2010 Die Cast Buys of the Week

[KG_Jag]

We start this week with a selection honoring another long time vendor leaving the scene--in this case as of August 1st. From Wings and Wheels, we feature the Hobby Master 1:48 scale FW-190A-8/R1 - HAUPTMANN WILHELM MORITZ, IV/JG C, AUGUST, 1944 offered for $44.95.



Find it just a bit more than half way down this web page:

http://www.wingsandwheel.com/hobbymaster.htm


Stay aloft, we next feature the Gemini Aces 1:72 scale P-51B Mustang "Berlin Express" from EZToys for $27.99.



Quick Overview

Photo-etched, spinning metal propellers
Rolling rubber tires
Movable control surfaces
Optional landing gear up/down configuration
Superior quality graphics
Stand included
All Metal

Pick one off here:

http://www.eztoys.com/u-s-air-force-...n-express.html


Our third pick of the air this week is a Corgi 1:72 scale Hawker Typhoon MK.IB from Mark Twain Hobby Center for $19.99.



Toward the end of May 1943, three Hawker Typhoons were sent for operational flight trials in the Middle East. 219 Group RAF, who were responsible for finding a lodger unit for these service trials decided finally upon 451 Sqn RAAF. The Typhoon would have been an exciting follow-on to the Hawker Hurricane IIc then operated by the squadron. 451 Sqn at LG.106 near Idku under command of Sqn Ldr J Paine, having been recently withdrawn from frontline operations, would provide personnel for the tests.
Part Number: CRGAA36501

Grab one here:

http://hobby1.com/store/product/1516...oon-MK.IB-%27/


For our AFV fans, we start off with something really big. It's the Forces of Valor 1:18 scale U.S. M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (OD Green) from The Diecast Junkie for $32.95.



Product Description

1:18th Scale Bravo Team U.S. M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage in plastic

Open both arms and get one here:

http://www.thediecastjunkie.com/prod...D18-Scale.html


Also on the larger size are our next two selections from the Christmas in July Sale at Great Models. Both are from Dragon in the 1:35 scale.

Offered at just $54.95 is the DRR61013 Super Heavy Self-Propelled Mortar 54 cm Morser Thor Firing Mode.


Dragon Armour

Category: Pre-Painted Armor Models 1/35
Fully assembled, True to scale, fully accurate mold, and open window display packaging. This is a highly popular and collectible item. Includes a protective case.

Roll here to get one:

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=DRR61013


Last this week is Panther G w/Zimmerit Pz.Brig.106, Northern France 1944 for a low $39.45.



Category: Pre-Painted Armor Models 1/35

Kit features open window display packaging, Highly popular and collectible, fully accurate mold, and it includes a protective display case.

Hide the Shermans and click here:

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=DRR61022

[KG_Jag]

August has arrived and so has the first pick this month. By way of the Hobby Bunker it's a 1:35 scale W. Britain German Steyr Truck with Figures--WWII Stalingrad for $75.00.

German Steyr Truck with 3 Figures--RETIRED



Get in while they still have one:

http://www.hobbybunker.com/details.cfm?ID=11098


Next up is a 1:32 scale German piece, but his one is from Forces of Valor by way of OB's. It a KS750 Zundapp side car (Poland ,1944) for $26.95.



They are hard to find, but you can still ride one here:

http://www.obsdiecastplanes.com/inde...roducts_id=792


We have three flyers this week. We start with an excellent deal from Pete's on a 1:72 scale Hobby Master TBF-1C Aneger NZ2518 ""Plonky"", 30 sq., RNZAF, Piva, Bougainville, 1944 offered for just $19.95.



Here's where you can land one on your carrier deck:

http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...No=HA1204#item


Next up is a Hobby Master 1:72 scale diecast UH-1C Huey "Frog"(174th AHC, Vietnam)--"Ace of Spades," Sharks Gun Platoon, 174th AHC, Vietnam. Warpaint has it for $29.95.




In 1966, 13-victory World War II ace Brig. Gen. Robert Scott gave permission to the 174th Assault Helicopter Company "Sharks" to use the shark's mouth nose art made famous by the 1st American Volunteer Group "Flying Tigers" in World War II. He signed his letter to the 174th: "Good hunting and GOOD LUCK!"

