Category: Model Aircraft

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MiniArt Releases New P-47M Thunderbolt Advanced Kit With PE, Three Liveries

MiniArt has released their new P-47M Thunderbolt Advanced Kit in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, the P-47M varint was a late-war, high-speed Thunderbolt built for fast interception, using an uprated Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine and featuring the dorsal fin on the rear fuselage to improve directional stability with the bubble canopy. It was the quickest production P-47, but engine teething troubles limited its combat use, and it saw service only briefly with the 56th Fighter Group in Europe.

The new kit (48042) is described as “highly detailed” with realistic representations of the metal surfaces, rivets and panel lines. PE parts and three marking options are also included. The company previously released a Basic version with two marking options.

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New Tool, Fully 3D Printed Anatra Anasal Coming to Planet Models Series

Special Hobby has announced a new tool Anatra Anasal in 1/72 scale (PLT291). The model will be the first fully 3D printed kit in the Planet Models series.

The Anatra Anasal, formally the Anatra DS, was a two-seat Russian reconnaissance biplane developed by the Anatra works at Odessa from the earlier Anatra D (Anade) and first flown in 1916. Its name combined “Anatra” and “Salmson,” reflecting its 150 hp Salmson liquid-cooled radial engine, which gave it improved performance over its predecessor; the aircraft entered production in 1917 and served during the First World War and the Russian Civil War. Built largely of wood and fabric, it carried a pilot and observer-gunner, with a synchronized forward-firing machine gun, a flexible rear gun, and a limited light-bomb capability.

A series of test build photos have been released which can be seen below. As of this writing it appears that a release date has not been announced.

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MiniArt Releases New, Highly Detailed Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11 Model Kit

MiniArt has released their new Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-11 “Basic” model kit in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, the Fw 190D-11 was a late-war variant, part of the “Dora” series and powered by the Junkers Jumo 213F engine with MW 50 boost. It was a heavily armed variant with two 20 mm MG 151 cannon in the wing roots and two 30 mm MK 108 cannon in the outer wings, but it was produced only in very small numbers.

The new release (48072) is described as highly detailed with realistic metal surfaces and panel details and three marking options.

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Airscale’s New Renders Show All Plastic Airframe Parts for Upcoming 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV

Airscale has provided an update on the development of their 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV kit.

As previously reported, the Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

There will reportedly be an early version with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters. Airscale’s latest update consists of an updated series of renderings as well as a report that states, “these are all the plastic parts, with the exception of the engines. Hopefully I can get this into mouldmaking soon and focus on all the pretty bits in 3D.”

Release is planned for mid 2027. Check out additional renders below.

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First Look: Border Model to Release New Tool, Pre-Painted, 1/35 SBD 3/4 Dauntless Kit

Border Model is set to release a new tool SBD 3/4 Dauntless model kit in 1/35 scale.

The SBD-3 and SBD-4 were the U.S. Navy’s primary early–World War II carrier dive-bombers, rugged two-seat monoplanes powered by a Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial and renowned for accurate near-vertical dives. The SBD-3 (from 1941) added combat essentials such as armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a standard armament of two forward .50-cal and twin rear .30-cal machine guns, typically carrying a 1,000 lb bomb. The SBD-4 (from late 1942) was mechanically similar but upgraded to a 24-volt electrical system, a constant-speed propeller, and improved fuel and radio/radar provisions, enhancing reliability and avionics integration. These variants equipped Navy and Marine squadrons through the pivotal 1942–43 campaigns, including Midway, where Dauntlesses sank four Japanese carriers.

The kit (BG-003) comes pre-painted and includes PE parts, two types of drop tanks, a full interior and decals with three marking options. As of this writing it appears that a final release date has not been announced. Check out additional images below.

