Athearn
          After the successful release of several 1:50 scale John Deere farm tractors last year, Athearn has decided to proceed with its plan to offer a wide range of 1:50 scale models for the O scale market. Long known for its 1:87 HO scale model trains and accessories, this company has quickly impressed us with their logical transition into the next most popular scale of model trains and vehicles, 1:50 scale.  Although we will see many new 1:87 scale trucks to be released this year from this company, it is the larger 1:50 trucks and fire engines that have us amazed.  The quality of these models for the price make them a sure winner.  The 1:50 scale trucks and fire engines are now available on the Athearn page.

Corgi USA
         Given the breadth of Corgis product offering for 2005, we have broken down the 05 line into each major category. 

Showcase Collection
           This entry-level price point range will continue to grow with several additions.  The most popular showcase addition this year has been the Nose Art series that are a steal at $5.95.  These models include a showcase plane and an actual nose art replica panel of the original plane.  Both the plane and the panel fit very nicely on the included display stand.  All sixteen nose art planes are listed with images on the Corgi Showcase page. 

Batman
          Corgi debuted this series last year and it has proven to be extremely popular.  Corgi has plans to expand this line in 2005 with eight new additions which include six 1:43 scale autos, a 1:24 scale 1940's Batmobile and a 1:16 scale Robin cycle.  With the success of the Silver Age Collection set, Corgi just announced a Golden Age Collection set for the second half of this year.  This collection is scheduled to feature the 1:43 1940's Batmobile in royal blue and the 1:43 1940's Batmobile roadster.  This set will include a Batman figure inside the roadster and a separate Robin figure not available with the standard 1:43 scale releases. 

Tactical Strike
          This second entry-level price point range will continue to grow as well with four new releases with modified castings.  All new and existing models are currently on the web site. 

James Bond
          With a new James Bond movie in the near future, Corgi has announced the relaunching of the James Bond Directors Cut series for the third quarter of this year. 

The History Channel (Legends Series)
          This mid-range price point series will continue to grow this year with eleven new planes and eight new military pieces.  No new fire pieces have been announced for the first half of the year.  All new and existing History Channel models are currently on the web site.

Premier Collections
          The Premier Collection is the most detailed line that Corgi produces.  Corgi has enhanced their Premier Collections line by the announcement of the new Nose Art collection in 1:72 scale.  Included in each collectible box will be a 6"x 4" diecast nose art fuselage.  This nose art panel can be displayed on a stand-alone base with the model aircraft.  The new Flight Line series features some of the worlds most recognized military aircraft complete with ground crew figures which make for a nice diorama.  Corgi has also added new releases in their military, fire, bus and Lionelville categories.  For the second half of the year, Corgi has announced six dioramas which will allow for the display of military ground vehicles in a battle-worn urban setting.  All new 2005 first half releases and existing Corgi products are currently on the Corgi page. 

Diecast Promotions
          When looking for quality replicas produced in a variety of scales, look no further than Diecast Promotions.  During our visit at their booth, we were able to get the first shots of all three colors of the 53 Kaiser Manhattans  and these images are now available on our site.   Also shown are a 1:16 scale vintage GMC flatbed and two '41 Ford wreckers.  We have been told by DCP that the long awaited 1:18 scale '56 Chevy's are now available.  Some new models in the muscle car line will include a '69 Camaro and '70 Plymouth Cuda.
          DCP will be producing the most accurately proportioned 1:18 scale H2 Hummer ever produced.  This model has been designed to the exact measurements of the original H2 Hummer.  This model will be available in yellow, black and metallic silver and will feature opening hood, doors and back hatch.  We have an image of the metallic silver H2 Hummer on the DCP page for reference.
          Ever seen a model of a diecast crop sprayer?  Well DCP has produced one that will be available in 1:64 scale this summer.  They have also announced some new 1:64 scale tractor trailers in addition to some new 1:50 scale construction models.  Most are currently listed on our site.
         The highlight of the show no doubt was DCP's announcement of a 1:6 scale red 1957 Corvette convertible.  At the show, they showed a pre-production prototype of the model along with a 1:24 scale version (produced by Maisto) for size comparison.  This model should retail for under $600.00.