Replicating Ace of Spades - a UH-1C Huey "Frog" piloted by Gary Harter of the 174th Assault Helicopter Company "Sharks," 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, when it was brought down during Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos on March 3, 1971 - this 1/72 scale die cast Hobby Master model features engraved panel lines; a detailed cockpit and glazed windows; movable rotors; realistic armament, including machine guns, side-mounted twin rocket pods and a nose-mounted 40mm automatic grenade launcher; authentic markings, including shark's mouth nose art; and more. 7¼" rotorspan; includes a display stand.

Put on some Hendrix and click here:

http://www.warbirdcollectibles.com/s...6173bce6128fac


Last on the flight line this week is a Dragon 1:72 scale aircraft replica with Oklahoma Air National Guard markings. Get it from The History Store for $24.95.



Highly detailed Dragon Models 1:72 scale F-16C aircraft replica with Oklahoma Air National Guard markings.

• Static, pre-assembled, pre-painted model made of both diecast and plastic.
• Fully detailed and historically accurate.
• Historically accurate colors and markings.

You don't to go to Muskogee to land one--just click here:

http://www.greathistorygifts.com/dis...p?item_id=8856

[KG_Jag]

Hot August Nights has ended and the classic car have left town. However, we'll do our best to come up with some hot deals to fill the void.

Both of our armor picks this week are 1:32 scale. First up is the Forces of Valor German Sd. 251/9 Kanonenwagen Hungary, 1945 from OB's for $32.95.



It's not Hungary, but you can get one here:

http://www.obsdiecastplanes.com/inde...roducts_id=789


For those with a decent diecast budget during these tough times, we next feature the Collectors Showcase M8 Stuart 75mm Howitzer - Normandy from Hobby Bunker for $119.99.



The M8 was developed on a request for a light close support vehicle to operate within tank battalions. The light tank M5 fitted with a 75 mm Pack Howitzer in a larger, open topped fully traversable turret with the 75 mm howitzer in mantlet that allowed a barrel elevation of up to + 40 degrees. 1,778 were produced between September 1942 and January 1944. Only the US Army in NW Europe, Italy and the Pacific used them from June 1944.

Limited Edition of 300.

Includes three crew, the optional thrown track ( the thrown track option has been so popular they are now including it with all of new vehicles! ) a fully detailed turret interior and removable stowage.

Crimple your credit card here:

http://www.hobbybunker.com/details.cfm?ID=20597


They almost certainly have a store in you neighborhood. Our first pick-D-aire is from none other than Target. It is the Unimax Forces of Valor 1:32 scale U.S. P-39Q Airacobra for $41.98.



Here's their on-line order page:

http://www.target.com/Unimax-Forces-.../dp/B0013UB460


Finally, we have found a vendor who says that they have at least one 1:72 scale Corgi McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II US Navy VF-111 Sundowners. AIRshows America offers it for $39.95.



This model is an authentic replica of the McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II flown by fighter pilots of the US Navy fighter squadron VF-111 Sundowners. On 6 March 1972, while flying from the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), VF-111 crew LT Garry Weigand and LTJG Bill Freckleton engaged and shot down a MiG-17 near Quang Lang Airfield in North Vietnam. Their aircraft, F-4B, NL 201, BuNo 153019, was restored to the original paint scheme by the current Sundowner squadron and is displayed on a pedestal just inside the main gate at NAS Key West, Florida. The squadron later transitioned to the F-4N version of the Phantom, and in late 1976 through early 1977 made an Atlantic and Mediterranean deployment, a rare event for a Pacific Fleet squadron. The Sundowners deployed with the rest of CVW-15 aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) for that carrier's final cruise before decommissioning and the squadron's final deployment with the venerable F-4. The squadron returned to NAS Miramar in April 1977 and began to divest itself of its F-4 Phantom II in preparation for transition to the F-14 Tomcat.

Get the last one on deck here:

http://airshowsamerica.biz/cart/mcdo...ers-p-616.html

[KG_Jag]

We start the celebration of the week of my father's 85th birthday with a Minichamps 1:35 scale GERMAN PZKPFW TIGER "RUSSIA 1943" from Diecast Direct for $89.95. If you're in a buying mood, this tank is also in a mixed group of "buy 4 and get 1 free".



