We will start our sixth year of featuring certain die cast items each week. During 2010 we posted 252 selections, including a few items which appeared more than once (generally from a different vendor) over the year. Those selections came from over 75 different vendors. Our mission is to provide an independent voice--highlighting some of the best values each week to the military die cast collector.
It is probably true that such an effort can never be completely objective. What we like, may not be exactly what you like, in terms of model type, scale, quality, manufacturer or other factors. That said; we try to include selections for both the most serious and budget minded collectors. We have certain dealers who have established outstanding reputations for product, prices and customer service. So these vendors probably receive more views than some others in the process of making our selections each week. There is also at least one vendor who we have never featured, due to poor customer service and relations experienced with him. Other dealers are outstanding in most respects--and may even have the very best customer service, but tend to have higher prices and few, if any, reduced price sales. As a result, their products tend to be recommended less than those with good products and outstanding prices, even if their customer service is of a lower quality.
It has not escaped notice that we have lost a number of vendors in the last 2 1/2 years or so. Further many vendors appear to reducing stock or even eliminating their military items that we feature here. In this adverse economic environment we are proud to say that we featured significantly more vendors in 2010 than we did in 2009. It's unclear whether we can exceed or even match those accomplishments in another year of this bad economy, but we will try.
We use the term "die cast" somewhat liberally, as we feature not only traditional die cast items, but also resin, wood and mostly plastic items as well. The keys are that each featured item come pre-painted and requires either little or no assembly.
The selections for 2011 begin with...a pair of 1:32 scale Forces of Valor World War II heavy weight foes. Entering the ring fist, weighing $41.99 and fighting for The Flying Mule's Winter Inventory Reduction Sale--it's the Henschel Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger from the German Army, Normandy, France, D-Day, June 6th 1944.
Length: 9" Width: 4.5"
The most powerful tank of WW2, the King Tiger featured an 88mm gun and near impenetrable front armor. More than a match for its allied counterparts, this tank was one of the most feared weapons of the war. Even today, it stands as a hallmark of German armored engineering.
Officially designated Panzerkampfwagen VI Sd.Kfz 182, the King Tiger entered service in 1944. This tank carried the awesome tank-killing 88mm main gun and had four-inch armor at its thickest. The system was crewed by five personnel and two machine guns were added for self-defense. The King Tiger's ability to destroy enemy tanks at extreme ranges yet remain impervious to those same tanks made it more than a match for any Allied tank. The sight of a King Tiger on the battlefield was terrifying and did great morale damage to Allied forces.
Forces of Valor's 1:32 scale King Tiger series recreates the most powerful and heavily armored tank of WWII. The top portion of the hull is made of diecast metal and features opening driver and forward gunner's hatches. A functional engine hatch at the rear reveals the top portions of the V-12 Maybach engine. The 360 degree rotating turret has an opening commander's copula hatch and elevating diecast metal cannon with a detailed muzzle brake. Wide rolling rubber tracks and wheels with working suspension are featured on each track wheel. Separately applied battlefield equipment such as hatchets and cables are included for a variety of display options.
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.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on 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.
You won't need a metal detector to find this big boy here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/UM-80601
In the other corner, representing the U.S. of A. and Wartoyz, it's the M26 Pershing Tank, weighing in at $42.99 and wearing the greenish trunks.
In the latter part of WWII, the U.S. Army realized the inherent weaknesses of the M4 Shermans. In the face of the heavy battle tanks of the German Army, the U.S. began development of the M26. The Pershing would have much greater armor, a lower profile, and a 90MM or 105MM main gun. Produced in the later years of WWII, it first entered combat in 1944.
The Pershing had many improvements over previous designs. New suspension systems utilizing a Horizontal Volute Suspension System (HVSS) and a torsion bar system made the M26 a smoother riding and better handing heavy tank. The powerplant was a strong 500 horsepower V-8 engine with a new Torquematic fluid-drive automatic transmission, thus providing the Pershing enhanced battle performance maneuverability.
This 1:32 scale version of the Pershing depicts the tank as seen in Germany in 1945.
This U.S. M26 Pershing tank is part of Forces Of Valor's Enthusiast Edition series, which is the extremely detailed version of this vehicle.. The 1:32 scale die cast metal vehicle is approximately 8 inches long (11 inches long with gun barrel) and has a turret that rotates, a gun barrel that raises and lowers, hatches that open and close, and a rolling tank suspension. It comes complete with a Tank Commander figure and accessories such as external gas cans and battle ready gear!
Bet on this big Yank Tank here:
http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/FV80016
Our last armor selection this opening week is a 1:48 scale Tamiya Masterwork Panther Type G Late Ver. - Finished "Battle of Kustrin" from the Tamiya company store or Mark Twain Hobby Center for $39.99.
This fully finished tank model has been painstakingly assembled by Tamiya craftsmen, with the high level of workmanship clearly on display. Realistic detailing includes fully articulated tank treads and distinctive hull shape. Includes slanted stripe 3-color camouflage that is not described in assembly kit painting instructions.
About the German Panther Ausf.G:
Developed as a countermeasure to the Soviet T-34, the German Panther tank was produced from 1943 until the end of the war and served alongside the Panzer III, IV and Tiger tanks. The Panther tank featured sloped armor, powerful 700hp Maybach engine and a turret placed far back on the hull mounting a 75mm L/70 cannon. The main gun was even more devastating than its size of 75mm would suggest, due to the large propellant charge and long barrel with high muzzle velocity.
About the Model
- Fully assembled 1/48 Panther Ausf.G pre-painted with markings pre-applied.
- Model depicts late version tank featuring mantlet with lower chin piece, muffler with flash suppressor and heater unit used for winter operations.