Dragon Models
           Dragon USA has announced some exciting new models this year for their 1:72 scale Armor and Warbird series.  To further expand their 1:72 Scale offering of WWII German models, Dragon will be releasing further variations of the Jagdpanter, Leopard, Tiger I, Jagd-Tiger, Panther G and Sd.Kfz 251/1 half-track. Also available in the WWII era this year will be a Russian T-34/76 in two paint schemes.  Modern military machines will also be available such as the Bradley and Hummer.
           The 1:72 Scale Dragon Wings line will also be expanded with two new F-4U-1D Corsair's.   Other new planes that will be added will include the P-47D T-Bolt Little Chief, Fw190A, several Me109's and the P-51D Mustang The Lord is My Shepherd.
           Modern 1:72 Scale Dragon Wings include three new F-14 Tomcats, three new F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and three new F-15 Eagless.  All these models should be impressive.

Ertl
           Ertl has announced the upgrade of their current 1:18 scale American Muscle line with extra detailing and improved quality.  This should make the American Muscle line more quality/price competitive in the mid-range 1:18 scale class.  The 1:18 scale 'Authentics' line might be in its own class at the top of the diecast 1:18 market.  These cars come with a high quality paint job and detail that will take your breath away.  Ertl has announced some new castings in this line and they plan to upgrade the current tools to further enhance the line.  All we can say is "Wow!"  All future 'Authentics' releases are currently available for preorder on the Ertl page.
          Also just released are some new John Deere construction models in 1:50 scale.  These are currently listed on the Ertl page.
          Finally, with the new Dukes of Hazzard movie coming out in August, Ertl has decided to promote their 1:18 scale Dukes car.  This car will feature new packaging reflecting the cast in the new movie.  This 'must see' summer movie should be extremely entertaining with cast members such as Willie Nelson, Burt Reynolds, Jessica Simpson, Johnny Knoxville, etc. Yeeee-haaaaaa!

First Gear
          First Gear has announced several new 1:64 scale tractor trailers. The 'Swiss Valley' International 8600 tractor with two pup trailer and reefers, 'Crystal Clear Ice' International 8600 tractor with pup trailer and reefer and a many new Mack release including a new 'Granite' trio piggyback set.
          There will also be several new additions to the 1:34 scale line including a St. Louis police car, Mack Detroit fire pumper and tow truck, Iowa DOT International 4400 utility truck, Warrenville Paramedic International EMS unit, AEP International 4400 Digger Derrick, Mountain Ridge Ranch Ford F-250 pickup with horse trailer, Ford F-250 pickup truck with livestock topper, 57 International stake truck with six cloth sacks and an International U.S. Feeds KB-8 bulk feed truck.
          Some 1:25 scale hot rods were shown from First Gear including a 49 Mercury, a 37 Chevy coupe and a 34 Ford coupe.  New for 2005 is a yellow '56 Ford pickup truck with engine load.
          Finally, even though we could not get the exact model out of First Gear, they claimed that a new 1:25 scale construction piece might be in the works because of series extreme popularity.  Stay tuned. 

Forces of Valor
          Forces of Valor have made plans to release another massive 1:16 scale limited edition King Tiger tank (Battle of the Bulge campaign) and delivery is expected third quarter 2005.  This version should surpass their first tank with more detail and extra accessories.  The 1:16 scale King Tiger, packed a simulated munitions crate, weighs in at an impressive 49 pounds.  If you did not get the first tank, we ask that you preorder early for this one ASAP on the Forces of Valor page.  Our allotment has already been set by Forces of Valor and only 750 will be released in the U.S.
          New for 2005 will be the 1:32 scale World War II fighter planes.  A total of six planes has been announced including two P51D Mustangs, two U.K. Spitfires and two German BF-109Gs.   Also available this year will be four U.S. F4U Corsairs, four U.K. Hurricanes and four German Ju87B-2s in 1:72 scale.   These planes will be very impressive and should be an exceptional value compared to similar products in the market today. All new 2005 and current items are currently listed on the Forces of Valor page.

 IXO
         Watch out diecast industry, IXO is here to stay!  We have teamed up with this company to debut a new line of diecast aviation models coming late-March 2005.  As the exclusive importer of this line for 2005, we will have direct contact with the factory for future releases.  Future models have been projected through 2007 already but requests for future models or paint schemes are still welcomed!
          Remember that 47 Ford Fordor in blue, black and cream?  We have ordered our next run of this extremely popular car in a factory maroon color.  Delivery is expected this fall. 

