Category: Model Aircraft

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Kinetic Model Developing Model of Experimental F-104G CCV Testbed

Kinetic Models has announced the development of a F-104G Starfighter Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) in 1/48 scale.

This interesting looking aircraft was an experimental F-104G modified to test advanced flight-control ideas, including an early digital fly-by-wire system used to artificially stabilize an intentionally unstable aircraft. It flew without relying on natural stability, and the program became an important stepping stone toward later control-system designs, including technology that influenced the Eurofighter.

The upcoming release (48182) is touted as a new member on the Kinetic Gold F-104 Family (eBay product link) and will include 3D parts. As of this writing, it appears that no release date has been announced. Click below to check out additional renders.

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Surprise Release: The Flying Machine #28 Now Available!

Now available from our online store is the 28th installmanet of The Flying Machine early aero journal. This newly released special spans 52 pages and includes the following content:

The Busy World — Aeronauts Soar on Silken Wings (Excerpt: Flight Not Improbable. Octave Chanute and the Worldwide Race Toward Flight); Honoring a World War I Hero by Restoring a Piece of Our Aviation History (Original DH.4 Restoration); Finishing Art Scarborough’s S.E.5a; News Briefs: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Begins Blériot XI Restoration, Pima Air & Space Museum Sopwith Camel Nears Completion, Kip Aero Sopwith Pup; Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Albatros D.Va Restoration Update; DX Modelworks Balsa Albatros D.II Model; Products

The Flying Machine focuses exclusively on “aeroplanes” manufactured prior to 1920, as well as the current work of historians, builders, restorers, museums and collectors to preserve and promote interest in the early years of flight. Published in print and digital formats, The Flying Machine is offered on a pay-per-issue basis – no subscription required.

Click here to check out our full selection of issues.

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Check Out Border Model’s New Tool P-51D Kit That Comes Entirely Pre-Painted

Border Model has announced the upcoming release of a new tool P-51D Mustang kit in 1/35 scale.

What makes this model (BF-015) especially unique is that it’s pre-painted with a metallic aluminum base color and with complex internal sections all finished in advance. That means no tedious painting required. Beyond this the kit offers rivet lines, subtle stressed skin texture and a complete interior. Additional features include PE parts, two types of drop tanks and decals with four marking options.

As of this writing, it appears that no release date has been announced. Click below to check out box contents and additional images.

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Eduard Releases ProfiPACK Spitfire Mk. Vb With PE Parts, 7 Liveries

New this month from Eduard is a ProfiPACK edition Spitfire Mk.Vb model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Mk.Vb was powered by the Merlin 45 engine and distinguished by its B-type wing with two 20mm Hispano cannon and four .303 Browning machine guns. It served as an important stopgap in 1941, giving Britain a highly capable interceptor before being overtaken by later Spitfire marks.

The new Eduard release (70206) represents mid-production versions with armored glass before the windshield and asymmetrical wing bulges. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.

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Eduard Releases New Bf 109F-2 Model Kit

New this month from Eduard is a Weekend Edition Bf 109F-2 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Bf 109F-2 was an early “Friedrich” variant of Germany’s famous Messerschmitt fighter, introduced in 1941 with a much cleaner airframe, refined aerodynamics, and a more powerful DB 601N engine. It was widely regarded as one of the best-handling and best-performing 109s, though its concentrated nose armament of one 15 mm cannon and two machine guns gave it less total firepower than some earlier versions.

The new kit (84212) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft: W.Nr. 12914, Oblt. Wolfgang Späte, 5./JG 54; W.Nr. 8239, Lt. Hans Strelow, 5./JG 51; W.Nr. 8165, Hptm. Karl-Heinz Leesmann, CO of I./JG 52; Hptm. Hans Hahn, CO of III./JG 2.

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

Eduard is preparing to release a special, limited edition Battle of Britain Spitfire Mk. 1 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering 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 will include Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted photo-etched parts, die cut painting masks and a whopping 11 marking options. The kit will also include an English language book about about the Spitfire Mk.I in the Battle of Britain.

As of this writing additonal details are scare, but itas the image shows, it is slated for release in June.

(via Eduard)

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MiniArt to Expand Line of P-47 Kits With Long Range P-47N Model

MiniArt is continuing their line of P-47 kits with the announcement of a new P-47N-2RE Thunderbolt basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

This particular variant was a long-range version of the famous American fighter. Designed for extended operations, the P-47N featured a distinctive wing shape and increased fuel capacity, making it well suited for late-war escort and ground attack missions.

The upcoming kit (48068) is described as highly detailed and accurate with photo-etched parts and marking options for two aircraft. As of this writing the kit is said to be “coming soon,” although an exact release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery profiles and box contents.

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Arma Hobby to Release Completely New Tool F4F-3 Wildcat

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new tool F4F-3 Wildcat in 1/72 scale.

The offering (70090) represents the early Wildcat from the opening months of the Pacific War and is made from completely new molds created specifically for this version. It includes plastic parts, canopy and wheel masks, and a 3D print digital file containing seat with harness, exhaust pipes, landing gear opening mechanism chains, cockpit control lever set, and gun barrels. Decals are also included with marking options for three aircraft: “F-5”, VF-2, USS Lexington, flown by Lt. Albert O. Vorse Jr.; BuNo 4019 “211-F-11”, VMF-211; “F-13”, VF-3, USS Lexington.

The kit is currently set for release sometime in May. Click below to check out livery profiles and kit contents.

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Hungary’s Bomber Development Through WW2: A Comprehensive Study

Coming soon from MMPBooks and authors Dénes Bernád and György Punka is Hungarian Bomber Colours 1927-1945 vol. 1, a comprehensive study of the development and operations of Hungary’s bomber aviation from its early beginnings through the end of World War II.

The book covers aircraft types, unit structure, and missions, focusing on both domestic developments and foreign influences shaping the Royal Hungarian Air Force. It includes rare archival photographs, detailed colour profiles, and thoroughly researched historical context that sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of Central European military aviation. A valuable resource for aviation historians, researchers, and modellers interested in lesser-known air forces of the Second World War.

The 140 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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Arma Hobby Announces “Next Generation, Highly Accurate” P-51D VLR Kit

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new P-51D Mustang “Very Long Range” model kit in 1/72 scale.

The VLR – Very Long Range standard included additional fuel tanks as well as revised radio and navigation equipment, making long over-water missions possible. The typical escort configuration used 110-gallon underwing tanks, giving sufficient range for flights from Iwo Jima to Tokyo and back. These tanks were characteristic of Pacific operations and differed from the more common European configurations.

Described as a “modern next-generation Arma Hobby kit” and a “highly accurate” representation, the offering (70073) includes an additional VLR sprue with Pacific-specific equipment: 110-gallon underwing drop tanks, 150-gallon streamlined drop tanks from the P-38 Lightning, and rockets for strike missions. Additional features include a detailed cockpit, canopy masks and high-quality Cartograf decals with marking options for two aircraft: “Snortin’ Phyllie” (1st Lt. Herb Straughn, 531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group) and “Little One” (1st Lt. Francis J. Pilecki, 458th Fighter Squadron, 506th Fighter Group). The kit also features a free 3D file with seat with harness, exhaust pipes, and gun barrels.

Release is currently set for some time in May. Click below to check out livery profiles and box contents.

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