Tag: model aircraft

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Coming Soon: The Definitive Book on Modeling the Pfalz D.III / D.IIIa

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author M. R. Bentley is The Pfalz D.III and D.IIIa: First World War Aircraft in Scale, which focuses on what is arguably the most beautiful aircraft produced during WW1.

While not as numerous or well-loved as the famous Albatroses, the Pfalz D.III/D.IIIa was nonetheless critical to the strength of the German Luftstreitkräfte in the First World War. From a technical perspective the aircraft was innovative and its advantages were proven on the aerial battlefield: several of Germany’s greatest pilots achieved fighter ace status in the cockpit of a Pfalz D.III or D.IIIa. First World War Aircraft In Scale: The Pfalz D.III and D.IIIa is the definitive book on modelling this iconic fighter. As well as providing detailed information on the aircraft’s design, construction and marking variations, it presents, with extensive illustrations and superb attention to detail, five different builds: Roden’s 1/32 kit of the D.III, and of the D.IIIa, Valom’s 1/144 kit, MAC’s 1/72, Roden’s 1/72 and Eduard’s 1/48. Moreover, via illustrations of the aircraft’s virtual form within the flight simulator game IL2 Sturmovik: Great Battles, this book explores the world of digital paint schemes and their use in model making.

The 176 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for Feb 28.

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Eduard Releases New Dorsal Fin P-51D Kit

Among Eduard’s new releases for February is a 1/72 Weekend Edition P-51D Mustang focused on machines with the dorsal fin assembly from the USAAF’s 8th, 15th and 20th Fighter Groups.

The kit (7477) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft: Chattanooga Choo Choo, Old Crow, Meatball Rap II and The Enchantress.

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ResKit Developing All-New, 3D Printed A-7 Corsair II Model Kit

ResKit has announced the development of an all-new A‑7 Corsair II model kit in 1/48 scale.

The kit will be the company’s first full 3D printed offering, being engineered from the ground up to deliver sharp detail and accuracy. It will include a highly detailed cockpit, fully rendered wheel bays and landing gear, busy avionics and gun bays, and fine external surface engraving, all produced using high‑resolution 3D printing for crisp edges and scale‑thin parts. Separate control surfaces, open panels and rich internal structure are being designed to let builders pose their Corsair II in dynamic display and maintenance configurations straight from the box.

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

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Das Werk to Release New Tool, “Highly Detailed” Me 262 Kit

Das Werk has announced the upcoming release of a new tool Messerschmitt Me 262 in 1/32 scale.

The new kit (32003) will reportedly include easy build engineering with a single piece lower wing, fully posable flaps, slats and control surfaces, and highly detailed cockpit, wheel wells and Mk 108 cannon bays. In addition, the company will be releasing a separate, complimentary set of three German WW2 mechanics usable in maintenance scenes with lifelike poses.

As of this writing, the exact release dates have not yet been announced. It is only stated that they will be released “later this year.” Click below to check out an additional image.

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Airfix to Release New Westland Lysander Mk.III “Special Duties” Kit

As part of their 2026 range, Airfix will be releasing a new Westland Lysander Mk.III Special Duties model kit in 1/48 scale.

In 1941, the RAF issued a requirement for around 40 of their Westland Lysander communications aircraft to undergo modification in support of a new clandestine role, which they described as ‘Special Duties’. The aircraft had defensive armament removed and have their range increased by adding a larger oil tank internally, and an external 150 gallon fuel tank under the fuselage.

The gunner’s compartment was also modified by adding a rear-sliding single piece canopy, and room to accommodate up to three people inside. A robust ladder was fixed to the port-side fuselage to allow passengers to quickly enter and exit the aircraft when they were engaged in this new ‘Spy Taxi’ role.

The new kit (A07117) is based on Airfix’s 2025 new tool Lysander (A07116 / eBay product link), but will feature newly tooled components specific to the ‘Special Duties’ version, including a rear cockpit access ladder, 150-gallon internal auxiliary fuel tank, ventral 150-gallon long-range fuel tank, rear passenger seating, New spinner, IFF Mk.III lower-rear aerial and a female agent figure. The kit is currently expected sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renderings.

