, we suggest clearing away some space in your 1:72 scale collection for this brute and keep in mind that others will likely follow.

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PMA Sets the Scene This Winter

Recently, we wrote how Precision Model Art (PMA) is releasing several new 1:72 scale 88mm FLaK guns, the first expected in early November, with two more liveries following in December. At the time, we were reluctant to reveal that the manufacturer is also coming out with several pre-built vignettes, largely because of their price and issues that can arise from not being able to modify these dioramas. As we see it, our job is to curate each range, and determine its feasibility within our overall product portfolio.

Anyway, for a limited time, our distributor has offered these same dioramas at somewhat reduced prices if ordered before November 15th. So, we’ve decided to list each of the five dioramas on our site to gauge consumer reaction, particularly during the holiday season. Keep in mind that these sets do not come with any of the vehicles or figures shown in the images, so customers have some latitude with how they want to populate these sets with any item they see fit.

Moreover, the Malinava Counter Attack Set E comes with street lamps that actually work, so you can display it as a night action. Its not clear if the set is battery operated or requires a plug-in outlet.

So, we will offer these sets at reduced prices until November 15th, then raise them up a bit should orders come in after that date. Enjoy! Note: As a special bonus, we are including a free Fabbri 1:72 scale diecast tank with each diorama ordered at no extra cost.

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Precision Model Art Takes the High Road this Winter

Precision Model Art (PMA) has undergone some changes of late, but that doesn’t mean their quality has suffered or their lineup has been affected. As several new items arrive this month, we’ve also learned that a bunch of other products are in the wings, proving they are in it for the long haul against some of the more entrenched players with wider assortments.

Expected in January are two new renditions of the 88mm FLaK gun – one painted in a desert camouflage pattern (P0311) and the other in a winter livery (P0313). Also on the docket are two 5-man WWII era figure sets containing German soldiers in varying poses (P0401 and P0402). While the PMA products are a bit pricier than their competition, its important to keep in mind that they offer far more detail and craftsmanship, thereby warranting the higher coinage. For instance, the 88mm guns come with ammo crates and the gun itself can be configured to either a towed or firing position. Look for these and other new items to roll in this January.

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