Category: Model Aircraft

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Special Hobby to Release CAC Boomerang Mk.I/II With Five Liveries

Special Hobby is preparing to release a CAC Boomerang Mk.I/II model kit in 1/72 scale.

The type was designed and built in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation from 1942 to 1945, marking the nation’s first domestically produced combat plane. Hastily developed after Japan’s entry into World War II using components from the CAC Wirraway trainer, the stubby, maneuverable Boomerang achieved a top speed of about 305 mph but underperformed in altitude and speed compared to contemporaries. Armed with two 20mm cannons and four .303 machine guns, it saw limited air-to-air success, instead excelling in ground attack, reconnaissance, and army cooperation roles in the Pacific theater, including New Guinea and Bougainville, where its rugged build absorbed heavy damage.

The upcoming release (SH72539) includes resin cast wheels and exhaust and two sprues consisting of plastic and clear parts. Marking options will be included for five machines, one machine from each RAAF squadron that flew the Boomerangs in combat. Four machines are camouflaged in green and brown scheme with light blue undersurfaces, the fifth machine is green all over.

As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery profiles.

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Now Available: E-Flite’s New Ultra Micro Gee Bee R-2 RC Model

E-Flite has released their new ultra micro Gee Bee R-2 510mm BNF Basic RC model with AS3X and SAFE Select.

The E-flite UMX Gee Bee R-2 is ready to soar through the skies in more places and smaller spaces thanks to its handling that has more in common with a friendly sport model than a short-coupled golden age racer. Awe-inspiring with an authentic scale outline and abundant details such as flying wires plus a pilot, this replica offers handling so remarkably smooth, you’ll want to fly it every day. AS3X® technology works behind the scenes to help you enjoy the outstanding stability and control you always wanted but never thought possible in such a small airplane, let alone in a model of the Gee Bee. Optional-use SAFE® Select flight envelope protection technology delivers automatic self-leveling plus pitch and bank angle limits that make it possible to successfully fly such a unique design even if you’re an intermediate RC pilot. It also features a quieter and more powerful 2S and 3S compatible motor, along with a modified fuselage and stronger wing, designed to handle the extra weight, power, and speed when using 3S 280–300mAh batteries. Best of all, it arrives 100% factory-assembled and ready to bind to your favorite Spektrum™ DSM2/DSMX®-equipped transmitter so you can be flying in almost no time! And it all adds up to deliver a model of the classic Gee Bee that’s a dream to fly while offering an exciting and incredibly unique flight experience from large yards and small parks to sports fields and beyond!

As previously reported, the new model (EFLU61500) follows E-Flite’s recent release of a larger 1.0m Gee Bee R-2.

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Kotare Developing 1/32 Defiant Mk.I With Exclusive Perks For Pre-Orders

Kotare has announced the development of a Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I in 1/32 scale. The kit (K32510) will be an exclusive, limited edition release with only 5,000 being produced. Each will by hand numbered by Kotare Models owner Mark Robson.

Those who pre-order will become a member of “Project Defiant” — an exclusive group with access to a private Facebook page, online forum, and email network. Members will also have the chance to meet Kotare staff in person at major model shows across the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand to share ideas and connect with others. Regular updates will cover the project’s design progress, with opportunities to engage directly with kit designer Nick Moore and the team. Project Defiant members can contribute to major design decisions, share aircraft knowledge, and help decide on color schemes. Pre-orders also include a bonus: a set of 3D‑printed resin exhausts and a print of Darryl Legg’s beautiful box art.

Be in the draw to build a second test shot! From the first 500 people who make an order, we will randomly draw 20 names. Those modellers will be offered the chance to build and critique a second test shot of the kitset, to augment the process we at Kotare do.

The company expects to begin pre-order shipping by March 2028. The retail price is US $125 plus shipping and applicable taxes and/or tariffs in your country.

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HobbyBoss to Release New Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 Model Kit

HobbyBoss will reportedly release their new 1/48 Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 model kit this month.

Fw 190A-8 was a late-war, single-seat German fighter-bomber variant of the famous “Würger” that became the most numerous of all Fw 190 subtypes. It was introduced in 1944 and used extensively for Reich air defense and ground-attack duties. Powered by the BMW 801 radial engine and fitted in many aircraft with a nitrous-oxide (GM‑1 or similar C3-injection) emergency boost system, it offered strong low- to medium-altitude performance, making it effective against Allied bombers below about 7,000 m. Typical armament combined two 13 mm MG 131 machine guns in the cowling with four 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons in the wings, with some sub-variants adding 30 mm MK 108 cannon and underwing bombs or rockets for heavy bomber interception and close air support. As an evolution of the A-7, the A-8 incorporated minor airframe and systems changes while retaining the wide-track undercarriage and rugged construction that made the Fw 190 series popular with Luftwaffe pilots.

The kit (81782) consists of over 120 parts and is touted as accurate and detailed. The released images show two livery options, painting masks and PE parts. Click below to check out build images, livery profiles and some kit contents.

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Revell to Release Me 262 A-1a / U4 Kit in 1/32 Scale

Revell will soon release a Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a / U4 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The product (037499090) is based on what the company describes as the “proven” Me 262 model, but it has been updated with newly developed parts to represent the U4’s nose and 50 mm cannon. Additional features will include a finely crafted cockpit, detailed Jumo engines and “an authentic chassis.” As a Level 5 kit it includes 220 individual parts.

The kit is currently slated for release in April.

(via Revell)

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ICM Releases New Luftwaffe Pilot School Kit With Detailed Hs 123A Biplane

ICM has released a new Luftwaffe Pilot School model kit in 1/32 scale.

