SxSW is behind us and the "real" NCAA tournament games are just ahead. We'll bridge the gap with some picks.
First up is the Dragon 1:72 scale T-34/76 mm German Captured--Mod. 1941, 6th Pz. Division, (#60151) from JT's for $9.99.
Year of Release: 2005
Product Attributes: Authentic Detailing, Pre-Painted and Markings Pre-Applied, Fully Assembled, Diecast Model, True to Scale (1:72), High Quality, and Painted
About the Russian T-34 Tank: The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank produced from 1941 to 1958. It is widely regarded to have been the world's best tank when the Soviet Union entered World War II, and although its armor and armament were surpassed by later tanks of the era, it is credited as the war's most effective, efficient and influential design. First produced at the KhPZ factory in Kharkov (Kharkov, Ukraine), it was the mainstay of Soviet armored forces throughout World War II, and widely exported afterward. It was the most-produced tank of the war, and the second most-produced tank of all time, after its successor, the T-54/55 series. A 1996 publication showed that the T-34 was still in service with twenty-seven countries.The T-34 was developed from the BT series of fast tanks, and was intended to replace both the BT-5 and BT-7 tanks and the T-26 infantry tank in service (Zaloga & Grandsen 1984:66, 111). At its introduction, it was the tank with the best balance and attributes of firepower, mobility, and protection in existence, although initially its battlefield effectiveness suffered from the unsatisfactory ergonomic layout of its crew compartment, lack of radios and poor tactical employment. The two-man turret crew arrangement required the commander to also serve as the gunner, an arrangement common to most Soviet tanks of the day; this proved to be inferior to the German arrangement of three men (commander, gunner and loader).
The design and construction of the tank were continuously refined during the war to improve effectiveness and decrease costs, allowing steadily greater numbers of tanks to be fielded. In early 1944, the improved T-34-85 was introduced, with a more powerful 85 mm gun and a three-man turret design. By the war's end in 1945, the versatile and cost-effective T-34 had replaced many light and heavy tanks in service, and accounted for the majority of Soviet tank production. Its evolutionary development would lead directly to the T-54/55 series of tanks, built until 1981 and still operated today.
About Captured T-34 Tanks:The vast steppes defended by their Russian inhabitants took a heavy toll on the armoured vehicles of German forces. Thus there was an insatiable thirst for more and more vehicles, and as huge quantities of Russian vehicles were captured, many were pressed into German service.The ancestry of the T-34 derives from the BT series of fast tanks developed in the USSR in the 1930s. These were discovered to be too lightly armoured and armed for the sort of combat that would be expected.The T-34 took the BT's Christie-type suspension and incorporated it into a much more robust tank (The BTs were derived from prototype fast tanks built by American tank designer J. Walter Christie, which were sold to the Soviet Union after the American military declined to buy them. The T-34 incorporates elements of the Christie suspension, in particular the large road wheels).Development proper commenced in 1936, and a prototype was completed in 1939. Full scale production started in 1940. The T-34 was produced in two major variants, the basic T-34/76 with a 76-mm gun (simply called T-34, in Soviet service), and the T-34/85 with an 85-mm gun.
This model features a captured T-34/76 which bears a fascinating paint scheme. Though the lower hull remains in Russian olive drab, the turret and upper hull have been repainted in German Panzer grey. To clearly identify the vehicle’s new ownership, distinctive German crosses have been painted on the turret sides.
Capture one here:
http://www.jtscollectibles.com/drago...ale-p-262.html
Our next three selections are from the Flying Mule's Spring Sale. We make our second pick this week, the Dragon 1:72 scale Porsche Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant Display Model--German Army, #232, w/ Soviet Anti-Tank Rifleman, Diorama for just $9.95.
This title features a dramatic diorama scene as a Russian infantryman armed with an anti-tank rifle, is surveying a captured Elefant.
Right in the thick of the battle the hatches of the mighty Elefant open, and the German tank commander gives the order to abandon the vehicle due to mechanical problem. The crew quickly beat a hasty retreat, leaving their tank destroyer with its 88mm gun lying abandoned on the battlefield, much to the rapture of its Russian opponents. Such a ready made diorama is now available from Dragon Armor. The complete diorama includes a powerful, but vulnerable, German Elefant painted in a three-tone camouflage scheme. Alongside it is a Russian infantryman armed with an anti-tank rifle, surveying the captured vehicle. Everything in this inspirational set is beautifully painted and weathered, and the scenic base is startlingly realistic. This Dragon Armor battlefield scene is safely enclosed in a clear plastic display case. With a diorama like this, you can relive the bruising battles took place in the Eastern Front.
