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We are happy to announce open registration on the KG forums has begun! Welcome everyone! |
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#1
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![]() We will start our seventh year of featuring certain, mostly military, die cast items each week. During 2011 we posted 243 selections, including a few items which appeared more than once (generally from a different vendor) over the year. Those selections came from over 80 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. Some 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. There are currently two vendors who we will not consider for inclusion. The first of these we have never featured, due to poor customer service and relations experienced with him. The newest culled from our list is a company whose owner or part owner (directly or through entities) was shown through reliable and public reports and sources to have not once--but twice used credit card fraud in attempts to steal money from a well known international celebrity. If you are interested, this celebrity is way above the Kim, Kourtney and Snooki tier. It has not escaped notice that we have again lost a number of vendors in 2011. Further many other vendors, it appears, have continued to reduce stock or even eliminate their military items that we feature here. In this adverse economic environment we are proud to say that we featured significantly more vendors in 2011 than we did in the prior two years. 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. Stay tuned for our first selections for 2012. They will appear very soon. Before they do, we are taking a short break so that you can check out our 2011 Die Cast Buys of the Year, which were just posted and are inspired--or are pure encore presentations--from our 52 installments in our 2011 Die Cast Buys of the week.
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“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President |
#2
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![]() We'll kick off the new year with some very affordable 1:72 scale armor from Dragon. First up from Pete's is our low price leader of the week. For just $6.95 Pete will favor you with the Sturmtiger - 38cm R61 AUF Sturmtiger 1001st Sturmmorser Kompanie, Germany 1945.
This little big boy can be found here: http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...=DRR60026#item Almost as affordable in these lean weeks after Christmas is the Porsche Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger German Army sPzAbt 501, #124, Normandy, France, July 1944 for $9.99 at The Flying Mule. ![]() The King Tiger, Germany's most formidable Heavy Tank, made its first appearance on the WWII theater in 1944. The first 50 tanks produced had Porsche turrets whereas subsequent tanks were equipped with the Henschel designed production turret. The King Tiger was armed with a 71-caliber 88mm gun that had enough power to penetrate 150mm thick armor from 2000m away. For protection, the chassis front armor was 150mm thick with 80mm thick side armor. 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. Dragon's 1:72 scale King Tigers replicate many fine features such as intricate radiator vents, crew hatches and periscope details on the turret and front of hull. Each release features a 360-degree rotating turret and elevating cannon with hollowed muzzle break. Each of the 18 road wheels includes bolt head details that can clearly be seen through the vehicle’s tracks, while access panels and torsion bar suspension are reproduced on the model's underside. The series includes the distinctively streamlined early "Porsche" turret and the shell-deflecting, late production "Henschel" design. Some releases also feature a simulated Zimmerit coating on the turret and hull. 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:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/DM-60106 For our "air heads" we open the year with the Corgi 1:32 scale Messerschmitt Bf 109G Luftwaffe 8./JG 77, Black 6, Heinz Ludeman, Gambut, Libya, November 1942 from Diecast Direct for $89.21. ![]() Report to Kesselring here: http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_mod...uctCode=C34909 Our last bird to the flight line this week is the Corgi 1:72 scale Hawker Typhoon NF Mk.IB Model, RAE, 1943 from The Drop Zone for $21.60. Apply the coupon code provided on the web site and you might save 30% or 35% more. ![]() Start your ground attack here: http://www.thedzd.com/store/p/454-Co...i-AA36505.aspx
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“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President |
#3
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![]() The NFL Wild Card games are in the books. So we start our own ground game with the fullback sized 1:16 scale Forces of Valor M4A3 Sherman with figures at Bad Cat for $299.00.
