Category: Model Aircraft

Posted on by

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a reputation for toughness and reliable close air support, remaining in service longer than originally intended until withdrawn mainly due to spare‑parts shortages.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.

Buy on eBay

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

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)

Model Kit Buy on eBay (eBay)

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

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.

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

Posted on by

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.

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

Posted on by

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.

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

Posted on by

E-Flite to Release Ultra Micro 510mm Gee Bee R-2 RC Model

On the heels of their new 1.0m Gee Bee R-2, E-Flite is gearing up to release an ultra micro 510mm BNF Basic example with AS3X and SAFE Select.

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!

The upcoming release boasts an authentic scale outline with abundant details including flying wires and a pilot. It is currently slated for release later this month. Click below to check out a promo video.

Continue reading E-Flite to Release Ultra Micro 510mm Gee Bee R-2 RC Model

Posted on by

First Look: Kit Contents For ICM’s Upcoming HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I

ICM has provided us with the first glimpse of the kit contents for their upcoming HP.52 Hampden B.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. Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading First Look: Kit Contents For ICM’s Upcoming HP.52 Hampden TB.Mk.I

Posted on by

MiniArt Announces New Dorsal Fin P-47M Model Kit

MiniArt has announced a new addition to their line of 1/48 P-47 kits in the form of the P-47M (with dorsal fin).

The dorsal fin-equipped P-47M variant was a specialized late-WW2 modification of the P-47D bubbletop fighter, featuring a triangular fillet forward of the vertical stabilizer added to enhance directional stability after the redesigned rear fuselage caused yaw issues, as seen on later P-47D-40 models and retrofitted to some P-47Ms. Only about 130 P-47Ms were built, equipped with a high-output Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57(C) engine (2,800 hp with water injection) and improved turbo-supercharger for speeds up to 470-500 mph at altitude, optimized for intercepting V-1 buzz bombs and Me 262 jets while armed with eight .50-caliber machine guns.

The upcoming release is offered as a basic kit and will include two marking options. As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out additional images, including livery profiles.

Continue reading MiniArt Announces New Dorsal Fin P-47M Model Kit

Posted on by

MiG-21 in the Polish Air Force: “An Essential Visual Reference”

Recently released by MMP and author Artur Juszczak is MiG-21 3rd Generation in the Polish Air Force.

The book presents 90 high-quality color profiles of third-generation MiG-21 variants, including the MF, M, and R models used by the Polish Air Force. It is an essential visual reference for aviation enthusiasts, historians, and scale modelers with a focus on accurate camouflage and markings. Additional features include detailed captions with each aircraft’s operational history, close-up views of the pilot’s personal emblems and bilingual English-Polish text.

The 48 page publication is now available in paperback format.

Product Page

Please Note: This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

First Look: Sword Models’ New Tool Short SB.6 Seamew

Sword Models has announced that their new tool Short SB.6 Seamew model kit is almost ready.

The Short SB.6 Seamew was a British lightweight carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft developed by Shorts in the early 1950s to replace the FAA’s Avenger. It first flew on 23 August 1953 but suffered handling problems and shifting defense priorities, which led to limited production and ultimately cancellation after only a small number of airframes were built.

The upcoming 1/72 release (SW72157) is described as “quite large” and appears to include liveries for XE169 of HMS Warrior and XA123 of HMS Bulwark. The company states that they are completing the paperwork and starting to pack with release slated for sometime this month.

Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading First Look: Sword Models’ New Tool Short SB.6 Seamew