Tanks used by the Allies during the World War II era is the theme this week with special emphasis on the Eastern Front. First up is the Soviet T-34/85 in the form of a Forces of Valor 1:32 scale from OB's for $39.95.
This is the road to East Prussia:
http://www.obsdiecastplanes.com/inde...roducts_id=775
Going down to the 1:48 scale and turning to Hobby Master as presented by Pete's, we next feature the Russian JS-2 model 1944, with Polish Army, 1946 for just $19.95.
Keep heading east to here:
http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...No=HG1103#item
Our third armor pick this week takes us back to the good old USA and the Matchbox 1:72 (1:76?) scale
SHERMAN M4E5 w/105 mm howitzer on M4A3 hull from notatoy for $15.95.
MATCHBOX (tooling was made by C.D.C. Armour)
Matchbox Collectibles Asst. 91737
Sherman M4E5 w/105 mm howitzer on M4A3 hull
Diorama ‘Forrest Crossing’, Ardennes 1944.
Die Cast 1/72 scale; Panther A is approximately L 3 ¾”; W 1 7/8”
The tank has a unit number on a turret (#21) and its nickname on a side (Black-Jack) Despite relatively small size the model is exceptionally detailed and have a good paint job, display great!
This is a great model of WW II most produced tank was originally developed by C.D.C. of Italy for their Armour Series in early 90’s. Later C.D.C. decided to concentrate their effort in 1/48 and 1/100 scales military aircraft models Armour Series and most armored vehicles models in 1/72 scale were sold to Matchbox, which sold it as a part of their Limited Edition Collectors Series that was available mostly as a subscription at Matchbox Direct Sale. The price on Armour badge models was $35.00 and Matchbox kept this price until the entire limited edition Collectors Line was abandoned a few years ago. I believe six models from the series were issued in a new very attractive packaging, which includes a plastic diorama stand with clear top packed in a window box. This series was available for sale in a range of $16-22.
The series is out of production for a few years. "Recently" two new models were released by Matchbox in this series (Sherman w/75mm gun and Sherman 76mm long barrel gun w/camouflage painting), however both models released without a clear top for a display case.
Quality and details of C.D.C. Armour models are outstanding; models are diecast (unlike popular now Dragon Armor series, which has only some diecast parts if any – a Tiger tank mid and late production models are plastic and early production has only turret made of diecast). The only difference between original Armour Series models and Matchbox is Matchbox – Dinky name on the base plate of a model.
Get yours here while you can:
http://www.notatoy.com/product_info....oducts_id/1174
We also have three picks of the sky this week. The first is the 1:72 scale CENTURY WINGS VOUGHT F-8E CRUSADER USN VF-211 FIGHTING CHECKMATES CW601468 from Big Guns at $24.99.
Vought F-8E Crusader.
USN VF-211 Fighting Checkmates, NP100, USS Bon Homme Richard, Vietnam, 1967
Not many are left here:
http://biggunscol.webs.com/apps/webs...s/show/1374839#
Our next pick is a 1:72 Corgi PBY Catalina in colorful Canadian service, which Burbank House of Hobbies has for $75.00.
You can't miss it here:
http://www.houseofhobbies.com/co1pbysacaha.html
Our last selection this week takes us back to the Russian Front. In the 1:72 scale from the Flying Mule, it's the
SkyMax Flying Heroes SM2002
Lavochkin La-5 Diecast Model--Soviet Air Force 5th GIAP, Vitaliy Popkov, Eastern Front, Autumn 1944 for $19.99.
Length: 4.75" Width: 5.25"
The Lavochkin La-5 was a Soviet fighter aircraft of World War II. It was a development and refinement of the LaGG-3 and was one of the Soviet Air Force's most capable types of warplane. The La-5's heritage began even before the outbreak of war, with the LaGG-1, a promising yet underpowered aircraft – turning a full circle, for example, took 20 seconds.
The LaGG-3 was a modification of that design that attempted to correct this by both lightening the airframe and fitting a more powerful engine. Nevertheless, this was not enough, and the lack of power remained a significant problem. In early 1942, two of the LaGG-1 and -3's designers, Semyon Lavochkin and Vladimir Gorbunov, attempted to correct this deficiency by experimentally fitting a LaGG-3 with the more powerful Shvetsov ASh-82 radial engine. Since the LaGG-3 was powered by an in-line engine, they accomplished this by grafting on the nose section of a Sukhoi Su-2 (which used this engine). By now, the shortcomings of the LaGG-3 had caused Lavochkin to fall out of Stalin's favour, and factories previously assigned to LaGG-3 construction had been turned over to building the rival Yakovlev Yak-1 and Yak-7. The design work required to adapt the LaGG-3 to the new engine and still maintain the aircraft's balance was undertaken by Lavochkin in a small hut beside an airfield over the winter of 1941-1942, all completely unofficially. When the prototype took flight in March, the result was extremely pleasing - the fighter finally had a power plant that allowed it to perform as well in the air as it had been supposed to on paper.
After flying, the LaG-5 (the change in name reflecting that one of the original LaGG designers was no longer with the programme), Air Force test pilots declared it superior to the Yak-7, and intensive flight tests began in April. After only a few weeks, the design was modified further, cutting down the rear fuselage to give the pilot better visibility. By July, Stalin ordered maximum-rate production of the aircraft, now simply known as the La-5 and the conversion of any incomplete LaGG-3 airframes to the new configuration. While still inferior to the best German fighters at high altitudes, the La-5 proved to be every bit their match closer to the ground. With most of the air combat over the Eastern Front taking place at altitudes of under 5,000 m (16,400 ft), the La-5 was very much in its element. Its rate of roll was excellent.
Lavochkin La-5
Designed as a successor to the LaGG-3, the radial-engined, high-performance Soviet Lavochkin La5 was first flown in 1941. The La 5 had a beefy M-82 radial engine and was more aerodynamic than its predecessor. It was also superior to Luftwaffe fighters; it could roll faster than the Bf 109 and climb faster than the Fw 190. Many Soviet pilots—such as Ivan Kozhedub, who scored 62 German kills in the fuel-injected La 5FN variant—became aces while flying the La 5, which came to be regarded as the Soviet Union’s finest fighter of the era.
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SkyMax Flying Heroes
The SkyMax "Flying Heroes" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. SkyMax offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings.
SkyMax"Flying Heroes" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
Comrade, yours awaits here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/SM-SM2002