Gearbox
          Gearbox has announced two 1:43 scale John Deere pickups for 2005. The '41 Chevy and '42 Ford and each will have and opening hood and doors. We have also commissioned Gearbox to produce an exclusive production of each truck in 2 factory colors.  Details to follow soon.  Delivery for all six trucks is scheduled for June.  Also just released is the 1:43 scale Chicago Fire Dept. and Anoka Sheriff Ford Expeditions. 

Joal
          Joal has announced several new items and some new paint schemes for previous models for 2005.  Some of the new models include the JCB 3CX Contractor backhoe loader, Mustang 2105 skid loader, GEHL 5635 skid loader and Neuson 50Z3 mini excavator.  However, with the Euro still going strong in Europe these models will be relatively expensive compared to products produced in other parts of the world.  All new Joal will be available for  preorder on the Joal page soon.

Johnny Lightning
          Johnny Lightning, now owned by RC2/Ertl Co., has announced some very exiting things this year in diecast.  They have announced a series of 1:18 scale and mid-scale Coke models that are sure to be a hit because of their great price-point.  A combined total of around 20 models will be available throughout the year.
          As always, they will also be releasing many new toolings and paint schemes including the 2005 Ford Mustang GT, '57 Studebaker Hawk, '65 Ford Bronco, '71 Ford Pinto, '74 and '72 AMC Hornets, '62 Lincoln Continental and many more!
          We have teamed up with Johnny Lightning to bring you some custom runs of some of the most requested vehicles in 1:64 scale that will be available later this summer and fall.  We will begin with the Nash Metropolitan and 2005 Ford Mustang GT.  Pre-ordering available soon.

Life Like
         Life Like will have a total of seven new vehicles and four new flat car loads in 1:87 scale that will be available in 2005.  The vehicles included will be a vintage ambulance, hearse, police wrecker, fire chief cruiser, police cruiser, taxi and a modern EMS ambulance.  The flat car loads will include steel rails, steel pipes, wrapped machinery and concrete pipes.  The first pictures of these models will be on the Life Like page very soon. 

Matchbox Collectibles
          To follow up the immense success that Mattel has had with their Hot Wheels hobby line, they have elected to transfer some manpower over to the Matchbox Collectibles line in an effort to once again revitalize the line for 2005.  We have also been assured that Mattel will continue to offer new additions and new packaging for the 1:72 aviation line.  Please check the Matchbox page later this fall for future releases.
          Also available this year will be an armored version of the Batmobile that will be released in June when the new Batman movie debuts.  Other announcements includes the new 2006 Ford Cobra, 2005 Mustang coupe and convertible, 2005 Corvette Z06, Hummer H3 and H3T. 

Minichamps
          Minichamps will have quite a few new releases in 2005.  We think Minichamps hottest selling item in 2005 will be the 1:43 scale 2005 Ford Mustang GT.  Fords reflection of the old virtues is not only optically calling up the ghost of days past but it has transformed that old look into a new, impressive design.
          Other 1:43 scale additions include new paint schemes of the existing tools such as the red 55 T-Bird, a blue 56 Porsche 356A Speedster, a cream 50 Mercury Monterey 2-Door coupe, a gold 68 Mustang Fastback, a red 69 Mercury Marauder Hardtop, a silver 56 Lincoln Continental MK.II and a green 58 Edsel Bermuda Station Wagon.  Several new bus and truck models will be released as well and are now available for pre-order.
          Minichamps will also be releasing some new military vehicles in 2005.  Some of these new models include the Centurion British MBT in solid green paint, the Leopard 2 A4 in a white camouflage which is very sharp and the 43 GMC deuce-and-half flatbed truck.  Also in the military line is a 1:18 scale VW Type 82 Kuebelwagen in light tan with spotted green camouflage.   

