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MiniArt to Release P-47N-1RE Thunderbolt Advanced Kit

MiniArt is continuing their line of P-47 kits with the announcement of an upcoming P-47N-1RE “Advanced Kit.”

The Republic P-47N was the final development of the Thunderbolt family, adapted for long-range escort and fighter-bomber duties in the Pacific theatre. The N-1RE variant introduced the new long-span wing with squared-off tips and extra fuel capacity while retaining the rugged structure and heavy armament of earlier versions.

The upcoming 1/48 release (48062) reportedly includes finely reproduced rivets and panel lines on all surfaces; a fully detailed cockpit with side consoles, instrument panel and seat; optional open or closed canopy; photo-etched parts included for seat belts and fine details; clear parts included for canopy and lights and three decal options.

As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional images.

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First Look: Arma Hobby Hurricane Mk I Test Build

As previously reported, Arma Hobby recently received the final sprues for their highly anticipated new tool Hawker Hurricane Mk I (40015) in 1/48 scale. Since then the company has completed the very first full build of the model and released a series of test build photos.

Since these are test shots, some elements do not yet have all the final milling details, and a few minor short shots and excess plastic appeared during assembly. This is completely normal at this stage — all corrections are already planned and will be implemented in the next few days before the mould enters full production cycle.

Arma reports that everything is coming together beautifully and full production is only days away. Click below to check out additional images.

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DoraWings Shares Renderings of Upcoming P-47 B/C Thunderbolt

DoraWings has released a series of renderings for a new Republic P-47 B/C Thunderbolt model in 1/72 scale. As of this writing, details are scarce, although work on the model is reportedly underway, with the first molds having already been milled.

Click below to check out additional renders.

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ICM Announces Development of New Tool Do 217K-2

ICM has announced the development of a new tool Do 217K-2 in 1/48 scale.

The Do 217K-2 was a specialized variant of the German Dornier Do 217 bomber, developed during World War II to carry the heavy Fritz X radio-guided anti-ship bomb. To accommodate this advanced weapon, the K-2 featured a significantly increased wingspan (24.8 meters) and was the heaviest in the series at 16,850 kg, making it well suited for precision attacks against naval targets. Its battlefield debut saw it play a crucial role as an early platform for precision-guided munitions, notably leading to the sinking of the Italian battleship Roma.

Details on the new kit (48275) are currently limited, but it will reportedly include the Fritz X. A series of renderings were also released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

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Kotare Announces Development of 1/32 Bf 109E-4 Model Kit

Kotare Models has announced the development of a new tool Bf 109E-4 in 1/32 scale.

Highly regarded Luftwaffe expert Radu Brinzan, who designed our well-received Bf 109K-4 kitset, has done a fabulous job with this model. The design is partly based on a LIDAR scan of the example at the RAF Museum but we have deleted the bend in the nose caused by that aircraft crash landing in 1940!

As of this writing, the CAD data is complete and the company is going through a brief
period of public feedback in which everybody is welcome to contribute. Experts will also be evaluating the design “with a fine tooth comb.” The kit is expected to begin shipping in Q3-Q4 2026.

Click below to check out additional images.

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IBG Models Releases New Tool Spitfire Mk I (Early)

IBG Models has released their new tool Supermarine Spitfire Mk I (Early) model kit in 1/72 scale. The kit (72580) represents the 1938 and 1939 configurations of the type and includes numerous marking options:

They were carefully selected and thoroughly researched to present not only the wide scope of variations in markings and undersurface finish, but also to capture the most important pre-war events, leading up to the World War 2. You will find here Spitfires from Munich Crisis, March 1939 Crisis and finally from the day of the declaration of war by United Kingdom. We also did not forget about Polish Modellers and included the reconstruction of L1066 – the only Spitfire shipped to Poland. Unfortunately it never got there, but for those who like to use their imagination, we included a what-if Polish markings as well.

The kit also includes plastic and photo-etched parts along with 3D printed wheels, early type fuel tank cover and type G-22 camera gun.

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First Look: Final Sprues for Arma Hobby’s Hurricane Mk I

Arma Hobby has released photos showing the sprues for their highly anticipated new tool Hawker Hurricane Mk I (40015) in 1/48 scale. These are expected to be the final sprue tests prior to launching production and consist of the fuselage halves, updated and corrected radiator / tropical filter for the Mk I version, and the propeller components (two propeller types and three spinners).

The fuselage halves show the full variety of surface textures typical of early Hurricanes: fabric-covered sections, aluminum panels with very fine rivets, dzus fasteners, air intakes and outlets, and ventilation slots. These varied textures and micro-details were among the most challenging parts of the project, which is why we are pleased to see them reproduced exactly as planned in the test shots.

The company states that if test assembly goes smoothly, production will commence “in about a week.” Shipping will hopefully begin before the end of the month. The kit will reportedly include a highly detailed cockpit and canopy parts from the award-winning Hurricane Mk IIb, four historically accurate RAF marking options, high-quality Techmod decals and masks for canopy and wheels. Chick below to check out a selection of images.

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Eduard Releases New Tool Avia S.199 Model Kit

Eduard has released a new tool, 1/48 scale kit of the Avia S-199, a Czechoslovak version of the Bf109G-10. This is reportedly the first in a new series of HYBRID kits combining injected plastic and 3D printing technologies.

The offering (948011) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals, resin parts (cockpit, wheel wells, exhausts, barrels, antennas, air intake) painting mask and marking options for six aircraft. It also includes a “special material” for landing gear legs which are described as “high durability” and “long lifespan.”

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New Publication Details Bf 109E With Scale Drawings, Color Profiles

MMPBooks will soon release a new publication profiling the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E. The 16 page publication includes detailed scale plans in 1/72 scale as well as 14 color profiles, providing a visual guide to various markings. It will no doubt be a valuable resource for modelers, artists, flight sim creators, and anyone else interested in the type and its colors / markings.

The new profile is slated for release in December.

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First Look: Renders of Italeri’s New Tool Macchi C.200 Saetta

Italeri has released a series of renderings detailing their upcoming new tool Macchi MC.200 in 1/32 scale.

The Macchi MC.200 Saetta, designed by Mario Castoldi, first flew in December 1937 and became Italy’s primary frontline fighter at the beginning of World War II. Known for its excellent maneuverability and robust construction, it featured a distinctive combination of a radial engine and streamlined fuselage, with early models even reaching dive speeds of up to 800 km/h. Although it was eventually outpaced by newer aircraft, the MC.200 stood out for its stability, agility in combat, and innovative design elements like interconnected ailerons and flaps that improved takeoff and landing performance.​

The upcoming release (2516) will be made from 100% new molds. At the moment additional details have not yet been released. Click below to check out the newly released renders.

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