This will be a Corgi free week to mark their dishonor of my now almost 2 year and 2 month old pre-order the AA34604 DeHavilland Mosquito FBVI because, according to my retailer, "extreme allocation by Corgi." Jeez--with more than two years knowledge of what their number of pre-orders were, you'd think they'd had enough information and lead time to make enough to cover the number that they had pre-sold. Even failing that, it provides no explanation of why they lead their pre-order customers along for over 2 years. A brilliant business model and outstanding implementation of customer relations to be sure!
Motoring away from the rant is the Dragon 1:35 scale Tiger I Late Production w/Zimmerit s.Pz.Abt.508, Italy 1944 from J-P Hobbies for $49.95.
Features:
- Open window display packaging
- Highly popular and collectible item
- True to 1/35 scale
- Fully accurate mold
- Fully assembled
- Includes protective display case
Schwere Panzer Abteilung (s.Pz.Abt.) 508 was formed in August 1943, and was initially equipped with the formidable Tiger I tank. With an inventory of 45 Tiger Is, the unit was ordered to counterattack the Allied bridgehead at Anzio between December 1943 and January 1944. The Tigers had to road march 200km from a railhead, and 60% of tanks broke down on the narrow, winding mountain roads on the way to Anzio. In any event, the massed Tigers of s.Pz.Abt. 508, plus Panthers and Elefants from other units, were repulsed mainly by naval gunfire. During the Italian campaign, the unit received 32 further Tiger I tanks up till June 1944 to make up combat losses. Finally, s.Pz.Abt. 508 turned in its 15 remaining Tigers to s.Pz.Abt. 504 in February 1945 before returning to Germany to train on the Kingtiger.
Dragon Armor has produced a fine 1/35 scale model of a Tiger I from this famous unit. The fully assembled and finished model is a Late Production variant of a tank fighting in Italy in 1944. A notable aspect of this model is the Zimmerit coating reproduced in exacting detail,
this item being the first 1/35 Tiger I with Zimmerit in the Dragon Armor range. To enable the depiction of Zimmerit, a completely new turret, upper and lower hull were produced. The Zimmerit is expertly crafted, representing as good a finish as only skillful modelers could achieve. The model is finished in an overall three-color camouflage finish, and this has been carefully painted onto the vehicle, which is itself an accurately dimensioned and detailed replica of the original tank. This Zimmerit coating adds a new look to an already popular tank, and contributes to an aggressive and attractive subject from the Italian theater.
Doing its own version of Sea Lion to track down Corgi HQ mid-page here:
http://www.j-p-hobbies.com/products.asp?cat=236
Looking for the air support from the west that never showed up is the 1:48 scale Tamiya KV-2 from the Tamiya store for $43.50.
About the KV-2
Weighing in at more than 50 tons, the monstrous KV-2 was designed to be an assault tank that would support advancing infantry. Housed in its massive turret was a 152mm main gun that could take out enemy defensive emplacements like bunkers. Its thick armor was also immune to attacks from most anti-tank guns of the period. While the design looked formidable on paper, an underpowered engine, unreliable mechanics, and poor mobility limited its effectiveness in battle. Nonetheless, it played a role in the defense of Russia during the initial stages of war on the Eastern Front, and helped hold the line until more modern tanks could be developed.
About the Model
Replica-quality 1/48 scale finished display model of the KV-2.
Intimidating form of the heavy tank, including the massive turret, is accurately reproduced.
Professionally-applied washing technique with light weathering effects give the tank a realistic appearance.
Unique pad-printed markings distinguish this finished model from the assembly kit version.
Die-cast chassis provides added weight to match the tank�s formidable presence.
Special numbered display base with nameplate is included.
Line it up with other 1/48MM Russian AFVs or display it with its former German adversaries.
On the hunt for a small Welsh dog here:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/ite...oduct-id=26527
Taking to the air to hunt missing Mosquito's is the Dragon 1:72 scale FW 190D-9 "Black Chevron and Bars", Geschwaderkommodore JG 6, Lower Silesia, Circa January 1945 from The Toy Federation for just $12.95.
First appearing in August 1944 as a result of a special Air Ministry requirement, the FW 190 D-9 was an attempt to produce a high-altitude fighter based heavily on an existing fighter, the FW190A8. The nose was reshaped and lengthened to accommodate a new engine. The FW 190 D-9 proved to be a superb fighter.
This fighter was flown by Major Gerhard Barkhorn who had 301 air victories, the second highest of the German Luftwaffe.
They'll fill the order here:
http://www.thetoyfederation.com/prod...cat=320&page=3
The last of "anything but Corgi" picks this week is the 1:72 scale Hobby Master U.S. F-4B Phantom II - VF-51 'Screaming Eagles' from Wartoyz for $52.99.
The U.S. F4 Phantom II first entered service in 1960 as a fleet defense fighter for the U.S. Navy, and a few years later it entered service with the U.S. Air Force as a fighter-bomber. Over five thousand Phantom IIs were produced during its production run, and the aircraft served with the U.S Military as well as many of its allies. The F-4 Phantom II was also the only aircraft used by both the USAF Thunderbirds and the USN Blue Angels.
This die-cast 1:72 scale U.S. F-4B Phantom II is part of the Air Power Series from Hobby Master. It depicts the F4B Phantom that was the CAG Bird of CVW-51 from VF-51 (Screaming Eagles) from the USS Coral Sea as it was seen during 1972.
This highly-detailed die-cast U.S. F-4B Phantom II is approximately 10 inches long and has a wingspan of approximately 7 inches. It has many detailed features, including a well-equipped cockpit with instrument panel dials, ejector set handles, canopies that open, and beautifully painted crew figures. It also features removable fuselage and wing mounted missiles and fuel tanks plus optional position landing gear and authentic markings including the unit's famous 'Screaming Eagle' motif on the fuselage. It comes complete with a display stand.
This is a Phantom that will appear in you collection if you click here:
http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/HM-HA1963