Dragon

"The USA planned to phase out all expendable launch vehicles (ELV) after the Space Shuttle entered service. However, the Challenger accident of 1986 changed all that, and the Delta program was restarted. Termed Delta II, these rockets have made nearly 150 successful launches since 1989, making it the most reliable system in service. As an ELV, each rocket can only be launched once. Among the Delta II’s missions are the launching of GPS Block II satellites, Kepler telescope, Deep Impact space probe and several Mars missions for NASA. The latter includes the Mars Phoenix lander in 2007.

The Deep Impact Mission is a NASA space probe for studying the composition of the comet interior, by releasing an impactor into the comet and then taking measurement by a flyby probe. The mission was the first to eject material from a comet’s surface, which gained quite large publicity from the media, international scientists and amateur astronomers.

Ready built

Dragon’s announcement of a new Space Collection item at the Tokyo Hobby Show created a huge buzz! The cause was a 1/72 scale replica of a Saturn V rocket. We can’t say it’s a miniature model, for it’s absolutely enormous even in 1/72 scale! Indeed, the fully built-up model stands 1.5m tall.

As the longest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever produced, the original Saturn V stood 110.6m high and had a diameter of 10.1m. The Saturn V was at the heart of NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs between 1967 and 1973. It was able to launch a 45-tonne payload into space beyond Low Earth Orbit. A total of 13 Saturn V launches took place, every one of them a success, and they safely delivered 24 astronauts to the Moon.

As impressive as the real Saturn rocket system is, viewers of this Space Collection item from Dragon will cause jaws to drop and draw gasps of astonishment! While the model makes use of the Command/Service Module (CSM) and Launch Escape System produced earlier, the rest of this monstrous 1/72 scale rocket comes from brand new toolings. All the relevant detail is carefully reproduced on the three rocket stages, and the completed model comes with accurate painting and markings. The Saturn V is most suitable for display at home as a centerpiece of any space fan’s collection. It comes with a stable circular base to allow it to be freestanding on the floor. Impress and be impressed with this fantastic model!

Built up model

Article number: 500736798
Product: 1:35 M6 Heavy Tank

Dragon’s Black Label series is proving popular thanks to its coverage of out-of-the-ordinary subjects that are normally not available as regular plastic kits. Black Label previously released a kit of a unique WWII design from the USA – an M6A1 Heavy Tank, a type that dated back to late 1940. Now that particular kit (Item No.6789) has been joined by a 1/35 scale kit of its close relative, the M6. The 57.4-tonne M6 was designed as a tank able to respond to Germany’s all-dominating Panzers that had previously swept through Europe in the Blitzkrieg, and approval to produce four prototypes was given in February 1941. The type proved unsatisfactory in testing, however, and in the end only eight M6, twelve M6A1 and 20 M6A2 tanks were built by Baldwin from 1942-44. The M6 had a crew of six and was armed with an M7 76mm gun, M6 37mm gun and no less than five machine guns. The M6 was distinguished by its cast hull.

The Black Label M6 model sensibly makes use of relevant parts from its sister kit, though the hull is obviously quite different. Whereas the M6A1 had a welded hull, the M6 had a cast hull, and thus a brand new upper hull appears in the box. Furthermore, this upper hull is produced as a single-piece item to ensure complete accuracy. Indeed, the kit widely uses slide-molded components thanks to Dragon’s technical know-how, making it easy to put together. It also features DS tracks for the sake of convenience. The M6 tanks produced in the early 1940s never left US soil as the design was considered anachronistic, but Black Label now makes the type available to all in this modern age!

Detailed plastic kit of model
M6 Heavy Tank
in scale 1:35

Article number: 500729158
Product: 1:35 Chinese Volunteer T-34/85 + Ch.Vol.

When the People’s Volunteer Army (PVA) of China intervened in the war for the first time in October 1950, this fresh and surprise input of troops helped reverse all the gains that the United Nations Command had made up till that point. Cyber-Hobby is now offering a useful 1/35 scale Orange Box set that depicts a Chinese tank and soldiers of the PVA that fought in the Korean War.

Cyber-Hobby’s Orange Box series is well known for offering ecellent value for money, and this is certainly the case with this 1/35 scale Chinese combo. The T-35/85 tank specifically represents a typical late/post-war variant of the famous Russian tank, possessing spoked wheels. It’s accompanied by a set of Chinese volunteer soldiers, a subject that’s rather rare in plastic in this scale. The figures are versatile, with parts able to be swapped and modified to create novel poses such as for a "human wave" attack. With tanks usually accompanying infantry in PVA operations, these two items are just made for each other. Therefore, this PVA set is a real steal, or should that be "real steel"?

Detailed Plastic Kit

Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.

Article number: 500729147
Product: 1:35 M-46 Patton + G.I.