Presented to Hitler on March 19th, 1943, the German Panzerjäger or Elefant was originally built under the name Ferdinand, after its designer Ferdinand Porsche. A six man crew operated the 88mm gun mounted on this 70 ton tank. Engines were located in the middle of the hull, which allowed space for the armament at the rear. The Elefant's armor plate was as thick as 8 in. on the front—this helped it flatten obstacles and clear the way for lighter vehicles. The Elefant's extreme firepower/protection ratio gave it an enormous advantage; in "kills per loss," it might have been the most successful "tank destroyer" of the war.
Dragon's 1:72 scale Elefant/Ferdinand tank series includes both early and updated variants, with later versions featuring a machine gun in the front of the hull and a commander's cupola. Models in this series are constructed almost entirely of diecast plastic, which helps to highlight even the smallest details such as welding beads and intricate Zimmerit coatings. Each release features a pivoting 88mm anti-tank cannon with a detailed muzzle break. The model's underside features detailed maintenance access panels and detailed suspension. Separately applied track repair gear provides the extra equipment needed in the battlefield.
The Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military vehicles. Dragon Armor tanks require no gluing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box and is 100% true to scale...
these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank.
Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" display model vehicles feature:
- Molded plastic construction (some releases include diecast metal components).
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks and detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
Get David and Goliath here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/DM-60221
For those waiting for Spring to take wing, we present the Witty 1:72 scale Witty Sky Guardians (Series 1) WTW72015-12--Hawker Sea Fury FB.Mk 11
RAN No.805 Sqn, HMAS Sydney, Korea, 1952 for $18.95.
The Sea Fury was a fighter aircraft developed for the British Fleet Air Arm by Hawker during World War II. The last propeller-driven fighter to serve the Royal Navy, it was also the fastest production single piston-engined aircraft ever built.
Designed to meet an Air Ministry/Admiralty requirement for a lightweight version of the Tempest, the Sea Fury was first flown on September 1st, 1944. It was an exceptional aircraft—tough in the attack role and one of the fastest single piston-engined aircraft ever built—but it was too late to see action in WWII. The Sea Fury carried a variety of munitions and delivery was extremely accurate; one Sea Fury shot down a MIG-15 during the Korean War. The last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy, the Sea Fury also served prominently with other nations including Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and Egypt.
Witty's 1:72 scale Hawker Sea Fury is constructed almost entirely of solid diecast metal. The models in this series feature distinct-yet-subtle panel lines and rivets, an uncommon feature in diecast metal (usually only seen on plastic models). The near solid fuselage has an all-metal empennage, a bubble canopy for easy viewing of the pilot figure and a sleek, five-bladed propeller and hub that blends seamlessly with the engine cowling. The solid metal wing has 20mm cannon ports on the leading edge, sturdy fixed landing gear and a variety of wing mounted drop tanks and ordnance loads. Releases in this series include the single-seat fighter-bomber and two-seat trainer variants.
The Witty "Wings" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Witty have earned a reputation for producing high-quality models that can be displayed right out of the box.
Witty "Wings" (Series 1) 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.
- Permanently extended landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Authentic fixed ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Selected moving parts such as canopies, control surfaces and swing-wings.
- Detailed, hand-painted pilot and crew member figures.
Jump on one here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/WT-WTW72015-12
Hovering above it all is the 1:72 scale Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA37606--Westland Wessex, FAA 845 NAS, HMS Bulwark, 1969 for $24.95.
The Westland Wessex is a British turbine-powered version of the Sikorsky S-58 developed under license by Westland Aircraft (later Westland Helicopters), initially for the Royal Navy, and later for the Royal Air Force. The Wessex was built at Westland's factory at Yeovil in Somerset. The Wessex HU (Helicopter Utility) Mk.5 was a Commando Assault version for the Royal Navy, which could deploy 16 Royal Marines Commandos and equipment from ship to shore in a tactical assault. There were 101 of this variant built, serving on the carriers HMS Albion and Bulwark. Delivered to Nos. 845 and 848 Sqns in the early 1960s, the type gave stalwart reliable service until officially withdrawn in 1986.
Designed by Sikorsky as a US Navy anti-submarine military helicopter, the CH-34 Choctaw first flew on March 8, 1954. This prolific aircraft saw action in Vietnam and is one of history's most successful helicopters, flown on every continent with the armed forces of 25 nations. It has served in an anti-submarine role, as VIP transport, for troop and utility transport and as a search and rescue vehicle. Under various designations, Choctaws have been operated by the US Marine Corps, the US Navy, the US Army and the coast guard. The type also served with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as the turbine-engined Wessex.
Corgi's 1:72 scale CH-34/Wessex helicopters are wonderfully detailed with two sets of rotor blades—one with drooping blades for ground display and another with blades that are curved upward for in-flight display. The main and tail rotor heads spin and the "green-house" canopy with separately applied photo-etched metal wiper blades is large, allowing for easy viewing of the cockpit interior and crew figures. The sliding cargo door opens effortlessly to reveal additional crew figures and the interior of the cargo-hold. Each release highlights one of many nose mounted engine configurations and lower fuselage details.
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.
Land one in your backyard here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-AA37606