Friday, June 28, 2013

TimbeRRRRRRRRR! First Gear's New Forestry Models

The methods and techniques used for cutting and moving lumber have evolved over the decades.  

In the early days, loggers used to cut timber with axes and handsaws.  For easy transport, they also cut near rivers or they had to use other ways of transport like dragging them with old fashion "horse power" , like pictured below.


However, with today's advances and technology, they have made logging a lot easier and faster.  Please enjoy these videos, where the new Komatsu Harvester and Forwarder make logging look like child's play.

Let's start with the Komatsu 931.1 Harvester...it is amazing how quickly it cuts and strips down the trees in a matter of seconds.



The cutting is done...now it's time to move all the logs back to the work site. The ability of the Komatsu 865 Forwarder makes it look like they are playing with Lincoln Logs.



If you enjoyed  Komatsu's real life Harvester and Forwarder, then you will love what First Gear has done!

First Gear has some NEW forestry models with all new tooling arriving later this summer, including the Komatsu 931.1 Harvester and 865 Forwarder.

Komatsu 931.1 Harvester - ALL NEW TOOLING
#10-3971 - 1/35 Scale - July / August Arrival

This brand new quality forestry model features:
• Diecast metal construction
• Telescopic arm with detailed harvesting head
• Fully detailed operator cab interior
• Articulating chassis
• Tilting cab
Komatsu 865 Forwarder - ALL NEW TOOLING
#10-3970 - 1/35 Scale - August / September Arrival

This brand new quality forestry model features:
• Diecast metal construction
• Telescopic arm with functioning grapple
• Fully detailed operator cab interior
• Articulating chassis




Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Don't Miss Your Flight! Wings of Texaco Coming Soon

A few weeks ago, the next Wings of Texaco were announced and will be the 1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68.

If you Pre-Order the Set, you will receive FREE shipping, so don't miss your flight and lose the chance to save.

#TEX2013SET - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival   
Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21- 2013 Anniversary Edition
1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68


The two piece set includes the Regular Edition and the Special Edition.

These models have a lot of great features that you will enjoy, including:




  • The bodies of the airplanes are diecast metal.
  • They have a 12" wingspan and movable flaps. 
  • They also feature a locking coin bank with key.
  • You can display them in flight with their custom display stand.

However, if only one of them is in your flight plan, then make sure and pre-order yours today!


#CP7078 - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival
Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21 (2013) Regular Edition 
1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68 Anniversary Edition 



#CP7079 - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival
Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21 (2013) 
1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68 - Special Edition in Red 




Monday, June 24, 2013

GreenLight Coming in Fast and Furious this Fall

For over a decade, many have enjoyed the high-speed, high-impact racing scenes with the Fast and the Furious Film Series.


Can you name all of the Fast and Furious Movies?
  1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)
  2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
  3. Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
  4. Fast & Furious (2009)
  5. Fast Five (2011)
  6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
OH YEAH, and #7 is coming next summer...

How can a person choose their favorite when there are so many cool cars in each of them? What about the famous 1970 Dodge Charger that Dominic drives in the very first movie? Or... what about Brian's ten second car,the 1995 Toyota Supra.

What would you think were the Top 10 Fast and Furious Cars?  Well let's see....TheRichest.org has done just that...
  • #10: Toyota Supra, 
  • #9: Dodge Charger,
  • #8: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34,
  • #7: Chevrolet Monte Carlo,
  • #6: Mitsubishi Lancer Eveolution,
  • #5: Honda S2000,
  • #4: Subaru Impreza WRX STI,
  • #3: Acura NSX-T,
  • #2: Chevrolet Chevelle,
  • and at #1...the Ford GT40!

However, let us not forget the new cars featured in Fast & Furious 6....Edmunds.com has a picture gallery that will amaze you!

No matter what your favorites might be, you can at least appreciate the sweet rides featured in each movie.   The very first movie anniversary date is June 22....how about celebrating with a replica model of some of those very same cars?  This Fall, GreenLight is releasing some exciting Fast & Furious models from several of the different movies like Dominic's Dodge Charger, Fenix's Ford Gran Torino, Brian's Subaru Impreza WRX Sti, and much more...

