New Millenuim Classic Armor - Mikes Diecast Tanks and Armour

Classic Armor is a brand of military diecast released exclusively at Wal Mart (although sold by some online retailers...it appears that this is a Wal Mart "store brand") The big question is: Who makes these tanks?: I get a lot of emails, especially regarding repairs of the remote control tanks.

These tanks have been featured in the 21st Century Toys booth national toy fairs. Further, recent twinpacks of the New Millennium 1:43 vehicles feature the EXACT same logo as the 21st Century 1:32 .VS series, further solidifying the link that New Millennium Toys is most likely offshoot of 21st Century.

New Millennium Box	New Millenium Amphibious Jeep	New Millenium Amphibious Jeep	New Millenium Amphibious Jeep
New Millenium Amphibious Jeep	New Millenium Command Vehicle - Jeep	New Millenium Command Vehicle - Jeep	New Millenium Command Vehicle - Jeep
New Millenium Command Vehicle - Jeep	New Millenium Command Vehicle - Jeep	Dodge Weapons Carrier	Dodge Weapons Carrier
Type 82 Kubelwagen	Type 166 Schwimmwagen	Staff Car

Amphibious Jeep

Kubelwagen

Dodge Weapons Carrier

Schimmwagen

Command Car

Jeep - Command Vehicle

Release 3

Panzer IV Ausf. D

Panzer IV Ausf. F

Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind

Twin pack release
The Classic Armor series from New Millennium Toys at Wal Mart has also released the 1:43 scale military diecast in the ".VS series twin packs". I have seen a twin pack with a two Hummvees, one with a a rocket launcher, an the other configured as a cargo truck.

Discussion

New Millennium Toys has released two series of 1:43 diecast. Cost is about $5.00 in Wal-Mart. With the exception of the M113, the helicopter, and the Panzer IV variants, these all may be modified from the Vitesse lineup called "Victoria", released in 1998 and1999, and now owned by Sun Star. There are some differences, however.

Finally, Several of the models, have a very striking similarity to those produced by New Millennium, and sold at Wal Mart.

Victoria vs New Millennium	The manifold at the front is cast as part of the chassis on the NM version. Hatches are different, as are the seats.	note the difference in the way t he suspension is cast
Suspension and chassis differences	more difference in the undercarriage.	pretty similar from side view

I have examined models from Victoria, Sun Star, Maxicar and New Millennium. The first three are identical. New Millennium, however, has differences. The Jeep, for example, has a very different undercarriage, although the remainder of the model is very close, if not identical. The Amphibious Jeep, however, appears to have an identical undercarriage, but numerous difference in the main part of the model. This seems to suggest access and copying of the moulds, with modification made, rather than using the actual, original molds.

Conclusion - These are not the exact same models, but they appear to have origins in the original molds, with modifications.

New Millennium 144 Box	Panther Ausf G #411	M18 Hellcat #412	M18 Hellcat #412
Panzer IV, Ausf F #413	Panzer IV, Ausf F #413	Tiger Ausf E #414	Tiger Ausf E #414
King Tiger, Ausf E #415	King Tiger, Ausf E #415	Sherman #416	Case picture from 21st Century Toy Show

New Millennium Toys has released a series of 1/144 tanks. This release includes:

Series 1
Panther Ausf G	#411
M18 Hellcat	#412
Panzer IV, Ausf H	#413
Tiger Ausf E	#414
King Tiger	#415
Sherman	#416

A series of repaints is out for Series 1 - with each model sporting a new paint scheme

Series 2

M7 Priest

Panzer IV

Brumbar

Jagdtiger

Jagdpanther

Stug IV

The detail is good, and the price excellent!

The Panzer IV is highly detailed and has a very good finish. Each tread has independent control, turret rotates, cannon simulates firing. The Panzer IV the surrounding turret "skirt", and is done in a tan with Camo. Detail is good. The tank is fairly powerful, and can maneuver in a fairly wide number of environments (Shag, Berber, tile, etc.)
The M113A2 is green with a lot of extra stowage hung all over it.
Cost: $49.99 USD in the Houston area Wal Marts (late 2005).

Problems with your RC tank? Try 21st Century Toys: http://www.21stcenturytoys.com/contact_us.html

All evidence points to 21st Century as being the maker of New Millennium Classic Armor Toys...