We start this week with a Dragon 1:35 scale Tiger that Pete's has on closeout for just $49.95. It's the Tiger I ""#142"" (Initial Production), Sd. Kfz. 181, s.Pz.Abt.501, Tunisia 1942.
Click here for one of the few desert Tigers:
http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...=DRR61001#item
Our second pick is also hard to find today. It's a Matchbox 1:72 scale
SHERMAN M4E5 w/105 mm howitzer on M4A3 hull from NotaToy for $15.95.
MATCHBOX (tolling 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.
ABOUT THE TANK:
In August 1940 on the next day after M3 was rush into production, design work started on a project called T6 Medium tank, the design criteria was that it will have 75mm gun in a turret rotated 360 degree and it would reuse the maximum of components from M3. In September 1941 the T6 was standardize under the official title M4 Medium tank, which became widely known simply as Sherman with all its numerous modifications. It was armed with 75mm gun mounted in a one piece rounded casting, 3” thick in the front and power operated and gyro-stabilizer controlling the gun in elevation. Lover hull was welded while upper hull was available in different variants as welded (M4) and a cast (M4A1) both were approximately 2” /50.8” thick. Seven factories manufactured a total of 49,230 tanks. No other tank of WW II was produced in such quantity. During the production there were numerous modifications including a main gun upgrades from T6 to T7 standardized under 75mm M2 gun in May 1941 and in June 1941 to 75mm M3 gun that had higher velocity. In August 1942 more powerful 76mm gun (originally planed for use for abandoned project of M6 heavy tank) was proposed but unfortunately the project was ceased in November and only in July 1944 76mm gun Sherman went into production with about 2,000 tanks were produced. In early 1941 two Sherman tanks with 105mm howitzer were tested and some 4,680 M4E5 armed with M52 105mm howitzer, built on M4 and M4A3 hulls were manufactured.
Maneuverable, reliable, simple in maintenance and operation it was advertised to American military personal as a best tank in a world. But allies tankers learn about it shortcomings, often at cost of their comrades lives, very fast upon their first encounters with Germans, especially in Normandy. Inadequate armour and especially armament, easy fire ignition after a heat in a motor compartment made this an easy target for Germans. Panther tank could knock out a Sherman from a distance over 1,800 and Tiger much farther, while Sherman in general can do no damage to it even at 200-400 yards and to Tiger practically at any distance. Though a good infantry support tank it was no match to German tanks.
Under the Lend-Lease program the Sherman was supplied practically to all allies armies and saw battle in all parts of the world. British get a great success with rearming some Sherman with their long barrel high velocity gun. Such tanks were known as Firefly. Though not very accurate this gun was able to knock out Panther and Tiger tanks at a great distance (a Tiger armor could be penetrated at 1,500’).
They won't let me show you a picture of it, but you can see it here:
http://www.notatoy.com/product_info....oducts_id/1174
The MAP affected price for most new Corgi 1:72 scale single engine birds is now about $40. However, this week you can pick up a Corgi 1:32 scale Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA34905, Messerschmitt Bf 109G Diecast Model, Luftwaffe 2./JG 302, October 1944, Wilde Sau Nightfighter
Limited Edition for just $39.99.
Length: 11.25" Width 12.5"
Wilde Sau was a Luftwaffe night fighter control method. This was a target defense concept based on single engine fighters visually acquiring the bombers, either by their shadow on the clouds illuminated from below by the burning city or by the Flak searchlights. Wilde Sau has been described as innovated after the fire storm attack on Hamburg, but in fact experiments had been carried out in the Ruhr area 3 weeks prior. A new Jagddivision (30 JD) with JG 300, 301 and 302 was formed subordinated directly to Lw.Befh.Mitte (the later Lft.Reich). This very interesting aircraft was flown by 2.1JG 302 in October 1944 as a night fighter in home defense duties against Russian bombers. According to regulations for the period, the normal three-tone grey camouflage has been replaced by brown and dark green. The rare JG 302 "Wilde Sau" emblem is on both sides of the cowling, and depicts a Red devil riding a wild boar.
Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored.
Corgi "Aviation Archive" 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 with rotating wheels.
- Poseable presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.
- Detailed pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as airbrakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
Messerschmitt Bf 109G Designed by Willy Messerschmitt during Germany's military build-up in the 1930's, the Bf 109 was first flown on May 28th, 1935.
Grab one here while you still can:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-AA34905
Our final pick this week is a 1:72 scale Corgi
P-38J Lightning 1/72 Die Cast Model--1st Lt. Richard Loehnert, 20th FG, "California Cutie". historic Aviation has it for just $14.95.
Replicating "California Cutie," a 20th Fighter Group P-38 flown on more than 70 combat missions by 1st Lt. Richard Loehnert, this 1/72 scale, limited edition die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a clear canopy and a figure of Loehnert, machine guns in the nose, optional-position landing gear with real rubber tires, authentic markings including nose art and D-Day stripes, a display stand and more. 8" wingspan.
Check it out here:
http://www.historicaviation.com/prod...AAF%20Fighters
However, because Historic Aviation has been known to ship replacement products without advance notice to the customer, I strongly suggest that you call and talk to them if you decide to place an order.