The Henschel Hs 123A served as a dive bomber and close‑support aircraft in addition to training duties. It featured all‑metal sesquiplane construction and was powered by a BMW 132 radial engine. The aircraft was armed with two 7.92 mm machine guns and around 450 kg of bombs, typically a 250 kg centerline bomb and smaller wing bombs. Entering service in the mid‑1930s, it was rugged, highly maneuverable, and able to operate from rough front‑line airfields, which made it effective in the Spanish Civil War and early Second World War campaigns despite being technically obsolete. With a top speed of about 340 km/h and excellent dive‑bombing characteristics, the Hs 123A earned a reputation for toughness and reliable close air support, remaining in service longer than originally intended until withdrawn mainly due to spare‑parts shortages.

The new release (32017) consists of three Luftwaffe cadets and an Hs 123A training biplane. It includes detailed uniform elements, accurate geometry and proportions, a detailed cockpit and fuselage and step-by-step instructions.

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ICM Releases New HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I Model Kit

ICM has released their new HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I model kit in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, this new offering (48353) is based on ICM’s recently released, new tool new tool HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I (48352) . The HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I was the standard medium bomber version, designed primarily for high‑speed level bombing with an internal bay carrying up to 4,000 lb of bombs, whereas the TB.Mk.I was a later conversion optimized for the torpedo‑bomber role, configured to carry a single 18‑inch torpedo internally plus typically two 500 lb bombs under the wings.

The new kit offers the TB.Mk.I’s modified lower gun position and redesigned lower fuselage section. Additional features include a Mk.XII torpedo with trolley, four marking options and rivet detail on the fuselage, wings and tail. It can be used with ICM’s acrylic paint set for WWII RAF Coastal Command aircraft (eBay Product Link)

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E-Flite to Release Beechcraft D18/RC-45J 1.5m RC Model

E-Flite will soon release a new Beechcraft D18/RC-45J 1.5m RC model in PNP and PNF Basic versions.

Described as “the most convenient, capable, and easiest to fly scale model of one of general and military aviation’s most recognizable aircraft,” the offering is equipped with a twin brushless power system with specially tuned motors to deliver better-than-scale-like performance when using 3S 3200-5000mAh batteries. Even more speed and unlimited vertical performance is reportedly provided with a 4S battery – no modifications or upgrades required.

It’s also equipped with an exclusive Spektrum Avian Dual 40-amp Smart Lite ESC, which can provide a variety of real-time power system telemetry data with both Smart and non-Smart batteries via compatible receivers (including the AR631+ installed in the BNF Basic version) and Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitters. The BNF Basic version is also the only Twin Beech model equipped with enhanced AS3X+ and optional-use SAFE Select technologies, making it the easiest to fly D18/RC-45J yet. Factory-finished in a highly visible and fully painted white with orange Navy trim scheme, the lightweight yet durable, composite-reinforced EPO airframe features an abundance of scale detail — molded-in panel lines and hatches, antennas, exhaust stacks, a pilot figure, and more. Included functional flaps, twin rudders, and LED navigation lights elevate your experience to the next level. Factory-installed electric retracts with durable metal components making it possible to take off from a wide variety of surfaces, including paved runways, packed dirt, and even grass. The unique 3-piece wing design makes storage and transport as convenient as possible, as the center section houses the main gear, and all sections feature innovative hands-free connections. Best of all, because no glue is required for final assembly, you can have the Beechcraft D18/RC-45J 1.5m ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery!

The model is currently slated for release later this month. Click below to check out a promo video for the upcoming release.

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Arma Hobby to Release New Curtiss P-36C Hawk Model Kit

Arma Hobby will soon release a new Curtiss P-36C Hawk model kit in 1/72 scale.

The offering (70082) will include 3D-printed spent-cartridge containers for the wing- mounted machine guns, painting masks for the cockpit and wheels, a 3D file for self-printing additional details (pilot’s seat with harness, fuselage bulkhead, instrument panel, exhaust pipes), and three marking options (27th Pursuit Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, National Air Races, Cleveland, Ohio, September 1939; 27th Pursuit Squadron, USAAC, Selfridge Field, Michigan, 1939; 27th Pursuit Squadron, USAAC, Selfridge Field, Michigan, 1939).

The kit will be released in early March. Click below to check out kit contents and livery profiles.

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DMBK Making Rapid Progress on New Supermarine Scimitar F.1 Kit

DBMK Models states that it is making “rapid progress” on their new Supermarine Scimitar F.1 in 1/48 scale.

The Scimitar F.1 was a British single-seat, twin‑engine, carrier-based multi‑role strike fighter developed for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in the 1950s and representing the final combat aircraft produced by Supermarine. Entering service in 1958, it was at the time the Fleet Air Arm’s largest, heaviest and most powerful aircraft, powered by two Rolls‑Royce Avon turbojets that gave it high subsonic speed and strong low‑level performance. Designed for both interception and strike, it carried four 30 mm ADEN cannon and a wide range of stores including rockets, bombs, AGM‑12 Bullpup air‑to‑ground missiles and AIM‑9 Sidewinder air‑to‑air missiles. Although advanced and potent, the Scimitar’s demanding handling and high accident rate, combined with the arrival of more capable types such as the Blackburn Buccaneer and de Havilland Sea Vixen, led to its relatively short frontline career through the early to mid‑1960s.

The upcoming kit (48001) will reportedly include high pressure IM plastic parts, PE, and 3DP parts such as one piece intake tunnels and exhausts. A good range of markings will also be included in the box as well as weapons, including some that have never been featured before in kits. A 1/72 version of the kit is also being planned. As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced.

Click below to check out additional renderings.

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