We're opening big this week with the still available Forces of Valor 1:16 scale U.S. M4A3 Sherman from Wartoyz for $319.99.
The sheer number of Sherman tanks in WWII gave the Allies a distinct advantage, but their quick response, maneuverability, reliability, and ease of maintenance proved the greatest assets.
This special 1:16 scale 2008 Limited Edition version of the M4A3 Sherman depicts the tank as it was seen at Normandy in 1944.
The Forces of Valor 2008 Limited Edition Extreme Metal M4A3 Sherman possesses an incredible array of detailing on the tank. Beginning with the real metal tracks and continuing with working tank suspension, exquisite sculpting, casting and painting detail, and including many removable elements and tools. The engine compartment is accessible to see the detailed engine. The tracks roll, the turret rotates, the gun barrel elevates, and the hatches open.
This 1:16 scale M4A3 Sherman tank is approximately 13 inches long and 7 inches wide. It comes complete with a crew of three detailed 1:16 scale figures. The tank also includes a number of accessories, including gear, sandbag defense, weapons, and barbed wire and road obstacles.
Only a few of these big boys left here:
http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/FV85007
Only small in comparison to our opening pick is the 1:30 scale Thomas Gunn Miniatures WC54 Dodge MP Wagon with driver figure--Normandy version from Hobby Bunker for $99.00.
Again only a handful left here:
http://www.hobbybunker.com/products/...ersion-usa001a
Waiting its turn from above is the 1:72 scale SBD-3 VS-41 "Operation Torch" USS Ranger CV-4 North Africa, Nov. 1942 with
PERMANENTLY OPEN FLAPS for $24.95 from On Mark.
Find her three rows from the bottom and two slots from the left here:
http://www.onmarkint.com/static/specials.php
Fighting its way into this weeks picks is the 1:72 scale Dragon Wings Spitfire Mk. Vb, No. 249 Sqn, Takali 1942 from The Toy Federation for $19.95.
1st Spitfire by Dragon Models!
An excellent release, this mighty Spitfire showcases one of the aircraft that brilliantly led the defense of Malta in 1942.
Main Features:
- New aircraft type!NEW
- Accurate Spitfire mould
- 1/72 authentic scale
- High quality diecast metal
- 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 Takali 1942:
British submarines and planes operating from the island fortress of Malta had sent thousands of tons of Axis ships to the bottom of the Mediterranean. Axis air forces were employed to neutralize the island’s defenses to make way for an invasion under the code name Operation HERKULES. The Axis aerial attacks reached severe levels after 21 March 1942. Outnumbered and short of supplies, the island’s British defenders clung on, with a series of deliveries of new Spitfires coming at critical times. In the end it was the Spitfires who saved the day and turned the tide, with the German offensive faltering after mid-May. In total, 500 Axis planes were destroyed or severely damaged, most of these accounted for by the remarkable Spitfire.
About the Spitfire:
The Supermarine Spitfire was a single seat fighter used by the RAF and many Allied countries in World War II. It saw service during the whole of World War II, in all theaters of war, and in many different variants. More than 20,300 of all variants were built, and Spitfires remained in service well into the 1950s.
In total there were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants within each mark.
About the Spitfire Mk. Vb:
Late in 1940 the Mk. II started meeting a new German aircraft in combat. Essentially a cleaned up version of the Bf 109E that Spitfires and Hurricanes had bested the year before in the Battle of Britain, the new Franz (Friedrich) model was superior to the Mk. II Spitfire in many respects.
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.
The Mk. V proved so useful that it would go on to be the most produced version by far, with 94 Mk. VAs (eight-gun), 3,923 Mk. VBs (cannon) and 2,447 Mk.VCs.
Spitting into the wind here:
http://www.thetoyfederation.com/prod...0&cat=0&page=2