Your heavy metal awaits here:

http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_mod...tCode=MIN10002


Our next two picks are from the Summer Sale at the Monkey Depot. The first is a 1:48 scale Hobby Master M4 105mm Assault Gun 6th Armored, Houfallize (HG1008) for $23.99.



Description: Initially known as the T6 medium tank, M4 Sherman was the workhorse for the US Army during WWII. M4 was named after Union General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820-1891). The tank went into production in Oct.1941 and went into service in late 1942. A total of 49,234 of Sherman gun tanks were produced and only the Russian T-34 had produced in greater numbers.

The M4 was basically designed as an infantry support tank , it was thin armored and carried a relatively small caliber main gun for greater speed and minimum fuel consumption. Though not on par with Germany 's heavy tanks like Tiger and Panther in terms of firepower and armor protection, M4 medium tank was famed for its reliability, mobility and ease of maintenance. It could be transported by rails, put into ships and carried all over the world. M4 was seen in almost every battlefield from 1942 on wards and had contributed much to the success of the Western Allies.

Cool off here:

http://www.monkeydepot.com/Hobby_Mas...8_p/hm0303.htm


We'll file jet up to our next selection, the 1:72 scale SkyMax Models F-84E Thunderjet 36 FBW Commander, Germany 1952 (SM6002) for $29.99 from Arizona's Monkey Depot.



Description:
-Incredible detail
-Stand included
-Landing gear can be displayed up or down

Land it here:

http://www.monkeydepot.com/SkyMax_Mo...2_p/sm0015.htm


Joe Pilot has out last pick of this birthday week with the Witty 1:72 scale Sea Fury 254 Iraqi Air Force Baghdad 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 Sea Fury was used by the FAA, Canada, Holland, Australia, and other countries including the Iraq Air Force. A total of 55 "de-navalized" Sea Fury that lacked a tail hook, folding wings and other naval equipment served with the Iraqi Air Force beginning in 1948 and well into the 1970s.

Scale 1:72 - Length 5.69" Span 6.25"
Item Number: A02WTW72015-007

Fly Air Hussein here:

http://www.joepilot.com/itemdesc.asp...5%2D007&eq=&Tp=

[KG_Jag]

This week both of our armor picks are 1:72 Dragoons and both are $9.99.

First up from Pete's is the LVTP-7 SPECIAL VERSION!!



Float your Hamilton less a copper Lincoln here:

http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...DRR60057S#item


JT's has the Sd.Kfz. 181 Tiger-I Mid Production, sPzAbt 509, 1944, #60019. This particular Tiger I was part of the 509th Tank Battalion, mounted the lethal 88 mm L/56 cannon and was fighting on the Russian front in 1944.




• Type of Model: Pre-Assembled Diecast Model

• Year of Release: 2004

• Scale: 1:72 Scale

• Product Attributes: High Quality, Detailed, Accurate to Scale, Painted

• Type of Display Case: Black Plastic Base with Clear Acrylic Cover


Find her trying to keep the T-34's at bay here:

http://www.jtscollectibles.com/drago...cale-p-61.html


First in the air this week is a 1:48 scale Carousel 1 Tomahawk IIB Clive Caldwell, RAF Desert Air Force from Military Issue for $39.95.



Named Tomahawk in British Commonwealth service, the American-built P-40 Warhawk saw its first-ever combat with the squadrons of the Desert Air Force in the North African campaign in June, 1941.

Replicating the famous Tomahawk IIB flown by 28-victory ace Flight Lieutenant Clive Caldwell - the highest-scoring Australian ace of World War II - of No. 250 Squadron, DAF, in 1941 Libya, this 1/48 scale, die cast model features engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit with an optional-position canopy and a removable figure of Caldwell, a rotating propeller, optional-position landing gear, authentic Royal Air Force markings, and more. 9¼" wingspan; includes a decorative display base.

Kick up some sand here:

http://www.militaryissue.com/product...ategory=Allied Fighters


Next in the air is the 1:72 scale Witty Diecast Airplanes F-14A TOMCAT VX-4 from Toy Train Heaven for only $15.30.