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IBG to Release New Fieseler Storch Model: All Variants, Full Interior, Detailed Engine

IBG Models has announced the upcoming release of a new Fieseler Fi 156 Storch model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Storch was a German high‑wing liaison and observation aircraft famed for its extraordinary STOL performance, able to take off in about 150 ft and land in roughly 60 ft thanks to a large wing, full‑span leading‑edge slats, and powerful flaps that gave a very low stall speed around 31 mph. Powered by a 240 hp Argus As 10 engine, it served throughout World War II in reconnaissance, artillery spotting, casualty evacuation, and VIP transport, and became legendary for missions such as the 1943 Gran Sasso rescue of Mussolini. About 3,900 were built in Germany and under license abroad, with postwar versions like the Morane‑Saulnier MS.500 Criquet remaining in use into the 1950s and beyond.

As of this writing details on the release are limited, although the company is teasing full interior, detailed engine and representations of all production variants. They are expected to announce the first boxings to be released shortly. In the meantime a features chart has been provided, which can be seen below.

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Eduard Releases Bf 109K-4 Model Kit With PE, Masks, Six Liveries

Among Eduard’s September new releases is this ProfiPACK edition Bf 109K-4 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 109K-4 “Kurfürst” was the final mass‑produced 109 variant, entering service in late 1944 as a high‑altitude interceptor powered by the DB 605 DB/DC engine with MW 50 injection, which pushed its top speed to around 710 km/h (440 mph) at roughly 7,500 m. It carried a 30 mm MK 108 Motorkanone and two 13 mm MG 131 nose guns, and featured a pressurized cockpit, retractable tailwheel, and the taller Erla canopy, making it the fastest and most developed 109, though it arrived too late and in too few numbers to alter the air war.

The offering (70166) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for six aircraft.

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Inspiring New Guide Models the A6M Zero in Various Kits and Scales

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Steven ‘Grizzly’ Desmet is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Here we will build the iconic Second World War Japanese propeller plane, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, in four different scales and types, using a range of modelling brands including Eduard, ICM, Tamiya and Hasegawa. Additional options, either by scratchbuilding or using aftermarket pieces, are elaborately explained throughout the building process. For modellers of every age and skill level, this is a book to guide and inspire—a manual for creating something to make you proud.

The 160 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the Spitfire, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.

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A&A Models to Release New Tool Hughes XF-11 Model Representing Both Prototypes

A&A models has announced the upcoming release of a new tool, 1/72 Hughes XF-11 model kit that will be available in two boxings representing the first and second prototypes.

The XF-11 was a prototype high-altitude photo-reconnaissance aircraft; only two were built. The first prototype (44-70155) flew on 7 July 1946 with eight-blade contra-rotating propellers (two four-blade units per engine), but crashed in Beverly Hills when a hydraulic leak caused the right rear propeller to reverse pitch. The second prototype (44-70156), flown on 5 April 1947, replaced the troublesome contra-rotating props with conventional single four-blade propellers and otherwise retained the twin-boom, pressurized-nacelle layout; it flew without incident but the program was canceled soon after.

The kits (7250 / 7258) will apparently offer 235 /241 parts with decal sheets and painting masks. Additional details have not been announced. Photos of the kit sets will reportedly be provided “very soon.”

(via A&A Models)

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Modeling the Spitfire: An Essential Guide for Modelers of All Levels of Proficiency

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author John Fenton is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire, which details how to model three different variants of this fascinating aircraft using kits from different manufacturers in three scales.

The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the twentieth century. Having served in every theatre of the Second World War, its sleek design, exceptional performance, and central role have cemented its place in the hearts and minds of modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

…Utilising the very latest modelling products and techniques, Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire takes you on a deep dive into how to create your very own Spitfire masterpiece. Highly detailed step-by-step guides are provided on construction, painting and weathering techniques, as well as complete guides on how to create beautiful airfield dioramas, with advice on composition, the use of terrain, and figure painting. From the elementary—such as preparing plastic parts and avoiding pitfalls—to the advanced—such as using resin and photo etching to add detail—this book is an essential guide for modellers of all levels of proficiency and will hopefully serve as inspiration to get building!

The 232 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the A6M Zero, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.

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