We'll open the year with a loud and large bang by featuring the 1:35 scale Tamiya Masterwork JGSDF Type 90 Tank from the Tamiy site for $73.58.
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 smoothbore 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- Fully assembled 1/35 scale JGSDF Type 90 tank pre-painted with all markings pre-applied.
- Movable parts include wind sensor, commander's hatch and gunner's hatch.
- Display quality enhanced by turned aluminum gun barrel and photo etched parts for turret basket, and light and sight covers.
- Commander and gunner's periscope includes transparent parts for realistic finish.
- Inner half of road wheels made from metal for extra weight.
- Accessories include machine gun and full commander and gunner figures.
- Markings for 2nd Co. of the Fuji School Brigade Tank School Unit
Still made in Japan here:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/ite...oduct-id=21020
Pounding the (albeit a little less) ground right next to it is the Dragon 1:72 scale Jagdtiger Porsche Version w/ Zimmerit, sPzJgAbt 653, Alsace 1945 by way of Burbank's House of Hobbies for $11.47.
Tame this largest of the Tigers here:
http://www.houseofhobbies.com/dr1japovewzi.html
First to take to the sky this year is the Hobby Master 1:48 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV - Maj. K.C. Kuhlmann, No. 332 (Dutch) Squadron, RAF Acklington, 1944 from the 3000Toys airfield in exchange for a hit to your 6 of $44.95.
Correct your GPS to this vector:
http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...BYMASTERHA7111
Jetting away from the holidays is the Corgi 1:72 scale Aviation Archive Collector Series (US37404) Douglas A-4E Skyhawk USN VA-46 Clansman, AA416, John McCain, USS Forrestal, Gulf of Tonkin, 1967 from The Flying Mule for $24.95.
This aircraft was one of 21 jets destroyed during a huge fire that engulfed the flight deck of the USS Forrestal on the morning of 29 July 1967 as the carrier prepared to launch its second strike of the day against targets in North Vietnam. The vessel, with Carrier Air Wing 17 embarked, had only been in the theater on Yankee Station for 48 hours when disaster struck. A Zuni unguided rocket was accidentally fired from an F-4J Phantom II, hitting an A-4 (possibly this aircraft) parked in front of it. Strapped into the cockpit of 'AA416' was Lt. Cmdr. John S. McCain, who quickly abandoned his jet and ran for cover. Of the 21 jets destroyed in the ensuing conflagration, 11 of them were A-4Es. By the time the blaze aboard the Forrestal had been brought under control some 12 hours after it had started, 134 sailors were dead and $72 Million worth of damage had been inflicted on the US Navy's first Super Carrier.
Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Skyhawk series includes the early "E" variant as well as the "F" and "M" variants, which feature a hump on top the fuselage spine to house the upgraded avionics package. The models in this series are surprisingly heavy, constructed almost entirely of diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic. Each release features a pair of 20mm cannons, a delicate refueling probe and a variety of wing-mounted weapons ordnance and fuel tanks. This sturdy little model includes a pilot figure and easily configurable landing gear for ground or in-flight display.
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 present ion 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.
Get one for your carrier here:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-US37404