Tag: model aircraft

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Italeri Releases Spitfire Mk IX Focused on RAF Aces

Italeri has released a new edition of their 1/48 Spitfire Mk. IX focused on ace liveries.

The Mk. IX was an interim upgrade to counter the German Fw 190, entering service in 1942 with over 5,600 units produced, making it the second most numerous Spitfire variant. Powered by a more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin 60-series engine with a two-stage supercharger, it offered superior high-altitude performance, speed up to around 408 mph, exceptional climb rate, and improved structural reinforcements compared to the earlier Mk. V, while retaining excellent maneuverability. Typically armed with two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 Browning machine guns (or variations), it served extensively in escort roles, intercepting bombers, and air superiority missions across Europe, significantly restoring Allied dominance during WW2.

The release (2843) includes new decals representing five aircraft flown by RAF aces: F/Lt Pierre Clostermann of 602 Squadron, W/Cdr James E. Johnson of 402 Squadron, F/Lt Jan Falkowski of 402 Squadron, S/Ldr Russell Foskett of 94 Squadron and F/Lt George Beurling of 412 Squadron.

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Now Available: Sword Models’ New Tool Short SB.6 Seamew

Sword Models has released their new tool Short SB.6 Seamew model kit in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the Seamew was a British lightweight carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft developed by Shorts in the early 1950s to replace the FAA’s Avenger. It first flew on 23 August 1953 but suffered handling problems and shifting defense priorities, which led to limited production and ultimately cancellation after only a small number of airframes were built.

The release (SW72157) is described as “quite large” and includes liveries for XE169 of HMS Warrior and XA123 of HMS Bulwark.

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FineMolds to Release New A6M Zero Kits Representing Prototype and Model 32

FineMolds has announced the upcoming release of two new Mitsubishi Zero kits in 1/72 scale. The offerings include the Mitsubishi A6M Zero prototype (FR03) and Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero Model 32 (FR04).

The A6M1 prototypes of 1939 were lightweight, long-range, carrier-based fighters with a low-wing monoplane layout, retractable landing gear, and a 580 kW Zuisei 13 engine driving an initially two-blade, later three-blade propeller, emphasizing extreme maneuverability and range at the expense of protection. The later A6M3 Model 32, first flown in 1941, introduced the more powerful Nakajima Sakae 21 engine with a two-speed supercharger, a shortened, squared-off wing without folding tips, enlarged wing fuel tanks, and upgraded Type 99 Mark 2 20 mm cannon, trading some of the earlier model’s turning ability and range for better roll rate, higher diving speed, and improved short-range combat performance.

The kits are currently set for release in April. Click below to check out additional photos, kit contents and livery options.

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IBG Releases Limited Edition Spitfire Mk Vb Kit Bursting With Features

IBG has released their new Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb (North West Europe 1941-44) Black Box Limited Edition model kit in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the offering (72591) boasts two full model kits with two comprehensive sets of 3D printed upgrade parts as well as 18 unique, thoroughly researched marking options. The box will also include four fuselages and four sets of wing upper halves allowing builders to represent any two options of the Mk Vb they choose from the box.

Full list of Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb – North West Europe 1941-44 – Black Box Limited Edition contents:
2x Complete Spitfire Mk Vb plastic model kits (each of them including two different fuselage versions and two different wing upper halves variants)
1x Huge decal sheet with 18(!) marking options (containing 42 roundels and 20 fin flashes to cater for the huge variety included in the box!)
2x 3D-printed cockpit structure insert (with/without additional armour and headrest)
2x Sets of 3D-printed wheels
2x Sets of 3D-printed exhausts (each of them in 4 different variants!)
2x 3D-printed seamless carburetor air intakes
10x 3D-printed rear view mirrors (5 variants, each in 2 copies)
6x 3D-printed gunsights (3 variants, each in 2 copies)
2x Photo-etched frames with some of the smaller details
2x Sets of the most thoroughly researched stencils ever prepared for a Spitfire Mk Vb model in any scale (with separate subsets for Supermarine, CBAF and Westland-produced machines)
2x Sets of painting masks
1x Special bonus

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Airscale Releases New “State of the Art” Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib Hybrid Kit

Airscale has released their new 3D printed Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib “car door” in 1/32 scale.

Combining state of the art injection moulding with high end 3D parts, this hybrid kit sets the tone for future modellers. Fuselage, wings, tailplanes and clear parts are all injection moulded, while everything else bristles with finely realised 3D detail.

