2013 Die Cast Buys of the Week

[KG_Jag]

We will start our eighth year of featuring certain, mostly military, die cast items each week. During 2012 we posted 200 selections, including a few items which appeared more than once (generally from a different vendor) over the year. Those selections came from 75 different vendors, which was no small feat given the contraction in the market in the last five years or so. 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 most recent 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 continued to lose vendors in 2012. 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 an almost equal number of vendors as we did in 2011, despite a year that was abbreviated by a web site change and personal issue. It's unclear whether we can exceed or even match those accomplishments in another year of this continuing 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.

Let's start the ride for 2013...

[KG_Jag]

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

[KG_Jag]

We end the first month of the year with a couple of selections from the Italian & Eastern Fronts.

First for the Germans, we feature the Dragon 1:35 scale Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant 1./s.Pz.Abt.653 from DiecastAirplane for $47.95.



Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant 1./s.Pz.Abt.653 (1:35) by Dragon Diecast Armor
Item Number: DRR61004
Main Features:
- True to 1/35 scale (1st release in this series!)
- Fully assembled
- Accurate two-tone camouflage scheme with weathering
- Historically accurate Elefant serving with 1./s.Pz.Abt.653 in Italy in 1944
- Accurate tracks with appropriate level of sag
- Front machine gun can rotate and point in different directions
- Barrel can elevate and lower.
- Includes a display base

Put one in your trunk here:

http://www.diecastairplane.com/store...653-1-35-.html


Coming from the east is the W. Britain 1:35 scale Soviet T-34 Tank (3rd Edition) by way of Ag Farm Toys for only $37.95.



Hit this reset button:

http://www.agfarmtoys.com/scale/tractor/17497C.html


Lounging above the T-34 is the CORGI Tupolev Tu-4 Bull Diecast Model Soviet Air Force Limited Edition in 1:144 Scale from Past-Time Hobbies for $27.99.



Get your copy of a copy here:

http://www.pthinc.com/430/5468/-CLOS...-Diecast-Model


Last for the month is the Hobby Master 1:72 scale U.S. RF-4C Phantom II - 'Snoopy War's Hell' from Wartoyz for $51.99.



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 RF-4C version of the Phantom II is configured as a tactical reconnaissance aircraft. First deployed to Southeast Asia in 1965, the RF-4Cs have flown reconnaissance missions around the world, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm over Iraq in 1990 and 1991.

This die-cast 1:72 scale U.S. RF-4C Phantom is part of the Air Power Series from Hobby Master. It depicts the 'Snoopy War's Hell' RF-4C flown by the 11th TRS, 432nd TRW operating from Udorn RTAFB in Thailand in 1969 during the Vietnam War.

This highly-detailed die-cast U.S. RF-4C Phantom II is approximately 10 inches long and has a wingspan of approximately 7 inches. It has many detailed features, including engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with opening canopies and crew figures, removable fuel tanks, optional-position landing gear, and authentic markings including Snoopy nose art. The aircraft arrives ready to display and includes a display stand.

This item has been 'retired' by the manufacturer.

Add one to your 401K here:

http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/HM-HA1955

[KG_Jag]

These have been some lean years for those in the hobby, but there are still some good deals out there if you do some hunting. It certainly helps to support some of vendors who have stayed in the game.

We open with an excellent deal on a 1:72 scale Dragon T-34/76 Mod.1942 Cast Turret w/ Diorama Base from Pilotwear for just $12.95.



Dug in here after you dig into your wallet:

http://www.pilotwear.com/store/p/199...ase-1-72-.html


Perhaps it is hiding from the Dragon 1:72 scale King Tiger (Henschel Turret) 1/sPzAbt 101, France 1944 w/Zimmerit coating from The toy Federation for $9.95.



- Pre-injected Zimmerit coating
- Accurate markings and camouflage
- Highly detailed exhaust dischargers
- Elevating gun
- Realistic weathered track links

This 1/72 static die-cast model features a King Tiger mounted with a Henschel turret of the sPzAbt 101 in France in 1944.

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.

Pick up this mini monster here:

http://www.thetoyfederation.com/prod...8&cat=0&page=1


Over Russia with love is the Hobby Master 1:72 scale Ju 87D-3 Stuka - Royal Romanian Air Force, 1943 from 3000Toys for just $13.48.


http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...itemfind=HOBBY MASTERHA0155

Access this Axis minor here:

http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...itemfind=HOBBY MASTERHA0155


Flying for Canada is the Corgi 1:72 scale Canadair Sabre F.I--234 Squadron, Germany, 1954 from Historic Aviation for $23.95.



