Friday, February 27, 2009

TWH Collectibles Strikers and LeTourneaus Arrive



The first three Oshkosh Strikers in Series #2 by TWH Collectibles arrived this week.

078-01094 Las Vegas Clark County Fire - McCarran International Airport #44





078-01095 Toronto Pearson Fire-Rescue


078-01096 Indianapolis Int'l Airport Fire Rescue #991




These museum-quality models are 1/50 scale & sell for $199.95.






Some of the features include:
Functional suspension; Steerable 1st and 3rd axles; Swiveling hose reels; A combination of 15 roll up and opening compartment access doors; Detailed compartment accessories; Removable extension ladder; Folding cab access steps; Detailed cab interior; Realistic hydraulic, water, and electrical lines; Replicated safety and work lighting; Deck safety railings; Roof access ladder; Rear cab jumpseats; Chassis sprinkler system; Detailed diesel engine; and MORE!

Check out the compartments on this Toronto! Incredible Detailing!!!


Here are the two other cool TWH models that arrived this week...

1/50 Scale
LeTourneau Technologies L-1850 Loader with 55 Cubic Yard Bucket
082-01120 Yellow
082-01121 White









Thursday, February 26, 2009

Maisto's Toy Fair Products

Maisto had a nice booth at Toy Fair, and we had the privilege of being shown the new products by not only our sales rep, but also the U.S. sales manager.

They have a nice lineup coming this year, and all of the new 2009 products should be on our site within the next week or so. Here's a sneak peek at some of the new items.


New Series called Allstars Rescue Force! Really nice!! 1/24 and Small scales. ETA we were told at Toy Fair is "TBD"


1/18 Allstars 1949 Ford - ETA April


1/18 Pro Rodz 1967 Ford Mustang beginning tooling (does not even have a sku assigned yet). Expect 4th Qtr

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

When the old becomes new again

Spring Cleaning comes a little early this year for Forces of Valor. You know when you start cleaning and you find that photo album or special knick-knack that takes you back? Well, Forces of Valor was recently cleaning out a warehouse and discovered some "lost" inventory. We're hoping this will give you a chance to provide an opportunity for you to add several pieces that were previously unavailable to your collection. Quantities are limited and they will not be available once they sell out, so get your order in soon.

Wittmann's German Tiger 1 #007 with figures


Desert Storm (Iraq) - U.S. AH-64A Apache Attack Helicopter - Kuwait, 1991



German 716th Infantry Division - Normandy, 1944 - D-Day Commemorative Series



Russian Front - German Sd Kfz 251/1 Hanomag
This is my favorite. I don't know why.



Sd Kfz 251/1 Hanomag Tank - Eastern Front, 1944 - German

Monday, February 23, 2009

The most attractive truck I think I've ever seen...

The long-anticipated shipment of our zēlo trucks has finally arrived! This Freightliner Cascadia tractor, trailer set advertises a new, enhanced water product that combines high levels of essential minerals with subtle refreshing flavors, all without added calories or sweeteners. Also, to enhance collectibility, the tractor design is different on each side of the trailer!

zēlo is an enhanced water beverage with trace minerals plus Natural Spring Water. Zēlo supplies 50% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C and 80% of the Daily Value of Niacin (Vitamin B), with 70 mg of Potassium (Electrolytes) per each 20 ounce serving.Zēlo has NO calories, Sugar, Sodium, Fats, Carbohydrates or Caffeine.

All that aside, this is a really stunning truck - probably my favorite that I've seen in my 4 1/2 years here. Take a look for yourself.






Saturday, February 21, 2009

TWH at New York Toy Fair 2009

TWH had an INCREDIBLE booth at Toy Fair in NY!!

Here are several pictures including one of part of the TWH team... Enjoy!

TWH's product line was displayed with excellence in their 10' x 20' booth.


Military, JLG, Oshkosh Strikers
& Pierce Quantum Pumper Fire Trucks


New Oshkosh Strikers along with Pierce Quantum Pumpers


Check out the brand new JLG line at the top.
They will be on our site next week!

Bucyrus blasthole drills & mining shovels.


Oshkosh plows & mixers as well as Jerr-Dan rollback Sharks.

Manitowoc cranes... and...
The TWH Collectibles TEAM (well, some of them) after setting up their booth.
Very nice job, TWH!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Toy Fair 2009

Well, I'm back, and boy am I busy! That's ok though, because we did get a lot accomplished while in New York for Toy Fair 2009.

I will be back often in the next couple of weeks with lots of new products. Some will be for the collector, and some for the kids too.

Everyone was very excited to see TWH, especially the new strikers that I told you about before I left. You just have to see them up close to really appreciate the detail. Everyone was commenting on what incredible models they are!

I hope you all have a great weekend, while I catch up on my sleep. Remember to check back Monday and I'll start unveiling the new products.

Friday, February 13, 2009

New announcements from TWH

TWH has just announced their 2nd run of the Strikers in the Fire and Rescue series. These museum-quality products are quite a sight to behold, and would make a great gift for the "fire enthusiast." The features and functions are practically endless! Here are just a few:

  • Functional suspension
  • Swiveling hose reels
  • A combination of 15 roll up and opening compartment
    access doors
  • Removable extension ladder
  • Detailed cab interior
  • Detailed compartment accessories
  • Detailed diesel engine
And there's so much more! Here are a few preview photos:

Las Vegas (Late February ETA):



Toronto (Late February ETA)



Indianapolis (Late February ETA):

And arriving in April, these are also on our website now:

All of these are very striking. Haha. Striking. 'Cause they're strikers.