Cyber-Hobby has put together the perfect combination to commemorate the 60th anniversary of ending of the Korean War. The Orange Box set includes a 1/35 M46 Patton as well as GIs fighting in the early part of the war. The tank is extremely well detailed, despite it being originally released some time ago. One remarkable thing about the tank is the colorful markings, which include tiger stripes, fanged teeth and claws. Such markings were designed to frighten superstitious North Koreans. The US Army figures are in action poses, wearing correctly detailed uniforms and weapons. The four GIs will combine well with the armored vehicle to produce an atmospheric diorama…courtesy of Orange Box’s legendary low prices.

Detailed plastic kit

Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.

Detailed Plastic Kit of model
USMC M1A1 Abrams (Heavy Armor)+ Bonus US Tank Crew
in scale 1:35

Article number: 500727109
Product: 1:700 H.M.S. DRAGON Type 45 Destroyer B2

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this is the Year of the Dragon. Therefore, Cyber Hobby is celebrating the occasion with a 1/700 scale ship kit of HMS Dragon! This Royal Navy vessel is the fourth Type 45 air defense destroyer. HMS Daring was the lead ship of this new class, the UK’s first new destroyer type since the 1970s. A total of six ships are being constructed. Dragon was launched by BAE Systems Naval Ships in November 2008 and she is due for commissioning in the spring of 2012. The destroyer has a sleek and smooth profile designed to provide a low radar cross-section, and these Daring-class air warfare destroyers are among the world’s most advanced of their type. Their combat systems are based around the SAMPSON multifunction radar, S1850M 3-D air surveillance radar and Sea Viper missile system (with 48 Aster 15 and 30 air defense missiles and Sea Skua anti-ship missiles).
With recent items like LCS-1 and LCS-2, Dragon’s 1/700 scale ship kits have met an enthusiastic response from modelers. Following on from a 1/700 scale plastic kit of the first-of-class HMS Daring, now comes an upgraded and identically scaled HMS Dragon. Parts are formed from molds created by the very latest in technological and engineering design. The ship is reproduced in full detail, and the stealthy exterior is accurately proportioned. The enclosed radar tower is a sophisticated item, with various antennas extending from it at the correct angles. Lethal weapon systems like the 4.5-inch gun and air defense system are also supplied in remarkable detail. The kit includes a brand new Westland Merlin HM1 helicopter. Cartograf also offers red dragon markings for her bow, making this a true namesake of Dragon!

Detailed plastic kit

Article number: 500727093 Product: 1:700 H.M.S. Daring Type 45 Destroyer

The battle for the seas is as important today as it was back in WWII, WWI or even much earlier. Warships thus remain important platforms for countries to project their power, to protect vulnerable sea lines of communication, to defend territorial waters and to deter intruders. Fortunately, Dragon has always been an avid designer and maker of warship kits, and here it has brought together a glittering collection of some plastic kits depicting warships from the modern era in 1/700 scale. The warships emanate from the the US Navy, and the subject matters are all modern or relatively recent vessels. Each kit is accurately molded, and modelers will marvel at how easily these Dragon kits assemble. This assortment perfectly encapsulates the importance of sea power.

Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.

Article number: 500711017
Product: 1:72 Apollo 11 Saturn V

Dragon’s announcement of a 1/72 scale pre-finished replica of a Saturn V rocket in its Space Collection created a huge buzz among space aficionados! Even in miniature form, it was absolutely enormous, as the completed model stood an unbelievable 1.5m tall. Now eager model builders can get in on the action with a full kit version of the Saturn V. As the longest, heaviest and most powerful rocket ever produced, the original Saturn V stood 110.6m high and had a diameter of 10.1m. The Saturn V was at the heart of NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs between 1967 and 1973. It was able to launch a 45-tonne payload into space beyond Low Earth Orbit. A total of 13 Saturn V launches took place, every one of them a success, plus they safely delivered 24 astronauts to the Moon.

Builders and owners of this Saturn rocket from Dragon will cause jaws to drop, while the model will without fail draw gasps of astonishment! The model includes the Command/Service Module (CSM) and Launch Escape System. All the relevant detail is carefully reproduced on the three rocket stages, and the model comes with accurate decals to provide the relevant markings. This Saturn V kit must become a centerpiece of any space fan’s collection, and as such it comes with a stable circular base to allow it to be freestanding on the floor. This spectacular and massive kit will send ambitious modelers into orbit!

Detailed platic model kit

Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.