Model Power
          This company strives to offer many new models every year. However, if their factory could only keep up with their announcements all collectors would be thrilled.  They have some great products to be released this year in the 'Postage Stamp' line such as the P-61 Black Widow due late-March, the Avro Lancaster in May and the Albatros bi-wing 'Lt. Hermann Goring' in July.  Also announced is the retirement of some existing paint schemes to make room for some new ones.  We will try our best to let you know which paint schemes soon be retired.
          Model Power is raising the bar again by launching a new line, The Airliner Collection.  This collection will feature planes such as the Concorde, NAMC YS-11, Dehavilland DH106 Comet, Boeing 307 Stratoliner, Kawanishi 4-Eng. Flying Boat, Airbus A340-600, Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation, Savoia Marchetti S66 Seaplane, Douglas DC-3, Curtis JN-4 Jenny and Mitsubishi MU-2J to name a few.  The price point of this line should be comparable to the Postage Stamp series.  Several features will include a sleek black display stand, pad printed monograms and moving props.  If you love commercial airline classics then this is your cup of tea.
          Last, Model Power will also be doing one new 1:48 scale plane a year.   A possible model for the first release might be the DC-3.  Details will follow soon. 

New Ray
          New Ray will continue adding trucks in both 1:32 and 1:43 scales in 2005.  In the 1:32 scale Long Hauler line they have added an International 9900IX truck with an American style petroleum tanker trailer and new International pot belly 40' box trailer, Dakota flatbed load, Kenworth T2000 pipe load and bailed hay flatbed load.  In 1:43 scale we will see the release of a '79 Kenworth W900 with a 'pot belly' livestock trailer, '79 Kenworth W900 with a grain hauler trailer and '79 Kenworth W900 twin dump trucks.
          In their Sky Pilot series, New Ray will be releasing a new version of their extremely successful Agusta helicopter.  The 1:43 scale L.A.F.D. Agusta features an accurate paint scheme and markings.  Also available this year in a new 1:72 scale line will be a UH-60 Black Hawk, a VH-60N White Hawk Presidential Marine One, a U.S. Army Apache AH-64, a U.S. Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk, a U.S. Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk Hawk and an LAPD Huey.  These models should prove to be just as popular as their predecessors.
          We are sorry to report that no new 1:32 scale military or 1:43 scale autos were announced for 2005 and may soon be retired. 

Norscot
          Norscot announced nine new models for 2005, including a massive Cat 793D off-highway dump truck that will be available third quarter.  Norscots annual commitment to quality and new tooling investment should enable them to continue to offer highly detailed models at affordable prices.  A few new models have just been released including the 1:50 scale and 1:87 scale water tank trucks and the 1:25 scale Mitsubishi forklift.  For all other 2005 new releases, we will begin accepting pre-orders this April. 

Precision Miniatures
          The 1:18 Scale 59 Cadillac Crown Royale ambulance and both landau- and limousine-style hearses will be available late-March.  Packed with detail and quality, these models will be a sure hit in the diecast market.  Also available will be the 56 Chevy Bel Air 4-door hard top and a 50 Ford Crestliner.  Please view the web site for current availabilities. 

Signature Models
          This company does an outstanding job in both 1:32 and 1:18 scales as well as the 1:2 scale hood ornament line.  They have announced three new hood ornaments including the '31 Buick, the '26 Pontiac and a Pierce Arrow.  New in 1:32 scale will be the '56 Plymouth Savoy and '55 Packard Caribbean.  New releases for late 2005 and early 2006 will include the '28 Studebaker fire truck, '41 GMC fire truck, '21 American LaFrance fire truck and the 60 Mack fire truck.  Most of the 1:18 scale line will have new paint schemes on existing models.  First shots on some of these models will be available on the Signature Models page.

Sun Star
          With the success of the 1:24 scale double-decker bus series, Sun Star has announced four additional double-decker buses to be released thru Spring 06.  First, the solid green Original Green Line Routemaster Coach, follow by Vernons Pools in a blue paint scheme, Queens Silver Jubilee - Woolworth in silver and Shllibeer - Watneys in green and yellow will be last.  These buses pack plenty of detail and quality that is second to none.  Also available this year will be a beautiful 1:24 scale Ford Excursion that should be available this Spring.
          Prior to the release of the 1:24 scale Routemaster double decker bus from Sun Star, we had been eagerly searching for a company that could produce a 1:24 scale American transit bus and we think that we may have just found the company.  Stay tuned!