The Fast and The Furious (2001) - 1995 Toyota Supra Mk.IV
#86202 - 1/43 Scale - November/December Arrival



The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) - 1967 Ford Mustang
#86211 - 1/43 Scale - November/December Arrival



The Fast and the Furious Six (2013) - 1970 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1 
#86222 - 1/43 Scale - October/November Arrival

For all of the Fast and Furious models available, click here to see them on our website.



Friday, June 21, 2013

Mercedes: Inventing...and Reinventing

Making history is not something new for Mercedes.  In 1886, Carl Benz was awarded the patent for a three-wheeled self-propelled "Motorwagen".  With this first automobile, it forever changed the way people moved from place to place.


From then to now, then to future....there is a never-ending roster of achievements that makes Mercedes Benz first in innovation... Carl Benz said it best: "The love of inventing never dies". 


For those of you who are not ready to take the leap to the futuristic ride, you can enjoy Mercedes Benz in a smaller scale.  Maisto recently released some of their own beautiful replicas of some Mercedes Benz...


Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Convertible in Metallic Black
#31196MBK - 1/18 Scale     


Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Hardtop in Red
#36199R - 1/18 Scale     



Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG in Metallic Grey - 45th Anniversary Edition
#36198MGY - 1/18  Scale    




Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Let's Roast Some Marshmallows!

How are you spending your summer vacation?  Your summer weekends?? 

Let’s Go Camping! Surround yourself with the beauty and relaxation of nature...let’s get the tent put up…chop the wood…and Roast some Marshmallows!!!

This summer millions of people will set out camping to enjoy this experience with nature and social time with their friends and families. 

If you are one of those million, then say "Thank You" to Thomas Hiram Holding, aka “Father of Recreational Camping”.  At a very young age, he learned all the tricks of camping while crossing the American prairies with his parents, heading for the Oregon Territory.  

Then in the 1880's, with a canoe and tent, he took off for many new adventures around the world. 
Thomas Hiram Holding: "Father of Recreational Camping"

By the early 1900's, he was known as the "Greatest Known Authority on Camping" which directed him to writing the first Campers' Handbook published in 1908.  You can go to Google Books, to view the EBook for Free. 

Since then, camping has progressed into a whole new kind of experience.

From one of the first camp sites, like the Cunningham Camp in Howstrake on the Isle of Man...



To the Modern camp grounds, like KOA campgrounds, with luxuries of electricity and running water. 

However, for those of you that would love to camp more but are not able to with your busy schedule... then you and your family will enjoy these New-Ray camping playsets.  Enjoy hours of story-telling along with spending special time with the ones you love. 



Camping Adventure Playset - Ford 5th wheel dually with camper
#SS-10735 - 1/32 Scale


Ford-350 fifth wheel with fishing camper and figurines 
#SS-10725 - 1/32 Scale    







Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Texaco Trucks Series turns 30 this year!

We look forward to the Texaco trucks every year, and this year marks the Texaco Trucks Series' 30th birthday!

The Dodge WC truck was originally designed for military use and was produced throughout World War II.  When the war ended, Dodge continued to produce the WC for a couple more years, through 1947.

Round 2 now brings you the 1947 Dodge WC done as a Texaco tanker - available both in the regular red edition and the special brushed metal edition!  These each come with a Certificate of Authenticity.  Some other great features include...
• Custom Texaco graphics
• Diecast metal body
• Vinyl tires on metal wheels
• Locking coin bank with key

We're taking pre-orders now!  Click on either of the images below for more information on our website.


Texaco Truck Series #30 - 2013 Regular Edition 
1947 Texaco Dodge WC Tanker Truck - Anniversary Edition
#CP7076 - 1/34 Scale - November/December Arrival


Texaco Truck Series #30 - 2013 Special Brushed Metal Edition 
1947 Texaco Dodge WC Tanker Truck - Anniversary Edition
#CP7077 - 1/34 Scale - November/December Arrival


Also coming this fall is the Texaco 1948 American LaFrance fire truck.  This model is #4 in a series of 6 and comes with a Dalmatian figure. Along with the Certificate of Authenticity, it also has these features:

• Custom Texaco graphics
• Diecast metal body
• Detailed interior & exterior
• Locking coin bank with key

#CP7081 - 1/30 Scale - October/November Arrival
Texaco 1948 American LaFrance Fire Truck - 4th in a Series of 6



To see more Texaco models on our site, click here!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Honoring the Stars and Stripes

How do you honor the Stars and Stripes???  


