Agora Models has another new partwork model available immediately – this 1:8 scale 1955 Mercedes W196 race car!

The technologically-advanced Silver Arrow that gave Stirling Moss his first 1955 World Championship victory

“A streamlined silver masterpiece, the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R was designed for the 1954/55 racing seasons, leaving its competitors in its wake. With nine victories and fastest laps, eight pole positions in twelve Grand Prix races and two world champion’s titles, the W 196 R is one of the finest racing cars in history.”

This partwork model consists of approximately 450 parts made from die-cast metal with ABS and rubber details. It is a limited run of 500 units, which are individually numbered.

Features

• 1955 Stirling Moss British Grand Prix winning Monoposto model
• Finished in silver and wearing race number 12
• Drivers seat in replica blue plaid seat cover
• Engine Sounds
• Working Steering
• Replica eight-cylinder inline engine
• Original wire wheel spoke design

Display Plinth

All orders will include a specially designed display plinth, including:

• Illuminated Badges
• Metal Plaque with unique limited edition number
• Individually numbered commemorative gold-plated medal
• Signed and Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

This build is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin in March/April 2023. As a limited-edition model, this Mercedes-Benz W196R is being offered as a FULL KIT or via an accelerated subscription where the first four packs (of twelve total) are shipped up front. Additionally, Agora Elite and Agora Master members have the option to buy the accelerator option in four monthly payments.

I think the 1950s had some of the most beautiful automobile designs, and this is just another prime example!

On Christmas Eve 2022, Agora Models premiered a reveal trailer for an upcoming model collection:

This is a first in the partwork world – a set of eight (8) James Bond 007 1:8 scale partwork cars! Officially licensed by Danjaq and MGM Studios, these 1:8 scale models will be start being released in Summer 2023. The first car available will be the awesome, iconic and gadget-laden No Time To Die Aston Martin DB5.

Other models shown on their website include the Aston Martin Vanquish, Volante, DBS, and DB10, as well as the Jaguar JXR Convertible and submersible Lotus Esprit. It appears that Agora is scanning the vehicles in the Bond in Motion collection that is traveling around the world:

Personally, I think this is a fantastic idea and look forward to seeing all of the great models they bring to our market.

Check out the Agora Models 007 Collection page for more details!

UPDATE August 10, 2023: This Batmobile Tumbler partwork is now available via Hachette Australia as well!

On December 28th, 2022, Hachette Partworks LTD. is releasing the 1:8 scale Batmobile Tumbler partwork model in UK newsagents! However, as of today, they are taking UK subscriptions where six issues will be delivered every six weeks, starting at £1.99 for the first issue.

This is the iconic Batmobile Tumbler from The Dark Knight Trilogy and the build features working lights, sound, and motion:

“With military “stealth”-inspired technology, its bullet-proof bodywork is strong enough to break through concrete walls, making the Tumbler stand out as the most revolutionary Batmobile ever. This fantastic vehicle represents a turning point in Batman history, and now you can build your own highly detailed replica!” – Hachette

Completed in 120 Issues, this Batmobile Tumbler will measure approximately 56 x 35 x 19cm in size and is made of die-cast metal and other detail materials. Issues will be released every two weeks until Issue 10 on May 30, 2023, at which point they will starting coming out weekly.

Some of the various features of this Batmobile Tumbler model include:

• Bodywork with “Stealth” Design

• Turbine Engine with Sound Effects

• Cockpit with Control Panel, Steering Console, and Radar Board

• Front Tires with Extra Grip

• Rear Tires with Deep Tread

If you start your subscription with Issues 1, 2, 3, or 4 by March 31st, 2023, the first issue is FREE and four Free Gifts will be included along the way. These include a Batman Keyring, a Collector’s Binder for the issue magazines, a Batman Mug, and a 1:43 scale version of the Tumbler:

Finally, there is a Premium Subscription option that increases the cost of each issue by £1.50. By selecting this option, a lighted Display Case will be supplied near the end of the build:

If you are in the UK and would like to sign up for this partwork build, head on over to the Batmobile Tumbler site. I think this looks like a fantastic model and would love to build it. Unfortunately, it is not currently available here in the United States. I am staying positive that it will be released to more customers soon!

Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises and all related characters and elements © and ™ DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

I am going to try my hand at broadcasting my own hosted livestreams with the Hobby Time Modelers (HTM) group tomorrow Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 3pm Eastern time. I am not a ‘YouTuber’ by any means, but I can give it a go anyway!

In this first installment, I will be working on my Agora Models/Hachette 1:200 scale RMS Titanic partwork model. Mainly, I plan on sharing the process I am using to add frosted window glass to the ship and test the bow lighting before and after the modification.

You can find my YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@MarvelPhx

You can join our small Hobby Time Modelers community at:

YouTube: https://https://www.youtube.com/@HTM_USA
Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/hobbytimemodelers/

Everyone is welcome and I look forward to seeing you there!

– MarvelPhx

Agora Models has seriously been on a roll lately. They have just announced this fantastic 1:8 scale 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Z06/N03 large scale build-up model! Consisting of 430 parts and just shy of 20″ long, pre-orders will start shipping worldwide April 2023.

UPDATE May 10, 2023: This model is now available for purchase!

At the time the real car was unveiled, the new Sting Ray was nearly unanimously lauded by the automotive press when it came out for its handling, road adhesion, and sheer power. While the N03 coupe option added a larger 36-gallon fuel tank and was fairly common back in those days, the new-to-Corvette Z06 performance package was the only included on 199 cars, making those vehicles with both of these options (and the split rear windows) some of the most collectible versions of the Corvette ever made.

This model captures the essence of the Sting Ray and includes electronic lights and sounds which are all controlled via a remote control. As an added customization option during the course of the assembly of this model, two sets of wheels will be included: the original ’63 wheels seen below and a set of the custom ’64 knock-off wheels that were originally created for Chevrolet by Kelsey-Hayes.

In typical Agora Models style, this build will be supplied in 12 packs that can be shipped monthly or bi-monthly depending on the subscription you choose. The longer 24-month subscription still takes payments each month, but they are smaller amounts. Either option always includes the Agora Guarantee making sure you will be able to complete the model once started.

The model will be painted in the classic Sebring Silver color and includes the iconic split rear windows that were only available in the 1963 model year. The spare wheel can be found concealed in the rear storage rack:

The red interior is fully detailed with working steering system and dashboard lighting:

The headlights light up and are hidden behind real motorized covers. The turn signals blink and make the clicking sound effect to match:

At the rear of the model, the tail lights light up as well:

The hood, doors, windows, and gas-filler cover all open/close to allow the model to be displayed any way you choose:

Under the hood is a highly-detailed replica of the famous small block 327 fuel-injected 360HP V8 engine. In addition, a button on the remote control triggers the car to play an engine sound:

All subscribers will also receive this beautiful hard-cover coffee table picture book of the Sting Ray by David Newhardt:

Optionally, subscribers can upgrade their order to add this fantastic limited edition Display Case. This option also includes custom license plates for your model, individually numbered name plate, soft glow logo lighting, and certificate of authenticity:

For more information or to order your own model, head on over to the Agora Models Corvette Sting Ray page!