Tailhook this Tom Cruise:

http://www.toytrainheaven.com/.sc/ms...RICE%20%2421.8


As bonus this week we'll take you where no diecast collector has gone before. From Toy Train Heaven and Corgi, it's the USS ENTERPRISE D Star Trek Ltd. for $25.99.



Engage!:

http://www.toytrainheaven.com/.sc/ms...ICE%20%2437.02

[KG_Jag]

The fans at the blues festival in Reno this weekend were surprised by a cold front, which was particularly hard on those who came in from CA. However, we'll try to recapture some heat with our picks of this week.

First up is the Corgi 1:50 scale CORGI ADVERSARIES FORGOTTEN HEROES T34 85 TANK NORTH KOREAN from Past-Time Hobbies for $29.99.



60 years ago next year; click here:

http://www.pthinc.com/430/1728/-INTE...ORTH-KNREAN-02


We move to the 1:32 scale for the Forces of Valor German Panzer IV Ausf G. Eastern Front, 1943 from OB's for $39.95.



Army Group Center needs your help here:

http://www.obsdiecastplanes.com/inde...roducts_id=773


For you jet and baseball fans of the 50's, we feature the 1:48 scale Hobby Master Grumman F9F-5 Panthers VMF-311 "Ted Williams" (HA7206) from the Monkey Depot for $43.99.



Description: On May 1, 1952, at the age of 34, Ted Williams was recalled to active duty for service in the Korean War. After eight weeks of refresher flight training and qualification in the F9F Panther jet at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, he was assigned to VMF-311, Marine Aircraft Group 33 (MAG-33), based at K-3 airfield in Pohang, Korea.

On February 16, 1953, Williams was part of a 35-plane strike package against a tank and infantry training school just south of Pyongyang, North Korea. During the mission a piece of flak knocked out his hydraulics and electrical systems, causing Williams to have to "limp" his plane back to K-13, an Air Force base close to the front lines. For his actions of this day he was awarded the Air Medal.

Features:
- Incredible detail
- Stand included
- Landing gear up or down
- Opening front and rear canopies
- Folding wings

Pitch or launch a strike here:

http://www.monkeydepot.com/Hobby_Mas...6_p/hm0316.htm


Last up this week is 1:72 scale Corgi - The Aviation Archive - Military Airpower Panavia Tornado GR.4, No.12 Sqn. RAF Special 90th Anniversary Scheme, Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland--from Troy's Toys for $29.99.



You can score one here:

http://www.troystoysinc.com/display_...tockid=AA33609

[KG_Jag]

There are a number of Labor Day sales and some of them have deals worth featuring this week.

First up is the Forces of Valor 1:32 scale early World War II German Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. B from Wartoyz for $32.99.



The Sturmgeschutz III was a German assault gun and tank destroyer. The simplicity, low cost, and short time to manufacture were definitive advantages that led to large production numbers during the early years of WWII, and the Sturmgeschutz III was Germany's most produced armored fighting vehicle of the war.

Built on the chassis of the Panzer III tank, the StuG III was designed to keep up with advancing infantry units so it could be used to destroy enemy bunkers and other fortifications. Later versions were equipped with high-velocity guns and were used very effectively as tank destroyers.

This 1:32 scale version of the StuG III Ausf. B depicts the vehicle as seen on the Eastern Front in 1941.

This die-cast German Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. B is part of Forces Of Valor's Enthusiast Edition series, which is the extremely detailed version of this vehicle. The 1:32 scale die cast metal vehicle is approximately 6.5 inches long and has a gun barrel that raises and lowers, hatches that open and close, and a rolling tank suspension. It comes complete with a vehicle commander figure!

Achtung--here it is heading east:

http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/FV81016


Next up is another German 1:32 scale AFV. This one is a 21st Century Marder III from Bad Cat for $16.22.




1:32 scale plastic model tank by 21st Century Toys. German Sd.Kfz. 139 Marder III Tank Destroyer Green & Black Two-Tone Camouflage. Prepainted and assembled, ready for display.