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LukGraph’s New Blackburn Shark Mk.II Will Come in Different Scales, Versions

LukGraph has announced the upcoming release of their new tool Blackburn Shark Mk.II model kit. The kit will be available in wheeled and float versions and in both 1/32 and 1/48 scales.

The Blackburn Shark Mk.II was a British carrier‑borne biplane torpedo bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the mid‑1930s, serving with both the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Powered by a 760 hp Armstrong Siddeley Tiger VI radial engine, it typically carried a crew of two or three and could reach about 150 mph with a range of roughly 600 miles while hauling either an 18‑inch torpedo or an equivalent bomb load. Developed from the earlier Shark Mk.I, the Mk.II incorporated reliability and systems improvements and was adaptable to both wheeled and floatplane configurations, operating from carriers and warship catapults. Entering service around 1935, it was soon overshadowed and progressively replaced in frontline roles by the Fairey Swordfish, but continued for several years in secondary duties such as training, reconnaissance, and target towing.

The upcoming kit will introduce what is described as “a new technological solution:” the wings and floats will be designed in split sections (upper and lower parts) to reduce the overall weight of the model, making the build more comfortable while maintaining excellent detail and quality.

As of this writing, further details (including release date) have yet to be announced. However a series of renderings have been released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

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ICM Releases Luftwaffe Night Fighters Model Collection

Newly available this month is ICM’s collection of Luftwaffe night fighters in 1/72 scale. The collection (72209) includes the Bf 109E-4, Do 17Z-10 Kauz II and Fw 189A-1.

Since no aircraft were specifically designed for night combat at the time, the Luftwaffe initially used standard combat aircraft painted in dark colors—such as the Bf 109E-4 operated by Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (the 1st Night Fighter Wing). For long-range interception of British bombers over British territory, they employed a specially converted Do 17 bomber designated the Do 17Z-10 Kauz II. The aircraft featured an infrared searchlight to help locate enemy aircraft in the night sky.

There are also documented cases of Fw 189 A-1 aircraft being used as night fighters after special modifications, including the installation of FuG 212 radar and an additional MG 151 cannon mounted for forward and upward firing.

The models are touted as having highly detailed cockpits and surfaces and each has its own decal sheet.

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English Electric Canberra B.2 WJ640 Takes Center Stage With New Tool Airfix Kit

Another new tool Airfix release slated for 2026 is a new tool English Electric Canberra B.2 in 1/72 scale.

The kit (A05065) chronicles the service of B.2 airframe WJ640 from 1968 to its retirement in 1981, showcasing the evolving RAF Canberra paint schemes of the era. It was designed based on Lidar scans and original drawings of the full-size aircraft, as well as research input from the Canberra Heritage Trust.

In addition to three livery options worn by WJ640, it will include over 170 parts, detailed cockpit and bomb bay and representation of 1000lb bombs. It is currently slated for release sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renderings.

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First Look: MiniArt’s New Tool Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit

On the heels of their recently announced Focke-Wulf 190D-9 (Mimetall) Basic Kit, MiniArt has revealed in their 2026 catalog that an advanced version is also on the way.

The 1/48 scale kit (48048) will reportedly include PE parts and three marking options, although additional details, including release date, are currently unknown. Thankfully, a few renderings have been released to give us a glimpse of the model, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

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Airfix Announces New Tool Junkers Ju52 Model Kit For 2026

Another new tool release announced by Airfix for 2026 is a Junkers Ju52/3mg4e in 1/72 scale.

The newly designed kit (A08022) faithfully replicates the corrugated surface texture on all external surfaces and includes fully detailed interior and engines, oil drum cargo load, wheel chocks for diorama models, options for machine gun armament and undercarriage with or without spats, slide molded canopy to ensure clear definition of window frames and multiple doors and hatches that can be posed open or closed to add life to the model. Decals include livery options for three aircraft.

The new kit is currently slated for release sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renders.

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