The model is released in partnership with Typhoon Legacy in Canada, and a percentage of sales will go toward their restoration of JP843 to flying condition. Click below for product link and additional images.

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Eduard Release ProfiPACK Spitfire F Mk. IX With New Liveries

Adding to the list of new Eduard releases for March is this ProfiPACK Edition Spitfire F Mk. IX model kit in 1/48 scale.

The F Mk. IX was a mid‑war Spitfire variant created as a stopgap by fitting the new two‑stage supercharged Merlin 61 series engine to essentially a modified Mk Vc airframe to counter the Focke‑Wulf Fw 190 in 1942. It retained the classic Spitfire agility but offered much improved speed, climb, and high‑altitude performance. It was typically armed with two 20 mm cannon and four .303 in machine guns in the universal “C” wing. Intended as a temporary solution until more advanced marks arrived, it proved so successful that thousands were built, serving in roles from pure interceptor to fighter‑bomber and remaining a mainstay of RAF fighter units through the later years of the Second World War.

The offering (8282) is reportedly a re-release with new marking options including Canadian and American liveries. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with five marking options.

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Eduard Releases New Fw 190F-8 Model Kit With 7 Liveries

New this month from Eduard is a ProfiPACK Edition Fw 190F-8 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Fw 190F-8 was a late-war German ground-attack variant of the renowned Fw 190 fighter, derived from the A-8 airframe with reinforcements to carry up to 1,000 kg bombs or other ordnance. Powered by a BMW 801 radial engine with low-altitude performance enhancements via a modified compressor, it featured armament of two 20 mm MG 151/20 wing-root cannons and two 13 mm MG 131 cowl machine guns. Entering service in 1944, over 6,000 were built, though many served as fighter-interceptors due to the decline of dedicated dive bombers like the Ju 87.

The new kit (82139) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.

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New Renders: MiniArt’s Upcoming Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit

MiniArt has released a new series of renderings for their upcoming new tool Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering (48048) is described as highly detailed with accurate Mimetall production configuration, PE parts, detailed cockpit and surface features and decals with multiple marking options.

As previously reported, MiniArt announced this advanced kit around the same time as their basic kit (48040). As of this writing no release date has been announced for either kit. Click below to check out more of the new renderings of the advanced version.

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Kotare Developing 1/32 Defiant Mk.I With Exclusive Perks For Pre-Orders

Kotare has announced the development of a Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I in 1/32 scale. The kit (K32510) will be an exclusive, limited edition release with only 5,000 being produced. Each will by hand numbered by Kotare Models owner Mark Robson.

Those who pre-order will become a member of “Project Defiant” — an exclusive group with access to a private Facebook page, online forum, and email network. Members will also have the chance to meet Kotare staff in person at major model shows across the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand to share ideas and connect with others. Regular updates will cover the project’s design progress, with opportunities to engage directly with kit designer Nick Moore and the team. Project Defiant members can contribute to major design decisions, share aircraft knowledge, and help decide on color schemes. Pre-orders also include a bonus: a set of 3D‑printed resin exhausts and a print of Darryl Legg’s beautiful box art.

Be in the draw to build a second test shot! From the first 500 people who make an order, we will randomly draw 20 names. Those modellers will be offered the chance to build and critique a second test shot of the kitset, to augment the process we at Kotare do.

The company expects to begin pre-order shipping by March 2028. The retail price is US $125 plus shipping and applicable taxes and/or tariffs in your country.

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ICM Releases New Luftwaffe Pilot School Kit With Detailed Hs 123A Biplane

ICM has released a new Luftwaffe Pilot School model kit in 1/32 scale.

The Henschel Hs 123A served as a dive bomber and close‑support aircraft in addition to training duties. It featured all‑metal sesquiplane construction and was powered by a BMW 132 radial engine. The aircraft was armed with two 7.92 mm machine guns and around 450 kg of bombs, typically a 250 kg centerline bomb and smaller wing bombs. Entering service in the mid‑1930s, it was rugged, highly maneuverable, and able to operate from rough front‑line airfields, which made it effective in the Spanish Civil War and early Second World War campaigns despite being technically obsolete. With a top speed of about 340 km/h and excellent dive‑bombing characteristics, the Hs 123A earned a reputation for toughness and reliable close air support, remaining in service longer than originally intended until withdrawn mainly due to spare‑parts shortages.

The new release (32017) consists of three Luftwaffe cadets and an Hs 123A training biplane. It includes detailed uniform elements, accurate geometry and proportions, a detailed cockpit and fuselage and step-by-step instructions.

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