Length 7 inches

The Marder III Self-Propelled Gun was a highly effective ”Tank Destroyer” for Germany through the early and middle stages of WWII. Based on the chassis of the 38(t), the Marder featured an open crew compartment equipped with a PAK-40 75mm Anti-Tank Gun. This 1:32 Scale Model features all the incredible detail you have come to expect to be found on 21st Century Toys products including working tracks and opening/closing driver’s hatch. Plus, the crew compartment takes the phrase “Attention to Detail” to a new level altogether, featuring highly-detailed shells, ammunitions racks and radio consoles as well as a superbly finished PAK-40/3 that accurately traverses and elevates. Made of high-quality ABS plastic, no figures included.

Get one here:

http://www.badcattoys.com/maiii121fcof.html


We have three planes featured this week. The first is the oldest and the biggest--a 1:32 scale Corgi Hawker Sea Hurricane 1B - No. 880 SQ. Fleet Air Arm, HMS Indomitable, Indian Ocean. You can land this Sea Hurri in your collection from 3000toys for $60.00.



Restoration started in earnest in February 1986, and led to the first flight of the world's only Sea Hurricane 1B in the hands of pilot Andy Sephton on September 16, 1995.

Follow the ball to here:

http://www.3000toys.com/catalog/item...d=CORGIAA35504


Also from the UK, we next feature the much more modern Avro Arrow. This one is made by Hobby Master and Pete's has this 1:72 scale bird with free shipping for $72.95.



#203 complete with the dayglo markings. Limited run of 3,000 Worldwide. Note: This Is Not Hobby Master Tooling but has the quality like Hobby Master & Century Wings.

Find her here:

http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...No=CWH001#item


Last to take off this week is the Witty 1:72 scale WI7200601 F-15C Eagle Israeli Air-force Kohav Hatsafon from Great Models for $25.15.



Beautifully Die-Cast pre-painted, ready to display. Includes stand for flight display.

Only a few are left, so act quickly by starting here:

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar..._num=WI7200601

[KG_Jag]

9/11--plus nine years and one day...

In honor of America, our first two picks are U.S. birds of the 1940's.

The first is the 1:48 scale Eagles International P-51 (C?) Mustang "Ding Hao" from Crossroads for $49.99.



Maj. James Howard 356th Fighter Squadron 354th Fighter Group 9th Air Force Congressional Medal of Honor winner. 12.3 aerial victories.

Approximately 9.5" Wingspan.

Better grab all the EI's you don't have before they all fly away; start here:


http://store.crossroadsdiecast.com/e3.html


Our second pick on this 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is the 1:72 scale SkyMax Models F8F-1B Bearcat Blue Angels, 1946 from the Monkey Depot's sale pages for $20.31.



F8F-1B Bearcat Blue Angels, 1946

Description: Designed for the interceptor fighter role, the design team's aim was to create the smallest, lightest fighter that could fit around the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine (carried over from the F6F Hellcat). Compared to its predecessor, the Bearcat was 20% lighter, had a 30% better rate of climb and was 50 mph (80 km/h) faster. It was also considerably smaller in size, as it was designed to be operated from small escort aircraft carriers, something the big Hellcat rarely did.

Its capability for aerobatic performance is illustrated by its selection for the Navy's elite Blue Angels in 1946, who flew it until the team was temporarily disbanded in 1950 (during the Korean War).

Description:
-Incredible detail
-Stand included
-Landing gear can be displayed up or down

The airshow begins here:

http://www.monkeydepot.com/SkyMax_Mo...3_p/sm0002.htm


Both of our armor picks are Dragon 1:35 scale German World War II war wagons. First up from Big Bad Toy Store for only $38.24 is the Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. E Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger I Initial Production.



Cool off to the winter camo here:

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/p...ail&picture=in


Next up is the winter camo version of the Elephant from J-P Hobbies for $39.95.




DML 1/35 Scale #61026 Sd.Kfz. 184 Elefant 2./s.Pz.Abt.653, Poland 1944 (White Wash Version) w/Zimmerit

Features:

- Open window display packaging

Highly popular and collectible item
- True to 1/35 scale - Fully accurate mold - Fully assembled - Historically accurate markings and insignia - Includes protective display case

Try to stop the Russians--at about the middle fo this page:

http://j-p-hobbies.com/products.asp?cat=236


Last up is some 1:35 scale German World War II metal soldiers from W. Britain by way of Treefrog Treasure's sale page--for just $20.00. They are the German Wehrmacht Firing Set #1.



