Category: Model Aircraft

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MiniArt Announces Upcoming P-47D-20RA Advanced Kit With Saipan Focus

MiniArt is set to add to their growing line of P-47 variants with an upcoming P-47D-20RA “advanced” kit in 1/48 scale.

The P-47D-20RA was an Evansville-built late-war Thunderbolt variant that kept the P-47’s rugged airframe, eight .50-caliber machine guns, and strong fighter-bomber capability while adding the “universal” wing for bombs or drop tanks and the more powerful R-2800 engine family. It was part of the evolution that made the Thunderbolt one of the U.S. Army Air Forces’ toughest and most versatile WWII fighters.

The upcoming offering (48043) represents the type in service during the 1944 the Saipan campaign and includes PE parts, detailed cockpit and exterior surfaces and marking options for four aircraft.

As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery options, detail parts and sample sprue shots.

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First Look: Detail Images of Special Hobby’s New Tool Fairey Albacore Kit

Special Hobby is preparing to release a new tool Fairey Albacore model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Fairey Albacore was a British single-engine biplane torpedo bomber developed as a replacement for the Fairey Swordfish, but it ended up serving alongside it rather than supplanting it. Used by the Fleet Air Arm during World War II, it carried a three-man crew and handled torpedo attacks, bombing, reconnaissance, and anti-shipping work before being withdrawn from frontline service in 1945.

Deatils about the upcoming kit (SH72152) are currently scarce, although the company states that it is nearing completion and will offer four marking options. Images of the decals and cockpit renderings have also been released. Click below to check them out.

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Build Log: Lee’s Hobbies 13″ Balsa Albatros D.II (Video)

The latest build log on our YouTube channel DX Modelworks focuses on this 13″ balsa Albatros D.II

The model was built using Lee’s Hobbies plans and represents an early production variant wearing the colors of the machine flown by Lt. Robert Dycke of Jasta 16b. The new video concisely details the project with photo documentation and tips that will likely be helpful to anyone who would like to build the model themselves. A link to the plans and associated 3D print files is also provided in the video description.

Click below to check it out. If you’re pleased with what you see, please consider browsing the channel’s other build logs covering aircraft from the dawn of flight through the golden age. Likes, shares and subscribes are also greatly appreciated!

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New For June: Eduard’s “Weekend Edition” 1/48 MiG-21F-13

New this month from Eduard is a Weekend Edition MiG-21F-13 in 1/48 scale.

The MiG-21F-13 was the first widely produced version of the Soviet MiG-21 supersonic day interceptor introduced in 1960 and known to NATO as the Fishbed-C. It combined a lightweight tailed-delta design with Mach 2 performance, a simple weapons fit of a cannon and early infrared air-to-air missiles, and it became one of the most exported and long-lived fighter types of the Cold War.

The new kit (84213) offers Eduard plastic parts and decals with five marking options.

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Eduard Releases Limited Edition Spitfire Mk.I Kit With 11 Liveries, Book Included

Among Eduard’s new releases for June is a limited edition “Battle of Britain” Spitfire Mk. I model kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering (11197) represents the iconic Spitfire in the early stages of its development and during the most notable stretch of its service: the Battle of Britain. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with 11 marking options. Also included is a book about the Spitfire Mk.Is in Battle of Britain written by Pavel Beránek. The book covers the technical development of the aircraft, the evolution of camouflage and markings, pilot equipment, and a detailed guide to building the model.

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DBMK Developing Sabre Day Fighter Kit Series in 1/32 Scale

In addition to a newly announced series of Allison-powered Mustang models, DBMK has also announced the development of a Sabre Day Fighter series, also in 1/32 scale.

The Sabre day fighter family centered on the F-86A, F-86E, and F-86F, which were the gun-armed versions used in Korea and the best-known combat Sabres. The A was the first production model, the E added the all-flying tailplane for better handling, and the F refined the design further; Canadair, Orenda-powered Canadian, and CAC Australian versions extended the same basic day-fighter line with local improvements.

As of this writing additional details are non-existent, although the series will apparently include the F-86A. E, F, & Canadair Sabre Mk.4.

(DBMK via AeroScale)

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First Look: Test Build of Airscale’s 1/32 Dornier Do 17Z

Following recently released images showing a test print dry fit, Airscale has shared the first printed test build of their upcoming injection molded 1/32 Dornier 17 kit.

The clear parts are printed too and are very poor, the IM parts will be perfect. It was a valuable exercise as I found 30 design changes to improve fit and finish and it also helps to see it ‘in the flesh.’ When I get the moulded test shot parts in September, I will build a proper test shot – this one has a lot of geometric flaws from trying to print such large thin parts and the rivets and panel lines are half arsed, but it still looks the part.

Pre-orders are expected to launch in December limited to 100 kits. Click below to check out additional images.

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DBMK Releases Renders For Upcoming Series of F-105 Kits

DBMK has announced “rapid progress” on their upcoming family of F-105 kits and released a series of renders showing the CAD models being checked against LiDAR scans.

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was a supersonic fighter-bomber developed for nuclear strike missions, but it became best known as a heavy strike aircraft in the Vietnam War. The family included the single-seat F-105B and F-105D, plus two-seat F-105F and F-105G Wild Weasel variants used for radar suppression and SEAD roles.

The upcoming series will cover the B,D, F and G variants in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales. Click below to check out additional renders.

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Eduard to Release Limited Edition PBY-5A Kit With Resin Upgrades

Eduard has announced the upcoming release of a limited edition PBY-5A Catalina model kit in 1/48 scale.

The PBY-5A was used as an amphibious patrol bomber in WW2 and was known for its long range, endurance, and versatility in roles like submarine hunting, convoy escort, search-and-rescue, and night attack. It was one of the most important Allied maritime aircraft of the war and could operate from both water and land thanks to its retractable landing gear.

The upcoming release will include Revell plastic parts, PE parts, five marking options and resin upgrades including wheels, exhausts, and antenna mounts. It is currently slated for release in July. Click below to check out livery profiles.

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Airfix Commemorates D-Day With New Hawker Typhoon / Eurofighter Typhoon Twin Pack

Airfix recently released a Typhoon twin pack model kit containing a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 “Moggy” and Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib in 1/72 scale.

The offering (A40001) boasts 117 pieces and D-Day liveries for each aircraft. The Hawker Typhoon representing 1944 No.257 (Burma) Squadron and the Eurofighter Typhoon representing ZJ913 of the RAF Typhoon Display Team from the 2024 season.

The striking design on Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ913 was inspired by the RAF No.257 (Burma) Squadron Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib, piloted by Officer Denzil Jenkins during the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, featuring the iconic black and white identification stripes that were a hallmark of Allied aircraft over Normandy on D-Day. This was a brilliant move by the RAF PR team, and this aircraft captivated millions during the subsequent airshow season, at commemorative events in both the UK and France, and during a successful Canadian tour.

The kits are rated as level 2 builds, making them ideal for modelers ages 8 and above.

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