Category: Model Aircraft

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Eduard Releases Bf 109K-4 Model Kit With PE, Masks, Six Liveries

Among Eduard’s September new releases is this ProfiPACK edition Bf 109K-4 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 109K-4 “Kurfürst” was the final mass‑produced 109 variant, entering service in late 1944 as a high‑altitude interceptor powered by the DB 605 DB/DC engine with MW 50 injection, which pushed its top speed to around 710 km/h (440 mph) at roughly 7,500 m. It carried a 30 mm MK 108 Motorkanone and two 13 mm MG 131 nose guns, and featured a pressurized cockpit, retractable tailwheel, and the taller Erla canopy, making it the fastest and most developed 109, though it arrived too late and in too few numbers to alter the air war.

The offering (70166) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for six aircraft.

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Inspiring New Guide Models the A6M Zero in Various Kits and Scales

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Steven ‘Grizzly’ Desmet is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Here we will build the iconic Second World War Japanese propeller plane, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, in four different scales and types, using a range of modelling brands including Eduard, ICM, Tamiya and Hasegawa. Additional options, either by scratchbuilding or using aftermarket pieces, are elaborately explained throughout the building process. For modellers of every age and skill level, this is a book to guide and inspire—a manual for creating something to make you proud.

The 160 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the Spitfire, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.

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A&A Models to Release New Tool Hughes XF-11 Model Representing Both Prototypes

A&A models has announced the upcoming release of a new tool, 1/72 Hughes XF-11 model kit that will be available in two boxings representing the first and second prototypes.

The XF-11 was a prototype high-altitude photo-reconnaissance aircraft; only two were built. The first prototype (44-70155) flew on 7 July 1946 with eight-blade contra-rotating propellers (two four-blade units per engine), but crashed in Beverly Hills when a hydraulic leak caused the right rear propeller to reverse pitch. The second prototype (44-70156), flown on 5 April 1947, replaced the troublesome contra-rotating props with conventional single four-blade propellers and otherwise retained the twin-boom, pressurized-nacelle layout; it flew without incident but the program was canceled soon after.

The kits (7250 / 7258) will apparently offer 235 /241 parts with decal sheets and painting masks. Additional details have not been announced. Photos of the kit sets will reportedly be provided “very soon.”

(via A&A Models)

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Modeling the Spitfire: An Essential Guide for Modelers of All Levels of Proficiency

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author John Fenton is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire, which details how to model three different variants of this fascinating aircraft using kits from different manufacturers in three scales.

The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the twentieth century. Having served in every theatre of the Second World War, its sleek design, exceptional performance, and central role have cemented its place in the hearts and minds of modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

…Utilising the very latest modelling products and techniques, Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire takes you on a deep dive into how to create your very own Spitfire masterpiece. Highly detailed step-by-step guides are provided on construction, painting and weathering techniques, as well as complete guides on how to create beautiful airfield dioramas, with advice on composition, the use of terrain, and figure painting. From the elementary—such as preparing plastic parts and avoiding pitfalls—to the advanced—such as using resin and photo etching to add detail—this book is an essential guide for modellers of all levels of proficiency and will hopefully serve as inspiration to get building!

The 232 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the A6M Zero, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.

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Eduard Releases Limited Edition, Dual Combo “Sharks and Stallions” P-40 / P-51 Kit

Among Eduard’s new September releases is a limited edition, dual combo “Sharks and Stallions” P-40N Warhawk and P-51B/C Mustang kit in 1/48 scale.

The new kit focuses on aircraft from the China, Barma and India Theater. In the CBI Theater, the P-40N Warhawk was a rugged, widely used fighter for escort, interception, reconnaissance, and low-level attacks against Japanese forces and supply routes. The later-arriving P-51B/C Mustang brought much greater speed, altitude capability, and range, allowing it to conduct long-range bomber escort and offensive sweeps over Burma and China as Allied operations expanded in 1944–45.

The offering (11200) features Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for 8 aircraft (four each).