Get them here before they retreat from the sale page:

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/detail.aspx?ID=2156

[KG_Jag]

I start this week's edition with a thanks to all of you who stop by and visit this little corner of the KG website. For the first time ever we are now averaging over 200 visits per week. That's more than 10 times the traffic we had in the early days. So again--thank you and feel free to invite your friends to stop by too.

Most of our picks this week will have appeal to those on a diecast budget during these tough times. First up is the 1:72 scale Admiral Panzer III L--North Africa from Military Issue for $9.95.



Replicating a Panzerkampfwagen III (Sd.Kfz.141) tank from the 1942 North Africa campaign, this 1/72 scale, die cast model features a rotating turret and an elevating gun, separately applied plastic detail parts such as spare wheels and a tow cable, an authentic desert camouflage scheme with 15th Panzer Division markings, and more. Measures 3½" long and arrives ready to display in the included case.

Check out its dust trail here:

http://www.militaryissue.com/product...y=Non-Aviation


Also from North Africa, you second selection this week is the EDG 1:43 scale Sahariana Italy 1942 from The Toy HQ for $13.99.



Fully assembled and ready to display die-cast model. Italian utility vehicle in desert tan camouflage, includes plastic display case. Length about 4 inches.

Bring some Chianti and assemble here:

http://www.jjshobby.com/Shoppingcart...b1a3794b713b48


For those with a little more in the bank, our next selection is a 1:72 scale EE Canberra B.2 Model, 90 Group, RAF, 1970 - Corgi AA34703. Showcase Toys has it on sale for $59.95.



Corgi Limited Edition Diecast Model

English Electric Canberra B.2 (B-57) - WH911, 98 Sqn., No. 90 (Signals) Group, RAF Cottesmore, England, 1970

1:72 scale. Wingspan: 10.75" (27.3 cm)

The Canberra was Britain’s first jet bomber, the prototype making its maiden flight on 13th May 1949 from Warton, Lancs., powered by two 6,000 pound (2722 kg) thrust Avon R.A.2 turbojets. The first production English Electric Canberra delivered to the RAF was a B.Mk.2 on May 25, 1951

The Corgi Aviation Archive features a wide selection of high quality, ready-made, diecast model airplanes. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft. Corgi models are built with diecast metal and some plastic components.

The models in the Corgi Aviation Archive series feature: realistic panel lines, a detailed cockpit with pilot figure, historically accurate aircraft markings and landing gear with rubber tires. They can be displayed with the landing gear down or 'in flight' on the included stand.

Tea time be damned--click here:

http://www.showcasetoys.com/corgi-aa...berra-raf.html


Last in the air this week is the 1:72 scale Gemini Aces Spitfire Raf MK.IX-- Gabreski from The Airplane Shop for $18.95.



Get high here:

http://www.airplaneshop.com/productd...me=GEMACE&id=7


Our first extra pick this week takes to the beach by way of the ocean. It is the Forces of Valor 1:72 scale U.S. LCM3 (Landing Craft, Mark III) Landing Craft from Wartoyz for $21.99.



The U.S. LCM3 (Landing Craft, Mark III) Landing Craft was used to carry troops, vehicles, and cargo to beach heads during World War II. They were first used at Tarawa in 1943, and were later used in the other island hopping operations across the Pacific. They were also used in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters during World War II, and then later during the Korean War.

The LCM3 had a crew of 4 and could hold either 60 troops, one 30 ton tank, or 30 tons of cargo. It was armed with two .50 caliber machine guns and had a top speed of eight knots.

This U.S. LCM3 Landing Craft is part of Forces Of Valor's Enthusiast Edition series, which is the extremely detailed version of this vehicle. The 1:72 scale die cast metal landing craft is part of the Battle Extreme series, and approximately 9 inches long. It comes complete with a captain figure, 2 soldiers, cross traps, plus an oil can!

Get ready to hit the beach here:

http://www.wartoyz.com/page/WT/PROD/SALE/FV85242

Our last stop is another W. Britain 1:32 scale soldier set from Treefrog Treasures. This one features two German World War I troopers. Priced at just $19.00, it is the German 84th Infanterie Regiment von Manstein Advancing Set #3.



