Both of our armor picks this week are 1:32 scale Forces of Valor from World War II.
First up from OB's is the German Jagdpanther (Germany,1944) for $39.95.
Check it out here:
http://www.obsdiecastplanes.com/inde...roducts_id=772
From North Africa our second pick is the
FORCES OF VALOR 1:32 WW2 M3 LEE (TUNISIA 1942) from Small Joes for $35.99.
Your Rommel hunt begins here:
http://smalljoes.com/cgi-bin/pgen.cg...&Item=FOV81311
Our planes this week are both 1:72 scale Dragon, but from different sides of the same war.
For the Allies, we have the Spitfire Mk. VB Trop. 601st Squadron, Lentini West 1943 from DiecastAirplane for $19.77.
Spitfire Mk. VB Trop. 601st Squadron, Lentini West 1943 (1:72) by DragonWings 72
Item Number: DRW50129
1/72 Spitfire Mk. VB Trop. 601st Squadron, Lentini West 1943
Serial #: EP689
This Spitfire bears the distinctive two-tone camouflage scheme and RAF markings of a plane based in Sicily in 1943.
Main Features:
- Accurate Spitfire Mk. V mold
- 1/72 authentic scale
- High quality diecast metal fuselage and wings
- Historically accurate
- Detailed cockpit
- Opening/Closed Canopy option
- Engraved panel lines
- Movable flight control surfaces
- Rotating propeller
- Ready to display
- Display In Flight or In Landing Mode (stand included)
- Approximate dimensions: 5"L x 6.1"W x 1.9"H
About the 601st Squadron:
The 601 Squadron of the RAF was equipped with Spitfires in March of 1942, shortly before it shipped out to the Middle East. This squadron was based in Malta, then North Africa, on to Sicily and finally to Italy as they supported the advance of the Allied armies. About the Spitfire Mk V:
The Mk. V was nothing more than a Mk. II with the newer Merlin 45 series engine. This engine delivered slightly more takeoff power at 1,440 hp (1074 kW), but greatly increased the power available at higher altitudes due to a new two-speed supercharger design. While it was no Mk. IV, the Mk. V was able to hold its own with the 109Fs it was meeting.
Fly the Med here:
http://www.diecastairplane.com/store...943-1-72-.html
Weighing in for the Germans (but without the historically accurate Swazi) is the Fw 190A-3 "Black 1" Staffelkapitan 14. (Jabo)/JG 5, Petsamo 1943
brought to you by 3000Toys in exchange for your $15.95.
1/72 diecast Fw 190A-3 "Black 1" Staffelkapitan 14. (Jabo)/JG 5, Petsamo / Northern Finland, June 1943
The Focke-Wulf (Fw-190) was Germany's most lethal fighter during WWII. It was also one of the most beautifully proportioned fighters of its time.
The pilot of this particular aircraft marked as "Black 1" was Uffz. Kurt Wendler.
In 1943 the Luftwaffe established a Jabo (JagdBomber - Fighter-bomber) unit within JG 5. Designated 14.(J)/JG 5 it was formed at Petsamo in mid-February 1943, using elements from 11./JG 5. The unit was equipped exclusively with the Fw 190A-2 and A-3 which was modified for the Jabo-role. The unit commander was Hptm. Friedrich-Wilhelm Strakeljahn, popularly known as "Straks".
The task of this Jabo unit was straightforward. They were to attack enemy ships with bombs and do as much damage as they could. In light of their small numbers they did remarkably well.
Uffz. Kurt Wendler was born on September 22nd, 1920 in Röhrsdorf and was shot down by a Soviet AA northeast of Petsamo on April 13th, 1943 and did not survive.
Head north on this vector:
http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...nd=DRAGON50054