Category: Model Aircraft

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First Look: Test Parts / Assembly of Airscale’s 1/32 Dornier Do 17Z

Airscale has released a new set of images for their upcoming 1/32 Dornier Do 17Z showing a test print dry fit and box art by Antonis Karydis.

…as if that wasn’t enough excitement, I started printing one – using all the space in my printer I managed to get all the kit parts done. Some of the geometry is a bit pissed, but I should be able to make a pretty good test version for my club’s show at Tangmere (Boxgrove Hall) at the end of the month on the 31st May. The 3D printed clear parts are pretty rubbish so I will likely leave them off and to the side – it will certainly do until I get a test shot

As previously reported, the Do 17 was a German twin‑engine light bomber, nicknamed the “Flying Pencil” for its slim, streamlined fuselage, which was originally designed in the early 1930s as a fast mail and passenger aircraft before being adapted into a military bomber for the Luftwaffe. It served extensively in the early years of World War II, taking part in campaigns over Poland, the Low Countries, France, the Battle of Britain, and the invasion of the Soviet Union, where it proved fast and maneuverable but gradually became obsolete due to limited bomb load and range.

Click below to check out additional images.

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MiniArt Releases New Fw 190D-9 “Grünherz” Basic Model Kit

MiniArt has released their new Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 “Grünherz” basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

This early-production late-war variant of the Fw 190 was used by Jagdgeschwader 54, whose “Green Hearts” nickname came from its Thuringian heritage. Powered by the Jumo 213 inline engine, it was built to improve high-altitude performance and became one of the Luftwaffe’s fastest and most capable piston fighters, especially in the defense of Germany in 1944–45.

As previously reported, the basic kit (48035) features distinctive late-war Luftwaffe camouflage and two mJG 54 marking options. It is described as detailed, with “clean assembly” and an accurate early production configuration. An advanced version has also been announced for future release.

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Eduard Announces Upcoming “Royal Class” Brassin Hybrid P-51B Model Kit

Set for release this summer is Eduard’s newly announced P-51B Mustang Royal Class Hybrid edition model kit in 1/32 scale.

The P-51B variant was a major upgrade of the North American Mustang, replacing the early Allison engine with the more powerful Packard-built Merlin and dramatically improving high-altitude speed, climb, and range. That made it one of the first truly effective long-range escort fighters for U.S. bombers over Europe, entering combat in late 1943 and helping shift air superiority in the Allies’ favor.

As of this writing, additional details on the kit have not been released, although the announcement was accompanied by a preview of the upcoming liveries, seen above.

(via Eduard)

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LukGraph Reveals Authentic, Vibrant Italian Liveries for Upcoming Ansaldo SVA-5

LukGraph has announced the six Italian liveries that will be included with their associated, upcoming Ansaldo SVA-5 kit.

As previously reported, the kit will be released in two separate editions first focusing on Italian markings from the Great War period and the second representing an export version of the SVA-5, showcasing aircraft in Polish, American, Spanish, and Russian service. Premium versions will also be offered featuring decals with realistic fabric and wood effects. It will also be offered in both 1/48 and 1/32 scales.

The liveries are described as “authentic and vibrant,” some of which will be familiar to WW1 aircraft enthusiasts. Click below to check them out.

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MiniArt Announces Fw 190D-9 (Early Production) Advanced Kit

MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a Fw 190D-9 (early production) advanced kit in 1/48 scale.

The early-production Fw 190D-9 was the “long-nose” development of the Fw 190A, reworked around the liquid-cooled Jumo 213 engine to improve high-altitude performance and interceptor capability. It entered Luftwaffe service in 1944 and was valued for its stronger climb and speed compared with earlier Fw 190 variants.

The kit (48044) captures the distinctive long nose profile of the “Dora” and includes additional details for an enhanced building experience, including PE parts, detailed cockpit and exterior surfaces and decals with three marking options.

Click below to check out additional images, including livery profiles.

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First Look: MDesign’s 1/32 Roland D.III Test Build

Following the release of their Roland D.II kit MDesign has released the first test build images of their upcoming Roland D.III in 1/32 scale.

The Roland D.III was a German single-seat fighter of World War I, developed as an improvement over earlier Roland fighters with a revised wing-and-fuselage arrangement meant to give the pilot better forward visibility, though it still had handling and visibility limitations. It was a sturdy but only modestly successful design, built in limited numbers and overshadowed by more capable contemporary German fighters, and it typically carried two synchronized machine guns with performance around 175 km/h and an Argus As.III or Mercedes D.III engine.

The test build checked alignment, fit and overall geometry, and everything came out looking clean. Additional details, including a release date, have not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional images.

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DBMK Developing Allison Mustang Kits in 1/32 Scale

DBMK is developing a series of Allison-powered Mustang models in 1/32 scale.

The early Mustang variants were built around the Allison V-1710 engine, which gave them excellent low- and medium-altitude speed, range, and reliability but much weaker high-altitude performance because the engine lost power above about 15,000 feet; they were used effectively for reconnaissance, ground attack, and low-level fighter work, and they helped establish the Mustang’s basic airframe success before the Merlin-powered versions turned it into the famous long-range escort fighter.

As of this writing additional details are non-existent, although the series will apparently include the Mustang I, P-51, A-36, P-51A and F-6.

(DBMK via AeroScale)

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New A6M2-K Zero Trainer Model Kit Released by Eduard

Eduard has released a new “Weekend Edition” A6M2-K model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Mitsubishi A6M2-K was a two-seat trainer version of the famous Zero, built to help Japanese Navy pilots transition into flying the highly maneuverable A6M fighter safely. It kept much of the Zero’s light, agile design but added a second seat for an instructor, along with trainer-focused modifications such as a lengthened cockpit area and reduced combat equipment.

The new offering (84211) incudes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft.

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Kinetic Model Developing Model of Experimental F-104G CCV Testbed

Kinetic Models has announced the development of a F-104G Starfighter Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) in 1/48 scale.

This interesting looking aircraft was an experimental F-104G modified to test advanced flight-control ideas, including an early digital fly-by-wire system used to artificially stabilize an intentionally unstable aircraft. It flew without relying on natural stability, and the program became an important stepping stone toward later control-system designs, including technology that influenced the Eurofighter.

The upcoming release (48182) is touted as a new member on the Kinetic Gold F-104 Family (eBay product link) and will include 3D parts. As of this writing, it appears that no release date has been announced. Click below to check out additional renders.

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Surprise Release: The Flying Machine #28 Now Available!

Now available from our online store is the 28th installmanet of The Flying Machine early aero journal. This newly released special spans 52 pages and includes the following content:

The Busy World — Aeronauts Soar on Silken Wings (Excerpt: Flight Not Improbable. Octave Chanute and the Worldwide Race Toward Flight); Honoring a World War I Hero by Restoring a Piece of Our Aviation History (Original DH.4 Restoration); Finishing Art Scarborough’s S.E.5a; News Briefs: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Begins Blériot XI Restoration, Pima Air & Space Museum Sopwith Camel Nears Completion, Kip Aero Sopwith Pup; Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Albatros D.Va Restoration Update; DX Modelworks Balsa Albatros D.II Model; Products

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required.

Click here to check out our full selection of issues.