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Sword Models to Release New Tool AF-2 Guardian “Hunter” and “Killer” Kits

Sword Models in preparing to release a new tool models of the AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” in 1/72 scale.

The Grumman AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” were a paired U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare system in which the AF-2W carried the search radar and detection gear in a large ventral radome, while the AF-2S carried the weapons load such as torpedoes, depth charges, bombs, and rockets. Flown together as hunter-killer teams beginning in 1950, they were the Navy’s first purpose-built carrier-based ASW aircraft, but their size and poor low-speed handling made them accident-prone, and they were soon replaced by the more efficient S2F Tracker.

The kits (SW72162 and SW72163) will reportedly include masks and are slated for release in July. Additional details have yet to be announced, although a number of images have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

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Eduard Releases New ProfiPACK Edition Bf 110F Model Kit

Eduard has released a new ProfiPACK edition Bf 110F model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 110F was a refined late-war version of the German Messerschmitt twin-engine heavy fighter, powered by more powerful DB 601F engines that improved performance, allowed extra armor, and supported its use in escort, strike, and night-fighter roles. Many pilots regarded it as the best-handling Bf 110 variant, though it still could not match the agility of single-engine fighters in daylight combat.

The kit (7084) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and decals with marking options for five aircraft.

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Special Hobby to Release New Tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II Kit

Special Hobby has announced an upcoming new tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Baltimore Mk.I and Mk.II were early versions of the twin-engine light attack bomber built for British use in World War II. The Mk.I entered service mainly as an operational training aircraft, while the Mk.II kept the same basic airframe and engines but improved defensive armament, including a revised dorsal gun position, and both were later used in combat in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Details are limited, but the upcoming release (SH48160) will feature box art by Antonis Karidis and decals for B/AG781 from No.55 Sqn. RAF, as well as three other interesting Baltimore Mk.I/IIs.

(via Special Hobby and Scalemates)

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Revell Release June “Project Harrier” Video Update Detailing New Tool Development Progress

Revell has provided a new Project Harrier video update for June.

As previously reported, the company recently announced the development of a new tool “state-of-the-art” Hawker Siddeley Harrier model kit in 1/32 scale. As part of the process, they launched “Project Harrier,” which brings modelers along on the development journey with a behind-the-scenes look at the process via blog posts, monthly YouTube updates, etc.

Work began in late March with setup, including aligning scans and creating the cross-sectional planes that the designer uses to create the “skeleton” model. In addition to the aircraft itself, the company will be developing a separate engine and display trolley for inclusion with the kit. To date, the development team has gathered data from Harriers based at RAF Wittering Heritage Centre and Gatwick Aviation Museum. Release is planned for Autumn 2027.

The new update shares more about the development journey and what’s happening next. Check it out below.

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ICM Releases Ski-Equipped Bücker Bü 131 in 1/32 Scale

New from ICM Models is this Bücker Bü 131D (winter version) in 1/32 scale.

The Bücker Bü 131 was widely used by the Luftwaffe throughout the Second World War. The Bü 131D, the third and final production variant, remained in manufacture until 1942. Developed on the basis of operational experience gained with the earlier A and B versions, it incorporated improvements to the engine, control systems, and landing gear.

For operations at winter airfields, Bücker developed dedicated skis (Bücker-Schneekufen), which could be quickly and easily fitted to the aircraft. Bü 131s equipped with skis were extensively used in military flight schools, allowing pilot training to continue even in heavy snow conditions, when conventional wheeled undercarriages were no longer effective.

The new release (32029) is described as a “true to the original” representation of the aircraft’s geometry. It includes high quality 3D printed resin skis, a detailed engine, realistically rendered fabric surfaces and decals with marking options for two aircraft used by German flying schools.

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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!

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

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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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