2009 Die Cast Buys of the Week

[KG_Jag]

This week we have a range of offerings from $10 to $100.

Let's start with one for the budget minded. From the sale at the Monkey Depot, it's 1:32 scale 21st Century German Sd.Kfz. 139 Marder III "Heidei". You can pick one up for just $9.95.



Description: The German Marders were a series of self-propelled tank destroyers mostly built as stop gap solutions until purpose designed and built equipment could reach the field. The Marder III was the first production version in the Marder III series. The gun was centrally located, due to weight issues. With the engine mounted at the rear of its chassis, the gun had to be mounted elsewhere in order to keep the tank from being unbalanced. The later Marder IIIM version had the engine relocated to the center of the chassis, hence the designation "M" (middle), and the gun compartment was located on the back of the hull. Both versions had lightly armored crew compartments and were open in the top and rear. The Soviet 76.2 mm field gun was captured in large quantities and it was decided to use these by mating them to the Panzer 38(t) chassis. The resulting Marder III was an effective anti-tank weapon and was used widely by the Germans in WWII.


-Tracks + wheels roll
-Gun has limited movement


Check out your own convertible AFV here:

http://www.monkeydepot.com/21st_Cent...e_p/us0142.htm


If you invested with Bernie Madoff, this next pick may not be for you. From the Franklin Mint by way of the Flying Mule and your $99.99, it's a 1:24 scale Sherman M4-A3.

Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11B649; M4 Sherman Tank Diecast Model US Army: 9.5" x 4.5"

This is a precision-engineered scale model from The Franklin Mint, carefully crafted, hand-painted and hand-finished, featuring a level of detail far and above that of the Franklin Mint's regular Armour Collection series.

What the ship is to the Navy and what the airplane is to the Air Force-that's what the tank is to the Army. And the U.S. Army's greatest tank commander was George S. Patton Jr. Born in California on November 11, 1885, Patton attended Virginia Military Academy, graduated from West Point, and participated in the 1912 Olympic Games as a pentathlete.

During World War I, Patton served as aide to Gen. John J. Pershing and organized and trained the first tank brigade. With the outbreak of WWII, Patton returned to the battlefield and distinguished himself in a variety of campaigns-the invasion of North Africa where he faced Gen. Rommel's tank forces, and the invasion of Sicily, where he led the Seventh Army. Later, under his spirited command, the Third Army pushed through France and Germany, and into Czechoslovakia. Patton's flamboyant style and impetuous manner made him a hero to his troops, but led to a series of official reprimands and reassignments. In December of 1945, less than a year after defeating the Nazis, Patton was injured in a car accident and died in a Heidelberg hospital.

A genius in tank warfare, Patton thwarted the German counter offensive at the Battle of the Bulge, leading the way in his M4-A3 Sherman tank. The Sherman tank was the standard tank produced in the U.S. from 1942 through 1944. More than 50,000 were delivered during the height of production, and the M4-A3 was the the most important of all WW II combat tanks. This formidable vehicle was armed with a 76mm gun which had superior penetrating power and could pierce 4 inches of armor at 1,000 yards. General Patton and the redoubtable Sherman tank share a moment in military history that will not be forgotten.

The hull and rotating turret are both made from heavy diecast metal, which showcases fantastic scale details such as the authentic look and feel of true casting effects on the turret surface. The smooth-rolling, individually-linked tracks, and spring-loaded active suspension are masterfully replicated. Remove the turret to reveal a detailed cannon breach system and crew positions, driver controls, forward machine gunner’s position and a turret control panel with textured dials and levers. The turret also features an opening commander’s hatch, a movable 50-caliber machine gun with a well-detailed ammo box that includes shells and a pivoting cannon. Opening engine hatches reveal an extensively detailed Ford GAA engine.

The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Armour Collection diecast vehicles from The Franklin Mint require no gluing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box.

Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast vehicles 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.
• Accurately detailed underside.

Be sure to check with your non-Madoff financial adviser before clicking here:

http://www.flyingmule.com/products/FM-B11B649

OK--now equal time for our air jocks. The first is a Franklin Mint/Armour 1:48 scale German warbird from the Second World War and Classic Closeouts. If you've got the $31.99, they have the FW 190 Hondt, also referred to as "Red 13".

Wingspan 8 inches

Get this cannon toting Kraut momma here:


http://www.classiccloseouts.com/item...3920&att_id=85


Our final selection this SxSW week is a Hobby Master plane and a patch--both from Pete for $19.95. It's the 1:72 scale Korean War fighting version of the the Texan trainer.



HA1506 Hobby Master $28.45 $19.95 LT-6G Mosquito 1/72 Die Cast Model, 6148 Tactical Control Squadron, Korea, 1953. ( Receive 1 Free 5 Inch Mosquito Squadron Replica Patch With Each Purchase of HA1506, Exclusively From Pete's Collectibles.) Free Patch May Vary Slightly In Color And Design Than Sample Patch Shown.

Special Price: $19.95

Scale: 1:72 LIMITED STOCK Shipping 1st: $5.99Additional Items: $0.00

Swat this little pest here:

http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...No=HA1506#item