Replicating a Sabre swept-wing fighter jet flown by 234 Squadron of the 2nd Tactical Air Force based at RAF Gelenkirchen, Germany, in 1954, this 1/72 scale die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a bubble canopy and a pilot figure, optional-position landing gear with rubber tires, authentic markings, and more. 6" wingspan; includes a display stand.

Get one and celebrate hockey being back--heh:

http://www.historicaviation.com/prod...ubcategory=244

[KG_Jag]

These have been some lean years for those in the hobby, but there are still some good deals out there if you do some hunting. It certainly helps to support some of vendorswho have stayed in the game.

We open with an excellent deal on a 1:72 scale Dragon T-34/76 Mod.1942 Cast Turret w/ Diorama Base from Pilotwear for just $12.95.



Dug in here after you dig into your wallet:

http://www.pilotwear.com/store/p/199...ase-1-72-.html


Perhaps it is hiding from the Dragon 1:72 scale King Tiger (Henschel Turret) 1/sPzAbt 101, France 1944 w/Zimmerit coating from The toy Federation for $9.99.



- Pre-injected Zimmerit coating
- Accurate markings and camouflage
- Highly detailed exhaust dischargers
- Elevating gun
- Realistic weathered track links

This 1/72 static die-cast model features a King Tiger mounted with a Henschel turret of the sPzAbt 101 in France in 1944.

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.

Pick up this mini monster here:

http://www.thetoyfederation.com/prod...8&cat=0&page=1


Over Russia with love is the Hobby Master 1:72 scale Ju 87D-3 Stuka - Royal Romanian Air Force, 1943 from 3000Toys for just $13.48.




Access this Axis minor here:

http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...Y MASTERHA0155


Flying for Canada is the Corgi 1:72 scale Canadair Sabre F.I--234 Squadron, Germany, 1954 from Historic Aviation for $23.95.



Replicating a Sabre swept-wing fighter jet flown by 234 Squadron of the 2nd Tactical Air Force based at RAF Gelenkirchen, Germany, in 1954, this 1/72 scale die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with a bubble canopy and a pilot figure, optional-position landing gear with rubber tires, authentic markings, and more. 6" wingspan; includes a display stand.

Get one and celbrate hockey being back--heh:

http://www.historicaviation.com/prod...ubcategory=244

[KG_Jag]

We're opening big this week with the still available Forces of Valor 1:16 scale U.S. M4A3 Sherman from Wartoyz for $319.99.



The sheer number of Sherman tanks in WWII gave the Allies a distinct advantage, but their quick response, maneuverability, reliability, and ease of maintenance proved the greatest assets.

This special 1:16 scale 2008 Limited Edition version of the M4A3 Sherman depicts the tank as it was seen at Normandy in 1944.

The Forces of Valor 2008 Limited Edition Extreme Metal M4A3 Sherman possesses an incredible array of detailing on the tank. Beginning with the real metal tracks and continuing with working tank suspension, exquisite sculpting, casting and painting detail, and including many removable elements and tools. The engine compartment is accessible to see the detailed engine. The tracks roll, the turret rotates, the gun barrel elevates, and the hatches open.

This 1:16 scale M4A3 Sherman tank is approximately 13 inches long and 7 inches wide. It comes complete with a crew of three detailed 1:16 scale figures. The tank also includes a number of accessories, including gear, sandbag defense, weapons, and barbed wire and road obstacles.

Only a few of these big boys left here:

http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/FV85007


Only small in comparison to our opening pick is the 1:30 scale Thomas Gunn Miniatures WC54 Dodge MP Wagon with driver figure--Normandy version from Hobby Bunker for $99.00.



Again only a handful left here:

http://www.hobbybunker.com/products/...ersion-usa001a


Waiting its turn from above is the 1:72 scale SBD-3 VS-41 "Operation Torch" USS Ranger CV-4 North Africa, Nov. 1942 with PERMANENTLY OPEN FLAPS for $24.95 from On Mark.



Find her three rows from the bottom and two slots from the left here:

http://www.onmarkint.com/static/specials.php


Fighting its way into this weeks picks is the 1:72 scale Dragon Wings Spitfire Mk. Vb, No. 249 Sqn, Takali 1942 from The Toy Federation for $19.95.



1st Spitfire by Dragon Models!

