[KG_Jag]

Hope you're keeping warm for the past few days. It's often been colder in Austin than in Reno--even before Colt was knocked out in the first offensive series of the championship game.

Our armor champions this week are aimed at those of you who like the 1:72 scale and are on a tight budget. First up from Dragon by way of Troy's Toys for your $9.99 is the T-34/76 Mod. 1940--1st Moscow Motorized Rifle Division, July 1941 (60149).



Aim your doorknockers here:

http://www.troystoysinc.com/display_...?stockid=60149


Hobby Master and JT's give us our next 1:72 scale AFV, if you have the $14.99 and act quickly. It's the Cromwell Mk IV Tank West Europe (HG3104).



• Type of Model: Pre-Assembled Diecast Model

• Year of Release: 2007

• Scale: 1:72 Scale

• Product Attributes: Authentic Detailing, Pre-Painted and Markings Pre-Applied, Fully Assembled, Diecast Model, True to Scale (1:72), Appliqued Turret Armor, It Has A Realistic Tracks & Wheels, and Most Importantly To Collectors, A Very Well Authentically Detailed Body, The Body Professionally Painted In Accurate Colors, and includes Weathering, Cables, Tools And Insignia and The Turret Can Turn and The Main Gun Can Elevate.

• Type of Display Base: Diecast Model Mounted to a Black Display Base with Clear Acrylic Cover.



About the British Cromwell/Centaur Tank:

The Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell (A27M), named after the English Civil War leader Oliver Cromwell, was one of the most successful series of cruiser tanks fielded by Britain in World War II. It was the first tank in the British arsenal to combine a dual-purpose gun, high speed, and reasonable armor. Late in the war, it was the most common British design in use, replacing the Sherman tank for some units. Its design formed the basis of the formidable Comet.

The Cromwell was the fastest British tank to serve in World War II with a top (ungoverned) speed of 40 mph or 64 km/h (the US produced M18 Hellcat tank destroyer could reach 60 mph or 96 km/h on roads). Unfortunately, this speed proved too much for even the Christie suspension and the engine was governed to give a top speed of 32 mph or 51 km/h, which was still fast for its time. Thanks to its Christie parentage, the Cromwell was very agile on the battlefield. The dual purpose 75 mm main gun fired the same ammunition as the US 75 mm gun and therefore it had around the same HE and armor-piercing capabilities as the 75 mm equipped Sherman tank. The Cromwell's armor ranged from 8 mm to 76 mm thick overall but the maximum thickness was later increased to 102 mm with appliqué armor plates which were welded on. This armor compared well with that of the Sherman although the Cromwell did not share the Sherman’s sloped glacis plate. The Cromwell crews in North-West Europe succeeded in the Cromwell with superior speed, maneuverability and reliability outflanking the heavier and more sluggish German tanks. However, the Cromwell was still not a match for the best German armor and British tank design would go through another stage; the Comet tank, before going ahead in the tank development race with the Centurion tank.

About This Particular Cromwell Mk.IV Tank Depicted by this Diecast Armor Model:

Considered too lightly armored by many, the agile Cromwell was the fastest British tank of World War II. In 1943, the A27M model with the Meteor engine entered service and became part of the 22nd Armoured Brigade arsenal. In 1944–45, the Cromwell became the most numerous British tank and in many units replaced the Sherman. There were 341 Cromwell Mk. VI’s produced and these were armed with a 95mm Howitzer and used for close support. These tanks along with others saw heavy action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.


Get it here:


http://www.jtscollectibles.com/hobby...104-p-189.html


If you also like 1:72 aircraft, take a look at the U.S. F-4J Phantom II - Blue Angels, also by Hobby Master. Wartoyz has it for $32.99.



The U.S. F4 Phantom first entered service in 1960 as a fleet defense fighter for the U.S. Navy, and a few years later it entered service with the U.S. Air Force as a fighter-bomber. Over five thousand Phantom IIs were produced during its production run, and the aircraft served with the U.S Military as well as many of its allies. The F-4 Phantom II was also the only aircraft used by both the USAF Thunderbirds and the USN Blue Angels. The Blue Angels started using the F-4J Phantom II in 1969.

This die-cast 1:72 scale U.S. F-4J Phantom is part of the Air Power Series from Hobby Master. This Limited Edition of the F-4J Falcon depicts the 'Blue Angels' version of the aircraft.

This highly-detailed die-cast U.S. F-4D Phantom II is approximately 10 inches long and has a wingspan of approximately 7 inches. It has many detailed features, including canopies that open, an interchangeable undercarriage, detachable fuel tanks, and two pilot figures.

The show starts here:


http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/HOLIDAY/HM-HA1903


Our last selection this week is an Armour 1:48 scale Ju 52-3m G4E Luftwaffe BALKAN CAMP Feldzug Luftwaffe Stab IV/KGZV1 from 3000Toys for $49.99.



Pick up your ticket to Greece here:

http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...=ARMOURB11C993