We hope that all those in the USA had a great 4th of July that included some time and thought beyond the fireworks, dogs, burgers, brats and beer with regard to why it is a national holiday.
Our first post 4th selection is the 1:32 scale Unimax Forces of Valor 81016
Krupp Sd.Kfz.142 early grau StuG III--German Army from The Flying Mule's Summer Sale for only $33.95.
The most produced German armored vehicle of WW2, the "Stug III" was built on a Panzer tank chassis. Originally, this assault gun was created to support infantry maneuvers, but it was continually modified during the war and eventually found its most notable role in that of a tank destroyer.
Originally designed as a mobile, light gun to provide close infantry support, the StuG III first entered service in 1940. Early models were armed with a modest, low-velocity 75mm StuK 37 L/24 gun, but by the Spring of 1942 the Germans had modified the StuG III with a higher velocity StuK 40 L/43 gun so that it was a better match for Soviet KV-1 and T-34 tanks. The new configuration quickly proved to be an exceptionally effective tank destroyer--cost effective, easily camouflaged and difficult to target. By the spring of 1944, StuG IIIs were responsible for destroying some 20,000 Allied tanks.
The Unimax "Forces of Valor" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Unimax "Forces of Valor" diecast vehicles feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Moving tracks on detailed rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
Get your early War special here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/UM-81016
Pete is still running his sale and from that we have pull the Dragon 1:72 scale AAV-7A1 for just $9.95.
Get on aboard the luv train here:
http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...=DRR60056#item
Pete extends his sale to the sky with the Hobby Master 1:72 scale Grumman TBM-3E2 Dutch Marine Luchtvaartdienst Royal Netherlands Naval Air Service Marine-Luchtvaartdienst (MLD) for just $24.95.
Go Dutch here:
http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...No=HA1213#item
Not to be out done, The Flying mule sale counters with the Corgi 1:72 scale Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US36109 Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina Diecast Model USAAF, John S. McCain, Henderson Field, Guadalcanal Island, August 1942 for just $59.95.
Commanding all US Navy, Marine Corps and USAA aircraft in the South Pacific area, Vice Admiral John S. McCain (grandfather of Senator John S. McCain III) was a capable leader at a crucial time in the Pacific War. He used this PBY-5A as his command flagship, and had it fly critical supplies into Henderson Field just five days after the Marines had first gone ashore on Guadalcanal. It thus became the very first aircraft to land at this strategically critical airfield following its capture by US forces.
Designed to replace the Martin P3M, the PBY Catalina was first flown on March 28th, 1935. This aircraft is a long range patrol flying boat, one of the most rugged and versatile aircraft in U.S. history. Its long range assisted in the location and attack of enemy transport ships. A great advantage of flying boats is that they need no runway, however later PBY variants incorporated retractable landing gear, allowing for amphibious operation from land or water. Even today—more than seventy years after its first flight—the PBY continues to fly as an air tanker in firefighting operations throughout the world.
Corgi's 1:72 scale PBYs feature massive observation blister-windows located aft, with a variety of crew and machine gun configurations in each release. These windows provide a clear view of the bulkhead leading to the main cabin, walkway and hull construction ribs. There are articulating outrigger pontoons and a massive wing, with details such as simulated fabric-covered control surfaces. Transparent lens covers are separately applied to the large landing lights on each wing's leading edge. The series includes a flying boat variant, with detachable "beaching gear," as well as an amphibious variant which can be configured with extended or retracted landing gear.
The Corgi "Aviation Archive" range 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.
- Interchangeable 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, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected interchangeable features such as speed-brakes, opened canopies and access panels.
- Selected moving parts such as gun turrets, control surfaces and swing-wings.
Go back 70 years here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-US36109
Last to the fireworks this week is the 1:30 scale Thomas Gunn Miniatures
7.5cm Infantry Gun & Three Man Crew - Desert version - 3 figures from Hobby Bunker for $90.00.
Our tropical version of the 7.5cm Gun with 3 crew, but this time manned by members of the Hermann Goring Division as they would have appeared in Tunisia in 1943. This version will be limited to 150 sets worldwide. This item is retired.
Load up here:
http://www.hobbybunker.com/products/...-figures-21320