First on the ground this week is a Dragon 1:72 scale German Super Heavy Tank Maus #104 (V2) from Pete's for $9.75.
See the picture in the next post.
This model features the 2nd Maus prototype named the V2.
Main Features:
- Completely new-tooled Maus mold
- Accurate air intake pertaining to V2 version
- True-scale model
- Historically accurate 3-tone camouflage
- Detailed and weathered track links
- Includes display case
About the Maus:
The Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus (Sd.Kfz 205) is the heaviest tank with completed working prototypes built during World War II. The basic design known as the VK70001/Porsche Type 2005 was suggested by Ferdinand Porsche to Adolf Hitler in June of 1942, who subsequently approved it. The design up to then had been the culmination of work done by Porsche who had won the contract for the heavy tank that March. Work on the design began in earnest and the first prototype would be ready in 1943 and was initially received the name Mammut (Mammoth). This was reportedly changed to Maeuschen (Mousy) in December of 1942 and finally Maus (Mouse) in February of 1943.
Most of the life of the working Maus prototypes was in testing around Kummersdorf and at the proving grounds in Böblingen, but the V1 and V2 versions were also involved in one known mission in a combat area that ended in both tanks being over-run and captured by Soviet forces.
Get Mickey here:
http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...=DRR60137#item
If you prefer 1:32 scale, you might have interest in the Forces of Valor German Flakpanzer IV Wirblewind Poland, 1944 from OB's for $39.95.
The no fly zone is here:
http://www.obsdiecastplanes.com/inde...roducts_id=768
Aiken's Airplanes has our first flying selection, the Corgi 1:72 scale Junkers Ju-87R-2 ‘A5+HH - 1./StG 1, Krainici, Bulgaria, 1941. This plane from the Legends line goes for $24.95.
This machine is unusual in having the entire tail unit painted yellow – this was presumably done because the Ju 87 was the mount of a formation leader. Note the Gruppe emblem on the cowling – a stylized depiction of ‘Hans Huckebein’, who was a cartoon raven popular in the 19th century. Hastily summoned from North Africa to reinforce StG 2 in Bulgaria immediately prior to the invasion of Yugoslavia and Greece, I./StG 1 nevertheless found time to apply the yellow theatre markings specified for Operation Marita (Balkans invasion) by the Luftwaffe high command.
Head to the Med from here:
WE fly toward summer in our last selection this week, the Hobby Master 1:72 scale Avenger TBM-3E2 Dutch Marine Luchtvaartdienst, 1954 from the Monkey Depot for $27.07.
The TBF/M "Avenger" was the biggest single engine aircraft during the WWII. She was ordered into production in Dec 1940 with first delivery just in time for the Battle of Midway. The "Avenger" was characterized by its rigid and strong body and its versatilities. She started out as a torpedo bomber but it soon took the duties as a close-support bomber, a patrol aircraft and even a trainer. After the war the Avenger was also used as crop dusters and forest fire water bombers.
Fifty TBM-3 were delivered in 1953-4 to the Royal Netherlands Naval Air service and these were ex-planes from the US Navy. They were used as submarine 'killer' and some were deployed from the Dutch navy aircraft carrier “Karel Doorman”.
Get one of these surplus birds here: