Some Corgi recent jet releases.

Below we have two models mentioned in a previous post, the two seat Hunter and winter camo Tornado. In addition there's another Tornado release, RAF Marham and this model has accurate stores, something Corgi has only recently addressed. The other model is a favourite of mine. The Red Flag Buccaneer was in fact cancelled, but recently resurrected!!! A decision many collectors are thankful for. Yes, it's not entirely accurate, but then which model is? They're models after all and machine have different markings applied throughout the careers. I really like it!

Some more great Corgi models just recently released.

Just recently there has been plenty of activity from Corgi with some great new releases. We have the Westland Lysander "Spy Taxi", the first rocket armed Swordfish, a clipped wing Royal Navy Corsair, the Spitfire Mk. XIV with Doodlebug and a two seat Messerschmitt Me. 262.

The Swordfish and Lysander are both highly acclaimed Corgi models and with the addition of armour piercing rockets the Swordfish just got better! The Corsair is the first one modified to have the clipped RN wing, required to allow it to fit on the smaller RN carriers. The colours are accurate and this model is being very well received.

The Mk. XIV Spitfire along with PR. versions are now coming fast and furious. This is the 3rd release with the Buzz Bomb. The Buzz Bomb could have been a lot better and is plastic, not well detailed. The Spitfire is one of the new Corgi CAD designs and is much better because of it. Lastly we have the Me 262. This is a trainer and follows on from the two seat night fighter.

Other new models include both a single seat No.74 Hunter and two new two seaters. Some new Harriers and Sea Harriers are also due out soon. Lastly there have been a few Tornados released over the last few months with the most recent being the RAF one in winter camo operating in Norway, very nice.

Century Wings Tomcats and Blackbirds

Century Wings, the "premium" brand. What can I say, they want premium prices too!!! CW have been releasing Jolly Roger Tomcats at an astounding rate. Even more interesting is that they're being snapped up at very high prices! CW have released at least 9 different Jolly Roger models covering VF-84 and VF-103. These include American and Japanese exclusives.

I for one am not convinced about the pricing but the models are selling. If you want one, get one, they seem to be moving fast. More interesting is the announcement of another VF-41 Black Aces F-14. These are interesting because they have black radomes where all the others don't. In low-vis guise VF-41 Tomcats splashed some Libyan aircraft over the Mediterranean.

There's also the SR-71s, in Rapid Rabbit guise, a Japan only exclusive because of the use of the Playboy Bunny infringing copyright or whatever. The next SR-71B twin cockpit derivative is the NASA version. Great models at a premium!!!

Gemini Aces Phantoms!!!

New from Gemini Aces are the UK Rolls Royce Spey engined Royal Navy AND Royal Air Force Spooks!!! Very, very nice models. These are the only Spey engined diecast models available. The Spey engines were more powerful than the J-79 engines used in the American aircraft but the added drag resulting from the installation reduced the advantage of more power.

Should you be more partial to the normal J-79 engined US Phantoms look no further than Hobby Master!!! They have an ever increasing range including variants from numerous nations. There's a Phantom for everyone!!! Yes, Corgi did do quite a few Phantoms but used an older mold. Still, there are very collectible.

Pictures of some Corgi upcoming releases.

From Corgi in 1/72, the Donier Do 215 night fighter has recently been released. The model featured below is in fact the resin mock-up. Another Luftwaffe type is the Junker Ju 88C fighter version. Then we have the Blenheim Mk. IF night fighter and the Boulton Paul Defiant (also a resin mock-up).

One model that has just been released is the Hawker Hurricane Mk. I with a two bladed prop. What a stunning model! First to be released is that of Cobber Cain, the first RAF ace of WWII. His victories were scored in the Battle of France.

The BIG surprises are the 1/32 are the Bob Doe Spitfire and the Graf Me 109. The Graf 109 will not be a working range model so will have a normal stand, not the one featured.

Hobby Master SKYRAIDERS!!!!

Hobby Master recently released the first model of the highly anticipated Skyraider, the US Navy VA-176, USS Intrepid, Mig Killer. Stunning livery to boot. The second model, soon to be released is the USAF version. Both are very good looking models and have huge ordnance loads. The aircraft were designed as dive bomber and were used as attack aircraft and to escort helicopters rescuing downed pilots in Vietnam.

HOT NEWS HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!!!

Hobby Master has just announced that they will be making the F-111 Aardvark in 1/72 diecast!!! Designed as a fighter it evolved into a strike bomber equipped with swing wings. This aircraft made headline news when it was used in an attack on Libya. The model should be released by July 2010!!! This is an aircraft collectors have been asking for for years. Indeed it is one model I'd be keen to see too. There were only two countries that operated the F-111, the USA and Australia.  

New Release Updates

Lots of new models are being announced by various companies so we thought we'd post some information to whet your appetites! Not all of these models will be coming to South Africa so contact us should you wish to place an order.

A stand out in the coming Hobby Master releases is the Japanese RF-4E Kai which sees HM modify the nose of the F-4E to produce the reconnaissance version. Lets home the Sparrow missile bays are faired over.

Big news from Corgi is the revival of their 1/32 molds in the form of a new Bob Doe Spitfire and Graf Me 109G. Sadly Bob Doe passed away recently. Also from Corgi we will see a modified 1/72 B-17 tooling to correctly model the B-17E (we hope). The recently released Dornier Do-17Z sees a second release as well as a modification for the Do-215 nightfighter! There also the BP Defiant turret fighter!!!

From Gemini Aces the new Spey engined Royal Navy and RAF F-4 Phantoms and the Skyraider.

From Witty the Gannet, Javelin and Sea Vixen.