- Die-cast chassis for extra weight and enhanced realism.
- Finish has been made to look weathered for display quality accuracy.
- High quality markings depict tank present at Battle of Kustrin in March 1945.
- Paint scheme: dark green base coat with red brown & dark yellow camouflage.
- Includes special display base with nameplate.
Go to the Tamiya store here:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/ite...oduct-id=26517
Or to Twain's place here--ignoring what they say about this tank fighting at Kursk, where only the Ausf. D was used:
http://hobby1.com/store/product/2679...URSK-FINISHED/
Our air fans have been more than patient. So will start them off with a choice between 1:72 scale Hobby Master Skyraiders. Option one is again from the Mule's Winter Sale. It is the Douglas A-1H Skyraider USN VA-25 Fist of the Fleet, NE577, Clint Johnson, USS Midway, Vietnam, June 20th 1965 for $39.99.
Length: 6.5" Width: 8.25"
This particular aircraft was flown by Clint Johnson on a MIG killing mission on June 20th, 1965. Four A-1s were jumped by two MIG-17s, who attempted to maneuver with the Skyraiders. One of the MIGs was downed after getting slow in front of the Skyraider's 20mm cannons and the kill was awarded jointly to two of the Skyraider pilots, Lt. Clint Johnson and Lt. Charles Hartman.
Designed by Douglas' chief engineer Ed Heinemann, the A1 was first flown on March 18th, 1945. Used in Vietnam for close air support and for providing cover for combat rescue missions, the Skyraider was valued for its ability to devastate enemy ground targets. It had four 20-mm guns installed in the wings, and could be equipped with additional combinations of bombs, mines, gun pods and rockets. The Skyraider was large for a single-engine, single-seat low monoplane—its bigger-than-average fuselage had plenty of space for modification and could be used for carrying passengers, medical provisions or heavy cargo.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale A-1 Skyraider is made with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, which yield a near solid and seamlessly-constructed model with a heavy feel. The fuselage features a canopy that slides open to reveal flight controls and an instrument panel with pad-printed dials. Other fine details include a tail hook below an all-metal empennage, individual exhaust stacks emerging from the rear of the engine cowling and a variety of removable ordnance and external fuel tanks (depending on the release). The main landing gear and gear doors are constructed as a subassembly for easy installation. The leading edge features correctly-shaped machine gun barrels and hand-painted navigation lights.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
Death to MIG's here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/HM-HA2903
Skyraider option #2 is camoed bird from the 56th Special Operations Wing.
Modeller's Choice offers it for $44.99 Canadian.
Put the snowshoes on your mouse and click here:
http://www.modellerschoice.com/Deskt...roductid=15958
The sale at Aim Higher Jets provides us with our last plane pick this week. It's the Century Wings 1:72 scale Lockheed Martin SR-71B USAF 9th SRW, Beale AFB, CA, 1968, and it runs $109.95
17.75" in Length
9.25" Wingspan
Few aircraft are as instantly recognizable as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and Century Wings have reproduced the stunning lines of this aircraft perfectly in 1:72 scale. With Century Wings' usual degree of exceptional detail and accuracy, this model is absolute "must have" for any diecast aircraft collection. Nearly 18" in length and 9.25" in width, this model is sure to be the centerpiece of any collection. The Lockheed SR-71 was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft by the Lockheed Skunk Works. The SR-71 was unofficially named the Blackbird, and called the Habu by its crews. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. A defensive feature of the aircraft was its high speed and operating altitude, whereby, if a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, standard evasive action was simply to accelerate.
The SR-71 line was in service from 1964 to Few aircraft are as instantly recognizable as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and Century Wings have reproduced the stunning lines of this aircraft perfectly in 1:72 scale. With Century Wings' usual degree of exceptional detail and accuracy, this model is absolute "must have" for any diecast aircraft collection. This model is particularly unique as it represents the rare SR-71B trainer variant. A total of 32 SR-71s were produced, consisting of 29 SR-71As, 2 SR-71Bs and 1 SR-71C. The 'B' variant differed from the 'A' by having a raised rear cockpit for the Instructor pilot. The aerodynamic effects of the raised cockpit at the front of such a long neck required additional ventral fins under the aircraft to maintain yaw control. Aircraft #61-7956 was first flown on November 18th, 1965. The second SR-71B, #61-7957, was lost in a landing accident in 1968. #61-7956 remained the cornerstone of the intensive 10 month/100 hour SR-71 flight-training program until 1990. In 1991, the aircraft was transferred to NASA for research flights before finally being retired in 1997. It is now on static display at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This replica of the SR-71 is constructed almost entirely of metal; only the smallest amount of plastic has been used in the manufacturing process. Crisply detailed panel lines and ultra-thin metal rudders and edges surround the airframe to reproduce this eye-catching speed demon. The sharply pointed shock cones protruding from the engine nacelles and the afterburner detail at the rear of the engine are accurately reproduced, and the correctly detailed set of landing gear and doors have been included as robust sub-assemblies that allow for quick and easy configuration for ground or in-flight display.
Fly high and aim here:
http://www.aimhigherjets.com/Century.../cw-718845.htm
Last up this week is a 1:30 scale Del Prado
French Army Captain, Armored Troops, Blitzkrieg to Vichy 1939
Each figure includes a full color Osprey booklet with historical background on that figure
Michigan Toy Soldier has it for just $6.50.
Get one here before he surrenders:
http://www.michtoy.com/item-DEL-MW04...ichy_1939.html
Program Note: Your humble author is scheduled for shoulder surgery at mid-week. Therefore the timing of next week's edition is subject to how my adventure goes. Hopefully the extra picks this week will carry everyone over until I can return.