Tag: model aircraft

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Eduard Releases ProfiPACK Edition F6F-3 Hellcat With PE, Five Liveries

Among Eduard’s September releases is a ProfiPACK Edition F6F-3 Hellcat model kit in 1/72 scale.

The F6F-3 was introduced in 1943 and became one of the principal American fighters of the Pacific War. Powered by a 2,000-hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine and armed with six .50-caliber Browning machine guns, it combined high speed, heavy firepower, protection, and exceptional survivability. Designed to counter Japan’s Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Hellcat proved especially effective when flown to exploit its superior speed, dive performance, armor, and self-sealing fuel tanks; U.S. Navy and Marine Hellcat pilots ultimately claimed the majority of American air-to-air victories in the Pacific.

The kit (7074) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with five marking options.

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First Look: Copper State Models 1/32 Nieuport 16

Copper State Models has announced the upcoming release of a new Nieuport 16 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The Nieuport 16 was a French single-seat World War I fighter introduced in 1916 as a more powerful, strengthened development of the Nieuport 11 “Bébé.” Powered by a 110 hp Le Rhône rotary engine and normally armed with a Lewis gun above the upper wing, it was faster but more nose-heavy than its predecessor, and was soon replaced by the more capable Nieuport 17.

The upcoming release (CSM32-016) will include Cartograf decals, 111 high-quality injection-moulded plastic parts, photo-etched metal detail parts, full rigging diagram and color instructions.

Pre-ortdering is now open with shipping expected to being by the end of October. Pre-order customers will receive a free 3D-printed Le Rhône 9J engine. Check out livery profiles and an additional test build image below.

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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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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.

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

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Border Model Announces New, Pre-Painted 1/35 P-51D Mustang Kit

In addition to the upcoming new tool, pre-painted SBD Dauntless featured yesterday, Border Model has announced a new, pre-painted P-51D mustang kit in 1/35 scale.

The offering (BG-002) includes a full interior, PE parts, two types of drop tanks and decals with two marking options. This is the second pre-painted Mustang kit offered by Border Model. The first (BF-015), with differing liveries, was announced back in May and has since been released (Buy on eBay).

As of this writing it appears a release date for the new boxing has not yet been announced. Check out additional images 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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