Tank riders climb aboard here: http://www.badcattoys.com/m4shw1foofva.html Not as large but very impressive none-the-less are our next two offerings. Both are Tamiya Masterwork 1:35 scale AFV's from Military Issue. Staying in World War II, we open this set with the Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G for $78.95. Hand assembled and painted by expert modelers, this fully assembled, 1/35 scale, plastic and metal model of a World War II Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G features an aluminum gun barrel with a muzzle brake, optional-position hatches, photo-etched engine grilles, a machine gun shield, removable side skirts, realistic metal tracks, plenty of tools and equipment, an authentic camouflage scheme with 237th Sturmgeschütz Brigade markings, and more. Measures approximately 7¾" long and arrives ready to display. Don't wait, as the price will certainly top $100 by a large chunk if you don't click here: Our final armor selection takes us decades forward in time. It is the T-55A Desert Version--replicating a Polish-built T-55A employed by Iraqi forces in the First Gulf War. The asking price is $69.95 This professionally assembled and hand painted, 1/35 scale, plastic and metal model features textured surfaces, an aluminum gun barrel, an opening commander's hatch, an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun and a loader's hatch, rear-mounted fuel tanks, realistic metal tracks, a desert paint scheme, and more. 7¼" long; arrives ready to display. Kuwait awaits: Doing the dirty work for the guys with rides is the 1:32 scale German Kampfgruppe - 17th Waffen SS and 3rd Fallschirmjaeger Division Panzerfaust Team from W. Britain by way of Treefrog Treasures for just $15.00. ![]() They're setting up an ambush along this road: http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/detail.aspx?ID=355 Inspired by the play of Tim Tebow our winning aerial show this week opens with the Corgi 1:32 scale U.S. P51D Mustang - 'Jersey Jerk' from Wartoyz for $97.99. ![]() Many people consider the P-51 Mustang the best fighter of WWII. Its combination of speed, range, maneuverability, and firepower gave it great versatility. Its use in all major theaters of the war included long range, high altitude escort of Bombers, close air support for ground troops, and photo reconnaissance. This die cast 1:32 scale version of the U.S. P-51D Mustang depicts the 'Jersey Jerk' aircraft flown by Major Don Strait, Commanding Officer of the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group stationed at Martlesham Heath in England, as it was seen in December of 1944. Strait was the Group's highest scoring ace with 13.5 kills. This Highly Limited Edition 1:32 scale U.S. P-51D Mustang is part of Corgi's Aviation Archive Deluxe series, and it is approximately twelve inches long with a wingspan of approximately fourteen inches. This special fully working model has realistic aircraft sound, a working propeller, illuminated navigation lights, realistic cockpit controls on the display stand, and an operating undercarriage. It is part of a Highly Limited Edition of only 1600 worldwide! This item has been 'retired' by Corgi, and will no longer be available once our current inventory sells out. Order now to avoid missing out on this best seller! Work overtime and fit this one into your glide path: http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/CO-AA34406 Last to find an airfield this week is the 1:72 scale Hobby Master A-24 Banshee "U.S. Army, Java, 1942" from BuyDiecastOnline for $23.50. ![]() Intercept one of these ground bound Dauntless' here: http://www.buydiecastonline.com/Prod...Java-1942.html
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“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President |
#4
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![]() This week we start rolling with Hobby Master 1:72 scale KV-2 1940 PzKpfw KW II 754 Panzerkompanie (z.b.v.) 66, Malta Invasion Force, 1941 (HG3008) from Burbank's House of Hobbies for $11.99.
A rare Soviet built tank in Med camo here: http://www.houseofhobbies.com/homa1kv19pzk.html Moving ahead in both time and scale, we next feature the 1:35 scale Tamiya Masterwork JGSDF Type 90 Tank from the Tamiya itself for $75.00. ![]() One of the most powerful modern day tanks, the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Type 90 makes its way to the Masterwork Collection. Joining the M1A2 Abrams and Leopard 2 A6, the Type 90 is an indispensable addition to any modern tank collection. About the JGSDF Type 90: The third main tank for the JGSDF, the Type 90 entered service in August 1990. Packed with the latest hi-tech equipment, including 120mm smooth-bore main gun, laser range finder, gun stabilizer, infrared night viewer, automatic cannon loading system and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, the Type 90 is considered one of the most highly sophisticated modern day tanks in the world. Powered by a Mitsubishi V10 cylinder 1,500hp diesel engine and weighing in at just 50 tons, the Type 90 has a good power-to-weight ratio, reaching a top speed of 70km/h. A sophisticated hydraulic suspension system also ensures excellent maneuverability no matter the terrain. About the Model
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/ite...oduct-id=21020 Going back a couple centuries, we next bring you the Del Prado 1:32 scale 1812 French Carabinier from Military Issue for $12.95. Wearing the crisp white uniform of a cavalry trooper from Napoleon's 1812 La Grand Armée, this 1/32 scale, metal figure of a French Carabinier standing at ease is historically accurate from the brass-tone overlay on his cuirass (breast and back plates) to the distinctive red chenille on his helmet. Painted by hand, it measures approximately 2¼" tall and arrives ready to display. Find him awaiting his mount here: Lifting off in the Soviet winter is the 1:72 scale Gemini Aces Russia Front Luftwaffe Bf 109F-4, Yellow 5 (Limited To 2000 Units) from Pete's for $19.95. See if Schultz and Klink have reported for duty yet here: The jet age brings us the Corgi 1:72 scale Buccaneer S. Mk.2B. RAF 208 sqn. - "Exercise Red Flag 77", Nellis AFB, Nevada 1977 from 3000Toys for $32.95. ![]() Head for Las Vegas and check it out here:
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President |
#5
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![]() We start big this week with our two armor selections. The little brother is the 1:24 scale VSTANK PRO COLLECTOR SERIES (NEW MCU) GERMAN PZ754 (R ) GREY (aka KV-2) from ToyEast for $79.90.
