Our first it-sure-doesn't-feel-like-Spring-yet pick from the garden is the Dragon 1:72 scale M2A2 ODS Bradley, A Coy. 3rd Squadron, 5th CAV, Bosnia 1996 from Pete's for $7.95.
Waiting for you in Spring mud camo here:
http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...=DRR60034#item
The turning of the season bring us this turncoat. It's the Dragon 1:72 scale M4A2 75 mm Beutepanzer from Burbank's house of Hobbies for $12.00.
Get this Herr Benedict Arnold here:
http://www.houseofhobbies.com/dr1bem475pr.html
The first bird of the Spring is the Corgi 1:72 scale P-40E-1 Warhawk--1st Lt. John D. Landers, 49th FG, Texas Longhorn from Military Issue for $28.95.
A replica of "Texas Longhorn," the P-40 Warhawk flown by 14½-victory ace 1st Lt. John Landers (who went on to fame flying the P-51 Mustang "Big Beautiful Doll" as commander of the 78th Fighter Group) of the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, when he was stationed at Port Moresby, New Guinea, in December, 1942, this 1/72 scale die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a figure of Landers, a rotating propeller, an external fuel tank, optional-position landing gear with real rubber tires, authentic markings, a display stand, and more. 6" wingspan.
Round one up here:
http://www.militaryissue.com/product...category=USAAF Fighters
Rising to the fight is the Corgi 1:72 scale Aviation Archive Collector Series (US32112) Messerschmitt Bf 109E--Luftwaffe I./LG, Herbert Ihlefeld from The Flying Mule for $19.95.
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a German World War II fighter aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt in the early 1930s. It was one of the first true modern fighters of the era, including such features as an all-metal monocoque construction, a closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. The Bf 109 was produced in greater quantities than any other fighter aircraft in history, with a total of 33,984 units produced up to April 1945. Fighter production totaled 47% of all German aircraft production, and the Bf 109 accounted for 57% of all German fighter types produced. A total of 2,193 Bf 109 A-E were built prewar, from 1936 to August 1939.
Approximately 1,000 Bf 109 derivatives were manufactured postwar under license as Czechoslovakian-built Avia S-99 & S-199s and Spanish-built Hispano Aviación HA-1109 and HA-1112 Buchons.
The Bf 109 was the backbone of the Luftwaffe fighter force in World War II, although it began to be partially replaced by the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 from 1941. The Bf 109 was the most successful fighter of World War II, shooting down more aircraft than any of its contemporaries. Originally conceived as an interceptor, it was later developed to fulfill multiple tasks, serving as bomber escort, fighter bomber, day-, night- all-weather fighter, bomber destroyer, ground-attack aircraft, and as reconnaissance aircraft. Although the Bf 109 had weaknesses, including short range and challenging take off and landing characteristics, it stayed competitive with Allied fighter aircraft until the end of the war.
Designed to meet a Luftwaffe need for a single-seat fighter/interceptor, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 was first flown on May 28th, 1935. Its all-metal construction, closed canopy and retractable gear made the Bf 109 one of the first true modern fighters of WWII. This versatile aircraft served in many roles and was the most produced aircraft of the war and the backbone of the Luftwaffe, and was flown by Germany's top three aces, who claimed a total of 928 victories between them. Armed with two cannons and two machine guns, the Bf 109's design underwent constant revisions, which allowed it to remain competitive until the end of the war.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Bf 109s are constructed almost entirely of diecast metal, with only the smallest amount of plastic. On most releases the top engine cowing is removable, revealing a detailed inverted Daimler-Benz V-12 engine. A 20mm cannon port—used against enemy bombers—can be seen in the propeller's spinner. The solid diecast metal wing features simulated fabric-stretched control surfaces with counter balance weights and machine gun barrels protruding through the leading edges. Additionally, the razor-thin braced horizontal stabilizers are diecast metal, a feature uncommon in 1:72 scale. The large "bird-cage" canopy allows for easy viewing of a detailed hand-painted pilot figure.
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.
Bugging the Willy out of your here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-US32112