USS Ticonderoga

Hobby Master: One Frogfoot Hopscotches Another

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

A few months back, Hobby Master announced their intent to offer a 1:72 scale build of the Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot (HA6101), a ground attack aircraft designed along the sames lines as the US A-10 Warthog. However, late yesterday, we learned that a different version will ship first this June (HA6103) and that the original model has been pushed back all the way until February 2019. As one forum member pointed out when HA6101 was announced, “it would have been nice to have included that big red star on the tail of the aircraft, to give it that menacing look we’ve all associated with Soviet aircraft.” We’re betting this is the principal reason for the line-up change and that other Frogfoots will more than likely come clad with the same star.

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

In other news, Hobby Master revealed images for their forthcoming USS Ticonderoga (HSP1001), a 1:700 scale guided missile cruiser that will form the nucleus of the new Hobby Master navy. Finely detailed and designed to work in conjunction with other 1:700 scale naval forces, it looks as if Hobby Master is in the warship game for the long haul, with other meaningful releases not-too-far down the road. 

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Dissecting Diecast: Be Careful What You Wish For

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

We’ve been after certain modelmakers to expand their offerings for a number of years. Some times our calls fall on deaf ears; other times we strike a vein and score the mother lode. Last month, we were tickled pink when we learned that Hobby Master was going to dip their toes in the warship market, giving such stalwarts as Eaglemoss, Forces of Valor, and several others a run for the money, crossing the “T” when they least expected it.

We have since learned that, at least in the case of their first offering, the USS Ticonderoga, the ship can only be displayed in a full draught configuration, meaning no provisions are being made for it to be shown as a waterline model, making it ideal for wargaming. I’m not sure why this decision was made when other modelmakers seemingly have no trouble offering their ships in either configuration. The model carries a $84.99 MAP, meaning, from a pricing perspective, it falls right where it should in the diecast task force. However, from a features stand point, it still lacks a critical punch that could have sunk some foes. Its possible they may elect to amend their decision, considering its not due out until June. They have been known to change their mind on occasion, so here’s one instance we wish they did and give the maritime collector everything they deserve.

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Hobby Master Belts Out, “In the Navy”

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

Long a dominant player in both the military aircraft and combat vehicle segments of the market place, Hobby Master made a surprise announcement earlier today by indicating that they would finally dip their toes in the naval arena. Their first foray into naval warfare is a 1:700 scale replica of the US Navy’s USS Ticonderoga (HSP1001), the lead ship in her class of guided missile cruisers. A powerful component of the US Navy’ fleet operations in the latter half of the twentieth century, the Ticonderoga is an excellent choice as their inaugural warship and one that should sell very well at retail throughout its tenure.

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