![]() Check out the German mods of a great early war Soviet tank--here: http://www.toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail....t_id=A02107264 We nest feature the even larger 1:16 scale Merit MIL86002 WWII Soviet T-34/85, Kurland, Eastern Front, 1944 from Great Models for $80.95. ![]() Static Display Pre-built Model Individual/workable track links, Elevating main gun Turret rotates, Hatch in closed position only. Photo-etched engine cover screen. Get one before they too are history: http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=MIL86002 Joe Pilot and Witty bring us the 1:72 scale Sea Fury FB.11 807SQ HMS Theseus 1951 for $19.99. ![]() The Hawker Sea Fury Carrier borne fighter-bomber was the British Fleet Air Arm's last piston-engined fighter, developed during WWII it did not see service with the Fleet Air Arm until after the war. It was arguably the fastest piston powered aircraft ever manufactured. The FB.11 served throughout the Korean War as a ground-attack aircraft, flying from the Royal Navy light fleet carriers HMS Glory, HMS Ocean, HMS Theseus, and the Australian carrier HMAS Sydney. Scale 1:72 - Length 5.69" Span 6.25" Hook one here: http://www.joepilot.com/itemdesc.asp...5%2D001&eq=&Tp= Last up is the 1:72 scale Corgi Canberra Royal Navy Somerset 1985 from The Airplane Shop for just $39.95. ![]() She's overhead here: http://www.airplaneshop.com/productd...=CORGI&id=1716
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President |
#6
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![]() We begin this week with the excellent and difficult to find TAMIYA
1:48 scale German Tank Destroyer, Hetzer Mid Production Training Unit, Finished Model, #26504 from the Mark Twain Hobby Center for just $24.95. ![]() In 1943 the German high command ordered development of a new light tank destroyer to replace vehicles like the StuG III and Marder. Prototypes of the Hetzer, which shared many components of the Panzerkampfwagen 38(t), were ready by 1944 and mass production began in April of the same year, with 2,584 vehicles produced by May, 1945. Manned by a crew of 4, it featured a 75mm Pak 39 L/48 gun in fixed mounting, and sloped armor covering the entire hull. The Hetzer was continually modified during production, which accounts for the many differences between early, mid and later production models. The Hetzer was Germany's main tank destroyer in the latter period of the war, and made an important contribution on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Features: Fully assembled 1/48 scale Tank Destroyer Hetzer, professionally painted with all markings pre-applied. Die-cast chassis provides added weight and realism. Highly-detailed suspension features tank treads with realistic sag effect. Dark Yellow base color scheme and markings feature ultra-realistic weathering. Length: 131mm Set includes display base with name plate Get your Baiter here: http://hobby1.com/store/product/2679...r-Tank-Destro/ Also difficult to fine these days is the 1:32 W. Britain Panzer IV short barrel tank. BT Toy Soldiers has is it for $45.00. ![]() Grab this early war version here: http://www.shop.btsoldiers.com/produ...4&categoryId=6 For those who have recently been to the movies, we next offer the 1:48 scale Marushin Tuskegee Airmen P-51 models "Red Tail Angel" of the 99th FS, 332nd FG from Hobby Link Japan for $77.53 (5,950 Yen). ![]() ![]() Fly east for your Red Tail here: http://www.hlj.com/product/MRS73502 Last but not least we feature the 1:144 scale Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US33508 Boeing B-52H Stratofortress Diecast Model USAF SAC 7th BW, 9th BS, Carswell AFB, TX, March 1990 from the Flying Mule's Winter Sale for $59.99. ![]() ![]() Designed to meet an Air Materiel Command requirement for a long-range, strategic bomber, the B-52 Stratofortress was first flown on April 15, 1952. First envisioned as a straight wing, six turboprop aircraft, the B-52 underwent a number of design changes before becoming the swept-wing, eight turbojet aircraft it is today. Originally built for Cold War era "deterrence" missions, this aircraft is capable of carrying nuclear weapons but in actual combat has only dropped conventional munitions. Its long service career has included Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan and Iraq, and it is expected to continue serving until at least 2040. Corgi's 1:144 scale B-52s are surprisingly large and heavy, weighing in at almost three pounds. Each model includes a heavily constructed all metal display-stand for in-flight display. The series includes most production variants, from early versions with large tail fins and pivoting tail machine gun turrets to the later B-52H, with its clipped tail fin and 20mm Vulcan cannons. The engine nacelles contain both intake and exhaust details, and the cockpit windscreen is masterfully integrated. The center landing gear is keyed to provide easy configuration for ground display with a set of wing tip gear for balance. 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:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-US33508
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President |
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