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Das Werk to Release New Tool, “Highly Detailed” Me 262 Kit

Das Werk has announced the upcoming release of a new tool Messerschmitt Me 262 in 1/32 scale.

The new kit (32003) will reportedly include easy build engineering with a single piece lower wing, fully posable flaps, slats and control surfaces, and highly detailed cockpit, wheel wells and Mk 108 cannon bays. In addition, the company will be releasing a separate, complimentary set of three German WW2 mechanics usable in maintenance scenes with lifelike poses.

As of this writing, the exact release dates have not yet been announced. It is only stated that they will be released “later this year.” Click below to check out an additional image.

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Airfix to Release New Westland Lysander Mk.III “Special Duties” Kit

As part of their 2026 range, Airfix will be releasing a new Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties model kit in 1/48 scale.

In 1941, the RAF issued a requirement for around 40 of their Westland Lysander communications aircraft to undergo modification in support of a new clandestine role, which they described as ‘Special Duties’. The aircraft had defensive armament removed and have their range increased by adding a larger oil tank internally, and an external 150 gallon fuel tank under the fuselage.

The gunner’s compartment was also modified by adding a rear-sliding single piece canopy, and room to accommodate up to three people inside. A robust ladder was fixed to the port-side fuselage to allow passengers to quickly enter and exit the aircraft when they were engaged in this new ‘Spy Taxi’ role.

The new kit (A07117) is based on Airfix’s 2025 new tool Lysander (A07116 / eBay product link), but will feature newly tooled components specific to the ‘Special Duties’ version, including a rear cockpit access ladder, 150-gallon internal auxiliary fuel tank, ventral 150-gallon long-range fuel tank, rear passenger seating, New spinner, IFF Mk.III lower-rear aerial and a female agent figure. The kit is currently expected sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renderings.

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LukGraph’s New Blackburn Shark Mk.II Will Come in Different Scales, Versions

LukGraph has announced the upcoming release of their new tool Blackburn Shark Mk.II model kit. The kit will be available in wheeled and float versions and in both 1/32 and 1/48 scales.

The Blackburn Shark Mk.II was a British carrier‑borne biplane torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the mid‑1930s, serving with both the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Powered by a 760 hp Armstrong Siddeley Tiger VI radial engine, it typically carried a crew of two or three and could reach about 150 mph with a range of roughly 600 miles while hauling either an 18‑inch torpedo or an equivalent bomb load. Developed from the earlier Shark Mk.I, the Mk.II incorporated reliability and systems improvements and was adaptable to both wheeled and floatplane configurations, operating from carriers and warship catapults. Entering service around 1935, it was soon overshadowed and progressively replaced in frontline roles by the Fairey Swordfish, but continued for several years in secondary duties such as training, reconnaissance, and target towing.

The upcoming kit will introduce what is described as “a new technological solution:” the wings and floats will be designed in split sections (upper and lower parts) to reduce the overall weight of the model, making the build more comfortable while maintaining excellent detail and quality.

As of this writing, further details (including release date) have yet to be announced. However a series of renderings have been released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

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ICM Releases Luftwaffe Night Fighters Model Collection

Newly available this month is ICM’s collection of Luftwaffe night fighters in 1/72 scale. The collection (72209) includes the Bf 109E-4, Do 17Z-10 Kauz II and Fw 189A-1.

Since no aircraft were specifically designed for night combat at the time, the Luftwaffe initially used standard combat aircraft painted in dark colors—such as the Bf 109E-4 operated by Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (the 1st Night Fighter Wing). For long-range interception of British bombers over British territory, they employed a specially converted Do 17 bomber designated the Do 17Z-10 Kauz II. The aircraft featured an infrared searchlight to help locate enemy aircraft in the night sky.

There are also documented cases of Fw 189 A-1 aircraft being used as night fighters after special modifications, including the installation of FuG 212 radar and an additional MG 151 cannon mounted for forward and upward firing.

The models are touted as having highly detailed cockpits and surfaces and each has its own decal sheet.

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Avro Vulcan In Scale: An Essential Resource For Modelers

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Geoff Coughlin is Avro Vulcan: Cold War Aircraft in Scale, which will no doubt be a must for fans of the iconic British bomber.

The Avro Vulcan, arguably the best known of the British ‘V-Bombers’, was an integral part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. During the Cold War several RAF squadrons were equipped with Vulcans, including some assigned to Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) sorties to counter immediately any threat launched by the Soviet Union. The Vulcan was also suited to conventional bombing missions. In 1982, in Operation Black Buck during the Falklands War, Vulcan B.2s carried out the longest-ranged bombing raids in history up to that time.

Cold War Aircraft in Scale: Avro Vulcan contains extensive photographs and profiles, unique reference materials and detailed step-by-step scale model builds in all the main scales: everything you need to inspire, inform and instruct you in your creation of a showpiece replica of this iconic Cold War bomber.

The 160 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for March 30.

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ICM Expands HP.52 Hampden Line With TB.Mk.I Variant

ICM is following up the recent release of their new tool HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I (48352) with a model of the TB.Mk.I variant in 1/48 scale.

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 (48353) is currently in process. As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional renderings.

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English Electric Canberra B.2 WJ640 Takes Center Stage With New Tool Airfix Kit

Another new tool Airfix release slated for 2026 is a new tool English Electric Canberra B.2 in 1/72 scale.

The kit (A05065) chronicles the service of B.2 airframe WJ640 from 1968 to its retirement in 1981, showcasing the evolving RAF Canberra paint schemes of the era. It was designed based on Lidar scans and original drawings of the full-size aircraft, as well as research input from the Canberra Heritage Trust.

In addition to three livery options worn by WJ640, it will include over 170 parts, detailed cockpit and bomb bay and representation of 1000lb bombs. It is currently slated for release sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renderings.

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First Look: MiniArt’s New Tool Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit

On the heels of their recently announced Focke-Wulf 190D-9 (Mimetall) Basic Kit, MiniArt has revealed in their 2026 catalog that an advanced version is also on the way.

The 1/48 scale kit (48048) will reportedly include PE parts and three marking options, although additional details, including release date, are currently unknown. Thankfully, a few renderings have been released to give us a glimpse of the model, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

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Airfix Announces New Tool Junkers Ju52 Model Kit For 2026

Another new tool release announced by Airfix for 2026 is a Junkers Ju52/3mg4e in 1/72 scale.

The newly designed kit (A08022) faithfully replicates the corrugated surface texture on all external surfaces and includes fully detailed interior and engines, oil drum cargo load, wheel chocks for diorama models, options for machine gun armament and undercarriage with or without spats, slide molded canopy to ensure clear definition of window frames and multiple doors and hatches that can be posed open or closed to add life to the model. Decals include livery options for three aircraft.

The new kit is currently slated for release sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renders.

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Airfix Announces New Tool Phantom FG.1 With Extensive Details

As part of their 2026 range, Airfix will be releasing a new tool McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The kit (A12015) will boast over 270 parts, including slide molded jet intakes to capture detail on all sides; a comprehensive weapons fit with Skyflash missiles, RN 2-inch rocket pods, Sidewinder missiles, 1000lb bombs as well as external fuel tanks; an extended nose undercarriage leg option and a detailed cockpit / ejector seats. Additional features include modeler aids such as molded paint marks for undercarriage apertures and integral flat tabs on fuselage parts for clamp location to enhance the build experience. Three marking options are also included representing the Royal Navy dark blue scheme of the period.

The kit is currently slated for release sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renders.

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