[FROGGY]

At 1/144 scale: bomber of WW2.

http://www.altaya.fr/ficha.php?id=130

[Epapazian]

So it looks like those rumors that were circulating about a year ago were right....well, sort of. The claim was that Altaya would release a line of WWII bombers in 1:72 scale, which, frankly, seemed strange since these are designed as a publisher's promotion. As I started to look at the proposed list, I thought, at first, that these are reissues of the old Atlas models, many of which are in my collection. Like the Atlas planes, the new Altaya series will be in 1:144, so it is possible that they are using the old molds for planes like the B-17G, FW-200, JU-52, HE-177 and others. But some of the planes on the list are new. These include the JU-290, Piaggio P.108, B&V 222 and Emily. Even though there are certain to be serious quality issues with these models, I plan to pounce on the last four, listed above, as soon as they appear on eBay. Thanks for the heads up.

[Epapazian]

I went back to the Altaya website using the link you posted and after fiddling around I was able to see blown-up pictures of six of the models they are promoting. Since I have many of the old Atlas planes, the new pictures seem encouraging. Unless I am mistaken, these look like new toolings, with more detail and fewer of the huge gaps seen on the prior series. In addition, the insignias, lettering, etc. seem better done and may be pad printed. Finally, they show a number of planes that are not on the official list. These include the B-25, JU-88 and SB-2 as well as an Arado jet bomber in 1:72 scale being offered in a special promotion. The paint scheme on the HE-111 looks rather odd and they are PC, so the Swazis are missing. But aside from this it looks like collectors such as myself, who are into rare WWII planes like the JU-290, Emily, etc will have a field day when these planes hit ebay. Since I lack the capability to take and post pictures at this time, I wonder if you or another forum member would be willing to attempt this using Altaya's blow up option?

[Martin Baker]

When are these coming out ?

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Martin Baker

When are these coming out ?

Assuming that they follow the DeAgostini model, the first batch of these new planes could show up on ebay in a month or so. As a rule, publishers know how well people are responding to such promotional offers rather quickly, so they can release surplus models for sale fairly soon after their initial postings. I'm trying to check on this via usually reliable sources and will report anything they can tell me.

[Martin Baker]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

Assuming that they follow the DeAgostini model, the first batch of these new planes could show up on ebay in a month or so. As a rule, publishers know how well people are responding to such promotional offers rather quickly, so they can release surplus models for sale fairly soon after their initial postings. I'm trying to check on this via usually reliable sources and will report anything they can tell me.

Thx for the intell Epapazian

[Epapazian]

Here's the latest news on the new Altaya series of WWII bombers in 1:144 scale. This comes from a usually well informed source who specializes in magazine promotional lines such as Atlas and the IXO reissues. First off, this is the initial list of offerings: U.S.A.: B-17G, B-24J, B-29, C-54: Great Britain: Wellington, Lancaster, Halifax, Short Sterling, Manchester: France: Leo-451:Italy: Cant Z 1007, Piaggio P. 108: Germany: HE-111, HE-177, JU-52, JU-290, FW-200, B&V 222 and Japan:"Betty"and "Emily". There will also be a very limited supply of the Arado-234 jet bomber in 1:72 scale. While this is not yet confirmed, all indications are that these are new castings offering better detail than the old Atlas series, including more realistic paint schemes. Finally, they will come in blister packs---a big improvement over the Atlas packaging. From my own observations this information seem quite credible. Moreover, I suspect that a second wave of models, including the B-25, JU-88, SB-2 and probably others included in the Atlas line ( B-26, Sally, SM-79,C-47, C-46, Do-217,IL-4, etc.) is in the works. Hopefully this will include the long ignored A-20 and PE-2. The best news is that the first of the Altaya planes are expected to get to selected eBay sellers in September. I know that some members are turned off by the small scale and/or disappointments with the Atlas planes QC-wise. Still, the new Altaya entries bay be worth close scrutiny and some sample buys. I plan to do just that, because the chance to get a diecast "Emily", Piaggio P.108 and JU-290 is too tempting to resist.

[johnnyboy]

I managed to get these 5 Pics so far

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by johnnyboy

I managed to get these 5 Pics so far
Attachment 4862

Attachment 4863

Attachment 4864

Attachment 4865

Attachment 4866

Excellent work. The B-25 picture definitely looks like a new tooling or, less likely, an upgrade of the old mold. This is also true of the FW-200 which is also shown in Altaya's brochure. I have the Atlas version of the Condor and it doesn't have the radar antennae or the wheel well doors, among other differences. Also the camouflage scheme on the Altaya version is a lot better. It should be an interesting fall.

[johnnyboy]

The last of them