An excellent release, this mighty Spitfire showcases one of the aircraft that brilliantly led the defense of Malta in 1942.

Main Features:
- New aircraft type!NEW
- Accurate Spitfire mould
- 1/72 authentic scale
- High quality diecast metal
- Historically accurate
- Detailed cockpit
- Opening/Closed Canopy option
- Engraved panel lines
- Movable flight control surfaces
- Rotating propeller
- Ready to display
- Display In Flight or In Landing Mode (stand included)
- Approximate dimensions: 5"L x 6.1"W x 1.9"H

About Takali 1942:
British submarines and planes operating from the island fortress of Malta had sent thousands of tons of Axis ships to the bottom of the Mediterranean. Axis air forces were employed to neutralize the island’s defenses to make way for an invasion under the code name Operation HERKULES. The Axis aerial attacks reached severe levels after 21 March 1942. Outnumbered and short of supplies, the island’s British defenders clung on, with a series of deliveries of new Spitfires coming at critical times. In the end it was the Spitfires who saved the day and turned the tide, with the German offensive faltering after mid-May. In total, 500 Axis planes were destroyed or severely damaged, most of these accounted for by the remarkable Spitfire.

About the Spitfire:
The Supermarine Spitfire was a single seat fighter used by the RAF and many Allied countries in World War II. It saw service during the whole of World War II, in all theaters of war, and in many different variants. More than 20,300 of all variants were built, and Spitfires remained in service well into the 1950s.

In total there were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants within each mark.

About the Spitfire Mk. Vb:
Late in 1940 the Mk. II started meeting a new German aircraft in combat. Essentially a cleaned up version of the Bf 109E that Spitfires and Hurricanes had bested the year before in the Battle of Britain, the new Franz (Friedrich) model was superior to the Mk. II Spitfire in many respects.

The Mk. V was nothing more than a Mk. II with the newer Merlin 45 series engine. This engine delivered slightly more takeoff power at 1,440 hp (1074 kW), but greatly increased the power available at higher altitudes due to a new two-speed supercharger design. While it was no Mk. IV, the Mk. V was able to hold its own with the 109Fs it was meeting.

The Mk. V proved so useful that it would go on to be the most produced version by far, with 94 Mk. VAs (eight-gun), 3,923 Mk. VBs (cannon) and 2,447 Mk.VCs.

Spitting into the wind here:

http://www.thetoyfederation.com/prod...0&cat=0&page=2

[KG_Jag]

We start this week with a blast by way of the Forces of Valor 1:32 scale U.S. M270 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System from Wartoyz for only $27.99.



The U.S. Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) carries 12 rockets, which can each contain up to 644 M-77 Shaped Charge rounds. The reload time is less than 5 minutes. Standard Rockets engage targets up to 19 miles away and the new extended range rockets can hit targets up to 31 miles away.

This detailed 1:32 scale version of the M270 MLRS is part of Forces Of Valor's Action Series.

The 1:32 scale vehicle is approximately 9 inches long, and has missile canisters that elevate plus a working suspension with tracks that roll. It comes complete with a commander figure.

Launching here:

http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/FV90022


Our second selection is another 1:32 scale Forces of Valor piece, but this one is from early World War II. It is the German StuG III Ausf. B--East Front 1941 from HobbyLinc for $43.69.



This is a 1/32 Scale German Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. B (Eastern Front 1941) from the Forces of Valor Series by Unimax.




Features:

• Extremely detailed die-cast tank and accessories.
• Accurate collector's scale model.
• True to life detail.
• Tank tracks and wheels that roll.
• Turrets and gun barrels that turn.
• Hatches and access ports that open.
• A collectors card with a brief history of the vehicle.

She won't get to Moscow, but she did make it to here:

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/unx/unx81016.htm


Our next selection, is the Gloster Gladiator 1:72 scale (Corgi Aviation Archive AA36209)--one of the last bi-plane fighters.



Gloster Gladiator Mk I Diecast Model RAF No.80 Sqn, Pat Pattle, Egypt, Spring 1940.

She's wishing she was a Spit here:

http://www.badcattoys.com/glgl1coavara.html


Same place, two years later is the 1:72 scale Gemini Aces Luftwaffe Neuman BF-109F2 from the Airplane Shop for $19.95.



This bird feature photo-etched movable metal propellers and an up/down landing gear option. Each plane comes with its own metal stand.

She's flying over a big sand trap here:

http://www.airplaneshop.com////produ...me=GEMACE&id=9