|
Historic Battles Honored in Detailed Military Die-cast War is a thousand stories of courage that converge into a single victory or defeat. Today, that rich history is being retold in die-cast metal, with the latest technologies being used to preserve iconic fighting machines from the last century to last year. Saving the Sherman´s Roll in History
Matchbox has recreated a mix of icons from both World Wars, including the 1:48 scale Fokker DR1 Biplane, 1:72 scale Republic P-47D Thunderbolt and 1:72 scale Sherman M4 A3/76 tank. The models are displayed in a battle scene diorama ($14.99 each; ages 14 and above).
Return of the Liberators
Fun for Non-Collectors Sailing (U.S.) International Corporation (ToyDirectory) has produced handsome planes whose propellers spin after their landing gear are rolled backwards and then released. The 1:60 scale 6" Classic Biplane ($2.99, ages 11 and up) editions are made of die-cast and plastic parts, come in green or silver and are a fitting tribute to WW I aerobatics.
Welcome Back Two Modern Gladiators Hasbro (ToyDirectory) offers make-believe fun for kids with military budgets large or small. GI Joe´s Patriot Grizzly Tank ($34.99;ages 5 and up) rolls off the assembly line with mechanized sound effects and the largest dimensions in the toy store. GI Joe turns 40 this year, and after a 15-year hiatus, Micro Machines is celebrating with the Mission Tank Terrain play set ($9.99). Pull back the tank and then unleash it to wreak havoc on a battlefield teeming with mines and impetuous enemies.
Serious collectors will marvel at the detailed resin and metal materials incorporated into the latest 1:48 tank models offered by On-Site Enterprises. Extra authenticity was built into the Iraqi T-62 ($89.95) with lower suspension and track parts. Merely 1,000 of these models have been produced, and each arrives in a richly detailed diorama setting accompanied by soldiers. By Land & Air
Gateway Global´s (ToyDirectory) GATE division injects patriotic fun into their four 1:18 scale Willy´s Jeep models, featuring Beetle Bailey Jeep Adventures, Laurel and Hardy Jeep Adventures, Laurel and Hardy Go to Sea, and a solitary unmanned Willy ($29.99; ages 14 and up). Gate´s die-cast Jeep is outfitted with plastic accessories and features a block engine under the hood. Both serious and amateur collectors will be reluctant to disturb the packaging, illustrated with amusing cartoons. Figures of Stan and Laurel in sailors´ uniforms and civilian outfits, Beetle Bailey, Sarge and his dog Otto are also included. ![]() |
|