Detailed plastic kit

Article number: 500711013
Product: 1:72 Gemini Spacecraft w/Skywalker

Project Gemini encompassed two unmanned and ten manned spaceflights from 1964-66. The NASA program was designed to develop space travel techniques with a view to putting man on the Moon under the subsequent Apollo project. One of the highlights of Gemini IV was the first American spacewalk, which occurred on 3 June 1965. On that occasion Ed White performed the first ever extravehicular activity (EVA), his foray outside the spacecraft lasting 23 minutes. All ten Gemini missions blasted off aboard Titan II rocket systems from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Dragon’s newest 1/72 scale spaceship model kit commemorates these groundbreaking Gemini spaceflights. The set includes a Gemini spacecraft as well as a spacewalking astronaut. The capsule could carry two astronauts, and indeed this kit boasts two crewmen that are extremely well sculpted in this scale. The pair of astronauts (one carrying out a spacewalk whilst tied to his preformed tether, and the other monitoring proceedings from inside the capsule) is made from DS to enable easy painting. Modelers have the option of displaying the exterior hatch open, which allows a good view of the interior of the cramped spacecraft, or closed. As a special bonus for first lot production, the pre-painted propellant tank is included. Such a legendary scene has been captured poignantly in this fine new model kit!

Detailed plug-in kit

New 1/72 Scale Model Spacecraft!!!

The Apollo space program aimed to put man on the Moon, and the final dry run was the Apollo 10 mission launched on 18 May 1969. It was designed to test all Moon landing procedures, everything except the actual landing itself. During the NASA mission, the Lunar Module (LM) actually came to within 15.6km/h of the Moon’s surface. The crew of three was also able to survey the eventual Apollo 11 landing site in the Sea of Tranquility. Interestingly the LM was deliberately not equipped for a landing, and the ascent module was short-fueled so that the crew wouldn’t be tempted into make a landing! The LM was nicknamed "Snoopy", while the Command Module (CM) was called "Charlie Brown". This was the fourth manned mission and it immediately preceded the successful Moon landing of Apollo 11. On its return to Earth on 26 May 1969, it attained a record-breaking speed of 39,897km/h!

Dragon’s newest plastic spacecraft kit represents key components of the Apollo 10 mission – the LM, CM and nosecone of the rocket. Each segment is beautifully detailed in 1/72 scale, with an amazing level of detail achieved by the use of advanced molding technology. Of special note is the unique transparent cone of the rocket that allows a clear view of LM "Snoopy" that’s snugly installed inside! Though the LM goes inside the cone, no detail has been spared. The plastic model has been produced in this way so that modelers can see and appreciate the "innards" of their spacecraft. In addition, the model is set off by the inclusion of an attractive display stand. This accurate model fits together to create a replica of the spacecraft that played such a pivotal role in allowing man to set foot on the Moon.

Detailed plastic kit

Brand New 1/72 Scale Model Spacecraft!!!

Dragon is proud to launch a completely new line of 1/72 scale model spacecraft. The first fantastic kit set in this new collection is of Apollo 11, the first craft to put man on the Moon. Watched by millions of TV viewers, the historic Moon landing occurred on 20 July 1969 when the Apollo 11 mission touched down on lunar soil of the southern Sea of Tranquility. The Lunar Module (LM), christened Eagle, spent 21.5 hours on the Moon’s surface, while the Command Module (CM) named Columbia orbited above. The US flag was planted on the Moon, indicating to all who the winner of the Cold War space race was. The first astronaut to set foot on the Moon was Neil Armstrong, followed by Buzz Aldrin. The module returned to Earth on 24 July, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean with 21.5kg of lunar rocks and samples safely aboard.
As for Dragon’s 1/72 scale model, it features the Eagle LM still coupled to the Columbia CM on its approach to the Moon. The spacecraft modules are all newly tooled and they possess accurate details. Having the two modules connected like this makes for an impressive sight when they’re exhibited on the integral display stand. The kit also makes for an interesting education lesson, allowing modelers to understand more about this milestone event. The Apollo 11 mission was indeed "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." And now Dragon has added one more significant step for modelers too!

Detailed Plastic Kit of Model
Apollo 11 LUNAR APPROACH CSM COLUMBIA + LM "Eagle"
in Scale 1:72

Article number: 500075052
Product: 1:6 1/4Ton4x4Truck w/M2.50-calMachineGun

Dragon’s large-scale 1/6 model of a 1/4-Ton 4x4 Truck fitted with a .30-cal machine gun met with happy applause from modelers and collectors when it was first released in 2017. Now the same vehicle kit is being released although with a significant change to its armament. Thus it is now upgraded with a Browning .50-cal heavy machine gun! The addition of this .50-cal weapon plus an associated ammo box represents a significant increase in firepower for the vehicle, making it even more appealing. Of course, modelers also have the choice of leaving the machine gun off and depicting a regular unarmed jeep if they wish. This exciting 1/6 scale model kit is accurate in every detail, and there is no shortage of options for modelers to paint and weather the vehicle for combat in battlefields such as North Africa, Italy, Western Europe or the Pacific theater. Moreover, all parts (except clear parts) are injected in an olive drab color, which could save some modelers from basic painting work.

Parts are injected in an olive drab color, save basic painting work.
Valuable 1/6 M2 .50-cal heavy machine gun included.
MG comes with detailed ammo box and pedestal mount.

Detailed Plastic Kit

Warning! Not suitable for children under 14 years.