Bring the brats and beer here:

http://www.treefrogtreasures.com/detail.aspx?ID=2129

[KG_Jag]

For our last time around in September, we'll start with a very limited issue Dragon 1:72 scale StuG III, featuring Bodo Spranzs marking. This is a special issue from the 2008 Dragon Expo and Great Models has it for $17.50.



Join the captain here:

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=DRR60368


Our second AFV pick takes us into the next decade and to cold Korea. Also in the 1:72 scale is the Hobby Master M46 Patton Chorwon 1953 1/72 (HG3703). The Monkey Depot is holding one for you, if you're ready to pony up the $14.53.



M46 Patton City of Chorwon 1953, Unknown Unit 1/72

Description: The M46 Patton tank was named after US General George S. Patton Jr. It basically was an improved M26 Pershing and was meant to replace the M26 and M4 Sherman. 800 of the M26s were converted to M46s and received a new more powerful engine and transmission with rearward-facing fender mounted mufflers and a main gun with a bore evacuator. The M46s made up 15% of the tank force in Korea and proved superior to its T34/85 counterparts.

Description:
- Includes display case
- Turret rotates

Get up and ride here:

http://www.monkeydepot.com/Hobby_Mas...3_p/hm0240.htm


First in the air this week is GMP 1:35 scale Kittyhawk III, RAF, No. 112-- Sqn., Flt. Sgt. K.C. Warburton, shot down during Battle of Rieti Airfield,
April 7, 1944--Mediterranean Theatre. The GMP P-40's (and P-51's) are very difficult to find these days. At $129.99 from On Mark, they are twice or more the price at which you could pick them up on sale a few years ago. But that was then and this is now. Free shipping helps. The planes are still among the finest you can add to your collection.



So if you are ready, willing and able to put your wallet into a dive, click here and look about 3/4ths down the page:

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


Our next selection is once again from the sale at Great Models. It is a Dragon 1:72 scale F-15E™ Strike Eagle, 494th TFS, 48th FW, "Tiger Meet" 1998 for just $19.45.



1/72 F-15E™ Strike Eagle, 494th TFS, 48th FW, "Tiger Meet" 1998

This title represents an F-15E from 494 FS at RAF Lakenheath. This scale model is beautifully enveloped in its unique Tiger Meet markings, including tiger stripes on the lower fuselage, and a tiger on the tail.

Main Features:
- 1/72 Authentic Scale
- High Quality Diecast Metal
- Historically Accurate
- Removable Weapons
- Detailed Cockpits
- Opening Canopy
- Moving Wing Flaps
- Pre-assembled
- Display In Flight or In Landing Mode
- Approximate dimensions: 10.6"L x 7.1"W x 3.1"H

About this title
“Tiger Meets” were first held in 1962, and have since evolved into a first-class unofficial NATO air force exercise where participants fly all manner of combined missions. Flight crews are given the opportunity to interact with those of other nations as they carry out a wide spectrum of training.

About the F-15E Strike Eagle:
The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F-15 Eagle is an American-built, all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It entered service in July of 1972.
A derivative of the aircraft is the F-15E Strike Eagle, a highly successful all-weather strike fighter which entered service in 1988.

The F-15C/D model is being replaced by the F/A-22 Raptor. The fate of the F-15E is yet unknown but as the airframes are relatively recent, will likely remain in the U.S. inventory for some years to come.

Maybe you can find Tony here:

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=DRW50075


We'll end this week with a couple of excellent buys on metal soldiers from Michigan Toy Soldier and Del Prado in the 1:32 scale.

For just $6.99 a piece, if you have signed up to be a preferred customer--or $9.99 if it's not worth your trouble--they offer the Timurid Tarkhan c. 1400.



Stay away from magnets and mount up here:

http://www.michtoy.com/item-DEL-ME21...an_c_1400.html


For the same price(s) you can go forward about 400 years and opt for the Trumpeter, 7th Uhlans, Austrian Cavalry c. 1855.



Maybe you'll find yourself in south Russia by clicking here:

http://www.michtoy.com/item-DEL-CBH0...ry_c_1855.html