I don't know why Tower still has that "late July" listing there. Both they and OS has comfirmed to me through email, that the R-spec wont be reaching retailers until "late Aug".

Towerhobbies or your local hobby shop (if they deal with GreatPlanes) are the ONLY places to get OS in the states. So if you really want one, I would suggest pre-ordering now at one of those locals. I have and I know a good number of others have too. I went with Tower since I know they'll get them first.