Almost anywhere you look, you can see many different ways that people honor the American Flag.  Last Friday, we observed the National Flag Day, celebrated every 14th day of June.

It all started in the 1880's with  Bernard J Cigrand.  He was an American patriot who dedicated his life honoring the nation and its flag.  In 1886, he wrote his first proposal called "The Fourteenth of June" for the annual observance of the birth of the flag.  However, it was not until 1916 when President Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of Flag Day.  Then in 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th as National Flag Day.

For many, honoring the Stars and Stripes means displaying it in their own unique ways...



You can paint your house...

You can bake a cake...

Or with man's best friend!

Or for a simpler touch, you can enjoy the stars and stripes on some patriotic models...

2013 Massey Ferguson 8690 Tractor
Universal Hobbies  #4204 - 1/32 Scale  


Mini Cooper- Blue / White Roof & American Flag
Model Power  #19133 - 1/87 Scale / HO Scale  


Steiger Cougar II "Spirit of 76" Tractor in Red, White, and Blue
ERTL  #14853 - 1/64 Scale    




Friday, June 14, 2013

"Pumped Up Kicks"

Show jumping originated from hunting, when British Parliament passed the Enclosure Acts of the 1700's requiring private and common lands to be fenced off from each other.  Riders had to jump fences to pursue their game or to get to their destinations.

Since then, show jumping has been enjoyed by all ages, rider and spectator alike.  Show Jumping has many levels of ability, whether for enjoyment or for competition.  It is a sport that reaches millions of people through television and media, especially during the Olympics.


Many riders start at an early age to become accomplished jumpers.  The website, www.worldofshowjumping.com, just featured a young lady, Lillie Keenan, and her horse, "Pumped Up Kicks", as the winner of the Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix.  At only 15, what a great accomplishment!  Great Job!!!

Even if you're only a spectator but want to enjoy the sport, you can go to agame.com and jump your own obstacles.  You don't have to be skilled on a horse, just with your computer keys.

However, if you have little ones in your life that you want to get familiar with show jumping, what better way to do that than to let them play with Bruder's Bworld Series to make them feel part of the show.   


Great Horse Jump Parcours with Woman and Horse - Bruder's Bworld Series
#62530 - 1/16    


Horse Riding Accessories - Bruder's Bworld Series
#62503 - 1/16


Horse Jump Obstacles - Bruder's Bworld Series
#62532 - 1/16  



Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Coming Soon from Norscot: A Monster of a Machine

Can you imagine sitting at your desk thinking that this mining truck is bigger than your whole office?  Or even your house??  The Caterpillar 795F AC is the industry's first single-sourced, integrated AC drive system mining truck, and it stands over two stories high.

Just think about how you would transport or even put together this monster of a machine.  This video demonstrates only a small piece of the machine being transported and the lengths gone through to accomplish getting it to the site so they can piece it all together.


We are not sure exactly what they say at the end of the video, but great job for all the hard work!  By the way did you count the people standing on the stairs and deck at the end?...I counted 26!

This Norscot model has a ton of impressive features:
  • Mostly diecast construction with a few plastic parts
  • Weighs in at nearly 7 pounds!
  • Individual lights and metal handrails
  • Folding down stairs that lead to the deck
  • No slip tread on deck
  • Radial grid and control power inverter cabinet on the deck
  • Opening engine compartment showing off the C175-16 engine
  • Clear windows showing off the detailed operators cabin
  • Dump bed raises to a height of nearly 12 inches
  • Detailed hydraulics and alternator/generator
  • Detailed wheel hubs and authentic tire tread
  • Painted lights and cables on hooks on rear of truck
  • Detailed chassis


    Caterpillar 795F AC Electric Drive Mining Truck
    #55515 - 1/50 Scale - June / July Arrival



    Monday, June 10, 2013

    A View into the Life of Mr. Hot Wheels

    Did you grow up with Hot Wheels?  Are you still collecting Hot Wheels?  

    One of the first and greatest designers of Hot Wheels was Larry Wood, also known as Mr. Hot Wheels.   Larry has been a car guy since he was 15 years old and had a passion for drawing all sorts of cars especially hot rods for his buddies in school.  