Anyway, in May we will also have a lovely Washington DC striker. All are very limited productions, so don't delay too much! Ask about the layaway plan that we have, just for these.

I just had to share these with you before I leave for New York. I hope you love them!

Going to New York!

I will be gone for the next few days to the 2009 New York Toy Fair. Some of you might remember that I went for the first time last year, and had a blast! While there, we will get to preview some of the new products from a variety of manufacturers, and maybe even bring back something that's totally new to us. We will converse some fascinating people, partake in some awesome food, and learn about what's going on this year. Have a great weekend, and a Happy Valentine's Day!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Toy Fair Germany

The 60th Anniversary Toy Fair in Nuremberg Germany just wrapped up earlier this week. I had the opportunity to meet with several of our vendors and get a sneek peek at some of the great models to be released in 2009.

NZG has an impressive lineup of new models planned for this year including two new Liebherr cranes, the HS855 (shown) and the massive mobile LTM11200 crane. NZG will also be making Hitachi models for the first time and has greatly expanded their selection of Vogele paving equipment. [NZG new release catalog]


In the Norscot booth I got my first look at the final version of the new Towhaul lowboy. This massive setup will be available by Spring and is one of the coolest new construction models I've seen. It was displayed hauling a new D-11 (not included), which demonstrates the massive scale of this truck.

Most of the major brands are represented at Toy Fair in Germany, many of them have elaborate booths with real cars and other attractions. SIKU has a permanent show room in the Toy Fair complex and is one of a handfull of companies that has exhibited at all 60 Nuremberg fairs.

Watch the site for new releases and pre-order opportunities over through the upcoming weeks.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Samurai, Ninjas, and more

These are pretty neat, I think. They're along a different vein than usual, but still will appeal to anyone who enjoys our products. These are the "Ages of Action" warrior figures from Unimax.

Although these heroes---and villains---never swung from a web or possessed laser vision, they really existed! And they left behind a legacy of adventure, bravery and sacrifice you'll learn about with every AGES Of ACTION figure you bring home. Register these fully poseable, super detailed warriors online at agesofaction.com to learn more about their lives of so long ago---and experience a virtual AGES OF ACTION community designed to educate and entertain!

Tokugawa Hideyoshi is our Samurai. This warrior should be shown respect, as the warrior of the Tokugawa time period were legally permitted to "cut down" any commoner who crossed him.



And of course, we must acknowledge the notorious Ninja warrior. The Ninja was specially trained in "unorthodox" arts, and were mainly considered to be assassins. However, they were somewhat similar to the Samurai. This is Tateoka Muneyoshi.



Here, we have the Norman knight in shining armor, Guinard Des Roches. I expect no history is needed, as legendary as Knighthood still is today.


Finally, our Roman Gladiator, Lucius Gratius Ralla. The Gladiator is a figure of war, heroism, and even entertainment. Some were slaves or prisoners of war, but most were volunteers. It's quite a title to live up to.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Brand New Pistenbullys and More!

We are starting off 2009 with so many new products - a little for everyone. I have just checked in new Ros-Agritec, which brings a little more variety to a table set with farm and construction equipment. I have been receiving so many calls about the new Pistenbully, and I wanted to be sure to share it with my online friends. It comes in 2 varieties, both in 1/43 scale:

Alone:



And with a crane attachment:



In 1/32 scale, we have a new Joskin Cargo trailer:



And a New Holland L175 Tractor:



These are just a sampling of what came in, so be sure to check over the website for new products, and feel free to call me if you have any questions!

Friday, February 6, 2009

New Norscot is a big hit!

Norscot will be releasing several new products this year, including one that I find to be pretty unique. It's the new Caterpillar 784C tractor with TowHaul Trailer. Features of this include:
  • Front Wheel Steering
  • Clear windows, interior cab detail
  • Gooseneck disconnects from the lowboy
  • Tires with Authentic Tread
  • Hinged movement
  • Movable rear wheel front fender on lowboy
  • Grab bar and handrail detail
  • Operating Hydraulic Cylinders


This is due to arrive in April or May. Here are some others that we have recently listed:

Caterpillar 299C Compact Track Loader with Work Tools

Caterpillar 336D L Hydraulic Excavator with Metal Tracks


Both of these are scheduled for April or May.

Also, we just received some Peterbilt 389 Cabs, on Red and Yellow:



I'll have more for you next week!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

M2Machines starts off 2009 with a bang!

I've heard so much from M2machines already this year that I can't even keep up! We now have, in stock, several colors of their 1/24 scale Bel Air, and so much more on the way.

The details of the Bel Airs are just incredible:

  • Die-Cast Chassis
  • Individual Headlights
  • Full Chrome Hubcaps
  • Super-Detailed Engine
  • "Impeccable Detail"
  • Chrome bumpers and hood bullet
  • Opening doors, hood, and trunk
  • Undercarriage
  • And MUCH more!!!!!
Here are just a few varieties:









We will be receiving their 2nd release of Muscle cars a little late, but it will be any time now! Here's a look at the 6-piece set:



"You’ve been in the groove with Auto-thentics from M2
And wonderin’ what’s next, what are these guys gonna do?
They’ve been plannin’ long and hard and knew they had to hussle
So they came out with what you truly love….Auto-thentics – with some MUSCLE!!"

This Set will include 2 colors each of the following:
1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona
1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1


I can also give you a sneak peak at the M2 exclusive for the 2009 Toy Fair, where I will be in 10 days! This is the "auto-lift" that they're debuting, and it comes with 2 cars:



Oh and by the way, I wanted to apologize for not giving you an update sooner. But I will prove myself soon with lots of new products and news to share with you!