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Eduard Releases 1/48 ProfiPACK A6M2 Zero Type 21 Model Kit

Among Eduard’s new September releases is a ProfiPACK Edition A6M2 Zero Type 21 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 21 Zero was Japan’s leading carrier fighter early in the Pacific War. Introduced in 1940, it was exceptionally agile, long-ranged, and heavily armed for its day, with folding wingtips for carrier storage. Its lack of armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, however, later made it increasingly vulnerable to improved Allied fighters and tactics.

The “new” offering (82212) includes Eduard plastic parts pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for five aircraft. It appears to be unspecified whether this is a new boxing or simply a reissue.

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First Look: Halberd Models’ F-86H Sabre “Hog” Test Build / Parts

Halberd Models has announced a new North American F-86H Sabre “HOG” model kit in 1/48 scale.

The F-86H Sabre — often called the “Hog” or “Hawg” — was the largest, heaviest, and most powerful U.S.-built development of the famed Sabre family, designed primarily as a single-seat tactical fighter-bomber rather than the air-superiority fighter that fought in Korea. First produced from late 1953 through August 1955, it featured a more powerful General Electric J73 turbojet, enlarged fuselage and intake, increased internal fuel capacity, and the ability to carry up to 2,000 lb of bombs, rockets, or a tactical nuclear store. Later aircraft mounted four 20 mm M39 cannon in place of the original six .50-caliber guns. Although it never saw combat, the F-86H served briefly with the U.S. Air Force before passing to Air National Guard units, where it remained in service into the early 1970s—an important transitional fighter-bomber between the Korean War-era Sabres and the supersonic F-100 Super Sabre.

Details on the upcoming kit are limited. although it is reportedly resin and will be available for pre-order some time this week. In the meantime, a series of parts / test build photos have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

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MiniArt to Release Fw 190D-9 Basic Model Kit With Distinctive JV 44 Liveries

Coming soon from MiniArt is a Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Fw 190D-9 “Doras” of JV 44’s Sachsenberg Schwarm, led by Lt. Heinz Sachsenberg, protected Adolf Galland’s Me 262 jets during their vulnerable takeoffs and landings in the final weeks of World War II. Operating from München-Riem and Ainring in spring 1945, these aircraft were marked with striking red undersides and white stripes for rapid recognition by German anti-aircraft defenses—making them among the Luftwaffe’s most famous late-war fighters.

The upcoming kit (48045) is described as “highly detailed” with realistic metal surfaces and panel details. Two marking options will also be included representing “Red 1” flown by Lt. Heinz “Heino” Sachsenberg and “Red 3” flown by Hptm. Waldemar Wubke. Check out kit contents and livery profiles below.

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Arma Hobby Releases “Next Generation” P-51D Mustang VLR Kit

Arma Hobby recently released their new P-51D Mustang “Very Long Range” (VLR) model kit in 1/72 scale.

P-51D Mustang VLR was a late-war version of the famous American fighter adapted for Very Long Range missions. Aircraft of this type operated from Iwo Jima, escorting Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers over Japan and carrying out long-range strike missions.

As previously reported, the kit (70073) is described as a “modern next-generation Arma Hobby kit” and a “highly accurate” representation. It features an additional VLR sprue with Pacific-specific equipment: 110-gallon underwing drop tanks, 150-gallon streamlined drop tanks from the P-38 Lightning, and rockets for strike missions. Additional features include a detailed cockpit, canopy masks and high-quality Cartograf decals with marking options for two aircraft: “Snortin’ Phyllie” (1st Lt. Herb Straughn, 531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group) and “Little One” (1st Lt. Francis J. Pilecki, 458th Fighter Squadron, 506th Fighter Group). The kit also features a free 3D file with seat with harness, exhaust pipes, and gun barrels.

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Airscale Details 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Progress With New Renders

Airscale has released a new set of renderings for their upcoming Bristol Blenheim Mk IV kit in 1/32 scale.

As previously reported, the Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

There will reportedly be an early version with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters. Airscale’s latest update details the start on the B1 VGO turret, the tailfeathers and the Mercury engine. The developer states “lots more work ahead, but it is a wonderful aeroplane to work on.”

Check out additional renders below.

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