    When he grew up, he worked for Ford and then later got his dream job at Mattel where he became known as Mr. Hot Wheels.  He designed Hot Wheels for more than 40 years and continues to do consulting work.  


     

    He now has his own garage, known as Elwood's Garage, where he does his own personal work and houses his collections, including his cars and models. Hot Rod did an interview, shown below, with Larry talking about his life long love of hot rods and drawing. 



    Just as Larry talked about during his interview, he has kept himself busy after retiring from Mattel, still designing his masterpieces.  Here is one of his designs that he created himself to use to go on vacation.  He used a 1938 COE truck and a trailer he found in  Michigan and completely reworked the whole thing. It is definitely a unique piece of ARTwork! 



    Click here to see Hot Wheels on our website


    Friday, June 7, 2013

    Haying the Ertl Way!

    Does the smell of freshly cut grass bring memories flooding back to you? Haying season is at our door steps and the smell of fresh cut grass means hard work for many farmers.



    When you think of "haying the hard way", you might think of earlier days when haying meant a lot of physical work for the animals and farmers alike.




    However, though farming is still hard work, with new technology and innovations, haying has become a less tedious chore than before.

    If you are the John Deere kind of farmer, Ertl has some new 1/16 Scale models for you to choose from, which entails a lot less work than buying a real tractor!

    John Deere Model 430 Utility Tractor
    #45404 - 1/16 Scale - July / August Arrival


    John Deere Model 5010 Diesel Tractor
    #45442 - 1/16 Scale - August / September Arrival


    John Deere Model 730 Wide Front Tractor
    #45445 - 1/16 Scale - September / October Arrival


    Let's not forget to add the balers to the hard work of collecting your farming memories.

    John Deere 568 Round Baler
    #15949 - 1/16 Scale



    John Deere 348 Square Baler
    #45220 - 1/16 Scale



    Thursday, June 6, 2013

    Father's Day SALE

    Father's Day is quickly approaching.  

    Whether you're the one searching for the perfect gift or the Father buying something for himself, we have the perfect items now at greatly discounted prices!


    Enjoy the savings!

    Wednesday, June 5, 2013

    Just Announced: 2013 Wings of Texaco!

    The NEXT Wings of Texaco has been announced and will be the 1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68.  This plane was a well-known aircraft that premiered during the middle of the Great Depression.  It was designed for comfort for the wealthy, including arm rests, ash trays, cabin heaters, ventilators, deep cushions and large windows.

    This is the sixth of seven Spartan planes employed in the Texaco Fleet. Texaco purchased it in 1950. An earlier version, the T51, was also used by Texaco and is #14 in this series.

    The model has a lot of great features that you will enjoy, including:
    • The body of the airplane is diecast metal.
    • It has a 12" wingspan and movable flaps. 
    • It also features a locking coin bank with key.
    • You can display it in flight with its custom display stand.

    These models will arrive this Fall, so make sure and get your pre-orders in today!!!

    #CP7078 - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival
    Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21 (2013) Regular Edition 
    1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68 Anniversary Edition 


    #CP7079 - 1/39 Scale - September / October Arrival
    Wings of Texaco Airplane Series #21 (2013) 
    1935 Spartan Executive 7W T68 - Special Edition in Red 



    Monday, June 3, 2013

    A Whole New Off-Road Experience: Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

    If you are a Ford F-150 fan, or even if you're not, the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be your new favorite!  It sets a whole new level of the off-road experience.  With the now standard 6.2 liter V8 engine, it will provide you the horsepower to accomplish any task in almost any condition.  

    With great sights and sounds, this video shows off what the Raptor can really do...



    If you can't afford the "Real Thing", or your spouse won't let you get one...you can get the next best thing!  You will enjoy the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in 1/24 scale from Jada.

    2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in Primer Black
    #96387-PRBK - 1/24 Scale  

    These models have some great features that you will enjoy including:
    • Opening doors, hood, and tailgate
    • Detail interior including gauges, pedals, gear shift and much more
    • Rubber-like tires with detailed chrome hubs
    • Raptor decal on the side of the bed
    • Raised Ford logo on the grill along with logos on the tailgate


    This model is also available in three other colors coming later this summer in July or August!!!


    2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in Red
    #96387-R - 1/24 Scale  


    2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in White
    #96387-WT - 1/24 Scale  


    2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor in Black
    #96387-BK - 1/24 Scale